Meet the Priest

Meet the Priest

THE REV. MARCELLA DRAWDY

Meet the Rev. Marcella Drawdy, Associate Rector, Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church

Like now, the diocese sponsored a summer camp, but the camp was held at Camp Wingman in Arcadia, our diocesan property before DaySpring. Unlike DaySpring, I’m certain that air conditioning was not part of the infrastructure of the buildings there! St. Boniface used to hold a Christmas Fair each fall. I still use a beautiful felt Advent calendar that the women of the ECW sewed for my mother and father. It is a meaningful reminder of my church family in Sarasota and forms a bridge for me in both time and place with my son, Benjamin, who used it to mark the days until Christmas when he was young.

Q: You were recently ordained in 2021. What called you to ministry and what drives you to serve?

A: My call was incremental as I became more involved with my sending parish, All Saints, Tarpon Springs. About ten years ago, I remember feeling a desire to serve as an acolyte and at the same time was asked to be on the Altar Guild. On Altar Guild I felt the holiness of caring for holy things used in worship. Serving in the All Saints sanctuary helped to strengthen the holy connection in my worship of God in ways that sitting in the pew could never do. The years worshiping and serving as an acolyte in that sacred space were altogether magnificent and humbling as Jesus confirmed my call at the credence table one Ash Wednesday. Indeed, I was called to be a priest. This experience occurred after I had received the message that although being a schoolteacher and loving my students was a good thing, I was called to preach and teach the gospel.

The Rev. Marcella Drawdy joined Trinity-by-the-Cove in 2021 following her ordination and completing her Master of Divinity from The School of Theology at the University of the South. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources from the University of the South. In her career, the Rev. Drawdy worked in the field of environmental science and management, taught high school science, and worked several years in an addictions counseling office. The Rev. Drawdy is a native Floridian, having grown up on the west coast of Florida most of her life. She has a son, Benjamin, two stepchildren, Christopher and Mary, and four grandchildren. She is well-managed by Charley, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and her cat, LilyBelle.

Q: You’re a native to the West Coast of Florida, what was your experience growing up in the church?

Q: You hold a Bachelor’s in Natural Science and worked in environmental science and management before Ordination. How does your love of the natural world connect you with the Holy Spirit?

A: As a child, I was a member of St. Boniface on Siesta Key. We moved when I was a teenager and we joined Christ Church, Bradenton.

My experiences at both churches were rich in activities and Christian education. Each had robust music programs, so I was surrounded by beautifully sung hymns and anthems. Additionally, I attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Bradenton from sixth grade until graduation, overlapping my membership at each church.

A: I find that spending time in God’s creation is restorative to my body, soul, and mind. I approach my time in the natural world with wonder, drinking in the fresh air and the landscapes and waters I encounter. Having studied Florida ecosystems, I have a sense of what to expect when I visit different natural areas. So, when I see something new, I enjoy the discovery and the moment of "wow!". God’s creativity is so captivating and perfectly complete.

Q: As a parent, how do you see the church best serving youth?

A: I think that the church serves youth best when it first listens to young people and includes them in the entire life of the church. Most Episcopal churches are smaller now than when I was young and are not able to be everything to everyone. A youth group may not be an option for a church. As we welcome young people, the needs of families are important to consider.

I am in awe at the adaptability of families during the pandemic, but I also realize that many families are struggling to do the things they once did. Supporting those families in ways that are practical and enrich the presence of God in their daily lives is so important.

Q: How is it being relatively new at a church during the pandemic?

A: Being new to a church during the pandemic is of course challenging. Since I was not here at Trinity-by-the- Cove prior to the pandemic, I do not have a full sense of what worship was like nor do I understand completely the losses the parish has experienced. I know that many traditional community events and celebrations are greatly changed or canceled, and that has had a negative impact. But God does not leave us without hope and encouragement. I have seen members of the congregation love each other during this

uneasy time by being sensitive to the concerns people have about the risks we share when we gather. I have also witnessed the acceptance that things are different and that creativity is required to see the church differently. Like all clergy, the pandemic has been a catalyst to see beyond the walls of our buildings and envision new ways of being the church.

Q: What is your favorite part of your ministry?

A: I have two favorite parts of my ministry, and both are of equal importance to me. The first is spending time with people - listening to their stories, getting to know them better, learning about their gifts and their talents, and thinking about how those might be offered in service to God. I have had wonderful opportunities to get to know the people at Trinity and others associated with the church while exploring scripture and sharing in the richness of The Episcopal Church traditions as they pertain to their journey in Christ.

My other favorite part is celebrating the Holy Eucharist with the people of God, which is as it should be. We are a sacramental people and to live as the body of Christ, the Holy Eucharist is our corporate connection with the Creator of life and love. Each time we gather for the Holy Communion we celebrate the gift of Jesus, honoring his sacrifice for us, and rejoicing in his resurrection. This offer of redemption and everlasting life is for all people. It is the greatest gift ever given to the world and I am humbled that God chose me for this work.