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Mostly Cloudy Preacher puts her leadership skills to good use
A Valley Stream religious leader has been recognized for her hard work and dedication, earning a new role within her diocese.
The Rev. Brenda Overfield, known to many in the community as Mother Brenda, has been appointed the archdeacon of Nassau County for the Long Island Episcopal Diocese. Overfield is the rector of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Brooklyn Avenue.
Four archdeacons were recently appointed by Bishop Larry Provenzano — one for each county including Queens and Brooklyn. Overfield said she doesn’t know why she was chosen, but is grateful for the opportunity. She first received a call back in June, asking if should would accept the position.
As archdeacon, Overfield will serve on behalf of the bishop and lend her hand to support the 48 Episcopal churches in Nassau County. She said that Provenzano wants the diocese to identify and meet the needs of its congregants, and the archdeacons will play a major role in that.
Overfield explained that Provenzano, since becoming the bishop three years ago, is steering the diocese on a different course, one that is more responsive to the needs of the community. “I think for too long the church has said, ‘We’re going to tell you what you need,’” she said.
Provenzano explained his expectations for Overfield and the other archdeacons. “In the diocese of Long Island, we are intent on restructuring ourselves so that we can be responsive in Christ’s name to the needs of our community,” he said. “Rather than taking up administrative tasks, our vision is that Mother Brenda and the others will each be in their own area present to encourage local parishes to see opportunity for service and to respond.”
He noted some of Overfield’s work in Valley Stream already, including her leadership of a community group to encourage positive activities for teens.
In her new position, Overfield will look to pool together the resources of the Nassau County churches to best meet the needs. She will regularly meet with the clergy of these churches to identify common missions. Overfield, who describes herself as “naturally very good at organizing,” said she sees herself as a facilitator, initiator and cheerleader in her new role.
“She has contributed in many ways to the work of the church across the diocese,” Provenzano said. “Already she has begun working to connect parishes with one another in more tangible and life-giving ways. I am confident that her ministry as archdeacon will result in good for the life of Nassau County.”
Overfield has been the rector at Holy Trinity for 13 years. In the past, she has served as the director of pastoral care for St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Smithtown, now St. Catherine of Sienna Hospital.
She is the leader of her church, overseeing all its operations and finances. Overfield presides over the weekly Sunday mass and Wednesday morning service, leads a Bible study, officiates at all liturgical functions such as weddings and funerals, and serves as the liaison to all community groups that use the parish hall.
Additionally, she oversees the nursery school which serves nearly 150 students. Overfield, however, says the credit for that “fabulous program” belongs to nursery school Director Sally Weiss. Overfield said one of her favorite activities every week is reading to the children there.
She is the protestant chaplain for the Valley Stream Fire Department, a position Overfield has held for seven years. But the most important part of her job, she said, is simply being there for her congregants in their times of need. “It is such an honor for me that people share their lives with me,” she said.
Overfield, who said her job never feels like work, was installed to her position at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City on Oct. 4.
“It’s just been a joy to see where God takes me on this journey from year-to-year,” Overfield said about her new position. “It’s more work, no additional pay and I’m thrilled.”
