Our Team

Rev. Kim Magwire

Pastor

     Reverend Kim Magwire M. Div. graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity school in 1997 and was subsequently ordained in the UCC Vermont Conference.

     She has shared ministry with the Good Shepherd from 1998-2008 and currently again since 2016.

     She has served in numerous ways, both within the local Carbondale community & the wider church, often advocating for global missions projects, women’s and children’s rights, meaningful interfaith dialogue & environmental justice.

     She is a supporter of the Progressive Christianity movement. She loves taking walks in nature with her golden retriever, swimming, reading novels and spirituality books, & time spent with her two boys, Joey and Clif and her husband Dr. Aaron Newcomb.

 

Jason Eisle, M. Div.

Substitute Pastor

     Jason is a recent Eden UCC Seminary graduate who regularly fills the pulpit when Pastor Kim is unavailable. He also provides pastoral care to church members.

     He has done Chaplancy at the V.A. and has preached at other Southern Illinois churches.

     Jason believes that a healthy relationship with God should always inspire us to work towards making this world a better place for those around us.





Dr. Aaron Newcomb

Volunteer Youth Coordinator

      Dr. Newcomb is currently serving our youth in Christian Education and activities. 

     He is often found near the soccer nets cheering our youth on, or assisting our youth participate in worship services, such as lighting the candles on the altar.

Jan & Dale Ritzel

Building & Grounds Coordinators

Jan and Dale have been the Building and Grounds Coordinators for many years.  Both have worked too many  hours to count keeping our church & grounds safe for the congregation and our Earth.  Dale coordinates our solar plan, as well as gives tours and lectures regarding solar power. 

 

 

 

 

Scott Johnson

Music Director

     Scott received his B.A. in Vocal Music Education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama.      

     Most recently he was an elementary school music teacher and interim Director of Music in Georgia.

       One of his favorite mottos is, “If you are going to do it – have fun!”  Music is often there for us in times of heartache and grief, and it guides us to the light. May we respect the whole journey and rejoice in the light.   

     Scott is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting, 

 

Karen Clayton

Musician

     Karen has a B.M. and M.M. in vocal performance from SIU and SIUE, respectively.

     She has served extensively as an accompanist, as well as vocal instructor in her private voice studio.  

Bryan Kelso Crow

Delegate of the Word

We remember you

July 3, 1953 - September 29, 2019