Christ Church Cathedral

Guy T. Ellis, M.D., Senior Warden
Lexington, Kentucky
859.268.3336 - Home
Born May 31,1943 Louisville, Ky.

Family: Married 38 years to Betty Ellis, two children, Jeremy and Tracy.
Occupation: Physician
Membership: Member since 1968, lifelong Episcopalian
Church Activites: Sr. Warden 2007 and currently, Vestry Rep since 2005, Garden, Music Committees (past chair), DOCC, I and II, Cursillio, Sunday school teacher: Adult, J2A mentor, Y AC, Sound system, Stewardship committee, Breakfast
team, Commodores, Messiah receptions, Choir Guild, Festival Flower Committee,
Episcopal Burying Ground Garden.
Personal Statement:
Betty and I have been members of Christ Church since our marriage here in 1968. Christ Church has gives us much and now I wish to give in return. As a Vestry Representative and your Senior Warden, I enjoy working to enhance and enrich the church family, ensuring that each member has the opportunity to energetically pursue their individual spiritual journey in the context of the Christ Church Cathedral community.

Brad Newsome, Junior Warden
Lexington, Kentucky
859-266-5442
    My wife is Laura Slone Newsome; I have a daughter Virginia and a son, Drew. I am President of Foodtown Supermarkets of KY, Inc. that operates Slone’s Signature Markets grocery stores.
    I have been at Christ Church Cathedral for 14 years. During that time I have served as an usher, on the softball team, Stewardship Committee, Long Range Planning Committee and Financial Commission among many other things, especially since I’ve had one year on the Vestry now.
    In the greater community I have been past Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Lexington Children’s Museum; Treasurer of the Children’s Charity Classic; Past Chairman, Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Kentucky Grocer’s Association.
    As a father of two young children, I want to ensure the future of Christ Church continues to grow and thrive. I believe my business and civic experience will assist Christ Church in achieving these goals while continuing to be a welcoming and warm place to learn about Christ.

Kenton Ball
Lexington, Kentucky
Occupation: Attorney
Membership: since November 1993
Church Activities: Jr. Warden (2007), Vestry Rep. (2005 - present), Mississippi Mission Trip ‘07, Usher Team (1994-present), Co-Chair with Len Cox (2004-present), Money Counting Team (1997-present), Pastoral Care Team (1997-present), Christian Education Committee (1999-present), Family Mentoring Team (1997-1999), Confirmation Mentor (1998), Serendipity Bible Study (1994-1997), Bread Ministry (1995-1996)
Diocesan Activities: Mission Funding Task Force (2001),
Christ Church Delegate to Bishop Selection Convention (2000)
Personal Statement:
Christ Church has afforded me a rich variety of opportunities for service--religious, spiritual, humanitarian, and even cultural. Even the Mission Funding Task Force (the Diocesan committee to review the method by which the parishes fund the Diocese) was an incredibly spiritual journey through concepts of fairness, giving, and finances.
Accordingly, my vision for the Cathedral is that it be for all what it has been for me--a place where our gifts of time and talent are used and a place where we join with others and belong to a community. In serving, we focus more on the needs of others and less on the things that we perceive to satisfy our wants. Ultimately, we become the true beneficiaries of our service to others. It is an honor to serve on the Vestry.

Ted Corman
Family:
Wife – Lorie, Sons – Chase (13) and Gates (10)
Occupation:
President of Corman and Associates a manufacturer of store fixtures and trade show displays – and The Corman Marketplace a retailer of Christmas and home décor
Years as Christ Church member: 5
Church Activities: Usher, Stewardship Committee member since 2003 – Chairperson 2006-2007, Facilitator of Christian Families Sunday school class, Breakfast Team member
Mission Statement:
The Corman family first visited Christ Church 7 years ago. My wife, Lorie, and I were both lifelong Baptists but had developed differences between our beliefs and those of the Baptist convention we could no longer overlook. We also had 2 young sons, Chase and Gates, and wanted to find a church home with strong family and children’s programs. We felt we belonged at Christ Church from the very first Sunday. The beauty of the church itself, the music and the service along with the number of friends and families we knew in the congregation were very welcoming. I am honored to serve on the Vestry. I believe working with stewardship has given me a chance to meet many of you and learn about the operations and ministries of our church sooner and more in depth than I would have normally expected. I welcome the opportunity to expand my role in the growth of Christ Church and my hope is to guarantee visiting families next month, next year and next decade feel the same sense of belonging as the Cormans.

