The congregation of St. Peter’s Episcopal Mission in Lyndonville, Vermont joyously welcomed The Reverend Regina Christianson as its Priest-in-Partnership on May 2, 2009! We are blessed to have her join us in our ongoing journey of faith and ministry.
Rev. Christianson brings to St. Peter’s Episcopal Mission a background steeped in liturgy and the arts having received a Bachelor of Arts in 1982 Regents Degree of the University of New York as well as a Masters of Divinity in 2006 with honors from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. A classroom music teacher at St. Hilda’s and St. Hugh’s School, NYC, and then a private teacher of harp, piano, and voice, Rev. Christianson maintains an active interest in liturgy, hymnody and diversity in musical and artistic expression. As a free-lance harpist and singer, she, along with her husband, Stephen D. Whiteley founded an acoustic early and Celtic music group, Gryphon and Company. They moved to Stowe, Vermont fourteen years ago, where they make their home in the forest with a pride of marginally domesticated felines.
In her part time work as a Volunteer Staff Chaplain at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vermont until January 2009, Rev. Christianson ministered to those patients with mental health issues. In her words, “Social service is at the heart of my understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Each of us has our own particular ministry as a member of Christ’s body.” She has been a spiritual counselor, accompanying and encouraging others in their own spiritual journey.
Art, literature, history, and gardening provide a healing balance in her life as well.
We, at St. Peter’s are greatly enriched by her pastoral presence and the enthusiastic musical revival her ministry brings.
Continuing with our cause for celebration, Bishop Thomas Ely will be joining us for worship for his regularly scheduled visit on Sunday, June 28th. There will be a luncheon and an all-parish meeting in the parish hall following the Sunday service. Everyone is encouraged to attend this important day at St. Peter’s.
Bishop Thomas Ely will return to St. Peter’s for a “Celebration of New Ministry” for Rev. Christianson’s call to serve our parish. This service will take place August 6, Feast of the Transfiguration.
Yours in Christ,
The Congregation of St. Peter’s Episcopal Mission
