Dear Ones,

I am thrilled to announce new members of the Bishop’s staff who will vitally contribute to enriching our spiritual journey and fostering growth in faith and community across the diocese.

The Rev. Canon Adrienne Koch, newly appointed Canon for Mission and Transformation at Trinity Cathedral, has also accepted a part-time role (five hours per week) as Liturgist. Adrienne will work alongside the Bishop and the Bishop’s staff to foster robust and transformative liturgy as well as cultivate a diverse and representative team of other liturgists and musicians to consider and carry out the ministry of liturgy across the Diocese of Ohio. With a deep commitment to understanding the history and liturgical traditions of the Episcopal Church, she will play a crucial role in creating space for meaningful conversations and liturgies that honor our heritage while guiding us forward.

Mr. Russ Tripi will be joining the staff in August and will serve as Interim Canon for Formation while the Rev. Canon Anna Sutterisch is on parental leave. Russ has more than two decades of experience in religious education and community building, currently serving as a faculty member in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at John Carroll University, as well as the Director of Religious Education at St. Bartholomew, Mayfield Village. Throughout his career, Russ has earned recognition for his innovative approach to educational programming, which emphasizes fun, formation, and fellowship. His leadership and expertise will allow us to continue to host and expand diocesan formation programming, fostering spiritual growth for all age groups.

In an effort to balance the pastoral care load and to ensure that retired clergy have opportunities to gather, contribute, and be well cared for, I have appointed The Revs. Rose Anne Lonsway and Richard Israel to serve as chaplains to retired clergy. The chaplains will act as an extension to my ministry by providing spiritual and pastoral care, building community, and serving as resources for information and support in navigating issues related to retirement. In addition to working in partnership with me, this ministry will be done in collaboration with the Bishop’s staff, Church Pension Group, and the Diocesan Pastoral Care Response Team.

In addition, Mrs. Kim Lager, the wife of the Rev. Mike Lager (St. Peter’s, Lakewood), accepted my invitation to help launch and grow a dedicated community to support clergy spouses. I recognize that being a clergy spouse is a unique role that comes with a certain set of joys and challenges. The desire for someone to convene the clergy spouses was born out of a deep appreciation for the invaluable role they play and a genuine desire to nurture their well-being.

Please join me in welcoming our newest team members. Together, we look forward to deepening our commitment to worship, community, and pastoral care, ensuring that all members of the diocese feel embraced, valued, and empowered.

God’s Peace,
+Anne

The Rt. Rev. Anne B. Jolly

Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio