The Rev. Canon James D. Shoucair, Rector
Hi! My name is Jim Shoucair and I am the Rector of this parish. In case you’re wondering, the term “Rector” is just fancy “Episcopalspeak” for Senior Pastor, Minister or Priest. I hope you like what you see on this website. Becoming involved in a church can be a daunting thing, especially if it’s been a while since you attended… or if you’ve never darkened the doorstep of one before and you are wondering what strange things go on inside!
Now, on to one of my favorite subjects: Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in London, England, I have lived in the United States about 30 years. In the early 1980s, I was fortunate enough to marry a Pittsburgher who introduced me to the Western Pennsylvania area, where we settled and raised a family. I have not always been a priest. For sixteen years I was a practicing lawyer. Consequently, I bring to the ministry a personal knowledge of the struggles faced by Christians in the secular workplace. You can think of me as a truly repentant lawyer!
I hold the firm conviction that the human soul yearns for God. We search the world in vain to find fulfillment and happiness, but it is only through knowledge and love of Jesus Christ that we find abundant life. In keeping with the ethos of the Episcopal Church, I am committed to the idea that this parish should constitute a safe, non-judgmental place in which to explore your faith. That doesn’t mean you won’t be challenged by what you learn. It means that you will have the freedom to move at your own pace. If you would like to contact me directly, I would love to hear from you - [email protected].
The Rev. Charlie Hamill, Assistant
Hi. My name is Charlie Hamill, and I am currently serving as the assistant rector of Christ Episcopal Church. I was born and raised an Episcopalian in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Quaker Valley High School and later attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where I received a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology. Unfortunately, I never used my degree, and instead began working in restaurants, including cooking, bartending and eventually managing. After 13 years living in Columbia, bartending for 8 of them, the Lord placed a call upon my heart to pursue other endeavors. I moved back to Pittsburgh in 2007, eventually spending four months living in the Swiss Alps at a place called L’Abri. It was founded in the 1960s by Francis Schaeffer as a place for people to work and study philosophy, religions and Christianity within the structure of a living, Christian community. It was there that I truly began to feel my call toward theology and ministry. I would come back to settle in Sewickley and worked at the Sharp Edge Bistro as a cook and later a bartender for four years. I graduated from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in June, 2012, having served as a seminarian at St. Brendan’s in Franklin Park for two years, and at St. Paul’s in Mount Lebanon for a few months. I was ordained a deacon following my graduation. I am always looking forward to theological discussions… so track me down and let’s talk!
The Rev. Christine McIlvain, Deacon
Hi. I am Christine McIlvain and I serve as a Deacon at Christ Church. I was born and raised in Hopewell Township, Beaver County. I am a graduate of Hopewell High School, Clarion University and the A.C.T.S. program of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. The A.C.T.S. program is where I received most of my training to be a deacon. For those of you with questions about what a deacon does, the Book of Common Prayer defines the ministry of a deacon with these words, “The ministry of a deacon is to represent Christ and His Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments.”
Before becoming a deacon, I was a Librarian at Hopewell High School and retired from that position in 2004. I was ordained a deacon in December of 1998 and served from 1998-2003 at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Hopewell. I joined the staff at Christ Church on March 9, 2003.
I addition to taking part in the Eucharist each Sunday, I lead and train our Stephen Ministry, lead the Women’s Discipleship Class, help with Adult Forum and Childrens’ Chapel.
I have a strong belief that God calls all of us to ministry in and outside of the Church but sometimes it takes us a while to hear the call. I love serving the Lord and I am often surprised with the things He calls me to do, but it is always a joy and always fulfilling. I thank Him for His call on my life.