Welcome, Rev. Johan O'Connell
The interim search committee and the Session have invited the Rev. Johan "Jock" O'Connell to be the full time interim pastor here at Southminster Presbyterian Church. Rev. O'Connell is a native of South Africa, and came to this presbytery 16 years ago to be pastor of the Byrd Presbyterian Church. He has had Interim Pastor Training, and will guide Southminster in its discernment process over the months ahead. His first Sunday will be July 31st. A letter was sent to the entire congregation with details, so watch your mailbox.
Meet Our Staff
Rev. Charlie Summers--Bridge Pastor
Rev. Charlie Summers will begin serving as Southminster’s part-time Bridge Pastor on March 14th until the session secures a full-time Interim Pastor. Rev. Charlie Summers is a retired Presbyterian minister. He has served churches in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, NC, and Richmond. He served as Chaplain at Davidson College, where the students dubbed him "Charlie Chaplain". For eight years he taught Bible at Queens College in Charlotte as a part of their adult evening classes. He was co-president for RISC for several years, and continues to be involved during retirement. He has served as interim pastor at Salisbury Church and Three Chopt in the Presbytery of the James
His hobbies include tennis, golf, and fly fishing. He and his wife Marsha will celebrate their 50th anniversary this summer. She is the CO-CEO of Coming to the Table-RVA. This non-profit seeks to promote racial healing through guided conversations. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. (They will be glad to show you pictures.)
Rev. Charlie Summers will begin serving as Southminster’s part-time Bridge Pastor on March 14th until the session secures a full-time Interim Pastor. Rev. Charlie Summers is a retired Presbyterian minister. He has served churches in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, NC, and Richmond. He served as Chaplain at Davidson College, where the students dubbed him "Charlie Chaplain". For eight years he taught Bible at Queens College in Charlotte as a part of their adult evening classes. He was co-president for RISC for several years, and continues to be involved during retirement. He has served as interim pastor at Salisbury Church and Three Chopt in the Presbytery of the James
His hobbies include tennis, golf, and fly fishing. He and his wife Marsha will celebrate their 50th anniversary this summer. She is the CO-CEO of Coming to the Table-RVA. This non-profit seeks to promote racial healing through guided conversations. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. (They will be glad to show you pictures.)
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Mary Bielen--Covenant Pastor for Faith Formation and Congregational Care
Mary Bielen, a candidate for ordination as a minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will join our staff on February 1st as our new Covenant Pastor for Faith Formation and Congregational Care. Mary comes to us from the Maumee Valley Presbytery where she has been serving as Pulpit Supply and as a member of their Committee on Ministry. Her work experience includes church educational ministry and chaplaincy. Her leisure time pursuits include reading, gardening and cooking new dishes. Mary and her husband Ken have lived in Bowling Green, OH for the past 33 years where they raised their three adult children. He is the author of five books on popular music. They are both looking forward to their relocation. |
Joni Ervine- Office Manager
Joni Ervine took over as Office Manager in March 2014. Prior to joining the Southminster staff, she spent several years in corporate real estate. She also served a five-year stint on the administrative staff of a synagogue.
Joni attended Hollins University, graduating in 1999 with a B.A. in History and a minor in Sociology. During her time at Hollins, she was active in the Religious Life Association and was a student manager at the Hollins Riding Center for three years.
Outside of work, Joni’s interests include creative writing, reading, and genealogy.
Joni Ervine took over as Office Manager in March 2014. Prior to joining the Southminster staff, she spent several years in corporate real estate. She also served a five-year stint on the administrative staff of a synagogue.
Joni attended Hollins University, graduating in 1999 with a B.A. in History and a minor in Sociology. During her time at Hollins, she was active in the Religious Life Association and was a student manager at the Hollins Riding Center for three years.
Outside of work, Joni’s interests include creative writing, reading, and genealogy.
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Kimberly Ryan - Director of Music
Kimberly has been teaching and performing in Richmond for over 15 years. She is the director of Vocal Music and Orchestra at Trinity Episcopal School, where she is building a new program that currently consists of 2 choirs and a chamber string orchestra. She also runs a Suzuki Violin and Viola studio in her home, with students ranging in age from 3 to 18. She served for 5 years as alto section leader at First Presbyterian Church, where she was also the director of Praise Kids, the kindergarten through 2nd grade children’s choir. A seasoned performer, Kimberly can frequently be found playing viola with professional ensembles around Richmond, including the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and her string quartet, Rosette. Her musical training started at a young age and continued at VCU where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education focusing on violin and voice, and then Cleveland Institute of Music, where she was a graduate student studying viola performance. She has a deep passion for music, teaching, and worship, and feels honored and excited to join the community at Southminster Presbyterian! In her free time, Kimberly loves practicing yoga, reading, and spending time with her niece and nephew. You can contact Kimberly at keliseryan@gmail.com. |
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Gabriella Ryan - Accompanist
Gabriella Ryan has her piano performance degree from the Chicago Conservatory, and brings with her over 30 years of teaching and church music experience. She is the current President of the Richmond Music Teachers Association, and teaches private piano lesson as well as lessons at St. Catherine’s School. In addition to her extensive music experience and expertise, Gabriella is a gifted chef and gardener. You can contact Gabriella at gryanmusic1@gmail.com. |