TAMARA F. RAVELO'S . . .

roots are the Quechan Indigenous Nation (pronounced Kwuh-tsan), where she proudly represents her Indigenous culture. Tamara’s grandmother, whose English name was Denise Dugan, and who was also an Indigenous boarding school survivor bears great influence on Tamara’s life and ministry today. Denise, a praying woman, and a gifted seer in the land, first introduced Tamara to the medicine wheel when they were sitting together on the corner wall of Pipa Market located on their reservation. From this long-held curiosity around medicine with her grandmother, Tamara would go on to learn the medicine for the soul. The kind of medicine that would come through preaching, teaching, and Indigenous ceremonial healing practices that have the power to transform those who experience it. 

Making full proof of her ministry and professional life, Tamara has an earned master’s in business (MBA), is a Yale University MDiv graduate where she was bestowed the Charles S. Mersick award, a prize for effective public address, especially in preaching. She acquired her accredited diploma for congregational ministry from Andover-Newton Theological Seminary and is a current PhD student at NAITTS an Indigenous Learning Community. Then, through the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) ordaining ecclesiastical body, she is endorsed for public ministry. As of June 2025, Tamara will be the first Indigenous woman ordained in the ECC in its 140 year existence making history.  If you didn’t know, Tamara loves prayer and creating spaces for others to heal; however, that healing may come. 

In her other life, she is a business administration guru and communications strategenious, specializing in marketing, branding, graphic design, web, publications, and other forms of media. Tamara doesn’t do it alone, she is wonderfully loved and supported by her husband, the esquire Michael Ravelo, and her daughter Stephanie.

Reverend Charisse R. Tucker . . .

Reverend Charisse R. Tucker, a native of Philadelphia, PA who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (majoring in English) from Howard University (1998) and a Master of Divinity degree from Howard University School of Divinity (2001) is a Thinker. Dreamer. Writer. Womanist. Wonderer. Wanderer. Preacher. She was licensed to the Gospel Ministry on March 18, 1997 and ordained on June 19, 2001 both at the Metropolitan Baptist Church under the leadership of Senior Minister Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. After returning to the Philadelphia area in 2004 she served as an associate minister in the congregation of her youth, Philippian Baptist Church  until May of 2009 Reverend Tucker when she joined the St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA  under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Leslie D. Callahan. In 2010 until August 2024 she served as the Minister of Administration at St. Paul’s where she had the privilege of utilizing her gifts in administration, ministry, and writing, and other creative leanings. In the summer of 2009 Reverend Tucker also began working with WomanPreach! Inc. (a voice-based work committed to training and assisting preaching women in discovering, uncovering, re-envisioning, and strengthening voice around Womanist/Feminist concerns of justice and equality) where she served as the Executive Director until August 2013.

Reverend Tucker’s writing has been published in various publications including Fortress Magazine and The Christian Century as well as in devotional material used for congregational worship experiences. Her work can also be read on “Becoming” at www.becomingmoreme.wordpress.com and A Clearing Place at https://substack.com/@homecomings.

In remembered rapture: the writer at work, author  bell hooks writes, “…there are writers who write because we need to make sense of the world we live in; in writing is a way to clarify, to interpret, to reinvent…We do not write because we must; we always have choice. We write because language is the way we keep a hold on life.”

Rev. Tucker is one who makes use of the written and spoken word to make sense of her world, both the one in which she lives and the one that lives within her. In doing so she seeks to craft space that creates an experience for others to not only sense the pulse and rhythm of her heart but through her pen and reflection they will find themselves more deeply connected to their own.

Rev. Sandi S.K. Lee . . .

currently serves as the Associate Superintendent of Missiology of the East
Coast Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, with over 25 years of local, regional, and
global ministry experience. Previously, Sandi has served in world missions, global demographic
and missiological research, as well as education. A graduate of Teachers College Columbia
University (M.A.), and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Sandi is Ordained to
Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church. She has a passion for studying African,
Asian, and Latin American history, culture, diaspora, and theology. A native New Yorker and
New England transplant, Sandi and her husband, James, have two amazing teenage sons. She
enjoys her morning and mid-morning cup of coffee, a proper afternoon tea when available,
journaling and exploring the world through travel, music, food, and of course, its people and
their stories.

