Rev. Shanna Writes:

Hi everyone,

I’m so excited to join you soon as the incoming Associate Rector for Children, Youth, and Families, and in the meantime, I’m glad for this chance to tell you a little about myself.

I’m originally from Washington state, and I studied History, Latin, and Greek at Western Washington University. I grew up in the Episcopal Church, and the same congregation that I was part of from birth sponsored my ordination. I studied at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA and served my first call in my sponsoring diocese, The Diocese of Spokane. Between a summer working at the Diocesan camp, my work with youth in my call, and my continued connections to the same camp, I found a love for working with children and youth. When I left my first call, I moved to New York state and took a position in the Diocese of Rochester, where I have served as the rector of two small churches.

I am passionate about forming and nurturing disciples who follow Christ with both head and heart, and I am excited that my ministry with you will focus on children, youth, and families. I want everyone to know and experience God’s love and desire for renewed relationship, and I am certain that God’s love makes space for our questions and uncertainties.

My first name can be a little tricky. Despite the way it’s spelled, my name is pronounced SHAY-na. I won’t be angry if anyone gets it wrong, because I know it’s not obvious. It does, however, make me more aware of the importance of working on getting other people’s names right, and I can’t wait to meet you all and start learning your names.

In peace,

Shanna+