About
I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Song of Songs 2:1
Rows of Sharon is a place to share passion and insights for those who care about lifelong Christian formation – or at least to listen in to someone who is on a journey of self-reflection in the midst of being called to the ministry of Christian formation as a lay person.
I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Song of Songs 2:1
Who am I? A wife, mom, daughter and an educator with a passion for lifelong Christian formation. I’m blessed to be able to live out my vocation in the world through my work at Church Publishing Incorporated as their Christian Formation Specialist. My role is to support and assist individuals and congregations in strengthening their Christian formation ministries and programs.
A lifelong Episcopalian, I’ve been involved in all levels of church life on the congregational level – volunteer & staff – Director of Christian Education, Church School teacher, youth leader, acolyte trainer, Eucharistic minister, Vestry member (governing board), Search Committee (for a new rector), Outreach Commission, Choir, and even church secretary for a short time. I’ve also held leadership
Sharon & John
positions in several regional and national Christian Education committees, commissions and networks. My whole adult life has involved teaching. With a BS in Special Education, my first jobs were teaching teens with learning disabilities. I’ve taught in a Nursery School, where I also led the weekly children’s chapel. I have a certificate in Christian Education from Hartford Seminary and an MA in Christian Education from Virginia Theological Seminary. With training as a Godly Play teacher and EfM (Education for Ministry) mentor, I’ve been on a journey with the youngest and oldest seekers and learners.
I live in Norwalk, Connecticut with my husband, John and cat, Shadow. We have two grown children; Becca is finishing up her certification as a high school science teacher (she has a degree in Marine Biology and previously was an educator at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk) and Chris, a recent grad graduate living in Boston. We love to travel and had the wonderful opportunity (as a family!) to raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon in September 2009. A trip of a lifetime!
Last day on the Colorado!
I began this journey with Church Publishing in November 2007, after serving as Children’s Ministries and Christian Education Coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. I loved my ministry supporting the 175 congregations and its members, lifting up the importance of lifelong Christian formation and the full inclusion of children in the life of the church.
A “call” out of the blue took me out of my comfort zone and into a new area to live out my call – through the Episcopal Church’s publishing company. So now I travel all around the United States, offering workshops and presentation on topics regarding faith formation. I learn as much as I teach and enjoy meeting so many new people of all ages and from all places. God is good and alive in the world around us, working God’s mission out through so many creative and dedicated people.
[The postings on this site are my own and do not represent the positions, views or opinions of The Church Pension Group or Church Publishing Incorporated.]
Sharon Ely Pearson
Ciao bella!!!! Buona Pasqua cara…you’ll see that I logged in a few minutes ago from Perugia Italy! I have finally gottena moment to start reading your blog. Complimenti!!! I’m here until May 26th just in time to conclude our Sunday School year and celebrate the work of my teachers. darling, I didnt bring my NAECED membership info. when I order from Church publishing I know I”m eligible for a discount. How do I do that and what’s the code? In love and blessings, Melissa