My husband and I attended St. Andrew’s Church in East Nantmeal back in 2018 where we actually listened to a sermon given by Father Tommy relating to the bible and not politics. We were immediately attracted to Father Tommy but not the church as a whole. Eric and I had our doubts on the building itself, not being the old gothic look we adore and the congregation within being cold and not warm or receiving. We ran into a friend who is an Episcopal deacon from another church. He questioned our problem…that being how do we continue to attend the service where we hear the words and works of God from Father Tommy yet lack the attraction of the physical building and its people? Problem solved. Follow God’s words! So we joined the parish late 2019 to find out shortly later that Father Tommy was transferring to WMC. Hence, we followed Father Tommy and his wonderful messages from the Bible. Born Byzantine Catholic and left the church in 1986 only to return to the Episcopal Church, St. Peter’s in Phoenixville, in 1997. Intermittent attendance till 2010 ‘ish when personal and financial hardship was happening in our lives. Woke up one Sunday and asked my husband “why are we not going to church?” No specific reason was mentioned as to why we were not attending. We then began attending regular services and became involved with outreach programs provided by the church. With little involvement, more involvement occurred. Food pantry every other Saturday and Mondays with breakfast prior to Saturdays pick up and dinners before Mondays. Collected food items from Panera’s on the Fridays prior to the pantry days, served on vestry for 4 years, tended to the gardens surrounding the church’s property, developed fellowship program after Sunday services, initiated adult weekly evening bible study and served as an acolyte. I am presently involved in Parish Life, Veterans Ministry, Usher, Women’s Bible study group and assist with other programs as needed or when asked. Well, I was approached by Father Tommy to consider a position. I left St. Peter’s Church, pouring my heart into the institution of what I believed to be the word of God, only to be blindsided by individual beliefs. Having said that, I made a promise to myself NOT to get involved within another church until I test out the water BETTER before stepping in. Having been at WMC for the past 5 years, I have had the time and experience to actually witness their mission, familiarize with the congregation and see how everyone applies their skills and knowledge in so many great ways…ways I whole heartedly agree. Serving on the vestry has many aspects…I am an individual that is willing to try many various ideas or works that will improve or make WMC better. Social life activities along with education to all ages are a must we have to continue to build upon to enhance our attraction to the church and its mission. Difficult to answer….but one I learned many years ago is Proverbs 4:23…. “Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it” Learned that positive thinking to include God’s wisdom and truth in life will guide your actions, attitudes, beliefs, and directions to live a better and more purposeful godly life. Try to live by this….not always successful but I quickly have to return my thinking to the basis of God’s words! Retired RN after 46 years. I enjoy travel, golf, aiding my two adult children with their personal needs in life, festive family times and guiding family and friends in need of medical advice or direction to receive proper and adequate care.

I currently serve on Vestry in a one-year term and have two administrative roles at Washington Memorial Chapel: have been planning the Lay Rota each month for almost two years and I have been editing the service bulletins for over a year. In addition, I have been a Lay Eucharistic Minister at all four regular Masses, an Usher at all three regular weekend Masses, and have had several occasional roles in other services. I have recently become the Treasurer for Washington Memorial Heritage.

At two other Episcopal churches, I have been a Warden and Vestry member, an Usher, and a Choir member. I was Accounting Warden and Rector’s Warden at one of them, Treasurer and then Financial Administrator at the other. I taught the Catechism and I mentored Education for Ministries students a long time ago. I chaired a Discernment Committee (for recommending a new Rector) and served on several Ordination Discernment Committees.

I appreciate the reverence and orthodoxy of our worship, as a remnant of God’s people in an increasingly secular world. And I appreciate honoring our country’s founding and perhaps the greatest man in the world during the last millennium.

I would like to support the direction of Washington Memorial Chapel set by Father Tommy and Vestry, and would like to help from my experience, especially regarding governance processes.

I am retired from a career as a Human Resources executive. I’m husband to Donna, father of two adult children, and guardian of two canines.

Lori and I officially joined Washington Memorial Chapel in June 2011. Shortly after joining, I became involved in many committees, including the celebration of the French Alliance, serving as an Usher, helping with the Men's Service Guild (now the Men’s Ministry). Additionally, I am a member of the Property Committee and on the Board of Directors of the Washington Memorial Chapel’s Heritage.

In June 2013, I was nominated to serve on the Vestry, and served until 2016. In January 2019, I was asked to serve as the Rector’s Warden, serving until March 2021.

Since 1995, I have been very active in the Patriotic Order Sons of America (P.O.S. of A.), serving as Pennsylvania State President, National President, and currently as a National Trustee.

I retired in June 2023 after working for 18 years as Purchasing Department Supervisor for the County of Montgomery. Prior to that, I worked for 32 years for the United States Postal Service, most recently as the Postmaster of the Sassamansville Post Office. I try to help around the Chapel when needed and when time permits.

My wife and I are blessed to have three wonderful children (all who live in the local area) and six fantastic grandchildren.

Washington Memorial Chapel holds a place in American History as a monument to George Washington and the Troops who helped to save this Country.

