Rector

The Reverend Andrew Gordon grew up in the Episcopal Church and in the Diocese of Atlanta. He attended college at Sewanee: The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN, where he studied Religion and Spanish, was a four-year football letterman, and spent his summers working at Camp Mikell, where he and his wife, the former Julie Tuttle of Cumming, GA, met. 

Upon graduation, Andrew spent several years living and working as a teacher, coach, and administrator at Mayatan Bilingual School in Copán Ruinas, Honduras. While there he founded the school’s first athletic program, learned how to make tortillas by hand, lived next to ancient Mayan ruins, and was forever changed. 

After his move back to the United States, a short stint working as a nonprofit in Nashville, TN, and several years working in education as a high school Spanish teacher and coach in Carrollton, GA, Andrew attended seminary at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX, graduating with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree with a concentration in Latinx Ministries in 2022. During seminary, Andrew served as a hospital chaplain; a seminarian and deacon in a local Spanish-speaking Episcopal church; and coached the seminary flag-football team. 

Prior to his call as Rector of St. Mark’s, Andrew served as Curate at Christ Church in Macon, GA. 

Andrew and Julie are proud parents of two daughters, Cesia and Amalia. Andrew is passionate about God’s call to live intentionally in relationship and community with one another and seeks to walk with people in ways that creatively explore the blending of contemplation and action, where all God’s children are welcomed and loved.

In his free time, Andrew enjoys running, gardening, camping and hiking, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends. 

Organist/Director of Music

Rhett Barnwell is a composer, arranger, performer and conductor, and the founder of Seraphim Music, which publishes sacred, classical and meditative music for harp, voice and other instruments. Seraphim Music editions are currently distributed, performed, and recorded by musicians on six continents.

He has concertized extensively in the United States and in Rome, Venice, and Florence, Italy, and Ireland. A specialist in sacred and healing music for the harp, he has been in demand as a presenter and performer at national conferences of the American Harp Society, the Southeastern Harp Festival, Somerset Folk Harp Festival, Harp in Worship Conference and others. He has also given workshops and concerts for American Harp Society Chapters in Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Nashville, Montana and New Orleans and is on the faculty of the internationally based Harp Column Academy.
  
In addition to the harp, he also plays the organ, cello, and French horn, and has performed with the Spoleto Festival Orchestra (Italy), Orquesta Sinfonica de Tenerife (Spain), AIMS Festival Orchestra (Austria), South Carolina Philharmonic, Charleston Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Orchestra and Chorus of St. Louis, St. Clare Baroque Orchestra, Emory Baroque Orchestra, and others.

Mr. Barnwell earned a Bachelor of Music degree in horn from Florida State University and a Master of Music degree in horn and cello from St. Louis Conservatory. He also pursued Doctoral study in choral conducting and organ at the University of Georgia. He has studied at Westminster Choir College, the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome, Italy, and at the Abbey of Solesmes in France.

He has served as a choral director and organist for churches throughout the Southeast since 1984, most recently at St. Brigid Catholic Church, Johns Creek, GA, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newnan, GA. He is also the Composer in Residence at the Atlanta Harp Center.

Parish Administrator

Patricia grew up in Phenix City, AL, and moved to LaGrange in 2000. Prior to coming to St. Mark’s, she spent 16 years in the public accounting sector and 17 years in the legal profession. 

She began working at St. Mark’s in 2021 as the bookkeeper before becoming Parish Administrator in 2022. 

Patricia is married to Scott Lewis, and they have two grown children, Madison and Alexis. Patricia attends Rosemont Baptist Church.

Alvin has served as the Sexton at St. Mark’s for several years.

Joy has served as the Nursery Provider at St. Mark’s for several years. She loves the children, and they love her!

Interim Part-Time Youth Director

Position Summary

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is seeking a compassionate, creative, and committed Interim Part-Time Youth Director to guide and support the spiritual lives of our youth, with a focus on elementary through high school-aged children. Rooted in the Episcopal tradition, this interim role is an opportunity to foster faith, fellowship, and community during a time of transition and growth. This is a 12-month, part-time position averaging 5–15 hours per week.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and lead regular youth group gatherings with a balance of Christian formation, service projects, and fellowship activities, tailored to the developmental needs of both elementary and middle/high school youth.

• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with youth and their families, providing pastoral care, encouragement, and a consistent, welcoming presence.

• Convene and collaborate with a 5–7 member Youth Council, including both youth and adult members, to plan and evaluate youth ministry programs.

• Recruit, train, and schedule volunteers for Sunday programs and special events in partnership with the Youth Council.

• Promote active participation of youth in parish life, including worship services, intergenerational events, and community outreach.

• Coordinate participation in diocesan youth events, including retreats, mission work, and summer programs at Camp Mikell.

• Maintain clear and regular communication with parents, clergy, and parish leadership regarding youth activities and spiritual development opportunities.

• Establish strong relationships with the Diocesan Youth Missioner and local youth ministry leaders for collaboration and support.

• Ensure all adult volunteers comply with Safe Church training and diocesan youth ministry policies.

Qualifications

• A vibrant, mature Christian faith with a calling to mentor and support young people in their spiritual growth.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, preferably with a focus in school counseling, education, or youth ministry.

• Demonstrated experience working with elementary and middle school-aged children, preferably in a ministry or educational setting.

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to relate to youth and adults.

• Familiarity with or openness to the theology, worship, and values of The Episcopal Church.

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Completion of or willingness to complete Safe Church training and background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work

• Local to LaGrange or surrounding area

• Intimate knowledge of and or experience with the Episcopal Youth Community of the Diocese of Atlanta either as a participant or ideally a leadership role

Supervision and Accountability

The Youth Director reports directly to the St. Mark’s Youth Council Committee, with additional support from clergy and the Episcopal Youth Community of the Diocese of Atlanta’s Missioner.

Compensation

This is a paid, part-time interim position for a 12-month term. Compensation is commensurate with experience and determined by the Vestry.