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{e}Connections | August 13, 2024

{e}Connections is published each Tuesday. If you would like to have news or an event notice published in this newsletter, send it to communication@diosohio.org by noon on Monday before publication.

On Saturday, more than 80 people gathered at Procter Center to celebrate the end of the camp session with a special "Songs & Scoops" event featuring singer-songwriter Mark Currey and the Procter Band's "Cabin 7." 

During the event, the Procter staff recognized the Rev. Deborah Gamble, known by generations of campers as "Rev Deb," for her 37 years of service to camp. Gamble, pictured above at left with Procter Co-Executive Director Jerusalem Greer, will be honored with a lightweight cross for use in camp worship made from wood foraged in Procter Woods.

This summer, Procter hosted 10 camp sessions attended by more than 250 campers, and more than 20 diocesan leaders participated in camp spiritual formation. Jerusalem Greer and her husband, Procter Co-Executive Director Nathan Greer, served as summer camp directors.

"From our amazing counselors who grew by leaps and bounds to our year-round staff who gave it their all at every turn, to the formation leaders and volunteers from around the diocese who came and led our camps with love, wisdom, and joy, this summer was an amazing team effort!" Jerusalem Greer said.

Read more.

photo: Katie Forsyth

Priest ordination on August 17

God willing, the Right Reverend Kenneth L. Price, Jr., Assisting Bishop in Southern Ohio, will ordain Katherine Meeks to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church on Saturday, August 17, at St. Patrick’s, Dublin at 1 p.m. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy are invited to vest and process (red stoles).

Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found under Resources on the diocesan website.

Tuesday, August 20

3 p.m.

When you are the only priest in a parish, what are you working on, and what do you wish you were working on? What resources have been helpful, and where is help coming from? What kind of collaboration or mutual ministry do you hope for? 

Be a part of this conversation about being a solo priest in these challenging times for our church and our nation. Our panelists will share the tensions they face and the questions on their minds, especially when there are more things to do than time or energy for doing them. 

Register here.

Nominations are now open for leadership positions that will be elected by diocesan convention in November. The list of positions to be elected can be found here. Elections will take place at the 150th Annual Convention November 22-23 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington.

How do I run?

Self-nomination is encouraged. If you find a position for which you would be interested in running, please fill out the nomination form here. 

The nominations deadline set forth in the Rules of Order is November 8, but the Nominating Committee asks for nomination forms to be submitted before October 9. Nominees will be expected to attend (virtually) the Nominee Forum to be held during the Pre-Convention Meeting on Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m.

If you have questions about any of the positions or the nomination process, please contact Nominating Committee Chair Jon Boss at jbboss@fuse.net.

The Class of 2024 of the Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna will be inducted during Eucharist at Christ Chapel at Procter Center on Tuesday, September 10 at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow.

Current nominees attend the luncheon at no charge. Each nominee is entitled to bring 2 guests with them at no fee. The nominee should register their free guests.

For all others, the cost for the luncheon is $18. You may pay online with a credit card or you may bring cash (exact change, please!) or a check with you to the event. Register for the luncheon here.

Nominations for the Class of 2024 are still being accepted. Nominations should be submitted via online form here. The nomination deadline is August 30, 2024.

All clergy are invited to a Holy Cross Clergy Day at Procter Center on Wednesday, September 11. Spend the day with Bishop White praying, exploring nature, building friendships with colleagues, and breaking bread together.

This Clergy Day is offered at no cost to clergy or their congregations, but registration is required. Clergy, use this link to let the bishop's staff know if you can make it no later than August 27.

Building capacity for civil discourse

On Tuesday, October 8 from 6 to 8 p.m., Alan Yarborough, church relations officer in the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations, will lead our diocese in a Zoom training titled “Make Me an Instrument of Peace: Building Capacity for Engaging on Tough Topics.”

Together we will learn how to build capacity for civil discourse using this five-week curriculum on civil discourse developed by the Office of Government Relations of the Episcopal Church and Forward Movement; use it to talk about public policy; and assess how civil discourse coexists with other types of personal and institutional engagement. Register to attend this free training here.

Read more in a July 31 letter from Bishop White.

