107th Diocesan Convention Nominees for Diocesan
10 7t h Dio ce s an Con ve nt ion No mi ne es for Dio ce s an O ffic es
Standing Committee – Clergy (vote by orders to elect 1) The Rev. Brian Reid (Non-Parochial) Retired
I have been a priest for 44 years, most within this diocese. I have served in almost every diocesan office. I feel I can continue to serve by bringing my wisdom and experience to the Standing Committee on which I have served these past four years.
I have served many of the congregations within this diocese both during my working “full time” years and since I have been “retired.” I am continuing to do so primarily as Sunday supply these past few years. I am currently on the Standing Committee, President of the Disciplinary Board, Chair of the Constitution & Canons Committee, and am an Alternate Deputy to General Convention. Formerly I was a Deputy to General Convention, a member of the Commission on Ministry, Examining Chaplains, Secretary of Diocesan Convention and Council. The Rev. Jason Shank (Resurrection, Hermitage) Vicar
I have served in pastoral ministry for the past nine years- seven in the United Methodist Church and two in the Diocese of NWPA. I am currently leading Resurrection Church-the Diocesan Church plant in Hermitage.
Prior to coming to the Diocese, I served three churches in the UMC and planted a new campus of a multi-site church in southern Maryland. I believe I would bring a variety of experiences and gifts to the Standing Committee for ministry. Also, my background in church planting has gifted me in areas of leadership, evangelism and has given me a passion for growing the church and finding creative ways to be the church in today’s world.
In the community of Hermitage, I serve on the United Way Planning Team, the Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and Secretary of the Rotary Club. These committees have enabled me to bridge the gap between church and community and to discern the needs of those who live in our area.
As a younger clergy person, I feel called to serve on Standing Committee in order to bring the voice and ideas of a different generation of the church.
It would be an honor to serve as a clergy representative on Standing Committee. Standing Committee – Lay (vote by orders to elect 1) Jack Malovich (St. Mark’s, Erie) Retired from GE
Has been a member of the Episcopal Church for over 55 years and a member of St. Mark’s congregation for over 40 years. He has held various positions such as senior warden, junior warden, treasurer, stewardship chairman, acolyte director, church school teacher, and member of the bishop’s search committee. I am currently a member of the St. Mark’s Outreach team and President of our Diocesan Standing Committee. My spiritual gifts are leadership, craftsmanship, and organizational skills.
The Standing Committee is team oriented, is very important to the life of our diocese and I look forward to continuing my contributions.
My experiences at GE and those with the various church positions coupled with my excellent leadership qualities, good insight into various situations, and the ability to make
Diocesan Council – Priests (Priests elect 1) The Rev. Erin Betz Shank (Trinity Church, New Castle) Vicar
I was called as the Vicar of Trinity, New Castle since March of 2016 but have always been a part of the Diocese of NWPA. My first call was to the Diocese of Maryland where I served for a year and a half and I watched from afar the wonderful and exciting things happening in PA. It has only been recently that I’ve been able to engage and participate in Diocesan leadership more closely.
Over the past year I have served and fulfilled a half term on the Diocesan Council. It would be an honor to continue serving on Council, especially with so many doors opening and ministries serving and building up God’s Kingdom in NWPA and beyond! We have much to be thankful and hopeful for in the opportunities that God puts before us. I hope to bring a fresh perspective, energy and different gifts having the experience of living and serving other dioceses but returning to my roots here in this part of the world.
As a younger clergywoman it has also been a joy to learn and experience how the Council functions and to be with those who have so faithfully served for several years. It would be my pleasure to continue serving on Council if elected. Diocesan Council – Lay (Lay Elect 1) Jim McDonald (St. John’s, Franklin) Retired
I believe I know what both young and aging members are looking for in the church community. I think I do well with helping people see both sides of situations, and I am a good negotiator. I have time available and am able to serve as needed, travel if necessary. Through my time working at the Barrow Theater on stage, behind stage, and as an usher welcoming people, I have become quite comfortable with dealing with people in many different situations. I truly enjoy my involvement with our local church family and would very much like to extend that to diocesan projects. Thank you for considering me for Diocesan Council.
