Clergy and Staff
The Reverend Charles R. Cowherd – Rector
JOB DESCRIPTION: Charles serves as St. Timothy’s liturgical leader on Sundays and leads the administrative tasks of the church during the week. He helps coordinate with the ministry heads and the church staff to fulfill God’s mission here in Herndon. He is usually in the office Tuesday through Friday and is available for pastoral care via phone-call or by appointment.
BIOGRAPHY: Charles came to St. Timothy’s in April 2022 after serving as Associate Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, VA. He graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2018 after a rewarding decade-long career as a high school history teacher in Virginia and Louisiana. He grew up at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Culpeper, VA while also having rich faith experiences at Shrine Mont, the Diocese of Virginia ’s Camp and Conference Center. Charles and his family live in Herndon and are excited to be at St. Timothy’s!
Favorite Bible Verse: 1st Corinthians 12.12-27. ‘The Body Passage’ is the foundational text for St. George’s Camp at Shrine Mont. Paul’s message of unity and diversity within the Body of Christ serves as a model for all Christian communities.
Favorite Hymn: Hymn #661 ‘They Cast their Nets in Galilee’ was written by William Alexander Percy, the Southern poet and memoirist. Set to the haunting tune ‘Georgetown’, the four short verses provide a stunning image of the joys and perils of Christian discipleship.
Fun Fact: Like the poet George Gordon Byron and the soccer star Mia Hamm, Charles was born with club feet and had casts on both feet for the first few months of his life!
The Reverend Mario Meléndez – Associate Rector
JOB DESCRIPTION: “Padre” Mario serves the Latino/x and Spanish-speaking community at St. Timothy’s. He also offers himself as a bridge between the Spanish and English-speaking communities. He serves the Rector as a collegial partner in the development and service of the parish and as a co-worker with lay leadership.
BIOGRAPHY: Mario was born and raised in Puerto Rico and has lived on the mainland for many years. He came to St. Timothy’s in April 2024 after serving as Episcopal co-pastor at the Church of the Holy Apostles in Virginia Beach. Holy Apostles is the only Episcopal and Roman Catholic parish fully recognized by the Episcopal Church and the Roman Catholic Church. He also served as chaplain for the Latino/x community in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. He graduated from Boston University School of Theology. He was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada, serving as priest-in-charge in the Parish of Cox’s Cove/McIvers, Diocese of Western Newfoundland. He is married to Catherine Wallace de Melendez, a pediatric nurse with Children’s National Medical Center in Fairfax. They have an almost 2 1/2-year-old son named Thomas and a 5-year-old Cardigan Welsh corgi named Ripley. They are very excited about being part of Saint Timothy’s family.
Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 11:28 Jesus offers himself as the way to true freedom, and we must continue to reevaluate the relation (as one preacher put it) between “faith and human existence, between faith and social reality, between faith and political action, or, in other words, between the Kingdom of God and the building up of the world.”
Favorite Hymn: In English, hymn #488, Be Thou My Vision is one of my favorites. In Spanish, I have always liked Santa María del Camino. In the chorus of the English version, we sing, “Come with us, Mary, as we walk!” The following verse is powerful: “Even if someone tells you that nothing can change, fight for a new world, fight for the truth.”
Fun Fact: Mario still remembers one of the first tunes he learned to play on his guitar many years ago: “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas. Mario’s first guitar teacher was a classical guitar player who loved both Classical and Rock music. “Dust in the Wind” worked as a type of etude for learning fingerstyle technique.
Todd Grivetti – Organist/Choirmaster
JOB DESCRIPTION: Todd works part-time at St. Tim’s and his duties include: choosing the hymns with Charles for Sunday worship, preparing the adult choir for the offertory anthem, and playing a prelude and postlude each Sunday. In addition, Todd prepares special music, instrumentalists, and guest vocalists for festival services throughout the church year. Todd oversees the entire music ministry and looks forward to collaboration with future handbell and children’s choirs.
BIOGRAPHY: Todd grew up Southern Baptist and has had experience playing for and planning worship in nearly every mainline denomination. Todd graduated (2007) from the Conservatory of Shenandoah University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree with emphasis in choral/general music and certification in church music and organ performance. Todd then received his Master of Music Education degree with emphasis in choral conducting from Florida State University in 2017. He has been teaching elementary general music in Loudoun County Public Schools for 16 years and at Horizon Elementary in Sterling since 2010. Todd proudly married the supportive and doting Geoffrey Bloomfield in October 2022. They recently bought their first home in Reston where they reside with their 2 cats.
