Leadership

The vestry

Our leadership meets every other month to oversee the spiritual life and care of the assets of Christ Church. Our vestry includes six at-large members, two wardens, the treasurer and a clerk, and is headed by our priest. Together, we share our joys and concerns about our congregational life and the community around us, and we consider how best to follow God’s call to be the church in Hornell.

The Rev. Shanna Hawks

Shanna (she/her) joined Christ Church as the Rector in 2023. Shanna is originally from Washington State, having grown up in Central Washington and graduated from Western Washington University, where she studied History, Latin and Greek. Seeking a missional church education rooted in the growing reality of an increasingly unchurched context, she received her Masters of Divinity at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. Sponsored for ordination within the Diocese of Spokane, she came to Christ Church after serving as Curate at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Richland, WA.

Shanna is passionate about forming and nurturing disciples who follow Christ with their heads and their hearts. She loves people of all ages and has a particular fondness for working with youth. Emphasizing God’s desire to be in full relationship with humanity as a part of God’s creation, Shanna welcomes questions and uncertainty, knowing that God can and does work in the places where we are the least sure. She delights in God’s welcome of all people, with no exceptions.

Along with her work for Christ Church, Shanna serves as the priest of Good Shepherd in Savona, NY and is the chaplain to the Savona Volunteer Fire Department. Aside from her work in the church, she is always happy to make new friends as she continues to explore the Southern Tier of New York.

Shanna can be reached by calling the church at (607-324-3620) or by email.