Staff at Saint James

Chris Keeney, Director of Contemporary Music
and Worship Technology
Chris brings to Saint James two decades of experience as a guitarist, teacher, singer, recording engineer and performer in the mega church and musical theatre settings. Inspired by our innovative programming and Livestream technology, he draws on his extensive background to provide musical leadership primarily at our Saturday evening services. Email Chris

Karen King, Parish Secretary
Karen has worked at Saint James since 2005 and helps the whole parish and staff team keep all the administrative plates spinning from a ministry of welcome and communication to producing with a volunteer team all of our service bulletins. She has an Associate Degree in Specialized Business from the Executive Secretarial program at Central Pennsylvania College. She is an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, as well as being active at Saint James. She enjoys various crafts, including crochet and knitting. She resides in West Lampeter Township with her husband, Russ, one Jack Rat dog, Pyper and two cats—Blacky & Stella. Email Karen

 

Nancy LeVasseur, Events & Communications Assistant

Nancy designs and produces Headlines & Happenings and brings over 15 years’ experience in website design & development and content creation & population to her role as webmaster for Saint James. She graduated from Clarion University with a bachelor of arts and also holds a certificate in marketing from eCornell. In addition, she attained her internet marketing certification from Hubspot with an emphasis in content marketing, search engine optimization and end-user experience. An avid photographer and graphic designer, she loves using her skills to educate, encourage and help people and organizations tell their story via a website. In her spare time, Nancy loves to cycle, garden and go on long hikes with her husband John and their adorable Shi Tzu, Grace Note. Email Nancy

Debbi Miller, Pastoral Care Coordinator Debbi Miller has been a member of Saint James since October 2015 and currently serves on the vestry. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is currently employed as a staff therapist at Samaritan Counseling Center in Lancaster. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Wheaton College (IL) and a master’s degree from Messiah College in clinical mental health counseling. She has many years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, incarceration and poverty and is committed to creating a welcoming, safe place in the church for individuals in addiction or recovery. She believes all humans are created in the image of God and therefore have intrinsic value. She and her husband David have worked in ministry together and have mentored and opened their home to individuals who are often overlooked as a result of the disease of addiction. Email Debbi

Nicolette Norris, Minister of Giving and Communications
Nicolette has been a member of Saint James since 1997 and joined the staff in 2015. In her role, she works to keep Saint James highly visible via a broad communications platform of electronic and print communications, internet marketing, digital storytelling, media placement, print and online advertising and the expansion of our substantial social media presence. She also directs all aspects of financial stewardship, from annual and planned giving to fundraising for special projects and capital campaigns. She is currently serving the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania as a member of the bishop's standing committee. A graduate of the University of Virginia, she has held key marketing, fundraising and management roles in the arts and education. Nicolette is a lifelong Episcopalian and church musician. She is married to Brad and the mother of 3 adult children and a high schooler. In her spare time, she plays the piano and flute, enjoys studying foreign languages and researching the history of Saint James. Email Nicolette

Dr. William Wright, Director of Music
Dr. William Wright has over twenty years of experience as a conductor, choral trainer, organist and pianist. In addition to his work at F&M (where he will continue as Director of Choral Music), the Lancaster Symphony and Harvard University summer school, he has a broad background as a professional church musician and feels a strong calling to serve God in the church. Bill has participated in a number of our musical projects over the years, is known to many in the choir and is looking forward to bringing his considerable background and deep community ties to work at Saint James. Email Bill

Kristle Evans, Executive Assistant & Formation Team Coordinator
Kristle (Kristi) assists Fr. David and the staff team in parish planning while also working in spiritual growth and formation. A graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA-Psychology) and East Carolina University (MAEd.-Special Education), she served thirty-one years in education in the areas of special education, human resources, and communications in both North Carolina and Lancaster County. Kristi first attended St. James when she and her husband, Whit, were married here in 1997. In addition to her staff role, she is drawn to the ritual of daily prayer, is a Daughter of the King, and leads Women’s Gathering. When not at Saint James, you will likely find her on the tennis court or at the beach, watching Carolina basketball, or spending time with family. Email Kristi

Kimberlee Peifer, Director for Contemplative Prayer and Practices

Kimberlee leads weekly meditation groups in the World Community for Christian Meditation tradition, teaches classes and workshops on spiritual practices and creates contemplative retreats, events and masses at Saint James. Kimberlee hopes to help others uncover the multiple ways we can enter into the gift of contemplation while learning to be more rooted in the present, more conscious and more compassionate. She is certified in spiritual direction, formational prayer and yoga instruction (RYT200). She also has her BS in kinesiology and master’s degree in health education from Penn State University. In addition to reading, gardening and learning about herbalism, she enjoys continuing to create and discover the rhythm of life that works best for her. Email Kimberlee

Debbie Wetzel, Pastoral Care Coordinator Debbie has been an active parishioner at Saint James Episcopal Church since she and her family became members in 1995. Debbie is currently on staff as the Pastoral Care Coordinator and serves as a Eucharistic Visitor, Eucharistic Minister, Intercessor, Verger, and is a member of the Daughters of the King. Debbie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education. A recent “empty-nester,” Debbie lives in Landisville with her husband Joe. They have two daughters, Carlie and Danielle (deceased in 2002). Email Debbie