Below are the Vestry candidates who will be voted on at the Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 28, at 10:45 a.m. Four (4) candidates will be elected to the Vestry, Class of 2027. Those elected will serve three-year terms, through the Annual Meeting in 2027. Candidates for Vestry must be regular attendees at worship and giving members of record.
Patricia Decker
Greeter, Vestry, Holy Hands, Church School, Youth Group, Bell Choir
Member of the Cathedral for 42 years
My areas of interest and giftedness: Buildings and Grounds interest me because it is essential to keep our campus up to date. Having an appealing setting attracts attention to the church. The church property is a valuable asset.
My experience in leadership: Working with Holy Hands I found how important it is to participate every time you are scheduled. Cleaning and clearing the tables is also important.
My vision for GHTC: Growth. Participating in the community is essential. If we cannot start a new community project joining another group is a step forward.
Favorite liturgical season: Easter. It starts spring and shows us that there is a new life in Christ.
Nigel Jones
Over the past year and a half I have been consistent in my attendance at GHTC with my primary contribution being to serve as an Usher usually serving on Sundays at 10:30 AM, at the monthly 5:00 PM Evensong services, and at special services such as on Christmas Eve.
Member of the Cathedral since August 2022
My areas of interest and giftedness: As a retired architect it would be appropriate for me to serve on the Buildings and Grounds Committee. When I was a Professor of Architecture and the University Architect at Oklahoma State University, I oversaw over $1.5 Billion in construction — new build, renovation and remodel – across several campuses. I was also worked very closely with the Grounds department especially for new projects and renovations. I have recently advised Bishop Diane regarding roof leaks at the Diocesan Offices and St. Philips Episcopal Church, Joplin.
My work also meant I needed to be very conversant with budgets and financing of projects and I could maybe assist in those areas.
My experience in leadership: As University Architect I led an office of some thirty people and on the various projects I was essentially the lead person at all stages working with project architects, consultants and contractors. I worked very closely with the OSU Board of Regents, The President, Deans, Faculty, Staff and Students.
When teaching I taught several History of Architecture courses, including English and French Gothic, and Architectural Design. My other responsibility at the School of Architecture was Advisor – I graduated nearly 500 students and keep in touch with many of them. It was required that I contribute time to the university and sat on several committees and advisory boards.
I am currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Doel Reed Art Center in Taos, New Mexico; the Board of Directors for the Wornall-Majors House Museums in Kansas City; and the HOA Board of Directors for One Park Place/BMA Tower also in Kansas City.
My vision for GHTC: Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral is a beautiful church and the whole campus is a wonderful asset not only for the Diocese but for Kansas City; it needs to be promoted to make it a destination and venue. Bringing more people to the Cathedral could grow and rejuvenate the congregation, something that is vitally important for future viability.
Also needed for future viability is fund raising to build endowments to support the many aspects of Cathedral governance, maintenance and outreach. A vigorous campaign to increase giving and investigate planned estate bequests and charitable remainder trusts is a possible path for endowment growth.
The music we so enjoy at the Cathedral is one of our strengths, that could be built on to reach out to the community making the Cathedral, the Nave and Founders’ Hall known throughout the region.
Favorite liturgical season: As the phases of the moon, the seasons of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter or the calendar of weeks and months mark the passage of the year, so the Liturgical Seasons mark the passing of the Christian year. Beginning with Advent, passing through the splendid and joyous celebration of Christmas to the contemplation of Easter the year waxes and wanes from birth to death – and to Resurrection. It is Easter that is the most meaningful and my favorite.
Steve Moore
I am currently the Chancellor for the Cathedral. In that role, I serve as the legal advisor to the Dean, the Vestry and all committees. Prior to that, I served as Junior Warden under Dr. David Rice, Sr. Warden. I have also chaired the Stewardship Committee for a number of years and served on the Vestry.
Going back further, shortly after Kristy and I joined the Cathedral, we worked with other young couples to staff the Cathedral nursery. Later on, I began teaching Sunday School and leading the Youth Group. I have also served as an usher for many years.
Member of the Cathedral for 30 years
My areas of interest and giftedness: I have a passion for Stewardship and would like to mentor others to become leaders of that committee. I am also interested in the Finance committee.
My experience in leadership: In addition to my leadership roles at the Cathedral, I have served as the General Counsel, CFO and managing partner of my law firm. In those roles, I have developed extensive experience in dealing with HR issues, developing and implementing business plans and identifying ways of reducing expenses and increasing revenues.
My vision for GHTC: (1) increasing new membership and nurturing our current membership; (2) Successful implementation of our Strategic Plan, and (3) As the Cathedral church of the Diocese of West Missouri, GHTC should serve as an example to all other churches in our diocese regarding ministries, operations and growth.
Favorite liturgical season: My favorite liturgical season is Lent. We use this special time for self-examination, penitence and giving, following Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness.
Lent is my favorite liturgical season because it allows me time to reflect on my life, my actions and my faith. Lent reminds me of all the ways I am imperfect and how much we need God’s redemptive love.
Lent concludes with Holy Week, where we begin by walking with Jesus in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, only to witness his crucifixion a few days later and then rejoice in his resurrection on Easter.
Ultimately, the Lenten season reminds us that no matter how much we may fail at life, we still have a God who loves us unconditionally and gives us eternal life.
Charles Shipley
Choir Member, Acolyte, Eucharistic Minister, Thurifer
Member of the Cathedral for 2 years now and from 1974-1984
My areas of interest and giftedness: I’m most interested in Buildings & Grounds, due to long experience with church operations and love for the Cathedral buildings. Also, anything with staff, music, liturgy and volunteers.
My experience in leadership: I have served as a paid staff member for two cathedrals and one parish church. I have supervised Altar Guild and liturgical ministries, flower guilds, gardeners, congregational clean up days — all while maintaining an active prayer life and participation in a congregation.
My vision for GHTC: Sharing our treasure. First, the treasure of our tradition and facilities, but much more the treasure of our faith as the means to be part of the change we so need in the world.
Favorite liturgical season: Epiphany. The word means “manifestation,” and this season shows Christ, in human form, coming to us, living with us and beginning his ministry among us.