Leadership

In choosing The Rev. Jamie Barnett to be our Vicar, Bishop Taylor has selected a pastoral leader with a rich, multi-dimensional background. Jamie’s path to the priesthood, which began later in life, was one borne of deep spirituality spurred by personal loss. The seed was planted while attending various Episcopal churches around the country as she raised her family, and it grew through her years of involvement in many capacities as a lay minister at All Saints Church, Pasadena.

Born and raised in Mississippi and Georgia (Atlanta), Jamie attended the University of Mississippi, where she graduated with a BA in Speech and Theatre. Following graduation, she moved to California to pursue a career in television, together with others from Ole Miss. One of them became her husband, and together they raised six children until their eventual divorce caused them to part ways.

Jamie began a long and successful television career with the CBS Studio Center’s grip department in 1993. In 2000 she became the first and is still the only female to have led that department at any major Hollywood studio. The work of a “grip” entails hands-on involvement and coordination of lighting and staging for TV and motion pictures. Her responsibilities included controlling department production costs, overseeing daily operations, and managing the creative whims of many, many producers!

Tragically, in 2005 Jamie’s 24-year-old daughter, Ashley, died while on a three-day cruise. Since that time, Jamie has been active in the formation of a grassroots victims’ advocacy group called International Cruise Victims, which lobbies Congress for legislation to better protect the rights and safety of cruise ship passengers worldwide. The organization worked tirelessly to see through the successful passage of a bill known as the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010, which President Obama signed into law.

Following such traumatic personal loss, Jamie was drawn to anything that would help her cope with her grief, and in 2007 she trained to become a grief group facilitator. She also completed By Your Side, the Episcopal Church’s training for end-of-life companioning, as well as Education for Ministry. In addition to that, she became a spiritual director in 2012 through a deep, contemplative, two-year program at Stillpoint in Pasadena. Gradually, Jamie began to find meaning through her loss. It was that discovery, together with the encouragement from others who said, “Jamie, God is going to use you!” that cemented her decision to pursue the priesthood. “It was a divine and holy time of listening to what the Holy Spirit was directing me towards,” she explained.

Jamie’s theological studies took place at Bloy House in Los Angeles, the Episcopal Divinity School, and Claremont School of Theology. She enthusiastically embraced this challenging, four-year journey while holding down a full-time job as well as a hospital chaplaincy, which was part of her training. “There are times when I think, “How did I do all that?” she laughs. “Well, I didn’t do it – it was with God’s help. God was getting out ahead of me and making the way.” Jamie was ordained in 2019.

Following her ordination, Jamie returned briefly to All Saints as a deacon but looked forward to having her own church. She soon received a call from the rector at St. Michael’s asking her to become his assistant rector. There she shared regular preaching and presiding duties, led Advent and Lenten study groups, assisted with Sunday Bible study classes, and filled in when the rector was away. She organized a young adult group and participated in all pastoral duties. She worked closely with the rector to navigate the church’s online presence throughout the pandemic. It is from St. Michael’s that she was called to serve at The Church of the Epiphany.

She has a strong pastoral presence, including among those who are homebound or hospitalized; provides thought-provoking sermons; leads with vision, compassion, and strength, and helps broaden our community relationships. She wants to engage us in conversation about how we can grow, and where we can be creative and collaborative. “All these things,” she said, “we will do with excellence.”

Karen has been a member of the congregation since 2005 when she and her husband Chris and their daughters Helen and Alice moved here from Italy, where they had lived for almost nine years. Karen was for many years Epiphany’s Director of Children’s Formation and a mentor participant with Education for Ministry. Having been sponsored by Epiphany as an aspirant for ordination, she spent a year at All Saints’ Oxnard before returning to Epiphany when Rev. Jamie welcomed her back as a postulant. She graduated with an M.Div through Bloy House Episcopal School and Claremont School of Theology and was ordained as a Deacon in June 2024. She will be ordained as a priest in January 2025.

Jay Wilcox came to The Church of the Epiphany to serve as Director of Music in September 2014, after serving churches in the Northern Virginia area for 34 years. He is a published composer and holds the Colleague certificate from the American Guild of Organists. He is delighted to be a part of the Epiphany community.

Laurie has been on staff at Epiphany since 2001 and an active member since 1988. She serves as Lay Eucharistic Minister, Epiphany Youth Group leader, and catechist for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She facilitated the Grief and Loss Group for 13 years – and most recently began facilitating the Epiphany Pulse group. Laurie and her husband, Barry, have loved their time at Epiphany and look forward to many more years in their church home.

