OUR PEOPLE
We are passionate about being a place of help, healing, and hope for those that walk through our doors.
Established in 1916, St. Matthew's Episcopal has been the spiritual home for many congregants on the east side of Indianapolis.
St. Matthew’s is in the discernment process to hire a full-time Rector. Our Parish Profile is here.
OUR BISHOP+ STAFF
BISHOP
Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows
Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, a native of New York City, holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture with a minor in urban studies from Smith College, an M.A. in historic preservation planning from Cornell University, and an M.Div. degree from Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) in 1997. Before being elected bishop in 2016, she served in the Dioceses of Newark, Central New York and Chicago. She is the first black woman to be elected a diocesan bishop in the Episcopal Church. In addition to serving the Diocese of Indianapolis, Bishop Jennifer serves as the Vice President of the House of Bishops and sits on several boards including Indiana Landmarks and Partners for Sacred Places. Bishop Jennifer’s expertise includes historic preservation of religious buildings, stewardship and development, race and class reconciliation, and spiritual direction. She is an accomplished distance runner and triathlete and a passionate chef and baker. She and her husband, Harrison Burrows, are parents to Timothy. A defining experience of her ministry came when she found herself near the World Trade Center the morning of September 11, 2001. In the midst of a fearful situation, her own faith and that of others who sought shelter alongside her gave her a renewed perspective of faith vanquishing fear. “The Episcopal Church teaches me that the world is filled with incredible beauty and unspeakable pain and that God is deeply in the midst of it all loving us fiercely,” she says.
SENIOR WARDEN
Heidi Kauffman
I moved to Indianapolis for a job opportunity in Advent of 2021 and started attending St. Matthew’s. I became a vestry member in 2023 and also served as clerk that year. I have also served as chalice bearer and lector. I was raised Mennonite but have attended an Episcopal church since 2002 and was confirmed in 2005. I served St. John’s - Lafayette as the Education/Formation Coordinator where I started the Godly Play program, led Quiet Days, and led or organized other adult formation programs. I am married, have two adult children, an Australian Shepherd, and a cat. I enjoy reading, knitting, biking, playing games, putting puzzles together, watching my daughter perform in theater, and eating my son’s amazing barbecue. I have a Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Health Administration. During the week, I work for a federally qualified health center as the Patient Experience Specialist. My work is my vocation and I am strengthened in that work by our Baptismal Covenant as I seek to serve Christ in all persons and respect the dignity of every human being. I am also strengthened to live out my baptismal vows by worshiping at St. Matthew’s where we gather as a beloved community to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
A. PAUL JOHNSON
Composer A. Paul Johnson displays a diverse talent, equally comfortable in the classical world, pop and jazz, and the musical theatre. A native of Indianapolis, Paul's music has been presented worldwide in concert halls, theaters, and broadcasts. Paul toured with regional theaters for a decade writing new music for plays, musical directing productions, and eventually coming to write plays, musicals and direct for the stage. He received a prestigious fellowship from the National Institute for Music Theatre at the Kennedy Center to study with Carlisle Floyd at the University of Houston. His theatrical work has been performed by American Stage, Asolo Theatre Festival, Hippodrome (Gainesville, FL), Indiana Repertory Theatre, Syracuse Stage, and Theatre Project Company (St. Louis) among many others. Maestro Johnson's concert works have been presented by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, Warsaw National Philharmonic, Slovak Radio Orchestra, Ensemble Rosario (Argentina), Jacksonville Symphony, Gainesville Chamber Orchestra and many other great ensembles where he also often conducts both for the concert hall and the recording sessions of his original symphonic works. Paul has had grants and awards from the Indianapolis Arts Council, Florida Arts Council, two Pulitzer Prize nominations, a National Endowment for the Arts residency fellowship, many regional grants and commissions and has a PhD in Philosophy from Pacific College of Costa Rica for his work on creative process.
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR
JOANNA BOLLINGER
Joanna, our Interim Parish Administrator, was born in Lawrenceburg, IN. Married to Charles, a policeman, she has four children and two grandchildren, and is civically active. An Episcopalian for over 20 years, Joanna was a member of St. Stephen’s in Terre Haute, where she served on the vestry, taught Sunday School, was a choir member, and chaired the social committee. She currently serves as the Parish Administrator at the Church of the Nativity. We are blessed to have someone of her experience and skill supporting St Matthew's.
