RECTOR

The Rev. Karen C. Barfield (she/her) was ordained in 2003 in Memphis, TN, her hometown. She is a fourth generation Episcopalian, so The Episcopal Church is in her blood! Over the past 21 years she has served many different types of congregations in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia: large and small, urban and suburban…from campus ministry to cathedral staff. Her joys in ministry include worship, pastoral care, spiritual practices, and issues of justice. She enjoys gardening, yoga, cooking, taking long walks with her husband, and designing spaces (indoors and out). Karen has completed training in spiritual direction and her 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training. Her husband, Ray, is a writer and palliative care physician. Karen and Ray have two grown children and one grandchild. She is most grateful to be living in the mountains!

Contact: rector.standrewscanton@gmail.com

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR

Carolyn (she/they) is a cradle Episcopalian and retired world language and science teacher who grew up in Canton and graduated from Pisgah High School in 1979. After 25 years living in Durham, Wisconsin, Germany, and the Chicago area, she moved back to Haywood County with her husband Charlie and their two children. Carolyn was overjoyed to return to the beloved church community that played such an instrumental role in her upbringing. In her spare time she enjoys caring for her guinea pigs and horses as well as gardening, reading, hiking, and dabbling in creative writing and watercolor painting. She also enjoys teaming up with Charlie on home and cabin improvement projects, both indoors and outdoors.

Contact: standrewscanton@gmail.com

ORGANIST/CHOIRMASTER

Joel is a retired professor, department chair, and dean. He graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance, and then from University of Memphis with an MFA in Direction. He taught at Bethel University in Tennessee, California State University in Chico, CA, Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, CA, and most recently Mars Hill University until he retired from teaching in 2018.

Joel has been a church musician since his first job at the young age of thirteen. He has held positions at several Episcopal churches: St. John’s in Naples, FL, St. John the Evangelist in Chico, CA, Calvary in Santa Cruz, CA, St. John’s in Yuba City, CA, Grace in Asheville, NC; he also served at Faith Lutheran Church in Chico, CA. He enjoys traveling, camping, history, sewing/designing and can be found knitting whenever there is a free moment. Joel has also been a freelance director, designer (costumes, lighting, sound, scenic), musical director, and conductor. He was a member of Actors’ Equity Association for over thirty years and has performed all over the country in between teaching positions.

Contact: musician.standrewscanton@gmail.com