Vestry Members
The Good Shepherd Vestry is the governing body of our Church. The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church's mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances. Vestry members are elected at the annual parish meeting. We hope you get to know each Vestry member and feel free to express your thoughts and opinions to them as we work together for the good of the church.
senior warden
JIM LEE WOLFE
I welcome the opportunity to be your new Senior Warden. Bev and I have been at Good Shepherd for the last 37 years and we have had the pleasure of serving with all four Priests that have been present at Good Shepherd. I have served on two Vestries at Good Shepherd, and I was Senior Warden with our original Priest, Father Art LeClair.
In the early 1970’s our family attended St. Timothy’s Church in downtown Littleton, and we were fortunate to help in the establishment of St. Gregory’s Church in southern Jefferson County. After our return to Colorado in 1985 we began attending Good Shepherd.
In my professional career, I was an engineer and manager in the Oil and Gas Industry for 31 years. I then sold property and casualty insurance for Farmers Insurance for 12 years, as I built my own company. I am now very happily retired and enjoy my opportunity to participate in church work at our Church, at the Regional level, and the Diocesan level.
Bev and I have been married for 53 years and we are blessed with two children and two grandchildren. Our two children were both adopted from Viet Nam. I welcome the opportunity to be your Senior Warden as we work together for the best interest of Good Shepherd.
Junior Warden
Marge Pegula
My name is Marge Pegula, I am age 69. I am the oldest of 3 children born to Michael and Anna Pegula of Jessup, PA. (Jessup is a small coal mining town in NE PA near Scranton.) Dad passed away 17 years ago, and mom is still alive at age 89. I have 2 sisters, both younger, married and both living in PA. My mom and dad taught me from an early age to respect my elders, do my best in whatever I was doing. Mom taught me to cook and bake. Dad taught me how to fix things. In fact, when it was time to remodel the house, I was my father’s apprentice. Thankfully so, as the skills I learned back then have come in handy during my adult life.
I am an artist, a crafter, and a musician. I am caring and thoughtful, resilient, and trustworthy. I am a Retired OB Gyn Nurse Practitioner. I served 16 years in the US Air Force. It was my goal to put a full 20 years in before retiring but I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus, and I was medically retired after 16 years of service. I am considered a Vietnam Era Veteran because I entered the service while the “conflict” was still going on. I cared for many of our troops who were injured in Vietnam. I had orders to Ho Chi Minh City back in the early 70’s to assist in the “BabyLift”. My orders were cancelled at the last minute and the nurse who was sent in my place was on the plane that was shot down, since then, I live with Survivors Remorse.
I grew up Byzantine Catholic and am proud to say I am fully recovered. I always believed in God, and that Jesus died to save me (us) from our sins. I stopped going to church for a while back in the 80’s. I just did not appreciate the churches, or the priests view on a variety of subjects. In the 1990’s while living in FL I worked for an AIDS Service Organization and was impressed by the support given by the Episcopal Church to those who were dying of AIDS. The church in Destin, FL even opened its doors to those of us in the LGBT community and allowed us to use their parish hall to hold fundraisers for the AIDS organization. We were welcomed to join the church and we were treated with respect.
I met my life-partner, Cindy in Alaska. We moved to Destin, FL. In 1989 where we were both drawn to the Episcopal Church and joined St, Andrews by the Sea where I served on the vestry and was Sr. Warden for several years. In 2011 Cindy and I moved to Colorado. Her son, Tom lived in Littleton, and he had a 1-year-old son who he needed help with.
We had gone to several churches in the area but just did not feel very welcome. One Saturday morning we were driving down Dry Creek Rd and Googled “welcoming /inclusive Episcopal churches.” Good Shepherd Episcopal Church of Centennial appeared just as we were driving past it. We took that as a sign and the next morning we walked through those big Red Doors and began to explore Good Shepherd. We enjoyed the morning service but fell in love with the 6pm Sunday Evening service. I began volunteering to cook for special functions, I painted walls downstairs, put in the baseboard, and helped with the flooring. A few years after we arrived in CO Cindy became ill. She passed away in 2015. We were together for 30 years. After her death, I stayed in Colorado because my church family is here along with my stepson Tom and grandson Jax who is soon to be 13.
