Christ Church |

Welcoming the Rev. Lindy Bunch, Associate Priest for Parish Life

06 01 2022

Where did you work before Christ Church?

I was the Priest-in-Charge at Trinity+St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in San Francisco, CA.

Tell us about your day-to-day activities as Associate Priest.

If it’s a Tuesday, I’m probably in a meeting! Otherwise, my schedule is pretty variable. That’s one of the things I love about being a priest- every day is a little different. Some days I might be at the hospital, other days I’m writing a sermon with my dog in my lap, and other times I’m meeting with my fantastic new colleagues to plan and implement our hopes for the coming year.

What is your favorite thing about your career?

It is a privilege to be called into the vulnerable moments in people’s lives and help them connect with God, who is already present but can feel far away sometimes. Through prayer, presence, and conversation we meet God in one another and find strength. I am continually awed by how beautifully human we all are when the veneer is stripped away and we have the courage to be ourselves.

What are you most excited about working on staff at Christ Church?

At first I read this question as “who on staff are you most excited about working with” and I thought “whoa, loaded question!” But I guess my misread betrays my answer: my colleagues. I am thrilled to have partners in ministry to collaborate and dream with. One of the hardest things about being a clergyperson at a small church was the difficulty of collaboration. I am a better priest when I have people around me to spark new ideas, challenge mine, and push forward together. (But the answer is obviously Anne Green in our powerhouse department of 2!)

What’s one work-related goal you want to accomplish in the next year?

Learning about the system and people of Christ Church. That’s the main focus for me right now.

How do you take your coffee?

I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but after being a passionate coffee drinker for many years I gave it up during the pandemic (along with caffeine in general). I do enjoy a cup of decaf with cream every now and then. And who knows, I may go back to it one day.

Tell us about your family (furry friends included).

Lucille, my small terrier/chihuahua mix, is the leader of our family. During the pandemic, she even filmed all my sermons with me! Otherwise, my parents Bob and Linda Leeper live in Greenville so you might run into them at Christ Church!

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

Alone by Heart. I can’t sing well so I’d go big on an 80s power ballad- why not.

What do you like to do on a day off?

I feel like I should list more active or scholarly pursuits, but I really love being at home with my dog and catching up on my favorite TV shows. I am a big fan of women’s sports, so you might see me at a Greenville Liberty game or watching WNBA or NWSL. I also love college women’s basketball, although now my loyalties are strained- Stanford or South Carolina? The Final Four gets stressful.