SAINT MARK'S
Episcopal Church
Albuquerque, NM

The Reverend Father Christopher McLaren

Rector

Fr. Christopher McLaren grew up in Medford, Oregon, and graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, in Humanities and Art History.  He married the love of his life, Maren Christine Cole, on New Year’s Eve 1993 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Salem, Oregon. Christopher and Maren enjoy the hilarious nature of family life with their three children Sofia, Cole and Talia. Upon graduating from the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, Fr. Christopher served as Associate Rector, Priest-in-Charge, and eventually Rector of St. George’s New Orleans for a period of 6 years. After many joyful and interesting years in New Orleans, the McLaren family relocated Albuquerque from New Orleans after losing their home in Hurricane Katrina. Christopher served at St. Michael and All Angels as Associate Rector for 5 years.

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Fr. Christopher has been Rector of St. Mark’s since September 2011. He feels his many gifts for ministry and energy for nurturing strong communities of worship and learning are well matched. He hopes to shape a community that is faithful to the Christian tradition, progressive and open to all people, passionate about children and youth ministry, deeply relational, intellectually curious, and deeply engaged in service to the larger community. In his leisure time, Fr. Christopher enjoys good coffee, coaching soccer, gardening, beekeeping, fly fishing, reading, cooking, being with his kids, and exploring the outdoors.

The Rev. Sylvia Miller-Mutia

Associate Rector

Sylvia Miller-Mutia serves as part time assisting priest at St. Mark’s  with a focus on outreach, evangelism, and family ministry.  She has previously served as Rector of St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Albuquerque, NM (2015-2018), Assistant Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, CA (2010-2015) and Pastoral Associate for Youth & Families at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Belvedere, CA (2002-2009).    She is married to Donnel (grief counselor, couples coach, artist, best dad ever), and they have three awesome kids: Lucia, Johanna, and Alex.

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Sylvia holds a BFA in Ballet Performance from the University of Utah, an MA in Liturgy and the Arts from Pacific School of Religion, and Certificates of Anglican Studies and Theological Studies from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA.   As a priest, dancer, and mother of three, she is passionate about inviting people of all ages to join in seeking the divine through worship, prayer, and practice that is embodied, sacramental, participatory, and inter-generational. Creation, creativity, and connection with family and friends are the gifts by which God nourishes, stretches and sustains her.  You can learn more about Sylvia and explore various resources she’s created to support your spiritual growth at www.mothersylvia.com.

The Rev. David Martin

Deacon

David grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. He attended the University of Kansas and lived in Kansas City, New York City, and Santa Fe before settling in Albuquerque. He has worked as an architect, interior designer, writer, waiter, bartender, male nanny (“manny”), and a church musician.

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David was ordained as a Vocational Deacon in June of 2017 and is happy to serve at St. Mark’s – a parish filled with diverse and wonderful people. As a married gay man, David knows how organized religion has made many people feel unwelcome at church or unworthy of God’s love. It is David’s mission to spread the true message of the Gospel: – that God’s mercy and love are available to everyone – regardless of how they identify, where they have been, or what they have done. David finds it especially important to impart these principles to youth. Through his position as our Director of Christian Education, David works to make sure every young person knows they are a blessed child of God and loved for exactly who they are.

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Having needed help through difficult times, David knows what being a part of a loving, supportive, spiritual community has done for him. He wants everyone to understand they can have the same experience.

Dr. Patrick Dill

Choir Director

Dr. Dill has worked as a church musician for over two decades, directing adult, children, and handbell choirs.  In addition to his service in music ministry, Dr. Dill has ten years of experience teaching high school choir in the state of Texas, followed by twelve years of college experience, and is joining the UNM music department as the choral music education faculty member.  He holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Millikin University, a master’s degree in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College, and a doctorate in choral conducting from the University of North Texas.  He now lives in New Mexico with his husband, Ryan, and their two daughters, Serenity and Patience. 

Jeremy Wirths

Organist

Originally from Kansas, Jeremy Wirths lived in Dallas for several years before relocating to Albuquerque in 2018. In addition to his work at St. Mark's, Jeremy continues his role as Director of Development for Opera Southwest, Albuquerque's opera company. Before moving to New Mexico, he served as Music Director of churches in Kansas, Georgia, and Texas. He has also taught music at the university level. Jeremy considers himself a lifelong learner and has earned several degrees. Most recently, Jeremy earned an MBA at Southern Methodist University in Dallas focused in arts administration. More relevant to his work at St. Mark's are his doctoral degree in choral conducting from the University of North Texas and master’s degree in organ performance from Emory University, a program which included extensive study of liturgical theology and practice. Jeremy's undergraduate degree in music was earned at the University of Kansas (rock chalk!). He graduated as Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico, and was admitted to the NM State Bar in 2024.

