Rev. Scott Parnell will join our diocese this fall as the new priest for Christ Church in Binghamton. As we welcome to Central New York, read his responses to questions we recently asked him to get to know him!
What has your journey as an ordained person been like?
Full of fun and excitement! I began my ordained ministry as a chaplain at an Episcopal Boarding School (Christchurch School in Saluda, Virginia). I was able to expand the imagination of what a priest was – I substitute taught Chemistry and coached soccer wearing a clerical collar – in addition to the generally “expected” roles that a school chaplain plays. While at Christchurch, I supplied for a small, rural congregation named Vauter’s and was then invite to serve as their priest-in-charge.
After a few years at the school, it became apparent that my family needed a different type of routine and schedule. Through a process of discernment, I was called to Ware Episcopal Church in Gloucester, Virginia. This pastoral size community has embraced the creative spirit to find was to engage their wider community while sharing about the transformative love of Jesus.
What is your life like outside of ministry?
Life outside of ministry is all about living into my vocation as a husband and father. My wife, Pilar, is also an Episcopal priest (and from Central New York). We have two amazing children – Charlene and George – and we love doing life with them. In my non-existent free time, I am finishing a DMin at Sewanee: The University of the South and enjoy playing Ultimate Frisbee.
What called out to you about Christ Church that led you to enter their discernment/search process?
The culture of Christ Church to be engaged with their local community and willingness to seek new and creative ways to evangelize. They were also looking to be creative on building a faith formation program that was asynchronous with Sunday morning. Those are two things that I am incredibly passionate about – and it quickly became obvious that this is where God was calling me.
What is your hope/dream for the ministry of your new parish?
My dream for Christ Church as we embark on this new season of ministry is that we form a true partnership in seeking those outside our community to draw them into the knowledge and love of God. It is my hope and prayer that we be bold and courageous in proclaiming the good news of Jesus.