Valerie Getchell
Family Information:
Husband - Gene, Daughters - Gail and Gretchen, Grands - Christopher, Emily, Douglas and Valerie
Occupation: Homemaker
Years as Christ Church member: 49
Church Activities:
Currently, Congregational Care, Altar Guild, Bookstore volunteer, Greeter, Previously, Sunday School Teacher and Scout Leader (Brownies). Social activities, Commodores and Gather N’ Grow.
Mission Statement:
“Being so proud of our church and its cohesive family, it is my wish to share this with many, many more. We have been blessed with new members and families. There are many areas for us all to contribute both on the social and always the practical working side. It is my fondest wish that as we grow in numbers we may also grow in our willingness to serve where needed and with outreach ministry being our ultimate goal.” I am proud to serve on the Vestry of this Cathedral and represent the parishioners to the best of my ability.

Beth Howard
Lexington, Kentucky
859.278.5935 - Hm.
Family: Husband, Tim. Three daughters: Anne Thomas, 6, Olivia, 4, and Mary Lorn, 16 months
Occupation: Mom, Homemaker, attorney, small business owner
Years as Christ Church member: 6
Church Activities: Vestry Member, Angel Tree Coordinator, Ecumenical Preschool Board Member and Board Vice President, Children’s Ministries Board Member, Nursery Committee Member, and Baptismal Committee Member
Personal Statement:
In 2005 I have had the distinct privilege of serving out the remaining year of an unexpired vestry term. Working together over the past year, this Vestry approved a Nursery improvement expenditure that resulted in safer, cleaner, and more attractive flooring material for our smallest parishioners to enjoy; replacement signage on the front of the Cathedral and chancel pew repairs were approved and conducted; we obtained detailed quotes for improvements to the 176 Market Street property, and have approved a contractor to proceed with renovation of that building so that it will once again be in good condition and will become an income-producing asset for the Cathedral; and we oversaw a lean budget while still supporting our growth and misson objectives, and are pleased that we no longer rely on our endowments to meet operating costs. These and many other items have made for a full and busy Vestry agenda, and I have enjoyed working with my fellow Vestry members to make important decisions to enhance the experience each of us has here as parishioners of our beloved Christ Church. I am honored to serve Christ Church and welcome the opportunity to work with our church leadership as a Vestry member.

Ruth Mark
Lexington, Kentucky
859-967-9956
    I was born on a dairy farm in the Northeast, I became a registered nurse and later earned a Masters in Health Administration. I have taught in several nursing schools and community wide programs, been in hospital administration, and occupational health. I have served on a number of hospital and community boards.
    I have been married to Jesse Mark for 23 years, and we share five children and spoiled three grand children. We enjoy family celebrations whenever we can get them all together. Jess and I share a love for our church, the arts, music, hiking and gardening.
    I have been a member of Christ Church for the last 21 years. Currently I am a member of Central Kentucky Housing and Homeless Initiative, one of the founders and board of directors of Church Under The Bridge and a board member and co-director of Pyramid Professional Resources, a job outreach program for the homeless at Christ Church. I am a member of Cross Ministries Committee, The Cupboard health staff,and the caretaker of the first aid boxes, a member of Gather & Grow, Commodores, the Dream Group and I teach Sunday School classes from time to time.
    One of the strengths of our church are the many small groups that meet throughout the week. It is in the strength of these groups that individuals looking for an identity in a large church like ours, find strength in their relationship with God and each other.
    The Music Department has a wealth of music abilities, but I would like to see the congregation support the organ recitals and Evensongs with their attendance and receive the blessing of this on a regular basis. I would like to see the church marketed to the expanded growth of downtown Lexington.
    I share the passion of helping those of lesser means like the homeless, as do a lot of our church family, and have found meaning in my own life responding to the needs of others through this avenue of the church.   I am blessed with a lot of energy and am honored to serve the as a Vestry Representative.

Diane Milburn
Family Information: Husband Ron; Children Casey, Jonathon & Holly; Granddaughter Emilie
Occupation: Research Engineer Lexmark
Years as Christ Church member: 21
Church Activities: Sunday School teacher, Confirmation mentor, Breakfast team coordinator, Children’s Chapel storyteller, Chalice bearer/reader,Bookstore volunteer
Personal Statement: I work as a Research Scientist in the materials engineering department at Lexmark. I have been married to Ron Milburn for twenty four years and we have three children, Casey, Jonathan, Holly and a granddaughter, Emilie.
As for church activities, I have been involved as a Sunday school teacher, Children’s Chapel Leader, bookstore volunteer, chalice bearer, Crop Walk Organiser and Breakfast Team Organizer for several years.
Christ Church is an essential part of my life. My family and I have received so much from our membership here, and I am honored to serve as a Vestry Representative.

