Rowan Johnson

I was first introduced to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church by my son, Maxwell, when he was just four years old. His Pre-K class had walked to the pumpkin patch and met Mrs. Dewalt. As we live a few blocks from the church, he later insisted on bringing me to the patch. After our visit, Max declared he wanted us to go to church. As we were already searching for a spiritual experience in Montclair to nurture him and us, we felt that we had been guided to St. Luke’s and we began attending the Celebrate service. Immediately, we were taken with its warm, welcoming community. 

I grew up attending Sunday school and Sunday Service at The Irasburg United Church, in Irasburg, Vermont.  Originally Congregational, it is now a small, multi-denominational, protestant church. Both my parents served as deacons, on the executive board, and taught Sunday School. They are currently still on the board of the church in Irasburg, and are on the Bishop’s committee at their local Episcopal Church in Hawaii, where they spend winters. My parents were both teachers and instilled in me the importance of service, a practice I am committed to in my own life.  

Formally a chef and assistant professor at The Culinary Institute of America, I have used my skills in cooking, organizing, and management to volunteer for various nonprofits. For several years, I prepared weekly hot lunches for 35 seniors, volunteering for the Salvation Army in Beacon, NY. Since moving to Montclair, I have been baking birthday cakes for foster children with For Goodness Cakes, a national organization. I have volunteered for several years on a weekly basis for Toni’s Kitchen and have assisted the Toni’s Kitchen Operations Committee. 

I have advocated for many political candidates, canvassing and most recently, hosting events.  I was elected the first president of our condo board and held that position until we moved to Montclair. I am very active in my son’s school and its parent’s association, as treasurer of the book fair, as cochair of its annual gala auction, field trip chaperone, and a coordinator for field day. I have also assisted my husband in hosting many environmentally focused events. My greatest challenge of the last few years has been helping a Montclair senior navigate the city’s affordable/senior housing system. 

I am so touched to be considered for a role on the vestry of St. Luke’s. Brian and I have found joy and enlightenment sitting in the pews of the church. My hope is that St. Luke’s can continue to be a place of healing and peace for more and more members of our community — a centering shelter from the storm of our chaotic and conflicting world. Everyone needs a place and a voice to comfort and guide them and I hear that voice at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. I am so grateful. Thank you for your consideration.