OUR VESTRY + DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE
JUNIOR WARDEN
Randy Davenport
I have been attending St. Matthews for seven years and from the very first time I attended, I couldn't get over the warm, inviting welcome I received. Over the years, I certainly have enjoyed getting to know everyone. Some of the most enjoyable times have been spent working alongside others on various volunteer activities or jobs. I always learn something interesting and new either about the people I am working with, or different needs of the church. Before I retired, Marla and I ran a business together. As the business grew (doubled in size) it required many more hours and left us with very little free time. Work/life balance was just not there.... much less any time for spiritual needs either, and attending church became important to both of us. I had always attended services since childhood on a regular basis and also volunteered and held various positions within the congregation. We both decided we wanted to spend more time together and wanted to do more at church.
VESTRY
Jennifer Albrecht
I am a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s, baptized in 1967 and confirmed in 1980. My parents, David and Doris Wilkinson were members of the original St. Matthew’s on Ritter Avenue in Irvington. I have been married to Steve Albrecht for 31 years and we have two adult daughters, Allison and Emily. In my professional life, I work as a paralegal at DeLaney & DeLaney law firm. Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, camping, attending concerts, traveling, and getting together with friends. I have enjoyed all aspects of congregational life and service at St. Matthew’s. In my youth, some of my best memories were being an acolyte and youth group member. We went bowling together, had lock-ins at the church, and went to Waycross for summer camp and retreats. As an adult, I have been involved in Godly Play for young children (aka Sunday School), the handbell ensemble, and stewardship. In addition to the Vestry, I serve as the financial secretary, a lector, intercessor, and handbell player. I am dedicated to St. Matthew’s because it has been and continues to be my church home. I believe having strong leadership is essential to a vibrant faith community.
VESTRY
Sarah Belisle
I was brought up in the Lutheran tradition and became an Episcopalian in 1987. Our family lived in several different places while my husband was on active duty with the US Coast Guard. Retirement had us moving from Virginia to Indianapolis in 2021, to be nearer our grandchildren. I hold degrees in Art and Early Childhood Education. My leadership experience comes mainly through my volunteer work: I served on Vestry from 2017-2020 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Springfield, VA. From 2006 to 2020 I was active in the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, volunteering as a leader, Service Unit Manager, and on the Encampment Committee. We’ve had three years of settling into retirement here in Indianapolis and as members of St. Matthew’s. The time seems right to volunteer in some way again, so when I was approached about Vestry, I said yes. I still feel new to the parish but I’m not afraid to ask questions. I’m a creative thinker and problem-solver who enjoys collaborative work. One of the enjoyable things about St. Matthew’s is so many folks have come here from somewhere else, either geographically or spiritually. Sometimes both. It’s been fun getting to know people and hearing their stories.
CLERK OF THE VESTRY
Julia Kavanaugh
I am grateful to be nominated as clerk for the St. Matthew’s vestry. I have been attending St. Matthew’s since January 2023. I was looking to try an Episcopal church and St. Matthew happened to be close to my house. I decided to try it one Sunday and have been coming ever since. The community of St. Matthew’s is something truly special. The way people come together to care for everyone around them is amazing and something I have not seen in many other places. I look forward to serving to give back just a small fraction of what this church has given me. I moved to Indianapolis in 2019 for my job. Once I graduated from college, Infosys hired me to work with Oracle software. Currently, I provide support for Oracle Field Service to help ensure the client’s technicians arrive where they are supposed to and at the right time. I currently have four pets. Winry was my first pet. I adopted her from the Humane Society near my college campus. Marco, my other cat, came from a family friend whose cat had kittens. Riza, a German Shepherd mix, was another rescue from the Humane Society. Bennett, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, came from a family in Louisville whose dog had puppies. In total, I have two cats and two dogs because everyone needs a friend! I have always loved animals and enjoy cuddling with my pets in my free time.
