{e}Connections | May 7, 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. | |
2023 budget surplus will be returned to congregations | |
|
Yesterday, Bishop White announced that Diocesan Council, on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, has voted to return a 2023 convention budget surplus of roughly $450,000 to congregations in the form of mission share credits. Congregations will receive information about the amount of their mission share credit by May 17.
Read the bishop's letter.
| |
Diaconal ordinations June 1 | |
God willing, the Right Reverend Kristin Uffelman White, Bishop of Southern Ohio, will ordain Libbie Crawford, Gayland Trim, and Kyle Schenkewitz to the Sacred Order of Deacons in Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church on Saturday, June 1 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy are invited to vest and process (red stoles). A reception will follow the service. | |
Affirming congregations discussion May 13 | |
|
In the Episcopal Church, we say that all are welcome, but what does it actually mean to be an affirming congregation? Join us on Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m. for a conversation about how congregations can be affirming, safe places for all of God's children, and what work your congregation may need to do to get there.
Register in advance for this meeting here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting. Email Canon Julie Murray with questions.
*This conversation may also be helpful for anyone planning to volunteer at Pride.
| |
|
As a part of building Beloved Community and becoming a church that looks and acts like Jesus, the Diocese of Southern Ohio is committed to providing a significant presence of The Episcopal Church at Pride celebrations in our communities. Across the region, we sponsor festivals and booths, march in parades, and hold Pride Masses.
See all Pride events.
If you are interested in being a part of our witness of God's unconditional love to the LGBTQIA+ community, sign up here to volunteer at a Pride event near you. And if you are interested in establishing an Episcopal Church presence at a Pride festival near you, email Julie Murray, canon for communications and community engagement, for assistance with getting supplies, volunteers, vendor tents and more.
| |
Best Day Boxes lighten spirits in Nelsonville | |
|
Teresa Whitmore’s friend Shelley Sullivan died of lung cancer in May 2023. As what would have been Sullivan’s 70th birthday approached in March, Whitmore, a member of Church of the Epiphany, Nelsonville, decided to create a memorial.
So was born the “best day boxes” — a complete birthday celebration in a 9 x 13 pan — based on an idea Whitmore saw on social media. With additional contributions from her closest friends and colleagues at Tammy’s Country Kitchen, where she is a cook, Whitmore placed a box of cake mix, a tub of “funfetti” icing, a birthday banner, a hand-written card, candles, and balloons in each disposable aluminum pan. Each box has a theme, including mermaids, ocean, space, or campfire. To replace the eggs and oil the cake mix requires, Whitmore includes a can of lemon-lime soda, a shelf-stable alternative.
Read more.
image courtesy of Theresa Whitmore
| |
Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found under Resources on the diocesan website. | |
Love. Always. Episcopal Revival June 22
| |
|
The Love. Always. Episcopal Revival will be held on Saturday, June 22 from 7 to 9 p.m., at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The event will be an opportunity to gather with thousands of Episcopalians, neighbors, and friends to worship, experience community, and kick off the 81st General Convention.
The Episcopal Revival is free, and all are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring friends and youth groups, and organize congregational groups to attend.
Two Easy Ways to Sign Up
General Convention attendees can show their badges at the designated door at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville.
Members of the general public can sign up here and show their confirmation emails at the designated door at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville. You can invite others anytime by sharing the link.
Revival Learning Party
Start your revival afternoon with a learning party featuring an inspiring plenary and six engaging workshops on evangelism, reconciliation, and creation care led by some of the church’s most dynamic and thoughtful leaders. Equip yourself to live as part of the Jesus Movement.
When: Saturday, June 22, 2-5 p.m.
Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 421 S. 2nd Street, Louisville (3 blocks from KFC Yum Center)
Who: All are welcome, 300 slots available
Fee: $40
Register: Visit the Learning Party registration page for details on workshops and to register.
