Mission Statement
To follow Christ and lead others to him.
Mission Prayer
"Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."
The Vestry Meeting Minutes are available in the sidebar to the right.
Be sure to stay up to date on the Vestry's plans for our church.
Lay Leadership
Every year, the Parish elects a new class of five Vestry members. These new members join those already elected to comprise a Vestry that numbers 15 communicants in good standing. The Vestry exists to assist the Rector with the temporal business necessary to run St. Martin in the Fields Church. Vestry meetings are open to the congregation. They are held every third Monday of the month in the Burgreen Room. The minutes from each meeting are available on the website and in the Parish office.
A report of the Vestry’s work for the year is issued at the Annual Parish Meeting in January. This meeting provides an opportunity for all parishioners to hear about and comment on all phases of life at St. Martin’s.
Vestry Members
Karen Boor
Senior Warden karen.boor@newdaymediaservices.com
Karen has been an active member of SMEC for over 12 years. Karen saw a void in the SMEC community as there was not a women’s guild to accommodate working women, so she helped launch St. Martha’s Guild. She taught Sunday school of all ages, from the 4&5 year “Tell Me My Stories” to J2A to adult Sunday school. Karen has previously served on the Vestry (circa 2004) filling a vacant seat. During that time, she headed up the Parish Life committee. Additionally, Karen is an Usher and is on the Flower Guild. Karen was reared Presbyterian prior to finding her way to the Episcopal Church.
Karen works in advertising and recently started her own business, New Day Media Services. Karen has two wonderful children and a very patient husband.
Jake Duffy jakeduffy@kw.com Jake Duffy and his wife, Caroline, have been active members in St. Martin’s parish for some 15 years. Jake and Caroline have two boys: Chaz a freshmen at High Point University in North Carolina and Noah, a 9th grader at Holy Spirit Prep School. Both Chaz and Noah attended St. Martin’s school, which was the catalyst that energized them to join our church.
Jake has been a real estate consultant for Keller Williams Realty for the past five years and specializes in both residential and commercial real estate. He has assisted the elderly with the transition from their homes to assisted living facilities, to couples buying their first home. Jake received the 2009 Cultural Icon award for the Keller Williams Southeast Region for his work within the community.
Jake has served as a Cub Scout leader and a member of the St. Martin's Boys Scout Troop 357. Most recently he has served as a Stephen Minister for the past four years, a Eucharist Minister, and as an active member of the Christ Care. Over the years, he has also been a member of the St. Martin's Men’s Group and a Church Usher.
Through his various ministry experiences, Jake has learned the importance of listening; he can serve the St. Martin's Church Vestry and the members of the church with the qualities needed during these transitional times.
Chad Duncan c.chad.duncan@gmail.com
Chad is originally from Vicksburg, Mississippi. He graduated with a Bachelors of Business Administration from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi in 1995 and joined Accenture where he currently has 15 years of experience in management consulting and IT outsourcing. Chad and his wife Jennifer moved to Atlanta and began attending St. Martin’s in 1998. They have 3 children – Will, Christopher, and Olivia. Over the years, Chad has served the church in several capacities including: Stephen Ministry, Ushering, and leading J2A. In addition to his service to St. Martin’s, Chad is also a board member at CHRIS Kids, a local non-profit focused on homeless youth and as well as a member of the DeKalb Peachtree Airport Advisory Committee.
Suzanne Ford 4fords@bellsouth.net
I consider St. Martin's my home, a safe harbour for my family and myself. I foresee it continuing to be a central part of our lives. Serving on Vestry means doing my part to help us stay the course as a parish. St. Martin's offers us a place to grow in our faith, build a strong Christian community, and to accomplish much in the terms of outreach for others. I am honored to serve and I'm ready for the challenge.
Mitchell Haas MGH61@bellsouth.net
Marybeth and I joined St. Martin’s in 1996. Marybeth grew up as an Episcopalian and although I grew up as a Methodist, I have always been very fond of the Episcopal Church, having attended many services with friends during high school in Mobile, AL. My journey as a Christian has grown tremendously as an Episcopalian and I am so thankful for the wonderful friends that we have made at St. Martin’s. One of the most rewarding experiences I have had here has been my involvement as a Eucharistic Minister and Visitor. The wonderful people that God has put in my life during those visits always thank me, but I am the one who is receiving the best gift of all. I hope to extend those blessings and continue to grow in the Christian faith through my service on the vestry.
Bruce Hall brucesusiehall@mindspring.com Bruce Hall was a broadcast journalist for 50 years before retiring in 2007. After graduating from the University of Missouri with Bachelors of Journalism and Bachelors of Arts degrees, he spent 20 years as a CBS Network News Correspondent. As a breaking news specialist, he covered the triumphs and disasters in the U.S. space program, survived 36 hurricanes, traveled with a dozen presidential candidates, and reported on wars in several countries.
