A Fresh Season of Ministry: The Journey of Shannon Ames Fuller

We are delighted to share that Shannon Ames Fuller was ordained as a transitional deacon on Saturday, January 25th! Transitional deacons spend a period of time (normally a year) as deacons on their way to being ordained to the priesthood, grounding all ordained clergy as “deacons first.” As you get to know Shannon in new ways this year, we hope you’ll quickly see her heart for worship, her theological strength, her preaching, her gift for guiding children and youth, and her deep desire to serve God’s people of all ages.

A Heart for Ministry and Education

Shannon grew up in beautiful upstate New York in a family of strong faith. She spent her childhood in a non-denominational environment and gradually came into Anglicanism, moving through a charismatic Bible school, community college, and then Wesleyan University. After graduating with a degree in communications and a minor in childhood education, Shannon went right into work as an administrator and program director for the Episcopal Diocese of Albany’s youth and summer camp program, where she discovered a deep love for liturgy and the Book of Common Prayer.

Longing to delve further into ministry, Shannon then spent time in urban outreach with a group of priest friends who encouraged her to “check out their seminary.” That path led her to Trinity Anglican Seminary in Pennsylvania, where her understanding of the theological underpinnings of Anglicanism only fueled her excitement to engage more deeply with this expression of the faith. During these years, she confirmed a call to ordained ministry, met and married her husband Andrew (a fellow seminarian), and welcomed their first child. Surrounded by the support and grace of Trinity professors, fellow seminarians, clergy, and laypeople, Shannon’s calling was affirmed and shaped in a profound way.

Formal Education
  • Associate of Science (A.S.) in Elementary Education and Teaching from Mohawk Valley Community College
  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Rhetorical Communication with a minor in Inclusive Childhood Education from Houghton University (NY)
  • Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Trinity Anglican Seminary (PA), where Shannon was appointed Class President

She is also certified in Godly Play, a children’s ministry approach that embraces wonder, discovery, and interactive Scripture.

Shannon’s unique blend of academic excellence and hands-on ministry has led her to focus on nurturing faith in children, youth, and families in ways that are both theologically robust and spiritually engaging.

Ministry Experience

Shannon’s passion for children’s and youth ministry has guided her for well over a decade. In her administrative and leadership role at the Episcopal Diocese of Albany (NY), she launched K–6th grade summer programs and coordinated youth events year-round for middle and high school students. As she moved to church plants in Edgeworth and State College, Pennsylvania, Shannon introduced children’s chapel programs mirroring the liturgical worship of the main congregation, ensuring a smooth transition for kids from preschool through second grade into “big church.”

Through these experiences, Shannon fell in love with the beauty and depth of Anglican worship, instilling in her a commitment to Godly Play—a method that fosters curiosity, playfulness, and an interactive experience with Scripture. By weaving together songs, biblical storytelling, and opportunities for reflection, Shannon creates spaces where children can feel at home in the church’s liturgical life and grow in their own faith.

Life at Home

Shannon and her husband, Andrew (a C4SO Deacon who is Assisting Clergy at SLMD), met as students at Trinity Anglican Seminary. They married and worked in ministry in Pittsburgh before moving to TX. They now live in Hurst with their three children: Ephrem, Lilias, and Adorée (born just a week before her friend, Trixie Madden!). When she isn’t juggling family life and ministry, you can find Shannon exploring the outdoors, strolling through coffee shops, or tending to her garden—little ones usually in tow!

Looking Ahead: Ordination and Service at St. Luke

Shannon joined the staff at St. Luke as Family Minister in September, bringing with her a robust theological foundation and a deep commitment to nurturing the faith of every generation. On Saturday, January 25th, Shannon was ordained as a transitional deacon—a significant step on the journey toward eventual ordination as a priest, God willing. She was ordained by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, but will transfer her orders to the Diocese of C4SO now that she is serving at SLMD. In her new role as deacon, Shannon will continue to share her enthusiasm, strong theological insight, and heart for service with our parish, especially among our families and youngest members.

Shannon often describes herself as an “older sister in the faith,” walking alongside children and youth as they grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. She reminds us that as adults, even while we teach and nurture our children’s spiritual lives, we are also learning from their childlike wonder and trust—a beautiful reflection of how Jesus calls us to approach His Kingdom.

Join Us in Celebrating Shannon!

We couldn’t be more excited for Shannon as she enters ordained ministry and continues to serve in this vital role at SLMD. Her presence among us will undoubtedly enrich our worship, connect us more deeply to our youngest members, and invite all of us to step more fully into the wonder and beauty of God’s story.

Please join us in congratulating Shannon. Let’s walk together, side by side, as we continue to nurture faith in the next generation and, in the process, discover anew the childlike hearts we are all called to have in God’s Kingdom.

We thank God for leading Shannon to St. Luke Medical District, for calling her into ordained ministry, and for the countless ways her gifts will bless our entire church family in the days ahead!

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