St. Andrew's Welcomes New Rector

Father Grant Ambrose to arrive early March 2019

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

First, I give thanks to Almighty God for calling me and my family to serve and be a part of the community of St. Andrew’s, York, PA. Second, I am grateful to Bishop Scanlan, the Vestry and the search committee for entrusting me with this call. With God’s grace and help, I look forward to being your pastor, priest, and companion in The Way as we seek to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in York and beyond. Martha, my wife, and Alice, our 9-month old daughter, send you greetings.

I grew up in Northeastern North Carolina near the small town of Creswell. A fifth-generation Episcopalian, my home parish was Galilee Mission Episcopal Church where I was baptized and confirmed. I attended North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, NC. graduating in 2001 with B.A.s in History and English. Before entering Virginia Theological Seminary in 2008, I taught High School History and English and worked with the North Carolina Department of Archives and History, Historic Sites Section.

I graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2011, and was ordained Deacon at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Washington, NC, on June 11. In July 2011, I joined the staff of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, Virginia. During my time at St. Mary’s, Arlington, I directed the Mission and Outreach Ministry, the 20s/30s Ministry and engaged in many Christian Formation programs and in all aspects of the liturgy.

In 2014, I was called to be the Rector of Ware Episcopal Church in Gloucester, VA. (think Colonial Williamsburg and head Northeast). While at Ware Church, I worked to enhance and expand lay ministry leadership, revamped the Pastoral Care Ministry which included beginning a program for our 80s/90s years old, and worked to strengthen our outreach programs. I also helped start a joint ministry with two neighboring Episcopal Churches and started a relationship with a local Baptist church. Martha and I married on April 20, 2013, at St. Mary’s, Arlington. On May 11, 2018 we welcomed our daughter, Martha Alice Caroline, into the world.

We look forward to becoming a part of the St. Andrew’s family and to carrying out the ministry God has called us to. See you in March.

Faithfully,
Fr. Grant