CLERGY AND STAFF
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Reverend Mary Janda​
Priest
In my journey and travels around our diocese I am completing a circle. My family and I came to Utah and St. James back in October 1995. As a Lay Person I participated in many things here in the parish and in 2001 I began a 7-year journey towards ordination. In 2007, I was ordained a Deacon (the foundation of my ministry) at the Cathedral of St. Mark’s. I have a picture of so many people from St. James on that amazing day.
Then, in January 2008 I was ordained to the priesthood in the Sanctuary of St. James—another indescribable day. I served at St. James as a Deacon and during the first year of my priesthood. Then, I went to All Saints as Associate Rector (while still being at St. James as the Associate Rector for a few months). I have helped out as long-term supply and then I became the Vicar of St. Stephen’s in West Valley City until I retired in Dec. 2018. Since then, I have been serving as a diocesan supply priest.
I come to you with gratitude and joy that I may continue to serve here at St. James while still helping out with diocesan supply.
The Ven. Robert Shoop
Deacon
I am a native Utahn and cradle Episcopalian. I was baptized at St. Peter's (on the old St. Marks Hospital grounds,) confirmed at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark, married to Rolene at All Saints in 1968, and ordained to the Diaconate at St. James in 1985. I became active at St. James in 1975 and have served the congregation in various roles since that time.
I graduated from Olympus High School in 1965, and received my Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Utah in 1969. I went on for a Masters in Computer Science, ABD, and received an MBA in 1978. My secular career was in Computer Science, working at Unisys, Enterasys, and L-3 communications up until my retirement in 2014.
I have seven grandchildren, all baptized at St. James, and two married at St. James. I also have seven and one half great grandchildren. I continue to enjoy camping, especially with the St. James camping group, cruising, and vacationing in Mexico.​
Dr. Seth Bott
Music Director & Organist
Seth is the Director of Music and Organist at St. James. In May of 2020, he received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance at the University of Kansas, where he studied under James Higdon and Michael Bauer. Before attending the University of Kansas, he received his Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees in organ performance and pedagogy from Brigham Young University, where he studied with Don Cook and Douglas Bush. Seth is an active recitalist and performs many recitals around the United States every year. Seth is also an active organ instructor and has a large, and ever growing, studio. He loves to share his passion for the organ with others through his performances and teaching.
Reverend Angela Ferree
Deacon
I was born and grew up in the small village of Methley in Yorkshire, England. I came to the United States after earning an honors degree in English, planning to stay for two years. However, I met and married my husband Bill, an airline pilot. Happy years: we raised three sons and were married for forty-nine years until Bill’s death 2013.
Graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin resulted in my earning my Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and then teaching for many years at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. before retiring and moving to the St. Louis area.
After retiring from academia, I accepted the call to ministry and began formation in the Diocese of Missouri. I graduated from the Episcopal School for Ministry at Eden Seminary, and Bishop Deon Johnson ordained me to the diaconate at Christ Church Cathedral on December 18, 2021. I then began my placement at St. Luke’s and Good Shepherd in January 2022. The two churches soon merged to become Hope Episcopal Church. I continued my ministry, passionate about pastoral care, participating in the liturgy, leading mid-week meditative worship and weekly chapel service for the preschool.
What brings me to Utah, leaving a beloved community in Missouri? A frequent reason—family. However, joining St. James has brought me much joy and a new family. I am honored and humbled to be part of this community. As a deacon, I will love my home church but welcome the opportunity to be a liaison in the world, acknowledging many needs.
Apart from diaconal duties, I enjoy travel, the theatre, reading and gardening.
Connie Devivic Nokes
Parish Office Manager
My name is Connie Devivic Nokes and I am the Parish Office Manager. I was baptized at St. James as an adult, and raised my kids in this loving church community before moving to Arizona in 2007. Walking through the doors to St. James again after moving back to Salt Lake City in 2023 felt like coming home.
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I am the ministry leader of Children's Chapel at St. James and a Godly Play certified teacher.
I love being on the St. James staff; working behind the scenes in support of this vibrant, welcoming community. ​​​
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