Diane Niford
Class of 2021
Diane brings experience as a fiduciary while working in the retirement industry as a registered nursing home administrator, and later, as a financial advisor. She has been an active congregant for 50 years in 8 churches and has a positive and caring attitude, belief in serving all God’s children, and actively assisting her church family in its worship/missions/goals.
Gifts: Faith in God, Optimism, Love for People
Cheryl Sharpe
Class of 2021
Cheryl has been a member of Good Shepherd since 1983. She was married to her husband Brian at Good Shepherd in 1985 and has been active in many areas including: four Vestries, Jr. Warden and Sr. Warden multiple times, Endowment Fund Board Chair and Vice Chair, convention delegate, Christian Formation liaison and Prayer Team.
Gifts: Desire to Serve, Leader, Community Involvement
Iris Brookins
Class of 2021
Iris believes the greatest strengths of this congregation are Love, Love, Love. Love of God, Love for each other, and Love of ourselves. She believes in sharing more of this love with each other, with the community, and with ministries abroad. Iris's background, which includes seminary studies, human resources staffing, and business ownership, is a great addition to our leadership lineup.
Gifts: Empathy, Organizational Skills, Faith
Phil Beauchamp
Sr. Warden, Class of 2022
Having filled the roles of Treasurer, Vestry member, Jr. Warden, Endowment Chair, and Choir member, at previous churches, Phil readily recognizes the importance of lay leadership and joined both the Peace Park task force and our team of ushers within his first year at the church. We are fortunate Phil feels "God is present" at Good Shepherd and that he feels called to serve our congregation.
Gifts: Faith, Family, Loyalty
Robyn Harker
Class of 2022
After Robyn visited Good Shepherd one Easter, "The service I attended was so uplifting that when I moved to Florida I chose to become a member." When she made the move from the Diocese of New Jersey, she brought with her experience in many leadership roles, including Vestry. Robyn particularly enjoys the fellowship that comes with working together to serve a common goal.
Gifts: Organized, Patient, and Honest
John Russotto
Class of 2022
Officially a member as of 2015, John was first drawn to Good Shepherd because "All Are Welcome is not just a catchy phrase at COGS; rather it is a lived experience. There are no exceptions." With a core focus on servanthood, he has been part of the church's homebound ministry, furniture thrift shop team, the parking ministry, the pumpkin patch, Shepherd’s Village, Surveying the Meadow, Walking the Mourner’s Path, and now the Vestry. Combined, John has multiple, advanced degrees and fifty years of diverse service in clinical social work focusing on mental health.
Gifts: Call to Service, Empathy, and Disciplined Organizational Skills
Dan Depies
Jr. Warden, Class of 2023
“I found I greatly enjoy(ed) all the volunteer work,” says Dan.
“It was an opportunity to get to know and work with other church members and provided personal satisfaction that we did things that either directly or indirectly helped others.” As a realtor Dan played a major role in the acquisition of Sunshine Plaza and is guiding us to determine the highest and best use of Peace Park.
Gifts: Organized, Problem Solver, Common Sense
London Bates
Class of 2023
London believes, "one of the greatest strengths of COGS is in its members... The members are incredibly welcoming to other members, guests and new members and create a beautiful environment to worship with one another." She brings to the vestry her background in finance and law as a local, practicing attorney for 20 years.
Gifts: Community Involvement, Consideration for Others, Active Listening
Judy Warner
Class of 2023
Judy strongly believes, "we are called as Christians to use our time, talent and treasure." As a COGS member for 23 years (as of 2020), she has participated in ministries ranging from welcoming committees, financial and stewardship teams, previous vestry terms, service as Sr Warden for 3 years for Pastor Becky, and personnel management, to both the choir and bell choir, as well as reading as a lector during Sunday services.
Gifts: Organizational Skills, Communicator, Leader
Respecting All