Our clergy

The Reverend Geoffrey F. Ward, Rector

Fr.Ward@StChristopherswi.org

 

 

 Fr. Geoffrey Ward began his ministry at St. Christopher’s in February of 2017. Prior to St. Christopher’s, he led St. Francis in Eagle River, WI, and a needs-based ministry- Caritas of Eagle River.  Prior to that he was priest associate at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford, CT.


Fr. Ward previously held executive positions in the financial services industry, including management of the Pension Resource Center, a MetLife company responsible for more than 17,000 qualified retirement plans. As a subject matter expert on ERISA regulatory matters, he collaborated with MetLife's government affairs group and was an active participant on committees and discussion panels for a number of industry trade organizations, holding professional designations CFP, CLU, ChFC, and AIF.

 

A graduate of Nicolet High School, Fr. Geoffrey holds a bachelor’s degree from Viterbo University, Master of Fine Arts from Trinity University, and Master of Theological Studies from Seabury Western. His interests include fishing, boating, swimming, cross-country skiing and cheering on the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks. He and wife Valerie have six children, four grandchildren, and two Yorkies, Banjo and Susanna.

 

 

associate clergy

Rev. Dr. John T. Allen (left)

FatherJohnTAllen@gmail.com


Fr. John earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Fullerton, a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation. Fr. John was ordained a Deacon in 1968 and a Priest in 1971. His ministry areas of service include parish priest (Alabama, Ohio, Iowa and Wisconsin), missionary (Kenya), and Board-Certified Chaplain at Froedtert Hospital. As a Priest in this Diocese since 2000 he has served St. John’s (Spanish ministry); St. Mark’s, South Milwaukee; and St. James. Having retired from full-time parochial ministry, Fr. John generously volunteers as Priest Associate to our faith community. Fr. John is married to Marilyn, has three adult children, six grandchildren, and one Irish wolfhound named Mollie   


Deacon Kevin Stewart (Right)

Stewart@DioMil.Org



As Diocesan Missioner for Community Engagement, Deacon Kevin Stewart  (right) spends much of his time developing and nurturing trusting relationships with those in the Milwaukee community, many not worshipping in our churches on Sunday mornings. He identifies opportunities for engagement and invites them to join in service. Previously in the secular world, he was Vice-President of Operations for Ways to Work, a national network of loan programs provided to qualified non-credit worthy low-income parents to help them overcome barriers to maintaining employment. Ordained as a vocational deacon in 2007, he has served in leadership roles in several local parishes before joining St. Christopher’s this year to assist with liturgical duties. In Racine he helped develop and lead Racine’s largest meal program and “drop-in” center for our sisters and brothers homeless, near homeless, alone, or lonely. In 2016 Deacon Kevin launched Collars on the Corners, a street ministry of presence and prayer with colleague Deacon Jim Banach from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Clergy and laity from various traditions have joined them.




music ministry

C. Christian Rich, M.M., Music Director

CRich@StChristophersWi.Org



Upon completing graduate studies in music and liturgy at the University of Notre Dame, Christian Rich was appointed Director of Liturgy and Music and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Studies at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Franklin, Wisconsin where he served for 36 years. Upon his retirement in 2014, Christian was named a Professor Emeritus. 

 

He has been Music Director and Organist here at St. Christopher's since August of 2016.

Christian education

Kate Ehlke,  Director of Children's Christian Formation (left)

Kate has 20 years of experience working with children and has worked as a professional nanny since 2009. She has cared for children ranging in age from infancy to 14 years. She also has a fine arts background and enjoys doing hands on activities. Kate lives in Milwaukee with her husband, three children and miniature poodle. When Kate isn’t chasing kiddos she can be found outside working in her garden or creating something in her art studio. She feels blessed to have been a part of St. Christopher’s since 2011.  


More information on our Children's Program can be found under the  Children's Formation" tab at the top of the website. 


building & Grounds

Mike Schneider, Building & Grounds Supervisor (left)

As Building and Grounds Supervisor, Mike Schneider manages nearly all aspects of church maintenance, cleaning and repairs. He is skilled in numerous trades and, when unable himself to perform repairs or make needed improvements, Mike finds, schedules and collaborates with other professional contractors. When Mike isn’t taking care of St Christopher’s building and grounds, he is working at University School of Milwaukee. Mike is the Facilities Supervisor for their 400,000 sq. ft facility. Mike has worked at St. Christopher’s since 2008.


Lauro Robles, Custodian (right)

Lauro Robles is the Custodian at St. Christopher’s. Lauro ensures the facilities are cleaned and sanitized in a condition of operating excellence, cleanliness and safety. His dedication, professionalism, and outgoing warm is second to none. Lauro is the Custodial Supervisor at University School of Milwaukee and has worked there for 28 years. Lauro joined the team at St. Christopher’s in 2019. 

vestry

The governance of the church is maintained through a balance of executive administration by the Rector, and a governing body called the Vestry. The basic responsibilities of the Vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church's mission by word and deed, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances. Vestry Members are elected by the Parish at the annual meeting. The presiding officer of the vestry is the rector. The Senior Warden leads the Parish between Rectors and is the primary support for the rector. The Junior Warden primary focus is on the buildings and grounds.  

 

The Rev. Geoffrey Ward, Rector

Kenneth "Kip" Jacobs, Senior Warden

Patrick Keily, Junior Warden

Katie Wood, Treasurer

 

Rotating 3 Year Positions:


Class of 2027

Will Piper

Robyn Slater


Class of 2026

Rob Brown

Wendy Sopkovich


Class of 2025

Tyler Kristopeit

Katie Wood

mission & outreach

 Our Mission and Outreach is a robust priority for our faith family


 

We are proud to have various teams supporting City on a Hill with Monthly Free Health Clinics, Literacy Initiative, Assembly and Distribution of Blessing Bags, Stocking Drive, and Holiday Family Meal and Tote. 

 

For decades we have worked closely with The Gathering, serving meals and connecting with the community. 

getting involved

Our community has many fun ways to connect with other faith-based people! 

 

Examples of our committees include: 

 

Acolytes

Altar Guild

Choir

Community Garden

Fellowship Team

Flower Ministry

Inner City Ministry

Lector

Men's Breakfast

Reading Group

Sunshine Ministry

Usher/Greeter

 

We are always excited to add more and welcome your spearheading a new group!