Greetings my friends,

Let’s pause to remember how the disciples received the gift of the Spirit and were empowered to share the good news with those near and far. As followers, we are invited to do the same, partnering with the Spirit who weaves us into one another’s lives, forming us into a beloved community.

Allow me to introduce myself; I am Father John Daniels, your appointed Priest in Charge. I am delighted to serve the people of this community, especially given the historical significance of Elkins Park and the City of Brotherly Love! The joy evident by the smiles on your faces as we sing and worship as a multicultural community gives me joy and hope for the future of this congregation and our country.

A lifelong Episcopalian, I grew up in Lambertville, NJ, before moving to the West Coast to attend college and start my career in banking, insurance, and real estate, primarily in Seattle, Washington. My wife Lori and I have been married for more than 30 years, and we have four adult children. We do not have any grandchildren yet, but we have two Briard dogs named Genevieve (Genna) and Napoleon (Poley). They are a handful and keep us very busy!

My journey to ordination began at our home parish, Saint Thomas Medina, WA. The then Bishop, Vincent Warner, encouraged me to pursue ordination, which, after much discussion with my family, I agreed. We moved our young family to Alexandria, VA, where I attended Virginia Theological Seminary. During seminary, I was a hospital chaplain for Children’s National Hospital. I continued my chaplaincy work after seminary at Virginia Hospital Center and Community Hospice in Washington, DC, along with working as a youth minister and school chaplain in Bowie, Maryland. Then, I received a call to Church Farm School in Exton, PA, to serve as their school chaplain, world religion teacher, and community service director. Where I served for nine years before accepting a call, as the middle school chaplain and religion teacher at the Episcopal Academy. Then I began serving as priest-in-charge at Saint Paul’s Elkins Park in 2023, and currently servicing as priest in charge at two local congregations!

I live my life believing that God is in control, not John Daniels! So, when the diocese approached me to consider a priest in charge ministry, I did not hesitate in responding to the call. And I am so happy that I did!

As I reflect over the first few months of my ministry here at Saint Paul’s, I am mindful of how the Spirit has been at work, weaving us in and out of one another’s lives. Let us continue to trust in God and one another as we build and grow God’s church. o that we may continue to worship, sing, praise, and give thanks for the many blessings of this life! Thank you for welcoming me into your community and join us, as we spread the Good News!

Faithfully,

Fr. John Daniels