Church Staff
I grew up in a small town in the northwest corner of Ohio. My educational and spiritual journey took me to Indiana, Germany, and Boston. I taught Religious Studies at colleges in Tennessee and South Carolina for fifteen years before transitioning into full-time parish ministry. Rector of Grace since 2009, I love ministering a downtown church in a vibrant urban environment. I'm married to Corrie Norman and enjoy reading historical mystery novels, listening to great music, and (when I have the energy) working on projects around the house and garden.
Mark Brampton-Smith
Organist
I began my church music career as a boy soprano at St. Paul's Parish (K St.) in Washington, D.C., eventually serving on the music staff of churches in seven states. My degrees in organ performance come from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Michigan.
As an organist, I've won prizes in the Fort Wayne, Ann Arbor, and American Guild of Organists National Competitions, and I've performed solo recitals at venues such as Overture Hall. As a collaborative pianist, I've worked with numerous singers, instrumentalists, and ensembles, including the Ann Arbor Cantata Singers, University of Michigan choirs, Colgate University Chorus, and (currently) the Wisconsin Chamber Choir.
Pat Werk
Wedding Coordinator
(608) 213-7558 (cell)
Email her HERE
Since 2005, I have helped couples coordinate the details leading up to their wedding ceremony in my role as Wedding Coordinator. I respond to all initial wedding inquiries, meet with prospective couples to give them a tour of the church, answer any questions, and provide helpful resources in planning their wedding. I am on-site during the rehearsal and on the wedding day to help orchestrate the flow of the day, provide support to the wedding party and guests, and troubleshoot any issues that might arise. I will help make sure the ceremony runs as smoothly as possible. It is an honor to help couples celebrate one of the biggest days of their lives.
The Rev. Deacon Carol Smith
Deacon
I have been Deacon at Grace since 2008 when my husband and I moved from Kenosha to Madison. Ordained in 1987, my ministry has centered on teaching, pastoral care and adult formation. The diaconate is a servant ministry, and my work includes recruiting and training worship ministers and Lay Eucharistic Visitors, hospital and home visits. I also help to organize the Sunday morning adult forums. Although I come to Grace during the week, and do not keep regular office hours, I am happy for you to call me at home. Please let me know if you or someone in your family is ill or would like for me to visit, and please let me know if you would like to be a part of lay ministry at Grace either as a worship minister or in assisting with pastoral care.
Berkley Guse
Music Director
As music director at Grace, I have the fortunate opportunity to work with the talented and generous singers, instrumentalists, and music supporters from the parish and the Madison area to plan and oversee the musical expressions within the services of the church year. Since music at Grace church finds its primary expression within the framework of the liturgy, it is a blessing to work with the vibrant, beautiful, and meaningful expressions of our Anglican musical resources including psalmody, choir anthems, organ voluntaries, hymns, and other musical settings of liturgical texts as the spiritual community of Grace offers these expressions to God. If you are interested in either participating or supporting the musical experiences at Grace, please contact me for more conversation.
The. Rev. Margaret Irwin
Assisting Priest
Beyond serving as an assistant priest, I co-chair the Healing Prayer Group with Kara Pagano. I feel honored to participate in this ministry because it was such a vital part of Jesus' ministry, and he charged us to carry on his work. Healing is a process that involves the totality of our being, directing us to become the person God is calling us to be at every stage of our living and dying. Accordingly, the Healing Prayer team offers prayers for healing or for any other request during Communion at the 10 o'clock service. If you would like to participate in this ministry, please let me know.
James Waldo
Grace Presents Director
Originally from Minnesota, James lived and worked as a cellist in New York City for nine years before moving to Madison last fall to begin studies in the UW-Madison School of Music doctoral program as a University Graduate Fellow. James has led a diverse career as a chamber musician, educator, and entrepreneur, and is comfortable in a variety of musical and collaborative settings. James and his wife, pianist Alyona Aksyonova, tour regularly in the U.S. and beyond as the recital team A.W.Duo (awduo.com). While in New York City, James founded Listen Closely, a community-centered chamber music initiative dedicated to serving the working-class neighborhoods of uptown Manhattan.
Kristen is a life-long Episcopalian who has a diverse background in both non-profit and private sector communications and leadership. She has worked for the Diocese of Milwaukee in multiple capacities including as Campus Minister at UW-Whitewater and as a camp counselor and Assistant Camp Director for Camp Webb. She is dedicated to helping the Grace Church community thrive by supporting their work together in and outside of the church's four walls.
Erin Schuurmans
Assistant Parish Administrator
Christian Formation Coordinator
(608) 255-5147, ext. 29
Email her HERE
Erin Schuurmans is our Assistant Parish Administrator and Christian Formation Lead Teacher. Erin brings a wealth of experience to Grace Church, having previously worked as a Student Services Administrator at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston, Massachusetts, and as a catering and restaurant manager at high-profile restaurants in Portland, Oregon. In addition to her roles at Grace, Erin is a Project Manager for Britt Makela Group, overseeing sustainable energy projects for clients such as the United States Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Gutenberg College in Eugene, Oregon.
Andrew Pizzello, CPA
Financial Administrator
(608) 255-5147, ext. 22
Email him HERE
I am a Certified Public Accountant with over ten years of experience in tax and general ledger accounting. I served as treasurer at The Cathedral Church of St. Mark in Salt Lake City, UT, during a time of great financial uncertainty. We successfully navigated our challenges and became a healthier parish in the process. Also, I served as Parish Administrator and gained an in-depth understanding of church administration inside and outside of the financial realm. As the Financial Administrator at Grace Episcopal Church Madison, I will always be on the lookout for opportunities for savings and improved efficiency.
Vikki Enright
Food Pantry Coordinator
(608) 255-5147, ext. 12
Email
Before pursuing non-profit work full-time, Vikki worked as an archivist and Senior Legislative Editor for the State of Wisconsin.
Vikki has been involved with many aspects of the Madison community. Her public policy work for the state gave her a deep understanding of various issues facing the community, and she is happy to have the opportunity to engage with the people and institutions that make Madison a special place. Vikki has been involved with the museum, library and various organizations that address poverty, education and food insecurity.