About Us

Welcome to St. Francis in the Fields! Learn more about who we are, what we do, and our passion for the Good News of Jesus Christ.

What We Believe

Grounded in the Gospel

We never tire of hearing about the good news of what God has done for the world in Jesus. Our worship is steeped in Holy Scripture, and we encounter God’s Word in the prayers we pray, in the songs we sing, and in our preaching. Every week, we hear about the burdens of the world, the love of God in Jesus, and the promise of mercy and forgiveness.

Focused on Formation

At the end of every service we are sent out with a blessing that prays that the “peace of God” will “keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and Love of God.” We take that promise very seriously and endeavor to challenge both the heart and the mind with the good news of God in Christ. We seek to equip people so they can not only deepen their faith, but bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ into their homes, schools, and workplaces. Engagement of the heart and mind lies at the core of what we do here, and is integrated into our programs and teaching for all ages.

Embracing our Anglican Heritage

St. Francis in the Fields is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We are committed to the “faith once delivered to all the saints” (Jude 4), which we share with Anglicans around the world:

We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the revealed Word of God.

We believe that The Nicene Creed is the sufficient statement of the Christian Faith.

We believe in the centrality of the two Sacraments instituted by Christ: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We believe in the leadership of bishops, who lead our churches in the lineage of the Apostles.

Meet our

Clergy & Staff

The Rev. Clint Wilson
Rector

Fr. Clint Wilson was called as Rector of St. Francis in December 2019. Before coming to St. Francis he served parishes in Denver, CO, Denton, TX, and Nashville, TN.

The Rev. W. Raleigh Langley, III
Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, and Missions; Interim Director of Youth Ministry

Raleigh has served St. Francis since 1990, first as Youth Minister, and more recently as Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, Families, and Mission.

The Rev. Barbara White
Associate Rector for Worship, Formation, and Communications

Mthr. Barbara works with ministry leaders to offer worship that is beautiful and glorifies the Living God, and helps oversee formation opportunities so that the adults of St. Francis can deepen their walk with Christ.

The Rev. Jennifer Grady
Director of Children’s Ministry

As Director of Children’s Ministry, Mthr. Jennifer oversees Sunday Childcare, Sunday School, Children’s Chapel, Junior Youth Group and Crossroads, the Wednesday Night Bible program for children.

The Rev. Robert Coon, Jr.
Priest Associate

Bob will be starting his third stint at St. Francis in the Fields. He is delighted and thankful to be back. His main duty is to work in the Pastoral Care Ministry and any other area to assist the church as it grows in this new phase of life.

Emily Feeney
Parish Administrative Officer

Emily was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky and studied at the University of Louisville (Associates), Indiana University Southeast (Bachelors), and Sullivan University (Masters).

Karen Ellestad
Communications Administrative Coordinator

Karen is a lifelong Episcopalian and has been a member of St. Francis in the Fields since 2016. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and history from Centre College, and Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology.

Tracie Utter, CPA
Parish Accountant

Tracie has been a member of St Francis since her teen years and a certified public accountant since 1992. She has spent her career working in Louisville for a variety of companies, from high-profile public companies to entrepreneurial endeavors.

Melodie Fridley
Executive Assistant to the Rector

Melodie served as our Parish Administrator, 1998-2022. Effective January of 2023, Melodie has transitioned into a part time role as the Executive Assistant to the Rector.

Theresa Wilson
Director of Louisville Bridge Fellows

Theresa Wilson is the director of St. Francis's Louisville Fellows Program, a leadership development program for recent college graduates forming them as marketplace and ministry leaders committed to enriching the culture of our city.

Simmons Falk
Audio Visual Ministry Specialist

Simmons helps increase our church’s reach in the community through video and streaming ministries.

Jim Rightmyer
Director of Music

James Rightmyer has been Organist and Choirmaster at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church since 1983.

Robert Lee
Associate Organist

Before joining the staff at St. Francis, Robert served as Organist/Choirmaster of several other parishes.

Alison Kemper
Children's Ministry Assistant

As Children’s Ministry Assistant, Alison staffs the nursery on Sundays, provides materials for the Sunday School teachers, and plans and executes church events such as the Teddy Bear Tea, St. Timothy’s Craft Fair, Goody Two Shoes Consignment sales and Vacation Bible School.