Parish Involvement: Member of St. John’s for 27 years; Vestry (served as Jr. Warden); Choir; Acolyte; Lay Eucharistic Visitor; Summer Bible School teacher; Food Pantry worker; alternate delegate to Diocesan Convention 2016 (served as delegate). I am also involved with the start-up of Emmaus Haven, Franklin’s new homeless shelter. Ed Palattella (Cathedral of St. Paul, Erie) Reporter & editor at the Erie Times-News; Author
Like the region it encompasses, the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania is primed for change. As the current vice president of Diocesan Council, and as a member of council for the past eight years, I would like to continue to help the diocese navigate through that change so that we can better serve our neighbors and Christ. During my service, I believe I have brought a probing and valuable point of view to Diocesan Council. Discernment, patience and knowledge of the church’s governance are among the gifts I would continue to offer. I would be honored to be a part of council once again. Relevant involvement: Current vice president of Diocesan Council and a member of council since November 2009. Current and past senior warden of the Cathedral of St. Paul. Delegate to Diocesan Convention. Delegate to 2015 General Convention. I have also coached youth and high school soccer.
Constitution & Canons – Clergy (elect 1) The Rev. Matthew Scott (Trinity Memorial, Warren & St. Francis, Youngsville) Vicar
Having completed my second term on the Constitutions and Canons committee, I would like to continue to serve in this capacity as it has been an opportunity to both utilize some of the spiritual gifts I have recognized in my self and with my own personal interests. In terms of spiritual gifts, I see this as an opportunity to explore more fully the manifest gifts of discernment and wisdom that were revealed to me though that process. As well, I hope this will be an opportunity for me to test the latent gift of leadership. Along with these spiritual gifts I can point to occasions in my background where I have served different organizations with the interpretation of rules and bylaws, so the opportunity to continue to serve on the Constitutions and Canons committee I feel is a good use of my experience and interests. Constitution & Canons – Lay (elect 1)
Bob Guerrein (Cathedral of St. Paul, Erie) Retired (Writer & Editor)
Why do I feel called to this office? At the Cathedral since 1992, I have served as an acolyte and as a verger; I've also served on the Cathedral Chapter. I've tried to help out as much as I can, from making the Sunday coffee to the Altar Guild to the Food Pantry. As the diocesan historiographer, I have written a brief history of the diocese and a history of the Cathedral parish. Work with records and archives has made me aware of the importance of such instruments as canons, records, procedures. I have been honored by one term on this committee and would be honored to serve another one. This committee might have a lot of work to do in the next few years, with a new relationship to a sister diocese.
Standing Committee – Clergy (vote by orders to elect 1) The Rev. Brian Reid (Non-Parochial) Retired
I have been a priest for 44 years, most within this diocese. I have served in almost every diocesan office. I feel I can continue to serve by bringing my wisdom and experience to the Standing Committee on which I have served these past four years.
I have served many of the congregations within this diocese both during my working “full time” years and since I have been “retired.” I am continuing to do so primarily as Sunday supply these past few years. I am currently on the Standing Committee, President of the Disciplinary Board, Chair of the Constitution & Canons Committee, and am an Alternate Deputy to General Convention. Formerly I was a Deputy to General Convention, a member of the Commission on Ministry, Examining Chaplains, Secretary of Diocesan Convention and Council. The Rev. Jason Shank (Resurrection, Hermitage) Vicar
I have served in pastoral ministry for the past nine years- seven in the United Methodist Church and two in the Diocese of NWPA. I am currently leading Resurrection Church-the Diocesan Church plant in Hermitage.
Prior to coming to the Diocese, I served three churches in the UMC and planted a new campus of a multi-site church in southern Maryland. I believe I would bring a variety of experiences and gifts to the Standing Committee for ministry. Also, my background in church planting has gifted me in areas of leadership, evangelism and has given me a passion for growing the church and finding creative ways to be the church in today’s world.
In the community of Hermitage, I serve on the United Way Planning Team, the Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and Secretary of the Rotary Club. These committees have enabled me to bridge the gap between church and community and to discern the needs of those who live in our area.
As a younger clergy person, I feel called to serve on Standing Committee in order to bring the voice and ideas of a different generation of the church.
It would be an honor to serve as a clergy representative on Standing Committee. Standing Committee – Lay (vote by orders to elect 1) Jack Malovich (St. Mark’s, Erie) Retired from GE
Has been a member of the Episcopal Church for over 55 years and a member of St. Mark’s congregation for over 40 years. He has held various positions such as senior warden, junior warden, treasurer, stewardship chairman, acolyte director, church school teacher, and member of the bishop’s search committee. I am currently a member of the St. Mark’s Outreach team and President of our Diocesan Standing Committee. My spiritual gifts are leadership, craftsmanship, and organizational skills.
