Pray- June 8, 2020

Wendy Claire Barrie

Wendy Claire Barrie writes about faith formation and parenting. She's the author of Faith at Home: A Handbook for Cautiously Christian Parents and is at work on a new book about intergenerational ministry called The Church Post-Sunday School. She haphazardly blogs at www.wendyclairebarrie.com. An editor at Church Publishing, Wendy has previously served seven Episcopal parishes in children, youth and family ministry since 1989. She is mostly famous for her brown-sugar chocolate-chip cookies and California-style tacos. She and her husband Phil Fox Rose are raising their teenage son in Brooklyn, where they also have a storage unit so as to avoid having to get rid of a single book.

Sharon Ely Pearson

Sharon Ely Pearson recently retired as Editor and Christian Formation Specialist

Charlotte Hand Greeson

Charlotte Hand Greeson is a member of the Lifelong Learning Department at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), where she is program coordinator for the Thriving in Ministry initiative. As co-editor of Building Faith, Charlotte has created networks of congregational leaders through the sharing of practical resources and replicable practices for faith formation. In addition, she serves as the program manager for VTS’ collaboration with the brothers of Saint John the Evangelist, developing formation resources for the wider church. As an experienced writer, curriculum developer, workshop and retreat leader, Charlotte is committed to forming faithful, skillful, and responsive church leaders.

Victoria Hoppes

Victoria Hoppes is the Director of Youth and Children's Ministries at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has ministry experience with youth, family, and camping programs at both the parish and diocesan levels. She holds degrees from Texas Lutheran University and Luther Seminary. She also holds a certificate in Youth and Family Ministry from Forma’s certificate program. You can follow Victoria on social media (@vlhoppes).

Patrick Kangrga

Originally from Arkansas, Patrick Christopher Kangrga began in ministry by serving two years as a member of the Episcopal Service Corps in Maryland and in Massachusetts. His lay-professional journey has included roles at the parish and diocesan levels in New York, New Jersey and California. Currently he serves as Director of Youth Ministries at St. James' Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi. He has primarily served youth with a short stint into ministry with children.

Miriam Willard McKenney

Miriam is a child of God who finds extreme joy parenting her three girls: Nia, 23; Kaia, 18; and Jaiya, 15. She and her husband, David, met at the Union of Black Episcopalians conference in 1981. Miriam works as Forward Movement’s Development Director, and also writes for their family blog, Grow Christians. She was a children’s librarian and school media specialist for 20 years before joining Forward Movement’s staff. She loves outdoor fitness in extreme temperatures, as there is no bad weather, just incorrect clothing choices. To connect with Miriam on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. She blogs at www.50favbags.com and the Forward Movement family blog Grow Christians. She is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Melissa Rau

Melissa Rau is the Director of Partnerships and New Initiatives at Episcopal Church Foundation. She is responsible for managing partnerships and collaborations, including Forma, and discerns and develops strategic solutions for Episcopal faith communities through consulting and coaching. She is especially passionate about leadership and discipleship.

Prior to joining ECF, Melissa was very active as a Lead Consultant with Ministry Architects, an organization that provides consulting for churches in a number of different capacities. She’s currently enrolled at General Theological Seminary. Living just outside of Philly, she is married to Mike, an Episcopal priest and rector. They have two daughters and a son. She loves to read and is particularly fond of giraffes and the color orange.

Sue Van Oss

Sue Van Oss is Director of Christian Formation at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Duluth, MN. For the past 35 years she has been helping children, youth and families see God at work in their lives. She also manages the communications for the parish, maintaining the website and social media accounts. She received her Master's Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University and has been a consultant for other churches and speaker at state and national conferences.