Our priest, Fr. Peter C. Schellhase, came to St. Michael’s in 2021. At that time he was newly ordained as a Deacon. He was ordained to the priesthood at St. Michael’s on All Saints’ Day, 2021, by Bishop Michael Smith. Father Schellhase is dedicated to proclaiming the gospel, administering the sacraments, and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. He is married to Erin and they have four young children.
About us
St. Michael’s is a congregation of the Diocese of Albany in the Episcopal Church, a province of the worldwide Anglican Communion and a part of Christ’s one holy catholic and apostolic Church. Jeremiah Williamson is our bishop.
As Episcopalians, we understand that our congregation does not exist on its own. We are joined to Jesus Christ in unity with his apostolic Church, of which our diocese is a part, and our bishop is the symbol.
Weekly worship
We meet every Sunday morning at 10 am to hear the Scriptures, sing, pray together, and receive the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Our services follow the Book of Common Prayer. Its liturgies have ancient roots, connecting us with the faith and worship of Christians through the ages, and giving us a pattern to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
Worshippers tend to dress casually. Children are welcome—a certain degree of ‘kid noise’ is usual. All baptized Christians are invited to partake of the sacrament, including children, at parents’ discretion.
What we believe
We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired and infallible word of God. They reveal Jesus Christ, show us the way of salvation, and guide us in all areas of faith and life.
God created human beings in his own image, for communion with him. Our sinfulness separates us from God, but his love and mercy are stronger than our sin. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave himself as a complete and perfect sacrifice for our sins, and rose from the dead so that we could be raised to new life through union with him. God’s Holy Spirit makes this a reality for every baptized Christian believer, transforming the way we think, feel, and live by his indwelling influence.
The teachings of our church are summed up in the Book of Common Prayer, the historic Creeds of the Church, and the Catechism. These documents safeguard the essentials of our faith, while allowing a range of opinion on other things.
Clergy and Staff
Priest
Fr. Schellhase is a graduate of Nashotah House Theological Seminary, and is a member of the Society of Mary and the Guild of All Souls.
Deacon
Our deacon, The Rev. Deacon Karen G. Malcolm, has served at St. Michael’s since her ordination to the diaconate in 2012, and is a longstanding member and leader of this parish. She assists our priest, especially in the areas of worship and pastoral care. As a deacon, she is engaged in strategic ministry in our community, especially focused on veterans and victims of domestic violence. Deacon Karen is married to David, and they have two adult children.
Parish Administrator
Kathleen Prue
Officers
Our Officers and Vestry are lay leaders, elected by the congregation and responsible for the business of the church.
Wardens
Kathy Di Sisto
Dave Unverhau
Parish Clerk
Constance Du Verney
Treasurer
John Keimer
Vestry
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Kathy Di Sisto | Lynne Long | Trudy Thomas-Smith |
| April Austin | Dave Unverhau | John Keimer |
