Church Staff

Clare L. Hickman

Rector

Though “the vicar” finds such biographical data a bit dull, she will admit to an M.T.S. in New Testament from Harvard Divinity School (’92) and an M.Div. from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary (’98).  After graduating from Seabury, she returned to her home state of Michigan to be ordained and to begin a 10-year position as Associate Rector at Christ Church, Dearborn. She now lives in Canton with her sons, John and Peter. Despite not being able to live within the city limits, she loves Ferndale and has been enjoying herself immensely as Rector of St. Luke’s since January of 2008.

Brought up in the Church of England, Clare immigrated to the States with her family at age 10.  She is, therefore, what is known as a “cradle Episcopalian.” In fact, her maternal grandfather was an Anglican priest in South Africa during the 1940s, so one might say the calling is in the blood.

Of her ministry at St. Luke’s, Clare says, “It’s a rare joy to minister in a community that is so open, relaxed and playful in their faithfulness. This place has a deep and grace-filled acceptance of human imperfection, which makes it a truly warm and healing place to be.”

Glenn Burdette

Music Director

Bio under construction

Andy Hickman and Heather Barringer

Senior and Junior Wardens

The Senior and Junior Warden are elected each year from among the vestry (governing board) of the parish. According to canon law, the Senior Warden is the chief liaison between the people (the laity) and the clergy (the priest), and the one with final responsibility for the temporal affairs of the parish. According to tradition, the Junior Warden has similar responsibilities, but with special focus on the building and grounds. Together with the Rector they form the core leadership team of the parish, working to assist the vestry in doing the business and guiding the mission of the parish as a whole.