Mtr. Rachel shares responsibilities in the areas of liturgy and preaching, children’s ministry, and pastoral care. Rachel grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, in a family who only went to church for weddings and funerals! After completing her BA in Ancient History at Auckland University, she moved to the UK to be able to work and travel Europe. While in London, she was taken by her great-aunt to her church, where she came to faith. Later, she attended the Anglo-Catholic church of St. Barnabas, Eltham, where she was called to the ordained ministry in the Church of England.

 

During this time, she met and married her husband, Brendan Kelly McElwee. After being ordained she served as curate at St Paul's, Clapham, before she and her family relocated to Fernandina Beach. She has since served parishes in the Diocese of Florida in different capacities. Rachel and Brendan are parents to Bobby—who has his own YouTube channel!