Clergy & Staff
Father Tim joined our staff on January 1, 2019. We are excited to see how our church will flourish under his leadership.
Previously, Father Tim was the Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Central Florida. Prior to that time, he served as Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview. He was born in Bartow and grew up in Lakeland.
His vision of ministry begins with the simple rule of listening for and following Christ’s call in everything and encouraging others to do the same.
His ministry to the Diocese of Central Florida includes Vice President of Camp Wingmann’s board, annual summer camp chaplain and instructor at the Institute of Christian Studies.
He is married to Meg and they have three married sons, a married daughter and four grandchildren.
John, an active member of our parish for over twenty years, was ordained a deacon by Bishop Brewer in December of 2012. His duties include: acolytes, young adults, home communion, pastoral care, serving in the liturgy and preaching. Additionally, he serves as the Diocesan Disaster Relief Coordinator. He is the Director of the Church, Civic and Business Coalition and a board member of Fresh Expressions US.
Lisa Carter's responsibilities include greeting parishioners and visitors by phone and in person, putting together two weekly Sunday bulletins, and coordinating volunteers so that there are no scheduling conflicts. She also handles all financial matters, including paying bills and employee payroll, maintaining the church's database and running reports and statements. She also assists with special projects. "Every day is different," Carter says. "There are always new projects which positively impact the life of this church."
Carter likes Good Shepherd because of the small, family feel of the church and congregation. "I’m so excited to see where Father Tim leads us and just feel really good every time I enter this church. I am happy to serve and do meaningful work," she explains. She has been attending Good Shepherd since 1996 and has worked in the office since 2006.
Outside of her duties as parish administrator, Carter serves as a lay reader, as a volunteer on one of the Wednesday night dinner teams, and as a social hour host.
Robert serves as our Church Musician, directing both an adult and children’s choir. He also helps every year with Vacation Bible School!
Pat Nepute has been director of the adult handbell choir, the Ridge Ringers, since 2016, bringing years of experience leading and playing in a variety of handbell choirs. And she always has a smile on her face!
Addy Willette is the wedding director at Church of the Good Shepherd. She meets with engaged couples who are planning on marriage in the church and answers any questions they have about the ceremony.
“I attend the rehearsal and wedding ceremony to help Fr. Tim, the wedding party and the organist know when key people are seated and sent down the aisle,” she says. Willette has been attending Good Shepherd since she was three years old.
“I feel like Good Shepherd is my second home,” she says. “I love seeing the familiar faces, and people are genuine and sincerely interested in what is going on in your daily life. We have a very friendly and loving congregation.”
Cyndi has the biggest heart around and has kept our church clean for many years. She also serves as our Altar Guild Directress.
Father Tom was our Rector from 1997 - 2007. Over that 20+ year span, he baptized 172 people, prepared 157 people for confirmation or reception, performed 62 wedding ceremonies, and buried 224 of our loved ones. He also touched our lives in less quantifiable ways with his pastoral care, sermons, and teaching. He led the effort in a partnership with a group of parishioners in Santa Maria, Honduras, now in their own “El Buen Pastor” (Church of the Good Shepherd.) He also helped to establish a partnership locally with Polk Avenue Elementary School. He worked a weekly shift at our thrift shop and served on Kairos prison teams and a Wednesday night dinner team. He leaves a lasting legacy of a healthy, happy parish family.
Joanie was our Associate Priest from 2007 - 2018. She is remembered best for her caring, thoughtful pastoral care and her poignant sermons. Joanie helped to oversee the implementation of a Stephen Ministry program here at Good Shepherd.
Joanie is retired and enjoying time with her family.
Palmer Wood is a retired Deacon.
Father Roberts is a retired Assistant Priest of our parish.
Suzanne retired as a Deacon on May 31, 2020.