About Us
Who we are
St. Thomas was formally organized as a mission church in the Diocese of Arkansas on January 23, 1957.
We are a liturgical church. Our worship is guided by the Rites for Holy Eucharist in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. The scripture lessons read in worship each week are prescribed in the Revised Common Lectionary and read from the New Revised Standard Version of the Holy Bible.
The vision that guides our common life includes caring for God's creation generously; serving Christ reverently; and striving for peace through the Holy Spirit. Our community prides itself on its creativity, talent, generosity, courage, and commitment to outreach. We strive to be loving, accepting and welcoming to all people, greeting them as friends and partners in faith.
Please scroll down to meet some of our staff and volunteers, and for a photo gallery of our church, and ministries.
Staff and Volunteers
The Rev. Katie Knoll Lenon
Rector
We are excited to have the Rev. Katie Knoll Lenon as our rector of St. Thomas Church.
The Rev. Katie Knoll Lenon came to us in 2023 rom St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Garrett Ruffin
Director of Music
Garrett accepted Christ in childhood and has been a leader in music ministry most of his life. A committed, community leader, who loves to share the goodness of Jesus with others, Garrett looks forward to growing, sharing, and fellowshipping with the members of St. Thomas and the broader Springdale community.
Garrett earned a M.S. degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.S. degree from Quincy University.
The Rev. Ken Parks
Assisting Clergy
Father Ken and his family have lived in NWA for over fifteen years. He attended the School of Theology at the University of the South and was ordained a priest in 1988.
Austin Millsap
Parish Admin
Austin is a Springdale native and enjoys spending time with family and exploring the Ozarks. She is starting 2025 off as our newest administrator of St. Thomas Church.
The Rev. Von Unruh
Along with The Rev. Ken Parks, The Rev. Von Unruh serves St. Thomas Church as volunteer clergy.
Andrew White
Seminary Intern
Andrew White is a postulant for Holy Orders
from Siloam Springs. He is in his third year of a five year
Seminary program through Bexley-Seabury Seminary
Federation out of Chicago.
Vestry Members
Dru Glaze, Senior Warden (Jan 2024-Jan2026)
Forrest Parks, Junior Warden (Jan 2024-Jan 2027)
Susan Armstrong (Jan 2024-Jan 2027)
Robert Ellis, Scribe (Jan 2024-Jan2027)
Lindsay Hennarichs (Jan 2025- Jan 2028)
Leon Nicholson (Jan 2025-Jan2028)
Carri Cooper (Jan 2025-Jan 2028)
Stew Walton (Jan 2024-Jan 2026)
Vinita Wright (Jan 2024-Jan 2026)
Bill Hudson, Treasurer
