Leadership
The Rev. Charles Lane Cowen
The Rev. Charles Lane Cowen began serving at St. Andrew’s in July of 2023 having previously served a bilingual, multicultural parish in Wilmington, DE. He received an M.Div. from the Seminary of the Southwest in his home state of Texas in 2018 and was ordained in the Diocese of Rhode Island. Prior to ordination, Charles spent a decade working as a professional actor, director, puppet builder, storyteller, and musician in regional theatres across the country. Bringing his love of storytelling into his ministry, Charles has a passion for studying the Holy Scriptures and bringing their rich narratives and lessons into our daily lives.
Living into his belief that our worship transforms us and empowers us to live our faith in the world, Charles has volunteered extensively with organizations that work to end suicide. He has presented at conferences on Queer Theology and Suicide Prevention and firmly believes that every human being is made in the image of God and deserving of love and respect. He is proud that St. Andrew’s has a long history of welcoming rich and poor, native and immigrant, straight and queer, and everything in between.
Charles and his husband Mitchell love exploring nature and attending arts events. When not at church he can be found running, cooking, listening to Dolly Parton, and watching Star Wars.
Contact Charles at ccowen@standrewsnorfolk.org
Harper Bathel
Harper Bathel has worked for the Episcopal Church since 2003 and joined St. Andrew’s Staff in August of 2016. For the past nine years, she has served as the Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry. Harper has a passion for working with children, teens, and families and connecting them to God and growing their faith in Christ. She assists with the facilitation of all our Christian Formation offerings and loves connecting our students and parish family with caring for our neighbors. Harper also works for the wider Episcopal Church as a Conference Administrator for CREDO, a clergy wellness conference.
Harper grew up in Hampton, Virginia and earned her B.S. degree from Longwood University in Therapeutic Recreation. Harper and her husband, Brett, have two young children, a daughter and son, both of whom are full of energy! In her free time, she loves traveling, exploring our 50 states and the national parks, attending live music events, and connecting with family and friends.
Contact Harper at hbathel@standrewsnorfolk.org
Stephen G. Leist
Stephen Leist began serving St. Andrew’s in January 2015, having previously served as organist-choirmaster at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Versailles, Kentucky. Prior to that position, he served as interim organist-choirmaster at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington (KY) and St. Augustine’s Chapel on the campus of the University of Kentucky. He has over 50 years experience singing in choirs, beginning at the age of 9 at Christ Church, Greenville, South Carolina, under the direction of Robert Powell. Stephen holds degrees from Furman University, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Kentucky. Professional memberships include the American Guild of Organists, the Organ Historical Society, and the Association of Anglican Musicians. He has undertaken several choral residencies at English cathedrals and Westminster Abbey. Stephen divides his time as an academic librarian.
While overseeing the music program at St. Andrew’s, Stephen is directly responsible for playing the organ for services and directing the Parish Choir, which is open to anyone from teens on up. Choral music covers a wide range from the Tudor period to the present day. Participants in the music at St. Andrew’s are motivated to aspire to do their best in support of the liturgy as part of inspiring the worship of others. In August 2024, the Parish Choir was honored to be in residence at Bristol Cathedral in England, leading the cathedral services for an entire week, including Sunday.
Stephen and his wife Joanna, who is also a violist and Suzuki teacher, enjoy travelling, reading, and watching movies. They have two children and two grandchildren, and they share their home with Sophie, a hound mix rescued from Virginia Beach SPCA.
Contact Stephen at sleist@standrewsnorfolk.org
Richard Rigg
Although a native of Rhode Island, Richard Rigg has been living in the Tidewater area for over 50 years, having graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk. Richard’s love of music began at an early age while his family still lived in Rhode Island, and he continued his music education when his family moved to Virginia. He came to St. Andrew’s in 1985 while attending Old Dominion University. Richard earned his Bachelor of Music Education in 1988 and taught Orchestra and Harp for Norfolk Public Schools from 1988-2001, after which he began teaching Orchestra, Band, and Chorus in Virginia Beach Public Schools. He enjoys the great variety of musical experiences his diverse teaching assignments afford him. Richard has written and published numerous compositions and arrangements for middle and high school level music ensembles.
Richard is married to Christann, and they have 2 adult children, Michael and Mary, who also live in the Tidewater area.
As the Associate Director of Music, Richard sings in the choir and brings his love of diversity in music to St. Andrew’s through his leadership of three different active ensembles, the Children’s Choir; the Handbell Choir; and the Gospel Lights, a mixed ensemble which performs principally “Old Time” Gospel repertoire.
Contact Richard at rrigg@standrewsnorfolk.org
Allison Enedy
Bio coming soon.
Contact Allison at admin@standrewsnorfolk.org
JonMichel Sipes
JonMichel Sipes has been with St. Andrew’s since September of 2004 when he was hired to help care for the property as the church sexton. In February of 2022, JonMichel took on the Facilities Manager position. JonMichel can be found throughout the building attending to needs of the property, assisting with preparation for one of our many ministries, and working alongside vendors and contractors that care for our property.
Originally from Schenectady, New York, JonMichel moved to Virginia Beach in 1988, and is a graduate of Tallwood High School. Outside of work, JonMichel spends time with his niece and nephew, collects vinyl records, and listens to his favorite singer, Bruce Springsteen. He’s an avid gym goer and enjoys going to Pour Favor on his days off.
Contact JonMichel at jmspies@standrewsnorfolk.org
The Vestry of St. Andrew’s consists of confirmed members of our church elected at our Annual Meeting to work alongside the rector in discerning how God is calling us to be follow Jesus through our church’s many ministries. The vestry particularly does this through creating church policies and caring for our financial and physical assets. To contact a vestry member, you may reach out to the church office at admin@standrewsnorfolk.org
Officers of the Vestry
Karen Mitchell – Senior Warden
Phil Modisett – Junior Warden
Leslie Hipps – Register
Larry Brett – Treasurer
Vestry-at-Large
Nash Bilisoly
Tiffany Crawford
Donna Feld
Matt Frauenzimmer
Tayloe Gwathmey
Jerry Hines
Charlie Hinsch
Penny Lewis
Bruce Martin
Becky Ruffin