Leadership & Governance

At Trinity, leadership is shared—rooted in prayer, discernment, and the Episcopal tradition of governance between clergy and laity.

Our Way of Leadership

As part of the Episcopal Church, Trinity embraces a governance model that balances authority among clergy, elected lay leaders, and the wider diocese. Our structure reflects the baptismal covenant—that all the baptized share in Christ's ministry.

The Rector leads the parish spiritually and pastorally, working alongside lay leaders
The Vestry serves as the elected governing board, sharing oversight of finances, property, and mission
The Diocese provides connection, resources, and episcopal oversight

This shared model ensures that no single voice dominates, creating space for discernment, accountability, and collaborative decision-making.

Governance vs. Ministry

Governance focuses on oversight, strategy, and stewardship of resources. It includes:

Fiduciary work (finances, buildings, legal matters)
Strategic planning (setting priorities and goals)
Generative thinking (adapting to changes and opportunities)

Ministry is the hands-on work of worship, formation, outreach, and community life—the programs and activities that put governance decisions into practice.

Our Mission

To form an inclusive, loving Anglican community of disciples of Jesus Christ, fearlessly seeking justice for all and reconciliation between God and all creation.

What Is the Vestry?

The vestry is Trinity's governing board, composed of the Rector, two wardens, and 4-6 elected members. Canonically, the vestry serves as the "agents and legal representatives" of the parish, but their work extends far beyond legal compliance.

Who Serves on Vestry

Trinity's vestry members are elected by the congregation at our Annual Parish Meeting. They serve as the governing board, working alongside the rector to provide oversight, set strategic direction, and ensure faithful stewardship of our resources.

Cathy Cowling

Senior Warden

The Senior Warden works closely with the rector on agenda-setting and priorities, presides at vestry meetings in the rector's absence, and serves as the first liaison between vestry and congregation.

John King

Junior Warden

The Junior Warden serves as the primary interface between the vestry and the congregation, fills in for the Senior Warden when needed, and helps ensure effective communication across Trinity's community.

Andy Currier

Term expires 2026

Megan Thoman

Term expires 2026

Christine Roth

Term expires 2027

Anita Kinsley

Term expires 2028

George Lessmann

Term expires 2028

Officers (Ex-Officio, Non-Voting)

Treasurer

Tami Goodwin

Assistant Treasurer

Rebecca Spurlock

Clerk

Tina Haffeman

Interested in serving? Vestry members serve three-year terms and are elected at our Annual Parish Meeting each January. The Nominating Committee begins identifying and recruiting prospective members each spring. To learn more about vestry service or express interest in serving, contact the Senior Warden or Rector.

Finance

Members: Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, 3 parishioners with financial expertise

Work: Draft financial policies, monitor long-term financial health, prepare annual budget, manage endowment

Personnel

Members: Chair, Rector (as head of staff), 1-2 parishioners with HR experience

Work: Draft/revise personnel policies, handle grievances, support staff well-being

Nominating

Members: Senior Warden (chair), Rector, outgoing vestry members, 2 congregants

Work: Identify and recruit prospective vestry members with needed skills, conduct succession planning

Vestry Committee

Ministry in Action

Where governance becomes service

Nine Ministry Areas

Trinity organizes its ministry through nine coordinated areas, each led by dedicated volunteers working together to fulfill our mission of worship, formation, service, and care.