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 Anna Petrie
I graduated from Warren Wilson College with a dual major in Spanish and Global Studies. During and after college I worked as a cook in vegan restaurants and was involved in the food localization movement in both North Carolina and New Jersey. During this time, my focus shifted from issues of food quality to issues of food quantity. This shift inspired me to work as a missionary in Niger. During my time in Niger I grew much closer to God.  My experiences taught me a lot about inner-peace and the importance of glorifying God through action. I love living in Boston with a community of people who are spiritually engaged. In my free time, I enjoy reading and exercising. I love my family, my friends, morning walks, good coffee, chopping vegetables with sharp knives, good shower pressure, dancing, maps, my hiking backpack, camp fires, my books, sit down dinners, peanut butter, and my two dogs.

This year, I am blessed to be a part of a supportive community of interns that encourages healthy personal betterment and community development. I feel very welcomed into the Church of the Good Shepherd, where I am working on children's formation, justice ministry, and other projects.  I hope to be a beneficial resource for the Watertown community. My work here makes me feel very alive.  If you have any project ideas, need help with your project, or would just like to talk, please don't hesitate to contact me!