Clergy
The Rev. Duane Wiggin-Nettles, Rector (Pastor), has served in this role at Annunciation since 2014. He feels called to help create a welcoming and diverse church. His gifts lie in listening and helping people discern God's call in their lives and equip them to carry out that work through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. Duane is passionate about our local community and is always looking for ways to connect the congregation to the good work happening around us.
Prior to serving as Rector, Duane was Executive Director of Annunciation Mission, a non-profit established by Annunciation to respond to the damage caused after Hurricane Katrina. Annunciation housed over 17, 750 volunteers in a guesthouse on our campus who rebuilt 111 homes in Broadmoor and contributed approximately $13.5mil in volunteer labor to New Orleans families. In 2018, the guesthouse ministry was brought to a close in order to focus on serving the community in other ways.
Prior to serving as Rector, Duane was Executive Director of Annunciation Mission, a non-profit established by Annunciation to respond to the damage caused after Hurricane Katrina. Annunciation housed over 17, 750 volunteers in a guesthouse on our campus who rebuilt 111 homes in Broadmoor and contributed approximately $13.5mil in volunteer labor to New Orleans families. In 2018, the guesthouse ministry was brought to a close in order to focus on serving the community in other ways.
Lay Staff
Kyran Pittman, Discipleship & Evangelism Coordinator, comes to Annunciation from Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Little Rock, where she held a similar position. She brings a wealth of practical experience, and a ton of affection and enthusiasm for this parish which has so warmly welcomed her and her family into its loving fold.
Jessica Holl and Steven Kennedy, Music Directors, are a husband and wife team who have led the music at Annunciation for over ten years. Jessica has an amazing range of voice, leading us in everything from ancient hymns to spirituals. Steven is a classically trained guitarist who composes music professionally. When not leading at music, Jessica and Steven work locally in education.
Jessica Jackson, Parish Administrator, hails from North Carolina originally. Jessica attended Furman University (Go Paladins!) where she majored in Art History. Following her graduation, Jessica worked in higher education at Johnson and Wales University as well as the University of California. A frequent visitor to New Orleans, Jessica fell in love with the city and finally chose to settle here.
Charlotte Keenan, Godly Play Coordinator (Bio to come)
Miuna Nyx, Godly Play Assistant (bio to come)
Arthur & Kathy Escalante, Sexton, have served as volunteer staff at Annunciation since the early days following Katrina. They have been an invaluable part of Annunciation. They are always quick to assist, whether feeding folks, handing out winter coats, or helping to clean up after an event.
VestryMarcie Courtney, Senior Warden
Todd Gonczy, Junior Warden Pamela Merideth, Secretary Bates Whiteside, Treasurer Elizabeth Gruver Philip Howell *7th seat vacant Andrew Lapeyre, Assistant Treasurer (ex-officio) Michael Carbo, Chancellor (ex-officio) |
What is a Vestry?The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. The number of vestry members and the term of office varies from parish to parish. Vestry members are usually elected at the annual parish meeting. The presiding officer of the vestry is the rector. There are usually two wardens. The senior warden leads the parish between rectors and is a support person for the rector. The junior warden often has responsibility for church property and buildings. A treasurer and a secretary or clerk may be chosen. These officers may or may not be vestry members. The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church's mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances. from https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/vestry |