The Rev. Canon Ginny Wilder
When you think about who a typical clergyperson is, I am the least likely person to show up on the list. I grew up in the Episcopal Church and left organized religion in my 20s, specifically because the church had some work to do around welcoming people in the LGBTQIA community. In my 30s, I was ready to come back to the church and heal. In my wilderness years, I spent my weekends playing music in bars, clubs, and festivals, and touring up and down the East Coast. What I didn’t know at the time was that even playing in bars would somehow prepare me for being a priest.
Here’s the truth: we are all walking our own spiritual journey. Every single one of us is a beloved child of God, and there is nothing we can do, say, think, or feel that will ever make God stop loving us. How we choose to respond to God’s love is up to each of us. I chose to respond by answering the call to serve in an ordained capacity. Maybe you will choose to respond to that love by offering your gifts in our worship, in our ministry, in our work for justice, and in our desire to be the hands and feet of Christ in this beautiful and broken world as we become a beloved community. If you ever want to talk about your spiritual journey, your call, and/or using your gifts to love God and love our neighbor, please know that I am here for that conversation, regardless of whether you are a member of St. Michael’s or not. And speaking of conversations, I prefer to be called Ginny rather than Reverend, Rector, or Canon. Thanks!
When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Barbie, and our two rescue dogs, Riley and Martin. You can find me hiking, fishing, grilling, playing music, or riding my super cool Elliptigo bike (In the warmer months). My favorite place to be is by a firepit in the evening, telling stories.
401-314-9133 | Click to Email
Staff
Music Director | Susan Barrow
Susan Barrow has been serving the church through music for more that 40 years as a choir directory and organist. Her love of music began at the age of four, when she started playing the piano, and it has remained an important part of her life ever since. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of serving three congregations, including St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Fall River, Seekonk Congregational Church, and First Congregational Church in Brimfield.
Music ministry has been a lifelong passion for Susan. Her love of handbells began at the age of 15, and she continued playing in a handbell choir during college. At St. Mark’s, she established a new handbell choir and helped raise funds to purchase two octaves of handbells. At Seekonk Congregational Church, she was able to grow the handbell choir to 13 members. Susan also enjoyed several years as a private piano teacher.
Susan recently moved back to Swansea, Massachusetts where she grew up, after many years in Worcester. Outside of her music ministry, she enjoys spending time with her children and three grandchildren, family and friends, camping, crafting, and life with her beloved Old English Sheepdog, Samson.
Susan is grateful for the opportunity to join the community of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and looks forward to getting to know the congregation and sharing her love of music in worship and fellowship.
Loretta Francis
Parish Administrator
401-253-7717 | Click to Email
Betty Vargas
Accounting/Stewardship
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Steve Cabana
Sexton