• Aug 14 at 10 a.m.: Commission on Congregational Life
• Aug 14 at 6 p.m.: Dismantling Racism training
• Aug 15 at 3 p.m.: Dispatch of Business
• Aug 17 at 1 p.m.: Priest Ordination at St. Patrick's, Dublin
• Aug 20 at 6:30 p.m.: Budget Committee
• August 21 at 6 p.m.: Dismantling Racism training
• Aug 24: First Capitol Pride (Chillicothe)
• Aug 25 at 12 p.m.: Cincinnati Festival of Faiths
• Aug 28 at 6 p.m.: Dismantling Racism training
• Sept 1: Congregation Audit deadline
• Sept 2: Diocesan office closed for Labor Day holiday
• Sept 7 at 10 a.m.: Diocesan Council
• Sept 10 at 11 a.m.: Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna induction ceremony and luncheon
• Sept 11 at 9 a.m.: Holy Cross Clergy Day at Procter
• Sept 11 at 10 a.m.: Commission on Congregational Life
• Sept 12 at 1:30 p.m.: Standing Committee
• Sept 13 & 14 at 9 a.m. In-person Safe Church training

A complete list of diocesan and community events can be found on the diocesan calendar.

Episcopal visitations

• Aug 25: Church of the Redeemer, Cincinnati
• Sept 8: St. James, Cincinnati

Bishop White's visitation schedule and customary can be found on the bishop's office page of the diocesan website.

The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio has committed to the call of Becoming Beloved Community, with focus on the work of racial healing, reconciliation, justice-making and care of creation. 

Registration for EfM: Education for Ministry is now open

Classes begin in September

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year program of group study intended to develop a richer foundation for life and ministry. EfM covers Hebrew Scripture, the Christian Testament, Church History, and Theology. The program was developed by the School of Theology at the University of the South and is sponsored by the Diocese of Southern Ohio. 

One year of EfM consists of 36 sessions that meet weekly and include discussion of assigned readings, shared reflection, and meditative worship. Participants enroll one year at a time with no obligation to complete all four years. EfM classes are comprised of no less than six and no more than 12 members. Annual cost is $350 per person, plus books. A limited number of scholarships are available and assistance can be offered in finding previously used books. 

Contact the Rev. Cameron O’Riley, EfM diocesan coordinator, at 513.771.1544 to find a class in your area, or for more information.

Read more.

Evangelism Leadership Training course with Jerusalem Greer

This course is designed for those who seek to inspire, encourage, and lead the community toward a bolder proclamation of God’s Good News by leading evangelism ministries. Participants will explore evangelism leadership as a contextual story-sharing process from an Anglican/Episcopal framework.

In addition to reflecting together on how one recognizes God’s presence, engages and interprets the stories of God’s action throughout history, and responds to God’s invitation to live in ways that demonstrate and teach the Good News, participants will explore media and techniques that seek to equip them to develop and lead evangelism ministries within their congregation or diocese.

This class is online and hosted by Bexley-Seabury's Pathways program. The course is Oct 6 -Nov 11. Learn more here.

In-person Safe Church training September 13 & 14

The diocese will offer two in-person trainings for Safe Church on September 13 and 14 at the Procter Center. These trainings will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Bishop Krumm room. We will finish training at 12, and lunch is not part of our gathering.

This training will cover the following modules encompassed in Universal Training, Safe Church, Safe Communities: 

• Introduction and Theological Background 
• Organizational Rules and Policies 
• Healthy Boundaries 
• Inclusion  
• Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter

The training will be led by Emma Helms-Steinmetz and utilize slides and videos as part of the session. Space is limited to 20 participants per session. Sign up here.

Using Picture Books for Racial Healing: a Dismantling Racism Certification Course

Picture books offer an excellent way to discover, discuss, and share stories about topics that many people did not study in school but that are crucial to the work of repairing, healing, and seeing God in each other.

Registration is open for Dismantling Racism training sessions taking place in the coming months. Miriam McKenney leads the trainings, which take place on Zoom.

September (10, 17, 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.) Sign up here.

October (8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 from 12 to 1 p.m.) Sign up here.

November (7, 14, 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.) Sign up here.

December (3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 from 12 to 1 p.m.) Sign up here.