I was honored to be asked to join the Vestry again. I look forward to working with Father Tommy Thompson and the Vestry to restore the campus and continue Rev. Burk's dream for Washington Memorial Chapel as the Nation’s Chapel.

My connection to Washington Memorial Chapel reaches back to childhood. I remember stopping here with my family during a visit to Valley Forge Park and being moved—even at that young age—by the light through the stained-glass windows and by the sense of reverence in the space. That early experience stayed with me. Years later, when I found myself seeking a quiet place to pray—particularly around the time of my mother’s passing—I returned to the Chapel almost instinctively. What I discovered was a community that is welcoming, grounded, and spiritually serious without being overwhelming. The Chapel felt familiar in the best possible way, and over time it became a true spiritual home where worship, beauty, and community come

together in a way I had not experienced since youth. Spirituality was woven into my life from the beginning. I grew up in an Episcopal school where daily chapel, sacred music, and the rhythm of the church year shaped my understanding of faith. The priests and teachers who guided us provided not only knowledge, but also a gentle, wise formation of beliefs and moral foundation. Because of that foundation, spirituality never felt like something I pursued—it felt like something that naturally held me. While my church attendance became less regular during college, law school, and the early years of raising a family, my sense of connection to the Episcopal tradition never left. I worshiped at St. Stephen’s in Providence and later more consistently at Washington National Cathedral. Still, I felt the absence of a parish community in my life. Following my mother’s death in 2013, I felt called to return more fully to the life of the Church. Rediscovering Washington Memorial Chapel during that time rekindled the familiarity, comfort, and depth I had known as a student. I have been a regular part of the Chapel’s worshiping community since then, grateful for the fellowship, stability and renewal it continues to offer. I am grateful for the Chapel’s ministry in my life—its worship, its hospitality, and its constancy. Feeling nourished by this community, I want to support its mission and help strengthen its future. I am particularly interested in areas of Vestry work that sustain the Chapel’s spiritual life and help foster a welcoming environment for newcomers and long-standing members alike. I hope to contribute steady, thoughtful service and to support the rector, clergy, and lay leaders in maintaining the health and vitality of this parish. Music and buildings and grounds are areas where I have some experience and interest. The Gospels speak to me most clearly through Christ’s example of compassion, humility, forgiveness, and steadfast love. His ministry reminds me that discipleship is rooted in how we treat others each day—with generosity, patience, and a willingness to listen. Scripture challenges me to look beyond myself and to recognize the image of God in those around me. It continually calls me back to a life of service, reconciliation, and gratitude. It reminds me to work harder to be kind, patient and faithful. I am an attorney practicing civil litigation. My work requires careful listening, balanced judgment, and the ability to approach complex issues with clarity and fairness. I have learned the value of collaboration, preparation and steady leadership—qualities I believe are also essential to healthy parish life and effective.

Johanna became a member of Washington Memorial Chapel in 2019. Since joining the chapel she has served by planning events on Parish life committee, regularly hosting Coffee Hour, participating in Advent Lessons and Carol annual event and livestreaming worship services during COVID.

Prior to joining, her family has been part of the wider Chapel community since the 90s. Her older sister, Lauren, was married at the Chapel in 2010 and frequently stopped in at the Cabin Shop after walking in the park.

Many parishioners are drawn to the chapel for its warm and welcoming spirit, and we should continue to build and strengthen our community outside weekly worship service.

Professionally, Johanna works in the Fashion industry in Product Development, Global Sourcing and Raw Material Development with teams around the world to execute the Designers’ and Merchants’ vision. She holds a B.S. cum laude in Fashion Design and Merchandising from Drexel University. In her free time she enjoys reading, learning ballroom dancing, and is training her rescue puppy, Kimi.

Joe and Chris were received by the Bishop at Washington Memorial Chapel in June of 2022, both being baptized in their infancy.  Joe is currently a lector and on the Alter Guild.  He believes that the chapel “Feels Like Home,” because of the people of the chapel.  The Lord saved our daughter when we were in our darkest time, and he wishes to continue to thank the Lord through service to his community and chapel.

 I believe the Gospel is how God has meant for us to live our lives and provides guidance on serving God and others.  I believe the others attend Mass as a result of bible based teachings through the homily and the works of the chapel.  It is not nor should ever be based on anything other than the Gospel.  The Chapels outreach includes the opportunities to speak to the hundreds of people that come to visit the Chapel and the grounds via the Valley Forge Park as well as outreach to the Veterans and others.

 Joseph Chew is married to Christine Chew for 22 years with two daughters ages 18 and 16, one which is special needs.  Joe has been involved in fire protection as an industrial firefighter as well as a volunteer firefighter for 36 and 42 years, respectively.  He was also an Emergency Medical Technician and a Hazardous Materials Technician for 34 years.  Joe is currently a fire protection consultant for heavy industry.   He has served as a fire chief, on the board of directors for a busy volunteer fire department outside of Camden NJ, is currently the Asst. Secretary for the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and serves as the Hazardous Materials Specialist for the Philadelphia Board of Fire Safety and Prevention.

