Bishop Names Interim Missioner for Young Adults

by | Jul 21, 2016

The Rev. Elizabeth Bonforte Gardner will become interim missioner for young adults on August 8, succeeding Jason Evans, who is leaving the diocese to join the bishop’s staff in the Diocese of Texas.

“I am grateful that Elizabeth accepted our invitation to serve at this important time,” said Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. “Young adult and campus ministries are vital to the life of our church, and she will help ensure that the collaborative work accomplished under Jason’s leadership will continue as we discern next steps. I am also grateful for the ministry of Epiphany Church, DC, where Elizabeth has served as interim rector for the past year.”

 

In her new role, Gardner will work with campus ministries and parish-based young adultgroups throughout the diocese. In addition, she will help discern a strategy for the diocese’s work withyoung adults that will inform the hiring of a permanent missioner next spring.

 

“Rarely do we get the chance to work directly with those whom we admire,” Gardner said. “I am so excited to be a part of the EDOW team and work with the dedicated chaplains spreading God’s love at universities across the diocese. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

 

Gardner received her Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2013 and was previously associate rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in McLean, Virginia. Before entering the seminary, she worked as a political consultant, a HazMat trainer and a buyer for Nordstrom’s.