Gerri, Margot and Tim: Volunteers Creating Lasting Change Around the World

By Jenny Grant, Manager, Faith and Community Engagement

At Episcopal Relief & Development, we are supported by about 600 volunteers that we call Ministry Partners, made up of dedicated clergy, deacons and lay leaders throughout The Episcopal Church in the US. As vital spokespersons on our behalf, Ministry Partners share our materials and stories about our work on social media, in email newsletters, during congregation visits and at diocesan conventions. 

Our Ministry Partners selflessly give their time and talent to create lasting change in communities around the world. Inspired by their faith, Ministry Partners serve with passion and urgency, often seeing their volunteer service with us as an extension of the ministries they already do locally.

This Global Volunteer Month, I’m honoring three of our beloved Ministry Partners: Gerri, Margot and Tim.

The Rev. Gerri Aston, Alabama

The Rev. Gerri Aston became a Ministry Partner in 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, to spread hope. A retired mental health professional, Gerri is always looking for more ways to engage people with our work and build community connections. 

Every year, Gerri promotes Gifts for Life and Lenten Meditations at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama. She often uses our coloring book when talking to people about our Early Childhood Development programming. 

“The coloring book requires folks to slow down,” she said. “The messages that our global partners convey to parents about the emotional and social needs of children just makes sense to them as they are doing the activity. Plus, it’s fun!”

The Rev. Margot Page, Massachusetts

The Rev. Margot Page is one of the newest Ministry Partners. She started serving within the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts in 2024. A deacon, her passions and actions are focused on advocating for social justice. This drew her to Episcopal Relief & Development because the organization helps all people, especially those who historically have had less resources.

“Episcopal Relief & Development works with local partners, using their assets to help transform individuals, communities and systems for better.” Margot said. “I trust them.” 

Throughout the Diocese, Margot writes articles to demonstrate the lasting change we’re making and informs people about how they can support us.

The Rev. Tim Murray, Illinois

The Rev. Tim Murray has been serving as a Ministry Partner at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Barrington, Illinois since 2016. He is a retired attorney with a passion for conflict resolution and pastoral listening. 

“Volunteering as a Ministry Partner is a graceful way to act in concert with the Episcopal baptismal covenant and the scriptural imperative to love one’s neighbor as oneself,” Tim shared. 

Tim often speaks to his congregation, and other congregations throughout his diocese, about Episcopal Relief & Development. He keeps our poster up on the bulletin board near his office so anyone walking by sees our name and can stop in to learn more about what we do.

“When I meet people previously unfamiliar with the organization, and explain Episcopal Relief & Development to them,” Tim added, “I often see something like awe shine in their eyes. My hope is that these people will then help spread the news about this good work.” 

If you want to learn more about becoming a Ministry Partner, we would love to talk to you. Email engagement@episcopalrelief.org today!

Jenny Grant is the Manager, Faith and Community Engagement at Episcopal Relief & Development