{e}Connections | October 17, 2023 | |
{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 the Monday before publication. | |
Anglican Al Ahli Arab Hospital Hit by Airstrike | |
Earlier today, an airstrike at Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City reportedly killed at least 500 patients, healthcare workers and civilians seeking shelter. The hospital is operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
Eileen Spencer, executive director for American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, told the Washington Post "We don’t know if the hospital will still be standing."
In a statement, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem condemned what it described as an attack. "As we grieve the loss of countless souls who perished on our premises, we declare a day of mourning in all our churches and institutions. We beseech our friends, partners, and individuals of goodwill to stand in solidarity, mourning with us the heinous assault on our dedicated staff and vulnerable patients."
Presiding Bishop Curry issued a statement this evening:
My heart aches when I remember visiting al-Ahli hospital in 2018 during Holy Week to meet the medical teams and all the people of that remarkable ministry. They were passionately committed to anyone who had need. ...
Right now, I ask you to pray fervently for the birthplace of the Abrahamic faiths and for all its people. Pray for those who have been hurt, harmed, or killed—regardless of who they are or who did it.
Pray also for the leaders and people of the entire region, that they will remember God’s mercy, and that they will find the way to a just peace where all may live in safety and security as God intends.
Read more.
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God of Life, whose faithfulness to us is never-ending, we remember before you those who have died by the violence that has become shockingly routine in your Holy Land; receive them into your heart where they may know the peace and joy of eternal life in you.
For all who have died, that they may rest in that place where pain is no more, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Litany for the Holy Land)
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Business session November 11
Registration now open; Pre-convention meeting Nov. 6
Registration is now open for the business session of the 149th Convention, scheduled for Saturday, November 11 at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on the campus of Shawnee State University in Portsmouth.
During the business session, clergy and lay delegates will elect diocesan commission leadership; consider resolutions and changes to the diocesan constitution and canons; and vote on the 2024 Mission Share budget.
Delegates and clergy may attend the business session either in person or virtually via Zoom. Register here.
Convention quick links:
The Pre-convention meeting and Nominee Forum for the 149th Annual Convention will be held on Monday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. All clergy and certified lay delegates are expected to attend.
Register in advance for the pre-convention webinar here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the Zoom event.
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Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found under Resources on the diocesan website. | |
New Episcopal Community Story-Making Workshops on November 2 and 4 | |
Join the Rev. Joseph Kovitch and other New Episcopal Communities leaders for two half-day workshops that will help participants learn to effectively tell their personal stories as well as the stories of the communities they lead.
The workshops will be held Thursday, November 2 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Church of the Advent, Walnut Hills and Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Stephen's, Columbus, and will be facilitated by Joe Boyd, the chief executive officer of Boonrise, a story-driven creative agency and production company based in Cincinnati. Register for either workshop here. For more information, contact the Rev. Joseph Kovitch at fatherjospehk@gmail.com.
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ECW Ministry Spotlight October 18 | |
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will present the first in a series of diocesan area ministry spotlights on Wednesday, October 18 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Fran Montgomery and Mary Kay Arbogast will discuss the work of CATCH Court/Freedom a la Cart, a ministry partner of St. Patrick's, Dublin, that focuses on restorative justice for survivors of human trafficking.
Episcopal Community Ministries (ECM) Administrator Andrea Owens will discuss how congregations can apply for funds to support ministries like this one.
Anyone interested in this ministry of restorative justice is welcome to attend. Register here to receive a Zoom link.
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Upcoming diocesan meetings, events and deadlines | |
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A complete list of diocesan and community events can be found on the diocesan calendar.
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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. | |
Using Picture Books for Racial Healing: a Dismantling Racism Certification Course
New Sessions Scheduled
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.
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December (5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
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February (6, 7, 8, 13, 14, & 15 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
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March (12, 19, 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
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April (10, 17, 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.) Sign up here.
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May (15, 22, 29 from to 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
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June (4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
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August (14, 21, 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
Email Director of Dismantling Racism Miriam McKenney to learn more.
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Teens and Parents Talk about Race: a Beloved Community Offering
October 23 from 7 to 8 p.m.
Talking about race and all of its complexities can be challenging. In this session, Sarah Beegle and Miriam McKenney, parents of teenagers and young adults, will talk with teens and parents about how we talk about race. There will be time for teens to talk without their parents and parents to talk without their teens, openly and honestly. Sign up here.
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"Adventurer's Guide to the Bible" High School Retreat
November 17-19 at Procter Center
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Students in grades 9-12 are invited to gather at Procter for a weekend of immersion in the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons. The campaign runs parallel to the events of the Bible, but the way the plot unfolds is up to you! Experienced players and those new to the game are welcome.
Register here.
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Social Justice & Advocacy
Advocacy update
Advocacy briefings are compiled by Ariel Miller, a longtime community advocate and member of Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming.
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This week’s post includes a link to Nobel Laureate Claudia Goldin’s research on the economic benefits of family planning and coverage of Bishop Gene Robinson receiving an honorary doctorate.
- Responding to the humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East
- Oct. 19 webinar on Ohio Second Amendment Protection Act, 8-9 p.m.
- Nov. 7: Episcopal Church Virtual Training for LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Days, 1-4 p.m.
- Ohio Issue 1 would protect right to contraception. Voting now underway.
- November 2023 elections to determine city councils, school boards, levies. Encourage voting!
- Cincinnati Issue 24 seeks to generate significant funding to close affordable housing gap
- The U.S. House could pick our next president: the danger of third-party candidates
Read the Advocacy Briefing.
