St. Philip's Episcopal Church

A native of Los Angeles, Eric was called to St. Philip's in January 2017. A priest for over 30 years, he has served congregations in Western Massachusetts, Western New York, and the Diocese of Michigan, where he also served as Executive Director of the Whitaker Institute. He received his BA from Williams College in 1986 and his MDiv from the General Theological Seminary in 1992. He is married to the Rev. Susan Anslow Williams and they have two grown daughters. He enjoys bicycling, running (with his dog Sebby), singing, and crossword puzzles.

Fr. John has served as a Franciscan Episcopal Priest at St. Philip’s since 2019. He is a graduate of Calvin College & Seminary (A.B), Marygrove College (M.A.), The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (M.Div.), and the Ecumenical Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He has trained in contemplative spiritual formation under the direction of Fr. Richard Rohr and Living School Faculty at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. Currently, he is associated with both the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

In addition to his formal seminary training, he is a certified physician executive, and graduate of the Leadership Program in Integrative Healthcare at Duke University. He has been an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Michigan State University and co-founder of the Leadership Academy for Integrative Compassionate Care.

Fr. John holds a passion for teaching, and a commitment to healing through the transformative wisdom of the Christian contemplative tradition. His interests lie in mystical re-visioning of Christian theology. He is the author of the "Franciscan Fractals: Contemplating Today’s Culture through the Eyes of St. Francis & the Life of Christ." His writings attempt to articulate a perspective for people who wish to “walk humbly, act justly, and love mercy.” Micah 6:8   

Irene Sanchez joined our staff in April 2021.  In addition to managing the office and its daily requirements, she also manages our FB page and helps to keep our website updated.  An experienced Office Administrator, her career includes service at several other parishes and in the corporate world. Along with degrees in Photography and Health Sciences, she is a 2nd level Sommelier. Married with 4 children and 3 grandchildren, her and her husband make their home in Pontiac.  When not in the office, she is an avid DIYer, kayaker and hiker with a love for travel and adventure. 

Jayne Zeller comes to us with loads of experience in the world of finance.  We are so happy to have her behind the desk handing the bookkeeping for our parish.  She is in the office on Wednesdays and ready to help and answer any questions you may have. Give her a call or send her an email.  

I started my organist career in 5th grade at Sacred Heart in Roseville, accompanying for the boy choir and soon after for the adult choir.  Soon I was playing for 6:15 Masses before school.  Yes, that’s 6:15 AM! Throughout my musical career, I kept adding musical hats, pianist, chamber music collaborator, accompanist for soloists, instrumentalists and choirs.  Itinerant piano teacher and adjunct faculty member at UM-Flint.  All the while I kept working as a church organist, that’s 64 years straight if you’re counting, the last 41 years at St. Irenaeus here in Rochester.  My wife, Kay Ellen and I have owned and directed the Rochester Conservatory since 1991 and our sons Jake and Ben joined us in 2018.  I guess I’ll stop here since this is starting to sound like an obituary! Suffice it say I’m super happy to have switched teams from the Catholics and joined St Philips!  You have a fabulous Pastor, a uniquely talented choir and a super friendly, singing congregation!  I’m so pleased to be with you all!
Cliff Wilkins

Colleen is new to our staff -- Fall of 2024.

Brian has served as our Sexton (custodian) for many years.  He is the reason our building sparkles, shines and is always a safe place to worship.  A born again child of God, he serves with all his heart.  When Brian isn't busy keeping us scrubbed up, he loves being in the outdoors.