Meet the Priest Associate, The Reverend Steven C. Andersen
Steve’s history shares many stories that are typical for Episcopalians. He was born and raised in rural Shoshone Idaho (ok, that’s not typical). With two school age children, his parents started church shopping. They were from different religious backgrounds, and visited the local Episcopal Parish at the invitation of one of his father’s co-workers. It became their family church, where Steve was baptized at age 10, and confirmed at age 12. His father enjoyed serving a few terms on the Vestry, and his mother the annual Rummage Sale and women’s organizations. Church attendance wasn’t mandatory, and at about age 17, Steve transitioned to a C & E (Christmas and Easter) Episcopalian. And after high school graduation, even the C and E lapsed.
The lapse lasted for 22 years. In 1995, with a three year old daughter of his own, Steve reminisced about his fondest childhood memories, Christmas Eve services in the small town, Norman Rockwell-ian white steepled church. He was surprised to find that Centerville had its own Episcopal parish, although it was a bit hard to find, housed as it was in the old bank building. With much trepidation, he attended Sunday services at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection December 17, 1995, to do some reconnaissance before taking his family there for Christmas Eve services. That day turned out to be the seminal day in his life.
He discovered a congregation that was genuine, welcoming and friendly beyond description. He rediscovered the moving hymns of the church, and the liturgical worship that has mediated the Holy for generations in the church. In that place, and on that day, for the very first time, God became real and personal for Steve. Who would have thought?
Steve immersed himself in the life of this remarkable parish – twice weekly services, Bible study, choir, conventions, Vestry, Sunday School, as Treasurer, and in lay worship participation. In 1998, Dovie Hutchinson, the parish’s beloved local Priest, was retiring. Late that summer, Steve’s name came out of a discernment process, called to begin the process of seeking ordination as a locally trained Priest. With various leaders, mentors and programs, that process culminated in his ordination to the transitional diaconate in June 2003, and as a Priest under the general ordination canons in February 2004.
In addition to continuing to serve as the Assisting Priest at Resurrection, Steve has also been active throughout the Diocese and community. He serves on the Board of the Mount Olivet Cemetery and the Episcopal Management Corporation, he has served as Diocesan Treasurer and on the Diocesan Council.