Staff

The Rev. John Lipscomb
Interim Rector

Fr. John Lipscomb is a Floridian born in Vero Beach. His father served in the U.S. Navy for 25 years, so the family moved often. He vividly recollects his early childhood years living on Oahu, Hawaii. This is significant because it was in the beauty of Hawaiian nature that he first sensed a strong draw to something bigger i.e. God, and thus began his lifelong quest. This quest for God led him into formal studies beginning at Johnson University (TN) and resulting ultimately in a Master of Divinity from Nashotah House Theological Seminary (WI).

His desire for a life in God morphed into the life of a minister in the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ tradition for 14 years and then moving into The Episcopal Church the last 14 years.

Fr. John has served churches in West Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Florida and his experience includes youth minister, associate minister, Deacon-in-Charge, and Rector. He has also taught college courses in World Religions and Philosophy.
He lives in Titusville with Karen his wife of 32 years. Karen is a high school math teacher with a doctorate from UCF. They have three grown children-two sons in Los Angeles and a daughter and son-in-law in Tucson. He enjoys watching sports, especially live. He adores his pug, Eugene. And, he appreciates a good movie and a really good book. However, his early introduction to and connection with nature keeps him outdoors under the Florida sky as much as possible.

Deacon David
I was the oldest of three boys and raised in a conservative Baptist home in Michigan. I move to Central Florida in 1975 and have lived here ever since and I consider myself a Floridian. I earned a degree in English from Oral Roberts University where my understanding of faith changed radically. I became an Episcopalian because I fell in love with the freedom of the liturgy and the traditions of the greater church and because most of the English faculty seemed to go there too.

I have been married to Patti for 29years. We live on a 5-acre ranch in Oviedo where my wife tends to more animals than I care to know about. I have three children. The oldest lives in Japan with his family and my only grandson. My daughter is finishing physical therapy school in south Florida and my other son resides in Orlando working in graphic arts.

I have worked as a technical writer in the aerospace field for 31 years. My hobbies are reading, disc golf, running, brewing beer, and playing video games. My wife and I are big Orlando Magic fans.

I was ordained a deacon in 2010. Since then I have completed a Master of Ministry degree and Nashotah House, an Episcopal seminary in Wisconsin. My faith is very simple. I believe in God. I believe that God is good. I believe that Jesus is the most perfect expression of God’s love. The role of the deacon is to have one foot in the church and one in the world. I like that. The emphasis of my ministry is on visitation and community outreach.

Teresa Atwell
Music Minister

Teresa is an excellent addition to our staff and brings incredible gifts to our music ministry and worship. For over 20+ years, Teresa has had experience as a studio vocalist in the recording industry, singing on many works being broadcast around the world.

She is well skilled as piano accompanist / vocal coaching and preparing vocal and instrumental students in area and nationwide middle schools, high schools, and colleges for concerts, festivals, competitions, including All County pianist, Orange County 2016.

Teresa has served in various vocal and instrumental capacities at 1st United Methodist Church, Winter Park, and for many years, has been active as soloist/section leader in several area churches. She sings with the Dickens Carolers during the Christmas season.

Teresa also is working with Mijen Press Music Publishing as a music editor and assistant. Recently she has been involved as assistant producer, editor, and media specialist for ATWELL, a multi-faceted artist and composer.

Jennifer Latterell
Children’s Minister

After many years of teaching Preschool, I have been blessed with 4 of my own sweet children ranging in age from elementary school age to a senior in high school. I have a wonderful and supportive husband, Keith who is also actively involved with our St. Matthew's family.

Since completing my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, I have enjoyed working with new teachers through UCF helping them prepare for work in the classroom. I also enjoy promoting the work of Social Bridges and leading groups within the program.

I love being the Children’s Minister at St. Matthew's. it is truly a chance to teach children the faith, grace and love that God has extended to me in so many ways. The Lord has taken me on on incredible path and I look forward the opportunities that tomorrow will bring. Blessings!

Carolyn Cutler
Interim Praise Band Director

Carolyn Parsons Cutler is a soloist, music & drama director and recording artist. She studied voice at Florida State University School of Music and traveled throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean as soloist with Continental Singers, Children of Truth and Celebration Ministries.

She recently completed more than 23 years as Director of Music and Worship Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Mount Dora. In that position she directed choirs, the praise team and hand bells as well as coordinating many special worship services and concerts.

Carolyn has been a featured soloist at many community events, conferences and conventions in Central Florida. She also performs as a vocalist with local stage bands and a popular trio along with her husband, Ken Cutler.

Judy Harris
Parish Administrator

I was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. My husband Jim and I moved to Orlando in 1980. We’ve been married 40 years and have so much for which to be grateful. We have three beautiful children who are now grown and are blessed with an amazing granddaughter.

Before joining St. Matthew's, I spent 15 years volunteering and working for Orange County Public Schools. Prior to that, I worked in many different areas of accounting which included working for a bank, a law firm, and a retirement community.

Aside from spending time with friends and family, I love photography. I’m very excited to be a part of the St. Matthew’s family.