The Rev. James L. Thibodeaux, Rector

Fr. James has been the rector (i.e. “senior priest”) at St. Peter’s since 2008. He grew up in Sonoma County, California, the son of a Christian & Missionary Alliance pastor and a homemaker/school teacher who now live and minister in Idaho. Fr. James graduated from Westmont College with a B.A. in Religious Studies (Christian History and Theology) in 2000 and converted to Anglicanism and the Episcopal Church in 2002. In 2006 he graduated from The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia with a Master of Divinity and completed a Masters of Sacred Theology from the General Theological Seminary in 2007. In 2009 he became chaplain to the Order of St. Francis (OSF). He and his wife, Annaka, live with their daughter and Shiba Inu in Seattle.

“When I’m not pondering the deep mysteries of faith and life (said with a smirk), I like to cut loose and go for hikes with my family or maybe head out backpacking. I like to throw and get thrown around in Aikido, stumble through playing piano or guitar, and to sing with gusto. Video games, board games and movies are a favorite way to distract myself. And I’m a sucker for interesting conversation over a good cup or 5 of coffee.”

You can find out more about Fr. James at “Why I’m Anglican,” “My Story of God’s Call,” “Misc. Questions,” or connect with him on these social media outlets: Facebook - Twitter - Blog - LinkedIn

The Rev. Richard Buhrer, Deacon

I was born in central Washington state and grew up on a farm in the eastern part of the state. In 1966 I began my undergraduate studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, graduating with a degree in theology in 1970. In 1977 I was ordained a deacon and then ordained a priest in 1978 within the Roman Catholic Church. But after only two years in ministry, I felt compelled to leave the order and work to make it on my own.

After graduation I had entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). And at the time I was aware that I was gay. Being a good Catholic, I understood that my sexual preference precluded real intimacy in my life, so I opted for a second best, thinking that in religious life I would have the company that I couldn’t find (without sinning) in my sexual life.

There were a number of reasons for my decision to leave the Roman Catholic Church and the Jesuits. Pope John Paul II had been elected in 1978. By 1980 it had become clear to me that the reforms of Vatican II were being reversed and I knew that I would not be permitted as a Jesuit to speak out against His Holiness. I was also having qualms of conscience about being seen as an “enforcer” of Roman Catholic teaching in regard to women and reproductive freedom and ordination. The result was a deep sense of loneliness. I was living on one hand in community and with no privacy and on the other hand I had no intimacy. And so, in 1980, I left the Jesuits.

For a brief time I tried to stay engaged with the Roman Catholic Church, but I was often left feeling spiritually suffocated during the Mass. So I launched out. For 14 years I “wandered in the desert” trying to find a spiritual home that was not Christian. Having failed in this quest I came to the Episcopal Church in 1994. In 2002, I was received as a deacon in the Episcopal Church by Bishop Vincent Warner in the Diocese of Olympia.

Back in 1982, while “wandering in the desert,” I began studying to become a registered nurse at Oregon Health Science University in Portland, Oregon. At the time I thought of nursing as a stepping stone to some other career but discovered I loved nursing and found it to be my true vocation. I have spent the last 26 years as a nurse working with catastrophically injured or ill and disabled people. I completed my nursing career working in AIDS care combined with hospice care and retired in 2011. Although retired, nursing is at my core and my true vocation.

Being a deacon is but an ecclesial expression of my call. Connect with Deacon Richard at these social media sites: Facebook - Twitter - Blog

Jessie Thompson, Community Architect

Jessie Thompson fills the role of Community Architect at St. Peter’s, a position responsible for building community within the parish. She is also a Resident Minister at Seattle University, and a Spiritual Director.

Jessie is originally from the Portland, Oregon area and graduated from Warner Pacific College with a BA in Religion and Christian Ministries. She worked as an Associate Dean of the Chapel on a college campus in Portland, and as an Associate Pastor of Youth and University students in Indiana. She served in Uganda and Liberia, written curriculum for young adults, and is a retreat speaker. Jessie is an Aspirant in the discernment process for Holy Orders and tells us she feels highly supported by St. Peter’s. In 2011 Jessie finished a double Masters of Divinity and Transforming Spirituality at Seattle University’s School of Theology & Ministry, and is now looking forward to reading books of her own choice!

Jessie loves conversations, good coffee, theology, spirituality, dying laughing, brownies, fake mustaches, SNL, Dukes of Hazzard, Biggest Loser, dark beers, the Portland Trailblazers, seafood, Love Languages, Myers-Briggs Personality Assessments, Jesus knick-knacks, live music, engaging art, ecumenical and intrafaith work, Labyrinths, prayer experiences, Spiritual Direction, life-giving work, and siding with the marginalized. Jessie is a sucker for watching God’s grace show up in unexpected places, and she loves the idea of second-chances and transformation. When not doing any of the above-mentioned, you might find Jessie enjoying time with her sweet niece or engaging in her newest habit of jogging!

