Interim Rector Reverend Joe Tyler Mitchell will begin his ministry at St. James’ Church on Sept. 1 and the church invites the community to welcome Mitchell during the Sunday, Sept. 3 services at 7:30, 9 and 10:45 a.m.
Mitchell describes himself as “just your average Transformer-collecting, baseball-playing, theatre-loving, pop culture-referencing priest from the coalfields of southwest Virginia.”
Currently, he is the rector of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Ashboro, North Carolina.
He is married to Kristen Leigh Mitchell a singer-songwriter and artist-theologian originally from Greensboro, North Carolina.
Mitchell is a priest in the Episcopal Church (USA). He was born and raised in the remote Appalachian mountains of Wise County, Virginia.
After graduating from Center College with a degree in history and theatre, and working as an actor, a baseball player, and a coach, Mitchell discerned a call to the priesthood and made his way to New York City, where he earned his M.Div. from General Theological Seminary.
He was ordained a priest in the summer of 2013.
Mitchell is a lover of liturgy and a passionate advocate for those on the margins of society.
He believes in the power of the Gospel to transform lives and shape communities, and strives to empower and inspire others through his teaching, preaching, and prayerful presence.
He is a fan of Greek mythology, liberation theology, comic books, cooking, the Cleveland Indians, Japanese pop music, nerd culture, film, and Transformers, of which he has collected over 400.
St. James is also welcoming other new staff members.
Beginning Aug. 1 Justin Oei began as organist/choirmaster replacing Kip Coerper.
Oei began playing at the Aug. 6 service.
Originally from New Jersey, Oei said he is excited to be joining the St. James’ community in August.
“I have just graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia,” he said. “While there I studied organ with Thomas Marshall, and served as the organist at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Norge, Virginia as well as the organist and choir director for the Episcopal campus ministry at W&M. In addition to serving as organist/choirmaster at St. James’, I am a master’s student studying organ performance at SU’s Setnor School of Music, where I study with Dr. Anne Laver. I began playing the organ about five years ago, though I’ve been playing the piano and studying voice for far longer. In 2023 I received the Colleague certificate of the American Guild of Organists. As organist and choirmaster, I have the privilege of leading music at the 9 a.m. service every Sunday, and occasionally at 7:45 as well, including directing our wonderful choir. I am also responsible for the maintenance of our wonderful Skinner organ and providing music for weddings and funerals throughout the year.”
Mo Allyn has also joined the church as interim director of children’s ministries.
“I’m so excited to announce my new position as interim director of children and youth ministry at St. James Episcopal Church, the same church where I was baptized and confirmed,” Allyn said. “I graduated from Reed College in May 2021 with a B.A. in music after completing my thesis, ‘Media, Sound, and Affect at Portland’s 2020 Black Lives Matter Protests.’ I have since felt called to channel my love for music and passion to change the world for the better into music and performing arts education.”
Allyn was hired at Auburn Public Theater in September 2021.
“I started as an administrative assistant and ukulele teacher for the Booker T. Washington after school program in Auburn’s schools; after several internal promotions, I now work as education coordinator and continue to work as a music teacher, now with two years of experience under my belt,” Allyn said. “This spring, I also started instructing beginner musicians at the Jim Van Arsdale Guitar School and Perform 4 Purpose; I teamed up with John Helgren to begin providing free music lessons to the children and families residing at Merriman Circle this spring; and I began offering private music instruction to children and families in Skaneateles.”
Allyn is excited about this opportunity at St. James.
“St. James’ has always been a place that I’ve been safe to grow and learn,” Allyn said. “I feel grateful to have the opportunity to continue growing and learning here. I’m particularly excited to use my knowledge of performing arts education to put on this year’s Christmas pageant! During this time of transition, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve the St. James’ community in this way. If you have any questions for me, I hope you won’t hesitate to reach out.”
