THE REV JENNIFER E MATTSON, RECTOR
Jennifer is the pastor of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Lancaster, where she has faithfully served for the past seven years. She previously served at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lancaster and will celebrate twenty years of ordained ministry next year. Pastor, wife, and mother of four, she lives in the city of Lancaster with her family. Her husband, The Rev. Bradley Mattson, serves as the pastor of Hope Episcopal Church in Manheim. An advocate for children, Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with minors in Early Childhood Education and Music from Shippensburg University. She completed her theological studies at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, earning her Master of Divinity in 2005. She continued her education in pastoral care as a chaplain resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, completing two levels of Clinical Pastoral Education. Jennifer is passionate about ending gun violence and serves as the Co-Chair for the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania’s “Saving Lives: Ending Gun Violence” ministry. She is an avid gardener who loves creation. She is deeply committed to the work of anti-racism and has been actively involved in the campaign for fair funding in the state of Pennsylvania. She is the worship leader for her prison ministry team, where she brings her love of music. When she’s not reading a book, she is an enthusiastic dancer, a serious roller skater (she retired from roller derby), and is a self-described introvert who prefers to pray in the woods.
THE VENERABLE JANE E MIRON, DEACON
A confirmed people person, Deacon Jane Miron believes that talking is a great spiritual exercise! She used to occupy her time during the day by “hanging out” with 7th graders trying to instill in them a deep love and appreciation for history. She has since retired from teaching middle-schoolers, but not from church work! In addition to serving as deacon at St. Thomas, Jane also serves as the Archdeacon for the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, where she helps educate and empower others to live out their diaconal ministry. Deacon Jane lives in Neffsville, with her husband David. One of her favorite activities is spending time with her two grandchildren, Sierra and Christian. Other activities include biking, walking, reading and spending time with people! She and David have raised two children, Hannah, who lives in Lancaster, and Nick, who lives with his wife Allison and the grandchildren in Lititiz.
THE REV DR. HOWARD KEMPSELL, ASSOCIATE CLERGY AND SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Howard began his ministry at St. Thomas in 2018, offering spiritual direction in the Spiritual Center and serving as a Sunday Celebrant and Preacher. He is a native of New Jersey. He began his undergraduate education at Emory University as a Pre-Med student; and he completed his undergraduate education earning BA in Religion at the University of Richmond. He earned a M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary, which included an academic year internship in Ministry in Higher Education at the University of Vermont, the Cathedral of St. Paul in Burlington, and on-call pastoral care responsibilities at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont. He currently serves as a tri-vocational priest, providing childcare for his grandchild, offering spiritual direction and serving as Celebrant and Preacher at St. Thomas’ and other Episcopal congregations. Howard enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, fly fishing, and traveling to many ‘high and thin’ places in various countries, as well as investing time with his family and friends. He is married to Anne Gore Kempsell, who sings in St. Thomas’ Adult Choir. He and Anne have two adult children, one of whom lives in Lancaster and one of who lives in San Diego, CA.
https://www.spinnakerspiritualdirection.com/
DR. MARIA CORLEY, ORGANIST AND MUSIC DIRECTOR
Dr. Maria Corley was born in Jamaica, but grew up in Alberta, Canada. She had her first public performance at the age of eight. She has since appeared on radio, television, and concert stages in Canada, the United States, Central America, Bermuda, and Europe as both soloist and collaborative artist, including performances at Alice Tully and Carnegie Halls in New York City. A graduate of Alberta University, she also holds masters and doctorate degrees from the Julliard School. She juggles ongoing careers as concert pianist, music teacher, voice actor, and writer with her duties as choir director at St. Thomas and mother of two fabulous kids. It makes for a hectic but very full life!
MS.. LARISSA LILLY, CHURCH SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Larissa started attending St. Thomas in the mid 1980's after her family moved to Lititz, PA from Charleroi, PA. She has attended other churches in the area over the years, always coming back to St. Thomas. She loves supporting children on their journey of faith and fostering creativity with our St. Thomas Art Camp!! She also serves as a health and wellness coach and resides in Lititz with her three children Jack, Kate and Alex.
MS. BEV RIDER, PARISH ADMINISTRATOR
Bev Rider joined the St. Thomas staff as the part-time parish secretary in March of 2013 and is happy to be working for such a wonderful and caring church family. She grew up on a farm in East Earl, PA and is the youngest of four children. Bev married Randy, her high school sweetheart, in July of 1993. They moved to Oklahoma in order for Randy to finish college then lived in Texas for a year before moving back to the east coast in 1997. During the summer of 2012, they moved back “home” to New Holland, PA after having lived in Delaware for almost 14 years. Randy and Bev have two children, JR and Mandi, who are both very active in school and sports. Her family enjoys their labradoodle, Nacho, spending time with friends and family, as well as watching the many sports and activities that the children are involved in.
MR. STEPHEN KNAPP, FACILITIES DIRECTOR AND VERGER
Stephen is a cradle Episcopalian. Was a member of The Church of the Redemption in Southampton, Bucks County Pa until his move to Lancaster last year. During his time at Redemption Stephen was a acolyte, Acolyte Director, helped with the youth group, taught Sunday school, Vestry member several times, Lay Reader, Challis Bearer, Lay Eucharist Minister and Rectors Warden.
Stephen married his high school sweetheart Charlotte in 1973. They have two children Jim and Lisa and four grandchildren. Stephen and Charlotte moved to Lancaster after Charlotte retired from 45 years of nursing to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Stephen has a degree in Fine Arts – Theater and Business. He worked in the theater in his early years as a Stage Manager, Technical Director as well as some directing and performing. During this time he did over 40 musicals, many ballets, did the lighting for a rock band and other types of shows. Stephen is a Life Member of the Trevose Fire Company. During his active time with the fire company he was the President, Recording Secretary, A Chief Officer (Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief). Also worked at Nazareth Speedway as a On-track Fire/Rescue Specialist for Indy Car, NASCAR and other racing series for eighteen years. Other work includes, Motor Cycle Shop Manager, Motorcycle racing, Production and Inventory Control Manager, Truck Driver, Outside Sales, Electrician, Quality Control Manager, Retail Sales, Life and Medicare Insurance Agent. Recently Stephen has been working for the Lancaster Barnstormers as an usher. Stephen enjoys fishing, baseball, and racing of all types, reading and his grand kids!
MR. DAVID MIRON, SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Born into a Jewish family in New York, David moved to Lancaster at the age of 12. His spiritual journey took him into the Mennonite Church where he served as an ordained pastor for five years before moving into an interfaith relations ministry. In 1986, when looking for an Episcopal church home, he and his family visited St. Thomas and stayed, never looking anywhere else.
David plays an active role at St. Thomas. He is the secretary/treasurer of the Spiritual Center, takes his turn serving as a lector, chalice bearer and crucifer and is a member of the choir.
David’s current vocations include serving as coordinator of and consultant for the Clergy and Congregational Care program of the Samaritan Counseling Center, facilitating classes on comparative religion and leadership for Elizabethtown College and occasionally driving a motor coach for Elite Coach.
Academically, David has a undergraduate degree in Religion with a certificate in Jewish Studies and a Masters degree in Human Resource Development/Organization Development.
He enjoys music (listening and performing with his brother), singing in the choir, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, “Deacon” Jane (Archdeacon for deacons and deacon at St. Thomas) have raised two children, Hannah, who calls Lancaster home (and travels for work), and Nick, who lives with his wife Allison and the grandchildren in Lititz. He and Jane are servants to their two cats!