BIRGITTA PIAMONTE
My name is Birgitta Piamonte, and I am interested in filling a seat on the Christ Episcopal Church Vestry. I am a native of California, born and raised in Berkeley. My roots are strong in the Bay Area, where I enjoy the outdoors. Some of my favorite things to do are spending time in used bookstores, listening to live music, and a day of thrift store shopping. I joined Christ Church in 1992, while attending Cal Berkeley and living in Alameda. My then fiancé Czar began attending services with me on a regular basis and in 1994, we were married at Christ Church. We have three children. Julian 25, Mira 21 and Sophia 20. All three of our children attended Sunday school until 7th grade (when their traveling sports stepped in) and were baptized at the church. Some of our fondest memories as a family were attending Sunday evening “Faithful Families” and the annual Parish Retreats at The Bishops Ranch. I became immediately involved at the church, and was a Sunday school teacher for ten years, while also serving on Parish Life. I have volunteered in many ministries and have always found a passion for learning. I am a 2011 Education For Ministry (EfM) graduate and also co-mentored EfM for two years. In 2021, I decided to co-mentor a small group ministry, leading a group of 6 in our discussions of “The Church Cracked Open” by Stephanie Spellers. I have co-lead Women Who Wonder (WWW) for over 15 years and recently co-facilitated our 2021 annual parish retreat.
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, running, reading, working out and spending time with family and friends. If I am elected onto vestry, I will do my best to honor the position and take the time to analyze each issue brought forth, look at all sides of the issue, and make the best decisions for our entire parish and community. In addition, I hope to further discover my own faith journey, alongside my other vestry members, to lead our parish in 2022 and beyond.
LORETTA CHOPEY
Hello my name is Loretta Chopey and I am honored to be a candidate for CEC Vestry. I have been a member of Christ Church for over 10 years and previously served on the Vestry when Stephen was selected as our Rector.
I am a native Californian: born in LA, grew up in the Bay Area, went to LA for college, and then returned to the Bay Area where I’ve been ever since!
I have enjoyed participating in the Community Garden, Youth PM, Faithful Giving campaigns, Pastoral Care activities, Adult Spiritual Formation small groups, Parish and Women’s Retreats at the Bishop’s Ranch, Education for Ministry (EfM) and served a term as CEC’s treasurer. Christ Church provides so many opportunities for service, spiritual growth and fellowship and so I’m happy to be a part of it. If chosen to serve on the Vestry, I look forward to help guide our Parish intentionally and faithfully through the issues and challenges as they arise.
KEVEN MCCARTY
attending Christ Church for about eight years. We formally joined the membership in Fall 2014, with Pastor McHale baptizing our younger child that December. Factors that led us to Christ Church included the welcoming community, active children’s program, and enthusiasm of the church leadership and members to work for social justice in the spirit of Jesus’s ministry. I’m pleased to say that these are all just as present today or even more so.
I grew up in rural western Pennsylvania, but chose to attend college in southern California partly to escape the snow. My wife Jennifer Taggart, a Sacramento native, and I first met there. We married while I was back on the East Coast for graduate school. In fulfillment of my promise to her that we would return to California, after I received my physics degree in 2006, we moved to Oakland. Currently we live in Alameda, where I’m employed as a software developer, with our kids Freeman (12) and Vivian (7) and our demanding but affectionate cat Howie. I enjoy reading, looking at maps, walking about Alameda, hiking, road trips, and museums.
During 2016-17 I took an adult confirmation class through CEC, and this spring I will complete the four-year Education for Ministry program. I have been a member of the Finance Committee since summer 2020. Our family has enjoyed the church camping trips and retreats in recent years. The Christ Church community has become deeply meaningful to us, especially during these pandemic times. If chosen to be on Vestry, I will therefore do my best to act with great care and discernment in helping to make decisions on your behalf.
TERESA CONWAY
10 years ago, the People of Christ Church welcomed me with open arms, offering a multitude of ministries and opportunities. I found myself involved in reading groups, service ministries, planning committees, prayer practices and hiking. I’ve learned to listen, found my voice, and share views on core values that really matter. I look forward with gratitude every day, for the opportunity to serve and be in this thoughtful community where everyone is welcomed.