Clergy
The Rev. David Henson
Rector
The Rev. David Henson became the rector of St. James Episcopal Church in August of 2021. Prior to St. James, he served for five years at Trinity Episcopal in Asheville and for four-and-a-half years at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal in North Augusta, S.C. David holds degrees from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif. Prior to being ordained, David was a daily newspaper journalist for four years and a stay-at-home dad for five. David is active in the Diocese of Western North Carolina, having served on the Commission on Ministry and as the preaching instructor for the WNC Iona School of Ministry. He is married to Amber, a family physician for Blue Ridge Community Health, and they have two children in high school, Brendan and Will. In his free time, David enjoys hiking and backpacking, reading sci-fi and fantasy novels and watching movies, spending time with his family, and drinking coffee with friends on his porch.
The Rev. Gaelyn Evangreene
Associate Rector
The The Rev. Gaelyn Lei Evangreene has most recently served as the rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Cullowhee and the Episcopal Campus Missioner for Western Carolina University. She is the Secretary of Diocesean Convention and serves on the Canons and Constitutions Committee for the diocese. Gaelyn’s favorite question is “why?” And is probably what led her to enjoy 16 years as an elementary school teacher and continues to fuel her love for Christian formation. She has actively engaged in doing the work necessary to bring her full self to all she does aiming to accept process over perfection. She is passionate about preaching that connects Scripture to our daily lives and liturgy that makes space for everyone at the table. She loves running, historical murder mysteries, and strong black tea. Gaelyn lives in Asheville, with her wife, Sarah, her daughter, Peyton, who is in her first year at Lenoir-Rhyne, and her mother-in-law, Penny, along with a much loved Labradoodle and two beautiful cats. She is very excited to be joining the staff at St. James, getting to know parishioners of all ages, and continuing on the journey with them to know Christ more fully and to make him known. Her favorite passage of scripture is John 10:10; it is a touchstone and guiding light.
The Rev. Tim Jones
Deacon and Director of Mission and Belonging
Tim is a native of Henderson County. He and his wife, Kerry, have known one another since high school and were married in 1991. They raised their two children in Hendersonville.
Ordained in the Episcopal Church in 2010, Tim has served as a deacon at St. James since his ordination. He now serves full-time as the parish’s Director of Mission and Belonging, helping parishioners deepen their connections with one another, discover meaningful ways to serve, and carry the love of Christ beyond the walls of the church.
Before joining the staff of St. James, Tim spent twenty-five years in ministry with people experiencing homelessness at the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, most recently serving as its Chief Operations Officer. His work included providing shelter, meals, hospitality, medical care, and other forms of support to unhoused and vulnerable neighbors throughout the community. That experience continues to shape his understanding of diaconal ministry and his conviction that every person deserves to be seen, heard, welcomed, and treated with dignity.
At St. James, Tim’s ministry includes developing opportunities for belonging and community, accompanying parishioners into service and outreach, listening to and sharing the stories of the parish, and helping St. James use its gifts in service to the wider community. He also preaches regularly and leads tours and conversations about the history, artistry, symbolism, and theology of the church’s stained glass windows.
Tim is a lover of words, colors, stories, and the natural world. He is an avid hiker, poet, photographer, and artist whose work has appeared in gallery exhibitions and public installations, including spaces dedicated to healing. He is the author of several books of poetry and believes that attention, beauty, and creativity can help us recognize the sacred presence in ordinary life.