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OSU Football ticket auctions | |
Trinity, Newark, is auctioning a pair of premium tickets to the OSU vs. Michigan State football game on Saturday, November 11 at Ohio Stadium. The auction begins Sunday, October 22, at noon and ends Saturday, Oct. 28, at noon. Minimum bid is $415. Bids can be made at Trinity Church OSU Ticket Auction.
Proceeds from the tickets will be used to provide clothing for students in need at Ben Franklin Elementary School in Newark, Ohio. An anonymous donor to Trinity will match the winning bid. Ben Franklin Elementary has a high percentage of students whose family's incomes are below the federal poverty line. Trinity has supported them for over 20 years.
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The Society of the Transfiguration is accepting email bids for a pair of premium tickets to see the Ohio State Buckeyes challenge the University of Minnesota Gophers on Saturday, November 18 at Ohio Stadium.
All proceeds will benefit the Community's Food For The Soul ministry, a food rescue and pantry ministry serving the tri-state area.
To bid, email rkonkol@ctsisters.org and include your name, email address, phone number, and bid (minimum is $300). Offers are being accepted until Friday, November 3 at 5 p.m. In the event of a tie, both parties will have an opportunity to make a final offer by Monday, November 6. These are electronic tickets, to be transferred to the winner prior to the game.
Please email Rob Konkol or call 513-771-5291 ext. 161 with any questions.
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Tea & Hymn Singalong October 20
Transfiguration Spirituality Center will host a tea and hymn singalong on Friday, October 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. Light snacks will be offered with music from Anny Stevens-Gleason, minister for liturgy at Church of the Redeemer, Cincinnati, and Greear Frischmuth.
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Jammin' at the James
October 21
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St. James, Westwood is sponsoring a free community concert called "Jammin at the James" on Saturday, October 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Westwood Town Hall amphitheater. A blessing of pets will take place before the concert at 5 p.m.
The concert will include vintage and modern rock n’ roll with ToneYard. Food and drinks from the Westwood DORA district will be available.
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Bethany School Open House
October 22
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Bethany School, Ohio's only private Episcopal School, will hold an open house on Sunday, October 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. The open house will be an opportunity to meet the Bethany School community and tour the campus.
Register here.
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Trinity, Capitol Square Renewal of Ministry
October 28
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By the grace of God and the consent of the people, the vestry and community of Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square warmly invite the people of the diocese to a Renewal of Ministry as they welcome their twenty-fifth rector, the Rev. Jed J. Dearing, on the Feast of St. Simon & St. Jude, Saturday, October 28, at 2 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs Jr. will preside and the Rev. Lee Anne Reat will preach.
All clergy are invited to gather prior to the processional in the Parish House. Those who wish to may vest for the processional in keeping with their own spiritual tradition; if stoles are worn, red is appropriate. Childcare will be provided. A reception to follow the service.
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The Gospel According to Harry Potter
October 28
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Potluck and Class at All Saints, New Albany
On Saturday, October 28 from 6 to 9 p.m., All Saints will host an evening of fun, food and learning about how the Harry Potter story connects to the Christian faith.
The event begins at 6 p.m. with pizza; guests are invited to bring side salads and delectables. At 7 p.m., the Hogwarts Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Patricia Lyons, and Professor Father Jason, Headmaster, will discuss “Harry Potter and the Signs of the Resurrection” seen in the books. The event will also include Harry Potter activities for children.
Please register at allsaintsnewalbany.org. If you have questions, please contact the Parish Office of Magical Registration and Wand Permits at 614.855.8267 or office@allsaintsnewalbany.org. House robes, sweaters, ties, character costumes, brooms and wands are greatly encouraged.
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The Great Lady Concert Series presents Kara Huber | |
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The Great Lady Concert Series at Christ Church, Dayton, presents Kara Huber, Grammy-nominated and prize-winning concert pianist, on Sunday, November 5 at 3 p.m. This dedicatory concert will showcase “Ruby,” Christ Church’s new Steinway Sterling Edition, Model D Concert Grand Piano.
Teenage pianists are invited to attend a masterclass conducted by Kara on Saturday, November 4 at 3 p.m. Both the concert and masterclass are free and open to the public.
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Events at Christ Church Cathedral | |
Christ Church Cathedral is located at 318 E 4th Street in downtown Cincinnati. Learn more at the cathedral website.
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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.
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Duruflé Requiem
Saturday, Oct. 21
2 and 5 p.m.
Join the May Festival Chorus and organist Michael Unger for a special concert in Christ Church Cathedral. Director of Choruses Robert Porco, now in his 35th season, leads Maurice Duruflé’s virtuosic and moving Requiem, a showcase for the cathedral’s magnificent Richard, Fowkes & Co. organ. The chorus will also premiere an arrangement for chorus and organ of Julia Adolphe’s Crown of Hummingbirds, premiered in its orchestral version to great acclaim at the 2023 May Festival. Find ticket information at
mayfestival.com.
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Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra We Are One Festival October 22-25 | |
The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra will host We Are One, a four-day festival promoting the stories of those who came to Greater Cincinnati as immigrants, refugees, or displaced persons.
Christ Church Catheral will host the final concert on Wednesday, October 25 at 7 p.m. The program, which includes works by Saunder Choi, James MacMillan, Gabriela Lena Frank, Judith Shatin, Caroline Shaw, and Reena Esmail, expresses a defeat of repression, a call toward justice for immigrants and refugees, and an open invitation to a better society. Reserve tickets.
Learn more about the festival and download a flyer.
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Commemoration of All Faithful Departed
Sunday, November 5
5 p.m.
This choral Eucharist will include Fauré’s beloved Requiem with orchestra. Worshipers will have a chance to light candles in memory of loved ones as the Necrology (names of the departed) is read aloud. Worshippers are invited to bring a photograph of a loved one to place at the front of the church. Incense will be used at this service, which will be streamed live.
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