Clergy and Staff

 

The Rev’d Dr. Elenor Lucius (Andy) Anderson III
Title:
Rector
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, Sunday (hours vary)
Telephone Extension: 220
E-Mail: andy.anderson@nativity-hsv.org
Education: Doctor of Ministry, Sewanee; M.Div., Sewanee; MBA, Georgia State University; BA, University of Georgia
Biography:  Andy Anderson was called to serve as the 11th Rector of the Church of the Nativity in May of 2003.  Ordained a priest in 1994, Andy received his M. Div. degree, with honors (1994) and his Doctor of Ministry degree (2006) from the School of Theology at Sewanee.  He currently serves Sewanee as Vice President of the Alumni Council for Church Relations and is on the School of Theology Alumni Council.  Andy and his wife of 27 years, Tippy, have two adult children, Case and Sally.  Case is a Sewanee college graduate and living in Washington, D.C.  Sally is a junior at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where the Southeastern Conference rivalry of Andy’s University of Georgia alma mater runs high!  Andy was born in Statesboro, Georgia where his family was involved in agribusiness for generations, and worked as a banker in Atlanta and Rome (Georgia) prior to answering the call to the priesthood.   Andy’s undergraduate degree is in History from Georgia and he holds an M.B.A. in Finance from Georgia State University.  Andy tries to find time to garden in his spare time as well enjoying art, music, hiking, southern fiction, and running.  Andy and Tippy (an artist) love to spend time in Sewanee and you’ll see them walking their Jack Russell Terriers, Tori and Twickenham!

The Rev’d Steven E. Mosher
Title:
Associate Rector
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, Sunday (hours vary)
Responsibilities: Associate for Children and Youth Christian Formation and Parish Life.
Telephone Extension: 207
E-Mail: steve.mosher@nativity-hsv.org 
Education: M.Div. Sewanee; BBA- University of Georgia
Biography: Steve came to Nativity in June 2004, being called to serve as the Associate for Christian Formation and Parish Life.  His areas of focus include Children and Youth programs, and fellowship ministries that include our Blue Apron greeters, Parish Mixers, and events such as the annual Parish Retreat, Rally Day, and our Ministry Fair. In addition to other priestly duties, this fall, Steve will be leading a men's bible study as Nativity expands its Wednesday night offerings.  Steve received his M. Div. degree from the School of Theology at Sewanee. Prior to seminary, he worked in the information technology industry as a software development manager, and as a recruiter for technology professionals.  This year he and his wife, Kirsten, will celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary.  They have two teen-aged sons (David and Matthew) and three four-legged daughters (two beagles and a fearless cat).  While he still likes to keep up on technology trends, Steve also enjoys art and music, and especially enjoys playing around on his digital piano.  Those who know him well, know that Steve considers there to be no place whatsoever for fun or humor at church. 

The Rev’d Mary Anne Akin
Title:
Associate Rector
Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, Sunday (hours vary)
Responsibilities: Associate for Pastoral Care, Mission, and Spiritual Development. Also serves as the Chaplain for the Nativity Center for Pilgrimage and Reconciliation. 
Telephone Extension: 222
E-Mail: mary.akin@nativity-hsv.org
Education: M.Div. Candler School of Theology at Emory University , magna cum laude; BA - Webster College.
Biography: Mary Anne came to Nativity in July 2007.  She brings with her a rich history of ministry in various settings.  Ordained in 1977 she began the work of her calling in Birmingham as a Hospital Chaplain.  She went on to be Director of Pastoral Care in three facilities: a general hospital, a children’s hospital, and a retirement center.  She has been Rector of two churches, in Tennessee and Delaware.  Her love for Pastoral Care moved her into parish positions as Associate in larger churches (Vienna and Richmond, VA) . There she facilitated new programs (including an Eldercare Support Group reviewed by the national Church)  and oversaw multiple layers of care.  She has particular interests in issues of aging, mid-life, grief, and creative forms of spirituality.  She writes poetry, and loves the mountains, the ocean, and all kinds of music.  She has returned to “The Tennessee Valley” to be close to Tennessee roots and family commitments. Her husband of 21 years, Joe, is devoted to science, the art of film, history and sky-watching. They escape for hikes, the river and countryside whenever possible. If you have difficulty finding her, she is “the little one” – all of 4’11” in her alb – the munchkin priest. 

