WHO WE ARE

I was brought up in the Lutheran tradition and became an Episcopalian in 1987. Our family lived in several different places while my husband was on active duty with the US Coast Guard. Retirement had us moving from Virginia to Indianapolis in 2021, to be nearer our grandchildren. I hold degrees in Art and Early Childhood Education. My leadership experience comes mainly through my volunteer work: I served on Vestry from 2017-2020 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Springfield, VA. From 2006 to 2020 I was active in the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, volunteering as a leader, Service Unit Manager, and on the Encampment Committee. We’ve had three years of settling into retirement here in Indianapolis and as members of St. Matthew’s. The time seems right to volunteer in some way again, so when I was approached about Vestry, I said yes. I still feel new to the parish but I’m not afraid to ask questions. I’m a creative thinker and problem-solver who enjoys collaborative work. One of the enjoyable things about St. Matthew’s is so many folks have come here from somewhere else, either geographically or spiritually. Sometimes both. It’s been fun getting to know people and hearing their stories.

I was raised in a United Church of Christ church. Through high school and college, I attended a Methodist church. When I met my spouse, I joined the Catholic church with her. In 2016 we started attending St Matthew’s, and I found my spiritual home. What attracted me to St Matthew’s was the warm welcome we received on day one and continue to receive 9 years later. During my first term on the Vestry, I served as the Junior Warden. This was during the height of the COVID pandemic. I am now serving for a second time. At St Matthew’s I enjoy playing the handbells, serving on the Alter Guild, being a crucifer, a chalice bearer, lector, intercessor, and a thurifer. Professionally I have been a registered nurse for 32 years. I work in the home health field serving as the director and administrator. I have been with my spouse for 34 years. My “kids” are 3 dogs. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, fishing, and bicycling when I have time.

I am grateful to be nominated as clerk for the St. Matthew’s vestry. I have been attending St. Matthew’s since January 2023. I was looking to try an Episcopal church and St. Matthew happened to be close to my house. I decided to try it one Sunday and have been coming ever since. The community of St. Matthew’s is something truly special. The way people come together to care for everyone around them is amazing and something I have not seen in many other places. I look forward to serving to give back just a small fraction of what this church has given me. I moved to Indianapolis in 2019 for my job. Once I graduated from college, Infosys hired me to work with Oracle software. Currently, I provide support for Oracle Field Service to help ensure the client’s technicians arrive where they are supposed to and at the right time. I currently have four pets. Winry was my first pet. I adopted her from the Humane Society near my college campus. Marco, my other cat, came from a family friend whose cat had kittens. Riza, a German Shepherd mix, was another rescue from the Humane Society. Bennett, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, came from a family in Louisville whose dog had puppies. In total, I have two cats and two dogs because everyone needs a friend! I have always loved animals and enjoy cuddling with my pets in my free time.

I have been attending St. Matthews for seven years and from the very first time I attended, I couldn't get over the warm, inviting welcome I received. Over the years, I certainly have enjoyed getting to know everyone. Some of the most enjoyable times have been spent working alongside others on various volunteer activities or jobs. I always learn something interesting and new either about the people I am working with, or different needs of the church. Before I retired, Marla and I ran a business together. As the business grew (doubled in size) it required many more hours and left us with very little free time. Work/life balance was just not there.... much less any time for spiritual needs either, and attending church became important to both of us. I had always attended services since childhood on a regular basis and also volunteered and held various positions within the congregation. We both decided we wanted to spend more time together and wanted to do more at church.

I moved to Indianapolis for a job opportunity in Advent of 2021 and started attending St. Matthew’s. I became a vestry member in 2023 and also served as clerk that year. I have also served as chalice bearer and lector. I was raised Mennonite but have attended an Episcopal church since 2002 and was confirmed in 2005. I served St. John’s - Lafayette as the Education/Formation Coordinator where I started the Godly Play program, led Quiet Days, and led or organized other adult formation programs. I am married, have two adult children, an Australian Shepherd, and a cat. I enjoy reading, knitting, biking, playing games, putting puzzles together, watching my daughter perform in theater, and eating my son’s amazing barbecue. I have a Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Health Administration. During the week, I work for a federally qualified health center as the Patient Experience Specialist. My work is my vocation and I am strengthened in that work by our Baptismal Covenant as I seek to serve Christ in all persons and respect the dignity of every human being. I am also strengthened to live out my baptismal vows by worshiping at St. Matthew’s where we gather as a beloved community to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.

I am a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s, baptized in 1967 and confirmed in 1980. My parents, David and Doris Wilkinson were members of the original St. Matthew’s on Ritter Avenue in Irvington. I have been married to Steve Albrecht for 31 years and we have two adult daughters, Allison and Emily. In my professional life, I work as a paralegal at DeLaney & DeLaney law firm. Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, camping, attending concerts, traveling, and getting together with friends. I have enjoyed all aspects of congregational life and service at St. Matthew’s. In my youth, some of my best memories were being an acolyte and youth group member. We went bowling together, had lock-ins at the church, and went to Waycross for summer camp and retreats. As an adult, I have been involved in Godly Play for young children (aka Sunday School), the handbell ensemble, and stewardship. In addition to the Vestry, I serve as the financial secretary, a lector, intercessor, and handbell player. I am dedicated to St. Matthew’s because it has been and continues to be my church home. I believe having strong leadership is essential to a vibrant faith community.

I have been married to my wife, Eileen for 47 years. We have four children and 10 grandchildren. Eileen and I enjoy attending as many of our grandchildren’s sports and music events as possible. We try to travel a few times a year and enjoy spending time with our family and our community at St. Matthew’s. I’m still working 48 hours a week so I remain busy. My craft is carpentry and I happily contribute my skills and knowledge to projects at the church.