Rev. James Gale, Pastor

James came to Shawnee Presbyterian from Kinston, North Carolina, where he began his ministry in 2004 upon graduation from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

James was born and raised in North Carolina, graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998, with a degree in history.  Prior to attending seminary, he worked in youth ministry at his home church White Memorial Presbyterian in Raleigh, North Carolina and served for one year as a Presbyterian Youth Worker in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  

James and his wife Mary Newberg Gale, who is now Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian in Lawrence, met in seminary and were married following their graduation. Their first "child" was their English Lab, Maggie.   They have a daughter Ainsley, born March 19, 2008.   .   

James has varied interests and hobbies, and is an avid sports fan with a particular leaning toward his alma mater.

You can contact James via email at pastor@shawneepres.org or by phone at 913.631.6689.

Michelle Lincoln, Administrative Assistant



Michelle has lived in Shawnee most of her life and is a graduate of Shawnee Mission Northwest.  She joined our staff in October 2008 after running a daycare in her home for 15 years, while raising her children.  Her interests include reading and attending her children's numerous sporting events.

Michelle and her husband, Mike, have been married for 24 years and have four children.  Shawna, 23, is a RN at Olathe Medical Center; Chelsea, 20, is a junior at Emporia; Tanner, 17, is a senior at Shawnee Mission North; and Michael, Jr., 13, is an 8th grader at Antioch Middle School.

You can contact Michelle via email at office@shawneepres.org. 

Dr. Arthur Rinehart, Organist

Dr. Rinehart is starting his 49th year as an organist, serving several churches in that time.  He has been at Shawnee Presbyterian for nine years.  He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from UMKC in piano pedagogy.

This is Arthur's fourteenth year accompanying high school choirs, after from retiring from a 30 year career teaching band in Raytown, MO.  He currently is staff accompanists at Blue Valley Northwest.

Arthur and his wife, Carmen, have been married 43 years and have three children and three grandchildren.  In addition to his musical interests, Arthur likes to do needlepoint and cross stitch.  He also enjoys traveling to new and different places.

Carmen Rinehart, Choir Director

Carmen Rinehart has served several churches in her musical ministry, often together with Arthur.  She has directed adult and children's choirs as well as serving as organist in one of her positions.  Carmen has been at Shawnee Presbyterian for 8 1/2 years.  She holds a Master of Arts degree from UCM in vocal music.

Carmen is retired from teaching vocal music in Raytown, MO.  She enjoys quilting, reading and keeping in touch with her children and grandchildren.

Preschool Staff

You can find profiles of our Preschool Staff right here.