THE REV. ANDREW COOLEY

​I am delighted to be invited to serve as priest during Rev. Sabeth’s Sabbatical.  While I’m with you, I’ll celebrate the 40th anniversary of my ordination as priest.  I served much of my priesthood in the mountains of Colorado, where I was born and raised, including 16 years as Rector of St. Mark’s in Durango.  Later, I served as a professional Interim priest in 7 different congregations, moving every year and a half or so.  In 2019, I was called to serve as Interim at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Florence, Italy, and then retired to Tacoma 5 years ago.  My wife Terri and I live in a multi-generational home with my daughter, son-in-law, and 5-year-old grandson.  I love to sing in choirs, walk, bike, ski, woodwork, cook Italian food, and play my trombone in Tacomarama Community Street (Honk) Band.  My spirituality has been grounded in the Episcopal tradition but enriched by contemplative, social justice, charismatic, and nature-centered expressions.  I’m currently planning a pilgrimage walk from Stonehenge to Canturbury in late Spring.