In 1991, Bruce joined NBC News, where he anchored the overnight NBC News Network Nightside Broadcast and later became a Senior Producer at NBC News Channel.
He has been a member of St Martin’s for more than 35 years and produced, edited, and narrated a series of videos for the Career Crisis Task Force of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. At St. Martin’s, he has served as an Usher for more than 10 years, helps with Church dinners at Holy Comforter, assists with the weekly St Martin’s Communion Services at Uni Health Post Acute Care Facility (formerly Ashton Woods), and is one of the Head Tellers for the Parish.
Bruce’s wife Susie serves as a Lay Eucharistic Minister at St Martin’s. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.
Randy Hughes rlhughes@mindspring.com St. Martin’s is my home and I am proud of its dedication to the Christian ministry, to the parish community, and the community at large. My wife's name is Linda, and I have two adult children, Vincent and Erika. I am a retired lawyer, and my special interests include computers, genealogy, gardening, and model railroading.
Leigh Fry leighsfry@yahoo.com
John and I started coming to St. Martin’s for our premarital counseling with Father Elliott in 2001. We loved the idea of going to a church that also had a school and we talked about one day sending our children there. Since neither of us is a native, we feel like the church and school have become our family. I have made so many wonderful friends through church and I know I can count on them if I’m ever in a crisis. In addition, my children have made great friends and they know that whenever they come to church they will see lots of friendly faces. Jack, especially, has such a wonderful group of friends. They have been together since the 3 year old Sunday School class. And they are all at SMES, too. I hope that they will be friends forever. I know the loving environment of the church and school is what made this possible. I think Jack is comforted by the fact that he can come to church on Sunday and see all of his friends (this comforts me, too).
Fellowship is a very important part of our church. My family has really enjoyed the Concert Near the Field. It is a great way to meet other people in the church and also reconnect with longtime church friends in a casual atmosphere. It’s also a great way to exhaust your children!!
I feel very strongly about our inreach ministry, about taking care of our own. While I believe outreach is important, you can’t have successful programs without a strong church and parish. With so many people transferring for jobs and mothers going back to work in this economy, there is a greater need for fellowship than ever before. Without taking care of our own, our outreach programs will suffer. I believe in focusing on our current members while, at the same time, welcoming new members and making everyone a part of our church family. It will not only make our church stronger but also strengthen our outreach programs with more people able to contribute.
Gay Jolley gjolley@bellsouth.net
As a lifelong Episcopalian, John and I began attending St. Martin’s in the early 60's with our three children, (John) Bill, Dale, and Karen, who all attended kindergarten at St. Martin’s, graduating from Northwood's elementary school and Sequoyah High School.
I served on the Altar Guild, then a function of the Order of the Daughters of the King, sang in the choir, and supported St. Mary Magdalene’s Chapter and the Budget Helper shop. As our family grew older, my full-time work at IBM curtailed these activities somewhat.
I am now co-president of St. Mary Magdalene’s Chapter, immediate past president of the Order of Daughters of the King, and a volunteer at the Suthers Center and the reception desk. I also serve as a Stephen Minister, Usher and Eucharistic Visitor. I am active in the Prayer Shawl ministry and am in my second year in EfSM.
Outside of the church, I volunteer at Zoo Atlanta and the Atlanta History Center and I enjoy reading, travel, and learning new things.
The search committee generously asked if I would be willing to stand for the vestry. I am humbled that I could be considered for such a large responsibility. I am honored and pleased to serve in whatever capacity I can. This parish family has meant a lot to me through the many years I have belonged to it. As it enriches my life and sustains me in times of need, I would like, in some small way, to return some of the blessings you all have given me.
Tim Peek timhelnat@bellsouth.net I have been an active member of the St. Martin in the Fields community since I became a full fledged Episcopalian in 1997 (or thereabouts). My initial indoctrination to serving our church was when there weren’t enough Ushers and Father Remer looked at me and said, “You are going to be an Usher today”. For several years, I served on the Adult Christian Education Committee and as a teacher. I continue to serve as an Usher and I am also a proud member of the Chancel Choir. One of the ongoing activities I am most proud of leading is the annual Turkey Fry at Thanksgiving to help fund our Outreach budget. My wife Helen and daughter Natalie are also actively involved in serving the church through the various guilds.
As a member of the vestry, I believe it our responsibility to serve our community to the best of its ability to shepherd us through the good times and the tough times. I have seen and been a recipient of the warm embrace of my fellow parishioners and know how resilient and strong we are. My personal goal is to be an advocate by keeping my eyes and ears open to the St. Martin’s community and the communities we serve.
