Who We Are

Our Newest Vestry Members

The following five lay leaders were each elected to serve on the St. Paul's Vestry for the next three years. After tallying your votes on St. Paul's Sunday, January 24, the newest Vestry members are: Harry Burt, Dick Ritsch, Anne Rusbuldt, Don Switz, and Jean White. More information about each of these leaders is below.

Harry Burt

Parish involvement: Member for four years. Co-leader, Sunday morning bible study; member, “Group D” on downtown outreach (now part of Faith in Action); docent, historic church tours. Particular interest in St. Paul’s role as a downtown parish in the changing core of Richmond.

Interests and activities beyond the Parish: Retired in 1999 from Development Economics area of the World Bank. Participated at length in the Richmond Downtown Master Plan process. Supported Church Hill North historic district. Member of Richmond Hill finance committee; member, Commission on Division of the Diocese; founding member of Diocesan Stewardship of Creation Committee;  board member, Shrine Mont Corporation; president,Virginia Diocesan Homes Corporation. Still doing committee work with VDH and Shrine Mont. Also, past Vestryman and Delegate to Council, the Falls Church; Vestryman and Warden of St. Georges–Arlington. 

Vision stemming from “Such Great Heights” process: Nurturing small groups centered in each of our ministry areas, encouraging gatherings that follow the principles of “the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.” Continuing to increase and strengthen our educational offerings to both our own congregation and the larger community. Trying to integrate the perspective of Such Great Heights into our regular governance to identify emerging internal and external ministry opportunities, discerning our effective and prudent use of congregational resources and energy.

Dick Ritsch

Parish involvement:  My wife, Nan Ellen, and I have been members of St. Paul’s for 35 years. We were attracted to the church for its urban focus, its challenging sermons and adult education, and its commitment to community outreach. I have served previously as a Vestry member, with an emphasis on outreach and membership growth.  I am currently a member of the Finance Committee; and for the past three years, I have been Chair of the Faith in Action/Outreach Ministry Board.

Interests and activities beyond the parish:  I am a business lawyer and partner with Williams Mullen law firm. My concentration is in the health care sector and my community service has been as a board member of health care-related non-profits.

Vision stemming from “Such Great Heights” process:  In the ministries of Wallace and Kate, I see the energy and enthusiasm for what St. Paul’s contributes to the Downtown community and beyond that I saw 35 years ago when I joined. Through our commitment to “Such Great Heights,” I believe we should celebrate our urban location – the diversity that it brings, the opportunities for ministry to the Downtown business community and the growing residential neighborhoods, and God’s call to help the voiceless. Through our demonstrated commitment to one another, we will strengthen our Christian community and attract newcomers to help us “proclaim Christ in the heart of the City.”

Anne Rusbuldt

Parish Involvement:  I feel that life is about connecting with people. Our relationships are what sustain us. Thankfully, St. Paul’s ministries afford us many opportunities to connect both inside and outside our parish. My experiences with mentoring at Woodville, teaching our youth, Lenten Lunches, Canvass committee, and SGH Generosity team have helped deepen my commitment to St. Paul’s and my community.

Interests and activities beyond the Parish:  I spend a good part of my week traveling to the east end of Richmond to volunteer in schools. My love of working with children keeps me grounded and reminds me of life’s simple pleasures. I have been an active participant in the Big Brother Big Sister Organization for the past 7 years. I am currently Collegiate School’s Alumni Association president and also involved in many Parent Association activities.

Vision stemming from “Such Great Heights” process:  My hope for St. Paul’s is to strengthen our connections with one another and our greater community.  The enthusiasm of our present leadership will help us achieve this goal.

Don Switz

Parish involvement: Member of St. Paul’s for 39 years.  My current St. Paul’s involvements are as a Chalicer, Prayer Reader and Lenten Luncheon volunteer. In the 1970s,  served as a Canvasser, on the Isaiah Committee, as Co-Chair of the Urban Institute and as alternate Delegate to Diocesan Council. Served on the Finance Committee and guided the Parish’s business & data computerization. Lay Reader and recently completed Education for Ministry.

Interests and activities beyond the parish:  I am an Emeritus Professor of Medicine, having taught & practiced at MCV for thirty-five years. As Associate Dean for Practice (1985-98) I was deeply involved in the medical center’s budgeting, finances and building construction.  I have served medical societies at the national and local levels, where I was President of the Richmond Academy of Medicine.  I held a gubernatorial appointment to the State Medicaid Board (1988-98(Chair ’95-6)) and was a member, and President, of the Sheltering Arms Hospital Board.  Currently, I am a Virginia Museum Docent, sing with One Voice Chorus, am member of the West Richmond Rotary Club and serve as a judge for the REB Teacher awards at the Community Foundation.  Lee and I have been married forty-four years and enjoy the company of our three adult children and a grandchild who, with her parents, is a member of St. Paul’s.

Vision stemming from “Such Great Heights” process:  It is a distinct honor to be chosen to stand for election to St. Paul’s Vestry. I celebrate and support the aims of the Such Great Heights process. Our parish family is experiencing rapid change in local and national religious practices as well as in society (family, gender, ethnic), communications and business. We need to nurture and support our parish family members, during these challenging times, at least as effectively as our Outreach partners. I believe I could help St. Paul’s move forward, eagerly embracing our exciting vision.

Jean White

Parish involvement: Sunday School teacher, DOCC – participant and facilitator, Hull Street ministry, St. Paul’s Home Board, Chair, Education Commission, Search Committee for Youth Minister (Steve Matthews), Vestry, Foyer Group, Micah Mentor, Lenten Lunch worker, Emmaus Ministry, Education for Ministry – completed 4 year program, Rector Search Committee, Co-Chair, New Rector Transition Committee, Such Great Heights Worship Committee

Interests and activities beyond the Parish: William Byrd Community House Board, READ Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes, Board

Vision stemming from “Such Great Heights” process: I envision St. Paul’s being as well known for its inspiring worship and challenging Christian formation as we are currently known for our history and service to others.  We will deepen and enliven our current Sunday services and add another worship opportunity that will attract some of our downtown neighbors.  More small groups discussing everything from Biblical narratives to divorce to parenting to living singly to social justice issues will help form community.  And, we will expand our efforts to promote and model civil discourse around the important issues of our day.

 

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