Minister Darnella Melancon: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Faith . . .

Minister Darnella Melancon has spent over 20 years in ministry as a prayer warrior, ministry leader, and teacher-preacher. Committed to spiritual leadership, she has walked alongside others in their journey of faith, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. Her ministry focuses on intercession, empowerment, and equipping people to live with purpose and freedom.

A member of the Quechan Indian Tribe, she has served her community in many capacities, including as a Quechan Tribal Councilwoman. Her work in victim advocacy includes serving as a Victim Service Coordinator under the Department of Justice’s STOP VAIW grant. She has also contributed to Community Health Services, worked as a law enforcement and emergency management liaison, and served as a trusted spiritual leader within her tribal nation.

Her professional career includes years of service with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), retiring as a sergeant. She specialized in training and organizational development, coordinated the Department’s Wellness and Military Support programs, and served as a Peer Support Member in the Office of Safety and Assistance. In 2016, she was promoted to sergeant, leading the Public Trust Initiative within the Personnel and Training Division. Other roles included Commercial Enforcement Officer, Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor, and Principled Policing Trainer.

Her military background as a U.S. Army Medic and BCLS Instructor for the U.S. Marine Corps further reflects her dedication to service. She is also a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress in collaboration with the National Center for Crisis Management, reinforcing her commitment to crisis response and support.

Minister Melancon values people above all else, believing in the worth of every person regardless of background, culture, or socioeconomic status. She encourages others to grow from their experiences—whether good or difficult—and use them as stepping stones toward a better future. With a heart for service and a mission to uplift others, she continues to inspire those around her to live with strength, faith, and purpose.

Rev. Dr. Claudette A Copeland . . .

The Reverend Dr. Claudette A. Copeland is a native of Buffalo, New York. She serves as Co-founder and Pastor of New Creation Christian Fellowship in San Antonio, Texas.

She received her undergraduate education at the University of Connecticut, where she concentrated her studies in the field of Psychology. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree, she went on to earn her Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned the Doctorate of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where she also served for several years as a visiting Professor and Mentor for doctoral studies.

Licensed as an evangelist at age 18 (The Church of God in Christ), the ministry is central to her life. Reverend Copeland was ordained in 1979, has served in a variety of ministry settings, including the Hospital Chaplaincy, the Mission Field (in Haiti, South Africa, West Africa and East Africa), and is a former member of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.

In 1980, she was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force Chaplaincy. She and her husband were the first African-American clergy couple in the history of the U.S. Military Chaplaincy, where they served with distinction before returning to the civilian pastorate.

Dr. Copeland’s work has been published in the African American Devotional Bible (Zondervan); and in the African American Pulpit (Judson Press), where she serves as a board member and contributing writer. She is the author of the book, Coming Through the Darkness: Cancer & One Woman’s Journey To Wholeness (Red Nail Press), along with the companion prayer journal, Coming Through. She released her book entitled, Stories from Inner Space: Confessions of a Preacher Woman and other Tales (Red Nail Press, 2003), and a Musical CD entitled, There’s Never Been a Time featuring an engaging cross section of sacred music styles. Her latest literary contribution is included in This Is My Story: Testimonies and Sermons of Black Women in Ministry, published by John Knox Press, 2005.

Reverend Copeland is the founder of Claudette Copeland Ministries, a national empowerment group for women. She has been featured in many journals and magazines, including Gospel Today, Essence Magazine, and Ebony Magazine as one of the fifteen notable women preachers in the nation. (Dr. Copeland was also honored to be included on BCNN1’s lists of the 70 Most Influential Black Christian History-Makers and the 100 Most Influential Black Christian History-Makers.) Dr. Copeland was included in the Smithsonian Institute Exhibit: “Speak to My Heart”, Communities of Faith and Contemporary African American Lives. (Anacostia Museum) She made history as the first woman to offer the keynote address to the National MLK Jr. Commemorative March in a major urban venue, addressing over 80,000 persons in San Antonio for this great event (2004).