Sally Perez sperez@stafforddev.com I was born and raised in South Georgia as a member of the Methodist Church. Upon marrying Tony, a cradle Episcopalian, I quickly realized that getting everyone to church would be much easier if it was an Episcopal church. We were confirmed and joined St. Martin’s in 1997. Our family has been truly blessed and enriched by being part of this worship community for thirteen years. Our daughter, Elizabeth, has loved singing in the choir since she was four and attended St. Martin’s Episcopal School until sixth grade. I have taught children’s chapel, helped out with the Christmas pageant, the Bazaar, the Suthers Center and am a member of St. Monica’s Guild. One of the greatest gifts of the church for me, personally, has been the fellowship and support of a Christ Care group for the last two years.I graduated from the University of Georgia and have been president and owner of an interior design firm specializing in commercial projects for almost twenty years. I am also an owner and serve on the board of directors of a diversified, family-owned business based in Tifton, Ga. I enjoy reading, swimming, dancing, cooking, gardening, art, and travel.
Nancy Runion simo640@aol.com I am a life-long Episcopalian. As a child, I spent about 5 years at St. Martin in the Fields. During that time, I was a participant in the children’s choir and was confirmed. Charlie and I were members at Christ Church Episcopal in Norcross for 27 years. We joined St. Martins over 6 years ago.
While at Christ Church, I served on the Vestry, co-chaired several special activities, retreats and fundraisers. I became a Stephen Minister and then a Stephen leader. I also served as a Lay Minister and completed both the Bethel Bible and EFM courses. Presently, at St. Martin's, I am a Stephen’s Leader, Stephen’s Minister, Lay Minister, Eucharistic Minister and I am actively involved in a Christ Care group.
Rex Simms rbsimms@bellsouth.net
I earned degrees in Electrical Engineering and Business Management from the University of Colorado in 1953. Marriage and Navy service in Charleston S.C followed. We settled in Atlanta in 1957 joining St Martin's. I earned a MS EE degree from Georgia Tech in 1964. I have served on St Martin’s Vestry as both Junior and Senior Wardens and chairman of the building committee for several building additions and modifications. I have participated in four diocesan conventions. My wife Joy taught at St Martin’s School for 26 years. We continue to be involved with outreach such as; annual Bazaars, Habitat houses, and the Suthers Center. I desire to see our church grow in these difficult times and offer my experience for service on the Vestry.
Ian Street ian.street@daltile.com
I am originally from England and was raised in the Church of England. I moved to the United States 26 years ago and my wife Jere and I were married at the Cathedral of St. Philip in 1992. We have a 15 year old son Jonathan, a 13 year old son named Jake, and a daughter, Sarah who is 9 years old. Saint Martin’s Church has been a blessing to us and I am enjoying being involved in the Sunday school program. As one of the Sunday school teaching team each year, I’ve developed a special project for the Sunday school class. We started with a Bible Quiz game and created a giant l2’x8’ game board, giant dice and ran it like a TV game show with electronic buzzers etc. The game was used to quiz our students on the things they had learned during that Sunday school year. Two years ago, we created a mural of “Gods Creation” that is painted directly on the wall and is displayed in the hall of the Sunday school building. During the last year, we built a scale model of Saint Martin’s church out of Lego pieces which we presented to the church in September. One of the most rewarding things I have found is that our youth want to learn more about God and their faith; however, sometimes you need a little hook to keep them coming to Sunday school. The special projects that we embarked upon created quite a buzz in our classroom every week. Our class has now moved on to Rite 13. I enjoy teaching Sunday School so much that I am starting over again in 4th grade where I can help, guide, and steer a new group on their spiritual journal until they too move on to Rite 13.
Professionally, I manage The Home Depot account for Daltile Corporation. In this position, I manage multiple aspects of the business which includes: marketing, operations, and sales. I feel the experience I have professionally will serve me well as a member of the Vestry.
I’m also a member of the Ushering team and have been in Foyers. I really enjoy being a part of St. Martin's Church and want to continue to give back to our parish and God.
Ann Martin Vitti v.vitti@comcast.net I feel truly honored to be on the Vestry of St. Martin’s Church. I love to serve the church and our community as a Vestry member. I have adored the Episcopal Church my entire life and find at this time in my life that I am called to serve in greater ways. My husband is Vince and I have two children, Ann Katherine and Julia. I am an Art Director/Graphic Designer and my special interests include painting, sewing and tennis.
I am a "cradle Episcopalian", an Episcopalian from birth. During my time at St. Martin's, I have been Co-President of the Flower Guild, DOK Jr. Directress, a DOK Member, a Sunday school teacher, Leader of Penny Social, and graphic designer for the church directory.
Vestry Minutes
The Vestry Minutes are provided in PDF format for your convenience. In order to view them, you will need Adobe Reader which you can download and install from the Adobe website.
