Clergy and Ministry Team
The Rev. Zach Drennen, Rector
The Rev. Zach Drennen has a passion for the outdoors and a love for helping people on their life’s journey with the Divine. A West Virginia native and Harvard Divinity School graduate, Zach has spent his life as a seeker and change maker. His journey took him abroad to Kenya, where he served as an appointed missionary for the Episcopal Church for 8 years. During that time, he started and ran an NGO intent on improving the resources and educational offerings in local Kenyan high schools. Returning to West Virginia in late 2015, Zach soon began working on various projects focused on economic development and sustainable energy. In 2022, Rev. Drennen moved with his family to Lewisburg where, in addition to his appointment at St. James’, he teaches social studies classes at the Boys Home of Virginia. Zach is married to Lida Shepherd, and they have three children.
The Rev. Joseph Lutz, Priest Associate
The Rev. Joseph Lutz has found himself on an unfolding path throughout his life, with the next step of his calling revealing itself at just the right moment. His career started in forestry, followed by an Air Force career in health care. Joseph understands presence, and he understands the gift of having someone listen deeply with compassion. Having spent most of his career as a Physician’s Assistant, Joseph worked for many years bearing witness to both the pain and healing of his patients. After participating in the 4-year Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia’s Education for Ministry program and completing a Certificate in Theological Studies from Iona, Seminary of the Southwest, Joseph felt called to bring the same caring kindness into pastoral care. Ordained in 2021, Joseph leads St. James’ pastoral care initiatives and works in partnership with Father Zach to lead services. Joseph has five adult children and is married to Barbara Wygal Lutz.
The Rev. Amy McClure, Deacon
The Reverend Amy McClure was ordained a transitional Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia on October 28, 2023. She holds a certificate in Theological Studies through the WV Iona Collaborative in conjunction with the Seminary of the Southwest. Amy has over 20 years of experience as a Registered Professional Engineer in West Virginia and Virginia and holds Engineering degrees from West Virginia Institute of Technology and Marshall University Graduate School. Amy’s call is to be a part-time and bi-vocational priest to help fill the need for clergy within the Episcopal churches in the Greenbrier Valley and surrounding areas. She has a passion for equality and to share the redeeming love of Jesus to everyone, particularly those who have often been kept on the margins by society and the church. Amy was born in Charleston, WV, and has spent the majority of her life in Greenbrier County. She is married to Dave McClure and they have two children, Evan and Emily.
Barbara Wygal Lutz, Choirmaster
Barbara has served with the music ministry at St. James since 1990. After receiving her Music Education degree from WV Wesleyan College, she moved to Lewisburg and has been active in numerous artistic endeavors throughout the community. As a music educator, she taught all levels of vocal music, first in Alleghany Co. (VA) and then in Greenbrier Co. Although she retired from teaching in 2021, she works with students in musical theater projects and continues in her 30 year position as director of The Greenbrier Valley Chorale. Barbara is enjoying the time she now has in retirement to perform with regional choirs, to volunteer in the Greenbrier Co. Health Dept. Harm Reduction program and to travel with her husband Joseph.
Susan Adkins, Organist
Susan has served with the music ministry of St. James since the spring of 1985. After receiving a degree in music education from Concord University in 1976 she was employed as a music educator in Greenbrier County schools for 29 years. During her tenure as a teacher, she also obtained a Master’s degree in Speech Communication from WVU. Prior to her retirement in 2016 she served as Executive Director of Carnegie Hall for over 10 years. Susan remains active in her retirement teaching private piano lessons, singing with the Greenbrier Valley Chorale, serving as the local Silver Sneakers instructor, and of course playing the organ, piano and harp at St. James. She and her husband Frank have 4 daughters, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Dana Neumann, Children’s Ministry Director
Dana and her husband, Jake, relocated to West Virginia in 2015 after previously residing in central Illinois and south Florida. They currently reside in Greenbrier County with their two children, where they enjoy the beauty and dynamic only found in the Mountain State. Dana has been a part of youth and children’s ministries at St. James since 2017. She is honored to help St. James be a space that is welcoming and inclusive of all families while helping our young people grow in God’s grace and love. Dana strives to ensure all children know they are loved and are an important part of God’s plan.
Trish Parker, Administrative Assistant
Trish Parker is a native of Greenbrier Co., having lived in Smoot, in the Western end her entire life. She married her high school sweetheart, Charlie (who also happens to be the Sexton at St. James!) in 1976 and they have raised two children and three grandchildren. She graduated from Greenbrier West High School and thirty years later received a Bachelor's Degree from Bluefield State College. She worked in the local banking community for many years before coming to St. James' in 1999 as Office Administrator. She also works part time at The Greenbrier Resort as a tour guide. Trish is a true "Sports Fanatic" and she and her husband spend much of their time following local sports teams and enjoy nothing more than watching their grandsons play their chosen sports.