Lenten Reflection Series

The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee

Jeffrey D. Lee served as the twelfth bishop of the Diocese of Chicago. He was elected in 2007 and ordained on February 2, 2008. After twelve years as Bishop of Chicago, he served the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee as Bishop Provisional from 2021 to 2023 and helped lead the reunion of the Diocese of Wisconsin.

During his time in Chicago, Bishop Lee led a cultural shift that focused the diocese’s resources on fostering cultural vitality; oversaw the reunification of the dioceses of Quincy and Chicago; helped diocesan leaders begin to address the legacy of slavery; oversaw significant growth and building in Latino congregations; and led a series of major fundraising campaigns.

Bishop Lee is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Nashotah House Seminary and served as a curate, canon to the ordinary and church planter in the Dioceses of Northern Indiana and Indianapolis. He served as rector of churches in Wisconsin and Washington State before being elected bishop. He is the author of several books and articles, has served on the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and currently teaches pastoral liturgy at the Episcopal Divinity School and at Union Theological Seminary.

Jeff and his wife, Lisa Rogers Lee, have two adult children, Katherine and Jonathan. They are the doting grandparents of a nearly three-year-old grandson.

The Rev. Gabriel Lawrence

My name is Gabriel Lawrence, and I am the Assistant Rector for Newcomer, Engagement, Hospitality, and Pastoral Care ministries. I am passionate about building community where all are welcomed, loved, and valued. I am thrilled to serve this community at St. Paul’s, where God’s love is sought after and shared with the world.

Originally from Nashville, I spent 15 years in the Diocese of Georgia before being called to St. Paul’s. I hold an MDiv from the University of the South, Sewanee, and a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Georgia Southern University. Before my ordination to the Diaconate in October 2023, I worked as a parish music director, piano instructor, florist, composer, community organizer, and event planner. In addition to my call to ordained ministry, I enjoy running, cooking, hiking, and spending time with my Cavalier King Charles spaniel, with whom I share a name.

The Rev. Patricia Rose

Rev. Patricia is our clergyperson for Adult Formation and Outreach. She offers St. Paul’s many gifts, including her passion for formation and outreach inspired by the Gospel, her strong pastoral care skills, her collaborative nature, and her calm demeanor.

Patricia had a 30-year career in education and communications, in addition to being a Spiritual Director for 17 years before entering the ordination process. She graduated from Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) in May 2021 and has been the Curate at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio, until 2023. Her time at St. Stephen’s gave her broad exposure to parish ministry, including preaching and presiding, pastoral care, formation, social justice, and hospitality. In addition, Patricia was responsible for worship and ministries at a small parish giving her experience in all administrative, finance, and building needs of a parish as well as experience in initiating new ministries.

The Rev. Brandon Ashcraft

Brandon grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of the South, Sewanee. He then moved to New York City where he worked for the next 15 years in media relations for Wall Street firms.

After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Brandon attended the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale and then completed a year-long hospital chaplaincy residency in Minneapolis. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York in September 2019 and prior to joining St. Paul’s, he served as a Curate at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas.

The Rev. Rose Anne Lonsway

Rev. Rose Anne was ordained a priest in 2014 following a long career as a registered nurse and health care administrator. She is a graduate of Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary and spent two years as a resident deacon and priest at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Delaware, Ohio. She retired in 2023 after serving Grace Willoughby as Rector for eight years. She is “Mom” to son Ed, daughter-in-law Natalie, and daughter Jennifer. She is "Mimi" to three grandsons, Brady, Andrew, and James.