Candidate Bios
The four candidates for Council are:
John Davis
John Davis is a history teacher and will finish his Masters in History in December. John and his husband, Riley, both grew up in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro, but recently escaped Texas and found refuge in the North Star State. At his previous parish in Dallas, John had a variety of ministries he was a part of, including Altar Guild, LGBT Ministry, Young Adults Ministry, and he led several groups of youth through their confirmations. Additionally, he served on the Vestry Nominations Committee and the Connections Committee, which served to connect longtime members who were not involved in any current ministries to those that met their interests. At Saint Mark's, John has helped lead Evening Prayer on Wednesdays, is a part of the LGBTQ+ ministry, lectors, and assists Linda Schelin in digitizing the cathedral archives. He has also helped lead Episcopal 101 and maintain Saint Mark's calendar on the cathedral website. As Saint Mark's traverses this transition period, John hopes to serve this community as it rediscovers what it means to be a Saint Markan.
Brandon Lorge
Hi I'm Brandon Lorge and I've been at Saint Mark's for over three years attending the early service. For those of you who don't know me, I'm an I.T. manager and when I'm not working I like to read, learn new things (I just graduated with my third Master's degree), work in my garden, and my partner and I rescue/foster Great Danes. I'm running for vestry so I can contribute my education and managerial skills for the good of the Saint Mark's community.
Mike Shepard
Mike became a member of Saint Mark’s earlier this year, soon after relocating to Minneapolis. During his professional career, Mike was a communication consultant for 35 years and he is excited about the opportunity to put his skills to work for Saint Mark’s in the area of stewardship. This important work includes effective outreach across our parish, building on our strengths as we navigate this transition period and clarifying and putting into action our vision as we look ahead as a faith community.
Rick Simon
In the 1990s I served three-years as the Senior Warden at a ‘traditional’ Anglican Catholic parish in St. Louis Park, MN. Working with a very active Vestry and during my leadership as Senior Warden our membership increased 18%. During my time there I was also the Senior Acolyte and trained other new acolytes. I also served as Crucifer, Thurifer, Cantor, Eucharistic Minister of the Chalice, and led Morning Prayer with homily on Sundays when the Priest was absent. During my time there I was studying to become a Transitional Deacon leading to ordination in the Priesthood. However, when I came out as a gay man in 1999 my studies were terminated by my Supervising Priest and Archbishop of the Anglican Church in America. Since joining Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in 2016 I have had the privilege and pleasure of serving as a Lector and Usher. I have participated in Wednesday night round table gatherings, Central and West Metro Area Gatherings, Pride related activities, and the LGBTQ group. I am also privileged to take photographs at Saint Mark’s for use of the church as they see appropriate.
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