What’s Special About St. Raphael
We are an experiment in structuring small churches serving two denominations with agreed-upon shared communion. This means that the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America share many common elements of belief.
We find that this blending brings extra richness and vitality to our worship and spiritual experience. Being relatively small (25-50 worshipers on Sundays) we can also be experimental. We have been in this experiment since November 2021 and thriving. As a mission church, we are under the authority of our Bishops. In January 2023 we got a new Vicar, the Rev. Donald Bebber.
Diocese of Arizona
The Episcopal Church
Bishop Jennifer Reddall
Diocese of Arizona
The Episcopal Church
Bishop Deborah Hutterer
Grand Canyon Synod
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop’s Committee
Our congregation is directed by our Bishop’s Committee. Its leadership is appointed by the Bishops. Additional committee members are elected by the congregation.
Sr. Warden: Karla Jacks
Jr. Wardens: Glenn Nichols, John Manning
Treasurer: Kathy Suagee
Clerk: Carol Bezdeka
Members at Large:
Belinda Hernandez
Sandy Schable
Clergy Support
We receive clergy support, and spiritual and pastoral guidance from a variety of Episcopal and ELCA Churches in Southern, Arizona.