Kenny Adkins
Kenny Adkins was baptized into the Christian faith at age 52 at St. Matthew’s in 2005. He has been a member of St. Matthew’s for 20 years. Kenny is a graduate of Education For Ministry and is an active member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. He has also served on the Rector Search Committee, Building and Grounds Committee as well as the Diocesan Council. Kenny believes the greatest strength of St. Matthew’s is its diverse congregation. His goal is to ensure St. Matthew’s remains an inviting place to be called your church home.
Kim Beasley
I am honored to offer myself as a vestry candidate for St. Matthew’s. Originally from Massachusetts, I moved to Georgia to attend Spelman College and have lived in Gwinnett County for 24 years with my husband, Carl.
I retired in 2022 after a career in education as a teacher and counselor with DeKalb Schools. These roles taught me the importance of active listening, collaboration, and community service. Though I am relatively new to the Episcopal tradition, I have spent my retirement intentionally discerning where to serve. I currently hold a leadership role in Knit, Crochet, and Pray and am active in Fellowship, Centering Prayer, Café Theology, Daughters of the King, ECW, and the Welcome and Belong Committee. I also co-lead a sermon-discussion walking group.
St. Matthew’s warmth and spiritual depth have profoundly shaped my faith. If elected, I hope to nurture the small-group pathways that helped me find my place, ensuring every newcomer feels equally welcomed. I look forward to supporting our parish as we follow God’s lead with humility and hospitality.
Kevin Buck
I’ve been with St. Matthew’s for just over a year and have come to love it. I’m a quality manager at a local HVAC manufacturing company (the one that made the diffusers in the sanctuary), and am also working on my MA in religious studies at Athens State University. I’m currently on the Formation Committee, and co-facilitate adult formation with Father Tim. This term we’re covering “What Jesus said about..” and next term we’re teaching Episcopal Church 101. My experience with formation is an excellent example of what I find so amazing about St. Matthew’s: that you can work out what you believe in church as opposed to being told what you must believe in church. If I could change anything about St. Matthew’s, it would involve more effort to bring in more people who aren’t sure what they believe so we could provide a safe and welcoming place for them to figure it out. It’s my hope that over the next few years that I might have an opportunity to help make that happen.
Ava Kay Champion
I first attended services at St. Matthew’s on the first Sunday after 9/11. I stayed until moving to Lawrenceville in 2007. I then attended St. Edward’s in Lawrenceville and returned to St. Matthew’s in 2017.
I grew up in the Baptist Church in rural north Georgia and was Baptized during a revival when I was 11 years old. I then joined St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the Antelope Valley outside Los Angeles. I was confirmed in 1983 and stayed at St Paul’s until I moved back to Georgia 1n 1992.
St. Matthew’s growth in the last 2 years has been so encouraging. I feel a strong social media presence is crucial to sharing our promise. Our youth are indeed our future. Youth leadership is crucial so I am hopeful we will find a new leader soon.
Please consider allowing me to work for you, our community, our families, our amazing church home. St Matthew’s, IT’S THE PEOPLE! Just remember, I don’t know the same things that you don’t know. We can explore it all together.
Scott Fisher
Greetings! I’ve had the joy of calling St. Matthew’s home for just under two years now. My wife, Beth, and I moved to Lilburn around that time, and when we walked through the doors here for the first time, something wonderful happened; we didn’t feel the need to visit anywhere else. It was the people. From that very first Sunday you welcomed us with open arms and we knew we’d found our church family.
Since joining St. Matthew’s, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as co-chair of both the Capital Campaign and the Building & Grounds committees. These roles have been deeply meaningful to me because they allow me to place the experience God has given me over the years in service to this, our sacred space. One that belongs not just to us, but to every soul who walks through our doors seeking welcome, worship, and the love of Christ. To me, the heartbeat of St. Matt’s has always been its warm, welcoming people and the beauty and potential of our amazing campus. As we continue to grow—and I truly believe we will—I see a beautiful opportunity ahead to honor the faithful stewardship of those who have cared for this parish before us, while thoughtfully planning for the future so that St. Matthew’s remains a spacious home for generations yet to come.
I want St. Matthew’s to become a stronger, more visible light in Snellville—a church clearly known for its love, its worship, and its outreach. Every one of us has an important part to play in making that happen.
Thank you for letting me be part of this family. I’m grateful every day to be here with you.
Carol Podeszwa
Being a “lifelong” Episcopalian has taught me many life lessons. As I reflect on grateful moments throughout my church journey, the one that most stands out is the phrase: “It’s the people.” Serving in various opportunities at St. Matt’s has allowed me to create many friendships and to play a more active role. Some of the areas I have served include: Long Range Planning Committee, Choir Member, Greeter, Centering Prayer, Vestry Secretary, ECW and most recently St. Matt’s Work Day and having a role in the most recent play production in August. One of St. Matts strengths is an abundance of people who truly care about each other, comforting one another when times are tough. Looking forward to 2026 – I would challenge each of you to consider and commit to joining a new group or taking on a few volunteer efforts throughout the year. Additionally, St. Matt’s is experiencing some growth in its membership. My hope is that we can continue to focus on inviting others to visit our church – even to take part in a volunteer effort.
Torin Whitefleet
Born in New Jersey, raised in Georgia, I’ve come to love the many things our warm Southern community has to offer. I’m currently a Religious Studies student at Georgia State University, and I’m heading into Graduate School in the fall of next year. I’ve been a part of St. Matthew’s since June of last year. Since I’ve joined, I’ve been involved with adult bible study, contemplative prayer, Children’s Chapel, Episcopal 101, Gwinnett Christian Coop, Christian Formation Committee, the diocesan council, the Delmar senior living visits, and more. I see St. Matthew’s emphasis on community to be one of its greatest strengths. This love is embedded into every aspect of our work and is clearly seen in the time we invest into our children. In three to five years, I see St. Matthew’s more involved in the greater community: from county wide events to more events calling in people from all backgrounds and churches.