The Rev’d Deacon Mary E. Groff
Title:
Deacon
Office Hours: Tuesday and Sunday
Responsibilities: Elderly, Homebound, and Hospital Visitations; Senior Ministry.
Telephone Extension:  221
E-Mail: megroff@bellsouth.net
Education: MSW in Social Work, University of Alabama; B.S. in Psychology and Sociology; Southern Benedictine College in Cullman.
Biography: Deacon Mary was ordained in 2004 and assigned to the Church of the Nativity by the Bishop of Alabama.  She was asked by our rector and vestry to develop ministry to retired persons in the parish and to assist with pastoral care/hospital visits.  Deacon Mary holds a B.S in Psychology/Sociology and a Masters in Clinical Social Work.  She sole proprietor of Mountain Crest Counseling in Guntersville.  Before opening a private counseling center, she was with Albany Clinic in Decatur and Department of Human Resources.  She has taught courses in Psychology, Sociology and Social Work for various junior colleges including Snead, Wallace State and Calhoun Community College.  Mary obtained her bachelor degrees while her son Jack was graduating high school.  He went on to Auburn, is retired military having served in Desert Storm.  He lives in Washington State with his wife and two children.  While her daughter Jill was getting her degree in equine studies from Virginia Intermonth,  Mary went on to get her Masters degree. Jill now lives in Wisconsin with her husband.   Hobbies and other interests include foreign travel, pilgrimages to holy places, biking, tennis and reading.  Good nutrition, exercise, good friends and a rule of life energize her life. She is what is known as a "cradle Episcopalian" having served our Lord and the church in all capacities in the Church except serving on the Vestry. 

Suzanne Purtee
Title: Director of Music, Organist and Choirmaster
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, Sunday (hours vary)
Responsibilities: Direct all choirs, maintain music libraries, select and prepare music for all services, serve as principal organist, organize concert series.
Telephone Extension: 216
E-Mail: suzanne.purtee@nativity-hsv.org 
Education:  B.M., University of Kansas; M.M., McGill University; A.M., Duke University; ABD, Duke University.

Lane Tutt
Title:
Director of Adult Christian Formation
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, Sunday (hours vary)
Responsibilities: Adult education programs.
Telephone Extension: 212
E-Mail: ltutt@nativity-hsv.org

Cynthia (Cynde) Tannehill
Title:
Executive Assistant to the Rector/Business Administrator
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday (9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.); Friday (9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.)
Responsibilities:  Building and Grounds, Business Manager, Human Resources, Assistant to the Rector.
Telephone Extension: 202
E-Mail: cynde.tannehill@nativity-hsv.org
Education: BS in Computer Information Systems, Athens State University

Elizabeth Foster
Title:
Interim Children's Christian Formation Coordinator
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, Sunday (hours vary)
Responsibilities: Sunday school classes 3's-12th grade, Bible School, intergenerational programs, Heifer Market, Palm Sunday Parade, Teacher Appreciation Day.
Telephone Extension: 211
E-Mail: efoster@nativity-hsv.org

Catti Clanton
Title:
Director of Youth Ministries
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, Sunday (hours vary)
Responsibilities: Christian Formation (7th through 12th) Jr. and Sr. EYC (7th through 12th)
Telephone Extension: 210
E-Mail: cclanton@nativity-hsv.org

Audrey Clayton
Title:
Nursery Coordinator
Office Hours: Sunday
Responsibilities: Director of the nursery facilities, maintains a caring environment for children to grow and learn.

Linda Wheeler
Title: Administrative Assistant
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday (9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.); Friday (9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.)
Responsibilities: Baptisms, newcomers, weekly bulletins, newsletter, membership transfers, address changes, bulk mailings.
Telephone Extension: 204
E-Mail: lwheeler@nativity-hsv.org

Beverly Franklin
Title:
Bookkeeper
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday (8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.); Friday (8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.)
Responsibilities: Financials, contributions, accounts payable, memorials
Telephone Extension: 219
E-Mail: beverly.franklin@nativity-hsv.org

Patricia (Trish) Johnston
Title:
Ministry Assistant
Office Hours: Monday & Tuesday (8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.); Wednesday & Thursday (9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.; Friday (9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.)
Responsibilities: Room reservations, room reservations, maintaining the church calendar, scheduling of LEM’s, Lectors, Intercessors, Pastoral Care, Music department assistant, church van scheduling, key sign out, volunteers.
Telephone Extension: 203
E-Mail:  pjohnston@nativity-hsv.org  

Sally Stockton
Title:
Director of Kitchen Ministries
Responsibilities: Maintains kitchen facility; responsible for planning, coordination and preparation of meals for church functions; organizes Nativity groups requesting use of kitchen; caters scheduled event requests.

Prentice White
Title:
Head Verger and Wedding Director
Responsibilities: The Verger is responsible for the smooth functioning of all worship service, working closely with the Clergy, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Ushers, Acolytes and others associated with worship.  The Wedding Director assists the Clergy and families during the wedding rehearsal and ceremony.

Alexander Ford
Title:
Sexton
Office Hours: Monday, Saturday (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.); Tuesday - Friday (8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Responsibilities: Responsible for the general maintenance care of Nativity's buildings and funrnishings.
Telephone Extension: 215

John Buyse
Title:
Property Manager
Office Hours: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.)
Responsibilities: Responsible for the regular maintenance and repair of the extensive buildings and grounds at Nativity.
Telephone Extension:
214