Our Clergy and Staff
Rev. Dr. Paula Harris
Rector
Mother Paula was called to serve as Grace Church's Rector (settled priest) in September of 2023. She is enjoying serving a "broad church" community with many perspectives, rejoices in the music, the liturgy and the acts of love here at Grace. She grew up in a Christian family. Although her folks were committed Christians, they never committed to a denomination, so she grew up in all different types of churches and is interested in various forms of religion and faith, and how they influence us. She became an Episcopalian in the early 1990s, and she appreciates the historicity, the liturgy, the sense of mystery, the sense that “you don’t have to check your mind at the door” and the commitment to love and to justice in the Episcopal church. Her professional education has all been in Illinois: Wheaton College, BA English and Secondary Education 1986; Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, Masters of Theological Studies 2006; Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, Doctorate of Ministry (preaching) 2012. She has served seven churches from 1500 members to 50, in urban and rural contexts. In every place, she has enjoyed getting to know the folks and finding ways our different churches could be vibrant and sustainable. In her spare time, Paula likes to read (usually mystery novels which come to a satisfying conclusion); to grow plants indoors and out; to organize wine pairings for her spouse's fabulous meals; and to listen to jazz. They like to travel… except during the pandemic. And on their holidays, they always manage to find an Episcopal or Anglican church.
Robin French
Music Director
A life-long musician, Robin has been Music Director at Grace since 2019, and has a rich and varied background in music. Robin began as music director after 6 years as accompanist of Grace Choir under the inspiring direction of Pat Terry, and as organist. With a rich and varied background in music — Robin has been a public school educator; private piano teacher; plays a few other instruments; has led or collaborated in many pit orchestras for various theater productions; been the Music Director at several churches in Colorado; and sung in choruses and ensembles in all 7 states where she has lived as an adult. The 5th in a full octave of children in a multi-talented musical family, she had no choice but to sing in harmony from an early age, and is still known to encourage “finding a note in the chord” wherever two or more are gathered.
Amanda Zasada
Parish Administrator
Amanda joined the team at Grace in February 2024 with a nonprofit administration background including previous work at several churches, a food pantry, and a museum. With a knack for church administration, she describes the work as "loving people while keeping them organized." Amanda is also a musician who spends half her week teaching private music lessons and performing as a freelance vocalist (musical theatre is her favorite). Additional joys include house renovations with her partner, swapping native plant seeds with her twin, studying models of community care, and collecting curbside treasures.