Debby Stokes-Wayne

Nominee for Lay Deputy to the 81st General Convention

Please describe your participation in the life of your congregation, the diocese, and the larger community.

I have been blessed to have found a parish and diocese where gifts are shared with each other as we continue to grow in the love of Jesus Christ. That love and support has given me the opportunity to strive in leadership capacities, such as vestry member, diocesan delegate, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Chancel Choir, Altar Guild, Lay Eucharistic Minister and Visitor and Lay Licensed Preacher.

In continued growth of God’s beloved community, I have been given the opportunity to share my passions on a diocesan level through leadership positions in such areas as Becoming the Beloved Community and Dismantling Racism Trainings, Deputy to General Convention and chair of the deputation, Lay Licensed Preacher and the Strategic Task Force within the Episcopal Preaching Foundation, Standing Committee, and Diocesan Council.

As a retiree (30 years as a Public Health Social Work Administrator in Maternal and Child Health, State Department of Health), my love for public service has continued through participating with social action organizations (Project Harmony, Columbus Zoo), and faith organizations (Bible Study Fellowship and Eastside Fellowship Ministry).

In summary, everything I do is fueled by my desire to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in building community and walking in the way of love.

Why do you feel God is calling you to serve in this position?

I feel that God is calling me to serve in this position as an opportunity to use my gifts of compassion, understanding of cultural/ethnic diversity, knowledge of health and social issues, a sense of humor and experience as deputy to past General Conventions. It has been a great joy to serve the church as Deputy to General Convention from the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

I have been humbled by your continued support. If elected as Deputy, I will continue to prayerfully represent this Diocese to the best of my ability. I love the work and I love this Church!!