The Vestry

Sarah Churchill

Senior Warden

Eric Gedstad

Junior Warden

Katherine Dallos

Treasurer

Kristin Hertzig

Clerk

Charlie Quimby

Youth Representative

Lucy Jepsen

Youth Representative

Vicki Hughes

Class of 2024

Karen Hawkes

Class of 2026

Deborah Couture

Class of 2024

Judy Carbrey

Class of 2026

Brad Clark

Rector

Kate Turner

Class of 2024

Charles Moore

Class of 2026

Jennifer Clark

Class of 2025

Lillian Reilly

Class of 2025

Stephen Ventola

Class of 2025

The Vestry is comprised of those members of the parish who have been nominated and elected to serve a three-year term as part of the leadership and decision-making body of the parish. The membership of the Vestry is made up of young and old, newly arrived and long-time members, anyone who feels invested enough in the life and future of AMC to be willing to give of their time, talent and treasure to lead the parish forward.

The Vestry works closely with the Rector, through monthly meetings and an annual planning retreat, to direct wisely all the resources we have been given. We do so out of a desire to deepen our relationship to God (as a reality we each can know first-hand), enabling us to serve those in our lives from a place of vulnerability and compassion.

Deborah Couture, Class of 2024

I joined Ascension Memorial Church in the spring of 2017 when my daughter, Johanna, then 16 years old, chose to be baptized there. I was received when Johanna was confirmed in May of 2018.  I have enjoyed being a member of the AMC community, serving on the hospitality committee, assisting with outdoor gardens and grounds, and participating in special events. I have been a member of the Vestry since 2022.  I am a physical therapist and I coordinate clinical education for Rehabilitation Services for Addison Gilbert and Beverly Hospital.   My favorite activities are walking, hiking, and spending time with family in addition to enjoying the talents of visual and performing artists of all types. My passion lies in caring for the environment and people. I live in Gloucester with my husband Joe Porcaro. In addition To my daughter Johanna, I have a stepson Michael, and am a proud grandmother.  

Eric Gedstad, Junior Warden

I am a resident of Ipswich, having moved to town in 2020 after 22 years living in Brookline. My  wife Dana and I, and our Pekingese dog Pasha live out on Linebrook past Marini Farm but before Rt. 1 near Willowdale. Our son Tobin is a class of '23 grad from BU. We enjoy the many open spaces and activities of Ipswich and the North Shore, especially Willowdale State Forest, Appleton Farms, Bradley Palmer State Park and Crane Beach. Professionally, I'm the Director of Marketing for the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency where I have worked for 22 years. At Ascension, I am a regular participant in the Men's Group and coordinate the lawn care team. Though born into a Midwest, Scandinavian, Lutheran family, I became an east-coaster at age 10. I’m a graduate of Boston University's College of Communication. I was confirmed into the Episcopal Church later in life, in 2008. In my leisure time, I enjoy outdoor activities especially biking (road and mountain); hiking and trail running; reading; architecture; history and spiritual studies.

Sarah Cotton Churchill, Senior Warden

Born in Ipswich, Ma. in 1962. I lived in many places before returning in 1989 to start a business and raise two girls with my husband, Greg. I graduated from Emerson College in 1984 with a BFA. I am honored to serve on the vestry in this wonderful church community. We hope to grow and continue a strong youth program. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, quilting, cooking, and sailing.

Katherine M. Dallos, Treasurer

I am new to Ascension Memorial Church and to Ipswich, moving here in April 2022 after living and working in the Northern Virginia/Washington DC area for 27 years. I currently work remotely as CFO for a US Treasury Department Inspector General program. Before my IG position I worked for 25 years as Budget Officer for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the federal government’s “money factory”. Finding AMC and moving to Ipswich has been a joyful move for me. Recently widowed, I now live within a half mile from my daughter’s family. Getting to regularly attend my grandchildren’s (Ethan and Vivian Bodycombe) sporting events is awesome - I can’t think of a better way to softly transition into retirement.  

Vicki Hughes, Class of 2024 

I have been a member of AMC since I moved to Ipswich 12 years ago. I’ve lived all over the world, but I’m guessing that this is my last stop. Work-wise, I’m a freelancer in three defined areas: writing, education, and documentary filmmaking, plus a few odds and ends. I live just up the road from our parish and share my home and office with two cats (Sophie and Atticus), a squirrel (Grace), and a dog Gudrun - whom most of you know. At church I’m mentoring EFM, and working on spiritual exploration with our young people. I’m involved in some social justice, environmental, and sustainability issues in town.  I studied the Philosophy of Religion, English and History, at UVA (a long time ago in a galaxy far far away), and was in grad school in the first of these when I took a year off to teach. Forty two years later, I’m still on that gap year - learning way more than I teach.

Kristin Hertzig, Clerk

I have been a member of AMC since 2012 and have been on vestry since 2019 - serving as Vestry clerk since 2021.  I am a busy mother to 3 teenagers - Caroline, Charlie, and Lucy Jepsen. Over the years my kids and I have been involved with AMC’s Vestry, Sunday school program, acolyting, and for the past 3 years establishing and overseeing AMC’s Ipswich Youth Volunteer group. I taught Sunday school for several years when my kids were little as well.  I am a graduate of Duke University (1997) and hold a Masters degree from Simmons Graduate School of Social Work (2001).  I am first and foremost a mom and homemaker - but for the past decade have spent my day time hours running a dog care business which I enjoy very much. 

Kate Turner, Class of 2024

I joined AMC in 2015 and lives with my husband, Joel Barrett, in Rowley. Originally attracted to AMC by the magnificent C.B. Fisk pipe organ, I was quickly drawn in by the warmth and generous spirit of the AMC community and has served on the Altar Guild, Hospitality Committee, and as Junior Warden in 2021. I am a practicing attorney in the offshore wind industry, preceded by a long tenure as Senior Attorney at The Nature Conservancy. A native Bay Stater, I love gardening, photography, and travel, and am grateful for the opportunity to assist the Vestry in advancing AMC’s mission on the North Shore and beyond.

Jennifer Clark, Class of 2025

I have lived in Hamilton with my husband, Tim, for 35 years.  We are lucky enough to have children and grandchildren mere minutes away so, since retirement, we have been actively involved with their many activities, as well as our own.  We take advantage of the amazing North Shore with walks on the beach, and hikes through the marsh as well as pickle ball, golf and cross country skiing at Appleton Farms.  Life is good!!

Rev. Bradford Clark, Rector 

Grew up in New England at a healthy arm’s length away from institutional religion. Studied and explored European philosophies, Eastern wisdom traditions, and meditative practices throughout my life, all of which have helped me appreciate the depth and richness of the words and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth.