With great joy, we share here that the SsAM Vestry has called

The Reverend Patrick Burke

to serve as the new Rector of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (SsAM).

Please read below to enjoy his video introduction and a video of his first sermon at SsAM.

The Rev. Burke began his ministry at SsAM in early September, 2023.

Sunday, September 17 was Welcome Sunday, when the Rev. Burke preached and celebrated at both 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services.  There were receptions after both services, with a 3-piece jazz band at the latter event.

Getting to know our new Rector!

The Rev. Patrick Burke completed a Master of Divinity degree at Bexley Seabury Seminary in Chicago, served for two years as a seminary intern at All Saints Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, followed by being Curate and Associate Pastor at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Brownsburg, Indiana.

The Rev. Burke comes to us from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, where he has served since 2019, in the role of Minister for Justice and Community Collaboration and Parish Missioner. His resume describes some of this recent work this way:

Initially hired to create experimental ministry and spiritual community for unchurched, vulnerable, isolated and socially-marginalized young adults in an urban, non-church space in predominantly college-age night life scene.

In this role, he:

• Attracted 15+ young adults, across racial and gender identities, who integrated into and regularly participate in the life of the parish.

• Following the global pandemic that radically shifted ministry context and norms, he expanded his position to that of community chaplain and public advocate, developing relationships with justice-aligned grassroot non-profits and faith communities seeking spiritual healing and care (Damien Center, Abby Hunt Bryce Home).

• Managed a large project to establish and support The Avenue Foundation and Coffee Shop & Café, and Established Wilderness Worship at state parks throughout the area, fostering creative relationships across faith traditions for people interested in spiritual life and community but not traditional religious practice.

The Rev. Burke has created this personal video introduction for all of us at SsAM.

Click the red button to play the video. Click on other buttons to enable closed captions, full screen, etc.

If you are not able to play the video media, click here to read the transcript of his message.

Getting ready to welcome our new Rector!

Over the next several weeks there will be more information forthcoming, via e-Blast, Vision, the SsAM website, and mailings for those not online.

The Vestry has commissioned the Search Committee to serve as the Transition Committee. The Transition Committee will help Rev. Burke and his family (including their dog Fezzik) get off to a great start, and will organize a series of get-acquainted gatherings to occur between late September and mid-November.

In her message to the congregation on Sunday August 6, 2023, Senior Warden Sandy Johnson offered this affirming message to us all:

SsAM, we kept the faith —
We prayed for a great match —
We believed and God delivered —
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and be transfigured to service.
Thank you GOD!

This post was created with input from Sr. Warden Sandy Johnson, Parish Administrator D-L Casson, Webmaster Danny Schweers, Transition Committee Chair Sherry Goodill and Vice-Chair Bill Young.

First Sermon