Clergy

Rector:  Open

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​Contact: Office@stjohnshuntingtonwv.org or Vivian.Kost@att.net

At this time, St. John's is in the search process for a Rector to lead us into our next phase of growth. Please check back soon for an updated Parish Profile. 

If you are interested in more information regarding the opening, please contact Vivian Kost at 304.633.1797 or the Episcopal Diocese of WV at 866-549-8346.
The Rev. Ray Hage,
​Associate Priest for Pastoral Care and Worship
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​The Rev. Raymond J. Hage (Fr. Ray) serves as Associate Priest for Pastoral Care and Worship here at St John’s. For seven years beginning in 1996, Fr. Ray served as our Deacon.   For twelve years he was Missioner and Priest-in-charge of the Riverbend Episcopal Ministries serving Grace Church Ravenswood, St. John’s Ripley, and rector of Christ Episcopal Church Point Pleasant. After his retirement, Fr. Ray returned to his home church, St. John's Huntington. He also continues to serve as a Spiritual Director in the diocese. 
 
Fr. Ray earned a Masters in Applied Theology from Wheeling Jesuit University, and received Clinical Pastoral Education at Cabell Huntington Hospital.  His postgraduate in-resident studies included Salem Institute For Spiritual Direction and Formation, The College of Preachers resident studies under the Rt. Rev. Dr. Herbert O’Driscoll, and Topics in Theology under the Rt. Rev. Dr. Mark Dwyer, professor of theology, Virginia Seminary. 
 
Fr. Ray taught Sacramental Theology, Systematic Theology, and Ethics/Moral Theology in the Diocesan Study Program which prepared Postulants for ordination and the Laity for licensed lay ministry.  
 
Fr. Hage is married for over 50 glorious years to Susan McCray and they have 3 Children, 7 grandchildren, and a golden doodle named Moose. Ray has the distinction of being the oldest living original member of St. John’s!  
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. 

Staff

Vivian Kost, Parish Life Director
Email:  Vivian.Kost@att.net

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​Vivian is tasked with managing the daily life of our parish. In coordination with the Vestry, Fr. Hage, Klara Kovacs, 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 Church 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

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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.
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Will Murphy, Organist
​​William A. Murphy, holds a Master of Arts in Performance (Piano) from Marshall University.  In addition to serving faithfully as our Organist, he has been an adjunct faculty member at Marshall University since January 2013 teaching applied voice, piano lab, Choral Union, and pianist and coach for the Opera Workshop.  Will serves as pianist and organist for the West Virginia Symphony Chorus in Charleston, WV. He has earned the Colleague Certificate from the American Guild of Organists.

Open Position
Church Administrator and Outreach Director  
email: office@stjohnshuntingtonwv.org

We lost our wonderful and patient Church Administrator in July to allow her the opportunity to pursue new adventures. This position will be filled again at a future date.

Lay Leadership

The Vestry

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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 Library 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:
Lynn Butler; Sr. Warden
Natasha Vance; Jr. Warden
John Hash; Clerk
Pat Hooten; Treasurer (not a voting Vestry Member)
Joe Lacascio
Tom Wilkinson
Susan Bouchillon​
Mark Semanco
Linda Vinson
Josh Webb