LOCAL HUMANITARIANS RECEIVE AWARDS

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego has awarded the following individuals the Bishop’s Servant Ministry Award for outstanding service work in his or her church and community.

John David Cowart nominated by the Rev. Fred Thayer at St. Bartholomew’s located in Poway

Mark DeMichele nominated by the Rev. Edward Harrison at Christ Church located in Coronado

Andy Duvall nominated by the Rev. George Martin at St. Margaret’s in Palm Desert

Mr. Ed Embick nominated by the Rev. Willy Crespo at St. Timothy’s, Rancho Penasquitos

Cathy Gay nominated by the Rev. Julia Christian at St. Barnabas in Borrego Springs

MaryAnne Hildebrandt nominated by the Rev. Ron Barnes at Sts. Peter & Paul in El Centro

Rachel Locke nominated by the Rev. Wes hills at St. Andrew’s in Encinitas

Dale and Marion New nominated by the Rev. Canon Wayne Sanders at St. John’s in Fallbrook

Debby Park nominated by the Rev. Brent Carey at St. David’s in San Diego

Judy Potter nominated by the Rev. Fred Myers at St. Anthony’s in Desert Hot Springs

Dr. Bart Smoot nominated by the Very Rev. Scott Richardson at St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego

Lou Toth nominated by the Rev. Rebecca Dinovo at St. Alban’s in El Cajon

Mary Lou Vanderpool nominated by the Rev. Ted Atwood at Holy Cross in Carlsbad

Beryl Westwood nominated by the Rev. Leland Jones at St. Andrew’s in Pacific Beach

The Rt. Rev. James Mathes, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego,  presented the awards during the gala dinner of the Episcopal Diocese convention February 12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley.

"Lou Toth is a pillar of the St. Alban's community," Rev. Rebecca Dinova said.  "Her ministry is one of hospitality to everyone who comes through the doors of our church and often she is the point person for newcomers.  Lou is an extremely generous person and has an incredible sense of humor...Many of our members not only consider her a great friend but a mother/grandmother figure in their lives as well. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her love for Jesus radiates in all that she does."

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is a non-profit, religious organization comprised of 50 congregations in San Diego, Imperial and Riverside Counties, CA and Yuma County, AZ. T