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.

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.

 Gypsy Obermiller

Office Administrator

     Gypsy is our Office Administrator, with over 30 years office experience, as well as a semi-retired Crisis Interventionist. She currently curates our website.

     Gypsy has a B.A. in English Literature, a B.S. in Social Work, a Master’s degree in Social Work/Crisis Counseling, & a certificate in Women’s Studies.

     She is called "Granny" by two very adorable and energetic grandsons, one of whom has special needs.

She is active in community theatre, Women's issues, LGBTQ+ rights, Civil rights, animal rights, recycling and educating others about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Fibromyalgia,

     Gypsy enjoys hiking and mushroom hunting on her 11 acre wood, that she shares with her 4 cats and wildlife.

     She enjoys being a part of the warm & loving environment of the Church of the Good Shepherd.

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 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, 

     Bryan has provided beautiful music for meditation, choir anthems, special services, weddings and funerals since 2014. Our Sunday services begin and end with his beautiful music. He is a songwriter and composer. Bryan plays several instruments, including the piano, organ, flute, whistle, and accordian.

     He is a founding member of the Dorians, Carbondale’s only Celtic band. He also hosts internationally syndicated “Celtic Connections”.

Bryan retired in June 2019, after teaching as an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Southern Illinois University for thirty-eight years.

     Bryan has served on our Whole Earth Committee, organized & facilitated men’s groups and services, and has spent many hours extensively editing our constitution and policies. He has been on our Church Council for a several terms since he joined COGS in 1991. He has been Council President five times – in 1994, 1995, 2007, 2008, and 2014. In his very full schedule,              Bryan has always placed a high priority on his work at Church of the Good Shepherd. He was named a Delegate of the Word in 2018, and received the Russell A. French Award for 2019.