Office: 703.525.8286 x15 Shearon earned a BA in Sociology from the University of Virginia. Her first career was in contract negotiation for the U.S. Department of the Navy. She then spent 10 very fulfilling years as a stay-at-home parent. After discerning a call to the priesthood, Shearon earned a Masters in Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. She served as seminarian at the Church of the Epiphany in Washington D.C. and Associate Rector at Saint Mark's Capitol Hill. She then served as Interim Rector at churches in both the Dioceses of Virginia and Washington. She was called as Rector of Saint George's in November 2010. Shearon loves her ministry with the people of Saint George's. She is responsible for the overall vision and spiritual well-being of the parish. Shearon sees herself as a collaborative leader, called to inspire and work with lay leaders and staff to uphold the beauty and wisdom of our ancient faith tradition in ways that are innovative and authentic to our 21st century self-understanding. In addition to her parish ministry, Shearon currently serves as Dean of Region III (Arlington) for the Diocese of Virginia. Shearon enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling with her husband Robbie. They are blessed with three children and five grandchildren. Office: 703.525.8286 x24 John graduated from Dartmouth College with a double major in Chemistry and Economics. During his time at Dartmouth, John worked as the Episcopal campus ministry coordinator for a year and was the Director of the first-year pre-orientation outdoor “Trips” program in 2007. John began exploring his call to ordained ministry at St. Thomas, his church during college, and with the blessing of the Diocese of New Hampshire, began studying at Union Theological Seminary for his Masters of Divinity in 2009. While at Union, John served for two years as Seminarian at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, New York City. Following graduation from Seminary and ordination as a Deacon, John spent a year serving and learning as a Chaplain Resident in Berkeley and Oakland, California, and was Ordained a Priest at the end of 2012. John enjoys running, biking, swimming, reading, troubleshooting, and adventuring in the outdoors. He also enjoys supporting his wife Haley in her vocation as an attorney and her passion for gardening. Haley and John have two cats, Victor Hugo Shellito and Leo Tolstoy Shellito. Office: 703.525.8286 x20 Ben received his undergraduate education from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, and his Masters of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Church Music from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Ben is a strong believer in the prophetic voice of music and the arts, and is passionate about beautiful worship, training choristers and promoting the organ and its music. Ben is delighted to have served the great people of Saint George’s as Minister of Music since the summer of 2009. At Saint George’s, he is responsible for the visioning and oversight of all things musical, including the cultivation of the musical talents of the parish, leading congregational song, directing choirs, developing our concert series, and educating the parish on music and the arts. Prior to his appointment at St. George’s, he held similar positions throughout the Midwest, most recently at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Ben and his wife, the Rev. Meredith Lovell Keseley, when not at church, enjoy traveling, exploring good food and wine and chasing after their two young children and beloved dog Luther. Office: 703.525.8286 x11 Joel joined the staff at St. George's in 2011 as a Staff Musician. He was called to his current position of Parish Administrator in the Fall of 2014. A Northern Virginia native (a rarity!), Joel grew up in Falls Church and Fairfax. He attended George Mason University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Magna Cum Laude, in 2013. Joel worked at a variety of churches in music ministry and outreach before accepting his position at St. George's. In his free time, Joel enjoys outdoor activities, including skiing, jogging, hiking, kayaking, and surfing. He loves the beach, and spends a lot of time in the small beach community of Sandbridge, VA, where he has family. He and his wife, Elizabeth, are also avid canners, taking full advantage of seasonal crops to make jams, jellies, and preserves. Office: 703.525.8286 x12 George joined the staff of St. George's in April of 2010. Born in Guatemala, George grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Before joining St. George's, he served as an area manager for UPS and as a manager assistant at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, DC. In his free time, George enjoys spending quality time with family (including his dog) and preaching the Gospel.The Rev. Shearon Sykes Williams
Rector
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The Rev. John Shellito
Associate Rector
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One of the things I appreciate most about my work is the opportunity to grow with individuals and families who are finding their spiritual rootedness at St. George’s: it is an incredible gift to share moments of abundant life revealed in the midst of a broken world.
John began his call to St. George’s as Associate Rector in the summer of 2013. John is grateful to be a clergy companion for ministries with children and youth, families, and young adults. He appreciates the opportunity to grow with individuals and families who are finding their spiritual rootedness at St. George’s: it is an incredible gift to share moments of abundant life revealed in the midst of a broken world. He also loves the opportunity to serve, learn, and grow with ministries in pastoral care, community organizing (with VOICE), and the food pantry.
In the Diocese, John is grateful to have been invited to be part of Bishop Susan Goff’s clergy “Think Tank,” to reflect on new ways the Diocese of Virginia can live into its call for the 21st century. He also participated in the 2015 Millennial Leaders Program at Union Theological Seminary, gathering leaders from across the country to engage together at the intersection of spirituality and social justice.Ben Keseley
Minister of Music
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I love that Saint George’s is a singing community and that we are not afraid to boldly sing our faith. I'm continually thankful for our great treasury of hymns and songs and for the great people of all ages that come together week after week to proclaim God’s gracious love and beauty through the gift of music.
In addition to his work at Saint George’s, Ben is course manager for the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Washington D.C. Course for Advanced Trebles and Youth Singers, which takes place each summer at the National Cathedral and Episcopal High School, and a member of the national RSCM Training Course Committee. He serves on the Advisory Board and teaches for the Potomac Organ Institute, and is a past dean of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Appointed by Bishop Johnston in 2014, he serves on the Diocese of Virginia Committee for Liturgy and Music .Joel Wood
Parish Administrator
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One of the most rewarding parts of my job is interacting with and assisting parishioners and visitors. St. George's is a vibrant and diverse community of believers and it's a blessing to see how many people we reach through ministries, small groups, worship services, discussion forums, and outreach programs. Spreading the good news of the gospel through action is a long tradition here at St. George's, one that I'm happy to continue.
Jorge Barrientos
Facilities Manager
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