As Trinity’s new Junior Warden, John Chapman brings both a long history with the cathedral and a passion for its future. In this Q&A, he reflects on what keeps him connected, what he’s learning in this new role, and what excites him most about Trinity’s next chapter.
Q: How long have you been part of the Trinity community, and what has kept you connected over the years?
A: I started attending Trinity in 2002, soon after September 11, 2001. Although I am a cradle Episcopalian, it had been some time since I had attended church. My wife, Ana, and I were looking for a church where we could have our son baptized, and Trinity seemed like a great fit for our family. I’ve been attending regularly ever since and have served in many roles over the years, including as a charter member of Cathedral Council, Sunday School teacher, Ministry Fair chair, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Congregational Life Mission Team member. However, I continue to be most connected to the people of Trinity. We are a diverse and faithful community!
Q: What are some of the responsibilities that fall to the Junior Warden?
A: I’m still learning about the role of Junior Warden. First and foremost, my responsibilities lie in filling in for the Senior Warden when she is unable to fulfill her duties for any reason. In addition, along with the Senior Warden, it is my responsibility to communicate with and offer advice to the Dean and to help set Vestry priorities and agendas. Finally, I chair the Cathedral Ministries Committee and serve on the Personnel Committee.
Q: What are some of the challenges or opportunities that come with caring for a historic cathedral campus?
A: I prefer to look at our challenges as opportunities. Obviously, the operation of our physical space is a challenge. Along with history and beauty comes a great deal of upkeep and expense. As a Vestry, we try hard to balance stewardship of our resources with the needs of our space and the needs of our Trinity community. Faith is at the center of all decisions we make.
Q: What have you learned about Trinity by serving on the Vestry that you might not have seen before?
A: I have learned a great deal in my short time on the Vestry. I now know more than I ever have that Trinity is an incredible place, full of incredibly faithful, giving people. Our greatest resource is our faith community: laity, clergy, and staff.
Q: Are there any projects or priorities you’re especially excited about in the coming year?
A: I’m very excited to see where we go with our capital projects, including the renovation of Cathedral Hall. I’m also excited to see how we continue to grow as a parish served by three priests. I’m looking forward to continuing to support the growth and flourishing of our many Cathedral ministries and circles and expanding opportunities for faith formation, evangelism, hospitality, congregational life, and social justice partnerships with our community.
Q: How has serving in leadership shaped the way you think about community or faith?
A: Serving in leadership reminds me of the great blessing it is to serve God and God’s people. Mark 10:43-45 reminds me of Jesus’ leadership: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”