Greetings

First, thank you to the Vestry for calling me to serve alongside you as your Interim Rector in this unexpected but exciting season at St. Stephen’s! 

Second, my Swedish last name is easier to pronounce than it appears at first glance.  It’s as easy as pretending the ‘j’ isn’t there.   

I’m a two-time graduate of the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.  I earned both my Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry on the ‘holy mountain’ as Sewanee is often called.  It’s also where I met my spouse, the Rev. Dr. Jim Melnyk, who is Rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Smithfield, NC (also a double graduate of Sewanee).  Having my undergraduate degree from the Florida State University means I can usually remain above the fray when basketball season arrives in North Carolina!

On a more personal note, I believe faith is a gift we are given by God.  As a young adult I discovered I could not be a solitary Christian.  I learned I need the community of God’s people as companions on the journey.  On those days when my faith is strongest I endeavor to help others whose faith may be in need of support.  On those days when I am in a wilderness, others of God’s people buoy me up.  It is with a grateful heart I look forward to the spiritual journey upon which we are embarking together.

Faithfully,  
Rev. Lorraine