Our Clergy

The Rev. Daniel Messier, Rector

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​I came to St. Francis Church in October 2011 after serving as Rector of a small African American church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina for ten years.  Coming from the east to the southwest, the coastal waters to the desert, was quite a change for me and my wife, Phyllis.  It didn’t take long for us to appreciate the great beauty of Arizona with its varied climate.  I have been ordained a priest for 39 years having earned my Master of Arts Degree in 1979 at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  Ministry at St. Francis has been both exciting and fulfilling amidst a wonderful, open, and welcoming congregation.

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The Rev. Pamela Hyde, ​Assistant Rector

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​An Arizona resident for nearly thirty years, I came to St. Francis in August 2016 as a newly ordained priest.  Prior to being called to ordained ministry and attending seminary at Yale Divinity School, I had a twenty-year career in river conservation, working for government agencies and nonprofit organizations.  My husband Doug and I enjoy travel, outdoor activities, wine, and good food together, and I find special delight in my centering prayer, reading, whitewater rafting, and just being at home with Doug and our dog Shelby.

Our Staff

All staff can be reached by phone at 520-625-1370.  Our office email is office@stfrancisgvaz.org.

Gerald Near, Parish Administrator, Director of Music

​​Gerald is well known as a composer of liturgical music. The present Hymnal of the Episcopal Church includes both hymns and service music from his considerable output. Gerald holds degrees in music from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with advanced work in conducting from the University of Minnesota.

Rae Turberg, Financial Officer

Beth-el Klein, Administrative Assistant

​A Canadian from the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Beth-el has lived all over (including Germany, Alabama, and California), before moving to Arizona with her husband Phillip and a house full of rescue animals.  She is a retired Human Resource Director with almost 30 years in the luxury hotel industry.  When she is not working or with her animals, she spends time sculpting Southwest American Indian busts.

J. Michael Case, Organist

​​A native of North Carolina, Michael holds a degree in organ performance from Indiana University, and a teaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin. He has served as organist in various churches and performed solo organ recitals for over forty years and has taught music in both public and private schools, at college level, and privately.  Michael has been doing work as a music engraver for MorningStar Music Publishers since 1992. When not on the organ bench or engraving music, he is also a professional dog trainer, is an approved evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, and an AKC Agility Judge.

John Colip, Head Sexton

​​A Green Valley resident the last thirteen years, my wife Trudie, dog Tess and I have lived in Colorado, Washington and northern California.  We have two children and four grandchildren.

Susan Whitney, Sexton

​​An immigrant from London, England where I was a photographic stylist.  Came to Northern California where I had a gardening business and eventually a shop.  Moved to Green Valley in 2011. Been assistant sexton for four years along with my constant companion Moki, who has been dubbed “St. Francis Mascot” and “The Joyful Greeter.”

Henry Ramirez, Sexton

​​A Tucson, Arizona native I’ve been a Green Valley resident since 2005.  I married in 1964 and enjoyed a brief business venture as a fast food franchise owner.  In 1979 I moved to California with my wife and two sons.  I’ve enjoyed family, church and life to the fullest.  In March of 2017 my beautiful wife passed on, and my family and my work are now the main focus in my life.  Helping others in every day life will always be a priority for me.

Clyde Tardy, Sexton

​I grew up in the era that said work hard, play hard, live hard.  Live life to the max before it passes you by.  Now my attitude is work smart, play easy, but play longer.  Guess what?  Life hasn’t passed me by.  Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?