Slowing Down, Showing Up: Deacon Emily Parker on Presence, Partnership and Really Seeing People

Podcast Title: With Generous Hearts – Episode 4 

Episode Title: Slowing Down, Showing Up: Deacon Emily Parker on Presence, Partnership and Really Seeing People 

Release Date: September 29, 2025 

Host: Danielle DeNise 

Guest: The Rev. Emily Parker, Deacon at Christ Church & Executive Director of Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte 

🎧 Episode Summary: 

In this episode of With Generous Hearts, host Danielle DeNise sits down with Deacon Emily Parker, who shares the story of her call to ministry, her early days as a deacon during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the transformative work of Galilee Ministries in East Charlotte. 

Together, they explore what it means to live out a generous life of faith—even when the world tilts. Emily shares deeply about the generosity of presence, the sacred power of slowing down, and how Galilee embodies God's love by bringing unlikely people together in a community of dignity, hope, and radical welcome. 

💡 Topics Covered: 

Emily's ordination just before the pandemic—and how she lived into her call during lockdown 

What Galilee Ministries is, and how it serves the East Charlotte community 

Stories of everyday generosity and the volunteers who make it possible 

Why slowing down is an act of faith—and a spiritual practice 

How partnership and generosity go hand in hand 

How Galilee and Christ Church are living into that call as partners.  

🛠️ Ministries & Resources Mentioned: 

Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte: A diocesan center of community life and support, offering food ministries, wellness classes, worship communities, and space for nonprofits. https://www.gmcharlotte.org/ 

Lydia’s Pantry: Galilee’s emergency pantry for food and dignity supplies.  You can read the e-devotion from Emily Parker - https://christchurchcharlotte.subspla.sh/s9spfgx 

Transforming Hearts Capital Campaign: The Capital Campaign of Christ Church Charlotte.  A portion of the funding goes to outreach in Charlotte, including support for Galilee. https://www.christchurchhearts.org/ 

Episcopal Diocese: The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina is 49,000 people gathered into 111 congregations and 10 campus ministries throughout 38 counties in the central part of North Carolina. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Diocese of North Carolina seeks to live God’s dream by making disciples and making a difference. https://www.episdionc.org/ 

Becoming a Deacon: You can learn more about the process of becoming a deacon in the Episcopal Church, https://www.episdionc.org/diaconate-call/ 

🙏 Call to Action: 

Have your own experience of God’s generous love to share? Leave us a voice memo or email us at denised@christchurchcharlotte.org  

Want to learn more or support Galilee? 

Visit https://www.gmcharlotte.org/ or check the show notes for links to donate or volunteer. 

Make a Pledge to the Annual Campaign. Be part of this movement of generosity and transformation. Make your pledge today at christchurchcharlotte.org/pledge