Pastoral & Support Staff
Michael grew up in New Jersey, where he lived for music, bagels, and the New York Yankees. After studying music at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, Michael studied at Redeemer Seminary, following a call into ministry along with his wife (also Rev.) Hannah. The two of them have three kids – Isaiah, David, and Esther – who keep their hearts (and their insurance deductibles) full!
Michael enjoys a good story in any format. He also loves gardening, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and he spontaneously sings opera around the house.
He was drawn back to the Lord through Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” As a pastor, Michael attempts to seek the “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11-13) of the Holy Spirit in all that he does.
Owen Fulghum grew up in Roswell, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. He ventured up to Kentucky for seminary at Asbury and down to Florida’s west coast before finally coming “home” to Waynesville, NC, in 1997. Owen is the founding pastor of The Vine, which began in 2002.
He’s married to Cheryl, his best friend. Their three children are now off on their own adventures, but they all still love cool nights by a fire together, coffee-on-the-porch, and traveling to enchanting places near and far.
Owen finds great joy in music, stories and art, puttering in his workshop, hiking, cooking for fun, and home-growing tomatoes. His scripture anchors are: John 14:6, 1 Col. 1:13-20, and Rev. 21:1-5. His confident hope? All shall be well.
Marisa grew up deep in the heart of Texas. Along with her husband, Ben, she lived in several cities in Texas before leaving their ranch to move to the mountains of North Carolina, where they now raise their three children.
As a homeschooling mom, Marisa is passionate about nurturing her children’s curiosity and love for learning. She also values creativity and adventure, often seeking out new experiences—whether hiking the trails, reading a thought-provoking book, or exploring fresh creative projects.
Marisa firmly believes that God’s truth is evident all around us. Her favorite verse, Psalm 19:1-2, captures this belief: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” She finds God’s presence and wisdom woven into the beauty of nature that surrounds her.
Amanda moved to the Waynesville area after studying music at Appalachian State University. Originally from eastern North Carolina, she discovered The Vine while she and her husband Daniel were looking for a liturgical church to call home.
Amanda enjoys frequenting local coffee shops with her husband or friends, as well as relaxing with a good book. She also finds joy in sharing inspirational words through writing, and while playing traditional tunes her Irish flute.
As a minister of music, her passion is to see every person engaged in worshiping God through every aspect of the liturgy (and life), whether singing to God, praying the words of a song, or connecting to God through His Word. A verse and song that sum up the prayer of her life: Psalm 19:14 and “Be Thou My Vision.”
Chris is the pastor of Kerith Retreat in Waynesville, as well as a full-time software engineer. Prior to moving to NC in 2021, he completed seminary at Asbury TS, served with his wife Claire as the directors of discipleship at an Anglican church in Virginia and was ordained as a priest in 2018. Here at The Vine, Chris assists in the worship service and occasionally leads small groups with Claire who is a spiritual director. The Andrews have 2 adult children and are now grandparents!
Chris loves a good book, running at Lake J, exploring new places, and a good cup of coffee.
Hannah grew up in the South but attended college in New Jersey, where she met her Yankee husband, Michael. They attended seminary together and served at two other churches before coming to The Vine. Hannah is passionate about inviting others to experience God’s welcome through the ministry of Word and Sacrament. She also writes about these things and is currently working on her first book!
Hannah is mom to three young children and is becoming a connoisseur of area playgrounds and parks. When time permits, she loves to travel, read, and eat cheese (in no particular order).
Vestry
As a part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA), our lay leadership team that was formerly called The Vine's “Elder Board” has become a "Vestry." The leaders on this team are representatively elected annually with a rotating three-year commitment.
Our Current Vestry Members:
- Claire Andrews
- Amy Grady
- Michael King (Rector)
- Dwayne Odvody (Sr. Steward)
- Chris Sequenzia
- Clark Williams
The term “vestry” derives from being “vested” with the authority of responsibility over the church. But whatever this varying lay leadership team has been called, they have always been prayerful, committed believers, and it has been a steadfast source of godly wisdom, direction and protection for The Vine.
This is something of an ordination into a particular leadership in two overarching ways:
- Overseeing the finances and property of the church as the legal representatives of The Vine Anglican Church.
- Collaborating with the Rector for big-picture discernment and direction. As a group, we try to discern what God is doing in our midst and walk in step with that (Exodus 13:21).
Our next Vestry election is Fall 2025.
We need you to notice lay leaders at The Vine and nominate them for consideration for our next Vestry election. Confidentially email Pastor Michael with your prayerful suggestions at any point.
We look for vestry candidates who have the following qualities:
- Confirmed Member of The Vine (or pursuing it).
- Active in worship and service.
- Leadership gift in one way or another.
- Lives a life practicing the gift of wisdom.
- Life is currently stable enough to allow it.
- Mature and committed to growing closer to Jesus.
- A non-anxious presence, especially when there is disagreement.
- Not staff, nor spouse of current vestry or staff.
- Giver of record (any amount) in past 12 months (or will become such).