The Reverend Cynthia P. Brust, Rector
Cynthia’s journey to Christ Church has been a long and winding road. After serving as an Episcopal lay leader for three decades, Cynthia transitioned into ordained ministry in 2010, and since her ordination, she has fulfilled her priestly vocation in church plants, which meant she did everything from preaching and administering the sacraments to changing light bulbs and throwing a lot of parties. Through it all, she has been guided by a desire to ignite a passion for Kingdom living in word and deed as well as calling, equipping, and sending out disciples as walking sacraments engaging Christ’s call to incarnational ministry – making disciples who make disciples. She finds great joy in “equipping the saints for the works of ministry.”
On a diocesan level, Cynthia was elected to a three-year term on the Diocesan Board (term ending in January 2025) and appointed to the Executive Committee of the Board. In addition, Cynthia serves on the Commission on Ministry and has been a part of other task forces and committee focusing on specific issues/needs. She has been a presenter at various diocesan events including the Conference on Ministry, a Vestry Training Worship, and as a member of the Institute of Christian Studies faculty, Cynthia teaches a variety of subjects.
In addition to her congregational ministry experience, Cynthia has thirty-five years’ experience in a broad range of communications, public relations, and advocacy in church-related, governmental, corporate, and political arenas, including serving as a Congressional Press Secretary.
Since her arrival at Christ Church, she has found her spiritual home and is committed to caring for her flock and raising up leaders so that together, we may all grow more and more into the Likeness of Christ.
Cynthia is married to the Rev. Canon Ellis E. Brust, also an Episcopal priest serving as Rector of St. Andrew’s Ft. Pierce. The couple has two adult children, Rebecca and William. Rebecca is married to the Rev. Porter C. Taylor, Rector of St. David’s by the Sea, Cocoa Beach. Yes, that makes three priests in one family, all three serving in Florida within 60 miles of each other. All three received their individual calls within two months. Folks, only God can do that! The Taylors have three adorable sons, and the Brusts are hopeful William will find the perfect mate soon…with more grandchildren to follow!
The Rev. Michael Switzer
Vocational Deacon
After relocating with his wife Robin to Melbourne and what was then Hope Church, Deacon Mike served in multiple lay ministries and leadership positions – as head of Men’s Ministry, serving as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, and assisting with various hospitality activities. Obedient to a call to Holy Orders, he was ordained to the diaconate in 2019. In addition to his ministry role at CEC, Deacon Mike serves beyond our walls as a Chaplain for the Melbourne Police Department, a natural bridge to his 20 years as a 911 Supervisor at the department. He relaxes in the garden and with his family.
Robin Switzer
Office Manager
A native of Baltimore, Robin and her husband Michael moved to Melbourne in 1987 and began attending Hope Episcopal Church in 2003. She quickly plugged into the life of the parish, becoming involved with a wide variety of ministries including Altar Guild, the intercessory prayer team, hospitality, and assisting with administrative tasks. In addition, she has served as a lector, filled in at the nursery, and been ready to jump in anywhere else help was needed. In 2009, Robin accepted current position and continues with her various ministries. When she’s not at Christ Church, she enjoys reading, beach days, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Brooke Barlow
Youth Minister
Brooke was born an Episcopalian here in Brevard County and served as an acolyte in his teens at St Sebastian's by-the-Sea. He began attending Christ Episcopal Church in 2008 when he and his wife bought a home a few blocks away. In 2015, he relocated the family to Melbourne Beach, but God called his family back to Suntree to worship. For more than a decade, he has faithfully played drums and sung in our praise band each week. Brooke is a youngster at heart, and is very active in the lives of his teenage daughters. It was natural for him to become involved with the youth group, and he has joyfully stepped into the role of youth minister. In his spare time, Brooke enjoys fishing, reading, and making music with his friends and family.
Our Vestry
In Episcopal parishes, a group of elected representatives called the Vestry is responsible for the secular affairs of the church (that is, corporate property and finances). The presiding officer of the vestry is the Rector. A nominating committee presents an approved slate of names before each annual meeting for selection. Christ Episcopal Church currently operates with a six-member vestry. Elections are held each year during the Annual Parish Meeting.
Current Vestry members: Sandy Foose (Senior Warden), Mike Roosa (Junior Warden), Deb Hartegan (Clerk), Gil Baldwin, Gail Scheltmeyer, and Nancy Williams.