St. Giles is a member of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. We cherish and celebrate our Scottish roots annually, along with the Clay County St. Andrew’s Society, at our Kirkin’ of the Tartan Worship Service. (Those of us who are not Scottish bring our tartans too!) We are passionate about serving the local and global community and demonstrating God’s love to others. If you are looking for a reconnection to our community, spiritual revitalization, a social support system, or religious reconnection, you have come to the right place. We are passionate about serving our community and each other. Best of all, EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE. Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM either in person or online.
Meet Pastor Nicole Richardson
St. Giles Presbyterian Church extends a hearty and warm welcome to the Rev. Dr. Nicole Richardson, our new Transitional Pastor. Nicole officially began her ministry with us on June 1, and we are grateful for the depth, warmth, and faithful leadership she brings to St. Giles.
A Ministry Rooted in Wisdom and Compassion
Nicole has been an ordained PC(USA) teaching elder since 2001, spending more than two decades in the sacred—and sometimes bewildering—work of helping people encounter God, navigate change, and find their way home. In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), teaching elders are ministers of the Word and Sacrament who share in the leadership and care of the church.
Experience, Curiosity, and a Wide Range of Gifts
Nicole holds a Doctor of Leadership and Global Perspectives and has served as head of staff and solo pastor in four congregations. Along the way, she also became a master scuba diving instructor, a certified yoga teacher, a certified integrative mental health coach, and someone who can make a genuinely excellent mocha. In other words, she has never been very good at doing just one thing—and the church is richer for it.
Family, Theatre, and Everyday Joy
A lifelong theatre lover, Nicole will gladly tell you that Wicked and Next to Normal come close, but nothing rivals the original drama of a God who wept. She and her husband, Tom, have been married for 35 years. They are the proud parents of two children. Son Jesse lives in Jacksonville with his wife, Abby, and their son, Ellis. Daughter Sydney is headed to Tulane Medical School in New Orleans. Their household is also kept lively by two Australian shepherds, Montana and Denali, who apparently have strong opinions about everything.
Present, Joyful, and Faithful
After brain surgery left her deaf in one ear, Nicole embraced life with even deeper joy, sharper attention, and a greater capacity to be fully present to the people in front of her—which, she would tell you, is most of what ministry is anyway. We look forward to all the ways her gifts will continue to bless St. Giles Presbyterian Church.
Pastor Nicole spent her first week getting settled into her new church office, adjusting to the new time zone, and becoming acclimated to the life and rhythms of St. Giles. Her office hours are Monday through Wednesday, 9:30 am to 2:30 PM, or by appointment. We are excited to have her serving at the pulpit of St. Giles Presbyterian church.
Reverend Suzanne Brooks-Cope
Reverend Suzanne Brooks-Cope has been serving as our Parish Associate for Pastoral Care, since January 6, 2025. Recently retiring after 36 years of pastoral ministry, Suzanne and her family returned to Florida from Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, where she last served as Pastor for eleven years. She received her undergraduate degree from Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia and her Master’s in divinity in 1987 from Princeton. Suzanne has experience and training in clinical pastoral care. Her passion for providing care and support to people in need is one of the main reasons she became a minister.
In addition to her interim duties, Suzanne is serving St. Giles, conducting and coordinating pastoral care visits for the congregation of St. Giles. In this role, she she is training elders and coordinating a visitation and congregational care ministry from the pastoral side.