I recently had to put down my 2 fur babies. Mookie and Napoleon a.k.a. the church dogs. They crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on July 1st. Putting them both down together was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I cannot begin to tell you how much I miss them and their “other mother.” (Happily, Marge recently adopted a new puppy named “Moose”).
And so, my life goes on, I volunteer here at Good Shepherd because I love this Church. I have a solid connection to the music ministry where I sing and play various instruments with the contemporary group. Connie finally got me singing with the traditional choir. I am a member of Martha’s, The Building and Grounds Committee, The Altar Guild, and the Technology Task Force. I am a lector and a Eucharistic Minister. Recently I co-chaired the 2022 Christmas Bazaar.
Many thanks to the greeters who welcomed Cindy and I to worship with you back in 2012. Good Shepherd has been my shelter in the storm, my safe haven!
class of 2023
ROBIN GEAR
(Two-year unexpired term)
My family and I joined Good Shepherd in 2018 after a lifetime in the Catholic church. We were instantly embraced by a warm and welcoming community which has been maintained when we went virtual through Covid and has become an important pillar in my family’s life. As we (hopefully!) begin to return to a more normal world, I am honored to be considered to be part of the vestry for Good Shepherd and support the mission of our parish.
By way of background, I was raised in the Dallas area, and before Good Shepperd, had spent my life in the Catholic church, including catholic high school and university. I married my husband Jonathan, who was raised in the Episcopal church, in 1997. We have lived in San Francisco, London, Connecticut, Austin, Boston and Denver. We love Colorado and have made it our home since 2011. We have two sons: William who is a Freshman at Lawrence University where he is pursuing a Trombone Music Performance major, and Nolan who is a Junior at Cherry Creek.
While I started my career in sales, since having kids and through our many moves, I have stayed at home and taken care of our kid’s full time and focused on my passion for volunteering for those in need. Recently I have volunteered for:
- Sacred Heart House, a shelter for women and children in downtown Denver- St Vincent House which provides short-term housing for patient and/or their family members receiving care at Craig, Swedish or Porter hospitals, where I serve as Treasurer on the board,
- Nourish Meals on Wheels, supporting our clients in the South Denver Metro area, including the neighborhoods around Good Shepherd, where I am a weekly driver, and serve on the board.
For the vestry, I would plan on bringing my experience in engaging with our broader community. Good Shepherd has been wonderful to me and my family. In a short time, and despite the virtual world caused by Covid, it has quickly become home for me and my family. I look forward to doing my part of continuing this culture, and sharing the goodness of Good Shepherd with our neighbors.
maryann panarelli
Mary Ann Panarelli received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Georgetown University, her masters in school psychology from George Mason University, and her doctorate in Special Education Leadership and Public Policy from George Washington University.
She retired from Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia in May 2019. Prior to her retirement she was a teacher, a school psychologist, and a central office administrator. As the director of Intervention and Prevention Services, she oversaw all prevention programs, restorative justice practices, psychology and social work services, and nontraditional school programs, which included alternative schools. Dr. Panarelli’s office developed the bullying prevention and intervention program, crisis response, threat assessment, and mental health protocols used in the 200 schools in the division. She was the primary liaison from the school system to human service agencies, police and courts in the county government, working for racial equity, and worked collaboratively with leaders of non-profits committed to preventing suicide in Fairfax County.
Church Experience:
Raised Catholic; became a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Reston, VA in 2006.
Vestry 2008-2011, Chair of Outreach Committee
Chalice Bearer - 2010 to 2019
Lay Eucharistic Visitor - 2011 to 2019
Lay Reader - 2007 to 2019
Became a member of Good Shepherd August 2019
LEM - 2019 to present
Lay Reader - 2019 to present
Active in Senior Singles, Hungry Flock, The Living Nativity
Andy Folkerth
Hello! I’m Andy Folkerth, and I look forward to serving Good Shepherd on its Vestry. I’m a lifelong Episcopalian and am a practicing real estate/finance lawyer with the firm Holland & Hart. I live in Greenwood Village with my wife, Kim Norton. I have two adult children, Lindsey and Connor, whom a number of you know from when they were younger and active in the Good Shepherd Youth Group.
