our Rector

St. Matthias' welcomed the Rev. Dr. Erin Kirby as its second rector in the fall of 2015. 

Erin obtained her MDiv at Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, CA (class of 2011). Her second year of study was spent abroad at a Church of England seminary, Ripon College Cuddesdon, located in the English village of Cuddesdon. 

Upon receiving her Master of Divinity degree, Erin returned to England on a fellowship to serve as Junior Dean at Cuddesdon with a part-time curacy on the Dorchester Abby Team. After returning to the United States in 2012, she was ordained to the priesthood, as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Shrewsbury, MA.

Prior to answering her call to ordained ministry, Erin was on the Education faculty at Lees McRae College, in Banner Elk, NC and an Affiliate Graduate School faculty member at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

our Vestry

Picture
The 2017-18 Vestry with Bishop Matt Gunter (center rear, in purple).
The 2019-2020 lay members of the Vestry are - 
Barbara Guy, Senior Warden
Naomi Bruesehoff, Junior Warden
Cherie Olson, Treasurer
Kathleen Marshall, Clerk. (2020)
Bob Holt (2020)
Jennifer LaPorte (2021)
Pat Billimack (2021)
Ron Glowac (2022)
Barbara Schjoneman (2022) 
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Episcopal Churches have an elected board of directors that is called a Vestry. The Vestry meets monthly in to:
  • Guide activities of the parish by discussion and informed decisions
  • Serve on committees to facilitate the activities and achieve the goals of the parish
  • Maintain communications between the congregation and the Vestry regarding information and decisions and presenting concerns or ideas
  • Present reports on committees and activities
  • Assists with Sunday services in various ways

Vestries are made up of the Rector, a Senior Warden,  a Junior Warden, and six to nine other representatives elected from the congregation. The Senior Warden is the lead Vestry person, and the Junior Warden assists the Senior Warden with his/her duties of leadership. The church Treasurer also attends the meetings.

The rather peculiar term 'warden' comes from 17th century England where one of their chief duties was to unlock the church doors for worship and other events.

Vestry members are the eyes and ears of the congregation, attuned to our common spiritual health. Serving on the Vestry is not only a privilege, but also a wonderful opportunity to become more fully engaged in the life of your church. Anyone wanting to know more or wishing to serve on the Vestry should speak with one of the Wardens.