Grace Church’s newest Vicar

Submitted by Katherine Bryant Ingman

It is with great excitement that we announce the call of Grace Church’s newest vicar, the Rev. Rebecca McClain.

McClain is a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and was ordained in 1985. She has served as priest at the congregational, diocesan and national levels. She additionally served during retirement as interim dean of Saint Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego, California.

It’s safe to say McClain comes to Lopez Island full of experience and passion for humans as the beloved of God. We are thrilled to have her join us in the San Juan Islands and to begin leading us all in becoming greater instruments for love. We are grateful for her saying yes to Grace and for her big move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Lopez Island.

McClain is ending her time as the chair of the board of the Grammy Award-winning Phoenix Chorale and is helping lead the search team for the next artistic director. She is especially passionate about leading the youth in faith formation. She has done this by serving on the board of the Godly Play Foundation for the Episcopal Church. McClain has also recently published a book, “Graceful Nurture,” about adult faith formation.

McClain has three grown children and four grandchildren. They are the joy of her life. She shares her home with three Tibetan spaniels, staying grounded in the daily rhythm of life with dogs.

McClain’s first Sunday was June 9, celebrating Pentecost and our new leadership.

McClain loves people and hopes to meet everyone and get acquainted not just at church but also in members’ homes and all over the island, exploring the new landscape and caring for the entire community.

We hope to see you lots over the coming months.