Father Richard B. Lehmann
Rector
The Rev. Richard B. Lehmann was born and grew up in Long Island, NY. He attended North Central University in Minneapolis, MN; Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA; and the George Mercer Jr. Memorial School of Theology in Garden City, NY prior to coming to the Diocese of Albany in 1993. While attending Christ Church, Schenectady, he completed the Deacon Formation Program, and was Ordained in 2001.
Before coming to St. Matthew’s in January 2010, Father Richard served as the Vicar of Church of the Holy Cross in Troy, NY; and prior to that was Deacon at St. Andrew’s Church in Scotia, NY. He was also active as a Supply Clergy in the Diocese, and was a volunteer Night Chaplain at Ellis Hospital.
Prior to ordination, Father Richard had careers as a hospital Nursing Technician, and as the Director of Recreational Activities in several area Long Term Nursing facilities.
He was the chief author of the Diocesan Handbook for Eucharistic Ministers and Visitors, as well as the Reserved Sacrament Liturgy used by the Deacons in the Diocese. He is the Course Director of the Deacon Formation Program for the Diocese, and serves on the Boards of Episcopal Charities and Ingersol Place in Niskayuna.
Father Richard and his wife Christine have been married for 30 years and have two grown children: Kathryn (Katie) and Andrew; and two grandchildren, Sofia and Emilia. They have two miniature Schnauzers, Elliot and Tilly.
His hobbies are listening to music (classical, jazz, “classic” rock), playing guitar, reading, book collecting, old movies, and being with his family and pets.
Deacon Justine M. Guernsey
Deacon
Born in Albany, NY, the Reverend Justine M. Guernsey grew up in Colonie. She is a graduate of Albany Business College and Sage Cologe of Albany. After discerning God's call to the vocational diaconate, Justine completed the Education for Ministry (EFM) Program as well as three years of DEacon Formation in the Diocese of Albany.
She was ordained to the Sacred Diaconate on March 25, 2000 and was assigned to the Cathedral of All Saints for ten years before coming to St. Matthew's. On the diocesan level, she has served on the Commision on Ministry as well as the Christian Education Committee. She is currently the Assistant Director of the Deacon Formation Program and also serves on the Prayer and Worship Committee for the Capital Area Council of Churches.
Justine and husband Bill have three sons, James, Timothy and Justin. In her spare time she enjoys reading, crocheting and spending time with her friends. She also loves "over indulging" her two granddaughters, Isabella and Sophia.