St. Luke's Welcomes a New Rector

posted Saturday, February 7, 2015
The Rev. Heidi L. Edson

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Chester is pleased to announce the calling of its new Rector, The Rev. Heidi L Edson. The Vestry voted her selection unanimously after a two-year search by the Ministry Discernment Committee working with the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont. Rev. Heidi's first Sunday at St. Luke's was January the 25th. The congregation gave her and her husband, Doug, a warm welcome that included a special reception for them both.

Born in Germany, Rev. Heidi became a naturalized American at age eight. Like her four older brothers, Rev. Heidi enjoyed sports growing up, particularly tennis and volleyball. Other interests included music, drama and dance. Rev. Heidi received her Bachelor's degree in vocal performance from Ga. Southern University, which opened the door for her involvement with choral and choir groups, occasionally performing solos and ensemble music.

Rev. Heidi's religious upbringing was in the United Methodist Church where she fondly recalls the spiritual nurture and love she experienced as a child and teen. She regards these years as foundational grounding for her faith in Christ. Years later, Rev. Heidi began to seriously consider a possible call to ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church. This led her to pursue a Master of Divinity degree, which she obtained in May of 2010 from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, an Episcopal seminary located in Berkeley, California.

After her ordination, Rev. Heidi took a call as Priest-in-Charge of a small congregation located on the Island of Moloka'i in Hawaii where she served for two years. In 2012, Doug and Rev. Heidi moved to Lakewood, Colorado where Rev. Heidi became active in children's ministry and also as Supply Priest serving various congregations in the greater Denver area.

Recently relocated to Vermont, Doug and Rev. Heidi are settling in and enjoying Chester. They are eager to come to know Chester and the surrounding communities as time and weather permits.

Rev. Heidi's desire for the community of St. Luke's is to help facilitate an inviting "space" for those who are looking for a deeper connection in their lives. "As Episcopalians, we see ourselves as being on a journey that leads to fulfillment in Christ Jesus. We walk this journey through worship, prayer and study, and through active engagement in our communities and world." St. Luke's Episcopal Church is an inclusive community that welcomes all who seek Christ and all who are just curious. Our Sunday services are at 8:00 am and 10:00 am. For more information, check our website @ www.stlukesepiscopalvt.org or call 802.875-6000.

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