The Rev. Susan M. Barnes, Pastor

Minister’s office hours – Tuesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and by appointment

 Welcome! If you are looking for a spiritual home, we hope you find one with us. I have served John Knox since January 2020.

When I lead worship, I involve the congregation in the liturgy (the words we speak and sing during the service). God is our audience. When I translate from Hebrew and Greek Bible texts, I choose English words that are accurate and contemporary. I love translating and working out how the stories in the Bible speak to our stories.

Our church makes worship accessible to people with varying abilities. All our bulletins are large print. We have hearing assist devices and printed copies of the sermon so people can follow along. Neuroatypical people are welcome to move around as needed during the service. The middle pews make room for mobility devices. The church building is on one floor and wheelchair accessible.
 
We sing old hymns and new hymns. We also sing hymns by request.

I lead the weekly Study Group. We read contemporary books a chapter or so at a time and discuss them. We’ve read Caste; Being Mortal; Meeting Jesus at the Table; What Kind of Christianity; In Defense of Kindness; and Second Thoughts about the Second Coming.

I provide pastoral care in person, by Zoom, on the phone, in emails or thru text. I visit people who are hospitalized or homebound. I have been a chaplain intern at a Veteran Administration hospital, ministered at a nursing home/retirement center, and volunteered as the pastoral caregiver for a transgender support group. Now I co-facilitate a support group for Family and Friends of People with Bipolar/ Depression.

Since 1989, I’ve served churches in Montana, Iowa, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. I do watercolor quilting and make clergy stoles. I’m married to Mike Ferguson, and we have two grown children, a son and a daughter.

To reach me, call the church and leave a message on the machine, or email me at [email protected].

Rev. Susan Barnes (she, her) 

Music Director - Judy Metzger Warren

 Judy comes to us with over 20 years of experience as a church musician and choral director. She has an Artist Diploma and Master of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (OH) and Bachelor of Music from Fredonia State University (NY).

She is also Executive Coordinator, A/P Specialist and Corporate Office Manager at Presbyterian Homes and Services of Kentucky, Inc.

Judy and her family reside in LaGrange, KY.

Member Leadership

What is an Elder?

Elders are chosen by members of the congregation. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church, as well as the church at large. They shall serve faithfully as members of the session for up to two, consecutive three-year terms.

Our current Elders are Linda Swartz, Sue Wilder, George Street, (those pictured), as well as Gail Dupre and Dianne Foster.

Becca Harrison

Church Secretary

Becca started at John Knox on February 10, 2023. In addition to her duties with us, she works 3 days a week at a Parent's Day Out program. She also brings her two young children to the Heartland Music Together program which uses space within the church.