Below you can read bios for each of our upcoming new Vestry member candidates!
Genevieve Schlangen
My journey with Grace Episcopal Church all began when my husband, Henry and I decided to be married at Grace in September of 2001. In fact, our wedding was one of the last marriages performed in the original small chapel. Both my girls, Julia and Grace were raised in the church and involved in Youth Group. Due to my love of service and desire to help others, I chaperoned 10 plus mission trips alongside our Youth Pastor, Erika! From these mission trips, I learned I had a passion to share and experience God’s love with the youth. As a Youth Leader for the past several years, it is my sincere hope to expose our youth to explore and acquire some form of faith that will be practiced or revisited in their adulthood.
I have served on our Vestry and the Search Committee to find our new Rector after Father Mac announced his retirement. I was blessed to be a part of the mission to call Reverend Amy to join Grace Church.
My day job is working for a medical device company, Keto-Mojo as their Medical Relations Manager. I am an empty nester now, so I am hiking, reuniting with old friends and adore watching my girls navigate their worlds!
Zoë Schelhorn
Zoë Schelhorn has been a part of Grace Episcopal Church since she was in 6th grade, attending atrium as a small child up until middle school. She has been a member of the Youth Group for 6 years and has volunteered on four mission trips. Zoë recognizes the rare opportunity of the spiritual environment of the Grace community, as it is here at Grace that she has learned what true community looks like. She is currently finishing her senior year at St. Helena High and plans to attend NVC in the fall. She is excited to learn about the inner workings of Grace and contribute to what makes this church community so unique.
Diane Hambrick LeBlanc
Greetings. I am a life-long Episcopalian and member of Grace Church since 1996. I first served on the Vestry starting in 1998, and became Senior Warden in 1999. Since then, I have nourished my passion for helping others by serving on the Grace Outreach Committee, and have loved every moment of it. Additionally I have served as an Intercessory Prayer Minister, Lector, Co-Leader of the Spiritual Gifts Workshops, and Coordinator of the 2022 revived Rummage Sale.
I have been married to my lovely husband Whitney for 44 years. He is known to you as the creator and curator of our wonderful Stained Glass Windows.
We have 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. They are of course all quite amazing.
I am retired from the other passion of my life – the practice of medicine – after 40 years.
I love Grace Church with all my heart, and am incredibly honored to have been asked to serve again on the Vestry.
With the support of the Holy Spirit, I will give my all.
-Diane
Phil Baxter
The first service I attended at Grace was Ash Wednesday in 1969. I had just moved to St Helena to begin what would become a fifty plus year career in winemaking and winery management.
Sandy and I were married in 1972 and raised our four children in the community of Grace Church along with several other families that made up the parish. We are now three generations participating in the worship, Atrium and youth group.
During these years at Grace, I have served on at least three previous vestries and served as Senior Warden for two years during the calling of Fr. Mac many years ago. Perhaps though, sitting on the back choir pew and singing bass with my friend Marvin is one of my favorite activities.
The small group of men that I meet with every week has been in existence for over twenty-five years. It is focused on Bible studies. The Ignatian Studies group has also helped me to realize that God is everywhere, in everything.
Outside of the parish I served for two years on the Diocese board of directors. Sandy and I both served on the board of Camp Noel Porter. CNP was integral to the Christian formation of our children and we were privileged to support the ministry of Fr. Leonard Shaheen.
I appreciate the hard work, faith and hope of the previous vestries and ministry that guided the parish through the very difficult times of the last few years. I hope that my gratitude will be evident in my service in the upcoming Vestry.
-Phil
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