Old Donation Episcopal Church

Old Donation Episcopal Church is blessed with a fantastic team of faithful, talented folks who serve as staff. We come from very different backgrounds and have differing skills, and have found a common home here where we serve the vestry and parish, trying to help all the members of the parish be more effective in their own ministry.


Here are the members of Old Donation's staff team:


Rector: The Rev. Robert J. Randall, Jr.

Bob has been rector of Old Donation since September 1, 2004, coming to us from the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast (Alabama). He loves the Lord and is a graduate of Virginia Seminary in Alexandria. Prior to ordained ministry, Bob had 20 years of industrial manufacturing experience. He jokes that his engineering degrees might actually have been the right foundation for his ministry since now he knows he must rely on God's wisdom rather than some extensive education in the arts! He and his wife, Chris, are a good match for the joyful spirit and the desire to deeply develop the spiritual life that is so much a part of Old Donation.

Bob and Chris have two grown children, one living in Alabama with their three cherished granddaughters, and one teaching in Medellin, Columbia, South America.


Associate Rector: The Rev. Elizabeth M. Felicetti

Elizabeth joined Old Donation in June 2007 after graduating from Virginia Seminary in Alexandria. She has a passion for preaching and teaching the Holy Scriptures and for Christian unity, particularly as found in the ecumenical relationships and cooperation. She currently serves as the Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for our Diocese and the chair of our local Ecumenical Council. Elizabeth grew up in Arizona, but the east coast has become home, especially since her "red headed" husband, Gary, calls NY home. Elizabeth's previous career in editing and in rare books prepared her well for her scholarly interest in the Biblical languages.


Curate: The Rev. Drew Foisie

Drew joined us on July 1, 2010, following graduation from Virginia Seminary in Alexandria (notice a pattern here?). Drew has been a missionary to Taiwan with the Episcopal Young Adult Service Corps and loves preaching and teaching. His passion is forming bonds of community with other young adults and looks forward to being a partner in the gospel with the faithful at ODEC. We are told that Drew's household consists of a cat and tons of books. His ministry focus is Christian Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, in addition to regular preaching and teaching. His unique style of humor and effective preaching have already made him a hit here.
Youth and Family Missioner: Diane Helmer

Diane has been at Old Donation since early 2009 and immediately began building relationships with our young people. She grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and has a lot of youth ministry experience for someone still in her mid-20's. Diane is a graduate of Texas Lutheran University, has serveral years experience as a Senior Account Executive in the corporate world, and is married to a Navy fighter pilot, Steve. They have a brand new baby, Hannah who also keeps life lively!

Diane says, "I look forward to walking through life with our middle school and high school youth (and providing a few crazy games in to relieve the stress)." Diane oversees a very active youth ministry program and also is our coordinator for ministry to families with young children.

Organist / Choirmaster: Paul Hudgins
Paul Hudgins has been Organist/Choirmaster for Old Donation since September 1999, coming to us from First Presbyterian Church in Newport News, Virginia. A native of Mathews, Virginia, Paul served his home parish of Christ Episcopal Church (Kingston Parish) from 1973 - 1975 before attending James Madison University. Music ministry is a second career for Paul, where he has been employed for 24 years with Sentara Healthcare and is Director of Patient Financial Services. Paul's passion at Old Donation is liturgy planning and he recognizes himself as a traditionalist and Anglo-Catholic at heart, with a slight "curve" in the direction of some (quote, some) contemporary music. Paul previously contemplated life in a monastic religious order and attended multiple retreats at both St. Anselm's Benedictine Abbey near Washington, DC , and Holy CrossTrappist Monastery in Berryville, VA (Cistercian order of the Strict Observance).



Parish Accountant: Diane Miller

Diane Miller is our Parish Accountant, a position she has held since 1999. She handles the day to day finances for the church, and oversees the accounting for the Day School. Her position allows for close work with Pam Campbell, Administrative Assistant, Lynda Erickson, Pledge Recorder, and Ned Kuhns, Treasurer, as well as the rest of the staff and parishioners. Diane brings an extensive career in accounting to her ministry as parish accountant at Old Donation Church, as well as a love for all of the many facets of God’s work in us and our work with God at Old Donation. She has been very active in our parish's health and prayer ministries, particularly with Stephen Ministry. Diane and husband Brian and son Dillon moved to Virginia Beach from Fort Worth Texas.



Parish Administrator: Judie Belka

Judie Belka, the Parish Administrator, comes to Old Donation with a variety of church experiences, a dabbling of graduate education, and a long-time passion for parish life. Chicago-born, Judie was raised on the west coast and moved from Seattle three years ago. She is married to Michael and is mother to Meghann, Lauren, Sam and Jon who are also members of Old Donation. Judie has a passion for excellent worship, fine preaching and inspiring music…which makes Old Donation a perfect fit!










Sexton for Buildings and Grounds: Bob Reneau

Bob Reneau, with his cheerful disposition and capable mind, keeps our Buildings and Grounds in the best possible shape. Bob is a native of Virginia Beach and is very well travelled. He is a joy to be around because he is so well rounded, including enjoying healthy living, outdoor activities, art appreciation and everything God has created. Over the years he has been involved in various ministries of the parish including Outreach, Centering and Healing Prayer and Stephen Ministry. Bob can be seen in the Church at 10:45 or in the Gathering, but don't make him work on Sunday. He's a parishioner that day!


Parish Assistant Administrator: Pam Campbell

Pam has been an integral part of Old Donation Church for more than 40 years and is responsible for various accounting and administrative tasks. More than anyone in the office, Pam knows the people and history of Old Donation, and having experienced our parish as a child, teen, adult, and parent, Pam is able to share a valuable perspective. Plus she is a middle generation, since like many others in the parish, both her mother and daughter are members. In addition to being a part-time staff person, Pam is active in many ministries, especially with Christian Formation events such as Parish Retreat and Jimmy Buffett night, crafts, adult formation, and Vacation Bible School. Her smile and positive approach is part of the ODEC temperament.





Director of Old Donation Episcopal Day School: Janet Brown

Janet has been part of our Day School for 21 years, teaching for 10 years and serving the past 11 as Director. She actually began her relationship even before that, since she grew up in this area and she and her husband, Chuck, were married at Old Donation in 1982! Janet has a B.S. in early childhood education from ODU and loves our 110+ children and families like they are her own. Of course, being a Virginia Beach native, she loves the beaches and sea shells, and being a teacher, she loves coffee and chocolate.