Priest, deacon honored at St. Luke Episcopal Church

Interim bishop visits congregation to bless ministers

By Rob Cullivan

The Gresham Outlook, Jul 31, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Jim Clark / Gresham Outlook

Interim Episcopal Bishop Sandy Hampton, center, speaks to the congregation at St. Luke Episcopal Church on July 27.

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The Rev. Jennifer Creswell has taken a shine to the folks at St. Luke Episcopal Church, 120 S.W. Towle Ave.

“It’s been so great,” she exclaimed after a July 28 evening liturgy installing her as rector of the church. “This congregation has been so supportive and forgiving of my faults.”

And what, precisely, are those faults?

“I’m not going to go there,” she replied with a chuckle.

The young priest, who was ordained in 2006 in Millbrook, N.Y., has actually worked at St. Luke since January 2008 but was officially installed as rector this week.

The liturgy also recognized the arrival of the Rev. Maureen Hagen, who has served as the church’s deacon since April.

Interim Bishop Sandy Hampton of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon noted Creswell represents his denomination well.

“She’s attracted people to this church,” he said. “She’s doing all kinds of innovative things. She’s been a good and faithful priest, and I think she’s a keeper.”

Godly couple

A highlight for many at the service was the sermon offered by the Rev. Ian Doescher, pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Portland. The minister also happens to be married to Creswell, with whom he’s raising two boys, and spoke movingly of his wife and her ministry.

“Since the day we met and talked and walked and, strangely, loved one another, I have watched as you have been seeking to find your voice, your confidence, your place of gentle authority, your capacity for the powerful expression of love,” Doescher said to his wife as she sat in a pew listening.

“St. Luke’s has helped you find that voice, has helped give you confidence and a spring in your step that hasn’t been there before. You are in love with this community, and it is a delight to see,” he added.

After the service, Doescher said he believes his wife found a perfect match in the small congregation at St. Luke, which numbers about 100 members.

“Jennifer’s is not a big lights and big sound effects kind of ministry,” Doescher said. “Both the community and Jennifer have a contemplative spirituality.”

Creswell agreed, noting that quieter form of spirituality is represented by the church’s outdoor labyrinth, which is open to anyone who wants to walk it as a meditative exercise.

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