CENTERVILLE—The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Centerville will welcome Rev. Dr. Shannon Bramblett Burke, who is currently serving as a transitional deacon, as its new priest after her ordination takes place in January. Burke is originally from Tennessee and now calls Utah home.

“I met my husband at the University of Maryland,” said Burke. “We moved four times before landing in Utah (at HAFB).”

Burke said she enjoys the relationships and community outreach at Resurrection. “They do  important work such as Circles Group dinners and community dinners. It’s flourishing and good things are happening.”

In addition to a PhD in Policy, Planning and Administration in Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, Rev. Dr. Burke holds a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Seminary and a Diploma in Anglican Studies from Bexley Seabury in Chicago. Her discernment process began at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark in Salt Lake City, according to a Resurrection release.

“I was the Chaplain at St. Mark,” she said. “My focus was folks living in the margins. At The Point we provided wrap-around services for homeless seniors to find them permanent housing but also helped others who were unsheltered.”

Burke said they established a food pantry at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark. “We wanted to come into the life of the community.”

It’s a two-way street, she said. “We wanted to know what they needed by listening while walking alongside folks as they reinvented their life. That’s why I’m drawn to Resurrection. I can work with people in the margins and thicken the connection with folks we’re already serving.”

Burke was also the Chaplain at Lakeview Hospital. “I’m stepping away from there but this (Resurrection) ties in with the work I did there,” she said.

When Burke is ordained she will become Vicar or Priest in Charge, she said. “Right now I’m serving as a transitional deacon where I have the opportunity to serve the poor and understand the bridge between the church and the world and that it is for all. That’s a beautiful thing.”

Burke serves as a transitional deacon for six months before she can become a priest. “It’s important to lift up the plight of those in the world who are struggling and seek to serve Christ.”

“I’ve known her for more than a year,” said Wim Ray, Senior Warden for the Resurrection. “We feel she’s a good fit for our congregation.”

A priest is growth oriented, he said. “She will be part of leadership within the parish. She’ll be helping us with planning our December activities.”

She’s got a lot of energy, said Ray. “She feels that she’s been called to Resurrection. We’ve been without someone for a long time. We need energy in our leadership of all kinds, spiritual, growth, stewardship – everything. Resurrection needs her.”

“We’ve lived here for 13 years,” said Burke. “I loved raising my family here. I feel really honored to be part of the community. It is very warm and inviting. There are a lot of beautiful souls.”

Episcopal Church of the Resurrection is located at 1131 S. Main Street in Centerville.