It is a time of transition within our Diocese, and we have a new clergy transition to announce.
The Rev. Martin Pommerenke (he/him), ordained to the transitional diaconate earlier this month, is thrilled to join St. Paul’s, Bellingham, as their Curate starting in January of 2024.
The Rev. Pommerenke grew up in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona, where the church was a major positive influence on his life. Becoming a Baptist and responding to a call to ministry, he received a Bachelor of Music degree in Church Music with an emphasis in choral conducting. It was in college that Martin came home to the Episcopal Church, and after this began a 22-year career in Episcopal settings. Among other roles, he served as Director of Operations for Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, Choirmaster at St. Augustine’s in Tempe, and the Parish Administrator at St. Paul’s in Seattle. Over the past 13+ years, he has been the Associate for Liturgy and Music at St. Columba’s in Kent. Martin received his Master of Divinity degree from the Vancouver School of Theology in Canada.
Martin is married to his husband, Christopher Wagner, to whom he is deeply grateful for all of his support through the many years of the discernment process towards ordained ministry. Christopher is a database developer and architect on the Salesforce platform, and together they have recently moved to Bellingham, where Martin looks forward to becoming involved in the musical life of the city and resuming organ lessons. They will also continue in the company of the other unusual characters who populate the unique exclave of Point Roberts, where they have a second home.
Martin and Christopher enjoy cooking together, discovering shows on Netflix, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with friends. They make time for brisk walks around their neighborhoods, where Martin takes lots of photos and delights in handing out dog treats to every passing puppy. Both he and Christopher are eager to explore their new home of Bellingham and other places in the northern part of our Diocese.
Please join us in welcoming The Rev. Pommerenke to his new role in the Diocese, and keep all congregations experiencing transition in your prayers.
The Office of the Bishop will announce 2024 Curacies and placements of newly ordained to correspond with priest ordinations in the summer.
