Our Staff

The Reverend Joshua A. Hoover
Rector
248-644-0820 x 110
josh@stjamesbirmingham.org

St. James celebrated a New Ministry and welcomed The Reverend Josh Hoover as Rector on January 30, 2016 during a ceremony officiated by The Right Reverend Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr., Bishop, Diocese of Michigan.

During 2015 as appointed Priest-in-Charge and now, as Rector, Josh is engaging and challenging parishioners to consider how they can make a difference to the greater community using their unique skills and abilities. Taking action to Share Christ’s Love with the World fulfills an important part of our Mission Statement.

Josh served as Rector of St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan for nine years prior to coming to St. James. He is a 2002 graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. Josh is a 1994 Cum Laude graduate of Alfred University with a Bachelor of Arts.

His three children, William, Julia and Timothy are active and engaged participants in our parish life.

Dr. Richard Newman
Director of Music
248-644-0820 x 130
music@stjamesbirmingham.org

Richard Newman is a native of Copperhill, Tennessee and attended St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, Sewanee, Tennessee, where he studied organ with Robert Delcamp. He is a 2006 graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where he studied with Huw Lewis and was a choral singer and organist for the Hope College Chapel Choir European Tour.

During the summer of 2008, he accompanied the choirs of All Saints Church, Worcester, Massachusetts for their tour to Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester Cathedral in England. Additionally, he accompanied the choir of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit, Michigan during their residency at Chichester and Southwark Cathedrals in England.

Dr. Newman completed his work toward the Doctorate of Music at the University of Michigan in 2013, where he was in the organ class of James Kibbie and a harpsichord student of Edward Parmentier. Before his recent appointment as Director of Music Ministries at St. James Episcopal Church, Birmingham, Michigan, he held the positions as Director of Music at Grace Episcopal Church, Alexandria, Virginia, Associate Organist at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit and Organ Scholar at Detroit’s St. John’s Episcopal Church. His interests include restoring fountain pens, collecting stamps, and playing board games.

Deacon Patti Fraley 248-864-0820 deacon@stjamesbirmingham.org

As a deacon, Patti Fraley has liturgical, pastoral care, and outreach roles at St. James, taking part in worship services and working in partnership with staff and parishioners to support, enhance and strengthen our outreach and pastoral care programs.

A resident of Macomb County for most of her life, Patti was confirmed at Grace Episcopal Church, Mt. Clemens. She went on to serve on the vestry and as Eucharistic Minister. Committed to outreach challenges, Patti and a friend started a Sunday evening soup kitchen ministry for the homeless and marginalized people of the Mount Clemens area. The soup kitchen at Grace Episcopal continues to open its doors and welcome those in need.

Patti works at a physician’s office as a medical office biller at her “day job,” but is also an avid outdoors enthusiast, and enjoys spending time in God’s ‘thin spaces’ in nature.

Melissa Wojciechowski
Director of St. James Preschool
248-644-4071
preschool@stjamesbirmingham.org

Melissa has a degree in Early Childhood Education and graduated with honors from Schoolcraft College. She has been working with children for over 25 years. She believes that all children deserve an inclusive school setting where their differences and abilities are celebrated and nurtured, helping each child grow to reach their full potential. Her and her team of dedicated teachers strive to make St. James Preschool a place where children can blossom.

Engrid Wicka
Assistant Financial Secretary
248-644-0820 x 210
engrid@stjamesbirmingham.org

As Assistant Financial Secretary, Engrid keeps the preschool financial books and works closely with Melissa Wojciechowski and Father Josh Hoover.

Engrid is in the office Monday through Friday; 12:30-2:30 p.m. Her office is located on the second floor in the Church Office hallway.

Michelle Metry
Parish Administrator
248-644-0820 x 100
parishadmin@stjamesbirmingham.org

Michelle has been with St. James since 2021. She enjoys spending time with her husband John, and son Matthew.

Michelle is in the office Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and works from home on Mondays and Thursdays.

Juana Roque
Sexton
248-644-0820 x 140
sexton@stjamesbirmingham.org

Juana Roque was welcomed to the St. James staff in August 2023 when she started her new job as Sexton. The Sexton is responsible for building maintenance focusing on the appearance and cleanliness of all areas of the church including the sanctuary, meeting locations, offices and preschool. In addition, the Sexton helps prepare for special events, such as weddings and community outreach events on our premises.

Juana, who is Mom to two young adult children, was born in Zacatecas, Mexico coming to the US when she was eleven years old. She and her family especially enjoy bicycling on Oakland County bike trails, an activity she describes as creating a great “feeling of energy”.

Juana is in the building Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.