STAFF BIOS
The Rev. Benedict Varnum Priest and Rector
The Reverend Benedict Varnum is our priest, who joined us in July 2015. Fr Ben is committed to beautiful worship and steady preaching focused on Jesus and our own lives. His work at St Augustine's is to help build a church culture that lets us get to know each other and work together in ministries and fellowship, and creates opportunities for each person to grow into their gifts. Fr Ben grew up in the Catholic Church before being confirmed in the Episcopal Church in the eighth grade, and he spent time preparing to become a history or philosophy professor before feeling called to ordained ministry. Ben, his wife Megan, their daughter Ruth and two cats have a home in Omaha. Ben enjoys biking, fancy board games, reading, and keeping up with the latest comic book movies – he can probably tell you which of your favorite comic characters makes a better Christian!
The Reverend Benedict Varnum is our priest, who joined us in July 2015. Fr Ben is committed to beautiful worship and steady preaching focused on Jesus and our own lives. His work at St Augustine's is to help build a church culture that lets us get to know each other and work together in ministries and fellowship, and creates opportunities for each person to grow into their gifts. Fr Ben grew up in the Catholic Church before being confirmed in the Episcopal Church in the eighth grade, and he spent time preparing to become a history or philosophy professor before feeling called to ordained ministry. Ben, his wife Megan, their daughter Ruth and two cats have a home in Omaha. Ben enjoys biking, fancy board games, reading, and keeping up with the latest comic book movies – he can probably tell you which of your favorite comic characters makes a better Christian!
The Rev. Ruth Tomlinson, Assisting Priest
Mother Ruth retired in 2010 and has been at St. Augustine’s since 2013 including five months at St. A’s as an interim. She was ordained in the Diocese of Los Angeles in 2000 and moved to Norfolk, NE in 2004 to be the rector of Trinity, Norfolk. Before retirement she served in many diocesan positions including the Executive Commission, co-chair of the Bishop’s Search Committee, Fresh Start coordinator, and as a priest on various Cursillo weekends. She is currently a chaplain at Methodist Hospital, a spiritual director, a Daughters of the King, and the intake officer for clergy misconduct in the diocese. When she is not playing mandolin in the praise group at the 8:30 service, she fills in as a supply priest around the diocese. She has two adult children and one granddaughter. Her interests include her family, reading, attending plays and concerts, and traveling both in the U.S. and elsewhere. She is honored and delighted to be part of the St. A’s family.
Mother Ruth retired in 2010 and has been at St. Augustine’s since 2013 including five months at St. A’s as an interim. She was ordained in the Diocese of Los Angeles in 2000 and moved to Norfolk, NE in 2004 to be the rector of Trinity, Norfolk. Before retirement she served in many diocesan positions including the Executive Commission, co-chair of the Bishop’s Search Committee, Fresh Start coordinator, and as a priest on various Cursillo weekends. She is currently a chaplain at Methodist Hospital, a spiritual director, a Daughters of the King, and the intake officer for clergy misconduct in the diocese. When she is not playing mandolin in the praise group at the 8:30 service, she fills in as a supply priest around the diocese. She has two adult children and one granddaughter. Her interests include her family, reading, attending plays and concerts, and traveling both in the U.S. and elsewhere. She is honored and delighted to be part of the St. A’s family.
The Rev. Dn. Dave Holmquist
The Rev. Deacon David Holmquist was ordained to the permanent diaconate in October 2012 after joining St. Augustine's in November 2008. Deacon Dave is now retired from full time employment and uses much of his extra available time working on social justice concerns and issues surrounding senior citizens, and those in society living at the margins. Deacon Dave is a lifelong Episcopalian who grew up in the Chicago suburbs. He completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University and Parsons College, and then did graduate work at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and theology studies by extension through the University of the South. Working in ministry at St. A's has brought him great joy as he's been able to be a part of the tremendous growth of the parish over the past ten years and continues to find an abundance of the Holy Spirit alive in our parish.
