Below are the Vestry candidates who will be voted on at the Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 29, at 10:45 a.m. Four (4) candidates will be elected to the Vestry, Class of 2026. Those elected will serve three-year terms, through the Annual Meeting in 2026. Candidates for Vestry must be regular attendees at worship and giving members of record.
Julie Brogno
Lector and Intercessor, Holy Hands and Youth & Children’s Ministry volunteer.
My areas of interest and giftedness: I’m most interested in work that has to do with social outreach and children’s & youth ministry. I have experience working in these areas both at the Cathedral and in my job as a teacher in an urban public school. I would like to see the Cathedral grow in these areas and hope that I can contribute to that growth.
My experience in leadership: When I was previously employed at the Cathedral, I was responsible for recruiting, training, scheduling and supporting a team of Children’s Ministry volunteers. In my current job, I served as Grade Level Chair and was responsible for assisting other teachers, planning end-of-the-year celebrations and organizing field trips. I have served as the communications chair on the board of the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City for five years.
My vision for GHTC: My vision is that worship, education, service and fellowship continue to be the focus of Cathedral activities. I would like the Cathedral to be a place where people feel connected to others and find ways to make a difference in their community. I feel that we should continue to partner with other organizations when we can to use our space in ways that benefit the community, whether that be through outreach or education.
Favorite liturgical season: Lent is my favorite liturgical season because it asks us to slow down and contemplate what we need to give up and what we need to put into our lives. I need this yearly reminder to make sure that I am living in a way that honors God and God’s creation. Lent gives us the opportunity to reorient ourselves towards what is important in life and helps us stay focused on God’s love for us.
Sara Copeland
I am currently a member of the Altar Guild and Holy Hands. I have been one of the Cathedral’s delegates to the Diocesan Convention for several years. In the past, I have been a volunteer for Children’s Formation and a handbell ringer. In 2016, I served on the Search Committee for our new music director.
My areas of interest and giftedness: I’m most interested in Buildings and Grounds and Social Outreach. The Buildings and Grounds Committee interests me because, like so many others, I love our beautiful church home. I also think our buildings and grounds are an important asset for our neighborhood and community. The Social Outreach Committee interests me because I believe it is important for us, as Christians, to be God’s hands and feet in the world.
My experience in leadership: I have been involved in leadership of the American Planning Association (APA) on the national and state level for many years. I served on the APA Board of Directors in 2020–2021 and have also served terms as President and Vice President of the Kansas Chapter of APA, as Treasurer of the Missouri Chapter, and as Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer of the APA Chapter Presidents Council, as well as on various national committees. In these roles, I have learned the importance of active listening, building coalitions and using strategic vision to organize the work of a team.
My vision for GHTC: My vision is that Cathedral is an anchor in the lives of our fellow parishioners as well as a moral, religious and community anchor in Kansas City.
Favorite liturgical season: Christmastide is my favorite liturgical season. There’s a lot that I love about Christmas, but it’s my favorite because it’s the season that feels the most integrated into our home life. We celebrate all 12 days and have many family traditions that make it a special time.
Blain Lagergren
I am still in the process of segueing into more involvement at the Cathedral. At the moment, I am involved in Holy Hands regularly. I volunteer for groundskeeping activities as I am able.
My areas of interest and giftedness: Buildings and Grounds and Finance represent an opportunity for me to potentially bring to bear some of my expertise. The successful application of my trade to the assistance of others strikes me as the most likely avenue for continued interest and enjoyment in areas that might otherwise be considered dry to most. However, any area where a legal or contractual perspective is necessary or favored would be where I could provide the most benefit to conducting the business of the Vestry.
My experience in leadership: My business often requires me to first-chair negotiations for mergers and/or acquisitions of assets in small business transactions in a broad spectrum of value scenarios. I routinely educate young professionals entering the job market in those areas demanding competency so that they might find success in operating their own businesses.
My vision for GHTC: The provision of spiritual foundation, support and shelter. Performing works that look outside of the Cathedral to provide for those who do not have enough, be it food, shelter or health. Maintaining the mechanisms of the Cathedral that support the ability of the Cathedral to meet those aforementioned demands.
Favorite liturgical season: Advent. It was my mother’s favorite season and so brings my memories of her to the forefront. It seems to be a season in tension where we can see the basest materialism and conspicuous consumption but also that we don’t actually need those things, and that there is still Spirit running beneath us and through us and above us, tying us all together. In recognizing this we can pull ourselves just far enough away from the superficiality of the shopping culture to see the potential for new beginnings, both temporal and spiritual.
Mathias Nichols
Pre-pandemic our family was heavily involved with the young adult’s ministry. Hosting a few dinners and Christmas parties. This is how we got to know so many families at Grace and Holy Trinity.
My areas of interest and giftedness:
Buildings and Grounds—The beauty of the Cathedral is what initially drew us to the church. Finance and Budget—I would like to assist in being a good steward of the gifts given to the Cathedral.
My experience in leadership:
I have been involved in Chi-Alpha leadership throughout college. I have also served in several praise and worship bands throughout childhood and college. I have held various sales manager and leadership positions throughout my career. I love to empower and help other achieve their goals.
My vision for GHTC: To be an inter-city beacon of light. Welcoming all people, no matter where they are in their journey of faith.
Favorite liturgical season: Advent season. I love the focus on hope, peace, love and joy.
Ken Stewart
Manager of Cathedral Bookstore, Vestry, Dean Search Committee, Board member of the Episcopal Booksellers Association, Lector and Acolyte (sub)
My areas of interest and giftedness: Building & Grounds, Bookstore
My experience in leadership: I ask questions. If I don’t understand something, I ask for clarification – whether this is definition or purpose. This philosophy has accompanied me throughout my management career as well as my volunteer commitments throughout the city.
Leadership (job related): management in Eastern Airlines, management development in 2 amusement parks, national leadership positions in the American Library Association and American Association of School Librarians. Leadership (volunteer related): manager of the Cathedral Bookstore, as a tour guide at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, I developed the tour “script” from 17 pages to 49 pages.
My vision for GHTC: To be an active part in the life of downtown Kansas City and a “leader” in the diocese.
Favorite liturgical season: Advent. This is a season that brings families together (whether blood-related or chosen).
John Braum
Orchestrated planning for potential GHTC Trinity Choir residency in England, 2024, including performances in London. I was asked to lead the Usher Team. Dean Andy has revised the Usher Duties; my responsibility is to carry out his instructions. Being an usher, it’s great to meet and greet people! We try to encourage young people to become involved in the church.
My areas of interest and giftedness: Present member of Finance Committee; Organist Search Committee; Usher Chair; Steering Committee for potential 2024 GHTC Trinity Choir trip to England.
My experience in leadership: Steering Committee for the International Conference of the American Guild of Organists. 1,256 organists from 6 continents were in attendance. As Hospitality Chairperson, my job was to be in charge of dining venues, alumni receptions, shopping opportunities, tour options, security and staffing the hospitality desk.
My vision for GHTC: Vision that encourages young persons to be involved and to take ownership in our Cathedral. Ensure the Cathedral is financially viable for the next generation. Continue the Episcopal traditions and worship we treasure.
Favorite liturgical season: Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Christ. While Christmas celebrates Christ born as human, Easter celebrates the divinity of Christ in heaven.