The Rev. Suzi Drury - Director of Pastoral Care

The Rev. Suzi Drury, Director of Pastoral Care
Phone: 913-236-8600 Ext. 325
Email: suzi@stmaa.com

Interview with Suzi Drury, Director of Pastoral Care

What was the most important moment in your spiritual journey?

As it does for so many people, God came to me through another person, at a time when my life was very bleak. I had been through a divorce. I had come up against barriers that prevented me from following a path that I felt God had called me to take. And I was angry. Angry at the church. Angry at God. I was spiritually depleted. And I couldn’t see a way forward.

At the time, I was supervisor of nursing at a hospital in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and often, during my lunch break, I would take a walk and would pass St. John’s Episcopal Church. One day I felt moved to go in to the church. I didn’t really have a purpose in mind. I don’t really know that I expected anything out of it. I just went in. And there I met Father Goodrow, and he took me under his wing and guided me and encouraged me and helped put me back on the path God had called me to take, and it led me to my ordination as a deacon.

How do you know that God is at work in your life?

It’s through prayer that I know that God is at work. I believe in the power of prayer. I’ve seen so many miracles in my work as a nurse and as a deacon. And I can tell you that miracles come when people pray. It’s through prayer that we make ourselves available to God. And that’s when he uses us to achieve his purposes.

Describe St. Michael and All Angels to someone who’s never been here and knows nothing about the congregation.

Ours is the most hospitable congregation I’ve ever been a part of. We are truly blessed. There is a welcoming culture here that makes people feel like they belong. We’re inclusive. As Jesus was. At a practical level, we have lots to offer families, younger married couples, single people, older adults, youth. There are so many opportunities for education, mission, fellowship, service, and formation. It’s a very rich environment.

And I must say that here at St. Michael and All Angels, our liturgy is one of the most cherished aspects of our life together. We do it by the book, and we do it right. And the music is just glorious.

What’s the most satisfying thing about your ministry?

Working with and leading a team of individuals who are called to respond to people in need. Watching people give of themselves, selflessly and without hesitation is just so satisfying. And to see the difference it makes in the lives of those we are blessed to minister to, well, it’s really life-changing.

What’s the Main Thing about your ministry?

When you’re called to be a deacon, you’re called to be a servant. So, my ministry is one of service. My specific ministry here, at St. Michael and All Angels, is pastoral care. We’ve formed a team of parishioners who are trained to help meet virtually any need a person might have. My responsibility is to serve the needs of that team as they serve the pastoral needs of our congregation.

What do you do for fun?

Well, my husband and I are avid golfers. We really love the game. I’m a big reader. And we also enjoy cooking. My signature dish is pork tenderloin with apple chutney. It’s to die for. And I have four beautiful grandsons, who provide me with more fun and joy than I could ever want.

Why should someone come to St. Michael and All Angels?

Because the gospel — the good news of Jesus Christ — is both proclaimed and lived here. You will be welcomed here, just as Christ has welcomed us.