Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte Announces the Rev. Emily Parker as New Executive Director

Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte (GMEC) announces the Rev. Emily Parker as their new executive director effective March 1, 2023. Parker’s background as deacon at Christ Church, Charlotte, combined with her deep passion for service to local governments across the greater Charlotte region over the past 14 years will help to advance further the mission of the organization that celebrated its seventh anniversary last year.

“We feel very lucky to have found Emily and look forward to a successful and invigorating future with her at the helm," says the Rev. Robin Sands, board of directors chairperson. "She will bring experience, enthusiasm, great communication skills and fresh air to our organization.”

Parker will manage all day-to-day operations of Galilee Ministries, overseeing the programs with Loaves and Fishes, Community Kitchen, Catholic Charities and Central Piedmont Community College. She will also lead fundraising programs, as well as marketing and community engagement initiatives.

Parker shares, “I am a native Charlottean, resident of east Charlotte, and a cradle Episcopalian who grew up at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. I was ordained as a deacon in our diocese in January 2020. I have worked in service to local governments in a range of places from as large as Charlotte to very small communities of 400 people in more rural neighboring counties. Through my experiences in public service and community engagement, I have learned the importance of listening first, about the slow work of building trust, trying to ask good questions, being organized, clear communication and trusting my intuition.”

“When I think of GMEC, I envision an active, sacred space that is a beacon of hope and light for refugees, immigrants, and the local community," she says. "It is a place that fosters hospitality, growth, learning and the love of God. My vision for GMEC is not only that the beacon stays bright, but the light shines stronger and brighter for years to come."

"Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte continues to move forward as a vibrant and important local resource, and with our new executive director in place, the organization can excel for the benefit of our entire community for years to come,” says Sands.

Parker succeeds Interim Executive Director Faith Hamilton, who assumed the role in January 2022 after the retirement of Toni Hagerman.

About Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte:

Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte works with our Program Partners to provide direct services at the Galilee Center. Together we are serving 700+ people per month who are leveraging Galilee as a springboard for a new and better life through education and empowerment. Our neighbors come to Galilee for many reasons: to learn English, access food, learn new skills, attend health fairs and more.

Founded in 2015 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte operates the Galilee Center, where we share our historic buildings and lush grounds with other non-profits to provide direct services and programs to refugees, immigrants, migrants and our neighbors in East Charlotte.

Through your generosity we can donate space or charge a nominal fee to organizations for the purpose of “feeding body, mind and spirit.” Organizations find the Galilee Center to be a sacred place of welcome and hospitality. It is the ideal spot for worship communities to celebrate with their congregations, for other nonprofits and business organizations to host business meetings, have health clinics, conduct training classes, care for refugee children after school, operate a food pantry and host fundraising and other events.