Our Priest
We are grateful to have Rev. Amanda Gerken-Nelson as St. Bartholomew’s spiritual leader since the beginning of 2022. As our Rector, she leads 3 worship services a month, along with other duties and responsibilities.
Amanda was ordained as a Lutheran minister in 2015. After spending two years as the Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Hartford, Connecticut, Amanda spent four and a half years as the Executive Director of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM), a nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports LGBTQIA+ leaders in the Lutheran Church in the United States and Canada. As of October 2025, Rev. Amanda is now an Episcopal Priest, through Reaffirmation of her Ordination Vows and Declaration of Conformity.
“My calling in life is to preach the good news of Christ’s love, to care for God’s people who diligently seek to live out their grace-filled callings as disciples, to wrestle with God’s people as we explore the scriptures and ponder what holy texts are being written today, to administer the sacraments as they reveal God’s presence in our lives: I am called to be a pastor.”
Amanda and her wife, Tasha, live with their young son in their home in Portland. We know that you will feel as hopeful and confident of our future together as the others of us who have met her feel.
We are grateful to have Rev. Amanda Gerken-Nelson as St. Bartholomew’s spiritual leader since the beginning of 2022. As our Rector, she leads 3 worship services a month, along with other duties and responsibilities.
Amanda was ordained as a Lutheran minister in 2015. After spending two years as the Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Hartford, Connecticut, Amanda spent four and a half years as the Executive Director of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM), a nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports LGBTQIA+ leaders in the Lutheran Church in the United States and Canada. As of October 2025, Rev. Amanda is now an Episcopal Priest, through Reaffirmation of her Ordination Vows and Declaration of Conformity.
“My calling in life is to preach the good news of Christ’s love, to care for God’s people who diligently seek to live out their grace-filled callings as disciples, to wrestle with God’s people as we explore the scriptures and ponder what holy texts are being written today, to administer the sacraments as they reveal God’s presence in our lives: I am called to be a pastor.”
Amanda and her wife, Tasha, live with their young son in their home in Portland. We know that you will feel as hopeful and confident of our future together as the others of us who have met her feel.
Rev. Amanda's ordination as an Episcopal Priest
On October 26, 2025 The Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown, Bishop of Maine, officiated and celebrated the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows and Declaration of Conformity for Amanda to be an Episcopal Priest. It was a joyful day for the whole congregation!
On October 26, 2025 The Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown, Bishop of Maine, officiated and celebrated the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows and Declaration of Conformity for Amanda to be an Episcopal Priest. It was a joyful day for the whole congregation!
A Celebration of Ministry led by The Rt. Rev. Thomas J Brown in 2024
The Bishop of Maine, The Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown, led a beautiful service on September 22nd in recognition of Rev. Amanda Gerken-Nelsen as our Rector. A joyful reception outdoors followed the service. We are so grateful to have Rev. Amanda as our official Rector.
The Bishop of Maine, The Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown, led a beautiful service on September 22nd in recognition of Rev. Amanda Gerken-Nelsen as our Rector. A joyful reception outdoors followed the service. We are so grateful to have Rev. Amanda as our official Rector.
Clergy & Staff
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RECTOR Rev. Amanda Gerken-Nelson |
Amanda was ordained as a Lutheran minister in 2015. After spending two years as the Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Hartford, Connecticut, Amanda spent four and a half years as the Executive Director of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM), a nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports LGBTQIA+ leaders in the Lutheran Church in the United States and Canada. In October 2025 Rev. Amanda was reaffirmed of her Ordination Vows and Declaration of Conformity by the Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Brown, Bishop of Maine, as an Episcopal priest. Amanda and her wife Tasha live with their young son in their home in Portland.
Email Amanda
Telephone: (207) 846-9244
Rev Amanda's Hours: Please contact Rev. Amanda by email or phone to schedule an
appointment during her workdays of Tuesday - Thursday
Email Amanda
Telephone: (207) 846-9244
Rev Amanda's Hours: Please contact Rev. Amanda by email or phone to schedule an
appointment during her workdays of Tuesday - Thursday
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Dr. Christina Scott Edelen
Christina has been a church musician and choir director for the last 33 years. Most recently Christina served the Anglican Church of St. John’s and St. Philip’s in The Hague, Netherlands. Christina and her husband enjoy being back in Maine. Christina also has a beautiful soprano voice and sings with the choir on a capella anthems.
Email Christina.
Click here for more about our Music Program.
Email Christina.
Click here for more about our Music Program.
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PARISH ADMINISTRATOR Teri Coviello |
Teri has worked for churches for the past 9 years. Prior to parish work, she worked in international education. She loves to read, entertain friends, cook, and travel. Teri lives in South Portland with her husband and her cat Sven.
Email Teri
Telephone: (207) 846-9244
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 3:30 pm, Wednesday 11 am to 4 pm
(July - August Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 9am to 3pm, Thursday 9am to Noon)
Email Teri
Telephone: (207) 846-9244
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 3:30 pm, Wednesday 11 am to 4 pm
(July - August Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 9am to 3pm, Thursday 9am to Noon)
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396 Gilman Road, Yarmouth, Maine, 04096
Church Office Phone: (207) 846-9244 Office email: [email protected] St Bart’s is a parish of the Diocese of Maine, of the Episcopal Church, a province of the Anglican Communion. |
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