The Rt Rev Anne B. Jolly

Two weekends ago (yes - I forgot to post!) I had the incredible privilege to serve as Chaplain to the final Family Camp Weekend at Bellwether Farm. There were over 40 participants from faith communities in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, and some from other denominations and states. What a gift it was to experience intergenerational church - in games, song, worship, amazing meals, exploring the farm, reading, rest, and so much more.

Summer camp is a gift to our diocese, and to all who participate. God is present in very tangible ways, and we need to experience church outside sometimes. ◡̈ I can't wait to participate next year.

Spirit-filled Sunday at Old Trinity Episcopal Church, Tiffin, Ohio! Great music, lively worship, heartfelt sending prayers for the Parish Admin who is moving (their loss is St. Barnabas Episcopal Church’s gain!!), an amazing breakfast (not pictured - I was too busy feasting and talking), and a vestry who is being thoughtful and vulnerable as they do the faithful work of leading.
This Faith community does the important work of connecting and partnering with their community - and the Tiffin Community Kitchen is one proof of that deep relational care.

Sunday's visit to Saint Paul Episcopal Church (Norwalk, Ohio) was delightful. These beloved saints care deeply and well for each other and their beautiful worship space. They know how to feed people and rejoice in being together. It's also good to be with beloved Fr. Brian Wilbert, our diocesan archivist, who serves as long term supply with this beautiful community.

I spent Saturday at Bellwether Farm on retreat with the deacons of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. This beloved, passionate group help all of us remember to pay attention to the lives, holiness, and needs of those around us. They proclaim the Gospel in liturgy and in word and example. They prepare the table for Eucharist, and lay the groundwork for us to live the promises of this Sacrament. They bid our confession and lead us in prayer, reminding us that prayer is the foundation of all of our work with and for others. And they send us out at the end of liturgy and help equip and animate the work of the Holy Spirit within us to meet God where God is at work in our communities.

I'm so grateful for our deacons, and know that the church needs more of them to help us live into our calling. Thank you, dear ones.

It's not ALL work, no play! Thanks to a generous gift, David and I had a very fun date night at the Cleveland Guardians game last night where we WON 5-2. It was Disability pride night at the park - and a high school sign language group signed the National Anthem beautifully. We got to thank them for their gifts as they were leaving the field.

In other news, Spicy Mustard won the Hot Dog Derby (she seems to have borrowed/stolen? Onion's purse and that helped her win).

Get out and have fun, beloved ones. Do some things that bring you joy and remind you of the vast and beautiful diversity of God's creation.

We have ONE opening for our College for Congregational Development session the week of August 2nd at Bellwether Farm. We have contacted our waitlist, and because of the last minute cancellation, none of them can make it work. If you want to do a week of CCD and can adjust your calendar to join us in two weeks, please see the information below and contact Mother Leah (link to her email is in the info attached). I'd love to see you there!!! Open to people in any diocese - share this with your friends. ◡̈

College for Congregational Development | Sunday, August 2, 2026 | The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio Registration for this event is now sold out. If you'd like to be added to a waitlist, please contact the Rev. Leah Romanelli DeJesus. Welcome to the College for Congregational Development (CCD)! At our 208th Convention, Bishop Jolly cast the vision for our diocese: “Connected in Beloved Community,...

Saturday was a Fun Day on Put in Bay by invitation of St Paul's Episcopal Put-in-Bay. We attended Put in Bay Jeep Fest July 9-11, 2026, and OH WHAT FUN it was! I had the honor of giving the invocation before the parade, and Fr. Bob and I blessed around 250 Jeeps in parade. Many blessed us with rubber ducks in return! ◡̈ They do a 50/50 raffle at the Fest, and half the money goes to St. Paul's food pantry - which is a tremendous gift to them and to the island.
Y'all - whether you have a Jeep or not - this event is great fun, and the organizers and participants are wonderful people with so much joy. Thank you all for letting me be a part of this great day.

This is the invocation I wrote for the event:
God of adventure, thank you for the wind that blows through open-topped Jeeps, the roads that stretch before us, and the rugged places that invite us to explore. We ask your blessing on these Jeeps and everyone riding in them today. Keep them safe as they wave, drive, and celebrate together. Fill this day with joy, laughter, new friendships, ducks, and the delight of shared adventure. And when the trails are quiet and the engines are off, bring everyone safely home to the places and people they love.�Amen.

If your faith community holds an event for the community, does something fun, or attends a community event, let us know by using the form on the diocesan website home page - my staff and I love to join you in your fun.

Two baptisms and seven confirmation/receptions yesterday morning at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Ashland! I love how committed they are to eating a meal together after worship - AND to making sure their community knows that “God loves you, no exceptions” is real. 🩷🩷🩷

PLUS - I got to meet a nonagenarian Poor Clare’s nun - Sister Florence. She radiates God’s love, and I’m better for having met her.