Prince of Peace Anglican Church

Neil has served as a pastor for over 35 years in various parts of the world, bringing a wealth of wisdom, compassion and leadership that continues to bless the church both locally and internationally. 

Born in Liverpool, England, and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Neil’s faith journey began when he accepted Christ at the age of 24 - a decision that set him on a lifelong path of service and discipleship.

Neil and his wife, Giselle, have been happily married for 21 years and, together, have raised seven adult children and now delight in being grandparents to seven (soon-to-be eight) grandchildren. Family, faith, and discipleship are the heartbeat of Neil’s life and ministry.

Neil holds a Bachelor of Theology and a Research Master of Theological Studies degree from the University of Divinity in Melbourne, Australia, and combines academic depth with pastoral warmth.

His vision for the 21st-century church is rooted in the Great Commission: to make disciples of all nations. He believes prayer, evangelism, pastoral care, and discipleship are not optional but essential priorities for a healthy, missional church—one that transforms sinners into saints, the helpless into the helpful, and believers into devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Jim was born and raised in Beaver County. He graduated from Hopewell in 1982. While in high school he met his future wife Rhonda and they were married in 1984. They have three adult children and six amazing grandchildren. Since recently retiring from Nova Chemical, Jim says "I now have the greatest and most fulfilling job ever - working full time for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!"  His passion is outreach to the community and bringing prayer and the gospel to the least, last and the lost.

We are delighted to welcome Ellison Ruch to our Prince of Peace community! He and his wife, Betsy, have two young sons and have served the last two years on the mission field in the Middle East. They are currently studying at Trinity Anglican Seminary and are preparing for continued ministry in this area.

Betsy was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, and grew up loving Jesus and His Church. While attending Wheaton College, she met her husband, Ellison, and they got married the weekend after she graduated with her BA in English Writing and a Leadership Certificate. During her time at Wheaton, Betsy served youth and children in a variety of ministry capacities, including as a youth group leader, camp counselor, Resident Assistant, and Assistant Residence Director of her college dorm. She and her family have spent the past two years on the mission field in the Middle East, and are delighted to be at Prince of Peace while Ellison studies at Trinity Anglican Seminary. Betsy is the joyful mother of two young sons, and they keep her on her toes! In her free time, she enjoys swimming, singing, reading, hiking, and enjoying a good cup of coffee with family and friends. 

Stephanie was born and raised in the South Hills of Pittsburgh and began studying piano at age 8. She started singing and playing in church at a very young age. She spent 20 years on staff at St. Stephen's Church in Sewickley where she served in both Children's Ministries (8 years) & as their Contemporary Worship Leader (12 years.) 

Stephanie served as Prince of Peace's Music Minister from January 2021 until May 2025 and recently transitioned to part time Worship Coordinator.  She counts herself blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community of fellow Believers. 

Stephanie and her husband Michael have two adult children and 2 perfect granddaughters.  Hobbies include cooking, travelling, relaxing on the beach and teaching piano lessons. 

Shelley Smith grew up in neighboring Moon Township. She received a BA degree from IUP and a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati. Shelley is a retired sergeant with the North Fayette Police Department. Since retiring, she has become an active member at the Saturday night service and leads a small women’s bible study group.

Shelley and her husband, Jeff were married at Prince of Peace in 1991. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Shelley enjoys the beach, family, her golden retrievers, swimming, Pens hockey and attending Christian concerts.

Philip was born in England.  He married Sylvia in 1968. He and Sylvia have three adult children, five grandchildren and two step grandchildren.

Philip went to Durham University (the third oldest university in Britain) for both college and seminary. After ordination in 1970, He served as an assistant priest in two parishes and as the Midlands Area Director of the Church’s Ministry among the Jews (CMJ). In 1984 he was called to be the first National Director of CMJ/USA in northern Virginia. In 1990 CMJ/USA moved its office to Ambridge, PA.

In 1992 Philip became rector (pastor) of the Church of the Epiphany (Episcopal), Avalon, PA, and served there for 10 years. He led Christ Church, Clarksburg, West Virginia for three years and then he was called to plant the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (SP&SP), Anglican Church in North America in Roanoke, Virginia. SP&SP was a merger of a newly formed Anglican Church and a Lutheran Church. Philip served this congregation until he retired in November 2011 when they moved back to Pittsburgh to be near their daughter and her family who are members of Prince of Peace. He joined the pastoral staff of Prince of Peace and reestablished his connection with CMJ/USA.

Sylvia, Philip's ministry partner for 50+ years, went home to Jesus in June 2019. In January 2020 Philip was appointed Executive Director of CMJ/USA.

His passions are communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ; bringing all people to know the Savior, especially Jewish people; teaching the Jewish roots of the Christian Faith; and reconciling Christians to one another. His hobbies include doing puzzles and playing chess.