Over the past four years, anyone who has savored a homemade treat after Evensong or enjoyed an exceptional lunch during choir camp has experienced the handiwork of October’s Volunteer of the Month, Lynn Slater.
Following her retirement in 2022, Lynn turned lifelong passions into new avenues of service, earning a formal degree in Culinary Arts and sharing her craft across parish picnics, special receptions, and community gatherings. Yet her culinary skill is only one chapter of her contributions to Christ Church Glendale. A graduate electrical engineer, Lynn has also lent her technical precision to the Vestry as liaison to the Buildings and Grounds Commission and serves as the leader of the parish Angel Team ministry.
A Seat at the Table: Finding a Spiritual Home in Glendale
Raised in a non-denominational Christian tradition, Lynn first encountered the Episcopal Church while dating her husband, Carl. Following their marriage, the two spent years searching for a faith community that resonated with both of them.
Eventually, Carl suggested visiting Christ Church Glendale (CCG), a historic parish located in the heart of the Village of Glendale, Ohio, where he and his daughters had previously attended.
“CCG felt like home on the first visit,” Lynn reflects. “I truly try to make others feel that way as they are coming into our space for perhaps the first time.”
That personal experience of hospitality became the touchstone for her active presence across parish life, ensuring visitors and lifelong members alike feel welcomed from the moment they walk through the doors.
Seasoned with Skill & Grace: Practical Engineering on the Vestry
Lynn is an experienced Electrical Engineer who spent her career building deep technical knowledge in the industry. After retiring, she decided it was time to go from an observer in the pew to an active member of the church. She ran for vestry, became an elected member, and volunteered to become the Vestry Liaison for the Building and Grounds Commission.
Like many pioneering women in STEM, Lynn occasionally encountered initial skepticism, but her dedication and skill quickly won over the room:
"When I first became involved with the B&G group, I got a lot of "oh she is just a girl" attitude from some folks. As time went on and I showed them that I really did know what I was doing, that attitude shifted greatly. I truly appreciated that shift. I think the best feeling of accomplishment was after being an issue since the new building was built, I was able to fix the chapel heating and A/C system so that when they had a power outage, the system would come back up and function properly within a few days with some minor program tweaks."
By bringing her professional problem-solving skills to our parish, Lynn tackled complex HVAC issues that had lingered for years, proving just how vital diverse perspectives and seasoned expertise are to keeping our parish running smoothly.
Loaves, Fishes & Full Hearts: Culinary Arts and the Angel Team
Alongside technical oversight, Lynn expanded her lifelong culinary craft into professional training:
"I [have] always cooked and baked at home and enjoyed it… So in 2022, I went back to school at Cincinnati State and enrolled in their culinary arts program, completing the program in 2024."
Equipped with classic culinary training from Cincinnati State, she brought elevated hospitality directly to parish receptions, seasonal feasts, and church events. Yet her most impactful kitchen service happens behind the scenes with the Angel Team, a dedicated ministry providing compassionate hospitality and comfort to parish families navigating loss:
"Volunteering with Angel Team fills my heart with happiness by providing for our families at some of their times of greatest need. Being able to cook a comforting meal and provide a warm and inviting space for them to grieve and visit with family and friends has been a privilege."
A Full Heart & an Open Table
From stabilizing complex church facility operations to providing comforting meals in times of grief, Lynn Slater’s journey at Christ Church Glendale demonstrates how diverse vocational talents enrich a spiritual community. Her balance of analytical precision and genuine pastoral warmth nourishes the parish both practically and spiritually.
That spirit of renewal continues: Lynn and the planning committee are currently coordinating upcoming kitchen improvement projects at Christ Church Glendale to further enhance the parish’s hospitality spaces for years to come.