In 1987, Barbara was invited to our church by a friend, Lynn Lewis. Barbara is very active in the church, serving on the Altar Guild, as Lay Eucharistic Minister, Sunday School teacher and, for the second time, on the Vestry. A retired school teacher, Barbara worked with dyslexic students and provided a loving home to emotionally disturbed children. In retirement, Barbara enjoys reading, gardening and connecting with a pod of women. She and her husband and fur baby retreat to the country from time to time for fishing and fun.
Dondi was invited to Emmanuel by friend, Paige Hanks. Dondi is an inspection manager for an engineering company that works for cities, municipalities and builders. Outside of work he enjoys fishing, motorcycles, making and building stuff, the last part makes him perfect as Emmanuel’s Junior Warden. Dondi particularly likes bible study at Emmanuel because he remembers some of the teachings from his childhood, but now as an adult, he understands it better and it means more to him. Dondi has two adult children.
Lucy moved to Lockhart as a young bride in 1973 and in 1976 decided she needed “to get back to church.” From the first time she walked into Emmanuel, she knew that she was home. Lucy has served as a Vestry member, Senior Warden under two Rectors, chair of the Search committee, Treasurer; Altar Guild chair, and perennial delegate or alternate to Diocesan Council. Lucy’s is the Branch Manager for Independence Title in Lockhart. “Emmanuel Episcopal is a vibrant beacon welcoming many diverse and interesting souls.”
Paige and her two children have attended Emmauel for over 25 years. It started when the Hanks rented the building next to the church from the church. Father Tom came by one day and asked if her kids would want to do some activities at the church. Once the kids started to attend, Paige of course joined them. She didn’t know much about the bible or biblical history, so over the years she has really enjoyed bible study and christian education, as much for the knowledge as for the communion with smart and funny people. “I learn every time I go to church; it’s the best part of my week.” Paige travels for her work as a registered nurse investigating issues for Medicare.
Kevin is inseparable from his family: his husband, Jaston, and their son, Song. The family was invited to church by Pat Allred in 2009. Kevin is a musicologist, guitarist, and Senior Lecturer at Texas State University. We are so fortunate to have him as a part of our Music Ministry that plays during Service. Kevin has served two terms on the Vestry. “From our first church service, our family was welcomed. Quickly, our family became active and proud members of Emmanuel's church family. We love the diversity that makes up Emmanuel's members and the Spiritual guidance we've received from Father Tom and now Mother Karen. Moving forward, we would like to see Emmanuel continue to embrace diversity and inclusion.
Melody and her two children, Izzy and Mariah, started attending Emmanuel in 2016. They attended off and on for a while; and then, when Melodie’s mother died, life became hard, so she (and her family) got more involved. The people at Emmanuel were warming and opened their arms. Her aunt and uncle and a bunch of cousins, nieces and nephews also attend Emmanuel. Outside of church, Melodie is engaged in her children’s life, in PTO and Girl Scouts (think cookies!) etc. She also assists an elderly friend and volunteers with the Victim Assistance Team in Lockhart.
Ismael Ramirez or Izzy, as he likes to be called, has been a member of Emmanuel for the past 4 years. He has been on the Vestry since 2021. Issy is a Eucharistic Lay Minister, and before that, he was an Acolyte. He attends church with his mom (Melody Ramirez), sister (Mariah Flores), and great aunt and uncle, Angie and Tony Ramirez. Izzy graduated from Lockhart High School in 2021 and is attending Texas State in San Marco while continuing to live at home. He is studying business administration. Izzy works at HEB. He also loves acting and is involved with the Baker Gaslight Theater in the improv troupe and acting in plays whenever he can. “The church has given me a lot of opportunities to meet unique and different people with lots of stories to tell. Everyone is very caring to strangers. It’s cool being the youngest person on the Vestry board. I can bring a different perspective.”
Susan Stull joined the church in 2007, the year after moving to Lockhart. She is from England and grew up in the Church of England, so Episcopal Church is like being home for her. She joined the Vestry in 2021, and is a Lector and member of the Altar Guild. Her son, Nathan, is also a member of Emmanuel. (Her husband attends a church in Austin.) Susan is an RN/Health Supervisor at the hospital in Luling. The best thing about Emmanuel is the community and the care they have for each other.