The Rev. Deacon David Holmquist was ordained to the permanent diaconate in October 2012 after joining St. Augustine's in November 2008. Deacon Dave is now retired from full time employment and uses much of his extra available time working on social justice concerns and issues surrounding senior citizens, and those in society living at the margins. Deacon Dave is a lifelong Episcopalian who grew up in the Chicago suburbs. He completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University and Parsons College, and then did graduate work at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and theology studies by extension through the University of the South. Working in ministry at St. A's has brought him great joy as he's been able to be a part of the tremendous growth of the parish over the past ten years and continues to find an abundance of the Holy Spirit alive in our parish.
The Rev. Dn. Rebecca Smith
Deacon Rebecca discerned a call to the servant ministry of a deacon here at St Augustine's, and she was ordained in January 2022. Deacon Rebecca continues to serve with us on Sunday mornings, and to lead a ministry of care and service for those who are in prison called Read Me a Story, which involves visiting inmates and bringing them children's books to read to their kids at home as a gift and a way of staying focused on what life can be like back at home.
Deacon Rebecca discerned a call to the servant ministry of a deacon here at St Augustine's, and she was ordained in January 2022. Deacon Rebecca continues to serve with us on Sunday mornings, and to lead a ministry of care and service for those who are in prison called Read Me a Story, which involves visiting inmates and bringing them children's books to read to their kids at home as a gift and a way of staying focused on what life can be like back at home.
Kate Kielion, Director of Ministries
Kate Kielion is the Director of Ministries at St. Augustine. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art. She has worked as a photographer for the last 10 Years, and continues as a family photographer part time. She was raised in the Catholic Church and visited St. Augustine in 2015 because she felt that our values and beliefs were more in line with the way she and her husband Chad wanted to raise their two children Joseph and Luciana. They felt completely welcomed from the very first service and coffee hour, and they were happy to have found a new church family! Kate taught Preschool Sunday School for two years and served on vestry before being hired as our Director of Ministries. She has enjoyed learning more about all of the ministries of our parish and is excited to be a part of such an exciting time of growth! In her spare time she loves activities with her family, especially traveling. She also enjoys weight lifting and in 2018 completed her first Sprint Triathalon! You can contact Kate if you have questions about any of our ministries or for all communications needs, her email is ministries@sainta.net
Kate Kielion is the Director of Ministries at St. Augustine. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art. She has worked as a photographer for the last 10 Years, and continues as a family photographer part time. She was raised in the Catholic Church and visited St. Augustine in 2015 because she felt that our values and beliefs were more in line with the way she and her husband Chad wanted to raise their two children Joseph and Luciana. They felt completely welcomed from the very first service and coffee hour, and they were happy to have found a new church family! Kate taught Preschool Sunday School for two years and served on vestry before being hired as our Director of Ministries. She has enjoyed learning more about all of the ministries of our parish and is excited to be a part of such an exciting time of growth! In her spare time she loves activities with her family, especially traveling. She also enjoys weight lifting and in 2018 completed her first Sprint Triathalon! You can contact Kate if you have questions about any of our ministries or for all communications needs, her email is ministries@sainta.net
Jay Hammond, Parish Administrator
Jay Hammond has joined St. Augustine as our Parish Administrator! Originally from Nebraska City (baptized & confirmed at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church there), she graduated from Shattuck St. Mary’s Schools in Faribault, MN and is currently a member of All Saints in Omaha. A freelance writer, she has operated her own business doing technical and business writing in the financial, tech, healthcare and media industries since 1991. In addition, Jay currently sits on the Board of Directors of a bank holding company in Iowa. Her hobbies include knitting, travel, steampunk, photography, and cosplay (that one will be obvious come October). Jay is also working on a nonfiction travel book, a mystery novella, a fantasy novella and a variety of short stories, essays, and articles. Please contact Jay if you have any questions about the bulletin, scheduling and your donations, her email is parish@sainta.net.
Jay Hammond has joined St. Augustine as our Parish Administrator! Originally from Nebraska City (baptized & confirmed at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church there), she graduated from Shattuck St. Mary’s Schools in Faribault, MN and is currently a member of All Saints in Omaha. A freelance writer, she has operated her own business doing technical and business writing in the financial, tech, healthcare and media industries since 1991. In addition, Jay currently sits on the Board of Directors of a bank holding company in Iowa. Her hobbies include knitting, travel, steampunk, photography, and cosplay (that one will be obvious come October). Jay is also working on a nonfiction travel book, a mystery novella, a fantasy novella and a variety of short stories, essays, and articles. Please contact Jay if you have any questions about the bulletin, scheduling and your donations, her email is parish@sainta.net.
