The Reverend Esther A. Kramer, Ph.D., Rector
Mother Esther was called to the Parish in October 2020, as a second-career priest. Her first career was in higher education, where she served in several colleges and universities as professor and dean of academic affairs. She is dedicated to serving all people by proclaiming the Gospel and through the Sacraments. Bishop Gunter has recently appointed her to be Regional Missioner to the 20 parishes located in south-central Wisconsin, to offer support, foster relationships between parishes and clergy, and to ensure connections with the office of the Bishop. Mother Esther lives in Delafield with her husband of 34 years, Tom Schlaefer.
The Reverend (La Pastora ) Loretta Mendoza, Pastoral Assistant
Pastora Loretta is a retired priest who continues to serve God’s people. Before joining St. Aidan’s her specialized ministry was caring for others as a full-time hospital chaplain. Pastora continues to supply throughout the Milwaukee diocese and is married to Bert Mendoza for 52 wonderful years. Together they have one son, Jason, married to Heather and five beautiful grandchildren.
The Reverend Terry Garner, Deacon – he/him/his
Deacon Terry began serving St. Aidan’s in August 2023, bringing extensive experience serving in the Church and working in the world. He is usually noticed first by his laugh and then by his smile, which are fueled by the joy of finding Jesus Christ in others – particularly with our younger Christians. Deacon Terry is a vocational deacon, though now retired from secular work in healthcare. Instead of that work he enjoys life with his wife Loraine, one cat, and two Australian Shepherd dogs while continuing to serve the St. Aidan’s community.
Tara Nooyen, Parish Administrative Assistant
Tara Nooyen, our Parish Administrative Assistant, has served in leadership roles for many years in the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. Tara brings a variety of gifts to the office and to the people of St. Aidan’s.
Church Vestry
The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to matters pertaining to its corporate property. Vestry members are elected at the annual parish meeting. The presiding officer of the vestry is the priest. There are usually two wardens. The senior warden leads the parish between rectors and is a support person for the priest. The junior warden often has responsibility for church property and buildings. A treasurer and a secretary or clerk may be chosen. These officers may or may not be vestry members. The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the priest, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances.
Vestry Members as of January 26, 2025:
- Eric Wetzel, Senior Warden
- Laura Johnston, Junior Warden
- Gerri Kelly
- Lynn Molenda
- Michael Morgan
- Michael Weber
- Mary Beth Moran, Treasurer