I began attending WMC in 2015, when I was experiencing some personal and professional challenges. I knew WMC had a Saturday evening service, and I knew Roy Almquist personally from West Chester connections, so it worked well for me to attend on Saturdays. I found myself more and more drawn to the beautiful worship of the Episcopal Church that is focused on the sacrament, and I joined WMC in the fall of 2018. My parents raised my siblings and me in the Presbyterian Church where my mother was raised in Cranford, NJ. I was baptized and confirmed there, and was very active there during my formative teen years. I went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College, and a Master’s Degree in Music. For about forty years, I served as full-time Director of Music Ministry for three large congregations, one in the Midwest, one in the South, and most recently at First Presbyterian Church in West Chester, PA, where I served for twenty-five years. In each of those I developed a large choir ministry, and in West Chester I developed a fine arts series and headed the restoration/expansion of the pipe organ in the Sanctuary. Here at WMC, I enjoy serving on the Altar Guild, and I am training to be a docent. I am acquainted with church structures, and I know that committed, visionary leadership is important to any successful church. If I can contribute or assist at WMC, I am pleased to do so. You might get the impression from my work experience that my sole interest is in Worship and Music, but that would be limiting. I take Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, chapter 12, seriously, and I am interested in the many aspects that make a congregation whole. Spiritual formation, Bible study, education, financial discipline and support, outreach, community service, property maintenance – in balance, all are important, all are needed. I became very interested in the cemetery when my husband, Ken, served on the WMC vestry! I have had the privilege of working in churches for about forty years, and the blessings of being grounded in scripture and wrapped in the message of love and redemption in Christ are something I am thankful for every day. My daily prayers include asking for assistance in being the eyes, ears, feet and voice of Christ to those with whom I have contact. I have found a spiritual home in the rich traditions of the Anglican church, and I am grateful that WMC, under Tommy’s leadership, seeks to dig deeply into those traditions, and doesn’t spend a great deal of time pursuing frivolous fads for the church. In 2017 I was invited to take the reins of the day-to-day operations of the Organ Historical Society, which was moving its headquarters to Villanova, PA. After many years of full-time church work, the last 8 years have been an astonishing and delightful shift of focus for me. This month (December) marks another shift as I move to a part- time position at OHS, running the online OHS catalog. I am looking forward to having more time to make music at home playing piano and flute. I continue to sing with The Brandywine Singers, who present 3-4 concerts every season.

I have been attending WMC for about two years now and have enjoyed the adult education classes on Sunday mornings and the C. S. Lewis class/ discussions held on Wednesday evenings. I have also joined the prayer ministry at the chapel and have attended the initial meeting. The thing that I love most about the chapel is the reverence for the Eucharist and the wonderful music. Lessons and Carols for me were the highlight of the Advent season. The priests are excellent.

I am a cradle Episcopalian and have been involved in many things over the years. They include Alter guild, choir, Sunday School teacher, youth ministry leader and weekly head usher. I have been on the vestry in a large parish overseeing the prayer ministry, the parish nurse ministry, and the DOK. I have been a driver for feeding the homeless in Philadelphia. I have completed EFM, Freedom in Christ, and Cursillo.

My hope for this vestry position is overseeing adult education where we could explore the Bible and how it relates to us and the world around us. I would enjoy men’s and women’s gatherings and am open to all ideas for spiritual growth. We are blessed here at the chapel with wonderful folks, a beautiful church, and spectacular grounds. My prayer is for us to grow in “love and service” towards one another and to share in the living Word.

I just retired last year after being a nurse for 50 years. I was an ICU nurse, pediatric/ adult homecare nurse and most recently wound healing and hyperbaric medicine. I have been blessed beyond belief working with patients and their families.

On the home front I am married to wonderful man, Terry. I have four sons, three daughters-in-law, and four grand kids. I love them more than words can say!! I also have a naughty cat.

I ask for your prayers as we move forward in the next year.

Fellow members of Washington Memorial Chapel may know me from my regular attendance at 10 AM services on Sunday, singing in the alto section of the choir, participating in the docent tours program, volunteering for veterans’ cemetery events, or attending social events.

As a member of the Episcopal churches at Calvary - Conshohocken, Saint Dunstan’s - Blue Bell & Saint Thomas’ - Whitemarsh, I served as a nursery scheduler and volunteer, choir member & vestry member.

I value Washington Memorial Chapel’s Christ-centered focus on demonstrating faith in daily action. Washington Memorial Chapel gives us opportunities to serve and honor God, our beloved veterans, each other, and the surrounding community.

I agreed to serve on the Washington Memorial Chapel Vestry, to offer my skills developed from experience as a wife, mother, physicist, physician & department chair to promote our mission to glorify God in and through Jesus Christ, baptize, teach; & tell the story of the birth of our great nation.

Outside of my activities at Washington Memorial Chapel, I enjoy reading, hiking, weightlifting, kayaking & traveling to visit friends and family.

As a retired physician and emeritus chair of psychiatry, I volunteer my services to improve the holistic health of healthcare staff through the Proactive Support Team program that I founded at Abington Health System.