To ensure that the people of St. James’ have the resources and support they need to further our ministries and live out the mission of the church, we are pleased to announce that Ms. Keith Nelsen Stroud joined us in the position of Director of Parish Operations. A resident of The Plains, she began her service here at St. James’ on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.

A graduate of Wilson College with a bachelor’s degree in English, Keith brings a strong background in non-profit management, as well as experience as a small-business owner.

Equally as important, she has been an active lay leader in her Episcopal church, serving as a vestry member and Lay Eucharistic Minister, leading stewardship and fellowship ministries, and teaching Sunday School.  Keith also has been a leader within the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, serving as chair of the Diocesan Committee on Stewardship and a Delegate to Council.

Keith’s main role at St. James’ is to align staff, systems, business practices, policies and key leadership teams with our church’s mission, so that pastoral care, worship, discipleship and outreach ministries are well supported administratively.

Reporting to the Rector, in collaboration with the Senior Warden, and working closely with the clergy team, Vestry, and ministry heads, Keith directs and oversees all parish support functions, including communications, information technology, hospitality, scheduling, buildings and grounds, and other essential areas.

Here is an excerpt from Keith’s letter accepting her call to St. James’:

It is with great excitement and anticipation that I have accepted Fr. John’s offer to become Director of Parish Operations at this active, engaged church.

I am a “cradle Episcopalian” and my life has centered around the church from the very beginning. I grew up outside of Philadelphia in Merion and then in Wayne, and attended The Church of St. Asaph in Bala Cynwyd. It was there that I was baptized and confirmed, and where I met (when we were 8 and 9 years old) and married my husband, Clif. We have been married for almost 25 years and have one son, David, age 13. We moved to Virginia 18 years ago and joined Grace Church in The Plains where Clif is a member of the Vestry and the organist for the 9:00 am service. Our son David is in the 8th grade at Wakefield School in The Plains and lives and breathes skateboarding, video games, guitar and drums.

My greatest joy is that I can now do that which I truly love – work for the church -- on a full time basis.

It is my hope and I believe, my call, to assist you, the parishioners, the vestry, staff and clergy to be the people, indeed the stewards, whom God intends us to be.

I hope you will stop by and introduce yourself to me.

I am thrilled to be here.

Blessings,

Keith