(From January 2010) I felt honored to be asked to allow my name to be put forward for nomination to serve a term on the Parish Vestry.

After a brief hesitation and reassurance that I could be a useful member I willingly consented.

I am a lifelong Anglican (the ‘parent’ church) and have been a member of this parish since 1989 (20 years) when I came to permanently reside in the US.

I have served a term on the Vestry previously, in many ministries and on many committees, including a period of 9 years in the Chair of one.

I am still fairly active here, currently serving on the Music and Stewardship Committees, and in various ministries at times of communal worship.

In the past I have served the church at the Diocesan level, being a director of the Bishop & Trustees Board, including several years as the Secretary of the Board.

I am also active in the wider community, serving on the Recreation Board of the Village of Palos Park (10 years) and organizing and leading the Palos Seniors Exercise Group thrice weekly at the Village Gym. (16 years)

The Sheriff of Cook County and the Mayor of Palos Park, with appropriate awards, recently recognized my voluntary services to the community.

I am married to Laura, a retired educator (50 yrs) who is of the Roman faith, though she does participate with me in some activities at Transfig, as do I with her at her church. A good ecumenical relationship!

I am retired also of course, after serving 45 years with the railroad industry in the UK, retiring from a senior executive/management position in 1987.

I never sought any kind of employment in the US – just did lots of voluntary work with less fortunate people in the city of Chicago.

The congregation has just passed through a challenging year, and it is to be sincerely hoped that the ongoing program and sessions (Coaching) sponsored by the Vestry will result in ‘a clearing of the air’, determine our goals, where we want to go, and how we are going to get there.

We must arrive at a consensus – the only way is FORWARD!!

I would hope to be part of the leadership team for that journey.