From labyrinth pilgrimages to nonprofit leadership, Cynthia Ries brings deep devotion to her role. She reflects on her journey and Trinity’s year ahead.
Q: How did you first find Trinity, and what initially drew you to the cathedral?
A: The labyrinth! Even though I grew up in a simple, non-denominational church in Gates Mills, I fell in love with St. John the Divine when I lived in NYC for many years, and with Chartres Cathedral, where I have been on many labyrinth pilgrimages. So, when I moved back to Cleveland in 2006, I came to the Christmas Day service that year and felt it was a great community, and it had a canvas labyrinth, which made me feel at home. At first, I was wary of getting deeply involved, but Ginger Bitikofer lured me in very persuasively. I love the liturgy, the music, the community, and the cathedral’s commitment to social justice. It feeds my soul in ways that continue to inspire and surprise me, drawing me closer to God.
Q: For those who may not know, what does the Senior Warden do?
A: I am learning that now! The Senior Warden works closely with the Dean to ensure that the administration of the business side of the cathedral is maintained with faithfulness and integrity. Both the Senior and Junior Wardens (John Chapman) serve as the link between the vestry and the Dean, ensuring that any concerns are addressed in a timely manner. I am also a member of the Finance and Executive Committees. Besides that, I also hear my phone might ring when there is a power outage!
I am humbled by this amazing opportunity to serve Trinity, and it means a lot to have the confidence of the congregation to serve and lead. As a professor of nonprofit management, I know this role has important fiduciary responsibilities, as well as requiring a servant-leadership mindset to ensure that Trinity continues to thrive today and well into the future.
Q: Reflecting on your time on vestry so far, what have you learned about Trinity, its mission, or yourself?
A: Trinity has a very deep bench of amazing, talented people who are enthusiastic in serving Christ and serving Trinity’s mission. I have been on the Vestry for over four years, and I can say without hesitation that it is the most dedicated and compassionate group of people I have encountered on a governing board. Trinity is blessed with talent at every turn, and we work well together and enjoy our time together.
Q: What are you most looking forward to for Trinity in the year ahead?
A: It won’t surprise you that I believe the capital campaign, which I now co-chair with Howard Lewis, is tremendously exciting, and I cannot wait to see the results. The plans that Marous Brothers Construction has developed match the energy and history we will celebrate for decades to come. And already we see improvements in our stained glass windows, with more vibrant colors and textures when they return. I am also excited that our Planned Giving campaign has had a great response, which will help position our work for generations to come.
Q: Has your perspective on Trinity or your own faith journey changed since becoming more involved in leadership?
A: Personally, being at Trinity helped me finally commit to a call to become a Spiritual Director last June, through studies at The Haden Institute. And it gave me the nudge to go back to bible study through EfM (Education for Ministry), which I am loving and learning so much from.
When I officially joined Trinity in 2016, Bishop Hollingsworth spoke eloquently about what it means to be part of an Episcopalian community, how central serving it is to our faith. That has proven to be true. What it means to live out my Baptismal Covenant has taken on new meaning and depth.