Fr. Tommy Sheppard, Rector

The Rev. Tommy Sheppard began serving as Rector of the Constellation of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Colchester and Trinity Episcopal Church in Shelburne in August, 2026.

Tommy is an Episcopal priest, teacher, and public theologian whose ministry is rooted in the conviction that every person is a beloved child of God. He is passionate about helping churches become communities where people can bring their faith, questions, gifts, and whole selves as they grow together in the love of Christ.

Originally from Tishomingo, Mississippi, Tommy first found a spiritual home in The Episcopal Church as a teenager after searching for a congregation where he would be welcomed as a gay person. That experience of unconditional welcome continues to shape his ministry and his commitment to ensuring that all people know they are loved by God and valued within the Church.

Tommy’s faith is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the promises of the Baptismal Covenant: to seek and serve Christ in all people, strive for justice and peace, and respect the dignity of every human being. He enjoys preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and creating spaces where honest questions, thoughtful conversation, and joyful discipleship can flourish.

Outside of parish life, Tommy enjoys quilting, reading history, spending time with his three dogs—Belle, Grace, and Zeffy—and finding humor in everyday life. He believes that faith is strongest when it is rooted in grace, compassion, curiosity, and hope.

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Michael Hartigan, Parish Musician, and Office Administrative Assistant

Michael was born and grew up in the village of Potsdam, NY. Beginning piano lessons at the age of six, he knew from an early age that he would dedicate his life to music. He studied piano performance at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, and composition and arranging at the Berklee College of Music, graduating summa cum laude in 2006. For several years, he made his home in Chicago, playing collaboratively with musicians from many walks of life. He has written music for musical theater, films, video games, and concert halls, and has several published choral arrangements. Michael relocated to Burlington, Vermont in the fall of 2016, where he is active in the jazz scene. Michael was appointed Organist, Pianist, and Choir Director at Trinity in 2018.