Come meet our new Rector!

Father Timothy Rutherford is St. John’s new Rector.

In Father Timothy’s own words:” I am deeply drawn to serve as the next Rector of St. John’ because I have admired your parish from afar for several years, though the work you do with local programs and your strong commitment to community engagement.”

Over the past ten months, the congregation at St. John’s embarked on a shared journey of seeking our next Rector. Meanwhile, Father Timothy felt a strong calling to return to active parish ministry and serve the people of God. Our collective prayers focused on finding a leader with a profound dedication to service, both within our congregation and the wider community, and with an all-encompassing love for those seeking God and a spiritual connection.

Now at the end of our journey, we celebrate the fulfillment of those prayers, in a testament to God’s guiding hand, He has led Father Timothy to us.

We joyfully welcome him with open hearts

He became a Priest May 10, 2023 and he joined our congregation at St. John’s May 10, 2025

In 2022 he moved to Melbourne with his family, wife Amie and 2 sons Beowulf and Asher, and 2 dogs Max and Hannah to accept the position of Chaplain for the Upper School at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy.

But his spiritual and ministry work had started years ago.

From 2005 to 2016 as a Youth Pastor for the Church of the Holy Comforter in Sumter, SC and then Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach, FL he led youth programs with Biblical literacy, and discipleship growth. He taught Sunday school for grades 1-5.

In 2016 he became the Chaplain at St. Andrews Episcopal Academy, Ft. Pierce, FL. There he created Bible curriculum for grades 3-12, officiated 2 weekly chapel services for pre-K 3 – kindergarten and 1st grade – 12th grade.

As the School Chaplain at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne, FL he led Chapel 3 times a week, he coordinated working with the praise team for the monthly Eucharist service and assembled and orchestrated the youth music program.

We are thankful for our lovely little church as a sanctuary for spiritual connection and conversation with God, a place for reflection and prayer.

The congregation is blessed and grateful to have Father Timothy guide these divine conversations.

“A church should be so deeply embedded in its community that if it were to disappear, the community would feel the loss. St. John’s is that kind of church, and I would be honored to help deepen and expand its impact.” Father Timothy