Church Council Members

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Diane Washburn - Council President

Diane was raised in Newport News post living in Florida, Massachusetts, upstate New York, and returned to Hampton in 1987. She learned of Gloria Dei by enrolling her oldest son in preschool. She became a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in 1987, which included the baptism of her three children and herself. Diane is very proud that all three of her children attended Gloria Dei school through fifth grade and were confirmed in the church. She has worked as a medical laboratory scientist since 1976, with a few years as a science teacher. This year, Diane is retiring as the Clinical Specialist of Hematology for the Sentara Health system.

During her tenure at Gloria Dei, Diane has participated in small group, Wonderful Wednesdays, and served as a Lay Assistant.

Vivian Griese - Council Vice President

Vivian Griese grew up in Louisiana and is from a large Lutheran family.  She has been a member of Gloria Dei since 1990, when a military move brought her to the area.  Vivian is retired from Hampton City Schools.

Vivian has two children, both military families. Stephanie Griese Williams (Richard Williams) and their daughter, Sophia.  Nicholas Griese (Sarah Rossow Griese) and their 6-year-old twins, Harper and Luke.

Vivian enjoys traveling to visit her children and grandchildren, making and looking at art, reading, researching, and working outside.  Admittedly, after earning her Doctorate in Educational Administration she is now hooked on reading research articles and books on creativity, Christian symbolism, and ways of thinking.

Mike Canny - Council Member and Congregational Scribe

Mike is a forty-year resident of Hampton; and he retired from the Hampton Police Division as a Road Sergeant in 2017, after 34 years of service. Mike and his wife, Susan, came to Gloria Dei in 1997, when their daughter, Megan, began Pre-Kindergarten here. Their daughter was active in Girl Scouts and youth ministry through high school.

Mike has been serving the Council as the Scribe since 2017.  He has served as a lay reader and has sung in the Adult Choir. Mike has had to step away from the Choir for the time being due to the demands of his “retirement” job as a charter coach driver for Newton’s Bus Service, but hopes to be able to return soon. He looks forward to serving the Gloria Dei Congregation in a new position.

Tom Clasen - Council Member and Secretary

Tom grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin, and he married Claire in 1976. She is also a graduate of The U.W. Pharmacy School. They have three children. Tom joined Gloria Dei when they moved to Hampton in 1981. Tom retired from pharmacy in January of 2022, having worked as a pharmacist for about 50 years. He mostly worked as a hospital pharmacist with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Portsmouth Naval Hospital.

Tom has served as an usher for over 30 years, served on the Parish Fellowship Board, and taught some Christian Education classes. He has also participated in the music ministry from time to time.

Don Glenn - Council Member

Don Glenn was born in Fort Carson, Colorado. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Navy, where he dedicated 30 years of service. Starting his career as a Seaman, he retired in 2004 as a Master Chief Petty Officer. During his time in the Navy, he worked extensively with airplanes and aircraft carriers.

Following his military retirement in 2004, Don continued working as a civilian for the Navy. He remained in that role until his official retirement in 2022.

Don and his wife, Sandi, have three children and seven grandchildren. Family time is a top priority for them, and they value the moments they spend together.

Don is happy to serve Gloria Dei as a member of the Council.

Kent Morgan - Council Member

Kent was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and grew up in King George, Virginia. He attended Christ Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. It was at Christ Lutheran where he got his taste for ushering. He was a Chief Petty Officer, JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps) in high school. Kent then moved to Newport News in July of 2002 for the apprenticeship program in Newport News Shipyard. In 2006, he started working for L3 Harris.

His hobbies include video games, painting, and a new love of crochet. In 2012, Kent found his new home at Gloria Dei and became a member. He was eager to get back to ushering and making it a home in which he could grow. Kent enjoys helping out with all of the fellowship events that Gloria Dei has to offer and would love to bring even more of his gifts to this wonderful church.

Kevin Morse - Council Member

Kevin was born in Silver Spring, Maryland; attended Catholic grade school and high school; and graduated from University of Maryland with a degree in Economics.  Kevin worked as an elevator mechanic in Washington, D.C., and as a certified elevator inspector with Naval Facilities Engineering Command.  The Navy transferred Kevin to Norfolk in 1993, where he worked as the NAVFAC Elevator Program Manager for the remainder of his 30-year federal government career.

Sandy Dunn introduced Kevin to Gloria Dei in 2008.  They were married in 2009, completed the new member’s class and have been active members ever since.  Sandy and Kevin were committee chairs for the 50th Anniversary Sock Hop and for the Stewardship Committee in 2018.  Between them, they have six children and eight grandchildren, who are their greatest joy and commitment.

Kevin enjoys singing in the Adult Choir, playing in the Handbell Choir, and creating coffee for the Sunday services.  He has been active in supporting the Gloria Dei efforts for Habitat for Humanity; cooking and singing at Glorioso’s spaghetti dinner and working on the project houses.  Kevin is also on speed dial for work parties whenever a crew is needed for a tent raising and other efforts.

Diane Washburn - Council Member

Diane was raised in Newport News post living in Florida, Massachusetts, upstate New York, and returned to Hampton in 1987. She learned of Gloria Dei by enrolling her oldest son in preschool. She became a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in 1987, which included the baptism of her three children and herself. Diane is very proud that all three of her children attended Gloria Dei school through fifth grade and were confirmed in the church. She has worked as a medical laboratory scientist since 1976, with a few years as a science teacher. This year, Diane is retiring as the Clinical Specialist of Hematology for the Sentara Health system.

During her tenure at Gloria Dei, Diane has participated in small group, Wonderful Wednesdays, and served as a Lay Assistant.

Amanda Gonzalez - Council Member

Amanda became a member of Gloria Dei in 2022 after relocating to the area with her husband, Jose, who is serving in the military. She was raised in the Lutheran church and attended a Lutheran school during her early education, which helped instill a lasting appreciation for the faith and its traditions. She is part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Amanda is grateful to be part of the Gloria Dei community and is honored to serve and support the mission of the church.