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Rev. Dr. Michael Hanley Rector
Rev. Hanley

michael@stchristophers-mn.org

Being born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma with occasional summers spent in New York City prepares one for life in a unique way. In Oklahoma I grew up with Midwestern middle class values but in New York I grew up knowing that there was a vast number of people in the world and that we did not all understand the world in the same way. In many ways my ministry as a priest of the Church of 16 years has been flavored by my childhood experiences in Oklahoma and New York.

As a priest I strive to listen to the various voices of the church as we seek to discern the will of God for the community. I place a high value on community building, on outreach into the wider community and on worshiping God in ways which allows people the opportunity to encounter God in their lives.

Having been married for over 25 years I know something of the challenges of living in a family and raising children and this experience also allows me to reach out in love to those who struggle with family issues in their lives.

I feel blessed to be working at something I love so much. I look forward to getting to know those who come to this church and who already make this their church home. Hopefully I can get to know you as well, perhaps over a cup of good coffee.

Rev. Gayle Marsh
 Sr. Associate

gayle@stchristophers-mn.org

Gayle's primary focus at St. Christopher's is on pastoral care. She assists people who are experiencing acute and chronic difficulties to find God's place in their lives. Much of her time is spent in the areas of Outreach and Advocacy at the church.

Outreach includes a wide range of acts of compassion. This covers many of the active groups at St. Christopher's, ranging from the pastoral ministries group and intercessors to the outreach committee's groups such as Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.

Advocacy concerns issues of social justice, ranging from affordable housing, AIDs ministries and domestic violence prevention to gay-bisexual-lesbian-transgender issues. For example, St. Christopher's was recently involved in the multi-faith efforts urging reforms in the area of affordable housing on Metro Sabbath (2/7/99). She speaks of advocacy as "pushing the limits of systemic justice".

Although originally from the southwestern United States, Gayle has been peaceably stranded in Minnesota for some time with her partner Robyn. Despite being unable to enjoy her former hobbies of calf roping and barrel racing in rodeos in Minnesota, she still actively enjoys her "school bus yellow" collection, green chili enchiladas, and writing and singing at least one song a day.

Ruth Thillen
 Administrative Assistant
Ruth Thillen

office@stchristophers-mn.org

I came to St. Christopher's in October 1999.  I am a second-generation cradle Episcopalian, and I bring that sense of continuity and liturgy into the tasks associated with the church office.  I find myself called to welcome friend and stranger to the office and to the community of St. Christopher's.  Outside the office I've been found working and playing with the Cursillo and TEC communities of the Diocese; spending time with my ever-growing family; and curling up with my old dog and a good book (usually Science Fiction).

Sandy Wittmann
 Children's Ministries Dir.

Sandy Wittmann

sandy@stchristophers-mn.org

I have been a member of St. Christopher’s since 1965. During my childhood and teen years my family was very active in the programs offered. I graduated from the College of St. Catherines in December of 1989 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I have a concentration in religious studies.

I met my husband, Mike, in 1990 and married in 1995. We have two lovely daughters, Jocelynn and Justene. We live in Maplewood and are active volunteers in our girls’ activities and in the church community.

In 2001, I filled the position of the Children’s Ministries Director. I am responsible for planning intergenerational events and programs for children ages birth to 12 years old. I train, guide and prepare our Sunday school teaching team which consists of sixteen teachers in the educational curriculum of Godly Play. In 2002 I added the responsibility of Director of the Children’s Nursery and Children’s Library coordinator. I oversee the Children’s Ministries Committee and Co-Direct the Annual Christmas Pageant.

I feel a sense of spiritual growth through the experiences of watching the mystery of God work in the children’s lives.

We Are God’s Work of art!


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St. Christopher's Episcopal Church 2300 N. Hamline Avenue, Roseville, MN 55113-4290 (651)633-4589
Sunday Eucharist: 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and Wednesday Eucharist 9:30 a.m.

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