The Rev. Mathew Fenlon
Verger

As Verger, Mathew makes sure things are set up properly and running smoothly for the many classes, programs and events offered at St. Francis as well as the weekly services.

Dr. Campbell Rightmyer Bego
Junior Choir Director

Dr. Bego is a lifetime Episcopal Church choir member and music enthusiast.

Scott Calvert
Sexton/Handyman

As the St. Francis Sexton, Scott plays a key role in maintaining the church building and grounds.

Vestry

The St. Francis in the Fields Vestry serves as the “board of directors” for our parish, and is made up exclusively by lay leaders. The Vestry oversees the day-to-day operations of the parish executed by clergy and staff, and engages in long-range planning to achieve our vision. Vestry members are elected for a 3-year term at our Annual Parish Meeting, and Vestry members are expected to be regular, pledging members of the parish and to demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of the parish and their personal faith. The proceedings of Vestry meetings are open to anyone in the parish and meeting minutes are available upon request.

Current Vestry Members

Term ending 2024: Chamie Deters, Jason Kron, Judi Quaife (Clerk), Davis Tyler, Chris Utter (Senior Warden)

Term ending 2025: R. Kent Westberry, Kate Boyer, Jerry Lyon, Nancy Tafel, Michael Swindall

Term ending 2026: Blair Bell, Andrew Booker, Robert Cregor, Joanna Panning, Vicki Receveur

Appointees: George Vieth (Treasurer), Bill Receveur (Properties Committee), Katie Booker (Parish Life Committee)

St. Francis in the Fields

Our History

Community Roots

St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church was founded by a group of 30 neighbors, friends, and relatives gathered at the foot of Harrods Creek just outside of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1946. They were in search of a place to worship God, and a place to raise their children in a Christian environment. They rented a small Baptist church where they and their 31 children attended their first service on Christmas Eve, 1946. The Rev. Robert Clingman was called to serve as rector. Sunday School classes were held at Walter Bader’s grocery store and adult confirmation classes at the Chick Inn.

Coming Home

By 1948 the congregation had outgrown the small baptist chapel. They purchased seven and a half acres of wooded land on Wolf Pen Branch Road and built a beautiful Georgian sanctuary and rectory They started a primary day school, and the church soon became a center of community activity, offering baby care and tuberculosis clinics, and offering other community services.

Legacy of Service

In 1953 the Rev. Stephen R. Davenport was called as rector— a role he would fill for nearly 30 years. The church became known for its strong music program, a legacy we uphold to this day. In 1954, the church added a new education wing and fellowship hall to support the growing community. The day school became St. Francis School, with a school grounds in Goshen and later a high school in downtown Louisville.

New Fruit

The parish continued to grow throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The children of the founders brought their own children to church where they were joined families from the growing neighborhood. In 1982, the Rev. Robert T. Jennings was called as rector. By the 1980s, St. Francis was the largest Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Kentucky. The church grew so much that in the early 1990s that it outgrew the worship space and services were held in the fellowship hall. In 1995 we moved into our current worship space which offers more room for worship while staying true to the lovely design of the original church.

Forward in Faith

The Rev. Robert T. Jennings retired in 2014 and The Rev. Dr. John D. Koch, Jr. became the fourth rector at St. Francis in the Fields. In February of 2020, The Rev. Clint Wilson joined as the fifth rector of St. Francis. We’ve continued to adapt to the changing needs of our community and world, while staying true to the vision of our founders: beautiful worship, robust Christian formation, and energetic mission in our community and around the world.

The Rev. Clint Wilson

Rector
502-228-1176, ext. 2824
clintw@sfitf.org

Fr. Clint Wilson was called as Rector of St. Francis in December 2019. He is originally from Birmingham, Alabama, and studied Biblical Studies and Theology at Denver Seminary in Colorado and Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin on his eventual path to ordination. Before coming to St. Francis, he served parishes in Denver, Colorado; Denton, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee. Fr. Clint is married to his college sweetheart, Theresa, and together they have a son and a dog, both of whom require many treats! They are passionate about the reconciling power of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and they believe the local church is, in all its flaws and joys, the place where all creation is called to rest in the finished work of Christ.

The Rev. Raleigh Langley

Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, Family Ministry and Missions
502-228-1176, ext. 3262
raleighstf@aol.com

Raleigh has served St. Francis since 1990, first as Youth Minister, and more recently as Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, Families, and Mission. He attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. Raleigh is passionate about building relationships and trust among Christians of every age and walk of life, so that we learn to care for one another in joy and sorrow. He is married to Kristin and they have one daughter, Emma. 

