I was born in Ethiopia, where my biologist parents were teaching at the time,
but I only lived there until I was two. I was raised in the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ,
the church in which my father has been a minister since I was 10. Between my
junior and senior years in high school, I spent a month at Centre College in
Danville, KY. The
Disciples’ church was beyond walking distance from campus and I ended up
visiting Trinity Episcopal and falling in love with the Episcopal Church. The
priesthood, however, was far from my mind.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to grow up to be a biologist like my
parents. All through school, college, and into graduate school becoming a
biologist was my goal. Then, after six years of working toward a Ph.D. in
evolutionary ecology (taking seriously our Lord’s suggestion to ‘consider
the sparrows’), I followed God’s calling to the priesthood and went to
Sewanee for seminary. After graduating in 2001 I became assistant to the
rector at Good Shepherd in Lexington, Ky.
My emphases in ministry are spiritual growth, teaching, and outreach. I am
very interested in ministry with the growing Hispanic population. Ever since my
first visit to Trinity I have also been in love with the beauty of the liturgy.
I am sure that my ministry will reflect all these loves in many
different ways. My vision for Our Saviour is still forming and will continue to
change and develop as I get to know you. I can tell you, though, that increasing
membership is vital and a new building will be crucial in achieving that goal.
Madison County is big enough to support two healthy Episcopal churches. The
harvest is plentiful. I pray that together we will build our church and with it
the Kingdom of God.
On a more personal note, I’m 35 years old. I still love biology and science
in general and I tend to approach questions from a scientific point of view,
that is, analytically and methodically. I enjoy gardening, hiking, and the
outdoors. I love computers and enjoy both working with them and playing games on
them. I enjoy reading fantasy and science fiction and I love poetry. My wife,
Kate, and I have been married for 13 years. We have two sons, Micah who is 8 and
Lucas who is 5.
Grace and Peace,
Fr. Birch Rambo