She continues to be active with women’s groups, cross-denominational churches, and professional ministry groups, both nationally and internationally, seeking justice and joy for women and children.

Reverend Copeland resides in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, the Bishop David M. Copeland. You will be better because she came your way!

Rev. Dr. Donyelle McCray . . .

serves as Associate Professor of Homiletics at Yale Divinity School. A teacher, writer, and Episcopal layperson, her scholarship focuses on ways African American women and lay people use the sermon to play, remember, invent, and disrupt. She is the author of The Censored Pulpit: Julian of Norwich as Preacher (2019) and a volume on sermon genre, Is it a Sermon?: Art, Activism, and Genre Fluidity in African American Preaching (Fall 2024). She is currently writing a book on the preaching and spirituality of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. Before becoming a homiletics professor, Donyelle served as an attorney focusing on wills, trusts, and estates. This work raised existential questions that led her to seminary and then into ministry as a hospice chaplain.  Human finitude, compassion, and interdependence remain central theological concerns in her scholarship.  

Read more

• Is it a sermon? Donyelle McCray on blurry line between sacred and profane

• Leading scholars join Yale Divinity School faculty

• “Black Feminist Triptych” (article in Homiletic)(link is external)

Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber . . .

Sociologist, Rev. Dr. Bertice Berry . . .

a best-selling author and award-winning lecturer, has been named Comedian of the Year, Lecturer of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. She has published 11 best-selling books in both fiction and non-fiction and won numerous awards and accolades for both her writing and presentations.

Dr. Berry has had her own nationally syndicated television show and has hosted, interviewed and made numerous television, documentary and radio appearances on a variety of diverse venues including The Tonight Show, Oprah Winfrey, Between The Lions, Crossfire, 20-20, NPR, PBS and Comedy Central and CNN. She has used her unique gifts and talents as a writer and ghostwriter on a wide range of topics including race and gender issues, sociological studies, stratification, healthcare reform, humor, spirituality, sexuality, slavery and the abolitionist movement, weight loss and wellness, relationships, servant leadership, transformational leadership, diversity, and love.

Dr. Berry has led parades, had classrooms named after her, and has been awarded over 10 honorary doctorates. She earned her own doctoral degree from Kent State University at the age of 26 and still sees her most fulfilling achievement and role in life as that of mother to her 5 adopted children. “If you ain’t dead, you ain’t done,” a character in one of Berry’s novels says. She believes that every one of us has been given a unique purpose and it is our obligation to find it and use it to improve first ourselves and then those we live and work with.

Rector, Rev. Gini Gerbasi . . .

Gini Gerbasi is a graduate of the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington (with coursework in Anglican Studies at the Virginia Theological Seminary). She is also a graduate of both the Undergraduate and Law School at the College of William and Mary. In her previous life, she worked in public policy relating to poverty and hunger, and as a criminal defense attorney. She was ordained in 2007, and served as Associate Rector at Christ Church in Kensington, Maryland, before moving to St. John’s Lafayette Square in 2012. Gini left St. John’s, Lafayette Square to become the Rector of St. John’s, Georgetown in June of 2014.

Gini is a certified Daring Way Facilitator. Daring Way is based on the Research of Brené Brown, which explores topics such as vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness. Daring Way is a deeply theological approach to life that invites us, as Paul does, to recognize that in accepting our vulnerabilities we can be strong and courageous (2 Corinthians 12:10). In being real with one another, we can be truly free to love God, one another, and ourselves.

Gini is married to Joe Gerbasi, a federal prosecutor, and is the mother of Michael, 27 and Andrew, 23. When Gini is not working, you will probably find her at a baseball field, coffee in hand, cheering her favorite MLB team (the O’s!) or one of the men in her life. Psst! Gini is on Facebook and Twitter, and also co-hosts a podcast – The Irreverends – with our former Assistant Rector, the Rev. Tim Watt, who is now Rector of Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island

Worshiper Courtney Harrell . . .

has a strong background in both the church and the music industry. She has lived a life shaped by faith and song. Courtney is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, artist, and storyteller. The daughter of pastors, she was raised in a home where faith, worship, and service were not just taught but lived. Singing in the church from a young age, she discovered early on that music was more than just melody, it was ministry.

