Leadership and Staff
Leadership at Immanuel starts with Jesus.
The leadership team of Immanuel includes clergy, lay staff, and an elected vestry. The entire team works with one focus in mind: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12)
Clergy
Father Travis loves Jesus, loves his wife and their four children, and loves the family that is Immanuel Anglican Church. (And he’s pretty fond of his family’s dog and cat as well.) Travis began serving this congregation as their rector in June 2020, grateful to share life together as we experience and express the truth of our name: Immanuel – “God with us for the sake of others.”
Texan by birth and a life-long follower of Jesus, Travis set his sights first on theatre, then on teaching, then stumbled into computer technology. To his surprise, the Lord called him to be a pastor, right about the same time he had his first encounters with liturgy and sacraments – an experience of the presence of God in a sung Compline service, and an experience of grace in the rite of Confession. Those drew him into the Anglican Way, leading him into studies at Trinity School for Ministry, ordination in Pittsburgh and Uganda, and service in theological education, cross-cultural mission, cheesemongery, and local churches. Fr. Travis and his family are grateful to be putting down roots in Woodbridge, VA, ready to grow with Immanuel, as the Kingdom of God grows here in Northern Virginia.
The Rev. Sallie Rathbone
Deacon
Sallie has been a member of Immanuel for over 20 years. She was ordained a Deacon in 2012. Outside of Immanuel, Sallie is active in Kairos Prison Ministry at a women’s prison in Southern Virginia. She recently retired as a Reading Specialist at Beville Middle School.
Vestry
Alan Clark, Senior Warden
Phil Westcott, Junior Warden
Barbara Finney, Registrar
Kent Avery
Jim Ewart
Karen Groat
John Morlu
Cheryl Timmons
George Wright
The Vestry is an elected body of lay leaders that provides oversight in the business affairs, activities, and property of the church; prays regularly for the church and its mission; and serves as a resource for godly counsel, biblical wisdom, and vision casting with the Rector.
The Vestry leadership is as follows: Alan Clark (Senior Warden), Phil Westcott (Junion Warden), Barbara Finney (Registrar), Kent Avery, James Ewart, Karen Groat, John Morlu, Cheryl Timmons, George Wright and Tyra Harpster (Treasurer). If you need to contact any member of the vestry, please email office@iachurch.org with your inquiry.
If you are interested in joining the vestry and would like to learn more about the election process, please click here.
Staff
Melissa Byers
Children's Minister
Melissa joined Immanuel’s staff as Children’s Minister in January 2017. Melissa and her family have been members of Immanuel since 2015. She lives in Woodbridge, VA with her husband of 10 years, Brian. They are blessed to have three young children: Lillian, Amanda and Owen.
Tyra Harpster
Parish Adminster & Secretary
Tyra, her husband Mike, and their family are long-time members of Immanuel. After retiring from a career in Accounting and Finance, Tyra joined the Immanuel staff in June, 2015.
Ann Witty
Worship & Choir Director
Ann has served as the Music Director and Choir Master at Immanuel for over twenty years. She has a passion to see God worshiped in the beauty of holiness.
Jordan Weymouth
Youth & Contemporary Worship
Jordan joined the staff of Immanuel in the spring of 2016. He is a graduate of Liberty University with a B.S. in Worship & Music Studies with an Emphasis on Songwriting. His main passions include evangelism, working with youth, and creating music for congregational worship. As Ministry Associate, Jordan is a member of our Music Team, our Minister to Youth, and coordinates our Media & Communications.
Meredyth Stirling
Organ & Keys
Educated here and abroad, Meredyth made her concert debut at 16. Many years later, she celebrates 35 years as our organist. Her “happy hour” is any Sunday morning, and she is equally at home with Mozart or good gospel music. She and her husband, Mike, enjoy theatrical production, golf, and working with young children.
Danny Cade
Office Assistant
Danny joined the church in 1986 and has served twice on the Vestry. While working with Fairfax County Government, he volunteered in the office printing and folding bulletins and newsletters. He has been an usher and with his wife, Alice, is a member of the Altar Guild. Danny also serves on our Sound Team. He has one daughter and four grandchildren.
