When The Rev. Josh Hosler first arrived at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Federal Way, Mary McClellan-Aronen was the Junior Warden… but it didn’t take Josh+ long to realize she was so much more. In his six years there, she has been at various times the Assistant Treasurer, the Ministry Coordinator, a Godly Play storyteller, a Eucharistic Minister and Visitor, chair of the Finance Committee, member of the Fellowship Team, member of the Flower Team, member of the Faith Formation Team, member of the Sabbatical Prep Team, a regular at their weekday Bible study, liaison to the foster family they have adopted through the Seattle Angels, and facilitator of Sacred Ground at Good Shepherd and in neighboring congregations.

On top of this, Mary maintains good connections with a conservative evangelical Bible study group; no doubt she stretches them, and they stretch her! She makes quilts for newly married couples and college students. She prays up a storm for people who are sick. And Mary always makes sure that her busy rector considers not only such things as efficiency but also the very real feelings of the people in front of him. It may look like she’s collecting ministries like Pokémon cards! But what’s really going on is that Mary is exceptionally talented at many things and cares very deeply about the Holy Spirit’s work in the church and in the world.

Mary recently had surgery, and while she recovered more quickly than anyone could have anticipated, the situation drove home to her church community just how many groups and projects are the beneficiaries of her gifts. Josh+ writes, “I will always be grateful to Mary for being a steadfast supporter of me as a first-time rector.”

I am pleased to present Mary McClellan-Aronen with the Bishop’s Cross Award.