2023 Vestry nominees

For the past 22 years, St. James has been an integral part of who I am and who I want to be.  Brooke and I were married here in 2002.  All three of our kids (Charlotte, Harrison, and Stuart) were baptized here — and as of next year, all three will have been confirmed here.  At St. James, I am an usher; a student in EFM (3rd year); a former small group book co-leader; a member of the Tuesday Morning “Young” Mens’ Bible Study; and an active participant in Invite, Welcome, and Connect ministries.  St. James has given so much to me — especially over the past 5+ years — and I’m called (and excited) to give back.  When not managing litigation at Dominion Energy, I like to read, spend time with my family and our two dogs, and play weekly pub trivia.

Hi I’m Dick Fowlkes and I’ve been a member of SJEC for my whole life (64 years).

I love SJEC and I’m excited to serve in leadership on our vestry as our congregation is reconnecting after the pandemic and the events of the last few years. My hope is that as a vestry member I can help reconnect with members who haven’t yet returned and that I can serve as an ambassador for SJEC in Richmond. I am excited to see us returning to the warm, welcoming, dynamic parish that I love so much. I can’t wait to see all of you in church soon, if I don’t see you I’ll be coming to find you.

Andy Sherrod is a cradle Episcopalian who grew up attending Fork Church in Hanover.  Andy and his wife Tina have been members of St. James’s since 2002, and their daughters Drew and Powell were confirmed last year.  Andy has taught Sunday School and Confirmation classes, and is a long-time member of the Tuesday morning bible study group.  He is an attorney who leads the employment law practice group at Hirschler.  Andy is excited to serve on the Vestry and looks forward to doing his part to help St. James’s continue its resurgence from the pandemic and to chart a vibrant course into the future.

Emily has been a member of St. James’s since 2001. She and her husband, Dave, are both lifelong Episcopalians. They were married at St. James’s in 2004 and welcomed twin boys in 2009.

Emily participated in Pilgrim’s Path in 2004 and was a founding member of the Wine Women & Wonder bible study. She has taught Sunday school, including confirmation, and volunteered with Mardi Gras, WomanKind, Vestry Nominating, and other St. James’s activities over the years.

Emily grew up in a Navy family that eventually landed in Virginia Beach. She moved to Richmond after college at JMU and graduate school for urban planning at UVA. She now works for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation as Chief of Rail Transportation. She is honored to be considered for vestry at St. James’s, and looks forward to serving and welcoming others to the church home she and her family have leaned on as a spiritual refuge.

A member of St. James’s since 2011, I love our parish’s welcoming spirit and vow to be doers, not just hearers, of the Word. I was chair of WomanKind in 2016; participated in Sacred Ground; and serve on the Becoming Beloved Community steering committee, Children’s Center Board and as an usher. I worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for 20 years and then as a corporate communications executive for 10 before retiring in 2005. Bob and I have two sets of twin granddaughters and two grandsons. I am honored to join the vestry at a time when I believe it is especially important that we put our faith into action in the church and in the larger community.

Wilson Trice is a lifelong member of St. James’s, has served two terms on vestry previously, including a term as Senior Warden, and on two search committees, one as chair. For thirty years he has served as a trustee of the Endowment Fund and, until his recent retirement from law practice, he was the church’s legal counsel. Over the years he has played many roles in the church, including various parts in the Christmas pageant. He regrets that, after his failure as a wise man, he was dropped from the cast. His favorite role was anchoring first base for the short-lived (but fabulously successful) St. James’s softball team. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve