St. Michael's of the Valley

Katelyn and I are so thankful for all of the kind words, congratulations, cards, gifts, and prayers from St. Michael’s parishioners. We’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support from family, friends, and beyond. Getting married is always a wonderful blessing, but it’s especially joyful when you’re surrounded by so many people who are rooting for you. I feel this even more strongly because my time as your curate is drawing to a close. You have extended the same warmth to Katelyn that you’ve shown to me over the last two years. Thank you. And God bless you as St. Michael’s prepares for another program year of ministry, preaching and embodying the love of Christ for the world.

A NOTE FROM THE REV. JACK BROWNFIELD

As we announced in church a few weeks ago, I have been called as the next rector of Christ Episcopal Church, North Hills. This means I will stay in the Diocese of Pittsburgh but end my time as your curate after a little more than two years. My final Sunday at St. Michael’s will be August 16th, and my first at Christ Church will be August 23rd.
Leaving is truly bittersweet. St. Michael’s is where I was ordained as a priest, where I celebrated my first Holy
Communion, and where I performed my first wedding, baptism, and burial. More than that, this parish has been where I’ve grown tremendously, thanks in large part to you. You welcomed me with kindness, enthusiasm, and love, invited me into your homes for a meal or came into my office for a conversation. I am very thankful that we walked together as Christian disciples, and thankful, too, for the many blessings I take with me to my new call.
But I’m not going quite yet. I hope you can be in church on August 16th so we can say goodbye. If not, I hope
we’ll have the chance to talk at some point in the next month and a half so that I can express how much this
church has meant to me. Please pray for me as I take up these new responsibilities and as Katelyn and I get
ready for our wedding!
Jack+

Jack is an avid student of theology and history, especially of the Reformation. He is passionate about preaching and teaching the Good News of God’s free grace towards the world and listening to God’s Word as it is spoken to each of us, here and now. He enjoys connecting theology and history to our lives in the real world, so that these subjects are not just shut up in books but come alive and make a difference for how we love and trust God and live with one another. He is eager to get to know the St. Michael’s community and would love to connect with you over a cup of coffee or a home visit. As curate, Jack leads our kids' Sunday school program, preaches and celebrates Communion regularly, teaches our Faith Seeking Understanding class, and assists the rector.

Outside of the church, he loves nature, hiking, and biking, which means he is happy to serve in such a beautiful part of Pennsylvania. He also enjoys reading and writing, particularly theology, history, and fantasy. He is thrilled to be marrying Katelyn in the summer of 2026.