The Rev. Greta Getlein: A New Vicar for St. Paul's, Pawtucket

The Wardens and Vestry of St. Paul's Church in Pawtucket RI are pleased to announce the call of a new Vicar, The Reverend Greta Getlein. The Rev. Getlein is to Join St. Paul's on May 1st, 2014.  She is currently serving as the Associate Dean and Director of Anglican Studies and Formation at Berkeley Divinity School, an Episcopal Seminary at Yale University.  She concurrently serves as Pastoral Associate at Christ Church, New Haven, CT.  In 2009 she earned her Master of Divinity Degree from Yale Divinity School and Diploma in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School. Upon graduation she was ordained to the Diaconate and in January, 2010 to the Priesthood.

Prior to entering seminary, she served for over ten years as Nurse Manager/Administrator in hospice and home healthcare. She was also a professional chamber singer specializing in early music and sacred music. Throughout this time she was an active lay leader in the Episcopal Church.

Since ordination she has been involved with Chapel-on-the-Green, an ecumenical service held outdoors each week for those who are uncomfortable inside a church. She is also involved with a local food pantry and Community Soup Kitchen, and a twice weekly clothing and food distribution program to folks living in poverty, called the "Midnight Run."

In describing herself she writes, "I believe in the goodness and inherent worthiness of all people and that God's love is stronger and deeper than we can ever imagine. Through the rhythm of daily prayer, corporate worship, sacrament and service we are transfigured to serve God in the world." She believes the most effective pastoral care begins with careful, attentive listening--being present for another. She is very joyful and hope filled about the "Church of the future." She believes we are in a time of transition and transformation and that what we know as church must be opened up, explored, tested, and expanded to open us to the Holy Spirit in new and exciting ways.

She is married to Wanda Strickland, B.S. Nursing and has three grown step-children and a grandson. Her family includes a special needs dog that she and Wanda recently adopted.