Staff
Rev. Sven L. vanBaars, Rector
The Rev. Sven vanBaars is the 46th Rector of Abingdon. He began in this role in October 2010.
Sven joined the Episcopal Church as an adult when a member of the choir of St. Thomas in Ahoskie, NC. During his first career, he was an active lay member of the church, serving on the Vestry, as a Sunday School teacher, on the Altar Guild, and on several Regional and Diocesan ministries. In 2004 he discerned his call to ordination and after seminary was ordained deacon and priest in 2008. Prior to his call to Abingdon, he served as the Assistant Rector at St. Martin’s, Williamsburg, in the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, history, and creating ways to rid the world of marshmallow peeps.
Sven holds the Bachelor of Arts and the Master of Public Administration from East Carolina University and the Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. He is married to the Rev. Jennifer Kimball.
Contact Sven by email at rector@abingdonchurch.org
Alisa Bohon, Director of Music
Alisa Bohon began her church music involvement at age 14 when she was asked to substitute for the church organist. Many years later she continues to be involved in the music life of the church. Her early involvement in music began in Crittenden, VA, where she grew up. She studied piano 10 years before moving on to college to receive a BS in piano performance. Organ studies were pursued in high school and college.
In her position at Abingdon, Alisa takes great enjoyment in directing the adult, children and hand bell choirs. It is rewarding to be part of small groups that share a common goal – enhancing the service through music. In an additional duty of her position, Alisa is Artistic Director of Arts at Abingdon – an outreach program of the church which brings in musicians from around the country and the world to offer a concert series for the people of Gloucester.
Outside of Abingdon, Alisa teaches piano in her Yorktown studio to over thirty students. Alisa lives in Gloucester with her twin sons. She enjoys family, friends and travel and especially combining these with dinner.
Contact Alisa by email at music@abingdonchurch.org
Wendy Every, Church Secretary
Raised in the picturesque village of Saugerties, NY, Wendy has lived in many places, as a military spouse, before settling on Gloucester as her forever home. Travel, Gardening and baking are some of the hobbies that she enjoys. Wendy has two adult daughters, and two feline fur babies. The great joy of her life is being “Grammy” to her two young granddaughters.
As the parish secretary, She enjoys being “the face of the church”, and has been with Abingdon in that capacity for more than eighteen years. Wendy is also an active member of Abingdon Church where she serves as a prayer intercessor, volunteers with the outreach of Meals on Wheels, the Community Thanksgiving dinner, and chairs the Salvation Army Angel Tree.
Contact Wendy by email at admin@abingdonchurch.org
Melanie Pressley, Minister for Youth and Children
Having been called at a young age to minister, Melanie Pressley has preached in several states including New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and New Jersey. She began her ministry at Rivers of Living Water NY/NJ UCC where she was licensed under Rev. Dr. Vanessa M. Brown in 2017. Minister Melanie received her BA from Rutgers University, and later her Master of Divinity degree from Drew University Theological School in Madison, New Jersey. Having taught in the Passaic Public Schools in NJ for 32 years, she is recently retired and loves sharing the love of Christ whenever possible. Min. Melanie is awaiting ordination and resides in Hampton, Virginia with her family
Contact Minister Melanie by email at formation@abingdonchurch.org
Gary Hudgins, Sexton
A Mathews County native, Gary currently lives on Gwynn's Island. Gary enjoys working on his home & property, singing (mostly Christian songs) and his Friday night card game with friends.
In addition to the job as Sexton, Gary has taken on the role as a docent for Abingdon, something he enjoys doing because of the rich history of the church.