Staff

Welcome Father David

With prayerful consideration and diligent effort, the Rector Search Committee has faithfully served All Saints' Episcopal Church for more than two years. Their work included gathering information about our parish, engaging in numerous meetings with the Diocese, and countless hours of preparation. Through their dedication and the thoughtful discernment of the 2025 Vestry, we are pleased to share important news with the parish family.

It is with great joy and deep appreciation that we announce the appointment of The Rev. Dr. David O. Guss as Part-Time, Short-Term Supply Clergy at All Saints' Episcopal Church. Father David will begin his ministry with us on Sunday, September 14, 2025. He will also be applying for and working toward meeting all requirements to be received as a priest in The Episcopal Church by February 1, 2026.

Father David brings with him a wealth of academic and ministerial experience. His credentials include a B.A. in Elementary Education from Messiah College (Grantham, PA), an M.Ed. in Education from The Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA), a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (Columbia, SC), an Ed.S. in Mental Health Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling and Therapy from Barry University (Miami, FL). He is a former educator and counselor, and he recently served as a priest in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a denomination in full communion with The Episcopal Church.

Father David has long felt a special connection to the Episcopal Church, particularly through various ecumenical celebrations and visits to Trinity Cathedral during his seminary years. His gifts for pastoral care, counseling, community engagement, and his deep, profound desire to serve God and others make him a wonderful fit for our All Saints' family.

At his previous parish in Miami Springs, Florida, Father David led intentional efforts to build bridges with the wider multicultural community, focusing evangelism and outreach on social justice advocacy and ministry with marginalized and at-risk populations, including the homeless and LGBTQ community. His worship leadership and ministry consistently honored the diverse traditions and cultural values of the congregation he served. Father David also has a deep appreciation for music as an expression of cultural diversity and actively seeks to welcome people of every age, race, creed, ethnicity, gender identity, and background to share fully "at the table"—a vision that is beautifully reflected in All Saints' own Welcoming Statement.

A reception to welcome Father David will be held on Sunday, September 28, following the 10:30 a.m. service. Please join us in offering him a warm welcome as he begins his ministry among us.

Judy Priester: Music Director

I have been a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church since 1975. I began to serve as organist and choir director in 1994. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in music education with an emphasis on piano from Winthrop College.

All Saints' has been a blessing to me for many years. I took the job as music director not knowing whether it was what I wanted to do, or not. It was one of the wisest decisions I have ever made. I love this church, and I love making music here with my friends. We strive to present a very Holy Eucharist.