Connect with Jessie at these social media sites: Facebook

Terry W. Ketcham, Music Director

I was born in Santa Monica, CA, and grew up in the little beach town of Playa del Rey. My first organist job was at age twelve at Pacific Presbyterian Church where my sister and I alternated Sundays. When she went away to college I took over full time as well as playing a later service at Del Rey Baptist Church. My musical education continued at UCLA where I completed a BA in Music with emphasis on Harpsichord and Conducting and am advanced to candidacy for an MA in Historical Musicology. I found the Episcopal Church at the age of twenty when I was hired as Organist-Choirmaster at St. Martha’s Episcopal Parish, West Covina, and later at Holy Trinity Parish, Covina, CA.

In 1973 my wife and I moved to Washington when I was hired as a Trooper by the Washington State Patrol. Most of my career was spent as a motorcycle Trooper and Sergeant until my retirement in 2001. During this time I was active at St. Mark’s Cathedral serving on the Vestry as Junior and Senior Warden as well as singing in the Cathedral Choir and serving as Sub-Organist. I also served a term on Diocesan Council and was the first Convener of The Holy “C” region of the diocese.

In 2001 I was appointed Organist-Choirmaster at Emmanuel Parish, Mercer Island where I served until 2009 when I came to St. Peter’s. It’s wonderful being in such a welcoming parish and working with our enthusiastic staff.

My wife and I divorced in 2001. We have two children, a son Christopher who lives in Denver, and a daughter Ashley who lives in Kent with her husband David Lee. Ashley and David are expecting their first child in January 2012, and I’m very excited to be a grandfather!

Julia Kissel, Associate Organist [No Bio]

Janice Matsuoka, Operations Administrator

Janice was born in Longview, Washington, and baptized by her grandfather, the Rev. Gennosuke Shoji, one of the first priests at St. Peter’s. Her family was living in Los Angeles, California, when they were relocated to Manzanar, one of the WWII internment camps for those of Japanese descent. They returned to Seattle after the war, and eventually lived six blocks from St. Peter’s, where her family had a small neighborhood grocery store. She grew up amongst family and friends at church, school and the Community Center/Playfield which drew a diverse group of youth in the area. She carries many memories of this happy and carefree period in her life for which she is so thankful.

Janice trained as a medical assistant and worked in private practice and the Mason Clinic/Virginia Mason Hospital. After attending college for a year, she moved to San Francisco where she worked for a surgeon who was conducting research and she prepared papers for medical meetings and manuscripts for publication in medical journals. After eight years, marriage took her to the Washington D.C. area where her husband worked for the government. They had two children, now grown. Returning to Seattle when her husband retired, she went back to work. This time for an Assistant Living facility with an Alzheimer Unit which turned out to be her most fulfilling job and she stayed for seven years. She retired from full-time work when she left this position.

Janice just came into the Operations Administrator position in 2010, “thinking I could help at church while continuing to volunteer as well and I continue to work for that balance.” She and her husband still live in Seattle.

Abigail Cress, Children’s Sunday Education Co-director and Teacher

Abigail was born and raised in Seattle. She grew up in the Lutheran Church (ELCA) and was baptized and confirmed at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church. In June 2011 she graduated from Seattle University majoring in Humanities for Teaching with a minor in French. Abigail plans to continue her education, earning a Masters in Teaching in order to be certified as an elementary teacher. She has many years experience working with small children in church nursery, Child Development Center classroom, and elementary classroom settings. Apart from working with children and youth, Abigail enjoys reading page-turners and cooking with whatever happens to be around the house. When she watches TV, it’s usually Castle, NCIS, or Bones. If you hear her mumbling to herself and can’t quite pick out the words, she is probably speaking French.

Connect with Abigail at these social media sites: Facebook

Katrina Hamilton, Children’s Sunday Education Co-director and Teacher

Katrina Hamilton is a Seattle native and cradle Episcopalian (i.e. she’s been an Episcopalian since infancy). She graduated from the University of Washington in 2009 with degrees in both Drama and Dance. In addition to working at St. Peter's she's an accountant and personal assistant at Data Pro International, a computer cable company in Ballard. Outside of her day job she is a playwright and actor, and breaks up the work week by volunteering at Pike Place Market giving tours to school children.

Connect with Katrina at these social media sites: Facebook

Mel Asato, Sexton and Web-Master

Mel has been a member of St. Peter's since 1971. A Jack of all trades, he grew up on a vegetable farm in Hawaii, worked as a butcher while attending high school, picked pineapples, and worked as a printer while attending the University of Hawaii. After graduation, served his military obligation as a deck officer aboard the USC&G Ship Surveyor, an oceanographic research ship, followed by a career as an Electronics Engineer and retired from NOAA as an engineering manager in 2001.

All these experiences provide a foundation for his current work. Currently he is the chief handyman at St. Peter's, performing carpenter and electrical repair work, painting, cleaning, mowing grass, changing light bulbs. He also cooks for “The Lord's Table” (aka Feeding of the Homeless) and other parish events. In the past he has served as a vestry member, vestry clerk, publisher and writer for The Valor Newsletter, 1985 - 2009. He continues to be the technical designer and web master for our parish website and also works part time at an Oki golf course, where his handyman skills allow him to play golf for free.

His wife, JoAnn , is a lifelong member of St. Peter's. They have two daughters, Jennifer and Stacey who live with their families live in the Bellevue/Redmond areas, just east of Seattle. And there is one grandson, Ervin, who will likely follow in Mel’s footsteps as a person with many talents.