Favorite Bible Verse: I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6.
Growing up, I had a lot of Bible verses thrown my way, but this one always stuck with me especially when I got to sing these words set to music in church during high school. I was always getting into trouble in school and just look at me now. I’m a perfectly normal functioning adult in society, right?! Music really helped me find my way and settle down to focus. I also remember this scripture verse often while I’m teaching and frustrated with a student. I’ll often see students later in their lives and it’s so fruitful to see what they’ve become! God works wonders…all in God’s time.
Favorite Hymn: I have many favorites. I’ll share 3 that always choke me up:
1) “Take my life and let it be.” (#707) My favorite verse is: Take my voice, and let me sing, always only for my King; take my intellect, and use every power thou shalt choose.
2) “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.”
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in his wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.
3) “In the Bleak Midwinter.” (#112) My favorite verse is at the end: What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him give him my heart. Just wow. In my mind, that’s what it’s all about!
Fun Fact: Todd grew up on a small 12-acre farm just east of Richmond, VA. His father bought him a wild pony when he was in kindergarten and he helped tame her (Bitsy) and they become like best buddies. Todd was kicked in the head by a very mean, old, Palomino when he was 9. He required seven stitches just above his left eye and immediately to the right of his temple. Doctors said he was lucky, but his parents said it was God.
Allyson Showalter, Director of St. Timothy’s Preschool
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Preschool Director is responsible for the oversight and/or performance of all functions associated with the St. Timothy’s Preschool to ensure that its operation is in accordance with the St. Timothy’s Preschool Bylaws and the Commonwealth of Virginia Licensing Standards. Duties include the day-to-day operation of the Preschool, hiring of all staff (subject to final approval by the Rector), maintaining a sound financial program, recruitment of students, publicity, purchase of materials, record keeping, contracts with clients and collection of fees.
BIOGRAPHY: Allyson has been a member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church since the fall of 1991 and has had several careers over the years. She graduated from William and Mary with as a Computer Science major (with a minor in Religion to prove that she had a well-rounded education) and started her first career in information systems and computer network security. Her next career was stay-at-home mom, which included being a perpetual volunteer: teaching Sunday School for a year, volunteering in her children’s classrooms, being a Girl Scout Leader, working with the Boy Scouts, helping with choir and band activities. Along the way she started substitute teaching for FCPS (focusing mostly on preschool) and St. Timothy’s Pre-School. That led to the next career: St. Timothy’ assistant teacher, then lead teacher, and now director.
Favorite Bible Verse (and why): The 23rd Psalm. I have had it memorized from childhood, and it gives a message of comfort and hope that “restoreth my soul.”
Favorite Hymn (and why): “Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy…” (#482) I love how the hymn celebrates the different aspects of God (Lord of all joy, faith, grace, and calm) and asks for specific gifts (bliss, strength, love, and peace) at the different times of the day. It is a wonderful prayer, a pretty tune, and I loved singing it to my children when they were younger.
Fun Fact: Church is a large part of my family tradition. My uncle and grandfather were ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), my other grandfather was a publisher of the Presbyterian Outlook and general manager of the Outlook book service, and my brother is an Episcopal Priest. Most of the rest of my relatives are active laity in their own churches, continuing the tradition.
Deb Stolar, Parish Administrator
JOB DESCRIPTION: Deb works Monday through Thursday at the church, assisting all those in need for people entering the church. She create the weekly service bulletins, ENews, and updates the St. Timothy’s website and Facebook page. Deb manage the phones, church calendar, office supplies, financial invoices and document retention. She works with groups, inside and outside the church, in hosting their events at the church.
BIOGRAPHY: I am a native of New York, having moved less than 2 years ago to Virginia, and am a lifelong Lutheran. My husband is retired Air Force and currently serves as a member of the Secret Service. I have one son, who lives in Syracuse New York, and is a dual status Airforce Guardsman aircraft mechanic, currently working on remote piloted aircraft. I hold a degree in business administration and paralegal. I enjoy movies, board games, sports, and am an avid equestrian.
