Meet Our Pastors
Rev. Jessica Shields (she/her)
Pastor Shields thinks of herself as a spiritual architect who creates space for authentic spirituality. Sometimes that space is a physical location, like a welcoming church sanctuary or candlelit prayer room. Other times the space is an experience, like an affirming conversation or a contemplative moment of silence. In all that she does, she hopes to open up space for others to experience God’s presence and express their authentic spirituality.
Pastor Shields grew up in Rockford, Illinois, a member of an ELCA congregation. She attended a Catholic High School and became an active member of a Baptist Church while in college. All the while, the Lutheran theology grounded her and secured her in her identity as a Lutheran. She studied architecture, sociology, Spanish, and religious studies at Ball State University (Muncie, IN), graduating with a Bachelor of Science. She received her Master of Divinity degree after completing her seminary studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Columbus, OH) and The Interdenominational Theological Seminary (Atlanta, GA), a Historically Black Seminary. Since her ordination in 2007, Pastor Shields has served two different ELCA congregations: Bethlehem in Cleveland Heights (2007-2017) and Peace (2017-present).
While remaining true to the Creeds and theology of the ELCA, Pastor Shields is drawn to the mystical and contemplative spiritual practices, the ones that draw her deeper into God’s abiding presence, beneath the doctrine and dogma of the Church, the practices that bring her out of the headspace and into the heart space. She has received education from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation (Washington, D.C.) in congregational contemplative practices and deepening spirituality. She is also a certified Spiritual Director, receiving her formation through The Companioning Center (Newberg, OR).
When Pastor Shields is spending Sabbath time away from the church, she enjoys going on hikes in the Metroparks, walking in the neighborhood with her husband, Brian, and dog, Marley, and attending her daughters’ sporting events. If it is a quiet day at home, she might be working on a jigsaw puzzle.
Vicar Albie Nicol (he/they)
Vicar Albie is a candidate for the rostered ministry of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA. For the last four years he has been attending Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University in Columbus OH. His undergraduate degree comes from the University of Northern Iowa, a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with a minor in Creative Writing.
His roots stem from Cedar Falls, IA, but his heart truly is wherever his loved ones are. To some of his favorite people he is godparent, son, brother and friend.
His special interests in ministry include creative and contemplative crafting, finding new spiritual practices, guided meditation, and queer spirituality of all shapes and forms. During seminary he spent close to two years as a PRN chaplain for OhioHealth at Doctors Hospital, something he took joy and fulfillment in, that shaped his call and formation greatly. He currently is a volunteer chaplain for Proclaim, a group of LGBTQIA+ rostered ministers, deacons, and candidates for rostered ministry.
When not at Peace, Albie can be found crocheting with his cats Simon the Zealot and Lazarus the Living, exploring a new MetroPark with friends, saying hello to the sloth bears at the Cleveland Metropark Zoo, or trying out a brewery in the neighborhood.
What kind of space can we create for you to help you grow spiritually, and deepen your relationship with God?
Call Pastor Shields or Vicar Albie
(216) 382-4545