The Standing Committee is team oriented, is very important to the life of our diocese and I look forward to continuing my contributions.
My experiences at GE and those with the various church positions coupled with my excellent leadership qualities, good insight into various situations, and the ability to make
Diocesan Council – Priests (Priests elect 1) The Rev. Erin Betz Shank (Trinity Church, New Castle) Vicar
I was called as the Vicar of Trinity, New Castle since March of 2016 but have always been a part of the Diocese of NWPA. My first call was to the Diocese of Maryland where I served for a year and a half and I watched from afar the wonderful and exciting things happening in PA. It has only been recently that I’ve been able to engage and participate in Diocesan leadership more closely.
Over the past year I have served and fulfilled a half term on the Diocesan Council. It would be an honor to continue serving on Council, especially with so many doors opening and ministries serving and building up God’s Kingdom in NWPA and beyond! We have much to be thankful and hopeful for in the opportunities that God puts before us. I hope to bring a fresh perspective, energy and different gifts having the experience of living and serving other dioceses but returning to my roots here in this part of the world.
As a younger clergywoman it has also been a joy to learn and experience how the Council functions and to be with those who have so faithfully served for several years. It would be my pleasure to continue serving on Council if elected. Diocesan Council – Lay (Lay Elect 1) Jim McDonald (St. John’s, Franklin) Retired
I believe I know what both young and aging members are looking for in the church community. I think I do well with helping people see both sides of situations, and I am a good negotiator. I have time available and am able to serve as needed, travel if necessary. Through my time working at the Barrow Theater on stage, behind stage, and as an usher welcoming people, I have become quite comfortable with dealing with people in many different situations. I truly enjoy my involvement with our local church family and would very much like to extend that to diocesan projects. Thank you for considering me for Diocesan Council.
Parish Involvement: Member of St. John’s for 27 years; Vestry (served as Jr. Warden); Choir; Acolyte; Lay Eucharistic Visitor; Summer Bible School teacher; Food Pantry worker; alternate delegate to Diocesan Convention 2016 (served as delegate). I am also involved with the start-up of Emmaus Haven, Franklin’s new homeless shelter. Ed Palattella (Cathedral of St. Paul, Erie) Reporter & editor at the Erie Times-News; Author
Like the region it encompasses, the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania is primed for change. As the current vice president of Diocesan Council, and as a member of council for the past eight years, I would like to continue to help the diocese navigate through that change so that we can better serve our neighbors and Christ. During my service, I believe I have brought a probing and valuable point of view to Diocesan Council. Discernment, patience and knowledge of the church’s governance are among the gifts I would continue to offer. I would be honored to be a part of council once again. Relevant involvement: Current vice president of Diocesan Council and a member of council since November 2009. Current and past senior warden of the Cathedral of St. Paul. Delegate to Diocesan Convention. Delegate to 2015 General Convention. I have also coached youth and high school soccer.
Constitution & Canons – Clergy (elect 1) The Rev. Matthew Scott (Trinity Memorial, Warren & St. Francis, Youngsville) Vicar
Having completed my second term on the Constitutions and Canons committee, I would like to continue to serve in this capacity as it has been an opportunity to both utilize some of the spiritual gifts I have recognized in my self and with my own personal interests. In terms of spiritual gifts, I see this as an opportunity to explore more fully the manifest gifts of discernment and wisdom that were revealed to me though that process. As well, I hope this will be an opportunity for me to test the latent gift of leadership. Along with these spiritual gifts I can point to occasions in my background where I have served different organizations with the interpretation of rules and bylaws, so the opportunity to continue to serve on the Constitutions and Canons committee I feel is a good use of my experience and interests. Constitution & Canons – Lay (elect 1)
Bob Guerrein (Cathedral of St. Paul, Erie) Retired (Writer & Editor)
Why do I feel called to this office? At the Cathedral since 1992, I have served as an acolyte and as a verger; I've also served on the Cathedral Chapter. I've tried to help out as much as I can, from making the Sunday coffee to the Altar Guild to the Food Pantry. As the diocesan historiographer, I have written a brief history of the diocese and a history of the Cathedral parish. Work with records and archives has made me aware of the importance of such instruments as canons, records, procedures. I have been honored by one term on this committee and would be honored to serve another one. This committee might have a lot of work to do in the next few years, with a new relationship to a sister diocese.
