Nine years ago, shortly after I was called to St. Dunstan’s Church, a young couple visited our worship. Jonathan Hanneman and Shannon Walker later told me that they intended to worship at a different church that morning but discovered that it was closed that day, so they came to St. Dunstan’s instead. I thank God for bringing them to us. Over the next few years they joined the Adult Education team and helped us deliver a class on Psalm 23 that we called, “Occupy Lent.” We went on to teach classes on forgiveness and reconciliation. Jonathan participated in writing the curriculum and delivering the classes. Shannon eventually served on the vestry. Jonathan sang in the choir where we discovered that he has a beautiful tenor voice and is an accomplished composer and director. He later served as interim Music Director and as Parish Administrator while he was in the discernment process for holy orders. Eventually, Jonathan and Shannon moved to Austin, Texas to attend The Seminary of the Southwest where he earned his Master in Divinity degree.
Jonathan, now the Rev. Jonathan Hanneman, was called as a curate to Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Redmond, Washington, working with the Rev. Jim Eichner. Holy Cross has a special place in my heart because they sponsored me for holy orders just as we have sponsored Jonathan. I am delighted that Jonathan and Shannon were able to return to Seattle, and even more delighted that Jonathan will be preaching for us this coming Sunday.
Please come on Sunday to greet and congratulate Jonathan and Shannon on this new chapter in their lives. Jonathan will give the sermon and we have a very special reception planned following the 10:00 AM service.
Yours in Christ,
David+