Who We Are

The Rev. Sarah Smith Halloran

Rector

Sarah Smith Halloran joined us in the spring of 2021 and loves being a part of the warm and inviting environment of Grace (Church) and the warm and inviting spirit of grace present in the “here-ness” of this space. An Air Force brat who ultimately came to call northwest Florida home, Sarah and her husband, Colin, moved to the Pike Road area after a decade on the east coast of North Carolina. Sarah graduated from Centre College with a degree in Physics and worked in both astronomy research and environmental consulting while working on a degree “just for fun” in Philosophy from the University of West Florida. After a career in camp and retreat ministry, focusing on environmental stewardship and synergy and leadership development, she received a Masters of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School where she concentrated in Christian Formation.

Sarah spends every morning and evening outside on the porch and is often looking for other excuses to be outside. She enjoys hiking and kayaking, trying out new vegetarian recipes and wabi sabi style quilting. Sarah and Colin live in Old Cloverdale with their daughters Arden and Larkin, and three loveable mutts, Otter, Olive, and Atlas.

The Rev. Judy Kay Neil

Deacon
205-305-7631

Deacon Judy Kay Neil received a BS in Business and a Masters in Business/Finance from Samford University and a Masters in Project Management from George Washington University before being ordained to the diaconate in October of 2016. Judy lives in Wetumpka near her family, most notably her three grandsons. She is a lifetime Girl Scout and was a leader for 25 years, as well as a Boy Scouts of America leader for 6 years. Judy likes arts and crafts and is a member of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Judy is involved throughout the ministry of Grace but particularly enjoys leading Bible studies and discussion groups and has been trained in Grief Recovery and Facilitation.

Sandra Allen

Organist & Choirmaster

Sandra has a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Applied Organ from Huntingdon College in Montgomery. She studied with Dr. Harald Rohlig both during college and after completing her undergraduate degree. She also studied with Warren Hutton at the University of Alabama. She has a Master’s in Music Education for N-12th grade from Auburn University. Sandra attends the Sewanee Church Music Conference annually. Sandra also taught music at Dannelly Elementary School for 25 years and has taught piano and worked in churches for 54 years. Her breadth and depth of experience is complemented by her lively style and high energy.