We have a transition to announce here at the Office of the Bishop. Deacon Brian Wright will be resigning as Missioner for Veterans’ Ministry in the Diocese of Olympia, effective immediately. We are all incredibly grateful to Deacon Wright for his years of service and ministry to veterans and to the Diocese. Brian served as the Missioner for Veterans’ Ministry for the past six and a half years, receiving requests for financial assistance from a few veterans each year who
Staff Updates at the Office of the Bishop

The Office of the Bishop is very excited to announce that Adrienne Elliott will be joining our staff as the Program Coordinator for Multicultural Ministries. Adrienne is thrilled to be returning to the diocese (mostly remotely from San Diego). After worshipping at St. Paul’s, Seattle, for 6 years and organizing with the Circles of Color, Adrienne moved to San Diego in 2021 to be closer to family while pursuing a Master’s in Climate Science and Policy at Scripps Institution of
John Kydd to Be Appointed Missioner for Climate Care and Climate Justice

From Bishop Rickel: Dear Ones, I am very pleased to announce that I will be appointing John Kydd to the position of Missioner for Climate Care and Climate Justice in the Diocese of Olympia. His appointment to this non-stipendiary position is the first, of what I would hope, would be many. The climate crisis is far to large of an issue to leave to one, or even a few people. It will take us all to solve this, and all
Staff Transitions in the Office of the Bishop

We have a transition to announce here at the Office of the Bishop. Alex Flannagan, Youth Ministry Coordinator, will be leaving the bishop’s staff at the end of the month. Alex says, “It’s been a blessing and an honor to serve the youth in the diocese, and those who minister to them. I have been inspired by the ingenuity, sheer determination, and above all, compassion of the leaders in our churches. Working with youth gives a sort of glimpse into
Staff Transitions at the Diocese of Olympia

We have a transition to announce here at the Office of the Bishop. Grace La Torra, Dean of the Iona School, will be leaving the bishop’s staff at the end of the month. Of her time at dean, Grace says, “For the last four years I’ve had the honor of working with the Iona School of the Diocese of Olympia, first as a teacher and then as the Dean of the School. I’ve had the privilege and joy of walking
New Canon for Finance Joining the Office of the Bishop

We are very pleased to announce the latest addition to the Office of the Bishop’s staff. Beginning on August 30, 2021, Charles Thorne will be joining us as our new Canon for Finance. The Canon for Finance provides oversight of all fiscal and accounting activities of the Diocese of Olympia including budgeting and forecasting processes, financial analysis, reporting, and financial planning, accounting operations, insurance needs, compliance with IRS, and applicable federal, state and local regulations, and risk management assessment. The
The Second Episcopate: Staffing Changes and Reorganization at the Office of the Bishop

To the Faithful of the Diocese of Olympia, I write to share with all of you some changes in staffing and a reorganization within the Office of the Bishop. These changes were carefully considered in conjunction with our new vision, and the idea of the “second episcopate” that so many of you resonated with and which came out of our year of discernment and pilgrimage. I first want to thank the many of you that responded to the letter regarding
Staff Transitions at the Office of the Bishop

There’s a new staff transition to announce at the Office of the Bishop. Florence Caig, our staff accountant, is leaving this week. Her husband is in the military and has been transferred, so Florence and her family will be moving to Wisconsin. In the short time she has been with us, she has been a vital part of the staff at Diocesan House, an outstanding accountant, and a delight to work with each and every day. While we are sorry