Our Team

Meet the Team

Father Arthur and Kathleen Ward

Fr. Ward
Dean and Rector
Favorite St. Barts Memory:
Our entire congregation leaving the Episcopal Church and moving to our present location to begin anew in a Bible-believing and Christ-centered Anglican Church.
Hobbies:
Running, working out, military history and football
Family:
Married to Kathleen; together parents to Arthur, a recent graduate of Houghton College and Alyssa, a student at Grove City College, PA.
Education:
B.A. History - SUNY at Buffalo; M.A. Practical Theology - Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA; M. Div. Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, VA

Fr. Andrew James Thebeau

Curate
Favorite St. Bart's Memory:
My ordination service on September 17, 2017. It was a sweet time of worship drenched in the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was also a blessing to be ordained into the priesthood surrounded by my family and the wonderful, loving people of St. Bart's.

Hobbies:
Truthfully, with two sons under the age of 3, who has time for hobbies? That is, of course, beyond spending time with them and my wife. All kidding aside, I enjoy cooking and grilling and hope to eventually get into the art of charcuterie. Rebecca (my wife) and I share a heart for hospitality and enjoy having people into our home in order to share table fellowship. As new residents to the Buffalo/Tonawanda area, we enjoy exploring the various aspects of WNY culture, including visiting natural and historic sites, along with local restaurants/coffee joints/pubs. I am an avid reader (at least I aspire to be); I

especially enjoy reading theology and all things Tolkien. I enjoy traveling - both at home and abroad - and experiencing new cultures, places, and people. I pray that the Lord will open the door for my family and me to travel/do short-term.

Family:
I am blessed to be married to a wonderful, beautiful woman of God who is well on her way to becoming the woman of Proverbs 31 - May the Lord bless her with a husband worthy of such a woman! We share two of the most precious boys you will ever see: John-Paul MacIntire and James Charles. My mom and dad live in Texas where my dad is a Rector in our diocese. Rebecca's parents live in Maine where they are learning to be retired. She has a younger sister.

Education:
After many years of wondering, I eventually graduated from Wayland Baptist University with a degree in Business; however, I found my niche when I left for seminary. I spent two years at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (where I met Rebecca) before transferring to Trinity School for Ministry in order to learn more about Anglican theology and history. I graduated with an Master of Divinity in 2016 and stayed another year to complete the course work required for the Master of Sacred Theology. I am still in the process of writing my thesis and completing the language requirement.

What did you do before becoming a minister?
Lived a life running from my call and, thus, the Lord. But He did not relent in His great faithfulness. Through a series of providential events, I eventually submitted myself to His Lordship. The irony of it is that in doing so, instead of finding the bondage that I feared, I found joy and freedom unlike I have ever known. I love to share this testimony of God's faithfulness, so if you want to hear more, let's set up an appointment for coffee.

Deacon John and Cathy Reitz

Deacon John Reitz
Building Engineer
Favorite St. Barts Memory:
When I turned fifty, a number of the members of the church along with the youth group helped my wife give me a surprise birthday party. It was a great time being with so many of my friends and family, I never forget that night.
Hobbies:
Cars at cruise nights, auto racing both NASCAR and INDY Car, football, hockey and golf.
Family:
I am married to a wonderful woman, have two loving daughters and five awesome grandchildren and, according to family members, a killer cat.
Education:
After high school I entered the work force. When I was called to the ordained ministry, I studied at The Bishop Brent School for Ministry for two years and took EFM (Education for Ministry) courses for four years.
What did you do before becoming a minister?
First, I worked at Sugar Kake Cone making cookie dough, frosting, filling and ice cream cones. Then I worked as a truck driver. Lastly, I was a computer systems configuration specialist at Ingram Micro.

Cathy Reitz
Church Secretary
Middle School Sunday School Teacher
Favorite St. Barts Memory:
The day my husband was ordained into the Diaconate was a very special day for us.
Hobbies:
Biking, crocheting, and anything with my grandchildren
Family:
I am married to Dn. John for a long, long time. We have 2 beautiful married daughters, great son-in-laws, and 5 of the best grandchildren in the world.

Deacon Jacob and Alana Bush

Jacob Bush
Deacon
Favorite St. Barts Memory:
My favorite memory of St. Barts was when my children were baptized.
Hobbies:
I enjoy bowling and golf.
Family:
My wife Alana and I have been married for 15 years. We have 5 children at home. Emily is 11, Autumn is 9, Hadassa is 5, Ephraim is 3, and Eden is 1. We also have another son, Malachi whois now in heaven with
Jesus.
Education:
I have a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from SUNY Fredonia, and a Masters of Divinity from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester NY.
What did you do before you became a minister?
Before I became an ordained minister, I was a retail shoe salesman. I am currently the dispatcher at Advanced Sewer and Drain Cleaning.

Deacon Gary and Elaine Wisniewski

Favorite St. Bart's Memory:
Being ordained a Deacon.
Hobbies:
Bicycling and other outdoor activities.
Family:
Three Children, six Grandchildren
Education:
Bachelor Degree from D'Youville College
What did you do before you were ordained?
I was and still am working as a Certified Public Accountant (30 Years)

Liz Burkett, Director of Christian Education Ministry

Favorite St. Bart's Memory:
Being at Kingdom Bound will all the awesome youth and families
Hobbies:
Playing board games, video games, cooking, going to the movies (usually either Sci-Fi or Disney) and hiking.
Family:
My husband Laird Joshua and I will be married for four years come June 28th. We love to cook and play video games together. I have one younger brother Eric who lives in Indiana with his wife Clo and their two cute kids Sawyer who is 3 and Spencer who is 7 months. My parents Ruth and Tom Hurst live in Saginaw Michigan where I grew up and are enjoying retirement playing golf and visiting their beautiful grandchildren.

Terrance Gamble, Organist and Choir Director

Favorite St. Bart's Memory:
The Friday night Bible studies with Fr. Amend. Being able to return as organist/choir director after a ten year hiatus. 24 years total as parish musician.
Hobbies:
Stamp collecting (philately), long distance walking, and reading.
Family:
Wife Mary of 41 years- 2 grown daughters (Sherrie + Laina) 6 grandchildren Hayleigh, Caiden, Adrian, Cianna, Alex, Adam. One brother (Gregg) who will be retiring from police work in April.

James Kibby, Church Sexton and Contemporary Music Worship Leader

Favorite St. Barts Memory:
Being a life long member, it is hard to think of one memory that is my favorite. I have had so many wonderful experiences and have gotten to know so many wonderful people through the years, who God has used to shape me into the man I am today. If I had to choose one, though, it would be my daughter's baptism. Not only was it special because my wife and I were dedicating her to the Lord, but we were also giving her the same opportunity I was given when I was baptized, the opportunity to be a part of a caring and Christ-centerd community of believers who will help nurture and encourage her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hobbies:
Reading
Family:
I am married to Kristie and have one daughter and one son.

Our Church Secretaries

Karen Wheaton
Favorite St. Barts Memory:
When my husband (in secret ) and Fr. Commins, arranged for us to renew our vows during a Saturday evening service. Jim had our grown children sneak in also. I was blown away!
Hobbies:
I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends, with lots of giggles and love.

Joan Beddome