Harrell has penned songs for some of the biggest names in music, including Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Ne-Yo, Brandy, sang backup for John Legend and more! Her work has been featured on hit films and television shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Think Like a Man, and Star, leading to a Grammy Award and multiple nominations. However, her journey was not without sacrifice. At a pivotal moment in her life, young motherhood led her to put her own singing career on hold while she focused on raising her son.

Though she spent years behind the scenes, writing chart-topping songs for others, Harrell never lost the call to use her own voice. In 2016, just days after her son’s high school graduation, she stepped onto the stage of the Emmy-winning show The Voice, her first public performance in 15 years. Her breathtaking rendition of Let It Go stunned audiences and judges alike, earning her a coveted spot in the top 10 and later a role as a coach on Fox Network’s No. 1 trending show, The Four: Battle for Stardom. She now works as a casting producer for America’s Got Talent, continuing to shape the next generation of artists.

In addition to her success in the music industry, Harrell’s journey as a mother also led her to become a music teacher at one point in the Boston Public Schools, where she found purpose beyond performance. She understands firsthand what it means to balance ministry and marketplace, using her platform to encourage others to embrace their calling, whether through song, sermon, or service.

With humor, truth, and vulnerability, Harrell shares her story of faith, perseverance, and divine timing. She speaks not only to musicians and creatives but to all who wrestle with waiting seasons, reminding them that purpose is never lost, only refined. Her message is clear: before we ever become voices, we must first become worshipers.

The Rev. Samantha K. McKean . . .

grew up in a one-stoplight town in rural central Ohio. She was raised in the Baptist church and went on to study Biblical and Theological Studies at Wheaton College (IL). Her college years were a rich time of exploring many different strands of the Christian tradition; by the time she graduated in 2013, she had found her home in the Episcopal Church. She graduated with her M.Div. from Duke Divinity School in 2017, and was her class’ recipient of the Jameson Jones Preaching Award. From there, she moved to Savannah to work and serve at Christ Church Episcopal. She was ordained in 2019. Samantha lives with her husband, Garrett, their daughter, Vera, and their rescue dog, Murray. She has a passion for preaching, writing, and the delightful strangeness of the Bible.

Worshipping Soul Singer Angie Stone's . . .

journey began in the church, where her love for music and worship was first nurtured. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, she grew up singing in the choir, allowing her voice to be shaped by gospel music and the presence of God. From an early age, her faith was the foundation of her life, and to this day, she continues to put God first in all she does. More than just a singer, Angie is a worshipper at heart, using her gift to inspire, uplift, and bring healing through her music.

As she transitioned from gospel to soul and R&B, Angie never lost her spiritual roots. Her unmistakable voice and heartfelt lyrics have made her one of the most respected figures in contemporary soul music. Rising to fame in the late 1970s as a member of the pioneering female rap group The Sequence, she later became a key player in the neo-soul movement of the 1990s, alongside artists like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu.

With a career spanning decades, Angie Stone has released multiple acclaimed albums, including Black Diamond (1999) and Mahogany Soul (2001), which featured timeless hits like "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" and "Wish I Didn't Miss You." Her music blends soul, R&B, and gospel influences, always carrying a message of love, resilience, and spiritual truth. She continues to embrace her gospel roots, most recently collaborating with Damon Little on the uplifting track No Stressing, which peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart.

Her artistry has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations, Soul Train Music Awards, and an NAACP Image Award. Beyond her success in music, Angie is also a songwriter, actress, and mentor to emerging artists, always encouraging them to stay true to their gifts and values.

Through all of her achievements, Angie Stone remains grounded in her faith. She continually gives glory to God, recognizing that every note she sings and every song she writes is a testament to His grace. Her legacy is not only defined by her contributions to music but by the light she shines as a woman of faith, love, and worship.