Dear Good Samaritan Family,

I feel so blessed and delighted to be joining you as your new Rector. Many, many years ago I heard a still, small voice calling me to the priesthood. And, specifically, to parish ministry. I had always envisioned a church that cared deeply for one another; that really and truly enjoyed spending time together. But, beyond that, I dreamt of a parish that extended that love beyond their walls to care for their neighbors and their community at large. In my dream that parish had a deep appreciation and love for art and music and beauty like I did. What I can say with certainty now is that the parish I was imagining is you.

I am so grateful that God has brought us together and for the diligent, Spirit-filled, and deeply caring work of all who have been involved in this search process.

As the days and months unfold we will learn far more about each other. But to get the ball rolling I’d like to share a little about myself. I believe that I have been given/challenged with three vocations: priest, spouse, and parent. My journey to the priesthood involved earning a doctorate in Physical Therapy and practicing for a spell before attending seminary. From there I spent some time before ordination as the Worship Coordinator at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle and as deacon, curate, and associate priest at Christ Episcopal Church in the University District of Seattle. I also did my chaplaincy training at Harborview Medical Center. I love theology, I am a self-professed liturgy nerd, and I believe that God and the holy should be made accessible to all people.

My spouse, Amanda, is a pharmacist and manager who primarily works with patients who are in long term care settings and/or are unhoused. Her pharmacies are also working to battle the opioid crisis. Pharmacy is her vocation and she loves it passionately. I think she’s a saint.

We have one daughter, Wren, who started preschool this year. She is spunky, funny, and loves all things pink! She is also deeply spiritual in ways that astound me. She was with Amanda and me when we were taken on a tour of the church and she could not be happier that there is a playground AND kid’s activities in church!

I am so excited to get to explore the ways you have been church and dream together about the endless possibilities for the future. Good Samaritan is a very special place, indeed, and I can’t wait to join you, in the words of my favorite poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, “to fling out broad its name.”

If you’d like to learn more, see some pictures, or hear some sermons feel free to check out my website www.therevchrismcpeak.com. Or, an email address has already been set up for me so feel free to send me a message: [email protected]. I can’t wait to meet you all!

Peace,
Chris +