Michelle has been with The Church of the Epiphany since 2003 as our bookkeeper, but she is so much more than that. She began as Coordinator of our OWLS Senior Program in 2010, and it has grown into a much anticipated and enjoyed monthly event, bringing fellowship, fun, and assistance to older, wiser laity in the church and in the community. For the past three years, she has co-chaired our Annual Epiphany Party. She is indispensable!

Maria has been a member of the Epiphany family for 23 years, along with her husband Arturo (our fix-it guru), who has been with us for 25!

Nick produces our weekly live stream services. He also produces the livestreams for our holidays and special events such as weddings and memorial services. Nick has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in cinematography and audio engineering.

Kayla Ray comes to Epiphany as a discerner from Saint Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood. Originally from Georgia, Kayla moved to Los Angeles in 2019 after serving two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Rwanda, and she was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 2022. She has a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and a Master of Theology in Biblical Studies from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. A writer and non-professional musician, she currently lives in Sherman Oaks with her beloved cat, Dinah. As she continues to discern ordination, Kayla looks forward to Rev. Jamie and Rev. Karen’s mentorship and to getting to know and serving the Epiphany community.

Susan and her husband Tim have been members of The Church of the Epiphany for 29 years. They feel very lucky to have been able to raise their two daughters here. When the girls were young, Susan was involved in teaching Sunday School, organizing Vacation Bible School, and supporting the Children’s Choir and Youth Group. She has served on the Bishop’s Committees with both Rev. Canon Hank Mitchel and Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy. She co-chaired the annual Epiphany Party and was a delegate to the Diocesan Convention multiple times. Currently serving as a lector, a member of the Altar Guild and on the Epiphany Music Guild board, Susan is honored to join the Bishop’s Committee with the Rev. Jamie Barnett.

Laura began her journey with the Episcopal Church in 1990 shortly after she and Steve were married. Initially living in San Francisco, Laura worked for Edelman Public Relations in marketing, branding and media. The couple shaped their lives around the Episcopalian faith, baptizing their first born, Connor, at Grace Cathedral. Later moving to San Mateo, their younger two children, Maris and Lily, were baptized at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and attended Episcopal Day School. At St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School, Laura served on the Board of Trustees where her sharp business skills were utilized. When Steve accepted a job at Jones Trading in Westlake Village in 2003, the Paden family moved to Oak Park. They joined The Church of the Epiphany where Laura taught Sunday School, and the children participated in the Epiphany Pageant. In addition to her career in public relations, Laura is a devoted, hands-on mother who enjoys cooking and adores sharing stories with her family. With the children gone to college, Laura is connecting more closely with her community and The Church, while maintaining her career.

Shay Hass joined The Church of the Epiphany in 1998. From the start, Shay engaged in various ministries throughout the church including Children’s Formation, Vacation Bible School, and the Finance, Flower, and Coffee Hour Committees. She has volunteered her time to host our coffee hour on Sundays and in the past, has assisted our bookkeeper.

Her hope is for our church to be an open and welcoming place for people to gather and hear the true word of God. For her, serving on the Bishop’s Committee allows her to work closely with the church and be an active participant in its journey towards growth. Ultimately, she would like others to view Epiphany as a warm and inviting place for all.

Gabriel was born in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, and was raised a Roman Catholic. After some life-changing events, he decided to join the Episcopal Church, while he was living in Michigan. Gabriel was confirmed in May of 2005 and in 2006. Already in California, he became a member of The Church of the Epiphany. There are many things Gabriel likes and values about our church, but a key one is the freedom we have to merge Scripture with our own life experiences to build our own journey as Christians.

Gabriel is a Chemical Engineer and holds an MBA degree. He feels blessed with a job that spans several of the things he likes to do: science, business, and operations management. He is eager to put those experiences and skills to the service of TCOTE.

Bob and his family have been members of the Epiphany family since 1996. Their boys Rob and Michael were both acolytes at Epiphany through high school. Bob previously served two terms on the Bishop’s Committee. He is an usher, lector, volunteers with OWLS, and leads the annual financial audit team. His wife Tina is an RN at Los Robles Medical Center. Bob is in the medical device field.

