My name is Julie Ericksen and I have been a lifelong Episcopalian and member of St. James the Less since 1998. During this time I have served on the vestry for 8 years and as Junior Warden. I currently serve as a Lector, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Counter, and Tech Support.  Additionally, I have served on the Stewardship Committee twice, taught K-1 Sunday school for three years, took three trips to the gulf coast to work on restoration efforts with my family, other parishioners, and the Tri-cities workcamp. My two children, now grown, participated in the youth group and Tri-cities work camp.

When I was serving on the vestry Outreach Committee in 2006, I approached Dr. Tom Hubbard to ask how we could support the medical and dental ministries he was offering outside of our church. He shared his dream of starting a clinic in our under-utilized lower level. I arranged for him to talk to the vestry, despite the fact that we were in an interim period, though under the able leadership of Rev. Doug Burgoyne. Nine months later we had a medical and dental clinic at St. James the Less. I worked at the clinic as the Medication Access Coordinator for 7 years until my husband Jeff developed a GBM brain tumor and died 8 months later. He is buried in our courtyard. I was deeply supported by this congregation during his illness, and to this day.

I am a CNVC Certified Nonviolent Communication trainer and consultant with my own business offering workshops, practice groups, and individual consultations. Additionally, I have completed the two-year Ruah School of Spiritual Direction at Richmond Hill. My faith is an integral and important part of my life and work. At this time, I feel called to serve the well-being of this place that has been so important in my life, and hope that I will be chosen to do so.