Favorite Bible Verse (and why): Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse brings peace to me knowing that God is in control of ALL things, even when we don’t understand them and that he is always with us, guiding us along life’s ups and downs. It is good to know that someone has your back.
Favorite Hymn (and why): “I know that my Redeemer Lives.” It is just such a beautiful piece of music to sing and fills me with such joy when the church sings it together. It fills my soul with gladness that Jesus is my savior and friend, with me throughout this life and eternity.
Fun Fact: I was the county’s MVP for 2 years in Basketball when I was in high school and played in the men’s league until we moved. I love sports
Deb Angerman, Bookkeeper
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Deb runs all things financial at St. Timothy’s She works with our Church Windows system, oversees input of weekly deposits, expenses, and check issuance, and helps the treasurer prepare monthly financial statements for St. Timothy’s Finance Committee and Vestry as needed and as requested by the Rector. She manages the church’s health insurance and pension plan and keep employee information in the payroll service up to date. She also collaborates with other staff and volunteers for the input of financial records and membership information into the church database. Deb assists the parish administrator in data entry of annual pledges and prepares pledge reports as requested. She prepares mid-year and annual giving statements for members and assists the lay and clergy leaders with creating financial projections. Support Treasurer in preparing the annual parish budget.
BIOGRAPHY: Deb is a Certified Lay Servant in the United Methodist Church. She spent 14 years working with youth and young adults in a local church and district setting. She is also the founder of ‘Debbits & Credits Bookkeeping Service’ and serves as the Parish Finance Administrator for two Episcopal churches in Northern VA.
Favorite Bible Verse: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28.
I have many favorite passages that have carried me through many storms in my life, such as Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Philippians 4:13, but Paul’s assurance to the Romans is what I cling to when the world seems to be spiraling. It reminds me that God can take even our ugliest messes and turn them into something beautiful.
Favorite Hymn: “Here I Am Lord” The ultimate servant song, it reverberates in my bones. It brings me back to my early days as a Christian, time spent with the Emmaus community, and reminds me that there is a calling on my life.
Fun Fact: I love all things music, and play both the hammered dulcimer and Appalachian lap dulcimer – poorly but with spirit!
Brad Rundlett
(18th Rector of St. Timothy’s)
The Reverend Brad Rundlett, Rector Emeritus
Father Brad served as the 18th Rector of St. Timothy’s from 1994-2015. In the Fall of 2023, the Vestry submitted a resolution to the Diocese of Virginia honoring The Reverend Brad Rundlett for his years of faithful service to St. Tim’s and naming him Rector Emeritus.
WHEREAS, Bradford Rundlett, a compassionate spiritual leader whose guiding influence had a tremendous impact throughout the Herndon community and the Commonwealth, retired as rector of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Herndon in August 2015; and
WHEREAS, Bradford “Brad” Rundlett began his career in ministry with the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he cultivated his reputation as a unifying leader and a humble servant to the community; he then served at St. James’ Episcopal Church
in Potomac, Maryland, and St. Andrew the Fisherman Episcopal Church in Mayo, Maryland; and
WHEREAS, after arriving at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in 1994, Brad Rundlett led efforts to renovate the church and revitalize the congregation; 20 years later, the church had expanded significantly and the congregation had been deeply strengthened; and
WHEREAS, Brad Rundlett lives his faith through his actions, and he developed a comprehensive mission program at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church; he supported the Hispanic community in Herndon first in the day laborer controversy of 2007 and then by forming a Spanish-speaking service that continues to this day; and
WHEREAS, Brad Rundlett has worked as a missionary in Appalachia, South Dakota, and Haiti, and under his leadership, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church conducted mission trips to Dungannon in Scott County, Chapoteau in Haiti, and Pine Ridge in South Dakota; and
WHEREAS, admired as a devoted mentor and a role model for those seeking a life in ministry, Brad Rundlett served as a field site supervisor and a colloquy mentor for Virginia Theological Seminary, and he has guided many young assistant rectors and seminarians, including those who have gone on to become ministers in other denominations; and
WHEREAS, believing firmly in the power of a strong, united community, Brad Rundlett hosted a monthly lunch with spiritual leaders from other denominations, and his efforts have fostered valuable interfaith dialogue among churches in the
Herndon area.
(Click here for the full text of the Resolution.)