Welcome the Rev. Brandon Nonnemaker
Let us welcome the Rev. Brandon Nonnemaker, EdD, as Associate Rector for Children, Youth, and Families!
As you know from our conversations last summer and fall, the vestry and I have been working with the parents of Grace to listen to how the Spirit was calling us to further invest in the lives of children, youth, and families in our community. The hard days of Covid focused our attention on the particular needs and potentials of this vital segment of our parish community. We shared a series of conversations and listening sessions throughout the fall and into the winter, noting areas of growth and possibility. This discernment culminated with the vestry adjusting the budget for the addition of a new staff person to focus on this key ministry area.
We opened our search to the wider area with an openness to either clergy or lay leadership, and we looked carefully at those who submitted their applications. The Rev. Brandon Nonnemaker, EdD, immediately caught the eye of the Circle of Parents who took on this intentional work.
I am happy to share with you that Brandon has accepted the invitation to join the staff team at Grace! He, his wife Mallory, and their boys Fletcher and Finley will begin with us on Monday, July 24, after they finish school and move from Alexandria, Virginia, where Brandon has been attending Virginia Theological Seminary for the past three years. We will all look towards Brandon’s ordination as a priest on Saturday, June 24 at the Cathedral of St. Philip, and then they will ease into their life here.
You will soon learn that Brandon brings enormous gifts with him to our ministry at Grace. Having taught school in White County for twelve years, he has a keen eye toward the importance of education across all age groups and was recognized by the entire district for his dedication. He has a doctorate in music education and a wealth of experience in musical theater and program development as well as in the music ministry of the Church of the Resurrection in Sautee, Georgia. He also has a deep sense of spirituality and an intentionality in the way he engages and nurtures the life of community.
Being the parents of twin sons, he and Mallory know well the challenges and opportunities that parents have today. He understands how vital it is to cultivate a practice of faith that can sustain us in this challenging world that we all share. I have no doubt that his presence will be inspiring and encouraging to everyone he meets.
Brandon’s role at Grace will focus on children, youth, and parents, so he will immediately begin reviewing and developing the full spectrum of classes and fellowship opportunities for young people and their families. He will also share fully in the worship and pastoral life of the community as a priest in the parish, so everyone will have a chance to share in his wisdom and enthusiasm in our full spectrum of worship services.
Let me also say that I am deeply grateful for the work that the Circle of Parents has done these past several months. In particular, I want to thank Sally Pittman and Dr. Stuart Deaderick, key vestry members whose attention to detail and deep care helped steer the conversations. Thank you as well to the Finance Committee and Vestry for their willingness to pay attention to the Spirit’s call and make adjustments that support God’s dream for this community.
The Rev. Dr. Stuart Higginbotham
Rector