VESTRY + DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE
Melissa Kleine
I was raised in a United Church of Christ church. Through high school and college, I attended a Methodist church. When I met my spouse, I joined the Catholic church with her. In 2016 we started attending St Matthew’s, and I found my spiritual home. What attracted me to St Matthew’s was the warm welcome we received on day one and continue to receive 9 years later. During my first term on the Vestry, I served as the Junior Warden. This was during the height of the COVID pandemic. I am now serving for a second time. At St Matthew’s I enjoy playing the handbells, serving on the Alter Guild, being a crucifer, a chalice bearer, lector, intercessor, and a thurifer. Professionally I have been a registered nurse for 32 years. I work in the home health field serving as the director and administrator. I have been with my spouse for 34 years. My “kids” are 3 dogs. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, fishing, and bicycling when I have time.
VESTRY
Tom Ramstrom
I have been married to my wife, Eileen for 47 years. We have four children and 10 grandchildren. Eileen and I enjoy attending as many of our grandchildren’s sports and music events as possible. We try to travel a few times a year and enjoy spending time with our family and our community at St. Matthew’s. I’m still working 48 hours a week so I remain busy. My craft is carpentry and I happily contribute my skills and knowledge to projects at the church.
DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR
Steve Albrecht
Steve Albrecht has been a member of Saint Matthew’s since 2000. He came to Saint Matthew’s after moving from Saint Paul, MN with his wife Jennifer – who grew up as a member of Saint Matthew’s. An active member of Saint Matthew’s, Steve has served twice as Senior Warden, sings in the choir, is a lector and intercessor, has been a delegate to the Diocesan Convention, and chaired the planning committee for Saint Matthew’s Centennial in 2016. He loves the way Saint Matthew’s embodies the notion of open hearts and caring hands and the fellowship this warm and caring community practices with everyone. In his spare time, Steve enjoys running, gardening, and baking bread, in addition to taking walks through the Irvington neighborhood where he lives.
DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE
Missy Ellis
I am a retired English teacher and have been a member of St. Matthew's for nearly 30 years. I have served as a Sunday School teacher, on the Gifts and Memorials committee, on the vestry, and as senior warden. For twelve years, I maintained all the gardens around the property and currently oversee the columbarium grounds. In recent years I have helped re-design some of the building's interior spaces. Much of my time is spent in various volunteer pursuits, as well as gardening, running, reading, practicing yoga, and hanging with our grandson.
DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE
Brianna Owens
I am honored to be a part of the Discernment Committee at St. Matthew’s. I was first introduced to St. Matt's when I was hired as the Executive Director for ICAN, a small social service agency supported by an ecumenical group of Pastors in Irvington. Not long after, in August of 2022, I started as the Parish Administrator for St. Matthew's. One of my duties as Parish Admin was putting the weekly bulletins together, and through that I fell in love with the Episcopalian faith, values, and community. In 2023, I was baptized at our Easter Vigil service. While I am no longer the Parish Admin, I continue to attend and help live-stream the services, as well as tend to my duties as a member of the Altar Guild. I am looking forward to doing this important work with my fellow committee members, and am excited about what the future has in store for us.
DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE
Linda Sykes
Linda Sykes has been a member of St. Matthew’s since 2002. Over the years, she has sung in the choir, been a member of the Altar Guild, and served on the Vestry twice. In her professional life, Linda was a music educator for 36 years, primarily at the elementary level. She is a member of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators and has served that group at the state, regional and national levels. Linda and her husband Greg have been married for 51 years. They have two children, Amanda and Bryan, and two grandchildren, Corinne and Andrew.
DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE
Andy Wilkinson
Andy is a lifelong member of St. Matthew's. He has served in a number of leadership roles in the congregation and the diocese. He recently retired as an executive of a life insurance company after 40 years. He is active in the community including Scouting America, Toastmasters, and board member of Irvington Community Schools (charter school). He and his wife Angie have five grown children and four grandchildren and live in Trafalgar, IN.
GIVE
The link connects to the Diocese. Select fund “Give to a Congregation.”Under “Memo” select "St. Matthew’s - Indianapolis." Thank you for your support.