LEADERSHIP
REV. JILL WILLIAMS
Priest
EMAIL JILL
Rev. Jill Williams is a graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary. Originally from Western Massachusetts she began her ministry there as the Associate at a Large Suburban Parish and worked for the Diocese of Western Massachusetts as the Christian Formation Missioner.
Jill moved to the South in 2012 and has never looked back. She loves South Carolina and has had the opportunity to work at amazing schools like Porter-Gaud Episcopal School and Heathwood Hall School. She is passionate about teaching people scripture and how it applies to their lives.
In her spare time, Jill loves spending time with her family. Andrew, her husband, and two children (Jude and Josh) have ridden almost every roller coaster on the East Coast! She also enjoys hiking and theater.
Office: (803) 732-0153
Mobile: (413) 531-3263
Sharon Herring
Parish Administrator
EMAIL SHARON
Sharon brings a wealth of experience to The Episcopal Church of St. Simon and St. Jude. Having earned her Masters of Divinity she understands the liturgy and pastoral nature of Church administration. In addition, Sharon brings apartment management experience as well as business and accounting experience.
In her spare time she enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with her children and grandchild.
Sarah Elizabeth High
Director of Music Ministries
EMAIL SARAH
With over ten years of experience in music ministry across multiple denominations—most recently within the Episcopal and United Methodist Churches—Sarah Elizabeth has worked with vocalists of all ages, from young children to older adults. She holds a deep passion for worship planning, taking pride in thoughtfully designing and collaborating on cohesive services that blend scripture, hymns, anthems, and sermons into a deeply meaningful experience for worshippers.
Beyond her role as a music director, Sarah Elizabeth has held prominent leadership positions in ecumenical organizations. As the former Vice President of Content for the Fellowship of Worship Artists, she guided a team in developing content for the organization's website, social media channels, newsletters, and publications. Additionally, she served as the Choral Area Design Team Chair for the Fellowship’s Music and Worship Arts Week (MWAW) summer conference from 2019 to 2024, securing clinicians for various choral and instrumental ensembles for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 events.
A highly engaged leader in the music education community, Mrs. High holds key roles in the South Carolina Choral Directors Association (SC ACDA) and the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA). She is a frequent guest conductor and clinician for middle and high school honor and clinic choirs and performs professionally with the Inspirar Choir in Rock Hill, SC.
A native of Marietta, Georgia, Sarah Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University and a Master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She is an active member of ACDA and NAfME, as well as an alumna of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI). Outside of her professional career, she enjoys kayaking, golfing, and cooking with her husband and their pets.
Will Byrd
Organist
EMAIL WILL
Will Byrd is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina where he received a BM in piano performance.
An active collaborative pianist, he serves as an accompanist for choirs across the Midlands, including Sandhills Middle School, Blythewood Middle School, Swansea High School, and White Knoll High School.
While at USC, Will was the pianist for the USC Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. In 2024, he served as the accompanist for the Adult and Young Adult Choirs at the UMC's Music & Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska, where he also played for choral reading sessions led by The Lorenz Corporation and Jubilate Music Group.
This fall, he will begin a master's degree in music composition at USC.
the REV. JIm neubrrger
Assiting Priest, Retired
EMAIL JIM
Fr. Jim was raised in the upper Midwest, and since his father worked for GM he in Missouri, Kansas, Indiana and Michigan, where he attended eight schools in twelve grades. While he was at the University of Notre Dame he met Carol. "Greatly smitten by her beauty", he pursued her through their undergraduate years, marrying shortly after graduation.
Prior to his ordination Fr. Jim worked with State Farm Insurance Company and Policy Management Systems Corporation in Columbia, serving in various positions in marketing, customer service, and sales. Fr. Jim and Carol are blessed to have their three children and two grandchildren live nearby.
How did Fr. Jim end up in the priesthood? He explains, "You can run, but you can't hide from God. For over thirty years I had been running from committing my life to Him. Finally, twelve years ago, God, in His loving pursuit, ran me to ground. It is only through the miracle of hindsight that we can see how God works out His purpose for our lives. Our responsibility is to trust in His goodness and keep putting one foot in front of the other, even though we don't fully know where we are going to end up."
"God's love has brought us to His community at St. Simon & St. Jude, and we are the more blessed for it. We look forward to our journey together as we travel deeper into the heart of God."
vestry
In the Episcopal Church we believe that ministry is made up of all the members. The vestry is our board of elected leaders from the congregation. They manage parish finances and property as well as define the overall mission and vision for the parish. Elections happen each year in November at our annual parish meeting.
ECSSSJ is also part of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina led by Rt. Rev. Daniel Richards. Together with the other 65 Parishes we participate in mutual ministry and ministry across the United States.
still have questions?
Feel free to contact us or call us at (803) 732-0153 to speak with a member of our clergy or staff.
