AFEDJ Elects Four Officers to Board of Trustees and Welcomes New Members

The American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) is pleased to announce the election of four officers to our Board of Trustees, as well as the addition of two new members.

At the core of our organization is a committed board of trustees, a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing our mission and supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s work in the Holy Land. This dynamic team, with expertise spanning various sectors, forms a robust network that fortifies our organization. Our new members bring additional knowledge and enthusiasm, enhancing the board’s collective strengths and furthering our impact.

The newly elected trustees for the 2024-2027 term are: 

• The Rev. Jonathan (Jon) Musser of Damascus, MD. 
• Mr. John Van De Weert of Washington, D.C.

Elected officers for the 2024-2025 term include the Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple as Board Chair, Endicott “Cotty” Peabody as Vice Chair, Holly Boone as Secretary, and Penelope “Penny” Winder as Treasurer. Officers shared a personal reflection on what calls them to maintain their long-standing and dedicated service on AFEDJ’s board.

The Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple expressed her inspiration, saying, “What motivates me? The schools, hospitals, churches, rehabilitation centers, and vocational training centers of the Diocese of Jerusalem are literally and spiritually saving and transforming lives. It is the faith, the courage, and the love of the people of the Diocese of Jerusalem for all their neighbors that motivates me to build bridges of support and encouragement between our homes and communities here in the U.S. and theirs.” (Photo, left: The Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple (center), AFEDJ Board Chair, visits Saviour’s School in Zarka, Jordon, 2022.)

Cotty Peabody reflected on his decade-long involvement, stating, “I joined the board of AFEDJ ten years ago at the urging of my friend, Bishop Kirk Smith. At the time I knew nothing about the work of the Diocese of Jerusalem, nor could I imagine what possible contributions I could bring to this work. Since joining the board, I have traveled to the Holy Land nine times and each visit reaffirms how deeply we impact the lives we touch. Every time I go I discover that it is I who truly benefit from visiting the hospitals in Ramallah and Gaza; from meeting the students in Zarka and Amman, and from holding the hand of a blind child in Salt. I am proud of the long and continuing service that AFEDJ has brought to the people of the Diocese of Jerusalem. Seeing the light and hope we bring to a land often shrouded in darkness gives me goosebumps.” (Photo, left: Cotty Peabody (left) and Eileen Spencer in front of St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem, 2022.)

Holly Boone highlighted her profound experience, noting, “On my first Board trip to the Holy Land in October 2022, I was struck by the dedication of the staff at all the institutions we visited. I will never forget the infinite patience and skill of the teachers at the Holy Land Institute of the Deaf in Jordan as they taught deaf and blind children to sign in the palms of their hands. Supporting this work with AFEDJ is a way to honor the extraordinary efforts of those who serve on the ground. Every gift represents a donor’s yearning to help people have a good life.”

Penny Winder underscored her sense of duty, saying, “Serving as an AFEDJ trustee is an honor and a responsibility. It is crucial to nurture not only the Christian presence in the Holy Land but also the mission Jesus has entrusted to us. Though I cannot be there in person, I strive to support AFEDJ’s work with the same fervor that Galatians 6:9 inspires: ‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.’”

The new board members and officers bring a wealth of experience and dedication to AFEDJ, reinforcing our ongoing mission to provide vital support to the humanitarian institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.