Clergy & Staff
“However, if my people who belong to me will humbly pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Our Clergy
Rev. Marlene E. Forrest began her tenure as Priest-In-Charge at St. Philip’s in late February of 2020. She is a Cradle Episcopalian. She graduated with her Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary on May 17, 2018. She was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on June 9th, 2018 and the Priesthood on December 8, 2018.
Before entering seminary, Marlene was active in the life and ministry of her home church, Meade Memorial Episcopal in Alexandria, Virginia as a Eucharistic Minister, Lay Preacher, Worship Leader, Youth Minister, Vestry member and Choir member. She retired as a Special Education Teacher in 2016 after 30 years of teaching a variety of children with special needs.
While at Virginia Theological Seminary, Marlene established and served as President of the Seminarians of Color Union (SOCU). She was a Bishop Payne Scholar and was a member of the Multicultural Ministries Committee. She also served on the Design Team for the 2017 Seminarians of Color Conference sponsored by The Episcopal Church and the Office on Ethnic Ministries. In 2017 she was nominated and attended the Preaching Excellence Program, sponsored by the Episcopal Preaching Foundation. She is the 2018 recipient of the Thomas Underwood Dudley Award for Reading and Scripture Liturgy. This award is presented to graduating students who, in the opinion of the VTS faculty, have demonstrated excellence in the public reading and interpretation of the Scriptures and the Liturgy.
She obtained her undergraduate Degree in Special Education from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia and her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University. She has one daughter, Sara. She is a proud mother, daughter, sister and aunt. Her family is very important to her and she loves to spend time with them. In her spare time, she likes to watch medical, cooking and home renovation shows. She is also a music lover and attends many live music events when time permits.
Marlene began her ordained ministry serving as the Assistant Rector for Youth and Family Ministries at Saint Peter’s in the Woods family in Fairfax Station, Virginia. In the Diocese of Virginia, Marlene is the Co-Chair of the Commission on Ministry, member of the Committee on Priesthood, and the Ministry for Racial Justice and Healing. She also, serves as the National Union of Black Episcopalians Youth and Young Adults Chaplain.

Need to get in touch with Rev. Marlene?
- General Email: revmarlene@stphilipsrva.org
- Pastoral Care Email: pastoralcare@stphilipsrva.org
- Office phone: (804) 321-1266
Rev. Marlene’s Administrative Hours
Available by Email and Phone
- Monday – Tuesday: 10am to 3pm
- Sunday: 11am to 2pm
Available in Priest’s Church Office
- Wednesday: 10am to 11:30am and 1pm to 3pm
- Thursday: 11am to 3pm
In addition to the administrative hours above, Rev. Marlene’s work week includes activities directed by the needs of the parish and its wellbeing, as well as the Diocese and community.
Her weekly schedule also includes:
- Friday: Personal Sabbath with no email and phone calls
- Saturday: Day Off
If you have a pastoral care need and cannot reach Rev. Marlene directly, contact the Senior Warden, Thomas Beatty, 804-310-4742.
To schedule a meeting with Rev. Marlene, call, email or use this link calendly.com/revmarleneforrest.
Weekly Worship
In person or online each Sunday at 10:30 am.
Vestry
To learn about a specific ministry or associated programs, please contact the Vestry liaison for more information.
OUTREACH: Ernie Armstrong
TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATION:
In the near term, Vestry liaisons will be assigned to:
WORSHIP (All things Sunday morning)
YOUTH
COMMUNITY (Fellowship, Welcome, Hospitality)
ADULT FAITH FORMATION


Joy Lee
Staff

Dr. Willis L. Barnett
Minister of Music
We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Barnett serving with us. He routinely uses his talent, experience and musical connections to enhance our worship.
Dr. Barnett has served St. Philip’s since July 2013. The people of St. Philip’s are grateful for his talent and his service to them and God. He also serves at Virginia Union University as the Director of Music.
Dr. Barnett received his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Norfolk State University in 1973. He went on to obtain a Master of Science degree in Music Composition from Norfolk State University in 1978. He has also studied at Catholic University of America and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Nathaniel Lewis
Verger

Richard LeTang
Sexton