Staff Bios
The Rev. Benedict Varnum Priest and Rector
Our priest is the Reverend Benedict Varnum, 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 and his wife Megan live in Elkhorn. 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!
Our priest is the Reverend Benedict Varnum, 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 and his wife Megan live in Elkhorn. 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!
Dn. Dave Holmquist, Deacon
Dn. Pat Sheldon, Deacon
I joined St. Augustines in 1990 and was ordained to the diaconate in 1997. My main ministry has been pastoral care which I love. I have also served on the Dean Fricke Memorial Episcopal Food Pantry for about 10 years and well as the Diocesan Women's Ministry Board for about 10 years. I am a certified Spiritual Companion in our diocese. I love the people of our church. They are friendly and loving and are there for you when you need them. It is a joyful place to be. The Holy Spirit is alive in our church.
I joined St. Augustines in 1990 and was ordained to the diaconate in 1997. My main ministry has been pastoral care which I love. I have also served on the Dean Fricke Memorial Episcopal Food Pantry for about 10 years and well as the Diocesan Women's Ministry Board for about 10 years. I am a certified Spiritual Companion in our diocese. I love the people of our church. They are friendly and loving and are there for you when you need them. It is a joyful place to be. The Holy Spirit is alive in our church.
Chris Mattson, Director of Teen Ministries/Youth Group
Chris Mattson is the Youth Minister here at St. Augustine. He grew up in Omaha. He works full time at UNO in the student center. Chris is married with 4 children ranging from elementary to high school ages. He volunteered with the youth program for 2 years before taking the position of Youth Minister in 2014. You can find him and his family here on Sundays leading Youth Bible Study and on Wednesday evenings for Youth Group.
Chris Mattson is the Youth Minister here at St. Augustine. He grew up in Omaha. He works full time at UNO in the student center. Chris is married with 4 children ranging from elementary to high school ages. He volunteered with the youth program for 2 years before taking the position of Youth Minister in 2014. You can find him and his family here on Sundays leading Youth Bible Study and on Wednesday evenings for Youth Group.
Kris Morgan, Director of Children's Minstries
Kris Morgan is our Youth Education Director and has been since 2012. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2005. She began working for the local non profit, Partnership 4 Kids in 2008 and is a Training and Program Coordinator. Being raised as a cradle Episcopalian, Kris believes that having quality and engaging programming for youth and families is one of the greatest gifts St. Augustine's can give to it's parishioners. Kris's goals are to provide engaging programs for youth, fellowship opportunities to connect families, and meaningful interactions between all parishioners and youth to build a cohesive congregation of inclusion.
Kris Morgan is our Youth Education Director and has been since 2012. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2005. She began working for the local non profit, Partnership 4 Kids in 2008 and is a Training and Program Coordinator. Being raised as a cradle Episcopalian, Kris believes that having quality and engaging programming for youth and families is one of the greatest gifts St. Augustine's can give to it's parishioners. Kris's goals are to provide engaging programs for youth, fellowship opportunities to connect families, and meaningful interactions between all parishioners and youth to build a cohesive congregation of inclusion.
Mary Beth Barone, Administrative Assistant
Mary Beth Barone is St. Augustine’s Administrative Assistant. She is responsible for the weekly bulletins, tracking events on the calendar, assisting the treasurer, and providing various kinds of administrative support to Fr. Ben, the church staff, and parishioners. Mary Beth has been in this position since 2010. She enjoys visiting with parishioners and being a part of this church community. Mary Beth is married and has two adult sons. Her greatest joy is spending time with family. She takes advantage of her part-time work schedule to travel with her husband and spend time with her sons.
You can contact Mary Beth (parish@sainta.net) for any questions you may have regarding membership, contributions, contact information, directory changes, calendar events, etc.
Mary Beth Barone is St. Augustine’s Administrative Assistant. She is responsible for the weekly bulletins, tracking events on the calendar, assisting the treasurer, and providing various kinds of administrative support to Fr. Ben, the church staff, and parishioners. Mary Beth has been in this position since 2010. She enjoys visiting with parishioners and being a part of this church community. Mary Beth is married and has two adult sons. Her greatest joy is spending time with family. She takes advantage of her part-time work schedule to travel with her husband and spend time with her sons.
You can contact Mary Beth (parish@sainta.net) for any questions you may have regarding membership, contributions, contact information, directory changes, calendar events, etc.
SERVICES: 7:45 AM │ 9:00 AM │ 10:30 AM │ Sunday School 10:15-11:00 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, Omaha NE 68022 │ 402-289-4058