RectorThe Reverend David R. Williams
336-227-4251 ... davidrw@bellsouth.net
A native of Wheeling, West Virginia and lifelong Episcopalian, David Williams has served as Rector of the Church of the Holy Comforter since 1985. He has a B.S. in Economics from Roanoke College, Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, and experience in newspaper journalism and management.
David’s years as ordained priest since 1973 include parish ministry in Alexandria, VA., Cape Coral, FL, Winchester, VA., and Williamstown, WVA. As Dean of our Greensboro Diocesan Convocation, David has coordinated two Diocesan Conventions. He has led the Episcopal Diocese of NC in long-range planning, served on Diocesan Council (the vestry of the Diocese) and the board of The Summit, former Diocesan conference center.
Close to his heart is community work with Hospice and FEMA as well as shared ministries with other downtown clergy and churches. David serves as Convener of the Downtown Ministers in Burlington.David‘s involvement over the years in theological education includes supervision of seminary interns in our own parish and as an adjunct faculty member of Virginia Seminary. A trained mentor of Education for Ministry (EFM) groups through the University of the South, he has also coordinated and staffed Kanuga Bible and Christian Education conferences in Hendersonville, NC. Of particular interest is how our own spiritual life may be informed by the growth of Christianity in ancient Celtic worlds.
David’s wife of 31 years, Sarah, has a background in mental health education and counseling. Their youngest child, Christopher, is a sophomore at Carolina; Jeremy, wife Abra and baby Peter live in San Francisco; Lissa and husband Carl reside in Richmond; and Britton and wife Stephanie live in Raleigh.
The photographs mounted on the easel in the Rector’s office convey passions of family and parish life, gardening and roses, Christian pilgrimage and prayer--and the 35mm lens. Drop by, share your own story, or just give a call. We’re glad you are here.
Parish Office
336-227-4251
Clergy and Staff
Rector
The Reverend
David R. Williams
davidrw@bellsouth.net
Christian Formation
Director
Mrs. Kim Futrell
cedformation@bellsouth.net
Minister of Music
Mrs. Laurie J. Ryan
ljryan@bellsouth.net
Priest Associate
The Reverend
Ralph Macy
Rector Emeritus
The Reverend
Rod Reinecke
Lutheran Pastor
Associate
The Reverend
Robert G. Walker
Deacon
The Reverend Deacon
Bill Accles
Minister of Music
Emerita
Ms. Jeannette I. Hassell
Office Administrator
Mrs. Ginny Allison
holycomc@bellsouth.net
Parish Administrator
Mrs. Debbie Coker
chcfinance@bellsouth.net
Sexton
Mr. John Fitch
Please feel free to contact
any of the Holy Comforter
staff. We look forward to
knowing you.
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m.-12 and 1-5 p.m.
At all other times, you
may reach the Rector and
staff through voice mail
or e-mail. Emergency
phone numbers are
available through voice
mail, or you may leave
a message for the Rector
or any staff member.
Christian Formation DirectorMrs. Kim Futrell
336-227-4251 ... cedformation@bellsouth.net
As the Director of Christian Formation since 2006, Kim Futrell coordinates all Christian Education programs for children and adults at Holy Comforter.
Kim spent most of her youth in Baton Rouge, Louisiana after moving there at the age of 11 from Minnesota with her parents and two older brothers. From the age of six, she took piano lessons and developed a love of music, leading to her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Southeastern Louisiana University. Just out of college, Kim took a job at an Insurance Association where she discovered and was immediately drawn to the non-profit field.
After marrying Stephen Futrell and relocating to the Kansas City area where Stephen pursued his Doctorate degree at UMKC, Kim became the Program Coordinator for the non-profit Cancer Action, Inc. serving patients diagnosed with cancer. As well, she and her husband became active at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Lenexa, KS , becoming Youth Coordinators. Since moving to Burlington six years ago, Kim, Stephen, Director of Choral Activities at Elon University, and son Benjamin, eight years old, and daughter Madison, two years old, have found their home church at First United Methodist of Elon.Kim’s volunteer work with her home parish includes service as youth counselor, Circle Leader for the United Methodist Women “Son-shine Circle,” and teacher of the Senior High Sunday School Class. She also enjoys leading the music for Vacation Bible School and helping with Christmas Cheer. For three years and pursuant to her “call” to the non-profit arena, Kim worked at Elon Homes for Children as Administrative Assistant to the President.
Minister of MusicMrs. Laurie J. Ryan
336-227-4251 ... ljryan@bellsouth.net
Laurie J. Ryan, a native of Minnesota, spent sixteen years in St. Louis and the past ten years in Huntsville, Alabama before coming to Holy Comforter in June 2007. She has a B.A. in Music from Lawrence University, has done graduate study in musicology at the University of Illinois, and is an Associate with the American Guild of Organists. Laurie’s thirty year church music career includes not only the Episcopal tradition, but also Lutheran, United Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Unitarian, and Jewish.
Laurie has made frequent concert and recital appearances in the St. Louis area, including performances at Christ Church Cathedral. She has extensive experience working with vocalists, and has also taught piano in Huntsville, AL. As a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians, the American Guild of Organists, and the Royal School of Church Music, she enjoys participating in continuing education opportunities both in and out of the country to develop her skills as a musician.Laurie has been married to John Kemp for 25 years. They have two grown children. Melanie currently lives in Huntsville and Paul has just completed law school, will be married in August and plans to live in Virginia.
When she isn’t playing, singing, teaching or listening to music, Laurie’s other interests include travel, hiking, gardening, cooking, playing Scrabble and reading mysteries.
Parish Office
336-227-4251
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter, a parish of The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina
Copyright ©2007 The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter. All rights reserved.