Ministry Leaders
Clergy
The Rev. James (Jim) Harrison is a second career priest. Following in the footsteps of his father (and grandfather and great-grandfather!) he is a pattern maker by trade. He worked for thirty-one years for General Motors, first in Mansfield, Ohio and then in Flint, Michigan. Upon retirement, Jim attended Seabury Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois where he earned his Masters in Divinity.
Before coming to St John’s, Jim served as curate at Christ Church in Winnetka, Illinois, where he and his wife, Missy were both on staff. He has also served as rector of Transfiguration Episcopal Church in Indian River, Michigan and rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Appleton, Wisconsin. Jim has served on the Anti-Racism Ministry and Diocesan Council for the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan. He also served on the Mosaic Taskforce, a diversity ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac. He has enjoyed serving on program staff and as chaplain for youth camp in both dioceses. He joined the St. John’s staff in December 2018, along with his wife, Missy, who is St. John’s Director of Children and Youth Ministry.
Jim enjoys running as a spiritual discipline as well as a great way to explore his surroundings. Jim, Missy, and their dog, Sidney love to find new trails to visit. He is happy to be near their son and his family, residents of Mount Pleasant, and looks forward to visits with their daughter, son-in-law, and newest grandson who live in Iowa City.
Parish Staff
Coming soon
Dr. Eady taught at middle school and high school levels for nine years in Tennessee, where he also served as a mentor teacher in musical literacy instruction in the urban environment. He has also presented at state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education on developing the male chorus, the building of a comprehensive choral program, and new and diverse methods of teacher training.
Dr. Eady’s choirs have also performed at state and regional conventions of ACDA and he was recognized by the Tennessee Music Educators Association as Music Educator of the Year (2014). Among his research interests is the rehabilitative impact of choral singing on incarcerated individuals. Dr. Eady holds the bachelor of music education degree and master of music degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as the doctor of philosophy degree in choral conducting and music education from Florida State University.
A lifelong church musician, Amon is excited to be serving here at St. John’s. He lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife Deidra, son Liam, and daughter Rowan.
When not walking her dog or goofing off with her grandchildren, you can find her creating labyrinths out of clay or writing her Sacred Play Space blog.
Nick and wife, Mandy, are the proud parents of little youngsters Julia Grace and Emmett James. After living in Traverse City for about 8 years, they are happy to be closer to family in Midland now. If Nick had an extra 24 hrs a month, he’d spend it fixing something, then packing up the family for an adventure, then wrapping up the day with kids & wife piled on the couch watching old movies.
Vestry
With our Rector, Vestry members oversee resource development, people, property and money to support the mission and ministry of St. John’s Episcopal Church. They have a standing monthly meeting whose minutes are always posted publically. More about this group of elected leaders may be found on our Church Governance page.
We are grateful to all who have served in the past, especially to the Vestry class members who concluded their terms of service in January 2022: Charles Bash, Basil Clark and Sue Rye.
Below are photos from a past vestry retreat. Retreats are typically held each fall.
