Occupation: I am assistant rector for adult education and spiritual development at Trinity Episcopal. I graduated from the Graduate Theological Union, which is a collection of nine seminaries together near Berkeley, Calif.. In 2001, I received my mas
Occupation: I am assistant rector for adult education and spiritual development at Trinity Episcopal. I graduated from the Graduate Theological Union, which is a collection of nine seminaries together near Berkeley, Calif.. In 2001, I received my masterâs of divinity from there, and in 2003, my masterâs in Christian spirituality. I was so interested in this incredible spiritual hunger that has prevailed in America the last 20 years, that I spent an extra year researching this phenomenon.
Family: My family is in Seattle, where I grew up.
Pets: No, but I have so much wildlife around my house, I feel like I do. Every spring there are at least two fawns that amuse themselves by chasing each other around the house. Itâs been the same for three years.
How long have you lived in Newtown? I have been here since February of 2003, so almost three years.
What do you do in your free time? I explore New England. Since I come from the West Coast, there is so much that is different. I spend the entire autumn in a state of awe.
Do you have a favorite historical figure? I think St Francis of Assisi. He lived in the 1200s. First of all, itâs his incredible joy in life. He had this abounding joy and because he had that joy he could see beyond the barriers that surrounded people of that age. And finally, the fact that he wasnât perfect. He had this vision that called him to his work, âFrancis, rebuild my church,â and he spent two years hauling rocks before he figured out the calling was bigger than that.
What is the best thing about Newtown? The people. The folks Iâve met have this lovely commitment to doing the best they can by their community, their families, and the world. The longer Iâm here the more I grow in respect for them.
Do you carry anything interesting in your purse? I carry a little vial of healing oil. Every year during holy week, the bishop invites clergy to service in Hartford and he blesses the oil. The oil is used when we are praying with people in a variety of situations, especially healing. So Iâve found it helpful to have one in my purse.
Do you have a life philosophy? That every moment God is reaching out to us in love, inviting us to become more fully connected.
What do you most cherish? The opportunity to do the work Iâm called to in this amazing place with these great people.