The Rev. Barbara White

Associate Rector for Worship, Formation and Communications
barbaraw@sfitf.org

Mthr. Barbara works with ministry leaders to offer worship that is beautiful and glorifies the Living God, and helps oversee formation opportunities so that the adults of St. Francis can deepen their walk with Christ. She was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate in the Diocese of Northern California in June, 2021, and ordained to the Priesthood in Diocese of Kentucky in December 2021. Before attending Seminary in Austin, TX, she studied International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and worked in public policy and communications. Mthr. Barbara is married to Joshua who works as a manegment consultant, and they are the parents of a baby girl. 

The Rev. Jennifer Grady

Director of Children’s Ministry
jenniferg@sfitf.org

Jennifer has been with St. Francis since 2012. As Director of Children’s Ministry she oversees Sunday Childcare, Sunday School, Children’s Chapel, Junior Youth Group and Crossroads, the Wednesday Night Bible program for children. Jennifer has a Masters of Theological Studies from Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is married to Dr. Kristopher Grady and has two daughters, Abigail and Lydia.

The Rev. Robert H. Coon, Jr.

Priest Associate
roberthcoonjr@gmail.com

Bob will be starting his third stint at St. Francis in the Fields. He is delighted and thankful to be back. His main duty is to work in the Pastoral Care Ministry and any other area to assist the church as it grows in this new phase of life.

Emily Feeny

Parish Administrative Officer
502-228-1176, ext. 5099
emilyf@sfitf.org

Emily was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky and studied at the University of Louisville (Associates), Indiana University Southeast (Bachelors), and Sullivan University (Masters). Before coming to St. Francis, she worked as a Business Administrator for another local church and most recently an Executive Director for a post-secondary school. Emily is married to Kyle, and they have two amazing children Connor and Katie. Emily spends her free time watching Katie play soccer as a goalkeeper, going to the lake, and wrangling their 4 dogs! 

Karen Ellestad

Communications Administrative Coordinator

karene@sfitf.org 

Karen is a lifelong Episcopalian and has been a member of St. Francis in the Fields since 2016. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and history from Centre College, and Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology. She has always had a passion for the written word, graphic design, and the art of Anglican liturgy. At St. Francis, she coordinates internal and external communications via the website, church-wide publications, Sunday leaflets, and social media, and assists with day-to-day operations. She is engaged to be married to her fiancé JR, a software developer—at St. Francis, of course—and enjoys playing trivia, antiquing, and cheering on her beloved Arsenal FC.

Tracie Utter, CPA

Parish Accountant
502-228-1176, ext. 0340
tracieu@sfitf.org

Tracie has been a member of St Francis since her teen years and a certified public accountant since 1992. She has spent her career working in Louisville for a variety of companies, from high-profile public companies to entrepreneurial endeavors. This range of experiences has shaped her problem-solving skills and allowed her to become an integral part of the leadership team day-one. She values her team members’ trust as well as her fellow parishioners’.

Tracie has been married to Chris Utter since 1992 and has two children, Taylor and Connor. Both were baptized and raised at St Francis and are now young adults pursuing their own careers. Her parents, Tom and Janet Dieruf, are also members of St Francis, and her dad was the parish treasurer for over 20 years. It is her privilege to serve as parish accountant.

Melodie Fridley

Executive Assistant to the Rector

502-228-1176, ext. 1166
melodief@sfitf.org

Melodie served as our Parish Administrator, 1998-2022. Effective January of 2023, Melodie has transitioned into a part time role as the Executive Assistant to the Rector. She is the primary point of contact for the Rector and the Rector’s office and manages the schedules, communications, and events for the Rector.  Melodie is married to Gary and they have 3 grown sons and 3 daughters-in-law and just welcomed their first grandson in 2022. 

Simmons Falk

Audio Visual Ministry Specialist
simmonsf@sfitf.org

Simmons helps increase our church’s reach in the community through video and streaming ministries. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Francis in the Fields and was an active member of the youth group throughout middle and high school. He has a B.A. in theatre from Sewanee: The University of the South and has worked with many professional theatre companies, including Actors Theatre of Louisville, as well as in movies and television. He is a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employee, where he works locally on movies, television, theatre, tradeshows, and concerts. He is married to Stephanie, an engineer.

