INSPIRE through Scripture & Worship

Fr. Henry McQueen has served St. John’s since 2016. Born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, his original course through life included an MBA as he worked in the corporate world and owned his own business before succumbing to God’s call and living into his true calling through ordination as a priest. He has served in the dioceses of Central Pennsylvania, Southern Virginia, and currently Washington DC. Now that their son is forging his own path in the world, He and Diane, his wife of 35 years, have been developing their patience, understanding, and a sense of humor through the demands of their fury ball of energy, Henley the English Springer Spaniel.

It was during his studies for his Masters of Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary that he and Mother Shivaun first met. It was also during this time that exposure to the richness of Anglican worship, and the universal welcome to the table, became an important part of the orthodox theology that guides him. The world-wide Anglican communion is diverse and strengthened by its differences; these same differences are evident, on a micro-scale, within each parish; and it is important that everyone is welcomed where they are, and made to feel that they matter.

Mo. Shivaun Wilkinson has served at St. John’s since 2019, and has worked closely with the church as the Chaplain for Northern Montgomery County since 2017. Although she was born on the East Coast and spent elementary school in Colorado, she identifies as a Californian, having lived 14 years between Orange County, Berkeley, and Palm Desert, CA. She and her husband Chris, and their four children, live near the church and take much joy and ownership in their larger involvement in the community and their children’s schools.

Prior to going to seminary at Virginia Theological Seminary, she had been serving children, youth and families both at a church in Palm Desert, and also for the larger San Diego Diocese as a founding member of the Diocesan Youth Council. Her passion lies in the language of faith, how we learn it, how we live it, and how we pass it on effectively in our discipleship. Much like learning a new language, St. John’s formation emphasizes how faith can be present 7 days a week, with offerings to enrich, support, and guide. Intergenerational and whole household formation and empowerment guide much of her planning and process from our Sunday Holy Households to our intergenerational, all-parish, evening Vacation Bible School.

Deacon Nancy Stockbridge arrived at St. John’s in September 2021 and had such a great time, she continues to serve after her ordination in 2022. After a long career supporting people to develop into their best selves in education, corporate organizations, and non-profit organizations, she is blessed beyond measure to have answered God’s call to the Diaconate. Her career started in Minnesnowta where her family still lives. She now lives in Kensington with her sweet dogger Tess. For fun and frolic, Deacon Nancy enjoys theater, her local family of choice, and family travel. Because continual learning is such a strong value for her, Deacon Nancy taps into her studies of Elementary Education, Human Resources Development and Pastoral Care, usually with a twinkle in her eye and a pun. 

Deacon Nancy is passionate about being God’s hands and feet in our world through outreach, joy, and our relationship with God.  She experiences St. John’s to be an inspiring and welcoming community that calls us to both worship and service. Prison ministry, migrant ministries, study, and contemplative practices are important parts of her faith. Her favorite Bible verse is Micah 6:8 that calls us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.

Cambria Van de Vaarst has served as the Music Minister at St. John’s since 2021. As a teenager, she was tricked into learning the organ by her piano teacher, and has been serving as a church musician ever since. After completing her Bachelor of Music in performance, she spent three years hiking, climbing, and traveling before returning to complete her Master of Music while working as the assistant music director at Westminster Presbyterian in Alexandria. As well as playing organ, Cambria maintains a robust performance schedule as a harpist throughout the area. Never thinking she’d be one to stay in one place, Cambria was quite surprised to have settled down in a house with her husband Brian, and has recently taken on the challenge of raising a sweet and mischievous Pembroke Welsh corgi, Zwei.

Cambria has a deep love of hymnody and the continuation and evolution of the tradition. She believes that music complements and adds richness to the rituals of worship. She also firmly believes that music is an act of community, and that everyone can learn to be a capable musician. She is passionate about helping musicians of all levels achieve greater confidence and ability as members of both the congregation and the various ensembles at St. John’s.