Staff & Vestry
Parish Rector
Father Tom Jones
My journey to ordination began while still an active duty pilot in the Air Force. During that time, I earned a Certificate in Theology through St John's Theological College in Nottingham, England and completed the Episcopal Church's Education for Ministry program.
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After 28 years of service, I retired from the Air Force in 2003 and entered seminary at the University of the South's School of Theology in Sewanee, TN. While in seminary, I served as a sacristan in the school's chapel, worked with the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and served with a local Cadet unit of the Civil Air Patrol.
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After graduating seminary, and before arriving here in November of 2008, I served two and half years as curate at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Omaha. Since my arrival, I have had the privilege to work with wonderful people who care deeply about the local and wider communities that surround us.
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Since ordination, mission has been a very important part of my ministry and it has been exciting working with parish and diocesan youth on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, and in the Dominican Republic, as we seek to deepen relationships in and with Christ through our service, fellowship, and worship.
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My lovely wife Sharon and I have been blessed with two children and two grandchildren. Sharon currently teaches mathematics at Metro Community College. Over the course of my Air Force career, we lived in Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, North Dakota, New York, California, England, and finally settling here in Nebraska where we now call home.
Deacon Ted Powell
The Rev. Deacon Theodore R. Powell (a.k.a. Deacon Ted) was born and raised on Martha’s Vineyard Island, MA where he was baptized and confirmed as an Episcopalian. He left the Island in 1973, joined the Air Force and was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, Hahn AB, Germany, and Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He spent 25 years in Nebraska where he and his family were active in church activities. As a layman he was active in the choir, the vestry and as an adult acolyte. He returned to Massachusetts in October 2000 to continue in his profession as an IT Project Manager and to start preparations for his call to the Diaconate. Deacon Ted was ordained on December 7, 2009, and in addition to his regular altar duties, he served at a shelter to feed the homeless.
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In May 2021, Deacon Ted and his wife returned to Nebraska. He reacquainted himself with the Church of the Holy Spirit and submitted his paperwork for return to TEC. In addition to diaconal duties at the altar, Deacon Ted coordinates the Mobile Food Pantry, manages a team of Acolytes, and visits homebound members.
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Deacon Ted earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Metro Tech Community College in 1983, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Bellevue University in 1986 and a Master of Business Administration from Bellevue University in 2004. Deacon Ted has retired after 40 years as a computer programmer and Project Manager. He has been awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal and served as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT for over 30 years.
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Deacon Ted and his wife Susan married in 1975. They have two children, Shannon and Kevin and five granddaughters, Elizabeth, Natalie, Isabella, Christina, and Abigail. Deacon Ted and Sue reside in Bellevue, NE and are both continually active in church activities at the Church of the Holy Spirit where Deacon Ted serves.
Deacon Terri Storm
The Rev. Deacon Terri Storm is a cradle Episcopalian who grew up as an Air Force dependent. Her family moved from Ellsworth AFB, SD when she was just 17 days old to Offutt. Her family moved into a home on Thomas Dr just down the street from Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS) where they became members and where Terri was baptized. After two years in Nebraska, Terri moved with her family around the United States returning to Offutt at the age of 10. Terri was confirmed at CHS, served as an acolyte as well as a Sunday School teacher until graduating from High School. She attended Creighton University where she earned a degree in Marketing and later an MBA. While in college, Terri frequently attended services at Trinity Cathedral in addition to services on Creighton’s campus hosted by Episcopal clergy from area parishes. After college, Terri attended both All Saints Episcopal Church and CHS.
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Terri and her husband, Mike, were married at CHS in 2000. Their blended family consists of 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Terri and Mike now live in Bellevue and own a martial arts school in Omaha. Upon moving back to Bellevue, Terri became a Lay Eucharistic Minister at CHS and a member of Daughters of the King.
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Terri began to hear the call to the diaconate during COVID and after working with the CHS Discernment Committee, she entered the formation process. She is a graduate of Bishop Kemper School for Ministry in Topeka, KS, serves at CHS as head of the Lay Eucharistic Visitors Ministry, and also works with Magdalene Nebraska and Bellevue Together. Following her ordination, Terri now serves as the Chaplain for the Daughters of the King Chapter at CHS.
Christian Education Director
Cindy Pekarek
Our Christian Education Director, Cindy Pekarek, and her family have been a part of the Holy Spirit family since 2014. Cindy and husband, Dwaine (goes by J.R.), have two kids at home – Jillian and A.J. She also has two grown children, Matthew Clark and Ali Clark. Cindy is a "stay-at-home" Mom which means she is rarely in the house! She has 20+ Years experience teaching Sunday school and running youth groups, and also has some experience in special education issues, especially behavioral. Cindy wants to welcome the entire congregation to join her in supporting Church of the Holy Spirit's kids through Sunday school.
Parish Administrator
Jean Cook
Our Parish Administrator, Jean Cook, has been a member of this parish for 26 years. A life long Episcopalian, Jean has been teaching Sunday school here for almost that long. Both of her sons were raised and confirmed in this church. ​As a petroleum geologist’s brat, and an Air Force wife, Jean has lived in many different places, including overseas. With a degree in Broadcast Communications, Jean has worked in both television and finance. Having filled in as the parish administrator, when the parish was looking for a new administrator several years ago, Jean was both happy to apply, and thrilled to become the new Church of the Holy Spirit Parish Administrator.
Parish Organist
Grace Roby
Grace Roby
Grace will join us for worship beginning Sunday, Oct 1, 2023.
CHS Vestry
The Holy Spirit vestry is the governing body of our church. Members are elected to three year terms. The role of the Vestry is to lead, empower, and support the shared ministry of our parish.
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2024 Vestry Officers: Other Members:
Senior Warden - Cindy Pekarek Kristi Smith
Junior Warden - Judy Darrell Lori Erickson
Clerk - Patrick Howell Barb Smith
Treasurer - Marcia Adams Vince Cummings Jr
Rick Horejs