Claudia joined TCOTE with her husband Bob in 2012. During this time, she has enjoyed involvement in many aspects of the church community. She is in the Flower Guild, a Cordon member of the Red Door Vineyard, and part of the Homeless Lunches outreach of TCOTE. Additionally, she assists Michelle Ponticelli, who organizes speakers and activities for the OWLs; and helps with basket making, set-up, and clean-up of the annual Dinner/Auction. Before TCOTE, she and her family were part of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, where her daughter attended school. Claudia was elected President of the school’s Parent Club and co-chaired their first two auctions. Through St. Patrick’s community outreach, she helped serve the under-privileged by volunteering at “The Mad Attic Thrift Store.” The Mad Attic has raised over $1,300,000 to contribute to local homeless projects, Crop Walk, family services, and more. At the “Attic” she served on the board as President and Vice President. Claudia’s hopes are to be a part of the Bishop’s Committee to share ideas, help with temporal matters, and further the vision of the congregation.

Bob’s wife introduced him to the Episcopal church in 1976 when they were married at Prince of Peace in Woodland Hills. His in-laws were attending Epiphany in the North Ranch Community Center and they decided to give it a try. Everyone was very welcoming and Bob and his wife felt comfortable from the moment they stepped through the door. They have been members now for about thirty years and have enjoyed becoming more and more involved. Over the years, Bob has served as a Coffee Host and Greeter and is currently an Usher. He was also involved with the stewardship Harvest Festival and Music Guild reception events. Bob created Epiphany’s first website and maintained it for over 10 years. Professionally, he was a film editor for 44 years. He is newly retired and looking forward to this next chapter.

Linda Loomis has been a member of Epiphany for 18 years, and has previously served on the Bishop’s Committee, participated in the Music Guild board, Book Study groups, parish choir, and EfM. She and her husband Len laughed that this was the first of more than 20 parishes they participated in that wasn’t also a job of sorts! “Epiphany welcomed us with open arms and gave us a true spiritual home.” After Len’s passing, Linda experienced an outpouring of love and support, which helped her to find the strength and courage to continue her life’s journey of growing in relationship with God in the company of a warm, loving and grace-filled church family.

Eileen Hannemann joined The Church of the Epiphany in 2010 following a search for a new church. Born and raised in the RC Church, she served as Organist, Choir Director and Liturgy Director and member of the staff. During that time, she attended many national music conventions in the Catholic church. As an avid investor, she became President & Chief Financial Officer of a security broker-dealer in the 1990s. She volunteered at the Assistance League of Conejo Valley for 18 years, serving as Treasurer for four years, and was a member of the National Assistance League Finance Committee for more than five years. She also served on the Bishop’s Committee as Clerk for five years. She returned to member-at-large in January 2024 and looks forward to many more wonderful memories in service to Epiphany

Welcoming Committee ’26
626-676-9810 | 

Severin, his wife Sara and two children, Jesper (10) and Finley (8) joined TCOTE in 2023. Earlier in that year their daughter, Finley, was baptized at TCOTE. The Peck family are new to the Episcopal Church and feel blessed to have found such a warm and welcoming church in the community. The Peck’s moved to Oak Park in 2017. Previously they lived in Pasadena, San Francisco (where their children were born), Las Vegas (briefly) and Pasadena (yes, twice). Professionally, Severin works as the Los Angeles Regional Director of Asset Protection and Operations for Bloomingdale’s department stores. Severin feels honored to have been asked to join the committee and is looking forward to supporting TCOTE.

Joseph Cooper has been part of the church since 2017, when he moved to California. He joined the EYG as soon as he started attending Epiphany. Joseph was confirmed by the bishop in January 2022. He did his Eagle Scout project at the church in November 2022 about the canvas labyrinth that is brought out to the chapel for special occasions. He started acolyting semi-regularly in 2023 as well as participating in the talents of stewardship. He also volunteered to serve dinner at the annual fundraising event in September and the advent calendar event every December. At age 19, he was asked by Reverend Jamie Barnett to be on the Bishop’s Committee. Joseph has been willing to be on the committee since he’s been active in the church (He says, “young people are undoubtedly a minority here”). He feels that hearing the voice of someone young is much needed in the church, and he is more than happy to provide that perspective.

Catherine Hahn is a cradle Episcopalian having been born in Philadelphia’s Episcopal Hospital and baptized and confirmed all in the Philadelphia Diocese. She’s active in the Lunch Bunch group providing monthly sandwiches to Harbor House, and the Flower Guild. Catherine and her wife Lisa were the first Epiphany wedding post the pandemic and honored that Rev. Jamie officiated. Epiphany has been such a warm and welcoming spiritual home for Catherine and Lisa.