Our Vestry for 2025
In the Episcopal Church, the Vestry is a church leadership board. The Vestry is a decision-making body in the church. Along with the Rector, the Vestry helps to care for the building, the people, and the policies of the parish. Our vestry has nine members who are elected by the parishioners, a Senior Warden appointed by the Rector, and a Junior Warden, appointed by the elected members of the Vestry.
Front row (From left): The Rev. Cn. Chuck Milhoan (deacon), Deb Jasinski, Nancy Young (clerk), Donna Anastazi (Senior Warden), Michelle Weaver (Administrator), the Rev. Mary Brooks (deacon), the Rev. Henry F. Orth (assisting priest).
Middle row: Marykay Nelson, Suzy Mortenson (treasurer), Marjorie Thompson, Leslie Mays.
Back row: The Rev. Timothy J. Yanni (rector), Frank Pastula, Robert Trotter, Jayden Jerome, Jimmy Diaz, Michael “Buz” Isban (Junior Warden)
Clergy and Staff
The Rev. Timothy J. Yanni
The Rev. Timothy J. Yanni (Father Tim) is our Rector. Fr. Tim was ordained in 2016 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Provo, Utah. A Utah native, Fr. Tim grew up in Southern California’s Imperial Valley. He attended seminary at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. He holds a master’s degree in sacred theology from the University of Notre Dame. He also has an MBA, and he earned certification as a Board Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains.
He has served as our Rector (lead pastor) since 2022. He came to us from All Saints’ Episcopal Church in central Phoenix, where he served as Associate Rector for two years. He also taught religion to first-through-fourth graders at All Saints’ Episcopal Day School. He previously served as the chaplain at Ogden Regional Medical Center in Ogden, Utah.
He lives in Phoenix with his wife, Brandy, who has two adult daughters. Fr. Tim and Brandy have two energetic grandsons, and beloved nieces and nephews. They are raising a rescue dog named Ari (short for Arizona). Together, they enjoy travel, attending sporting events, and spending time together. Fr. Tim plays the guitar, enjoys golf, and has an affinity for aloha shirts. He has over 70 shirts (and those are only the ones Brandy knows about!).
He is playful, silly, and compassionate. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel, Fr. Tim is especially passionate about caring for the most vulnerable people in society.
The Rev. Cn. Chuck Milhoan
The Rev. Cn. Chuck Milhoan is our deacon. Ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church on January 24, 2009, Chuck Milhoan is not new to the Episcopal Church. Baptized at less than 4 months of age, confirmed at age 11, married at age 26, all in the Episcopal Church, Chuck has a lifelong relationship with the Episcopal Church. Chuck and his wife, Stacy, and their children, Todd and Sarah, have been part of the St. John the Baptist community since 1983.
Chuck graduated from Glendale High School in Glendale, Arizona and completed automotive technician training at Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie, Wyoming in 1969. He worked in a variety of positions in the automotive field including the operation of private post-secondary education institutions for automotive training before making the transition to the computer world in 1990.
His hobbies include computers, home repair/refurbishing and golf when he gets an opportunity.
The diaconate is a serving ministry. The church is the visible sign of Jesus Christ in the world and as Christ was a servant to all, so should the church be a Servant Church. We recognize that some persons are called to be deacons, to bring before the body of Christ, the church, opportunities for mission and to encourage the means for training and for responding to those opportunities. Chuck believes that we are all called by God to be servants and we should listen for that unique call, seek discernment for opportunities to serve others and then take action. Words to live by: Matthew 25:37-40
Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” The Way to live by: John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except thru me. A Choice to live by:
Whatever we do in this life we get to choose. We can choose to listen to the Holy Spirit. We can choose to serve. We can choose to care. A Prayer to live by:
Lord, help me to be a blessing to someone else today.
Michelle Weaver
Michelle Weaver serves as our Parish Administrator and our Finance Assistant. She comes to Arizona from Michigan, where a piece of her heart will always live. She loves baseball and Michigan’s athletics teams. She also has grown to love the Arizona Diamondbacks. She has a daughter, Nicolette, and a grandson, Caleb. She has experience in parish administration, finance, banking, and in the newspaper editorial room.
Hyeri Choi
Hyeri is our pianist and organist. A very talented musician, she studies at Arizona State University. She comes to us from Korea. She has performed in venues around the world, including in Paris, Korea, and at New York City’s famous Met! When Hyeri is playing, you are in for a real treat! Hyeri is married to her husband, Jim.
Bob Hodson
Bob is our Sexton. A “jack-of-all-trades”, Bob is handy with tools, and creative with construction! Need a handyman? Well, Bob is your guy! Bob enjoys the outdoors and he and his wife Teri enjoy taking their Jeep Wrangler off roading. Bob is passionate about Jesus, and you’ll frequently hear him whistling spirituals as he does his work.
The Rev. Henry Orth
Fr. Henry was ordained in the Roman Catholic Church over 40 years ago! After stepping away from ordained life for a time, he was received into the Episcopal Church in July of 2024. He lives in Arizona with his husband, Tony. They are passionate about caring for people in all walks of life. For many years, Fr. Henry and Tony served hot lunches to school children. We are so thrilled that Fr. Henry’s ministry has been restored!
Dan Basche
Dan Basche serves as our parish groundskeeper. He is active in our liturgical ministry teams and he keeps our grounds looking sharp! He has been with our parish for many years. Along with his wife Sandy, he can be found at many St. John’s events. Feel free to say hi! Dan is many things, but “shy” is not one of them!
Jimmy Diaz
Jimmy is the leader of our Praise Band and our Joyful Noise Choir. He also serves on our vestry! A very talented guitarist, Jimmy has taught many of our parish youth how to play the guitar and lead us in worship music. He is passionate about Christian praise music. During the week, you’re likely to find Jimmy on one of Sun City’s many golf courses. But on Sundays, he’s always at St. John’s!
The Rev. Cn Harry Way
The Rev. Cn. Harry way (Fr. Harry) is our Rector Emeritus. He served as Rector from 2001 until 2011. He and his wife Pat moved to Arizona from Wyoming. Fr. Harry is wise, caring, and gentle. If you are in the mood for a sermon that will speak to your soul, be sure not to miss a Sunday when Fr. Harry is preaching! Fr. Harry is also very passionate about including children in worship, and he was instrumental in shaping our children’s Christian education for many years. We are glad he chooses to spend his time among us!
