Hi, my name is Jessica Dowdy, and I am a born and raised Episcopalian.  My earliest memories of church began with my parents driving us every Sunday down Broaddus Flats on our way to Immanuel Old Church with my dad singing away to Beatles music.  I grew up at Immanuel Old Church where I was baptized as a baby.  I grew up with active parents in church.  Both of my parents were members of the choir, so every Wednesday night I was brought along to choir practice.  My Dad served on the Vestry for several years at Immanuel and served as a lay minister as well.  Years after we moved from King William to Varina, my mom served on the Vestry along with my grandfather at Varina Episcopal while she also sang in the choir.  My grandmother was also very active in the ECW, which my mom and aunt are now members of.  I was confirmed and married at Varina Episcopal.

I guess you could say I sort of took a somewhat break from going to church regularly while in college and then working retail for a few years.  I would do the usual holiday church services with my family.  Working retail throws a hiccup in the schedule but I have always believed that you don’t always have to be in church to be with God.  Some of the bests thoughts and conversations with God can be just sitting outside by yourself in nature.  I believe as long as you have that relationship with him, he won’t judge you on where you worship.  Justin and I were married in 2007 and moved to Ashland in 2009.   We welcomed our son Jason in 2011 and daughter Lelia in 2017.

I had always wanted to get back into the habit of going to church and having our children raised in the Episcopal Church.  It was just a matter of timing with us.  One day, Jason asked if we could start going to church regularly.  How can you say no to a child asking to go to church?  So off we went and were welcomed by all of you, and I couldn’t be more grateful.  You all truly welcomed us, and I love that we have found our new church family.  I am honored and humbled that you have nominated me to consider serving as a Vestry member for St. James the Less.  I believe our church is in an exciting phase and I will do my very best in helping our church and church family.