We are blessed to welcome a very special guest preacher on Sunday, October 8, at the 9:00 and 11:00 am services. Rector R. Scott Painter describes her this way:

“People are often the ministers of God’s help and faithfulness to us in our “Ebenezers.” One of those very special and important people to me is The Rev. Ryan Hawthorne. Ryan and I served together at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Houston. Ryan+ graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2013 and was the Missioner for Youth at St. Stephen’s when I began my ordained ministry as their curate. She is now Associate Rector at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston. Ryan+ was one of the featured speakers at EYE23 in Baltimore this summer, and I hope our youth who attended might remember her and come Sunday to hear more from her. I’m so excited to welcome Ryan+ to be with us this week for our celebration, and to be our preacher at the 9:00 and 11:00 services. I asked Ryan+ to tell us a little about herself, and she provided the short bio below and a photo.”

Ryan+ is Black, queer, woman and a priest in the diocese of Texas. She received her M.Div in 2013 and completed a Diploma in Anglican Studies in 2021. Ryan loves exploring ministry and theology on the edge and at the intersections of race, class, and gender/sexuality. In her free time, Ryan enjoys exploring Houston, sitting with friends on patios, and any activity involving water. She also revels in the great joy of raising a young child.