I’ve been a member of Good Shepherd for 20 years and have been honored to serve in various roles over that time. I’ve been on the Vestry twice, and I currently serve on the Finance Committee, Stewardship Committee, and the Legacy Society. I’m active in the Men’s Group, and I serve as a Lector and a Eucharistic Minister. Over my lifetime prior to moving to Denver in 2002, I had served on four other Vestries, and I had the opportunity to start and grow a new Episcopal mission (now a parish) in a growing suburb of Columbus, Ohio. I also serve the Colorado Diocese on its Disciplinary Board. Further, I’m the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Iliff School of Theology.
Good Shepherd is a wonderfully supportive and welcoming place to grow, serve, and celebrate the love of God. But for us to continue to be that in the future, we need to make it known to others. I look forward to working with you all to grow our community.
Class of 2024
nan behringer
Most of you know me by my middle name of Nan. Born a Baptist, raised a Methodist, I became an Episcopalian when I married, following my husband into his church. After finishing school myself and his medical and post graduate training, I followed his Air Force career around the country, working full time and raising six children, as well as taking on three dependent elders.
I retired in 2008 and moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where I stayed until my husband’s death and where, for the first time in my life, I had the time and stability to become active in my church on a regular basis. At St. Columba of the Cove, I was a member, then leader, of the Altar Guild and served on the Vestry. When I moved to Colorado six years ago and joined the Good Shepherd family, it was natural to gravitate to the Altar Guild again, and I have stayed involved and active here ever since.
Professionally I have been a nurse all my adult life, starting as an OR nurse, becoming a supervisor, then working and teaching in almost every area of in-patient care while earning a degree in health-care administration. I finished my career as a night-shift administrator in two different locations before I retired.
My greatest professional fulfillment has always been in nurturing and developing new individuals and programs in areas of my interest, and especially seeing new nurses grow and learn to do and love the same things I did, and seeing new programs for both patients and coworkers thrive, and others benefit from them.
hugh cook
Hugh Cook (Wife Julie, Son Quenten) relocated to Aurora in July, 2020. The Cook family joined Good Shepherd from St. John Chrysostom in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Hugh is a retired aerospace engineer, having worked mainly in rockets, with a few interesting side jobs. A pilot by avocation, Hugh built and flies his own airplane. Ask him about it if you have lots of time to listen. A native Texan, Hugh has lived and worshipped in a lot of interesting places, including California, Virginia, Maryland, Texas, and now Colorado. He was born in Corpus Christi, TX, and baptized at Church of the Good Shepherd (!) there. He has served on two other vestries, and is still welcome back at those churches. He looks forward to serving Good Shepherd in whatever capacity he is called.
LINDA MESSER
When I was pre-school age, our neighbors took me with them to Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kearney, Nebraska. Even as a young child, I took pleasure in liturgy and services. I went to Sunday School, took part in the Christmas pageants and squirmed through services. Even though my family subsequently attended both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, my foundation remained Episcopal.
As an adult, I joined the Episcopal church in Flagstaff, Arizona, 54 years ago. Later, my husband, children and I attended Saint Bartholomew’s in Palmer, Alaska, where I served on the Vestry in the 1980’s. Later, we attended a mission church, Saint David’s, near home in Wasilla. At first, the members met in a Catholic Church, and then built a church building. Occasionally, in between meeting at the Catholic Church and building a new church, the Messer family room served as a sanctuary. Today, 40 years later, Saint Ann’s Academy, a small, private school, meets in an addition built onto the church.
At Good Shepherd, prayer groups, and the Monday Morning book group enlighten me. I participated in the Pumpkin Patch, and I wrote a section of the church history. For a brief while, I was a counter. I also answered the telephone, folded, and stuffed bulletins.
For nearly 20 years, I served as Team Leader on Altar Guild Team Four. I was the Altar Guild directrix for four years. One big accomplishment during those years was to form a committee to implement the writing of the Altar Guild Manual that describes, and has pictures to instruct, setting the altar each season of the church year: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost, as well as for the sacraments such as baptism. This invaluable reference took a committee nine months to write. Today, every Altar Guild member has a notebook for reference.
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church is the church of my heart. Members of the warm and affable congregation quickly became friends. Most importantly, I felt the presence and heard the voice of Jesus as I prayed. His spirit dwells within the church and within my heart.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado State University and a Masters of Education degree from Northern Arizona University. I am an accredited literacy teacher. In addition, I have accumulated a multitude of post-master’s university credits. I taught public school children and young adults on the primary, secondary, and community college levels for 40 years.