Jo Robertson
Lexington, Kentucky
859.263.8220 - Hm.
Family: Bill Robertson, Husband; Kelly Brewer & Craig Robertson, children; Carter, Clay, & Juliet Smith Brewer, grandchildren;
Occupation: School Teacher for 26 years
Membership: I have been a member of Christ Church for 20 years.
Church Activities: Vestry Rep. since 2005, Mississippi Mission Trip ‘07, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Volunteer, Episcopal Reading Camp Teacher, member of the Outreach Committee, Breakfast Team member, Community Cupboard Volunteer, Christ Church After School Program, volunteer for Children’s Chapel, Harrison Mentoring Program. I enjoy photography.
Community Work: Hope Center, Habitat for Humanity, Komen Race for the Cure
Personal Statement:
Christ Church has meant a great deal to me. It was here that I learned about grace and God’s love and forgiveness for all. Just to sit quietly in this beautiful old building has a way of filling one’s spirit. I am very grateful to the leaders, ministers, and members for the fellowship and lessons I have learned here.
We have a strong outreach program and serving the community of Lexington and others should be our number one goal. The increase in the number of young families attending Christ Church is very encouraging and we need to continue to grow and to make sure that all ages feel a vital part of our community. It is important to have a caring environment with many opportunities for spiritual growth. I love the traditions of the Episcopal Church but do not feel that we should be afraid of change. It is always a blessing to increase our ability to communicate well with one another so that our church can be a beacon of hope and caring for all. I am honored to serve Christ Church.

Steve Specht
Family Information: Wife – Lori, daughter – Ann Chapman, son- Ryan
Occupation: Senior Financial Advisor and Branch Manager at Merrill Lynch
Years as Christ Church member: 9
Church Activities: Planned Giving Committee Chair, Long-Range Planning Committee, Usher, Greeter, Adult Sunday School Teacher, past member of Vestry, Investment Committee, Cursillo Head-Cha, Legacy Society organizer, Breakfast team, Alpha facilitator.
Mission Statement:
I believe strongly that as individual Christians we are commanded by God to Love and Worship the Lord with all our mind, heart and soul, and to Love our neighbors as ourselves. I also believe that as a group of Christians (Christ Church) we are commanded to do the same, drawing on all the strengths and benefits of an organized group. As a Vestry Representative, I will do my best to help lead the parish toward accomplishing those goals every day, and thereby help the parish to become more vibrant, strong, growing and healthy. We are called to do more, do it better and continue it longer – being vibrant, strong, growing and healthy will enable us to do that.

John D. Stempel
Family Information: Wife: Susan, grown daughters, Amy, Alix & Jill
Occupation: Professor, UK Patterson School of Diplomacy
Years as Christ Church member: 4
Church Activities: Lay Reader, Gather & Grow, Community of Cross of Nails, Sunday School Teacher, Diocesan Executive Council 2004-07
Mission Statement:
I am committed to an active spiritual life, and want to help others enjoy the same by maintaining Christ Church as an active, effective, caring congregation with positive leadership. I will bring to this task my personal and professional commitment to relationship building, conflict resolution, as well as my experience in the Episcopal Church on four continents and six dioceses. This has included service as a lay leader in Burundi and Iran, Sunday school teaching in three African countries and two other churches in the United States as well as Christ Church; vestry service in three other churches, and a term on our own Diocesan Executive Council. While on Vestry, my focus will be helping to meet present needs while planning for a solid future.

Bob Voll
Lexington, Kentucky
859-223-2592
    I worked for Ashland Inc. (Ashland Oil Co. ) for 34 years and retired in 1998. I was primarily in human resources for the majority of that time. I was an organizational development and training consultant for several years following retirement and am acting retired at present.
    When coming to Christ Church in 1990, I was active in the Singles group. There I met my soon-to-be wife, Trish. We were married in 1993. We have 5 children altogether: her two sons and 7 grandchildren and my two sons, one daughter and two grandchildren. Trish and I are both in prayer groups. Each of our groups have met weekly for over ten years. Beside loving our Church connections, we both love to be with grandchildren, read golf and travel. In addition, I do enjoy gardening and became a Master Gardener following retirement.
    Volunteering is an addiction for me, and, I have served on many boards and been active in several community organizations. Among them, The Mediation Center of Kentucky (Chair), serving on both on the Fayette County Human Rights and Civil Service Commissions. Currently, I am on the Executive Committee for Lexlinc, and a board member for the Lexington Children’s Theater. I also served as Chair of Faith in Action and remain as an advisor to the board.
    My Christ Church activities include: the search committee for Rector (resulting in the calling of Dean Thompson), the Vestry (Jr. Warden), co-taught the first Rite 13 class, the Burying Ground committee and the 210th Anniversary Committee. My Diocesan activities include Cursillo, served on several teams and was rector of the 49th Cursillo, the Diocesan Standing Committee and served as co-chair of the Peace and Justice Commission.
    We have a rich longstanding heritage at Christ Church. We continue to be a vibrant spiritual base, for the Diocese, for our parishioners and those who attend. The time, talents and resources of those who identify Christ Church as their spiritual home are vast. It is a privilege to be a part of the many ministries of this church. I am honored to serve Christ Church as a member of the Vestry and to help continue the wonderful work of this fine Parish.