Meet Our Church Leadership
Clergy
The Reverend Dr. Austin Leininger
Rector
The Rev. Dr. Austin Leininger, who prefers to simply be called “Austin,” has been a priest in the Episcopal Church for sixteen years and earned a PhD in Ethics and Social Theory from the Graduate Theological Union in 2015. In addition to parish ministry, Austin teaches (Iliff School of Theology at the University of Denver, and CDSP in Berkeley, CA), writes, and is an advocate for neurodiversity and the LGBTQIA+ community. Email Rev. Austin
Staff
Jessica Starbird
Parish Administrator
Jessica Starbird joined our staff in October, 2019. Under the supervision of the Rector,
the Parish Administrator provides general office support to the parish, staff, congregation and committees, in order to support the ministries and mission of Christ the King Episcopal Church.
Jessica brings a diverse skill set and has been involved in a variety of educational and career opportunities. She served in the United States Air Force as a Logistics/Air freight specialist. More recently she completed a BA in Graphic Design and has primarily worked freelance since completing her degree. A Colorado native, she loves traveling and exploring God's creation. Email Jessica
Andi Smith
Music Director
Andi is a Colorado native who grew up at Christ the King. She received her B.F.A. with piano performance emphasis from UNC in Greeley in 1986. She began serving as a music director here in 1992. From 1998-2001, she served at St. Elizabeth’s in Brighton, and from 2001–2005 was a part of a small group that filled in as worship music leaders as needed.
Andi resumed her role as Music Director at CTK in 2005. In the fall of 2019, she became the director of the Chi Rho Handbell Choir. She incorporates a variety of musical styles into our services. She enjoys working with Worshiping Voices Choir, the Chi Rho Handbell choir, and individuals to provide special music that enhance our worship experience.
In her spare time, Andi enjoys cross stitching, painting, writing music and poetry, reading and spending time with her family.
Bethany Pedersen
Bookkeeper
Bethany works from home, keeping the books for many churches in the diocese. Email
Vestry
2024 Vestry: Mike B., Larry, Jim, Kay, Jeri, Rev. Austin, Molly & John on Zoom screen, and Barb. (missing Glenda, Mike P. and Cathy)
2023 Vestry: Nancy, Mike B., Glenda, Barb, Kay, Rev. Austin, Jeri & Mike P. (missing Rick & Molly)
Senior Warden: Barbara Jennings
Junior Warden: Mike Paugh
Treasurer: Larry Healy
Class of 2025: Mike Barker, Molly Foley-Healy, Kay Seiler
Class of 2026: Jeri Burry, Glenda Luttrell
Class of 2027: Jim Atkinson, John Gianforte, Cathy Goodman