Our Rector

Rev. Rebecca Myers

Family is important to me.  My ancestors on my father's side came from
Germany to Pennsylvania in the early 18th century.  My ancestors on my
mother's side were from the islands of Italy.  My grandfather came to
this country illegally in 1925.  I think of him every time I eat red
onions since he worked to get them to grow in the short growing season
of upstate New York.  I spent much of my life in central Pennsylvania,
although I've lived in North Carolina, New York (State and City),
Maryland, Kansas and Kentucky.

I was a Roman Catholic for the first 9 years of my life and then
became Lutheran, which was my father's tradition.  I am a fairly new
Episcopalian and believe it blends both of these faith traditions of
my life in the best way.  Growing up I was part of a church community
in Harrisburg that stressed the importance of working for justice,
even when that work may be unpopular.  My parents modeled this work in
their own lives.

My career prior to ordination was in social work, which also values
working for justice.  I have a Bachelor's degree from Shippensburg
University of Pennsylvania and a Master's degree (MSW) from the
University of Kansas.  I also have a Certificate in Organizational
Development from the NTL Institute.  Most of my social work career was
in leading nonprofit organizations.  I worked for nearly 20 years for
the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in Pennsylvania and
also at the national office in Washington, DC.  Much of that work
involved lobbying and advocacy.  In fact, even in my "free time," I
enjoy advocacy activities that improve communities.  I try to embody
our baptismal covenant to ". . . strive for justice and peace among
all people, and respect the dignity of every human being."

In 2006, I relocated to the Washington DC area, where I started
attending the Washington National Cathedral.  I love to sing and was
blessed to sing in the first volunteer choir at the Cathedral,
Cathedral Voices.  It was there I felt God calling me into the
ordained ministry.  In June, 2010 I became a Postulant for Holy Orders
in the Diocese of Washington and began seminary at General Theological
Seminary in New York City in August of that year, graduating with my
Master's of Divinity in May 2013.  I was ordained to the Transitional
Diaconate in January, 2013 and ordained to the priesthood the end of
July, 2013.

From August 2013 through May, 2015, I have worked for The Episcopal
Diocese of Lexington, serving in two locations:  Priest-in-Charge, St.
John's Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY and Executive Director, St. Agnes'
House, Lexington, KY.  St. Agnes' House is a Diocesan ministry that
provides lodging to people who travel to the medical hub of Lexington
for medical treatment.  Many of the people served live in Appalachian
Kentucky.

I am a mother of two adult children, Scot and Carrie.  Scot is married
to Leah and they have two children, Logan and Sydney.  Only ask about
my grandchildren if you have plenty of time and tolerance for hearing
stories about them.  Being a grandmother is amazing.  I also love
traveling, movies, reading, and nearly anything on the water.