Clergy
We’re delighted to introduce you to our next Rector! The Rev. Greg Pennington has accepted our call to serve as Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Huntington. We expect to welcome Fr. Greg, his wife, Megan, and their sons, Owen, and Gabriel to our Parish family on May 1st. His first Sunday as Celebrant at St. John’s will be on May 7th, followed by his Installation as Rector of St. John's on Thursday May 18th (Ascension Day).
Rev. Greg already had a wealth of work experience in ministry, education, and behavioral health before attaining a Master of Divinity specializing in Pastoral Counseling and Addiction. He attended the Seminary of the Southwest's Iona Program in WV and was ordained to the diaconate in December 2021 and the priesthood in July 2022. For the past year, he has served as Priest in Charge at St. Christopher Episcopal Church in Charleston, WV. He currently serves the Diocese as a member of the Standing Committee, Peterkin Board, and as Ecumenical Officer. He is passionate about the Bible, theology, spiritual formation and the reconciliation and renewal of the world through God’s unconditional love in Jesus Christ. Both Rev. Greg and Megan are excited to meet everyone and begin their ministry with us! Please pray for Megan, Fr. Greg, and their family (along with our brothers and sisters at St. Christopher) as they begin this transition. The Rev. Kit Jenkins, AOJN
Associate Rector 
Requiesce in pace, Fr. Kit.
Although we lost our beloved friend and priest in July 2019, his spirit lives on in the work he so enthusiastically began in us. We continue in that work, remembering his infectious enthusiasm in all things. The fullness of Joy is to behold God in everything. ~ Julian of Norwich The Rev. Kit Jenkins was a graduate of Cramner Theological House, Houston TX. He held a BS in Nonprofit Management from Colorado Christian University. His passion was serving senior citizens in nursing home settings or in the church community. He championed school safety, better treatment for educators and improved care for the elderly especially in nursing homes. He is sorely missed by many here on earth, but there was great rejoicing in Heaven as he was welcomed into the next life. |
StaffVivian Kost, Parish Life Director
Vivian is tasked with managing the daily life of our parish. In coordination with the Clergy, Vestry, our musicians, staff and volunteers, she plans and implements liturgies and growth strategies; coordinates social media and special events; and will develop marketing tools to support our growth. She holds degrees from Wittenberg University (Hamma Seminary) in Sacred Music. Her course of study centered on Liturgy and the history of Church Music. In addition to her work with the church, Vivian also holds degrees in Business Administration and has worked in Project Management and Systems Administration for the past 35+ years. She is grateful for the support of her church family and, most of all, the love and support of her husband, Joe Hoffer.
David Castleberry, Director of Music
When not serving faithfully as our Director of Music, Dr. Castleberry is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Marshall University. He directs the acclaimed select MU Chamber Choir, which tours regularly and has performed for conventions and meetings of ACDA, MENC, AGO, and many other professional music organizations.
Dr. Castleberry has also conducted the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus for the past 10 years. 
Sara Lee, Organist
Sara is a well known and versatile pianist with comprehensive experience across various genres, including opera, oratorio, chamber music, and song recitals. She is noted for her collaboration with a variety of chamber ensembles and her proficiency in accompanying a wide array of choral works. At present, Lee serves as the staff pianist at Marshall University and is the official staff pianist for the Tri-State Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Her proficiency in collaborative piano is expansive, covering areas such as classical voice, musical theatre, commercial music, and a multitude of instruments including the flute, trombone, and clarinet. I know many of you have had the pleasure of hearing Sara's musical gifts during her collaborative performances at Marshall University. Beyond her professional endeavors, she has actively participated in church music, playing both piano and organ at numerous churches, such as the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church, Grace and Love Church, and Grace Presbyterian Church. She also leads as the head coach of the Music & Arts Academy. Sara, has an active life in our church and community with husband, Alexander, and their children, Elizabeth and Lydia. Lay LeadershipThe Vestry
The vestry is the governing board in an episcopal church. Vestry elections are held each year for three year terms. The Sr. and Jr. Warden along with the Treasurer and Registrar comprise the officers of the Vestry Vestry meets on the 4th Sunday of each month in the upstairs Parlor at
St John's. The minutes from these meetings are available at the church office for any member of our church community. Meet our vestry: Susan Tusing; Sr. Warden (Class of 2023) Jim Vassar; Jr. Warden (Class of 2023) Nicholas Reynolds; Clerk Pat Hooten; Treasurer (not a voting Vestry Member) Barbara Becker Cottrill (Class of 2024) Jerry Coleman (Class of 2023) Susan Dean (Class of 2024) Nathan Thomas (Class of 2024) Pat Pierce Ryan Price Emeritus Webb (Class of 2024) Becky Wood (Class of 2023) |