The Vestry is an elected group of nine members of the parish, who serve as spiritual leaders of the Church. These nine members reflect the diversity of Christ Church Cathedral, and possess a variety of talents and perspectives. Together, members of the Vestry or Parish Board manage the property and finances of our parish. They are dedicated to establishing Christ Church as a church for the city of Indianapolis.
Each Vestry member serves for a 3 year term with 1/3 of the members rolling off and new members joining each year. Below, in alphabetical order, are the six candidates for the 2021 election to the Vestry. Ballots will be mailed to each eligible elector along with a stamped return address. If you have not received your ballot in the mail by January 25th please contact the church at info@cccindy.org or 317-636-4577. In accordance with Parish Bylaws, returned ballots must be postmarked by January 31st and include electors name on the envelope to be counted.
You will also see below profiles for our candidates for Diocesan Convention Delegates. Each delegate serves a one year term. The Diocesan Convention is customarily held in October or November of each year.
Vestry Candidates
2021 Vestry Candidate Bios
Claudia Stevens Maddox
I am a life-long Episcopalian. I transferred my membership to Christ Church Cathedral about twenty years ago. I have worked in the diocese as a representative to the Indiana Interreligious Commission on Human Equality and on the Racial Reconciliation Task Force.
At the Cathedral I have served on the Adult Formation Committee, the Youth Formation Committee, and taught a joint Sunday School class for adults and teens. I am a member of Cathedral Women. I served as a member of the Vestry from 2011 until 2014. I currently serve as a lector and on the church’s Administrative Committee. I am a member of the Diocese of Indianapolis chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians where I serve as their treasurer. I am committed to the Episcopal Church, to Christ Church Cathedral, and to helping our new Dean and Rector move forward with our commitment to our congregation, our diocese, and the city of Indianapolis.
Jude A. Magers
I have been a member of Christ Church Cathedral for six wonderful and challenging years of ministry and look forward to remaining active in CCC ministries for many years to come. My involvement in the life of CCC has been grounded in my personal Christ-centered faith of love, mercy, and justice and is nourished by the welcoming, faith-filled relationships in the Cathedral community. I was a member of the Ministry Outreach Team for four years as co-chair with Steve Whaley as we responded to advocacy and the needs of immigrants, the homeless, food pantry ministries and other special needs. I have served on the Covenant Grant Committee for four years. I was invited three years ago into the CCC formation ministry of Education for Ministry (EfM) as a co-mentor with Marcia Gray and remain in that role today with Theresa Stinson. As the EfM administrative mentor, I have been deeply enriched by learning about the wealth of resources for continual spiritual formation available to the laity. Two years ago, I joined the CCC usher team, guided by the team’s leader, Terry Kirsten. I have decided to stand for election to the CCC Vestry because of my love for the CCC faith tradition, its “lived” mission and its strength in a Christ-centered community among its members. Its “lived” mission is my anchor: inclusive of all, advocacy and service to the most vulnerable, hospitality and the courageous desire to continually expand its work to envision a stronger faithfulness to the CCC mission. I feel called to further share my gifts and talents in this work through CCC Vestry leadership. Thank you for this humble opportunity to stand for Vestry election in 2021.
Jennifer Manterfield
I started attending Christ Church Cathedral in 2007 with my (now) husband Sean Manterfield, who has been a member of the choir since he was eight years old. We were married at Christ Church and have baptized our three children here. CCC is truly a second home to us. I am a member of Cathedral Women, serve on the CW board as vice president, and have been the chair and co-chair of the annual Strawberry Festival. For the last couple of years I have helped with children’s formation and in the past sang with the volunteer choir and spent some time in the Altar Guild. I’m happy to have these opportunities to serve and am eager for the day we can all be present in person again.
Maria Luisa Sanchez
I have been member of CCC since October 2001. I felt welcomed since the first time my family and I came. I have served in several ministries, including Altar Guild (Spanish and English), Search Committee for Music Director (after Dr. B retired), Children’s Formation, Outreach Ministry, Sunday Breakfast, Strawberry Festival, Adopt-a-Family, and Cathedral Woman. At the Latinx service, I served as a Lector and as a member of Acolyte Guild, Hispanic Choir, and now Coro Latinoamericano. During these years of serving God, I have learned to serve others, even outside of church. Throughout the years, my family and I have walked together through some changes, but we are convinced that these experiences have strengthened our faith and our hope that we can build a bridge between communities.
Ann Schulz
I joined Christ Church Cathedral in 1990. My daughters sang in the girls’ choir from ages nine and eleven until they graduated from high school. I have a bond with CCC that began long before I became a member. My parents were married here on Christmas Eve, 1943, even though they were not Episcopalians. I have been a Sunday school teacher, usher, board member of Cathedral Women, Carl’s helper in the kitchen, participated in Hats for Indy, and baked, served and worked as money runner at many Strawberry Festivals. Things I love about the Cathedral are worship services, music, the building itself, the diversity of the congregation, the oneness of our belief in God, and the camaraderie with parishioners, clergy, and staff during good and bad times. I look forward to the time when we can all be together again face to face with our new (not new to some of us) Dean and Rector, Gray Lesesne.
