WELCOME REV. EMILY & ST. THOMAS DEAF EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Alleluia! Our long hours, numerous coffees & conversations are blossoming into a new partnership for ministry in Christ! On Sunday, October 3, 2021, we officially welcome The Rev. Dr. Emily Hillquist Davis our new rector along with St. Thomas Deaf Episcopal Church, the congregation she has served as Vicar since her ordination. During many of those 14 years, she also joyfully served larger congregations in our diocese (part-time and overtime).
Cradle Episcopalian and “Army brat,” Rev. Emily grew up moving frequently, flourishing in the light and love of many communities, cultures, and languages. German and ASL (American Sign Language) have joined English and the beauty of nature as languages of her heart. Her parents & grandparents served in all manner of lay ministry roles wherever they lived, which paved her way into a lifelong love of the church. Her parents moved to this Diocese in 2001 after her mom’s ordination to the priesthood. Rev. Kitty served two churches in southern Missouri over the course of 15 years and died this January of Alzheimer’s. Rev. Emily was ordained to the Priesthood on June 29, 2007, by Bishop Wayne Smith, and is now excited to make her spiritual home amongst us with her husband Warren whom she met in 1989, on her first day at Washington University here in St. Louis. Twelve years and three children later, she earned her Ph.D. in German Literature. Her study of the theology and visions of medieval Christian mystics launched her into seminary to participate more fully in the communion of Christ-hungry hearts.
Grown offspring Sophia (& Ben), Alex, and Christian only half-jokingly say their parents lead the “GrassRoots Association of Semi wild Suburban Yards”. They humbly count as pets the sparrows, goldfinches, hummingbirds, treefrogs, doves, hawks, squirrels, possums, groundhogs, and other backyard guests roaming amidst sunflowers, veggies, and mystery plants. Emily & Warren also like to ride bikes, walk and travel together, and Emily is certified to teach Yoga.
We are beyond excited to see where this new ADVENTure takes us.
Welcome to Advent, Rev. Emily, St. Thomas Deaf Episcopal Church, and all your beloveds and friends! Come one, come all!
Rev. Emily is delighted to begin meeting you this Tuesday, September 14 at the concert & BBQ!
(Click here for more information on this event.)
Now to God who is able —not by pushing us around, but by working within us— to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine… To God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)