Jeremy has several hobbies and a vibrant social life. Highlights include his love of the Santa Fe Opera, Whisk(e)y, and his Standard Schnauzer, Anna Magdalena (named for the wife of Johann Sebastian Bach).  The third coequal person of the household is Jeremy's spouse James, a Pediatric Neurosurgeon practicing and teaching at UNMH. James and Jeremy are New Mexico foster parents. Jeremy looks forward to working together to bring great organ music to St. Mark's. 

Laura Blum

Business Manager

Laura grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She started college at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and graduated from New College of California in Santa Rosa, California.

Laura has worked in nonprofit finances for over 30 years. She is proud to have worked for the YWCA of Sonoma County, Community Action Partnerships – the Sonoma County Community Action Agency, Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Santa Rosa (CA).  While living in California, Laura served on the board of directors of several nonprofit organizations. She was the treasurer of the Santa Rosa Education Cooperative while her son was a student at the preschool.

Currently, Laura volunteers at the Roadrunner Food Bank here in Albuquerque. She loves to crochet and sew and is an avid reader. Laura is also a life-long student of yoga and meditation.

Jennifer Lind

Parish Administrator

Jennifer grew up in Utah, Texas and Washington State. She attended high school in Spokane, WA and college at Seattle University, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and History. She moved to Albuquerque in 1993 to be closer to her parents who had retired and returned home to New Mexico. Jennifer has two nearly-grown sons.

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Previously, Jennifer served as Office Manager at nearby Immanuel Presbyterian Church. She was a writer and marketing assistant at Mudhouse Advertising, where she has many responsibilities including website building & maintenance for a number of local nonprofits. She served 15 years in the residential land development and construction industry for both a national and a local homebuilder. Jennifer joined St. Mark's in 2018 and lovingly calls us her "work church."

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Jennifer attends Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church. She currently serves as their preschool accountant and sings in the choir. In the past, she served on Session (their Vestry) and for four years as the ChiliFest board where she focused on online marketing and advertising. 

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In 2024, Jennifer took an American Sign Language and says she has the vocabulary of a 3rd grader, possibly a first grader, so plans more ASL education in the future. Jennifer also finally learning to crochet the same year. She loves animals and houseplants, and will happily tell you about the family's three dogs, “therapy” corn snake, two cats and her favorite plants like Christmas cactus or African violets.​

Caitlin McGuire

St. Mark's Montessori School Director

After pursuing my degree in psychology at the University of New Mexico, I have been passionately curious about education. I’m particularly interested in the inner workings of the early childhood experience, such as developmental milestones and effective educational techniques.

I now have over eight years of first-hand experience in how students learn best, including how to organize the classroom, and the ways in which school support structures are crucial for each child’s educational success.

I have served as a support staff, a lead teacher, an assistant director, and acting director at two different preschools. At St. Mark’s Montessori School, I look forward to continuing good working relationships with the staff, students, and families here.

I will focus on my responsibilities as director with care, intention, and understanding. I want to lay a foundation where our students can blossom, and feel at home in their learning environment.

“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.” - Maria Montessori

I look forward to serving the community of St. Mark’s Montessori School, and leading the school into a new chapter of student achievement.

Chris Montgomery

Custodian

Chris has been a part of the St. Mark's facilities team, off-and-on, since late 2015.  Chris was raised in Albuquerque. His interest in music led him to volunteer at KUNM 89.9 FM from 1994-2003, where he received the New Mexico Associated Press Award 1st place for public broadcasting in 1997. He has been involved with music production, sound engineering and on-air positions and is a fan of local music and artists of all varieties. In 2003, Chris began a career in the telecommunication industry, with a focus on structured cabling and fiber optic cable installation. He received a New Mexico ES-7J Journeyman License in 2007. He has had the privilege of working on some very large installation projects. Photography and bike riding are his interests and hobbies.

Oris Salazar

Communications Coordinator

I’m a native New Mexican, deeply connected to the land and culture. I started my education at CNM Community College, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Office Technology, along with certificates in office administration and assistance. With over ten years of experience in the non-profit sector, I've worked with organizations like the Barrett Foundation, the only shelter for homeless women and children in Albuquerque. Working there gave me a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

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My expertise lies in data entry, managing websites, and creating engaging newsletters and social media content. I've served in various roles, including managing office tasks and supporting executive personnel. Outside of work, I enjoy bicycle riding, and baking desserts is one of my favorite hobbies.