RECTOR
Teresa and Fr. Nick
Fr. Nick joined St. Luke’s as Rector on January 16, 2021. Fr. Nick received his Master of Divinity from the School of Theology at University of the South in Sewanee. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2017.
Before joining St. Luke’s, Fr. Nick had been serving as Associate Rector at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Pensacola, Florida, for four years. He was awarded The Episcopal Church Creation Care Grant last year in which he developed the Muscogee Cultural Continuation Project in response to environmental racism. He is also one of the first people to graduate from the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta, GA.
He will be joined by his wife Teresa, who serves as Children and Youth Coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. The Phares have three children.
Fr. Nick states, “My family feels particularly called to St. Luke’s because they are a community who knows themselves well and who are not afraid to live authentically and vulnerably – with arms wide open.”
In his free time, Fr. Nick enjoys reading, biking and traveling with his family.
Penny Williams
Penny Williams, Administrative Assistant
StLukesBartlesville@outlook.com
Parish Office: 918-336-1212
Penny Williams, a longtime congregant of St. Luke’s and a recent vestry member, became our church secretary at the beginning of 2022, following her retirement from the City of Bartlesville’s municipal court. Given her long association with St. Luke’s, Penny is a wonderful resource on what’s going on within our church community.
Keeli Droege
Keeli Droege, Music Director
Keeli Droege became the music director of St. Luke’s in August 2023, serving as the organist and choir director. Keeli is a classically trained pianist who holds a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from the University of Northern Colorado. She is an experienced piano instructor and has taught early childhood music classes. Keeli has served as a church musician since she was 14 years old. Keeli and her family have been St. Luke’s members since 2016 and she and her husband Tom have three children. She can be reached by email or at 918-697-8509.
Courtney Leach
Courtney Leach, Church Sexton
Courtney is a beloved part of the St. Luke’s family, joining the staff after spending many years as head custodian for Central Middle School. She is an experienced caretaker and we lovingly refer to her as our KOSO (Keeper Of Sacred Objects). In this capacity, Courtney is directly involved in all aspects of caring for the church facility, inside and out. What a wonderful and professional job she does! We are so blessed and thankful to call Courtney, Chase & Emily family.