The Rev. Robert L. (Bob) Sessum, Rector

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he graduated from Rhodes College with a B.A. in 1965 and Virginia Theological Seminary with a Master's in Divinity in 1970. Bob has served churches in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. Mr. Sessum is married to Donna Ann Synder and they have one son, Paul, who is a young adult living in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Rector is involved in Diocesan committees as well as national and international ministries.

The Rev. Elise Johnstone, Assistant to the Rector

Elise is from central Kentucky, being raised mainly in Berea and Richmond. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia in 1997 and a Master of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary, New York, New York in 2005. She was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2005, and as a priest in January 2006.  She is married to Ryan Shrauner, who is  pursuing additional graduate  work at the University of Kentucky.

John Linker, Organist/Choirmaster

On staff at Good Shepherd since 2001, John originally hails from “farming country” Bureau County in north central Illinois, and has served parishes in that area and throughout greater Chicago. A graduate of Northern Illinois University (BM, 1997) and Roosevelt University (Chicago Musical College, MM, 2003), John is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the College-Conservatory of Music (University of Cincinnati), enjoying a frequent 180-mile round trip commute between Lexington and Cincinnati. As an organ recitalist he has performed in numerous venues and with various ensembles throughout the United States and England. An active member of the American Guild of Organists, John has held positions of Dean, Secretary, and Registrar for the Lexington Chapter. Within the Diocese of Lexington John serves as Co-Chair for Liturgy and Music, and has served as a summer camp counselor at the Cathedral Domain in Lee County. When not leading rehearsals, commuting, studying or practicing, John can be found in his garden trimming roses or fighting back weeds while his two cats Nigel and Pierre lazily look on. Visit John’s web site at www.johnlinker.com.

David Young , Senior Warden