by Andrea Meier
As we look forward to our future as a church family, we have been welcoming new faces to the staff and thanking others who have served faithfully. We are grateful to God for all who have been called to serve at our church as we aspire to be a ‘Light in the City’.
Ted Gobillot assumed the role of Chief of Staff just before Easter. A longtime member of St. John the Divine, Ted will be a trusted advisor to our rector, the Rev. Dr. R. Leigh Spruill and the senior manager overseeing the planning, structures, and resources St. John the Divine needs to succeed in the pursuit of our strategic vision.
Carolyn Ofunne began as our new receptionist at the beginning of April after serving as one of our front desk volunteers. Please introduce yourself when you see her friendly face at the front desk.
Euloge Ngouane joined the accounting team as our new accounting specialist. Euloge brings a wealth of experience, and we are excited to have him on our staff team.
Dena Swasey has stepped in as Interim Bookstore manager after the departure of Susan Treat. Dena and her family have been a part of St. John the Divine for many years, and we look forward to seeing her use her gifts of organization and hospitality in The Bookstore.
Marleigh Lowe will join our staff in the first week of June as our new membership coordinator. We are delighted to have Marleigh’s energy and spirit on our membership team!
Jenny Wong, Senior Accounting Specialist, left the staff in late March to spend more time with her family. Jenny was indispensable in our accounting department and will be missed.
Suzanne Boué retired from her ministry as Chief Operating Officer just after Easter. Suzanne had immense impact during her almost nine years on staff at St. John the Divine. She and her family will continue to be a valued part of our church family and we wish her all the best.
Susan Treat, our long-time Bookstore manager, retired at the end of April so she and her husband could make a move to College Station. She has faithfully led The Bookstore and will be missed.
Terra Seidel moved on in early May from her role as director of parish giving at St. John the Divine. She looks forward to being a full-time volunteer with the ministries she loves and a faithful parishioner along with her husband, Kevin. Terra has brought a renewed focus on connecting parish giving with discipleship. We celebrate her and wish her well on her next steps.
Hannah Choate, Youth Minister, will be leaving our staff at the end of May. Hannah has served faithfully for the past two years. She is compassionate and committed and has exhibited a deep love for our youth. Hannah will continue to finish her master’s degree program with the Center for Youth Ministry Training and looks forward to serving in non-profit ministries that work with at-risk teens in the future.