Clergy

Rev. Matthew Zimmermann

Rev. Matthew Zimmermann is a native of Kansas City and has lived in Lawrence for, part of every decade since the seventies. He has been married to Cate for 33 years and they have a daughter, Kelsey, at college in Georgia, and a daughter, Madelaine, and two grandsons living in Lawrence. He has been the Rector of two churches in Sedalia Mo. and Bastrop TX. He’s been a police chaplain and a member of the Ministerial Association in both places. He graduated from KU with dual degrees in Classical Languages and Ancient History, the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest with a Masters of Divinity. He holds Journeyman and Master plumbing licenses.

Fr. Matt’s philosophy of the priesthood
“As a priest, what I enjoy is to worship God with joyful reverence and watch people connect with each other, to grow deeply in mutual affection and worthwhile work. I’m convinced that Christian spirituality is a communal spirituality, and hence, we need each other if we are to live into the fullness of Christ and all that God intends.”

“I am interested in Christianity as a way of life, and I love to explore topics of theology, spirituality, and history through shared conversations with anyone who is willing and wanting to do so. I have been intentionally seeking God through Christ for 40 years and it has brought love and meaning to my life.”

Fr. Matt is excited about many things at St Margaret’s, including the worship space that lends itself to contemporary and contemplative expressions of worship. St. Margaret’s desire to grow spiritually and embrace mission work, it is a community that welcomes anyone who has a longing to know why their hearts feel a spiritual yearning.

A few articles written about Father Matt …

Spiritual homecoming: New St. Margaret’s rector followed winding road back to Episcopal Church — and Lawrence (Lawrence Journal World)

Former church volunteer returns as its newest rector (Wichita Eagle)

Deacon Robert (Bob) Honse

Deacon Bob Honse has been a member of St. Margaret’s since 1997. Prior to transferring, he was a long time member (20+) years at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence. Bob retired in 2002 from Farmland Industries, graduated from the Kansas School of Ministry in 2005, and was ordained a deacon on June 11, 2005 and assigned as a deacon to St. Margaret’s.

Bob has served as the Past Chairman of the Baker University Board of Trustees and continues to serve on the Board. He recently chaired the search committee for a new president. Bob also serves as the Chairman of the University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board (which gives him the opportunity to be an advocate for indigent care). He is the Vice President of Bishop Seabury Academy Board of Trustees, and he also serves on the diocesan finance committee

Bob married Emily in September 2007 and together they have a combined family of 5 children and 5 grandchildren. Bob’s daughter, Mary Dodd, and her family (husband Chad, daughters Caitlin and Ali ) are active members of St. Margaret’s.