Weekly Revival Prayer Circle
Every Wednesday at 3 p.m. Eastern, through June 26, all are welcome to join a 15-minute prayer call. We will pray for God’s blessing, guidance and protection on leaders preparing for the revival and General Convention, and lift up prayers for the revival of the whole church.
Link here for the Revival Prayer Circle, held every Wednesday from 3 to 3:15 p.m. through June 26.
The Diocese of Southern Ohio is proud to be a Revival Champion diocese. Email the Rev. Meredith Day Hearn (clergy@allsaintscincinnati.org) and Jerusalem Greer (jgreer@proctercenter.org) to learn more.
| |
Upcoming diocesan meetings, events and deadlines | |
|
A complete list of diocesan and community events can be found on the diocesan calendar.
| |
|
Episcopal visitations
-
May 12: St. Paul's, Dayton
-
May 19: Christ Church Cathedral (Pentecost)
Bishop White's visitation schedule and customary can be found on the bishop's office page of the diocesan website.
| |
Diocesan initiatives and ministries | |
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. | |
Online book study of “The Art of Gathering” in May | |
|
Do you know the purpose of your vestry meeting? What’s the invitation to your bible study? Whether you’re hosting a block party, vestry meeting, fundraiser or annual meeting, we can all learn to gather better.
On May 9 and 16, join Miriam McKenney and Emma Helms-Steinmetz from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in an exploration of Priya Parker’s, “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters,” to learn to create more meaningful events. The book study is open to anyone with a role in planning gatherings.
Register for a link to the Zoom event.
| |
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.
May (15, 22, 29 from to 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
June (4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
August (14, 21, 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
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: Energy bills in Ohio House, redistricting rally in Chillicothe, and advocacy days for gun safety and child food security
- May 8: Ohio House could vote on HB 79 to restore Ohio's energy efficiency program. Your call today could be crucial to get it on the agenda.
- May 8 opponent hearing on community solar bill, HB 197. Attend and tweet!
- May 11, Citizens Not Politicians rally and petition drive in Chillicothe, starting 2 pm. Great opportunity for Episcopalians in Ross, Fayette, and Hocking Counties.
- May 22: Gun Safety Advocacy Day at the Statehouse, starting at Trinity Episcopal Church.
- June 10-11: Bread for the World Advocacy Summit, Washington DC.
Read more.
| |
Upcoming events at Procter Center | |
|
Procter Center is a ministry of the Diocese of Southern Ohio with the mission to embody and teach creation care, spiritual development, and hospitality by becoming a beloved community together. Learn more at proctercenter.org.
| |
|
Camp updates
We are booking up fast for summer camp! Family Camp 1 and 2 are now both closed for registration. Due to the overwhelming response to Family Camp, we are thrilled to announce that Conservation Camp (July 21-15) has transformed into a unique Conservation FAMILY Camp!
This camp offers an immersive experience in creation care, including hiking in the woods, guest instructors, extra farm and lake time, and the exciting possibility of a tent camp option for one night. Lodge and cabin rooms will still be available each night, but campfire cooking will be a must! All of your favorite Procter Camp activities will also be part of the program. Join us for this fun new camp from July 21 to 25!
| |
|
Rogation Celebration
Saturday, May 18
2 p.m.
On Rogation Days, we ask God to bless the land and all its inhabitants and every endeavor to promote the common good. Everyone is invited to gather at Procter for an inclusive celebration as we commit to playing our part in caring for creation, especially in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
2 p.m. Rogation Service and beating of the bounds led by Bishop White
4 p.m. Games, Canoeing, Fishing, Farm Visits and Fellowship
5 p.m. Potluck Picnic (Procter will provide protein, and churches are invited to bring side dishes)
Email Jerusalem Greer for more information.
RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/DSORogation
| Reserve your Parish Picnic at Procter | |
The following summer dates are open for parish or group picnics: June 8, June 29, July 13, July 28, August 3. Multiple parishes can coordinate and share picnic times and dates in order to spend time together.
The cost is $500 for up to 25 people (all ages), $15 per additional person, ages 10+ over. Picnics Days are staffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or from 3 to 8 p.m.