After a 50-year marriage, my husband, Dan, passed away in 2018. Our family held his memorial service at Good Shepherd. We have two adult daughters. The middle of June of 2021, my dog and I moved into the Village Cooperative of Centennial. I value my new home and the congenial community very much. As a member of the Social Committee I, along with a committee of volunteers, organized Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas Day brunch for those of us without other holiday plans.
class of 2025
J.C. Campos
My name is Juan Carlos Campos, but most people just call me JC. I am originally from Miami, Florida, but have been living in Colorado for just over 10 years. My parents were born in Cuba, so I am a first-generation American. I live in Centennial with my wife, Liz, and my two sons, Gabriel and Matthew. I am an attorney, engineer and computer nerd by education, training and experience.
I have been a member of the Good Shepherd Church for my ten years in Colorado, and have volunteered in many areas, including being the Treasurer for Good Shepherd some years ago. Currently, I am a lector and an usher (with my family). My preferred service for years was the 6 pm service, so most people who know me are the people who attended that service. My family and I were saddened when that service ceased to be offered. I used to be a Roman Catholic, until I discovered the Episcopal Church, which I find to be a better fit for me and my theology.
Pam Dominguez
I am happily retired from the corporate work force. Which doesn't mean that I sit around watching TV, screen time on my phone, or knitting all day.
I am married to Dave Dominguez. We have been married 42 years. We have two children, Melissa and Matthew. Melissa has a home in Casper, Wyoming with her two stepchildren, Katlin, and Colter. Matthew lives in Highlands Ranch with his wife Tamara, children Veah and Vyla. Dave and I are part-time daycare for the girls three days a week. Summertime brings lots of camping in our little camper "Gerdie," traveling to Casper for home improvements to Melissa's home, visiting family in Glenwood Springs, and spending time with my parents Dolores and Lawrence, married, 68 years.
I spent most of my younger life married to May D&F, Foley's, Macys, Pottery Barn, a Luxury car rental company, Go Rentals, and servicing private jets at Centennial Airport. As a manager at all the previous companies I devoted all my talents and energy to their success.
I grew up in the Missouri Synod Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Glenwood Springs, where I was confirmed and married! Dave and I took our young family to Our Father Lutheran Church for many years. After my favorite Pastor retired, I felt I needed a change. I saw the sign out front of Good Shepard noting an evening church service on Sunday night at 6 pm. Wow, for a retail girl, that was perfect, because I was always working on Sunday mornings. On one morning service I attended, the ushers gave out fresh homemade bread to visitors! That's all it took, bread and warm friendly parishioners, and this was my new home. In 2015 my daughter and wife were married at Good Shepherd, and in 2018 my granddaughter was baptized by Rev. Alwen Bledsoe in the Chapel.
Jesus and I meet up throughout the day with morning devotions with my Jesus and my Calling book, chatting and praying throughout the day. Night prayers of a grateful heart at bedtime with prayers for loved ones.
My hobbies include dreaming up home renovations and asking my 88-year-old father to head them up. I recently learned to knit. I love challenges! I would be happy to serve the congregation of Good Shephard in whatever way Jesus directs me.
Duanne Namaksy
I grew up in Montgomery, Alabama and attended the University of Alabama majoring in accounting. My business management career includes a pathology laboratory, an automobile dealership, and a large CPA firm.
Joe and I met and married when he was at Air Command and Staff College. We became Lutherans in 1974 when we married, and were very active in our home church in San Antonio, TX. In 1996, we bought a motor home and intended to tour the U.S. for a year or two. After 21+ years, we sold our last RV and settled in Lone Tree to be near our son and his family.
We found Good Shepherd in May 2018 and knew immediately that it was our new home church. We attended Fr. Gary's "Episcopal 101" class, and in June of 2019 we were received into the Episcopal Church by Bishop Kym at the Denver Cathedral. I have served on the Good Shepherd welcome committee, and have been a counter. Joe and I have been ushers and greeters, and I am on the Congregational Care Committee. I recently completed the Episcopal Church of Colorado Eucharistic Visitor training and look forward to taking Communion to parishioners unable to attend Church. We also enjoy being part of the Hungry Flock fellowship. Good Shepherd is a very important part of our lives. To paraphrase a comment from one of Fr. Gary's Christmas messages-----God's “marvelous light" keeps beckoning me forward.