Mark Witte, Parish Intern
Mark joined St. Augustine as parish intern in September 2021. Hailing from Dallas, TX, Mark completed his undergraduate studies in business at the University of Texas at Austin. He moved to Omaha in 2020 to join the Benedictine Way, an Episcopal monastic community. He is a postulant for the priesthood — meaning he is approved for priestly studies — in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Mark brings a deep appreciation for Benedictine spirituality, believing its focus on silence and simplicity offer a well from which the deeply healing presence of Jesus can be drawn. In his free time, he enjoys running, mountain climbing, watching movies, and spending time with his corgi, Jasper.
Mark joined St. Augustine as parish intern in September 2021. Hailing from Dallas, TX, Mark completed his undergraduate studies in business at the University of Texas at Austin. He moved to Omaha in 2020 to join the Benedictine Way, an Episcopal monastic community. He is a postulant for the priesthood — meaning he is approved for priestly studies — in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Mark brings a deep appreciation for Benedictine spirituality, believing its focus on silence and simplicity offer a well from which the deeply healing presence of Jesus can be drawn. In his free time, he enjoys running, mountain climbing, watching movies, and spending time with his corgi, Jasper.
Jeff Hoffman, Choir Director & Organist
Jeff Hoffman is a native of West Point, Nebraska, where he served as organist at Grace Lutheran and St. Paul Lutheran churches. He attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska and served First Baptist Church as organist. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln studying organ performance and has since served as Director of Music at Salem Lutheran Church and on the staff of First Lutheran Church, both in Fremont, directing the Handbell Choir and contemporary worship ensembles, and as an accompanist for the Fremont Public Schools. Mr. Hoffman also served as Director of Music at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont, the Archdiocese of Omaha as an organist at St. Cecilia Cathedral and Accompanist and Administrator for the Archdiocesan Children’s Choir. He served as Executive Director for John C. Fremont Days for ten years and is currently Director of Operations for Harrer Homes Realty Group, affiliated with Keller Williams of Greater Omaha.
Mr. Hoffman has served in leadership positions on the board of directors of the Omaha Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Friends of Keene Memorial Library, Fremont Area Art Association Board, John C. Fremont Days, The Jefferson House Advisory Board, and was active in the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Membership and Professional Development Councils and founder and co-chair of their Youth Leadership Academy.
Mr. Hoffman currently serves on the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Cecilia Cathedral, Omaha, NE, and as Secretary of the Board of Directors and Program Chair for Cathedral Arts Project.
Jeff Hoffman is a native of West Point, Nebraska, where he served as organist at Grace Lutheran and St. Paul Lutheran churches. He attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska and served First Baptist Church as organist. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln studying organ performance and has since served as Director of Music at Salem Lutheran Church and on the staff of First Lutheran Church, both in Fremont, directing the Handbell Choir and contemporary worship ensembles, and as an accompanist for the Fremont Public Schools. Mr. Hoffman also served as Director of Music at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont, the Archdiocese of Omaha as an organist at St. Cecilia Cathedral and Accompanist and Administrator for the Archdiocesan Children’s Choir. He served as Executive Director for John C. Fremont Days for ten years and is currently Director of Operations for Harrer Homes Realty Group, affiliated with Keller Williams of Greater Omaha.
Mr. Hoffman has served in leadership positions on the board of directors of the Omaha Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Friends of Keene Memorial Library, Fremont Area Art Association Board, John C. Fremont Days, The Jefferson House Advisory Board, and was active in the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Membership and Professional Development Councils and founder and co-chair of their Youth Leadership Academy.
Mr. Hoffman currently serves on the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Cecilia Cathedral, Omaha, NE, and as Secretary of the Board of Directors and Program Chair for Cathedral Arts Project.
SERVICES: 8:30 AM │ 10:30 AM │ Sunday School 9:40-10:20 AM
For a description of the style of service, please visit our worship page
For a description of the style of service, please visit our worship page
285 So. 208th Street, Elkhorn NE 68022 │ 402-289-4058