Theresa Wilson

Director of the Louisville Bridge Fellows Program

502-528-6483
theresa.wilson@louisvillefellows.org

Theresa Wilson is the director of St. Francis’s Louisville Fellows Program, a leadership development program for recent college graduates forming them as marketplace and ministry leaders committed to enriching the culture of our city. Before moving to Louisville, Theresa served as the Executive Director of The Nashville Fellows Program for almost five years. Her passion for young adult leadership development began when she worked for a college in Birmingham, AL, in the student life department. It was during this time she realized she wanted to pursue a graduate degree that would enable her to engage in leadership development of college students and young adults long-term. Thus, she ended up pursuing an M.A. in Leadership from Denver Seminary with a focus in Student Affair in Higher Education through Colorado State University. The marrying of these two educational experiences has prepared her well to lead a Fellows program, as well as the experiences she had working in higher education at Colorado Heights University and the University of North Texas. Theresa is married to Fr. Clint Wilson, and they have a rambunctious 4-year-old son, James, and a tolerant 11-year-old dog, Denver. As a family, they love all things outdoors – hiking, biking, paddle boarding, exploring, and camping. They also love trying new restaurants, breweries, and distilleries – and all the more if they are with friends. They have a deep love of the church and have committed their lives to discipling those in the church and pursuing greater church unity as a witness to the powerful work of Christ in a fragmented world. 

Jim Rightmyer

Director of Music
502-228-1176, ext. 5925
jimr@sfitf.org

James Rightmyer has been Organist and Choirmaster at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church since 1983. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists. Mr. Rightmyer is a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians and the American Choral Director’s Association. He is married to Dr. Elizabeth Campbell Rightmyer and has two children, Campbell and Robin.

Robert Lee

Assistant Organist
502-228-1176

Before joining the staff at St. Francis, Robert served as Organist/Choirmaster of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Jackson, Mississippi; Choral Director, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Greenville, South Carolina; Organist, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Greenville, South Carolina; and Musical Director at Stage One Children’s Theater, Louisville, Kentucky. He is a graduate of Samford University (B.Mus.Ed) and Mississippi College (M.Ed).

Alison Kemper

Children’s Ministry Assistant
502-228-1176, ext. 3438
alisonk@sfitf.org

As Children’s Ministry Assistant, Alison staffs the nursery on Sundays, provides materials for the Sunday School teachers, and plans and executes church events such as the Teddy Bear Tea, St. Timothy’s Craft Fair, Goody Two Shoes Consignment sales and Vacation Bible School. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Art/Education. Alison is married to Hamilton and has two girls, Ellie and Mary Hamilton.

The Rev. Matthew Fenlon

As Verger, Mathew makes sure things are set up properly and running smoothly for the many classes, programs and events offered at St. Francis as well as the weekly services. He serves our parish while raising financial support for his ministry as the Assistant Senior Chaplain with the Louisville Metro Police Department. Prior to his call to serve as a chaplain to Law Enforcement personnel, he spent 11 years as a parish priest in New Jersey and Texas. He has also served as a missionary in multiple countries around the world for two years with the JESUS Film Project. He earned an M. Div. at Trinity School for Ministry and was ordained to the priesthood in Diocese of Central Florida.

Dr. Campbell Rightmyer Bego

Junior Choir Director 

Dr. Bego is a lifetime Episcopal Church choir member and music enthusiast. She is also a faculty member at the J. B. Speed School of Engineering and enjoys designing lessons that lead her engineering students and choristers to experience “aha” moments of understanding and clarity. Dr. Bego believes that people work and learn best in collaborative communities that lift each other up. A choir is the epitome of such a group; the intergenerational whole is so much greater than the sum of its parts. Dr. Bego’s greatest joy is bringing children together to experience this sense of community in the church, singing gloriously in the Anglican tradition.

Scott Calvert

Sexton/Handyman
scottcalvert0@gmail.com

As the St. Francis Sexton, Scott plays a key role in maintaining the church building and grounds. God has blessed Scott with talents to create and build products both in his professional career, as an Industrial Designer, and through participation in St. Francis outreach ministries such as Habitat for Humanity and Porch de Solomon. Scott and his wife Cindi have raised two children during their 39 years of marriage. They have been active members of St. Francis for more than 20 years.