For more information contact Robin Kimber at info@proctercenter.org or call 740-206-2036.
| |
Celebration of New Ministry at St. Anne’s, West Chester, May 8 | |
The wardens, vestry, and people of St. Anne’s, West Chester warmly welcome your prayers and presence for a Celebration of New Ministry, with the installation of their fifth rector, the Rev. Phil Hooper, on Wednesday, May 8 at 6 p.m. Bishop White will preside and the Rev. TJ Freeman, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, will preach. Clergy: white stoles. A reception will follow the service. Please RSVP to Dennis Murray at dgmurray57@gmail.com. | |
Columbus Night at the Symphony reservations due May 10 | |
|
The Episcopal Churches in Central Ohio will gather for the seventh Episcopal Night at the Symphony on May 24 at the Ohio Theater in Columbus. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra will perform Mozart's Mass in C Minor. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception on the 4th floor. Two beverage tickets are included with each ticket. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. and seating is in Prime Orchestra.
Tickets for the reception and concert are $60 per person, or $35 per person for the reception only. Reservations are due no later than May 10. Mail checks to the Rev. Bruce Smith at 627 Yaronia Dr. N, Columbus, OH 43214. Please include names of all members in your party for name tags, and your email in the event that the organizers need to contact you. For questions, contact Steve Knorr at 1946srk@gmail.com or the Rev. Bruce Smith at revabs0630@gmail.com.
| |
Land and Water Renewal at the Convent of the Transfiguration: Celebration and blessing May 14 | |
|
Over the past year, the Community of the Transfiguration has been working diligently to upgrade its property to be better stewards of the Earth and community. The new additions include dedicated garden space, an outdoor altar, walking paths, and bioswales.
In celebration of the community's 125th Anniversary, it will host a celebration and blessing of its reinvigorated space on Tuesday, May 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will follow.
| |
Festival Choral Evensong May 19 | |
|
Trinity Church on Capitol Square will hold a service of evensong to welcome its new associate rector, the Rev. Iva Joyce-Miesse, on Sunday, May 19 at 4:30 p.m.
Begin your week with a time of reflection as you hear ancient texts of prayer and praise sung by the Trinity Choir. Music will include canticles by Charles Villiers Stanford (Evening Service in G) and Henry Balfour Gardiner’s Evening Hymn, Reception following.
| |
News from Christ Church Cathedral | |
|
Christ Church Cathedral is located at 318 E 4th Street in downtown Cincinnati. Learn more at the cathedral website.
| |
|
Music Live at Lunch
Music Live at Lunch is a free, weekly concert series held on Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral featuring a variety of music. Bring your own lunch or buy one at the cathedral. Find the full schedule of concerts here.
| |
Organ Recital
Sunday, May 12
3 p.m.
Stephan Casurella performs on both Cathedral organs: C. B. Fisk Op. 148 and Richards, Fowkes & Co. Opus 24. Suggested donation: $15.
| |
Ascension Day Festive Eucharist
Thursday, May 9
7:00 p.m.
The Acts of the Apostles tells us that forty days after his resurrection, Jesus was taken up into heaven, having instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit and appointing them “witnesses...to the ends of the earth.”
We invite you to join us for our Ascension Day observance (one of the seven principal feasts in the Episcopal Church) at a festive Eucharist featuring the combined choirs of Christ Church Cathedral and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
| |
Summer Music Camp
Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Children ages 8 to 14 are invited to sing, play instruments, create art, and explore faith at the cathedral’s week-long music camp. The week will end with a chance for parents and friends to hear what the children have been learning! Register here.
| |
|
See all job opportunities on the diocesan website.
Latest postings:
-
Executive Director, Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati (MARCC)
-
Director of Children and Youth Formation, St. Stephen's, Columbus
-
Teacher, Bethany School
-
Rector, Indian Hill Church
-
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.
| |
|
Connect with us!
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
diosohio.org
| | | | |
