Meet our Rector

 

The Rev. Lisa A. Saunders was raised in Middleton, Wisconsin and first experienced the joys of the Episcopal Church when she was in fifth grade.  As an active youth of Grace Episcopal Church in Madison, Lisa was given leadership opportunities within Outreach and youth programs.  Ever since, Lisa has felt a strong call to serve as Christ in this world, and invite others into this ministry.

 

After completing her studies at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Lisa entered the ordination process in the Diocese of Milwaukee. She received a Master of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary in 2007.  Before coming to St. James in November of 2011, Lisa served as the Assistant Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square.  At St. John’s, Lisa had oversight of Outreach, Young Adult, and Latino Ministries.

 

Lisa is the 20th Rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church and welcomes any opportunity to development relationship in community, praise God with joy, and reflect on the mysterious ways God is working in our community.  She has a beautiful little Norfolk Terrier named Beau, loves playing Scrabble and Salsa music.

Meet our Assisting Clergy

 

Deacon Terry Garner is usually noticed first by his laugh and then by his smile. Those are fueled by the joy of finding Jesus Christ in others, particularly our younger Christians. When Deacon Terry was a young person himself, he first found Christ in a parish youth group, in the eyes and hearts of the spirit-filled adult leaders and kids. God gave Terry those same gifts, and called him to that same ministry. A more recent focus of Deacon Terry's talents has been with our worship music group, Joyful Noise, where he plays guitar and sings.

 

 

Deacon Emeritus Ned Howe was actively involved as a layman in all phases of parish life prior to his ordination 22 years ago. He brings a 10-year background in alcohol and drug abuse counseling and an unwavering commitment to serving and working with the homeless to his ministry at St. James'. On a typical morning Deacon Ned can be found dispensing food, coffee, comfort and wisdom to the guests (and sometimes the workers!) at The Gathering, a meal program headquartered in the lower level of the church.