Matthew Stevenson
I have been attending Christ Church Cathedral regularly for thirteen years. My wife Alison and I were married here, and our three children – Zoey, Henry, and Cecily – were baptized here. Needless to say, this church holds a special place in my heart.
In my time at the Cathedral, I have been an acolyte, a Stephen Minister, chairman of the Library Board, and a mediocre breakfast chef. One thing I love most about our tradition at CCC is the strong understanding and purpose that comes from being part of the work that God has done, is doing, and continues to do through Jesus Christ. Our liturgies enact that story, and our various ministries take that story to the world. I am a public librarian in my hometown of Plainfield, where my family and I reside with our two lovable dogs.
Convention Delegate Candidates
2021 Convention Delegate Candidate Bios
Ellen Grayson
I joined the cathedral in 1995. Growing up I was a chorister in the choir for 11 years and a head chorister for many years. I have been a Godly play teacher as well as a volunteer with the youth group. I have been verging for the last six years. I am currently the Lead Youth Group Leader. Most recently I served on the search committee for our new Dean and Rector. I am currently in my senior year of college and will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. One of the many things I love about the Cathedral is the family that has been created in the parish. I know there is always someone I can talk to.
Andrea Hunley
Andrea Hunley is a member of the Christ Church Cathedral Vestry and Cathedral Women. She also served as the Search Committee Chair, helping to discern the call of the new Dean and Rector.
Andrea is passionate about education, community health, and issues of access and equity. Since 2012, she has served as the proud principal of an Indianapolis Public Schools elementary and middle school in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Prior to her career as a building administrator, she taught high school English and English as a New Language in one of the largest high schools in the state of Indiana (hablo un poco español, pero necesito practicar mas). She is a graduate of Hoosier Women Forward, a leadership program to develop women Democrats to run for office.
Andrea’s family was attracted to Christ Church Cathedral after one of her students invited her to attend a choir performance. Andrea was awestruck by the immediate familiarity; the service echoed her childhood church. She was able to see through the eyes of a child how welcoming, diverse, and servant-minded CCC is. Andrea now proudly calls CCC her church home.
Michael Landon
I grew up Presbyterian and was ordained in the PCUSA as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in 1992. I served churches in Illinois and Indiana, and as a hospice chaplain/bereavement coordinator until a health crisis caused me to go on disability. I have been a trained and practicing spiritual director for over 20 years. My first introduction to the Episcopal Church came in high school where I was a paid soloist. I remember being drawn into a deeper place of worship and the divine mystery of God’s love. As part of my on-going healing journey, I found Christ Church Cathedral over 3 years ago. I have been actively involved in the life of the congregation through worship, being a lector, participating in the catechumen program first as a participant and then as a table leader. I also served on a discernment committee for an individual discerning a call into the ministry. I am an active participant in the Centering Prayer group, the Human Needs outreach ministry and various Bible study offerings. Most recently I served as the chaplain for the Dean/Rector search committee.
Audrey McFarland
I transferred my membership from St. Philip’s to Christ Church Cathedral around 1983. Our two younger children were invited to participate in CCC’s very active youth group ministries. Our children wanted me to join them at the Cathedral. After transferred I stated very clearly, “I will not get involved in any ministries!” But a few months later, my wonderful involvement and leadership at the CCC began. I served two terms as President of CCC Women, as a greeter, a lay reader, a member of various committees, four years in Stephen Ministry, three years on the Vestry, and I am currently serving on Hats for Indy. I also served at the diocesan level with the ECW and was voted a Women of Vision facilitator for Province Five. I presented at conferences in Nigeria, China, and Central America. I was also a member of the Global Mission ministry. I especially love the fact that CCC has supported and provided, and continues to support and provide, spiritual leadership. CCC has helped me to grow as a Christian as I strive to serve God in CCC’s ministries and in ministries I undertake as an individual. Thank you very much for this opportunity to remember and reflect on my Christian journey.
Raquel Salvador
I am from Nicaragua. I moved to Indiana from California and have been here for ten years. I started coming to Christ Church Cathedral in 2013, and since then, CCC had become a special part of my life here in Indianapolis. I’ve been involved in many activities. I have been a member of Choro Hispanico since 2013. I have been a member of the Vestry and have also been on committees charged with searching for new priest and for music directors. I have loved helping at the Strawberry Festival. Right now I am in the second year of EFM. I love being part of CCC, and I am grateful for the support, spiritual guidance, and friends that I have made during all these years.
Alternate
MELISSA CHAVEZ
I’m 20 years old and have been been at Christ Church Cathedral for six years. I’ve been really involved with our 1 p.m. Spanish service, helping as an acolyte or welcoming people in as an usher. I’ve volunteered for our Strawberry Festival, our Joyful Noise summer camp, and more recently I served as a member of our Dean and Rector Search Committee. Because I’ve been involved in a variety of activities at CCC, I’ve met many people, which has become my favorite part of being here. I love the people at our church, and I can always count on them to make me smile.
Do you have questions?
Please email the Senior Warden (Tim Culbertson ), at seniorwarden@cccindy.org
or email the Junior Warden (Brad Ayers), at juniorwar