RECTOR

Robert Fruehwirth was called to be the new rector at St. Matthew’s effective July 28, 2019. He served as Associate Rector at St. Michaels in Raleigh from 2016-2019. Prior to St. Michael’s, he ministered at a parish in Norwich, England while earning a Master’s Degree in Therapeutic Counseling. He was also the Priest Director of of the Julian of Norwich Centre, next to the Julian Shrine, an international pilgrimage site. Before that, he spent 20 years as a monastic in an Episcopalian Religious Order. He is an author with two published books: Words for Silence and The Drawing of this Love: Growing in Faith with Julian of Norwich. His main passion in ministry is formation in prayer and following Jesus, especially as this impels us towards social healing. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife Jane, a Professor of Economics at UNC, and their two children Corinne and Sebastian. He loves poetry, reading, rowing and running, making a joyous noise on the clarinet, and gardening.

ASSOCIATE RECTOR

Lisa Frost-Phillips first came to St. Matthew’s as a parish intern in the ordination process in 1992. She returned as Associate Rector in 2003 and has served in that capacity ever since. She completed her undergraduate studies at Sewanee, graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. in British History. She received her M. Div. from Duke Divinity School in 1996, graduating summa cum laude, along with a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary. She was ordained to the priesthood that same year. She lives in Chapel Hill with her husband, Dickson and they have three children, Jonathan, Abigail and Emmaline. She enjoys walking, writing, reading and adventure, especially travel to new places. Her main passion is building community- discovering Christ in new and surprising ways through the relationships we cultivate and nurture.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC | ORGANIST

Dr. Wright came to St. Matthew’s in October of 2021. This year, 2024, he celebrates 26 years in music ministry. He has earned degrees with high distinction in sacred music, liturgical theology, organ performance, choral conducting, music education, and higher education administration. He is an alumnus of East Carolina University, UNC – Greensboro, Indiana University, University of South Carolina, and University of Notre Dame. In addition to his service to the church, Dr. Wright has held academic teaching positions where he has taught children in kindergarten through the collegiate level, including at a flagship university. He is a published musician with articles in Oxford’s Grove Music Dictionary of Music and Musicians, the Choral Journal, the Journal of the Anglican Association of Musicians, and The Organist’s Companion. To learn more about Dr. Wright, please visit his personal website: www.jasonawright.com

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR

Sonja Tilley joined the staff at St. Matthew’s in January 2022. She previously served as Staff Specialist for the Office of the Chaplain and the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies at Duke Divinity School. Sonja completed a Master of Divinity with certification in Christian Education at Duke where she graduated magna cum laude in 2009. After graduation, she served as Director of Christian Education for the Congregation at Duke University Chapel before joining the staff of Duke Divinity School in 2012. Sonja holds undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from Appalachian State University and North Carolina State University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Sonja is married to Wesley, and they have two adult children. She enjoys baking, reading, and spoiling her four cats. She aspires to be a “crazy cat lady” when she grows up.

DIRECTOR OF FORMATION

Stephany Lazo joined the staff at St. Matthew’s in August 20222. She came to us with a background in Elementary Education, having served in public schools for the past eight years. She completed her Master’s of School Administration & Supervision at University of Virginia. She is passionate about facilitating children’s growth and exploration of faith, and serving the whole family. She lives in Durham with her husband, William, and their son, Noah. She loves baking, going on family walks, and coffee chats!

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

CARETAKER FOR BUILDING & GROUNDS

Pelham has taken loving care of the church, the buildings, the grounds, the trees, and wildlife of St. Matthew sine 2001. A horticulturalist, Pelham also runs Bee Wild Farm on St. Mary’s Rd in Hillsborough. He is famous for his fireside stories here at St. Matthew’s and, as the longest serving staff member, he carries institutional knowledge for the parish.