The Rev. Amy McCreath is our Priest-in-Charge

I am an Episcopal priest, wife, and mother of twins, who is committed to helping people live into the truth of God's love for them and working with communities to do the work of peace and justice in Christ's name. I grew up carrying the cross up and down the aisle at an Episcopal church in Dayton, Ohio, and spent a lot of time  in college at Princeton University thinking about what was true and who God really was. Inspired by the example of religious leaders like Desmond Tutu and Trevor Huddleston, I got involved in the anti-apartheid movement and decided to teach history and philosophy in order to help young people chart a course for improving the world. While teaching, I met my husband, Brian, and started to realize that ordained ministry was where I was called to serve. After attending Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, I was ordained in the Diocese of Milwaukee, and served a great congregation in River Hills for three years. I moved east in 2001 in order to serve as Episcopal Chaplain at MIT, where I enjoyed co-pastoring a student community with Lutheran colleagues and leading a program on ethical issues in science and technology. At Good Shepherd, my work includes being a pastor, priest, and teacher, and working with an amazing group of lay leaders to creatively serve all those who seek hope, healing, and meaning in the Watertown community.
Linda Lyster is our Organist/Choirmaster

Music came into my life at an early age, thanks to my grandmother, who started me on the piano. While I served as piano accompanist for the high school choir, the music director encouraged me to take organ lessons, which resulted in a position as organist for a local church. I really became “hooked” on the organ when I heard a recording of

E. Power Biggs playing Bach on the large pipe organ at the Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard. Music then became the focus of my academic training (Western Michigan University, Boston University, private study in France), and subsequently resulted in a long-term appointment as organist and choir director at a Methodist church in Somerville. During this time, I became a member of the Boston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, played for a First Night event at Trinity Church, Copley Square, and also presented several solo recitals at Methuen Memorial Music Hall.

 

Now that I’m at Good Shepherd, I have the good fortune to be making music for the glory of God on a weekly basis in partnership with Pastor Amy and with many talented and welcoming people who comprise a very special worship community. I relish the opportunity to be a fellow contributor to your “laboratory for mission,” wherever that path may lead.
Our Intern is Juliana Duff
My family began attending St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Milton shortly before I was born and I have been an active member of the parish my whole life. I attended
Stonehill College in North Easton, MA. and I graduated with a degree in Religious Studies. After college, I spent time teaching reading at the elementary level at St. Brendan's School in Dorchester.

I am currently an intern in the Micah Project, a program through the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. This program allows me to live in an intentional Christian community while working at Church of the Good Shepherd.

At Good Shepherd I will be working with the elementary aged children on Sundays. I will also be working with members of the Watertown Community Garden Leadership Team to continue the amazing work that began last year. Additionally, I will provide administrative support in the office.

I am thrilled to be at Church of the Good Shepherd, and blessed to be a part of such a warm and passionate community.