E-Mail: rectorstpj@snet.net
So, what are the important things to know about the Rector? How about that I love being in ministry with this congregation, and that’s the truth! I was called to be rector in 1993, and was glad to join with people who were so clearly seeking to be, as best they could, Christ’s light in the city.
All of my ordained ministry has been in urban settings; Royal Oak and Eastpointe Michigan, both part of the greater Detroit area, and now New Haven. I am someone who passionately believes in and rejoices in building with others the beloved community, where all are welcomed and have a chance to find hope, wholeness and holiness. Here, at St. Paul and St. James, the associate rector, Harlon Dalton and I are committed to living into a unique collegial partnership as an interracial female and male team and the congregation seeks to live out a radical and joyful hospitality.
My husband, Dexter Cheney, is also an ordained priest, presently serving at Church of the Holy Spirit in West Haven. Both of us have strong New England roots even as we’ve each lived in other places (Washington D.C., Ohio, Oregon, New York City, Alaska…a strange mix!)
Before heading towards ordination I was the area coordinator for the Wiscasset, Maine Head Start program. From there I went off to Virginia Theological Seminary, graduating in 1980 and then going on to serve in Michigan before coming here. I’ve since also received a DMin in Congregational Development from Seabury Western Theological Seminary. I have a daughter, Diana, and a son, Lee. My grandsons are Joe and Jake. The cats who live with Dexter and me are named Rachel, Pete, and Max.
I enjoy gardening, making music, and am a liturgical dancer.
