Clergy and Staff
The Rev. Eleanor Applewhite Terry
Rector
The Rev. Eleanor Applewhite Terry was ordained in the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut in 2002. Before becoming the Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in 2020, Ellie served parishes in Portland, OR, Plainfield, CT and most recently at the Old North Church in Boston. She is a graduate of Smith College and Yale Divinity School. A native New Englander, Ellie and her family (husband Bronson, three children, Nicholas, Julia and Emily, and their beloved dog and guinea pigs) have lived in Acton since 2012. Ellie is passionate about exploring ways that faith can guide and challenge people to lead lives of integrity, compassion and justice.
Rev. Ken Schmidt
Deacon
The Rev. Ken Schmidt is a Vietnam-era Army veteran and attended Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. He enjoyed a career as an insurance underwriter and marketing representative, and became a stay-at-home Dad when he and his wife adopted their daughters in the Philippines. Ken heard and answered God's call to ministry later in life, and explored that call through prayer, discernment, and classes at Episcopal Divinity School, and by earning a Masters of Divinity degree at Andover Newton Theological School. After completing a three-year Deacon Formation program, he was ordained a Deacon in 2012.
Ellen Oak
Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Music
Ellen Oak was born and raised in New York City. She holds graduate degrees from the School of Music and the Divinity School at Yale University. Ellen passionately enjoys empowering individuals and communities to grow into the full stature of the Body of Christ, singing for God the song of their whole lives. She has lived in Acton for seven years, and recently became an empty nester. Gardening, biking, tennis, and staying in touch with extended family are some of her favorite pastimes.
Susan Kinney
Parish Administrator
Sue Kinney answers or refers all inquiries that come to the office. She coordinates space use at Good Shepherd for church business and community events. She also produces the written material for Sunday services and the majority of communications such as the bulletins and weekly email newsletter.
Gabriel McCreath
Youth Program Director
Gabriel grew up in Waltham, MA, and attended the Church of the Good Shepherd in Watertown. He graduated from the College of Wooster with a degree in Religious Studies and a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Most recently, Gabriel participated in a 10-month Episcopal Service Corps program in Indianapolis, living in intentional community and serving with local nonprofits. Gabriel is excited to share his gifts with CGS and to help nurture a welcoming, inclusive, and faith-filled community for our young people. Outside of ministry, he enjoys making art and writing poetry.
Vestry
Barbara Dailey
Alex Flores
David Hazen
Angus Michaels
Karen Wiss Pupo
Abby Vigneron
Karen Root Watkins
Kathleen Zawicki