Father Edward is Trinity-by-the-Cove’s eighth Rector. Father Edward began his ministry at Trinity-by-the Cove as an Associate Rector for Youth and Family Ministries, continued as Senior Associate Rector and in May 2014 was called to be Rector. Before coming to us, Fr. Edward served as an assistant priest and chaplain in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at a church with a K-8th grade school. Before seminary, Fr. Edward received a BA in history from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996 and a J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University School of Law, New Orleans in 2000 where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the law review. Leaving the practice of law in 2005, Fr. Edward attended Nashotah House Theological Seminary receiving a M. Div., cum laude, in May 2008. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Fr. Edward has a wife, Virginia, and three young children, Howard, Eleanor, and Claire.
There is something electric about being a part of a Christian community that spends time together discerning God’s will for our lives and the world and at the same time simply enjoying being in fellowship with one another. Trinity-by-the-Cove is a thriving parish with wonderful and varied opportunities to love God and neighbor.
As an ordained priest, I am privileged to spend my life serving God’s people. I believe that ministry—whether ordained or not—should be personal and filled with love. That ministry is expressed through talking to people about God and sharing the powerful presence of Jesus in times of overwhelming joy and tremendous sorrow. Remembering daily how God is at work in the world and in each of our lives excites me. It’s also exciting to lead Trinity-by-the-Cove in its mission and ministry to be a loving and compassionate environment for the continuing transformation of a life in Christ Jesus.
Marcella comes to Trinity-by-the-Cove having earned a Master of Divinity from The School of Theology at the University of the South in 2021. She also received a B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of the South in 1984. In the intervening years, Marcella worked in the field of environmental science and management, taught high school science, and worked several years in an addictions counseling office. Marcella is a native Floridian, having grown up and lived on the west coast of Florida most of her life. Marcella has a son, Benjamin and two stepchildren, Christopher and Mary, and four grandchildren. She is well-managed by Charley, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who has his own kitty, LilyBelle.
Trinity-by-the-Cove is a parish family that is committed to bringing the love of Jesus Christ and hope of the resurrection to the world. I am excited about the meaningful opportunities for worship, and our engagement and experiences with scripture in weekly Bible study. I also enjoy the happy nature of our parish as we spend time together appreciating God’s creation here in Naples.
I love God and I love his creation! The central piece of my ministry is to listen with intention to the needs of people and to be attuned to the call of the Holy Spirit within the church and in the world. It is exciting to see how the Spirit leads parishes in ministry and to be a part of the church’s response to God’s call.
Father Steve is an assisting priest at Trinity-by-the-Cove. After graduating from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1978, Fr. Steve served as a curate at St. Marks, Palm Beach Gardens, and in 1980 he became Rector of All Saints, Grenada, Mississippi where he fostered a ministry of outreach to the neediest people in the community and expanded his interest in adult formation. In 1986, Fr. Steve became Rector of the Chapel of Saint Andrew in Boca Raton, where he developed “The Faith-Seeking Journey” a program of new member ministry.
Most recently, Father Steve served as Priest-in-Charge of Grace and St. Stephen’s Church in Colorado Springs, where he was elected Rector in 2011, and served until his retirement in 2014.
His duties at Trinity-by-the-Cove include assisting with pastoral care and sharing his Faith-Seeking Journey program with us for Adult Formation later in the fall. Fr. Steve has a wife, Kathy, and one son, Jonathan, who lives with his wife, Paulita in Colorado Springs.
Nicholas comes to Trinity-by-the-Cove having earned a S.T.M. from The School of Theology at the University of the South in 2018. He also received a B.A. in philosophy and music from SUNY Geneseo in 2005 and a M.A. in theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2008. In the years between his two stints at seminary, Nicholas stayed home to care for his first daughter, taught in the philosophy department at Christopher Newport University, and discerned God’s call to parish ministry. Nicholas and his wife, Jessica, grew up in the northeast, having lived in New Jersey, upstate New York, and Massachusetts, and, most recently, in Virginia and Tennessee. They have two daughters, Julia and Hannah.
From my very first encounter with Trinity-by-the-Cove, I was deeply moved by the idea of a community committed to living in to the fullness of our life in Christ through beautiful worship, excellent teaching, warm hospitality and fellowship, and compassionate service to others. It is truly exciting, however, to see this vision as a lived reality in the parishioners and staff at Trinity-by-the-Cove.
God has acted decisively in Jesus to bring about his kingdom. He also continues to act in and through his people to spread its influence both in our lives and in the larger world. It is exciting to play a role in God’s unfolding story of salvation and to walk alongside fellow Christians as we see, more and more each day, God working in our lives to accomplish his good purposes.
Dexter “Tripp” Kennedy began as Director of Music at Trinity-by-the-Cove as Director of Music in September 2021. Before coming to Naples, he worked for seven years as the Assistant Director of Music and Organist of Christ Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. In 2014 he won first prize in the Grand Prix de Chartres organ competition at Notre Dame in Paris, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious organ competitions. He is a well known organ recitalist, having performed throughout the United States and Europe. Tripp holds a Masters degree from Yale University, and an Artist Diploma and Bachelor’s from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.
Trinity-by-the-Cove is an amazing community full of friendliness, curiosity, intellect, and talent. The sense of hospitality both within the parish as well as the great work Trinity does in the community is inspiring to be a part of. I am lucky to be able to serve a congregation with such a history and appreciation of first rate sacred music!
Sacred music has been an integral part of Christian liturgy and worship for over 1,000 years. Therefore the music in liturgies must be chosen with intentionality so that all of the components of the worship service intertwine with one another to form a cohesive liturgy. As a musician, one is a lifelong learner, and this is also true about one’s faith journey. I take pride in using music as a vehicle for people to explore and elevate their own faith journeys.
Julia grew up in Rogers Park, Chicago and she raised her family in the northwest suburbs of Chicago before moving to Florida. She and her husband, Brian, have been full-time residents of Marco Island for six years and part-time residents for over 20 years. They have two children who also reside in the area. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Northern Illinois University and a master’s in education from National Louis University. She has taught in both Illinois and Florida in all grade levels K-6, a catechist and director of a special needs program. Julia has also enjoyed volunteering in schools and churches since high school. She enjoys learning new things, and in her spare time, enjoys traveling, playing games and paddleboarding.
The staff at Trinity by-the-Cove listen to each other’s stories and ask the right questions, which builds trust and develops strengths. To have the opportunity to work in a church where the staff, volunteers, parishioners, and catechists are full of love, hope and dreams for their parish family is a privilege. I am excited to learn, teach and grow in this beautiful church.
I entered teaching because I love children and learning, and I stayed because I find it rewarding to serve children and build enthusiasm in learning. The most fulfilling part of teaching is seeing the learning happen, building relationships and making the connections I make with each student and parent. In this position I can share my faith and teach children about God and the deep love of Jesus.
Ann came to Naples as a full-time resident in 2017, seeking a meaningful church home, a book club, and new friendships. She found all three and more at Trinity by the Cove. Ann has enjoyed various volunteer positions with our Gourmet Canners and Church Mouse and recently finished a two-year term as President of Women of Trinity. A friendly Midwesterner, Ann has a BA in Communications. She and her husband Bob, a retired USMC Colonel, have three adult children.
Trinity is a vibrant parish, full of opportunities to enjoy genuine fellowship, make new friends, and learn about God’s love.
Ann is eager to join the warm and welcoming staff at Trinity. Ann hopes to facilitate meaningful connections for new and current parishioners.
239.262.6581
553 Galleon Drive, Naples, FL 34102
info@trinitybythecove.com