Email Director of Dismantling Racism Miriam McKenney to learn more.

Social Justice & Advocacy

Advocacy update

Advocacy briefings are compiled by Ariel Miller, a longtime community advocate and member of Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming.

This week:

• Ohio Ballot Board August 16 meeting will set language on Citizens Not Politicians
• Interfaith resources on faithful voting
• U. S. Supreme Court: Judicial Ethics and Recusal forum August 15
• HB 68 restricting gender-affirming care for minors upheld in ruling

Read more.

Ohio Council of Churches offers election education webinar Aug. 21

The Ohio Council of Churches will offer an election education webinar on Wednesday, August 21 at 11:30 a.m. Topics include:

• The Electoral College: Is it Still Needed, presented by the Rev. Brandi Slaughter, national board member of the League of Women Voters
• What’s at Stake for Ohio, presented by Jen Miller, Ohio director of the League of Women Voters.

Register here.

Bishop White endorses Season of Creation resources

Bishop White has endorsed the use of Season of Creation, A Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes during this year’s Season of Creation, which runs from September 1 to October 4. The guide, which provides alternate readings and worship resources, was developed by an ecumenical coalition of partners from around the world, including the Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, bishop of California. Forty-two dioceses in the Episcopal Church have endorsed its use in 2024.

Members of the Creation Care and Environmental Justice Commission are available as preachers and speakers for weeknight or Sunday formation programs on Zoom or in person. Contact the commission members at ccej@diosohio.org. 

Read more.

Cincinnati-area LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group gathering

Cincinnati-area Episcopal LGBTQIA+ individuals, friends and allies gather for happy hour on the last Wednesday of the month (except March and December) at Queen City Exchange from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This month, the date is August 28.

All are welcome to attend this happy hour and planning meeting for LGBTQ+ Network events! Join the conversation and enjoy light appetizers and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available).

St. Anne's, West Chester, will host a free screening of the Philadelphia Eleven documentary on Wednesday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. The 90-minute documentary showcases the first women ordained as priests in the Episcopal Church.

There will be a short discussion afterward along with popcorn and beverages. You can bring your favorite movie snacks and there will be a love offering to offset the cost of the event. 

St. Anne's is located at 6461 Tylersville Rd. in West Chester. For more information, call 513-779-1139.

The Community of the Transfiguration will host the TriHealth mobile mammography van on Friday, September 6. Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Screenings are provided for women 40+ and for women 35-39 who are considered high-risk or have a close family history of breast cancer.

Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

To schedule an appointment, visit this link and choose Community of the Transfiguration from the drop-down menu or call 513-569-6565.

Christ Church Cathedral is located at 318 E 4th Street in downtown Cincinnati. Learn more on the cathedral website.

Music Live at Lunch in September

Music Live at Lunch, Christ Church Cathedral's weekly concert series, offers free concerts on Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m. Patrons are welcome to bring their own lunches. The September schedule includes:

September 3: Phil DeGreg Trio

September 10: Sally Lukasik Trio

September 17: Janice Trytten (Native flutes)

September 24: Rebecca Culnan (violin) and Dan Culnan (piano)

Joy Lives Here

Sunday, September 29

4 p.m.

The Queen City Street Choir and Christ Church Cathedral Choir will join with Gospel star Callie Day to present a concert supporting Queen City Street Choir’s mission of engaging with Cincinnati’s most marginalized residents through the restorative power of song. Ticket information: queencitystreetchoir.org.

See all cathedral events here.

See all job opportunities on the diocesan website.

Latest postings:

• Missioner for Black Ministries, Diocese of Southern Ohio
• Missioner for Latino Ministries, Diocese of Southern Ohio
• Digital Storyteller and Communications Specialist, St. Barnabas, Montgomery
• Interim Organist, St. Mark's, Dayton
• Children's Formation Assistant, St. Mark's, Columbus
• Child Care Provider, St. Barnabas, Montgomery
• Administrative Assistant, Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming
• Teacher, Bethany School
• Communication specialist, St. Andrew's, Pickerington
• Kitchen Summer Staff, Procter Center
• Director of Christian Education and Youth, Indian Hill Church

Email communication@diosohio.org to add a job listing.

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