Reverend Elaine Ruth
Pastor
The Rev. Elaine Ruth is an ordained elder and currently a member of the Holston Annual Conference.
Rev. Ruth graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a Bachelor of Arts in English and spent most of her career as a technical writer for Department of Energy contractors. Ordained ministry is a second career for Rev. Ruth and her husband Bob who serves a church in Maryville, TN. They both received a Master of Divinity degree from the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
Bob was born in Knoxville, and Elaine moved to Knoxville when she was 22. They live in Corryton, TN and are happy to be close to their two adult children, Vanessa and Christopher, and a grandson Dalton who live in Knoxville.
Rev. Ruth is am a firm believer in the church functioning as the body of Christ and shares this with all; “We all have gifts and talents and all of them are necessary to the health of the church. I love teaching the Bible and small group book studies. I am excited about the opportunities to be involved in ministry to the community.”
Wendel Werner
Music Director and Pianist
Wendel Werner received his Bachelor of Music in Studio Music and Jazz and his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Tennessee. While at the University, he studied with renowned jazz musicians, Donald Brown and Jerry Coker.
An accomplished composer and arranger, Mr. Werner has written for the Knoxville Children’s Show Choir, Knoxville Showstoppers, UT Singers, Knoxville Community Chorus, and the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association. A proponent of jazz, Mr. Werner has performed frequently for “Alive After Five,” series of jazz programs at the Knoxville Museum of Art as well as directed numerous musicals there.
Werner has started several vocal and instrumental groups and toured extensively behind several of his own albums. His most recent group, Wendel Werner and the Strange Relationship, composed of three horn players and four vocalists, performs a variety of music styles.
Aaron Collins
Building Manager
Aaron Collins graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and a minor in Appalachian Studies. Aaron has worked in the social work field since 2009. This work has ranged from working with at risk youth in rural Southwest Virginia to working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in urban Newark, NJ. Aaron, along with his husband and 2 dogs have lived in Knoxville for 7 years. During the past 7 years, Aaron worked with The Department of Children’s Service (DCS) and Tennessee Early Intervention (TEIS). Aaron served in the US Army Reserves for 12 years as a Military Police Officer. Aaron has taken a leap into the unknown, as he knows God has called him to make a change in his life. Aaron is excited to work at St Paul and to use his skills in service to God. He enjoys several hobbies and his favorite is genealogy and family history. Aaron considers himself a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.
Anna Caroline Causey
Youth Pastor
Anna Caroline Causey originally started attending St Paul in the fall of 2021. It swiftly became clear to her, the congregation, and the church leadership that St Paul was where she was meant to be. She is a member of the Choir, handbell choir, Worship Leadership Team, Technology Worship Arts and Music Team, and Church Council. In 2023, Anna Caroline was tasked with starting a youth ministry at St Paul. Through the grace of God, a small but dedicated group has emerged that meets regularly for both lessons and fellowship.
Anna Caroline lives in Knoxville with her two daughters and her dog, Clarence (who serves as the official mascot of both the choir and the youth group).