{e} Connections | September 27, 2022 | |
In Memoriam: Sister Priscilla, Last Episcopal Deaconess, Dies at 87 | |
|
Sister Priscilla Jean Wright of the Community of the Transfiguration in Cincinnati, died on September 11. She was 87 and the last living woman to have served as a deaconess in the Episcopal Church.
Sr. Priscilla was ‘set apart’ as a deaconess on June 18, 1964, after studying at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary (now Bexley Seabury). Her work took her to Ponce, Puerto Rico; the Dominican Republic; Navajoland; Virginia; Texas; and Ohio over her nearly 60 years as deaconess and deacon. Shortly after being set apart as a deaconess, she became director of religious education at the Episcopal mission in Navajoland. She loved serving among the Navajo people and often spoke with joy of her time there. At the same time, she felt a need to live and serve within the context of a religious community and entered the Community of the Transfiguration. She made her life vows as a sister on January 25, 1971.
Sr. Priscilla spent twenty-five years in the Dominican Republic, where she and Sr. Jean Gabriel, the current mother superior of the Community of the Transfiguration, worked in Barrio las Flores. Through prayer, hard work, and determination, they started a feeding program and a pre-school, a medical clinic with room for worship, and eventually built a church building and expanded the grades served by the school. They raised funds for scholarships and provided food and other resources to meet as many needs as possible for the people of the community.
Read more.
image: Sr. Jean Gabriel and her goddaughter distributing communion to children in Barrio las Flores.
| |
Installation of Canons on October 2 | |
|
Bishop Smith will install new canons of the cathedral and diocese during Evensong on Sunday, October 2, at Christ Church Cathedral. Those being presented include:
-
The Rev. Ted Albert, Honorary Canon, Christ Church Cathedral
-
The Rev. Brian Blayer, Canon Missioner, Christ Church Cathedral
-
The Rev. David Getreu, Canon for Budget and Finance, Diocese of Southern Ohio
-
Julie Murray, Canon for Communications and Community Engagement, Diocese of Southern Ohio
-
The Rev. Jason Oden, Canon for Formation and New Episcopal Ministries, Diocese of Southern Ohio
-
The Rev. Michael Spencer, Canon for Transitions and Congregational Ministry, Diocese of Southern Ohio
-
Brooklin Taylor, Canon for Emerging Church, Christ Church Cathedral
A pre-service organ recital begins at 4:30 p.m. with organist Jason Gunnell, associate director of music and organist at St. Thomas, Terrace Park. Evensong begins at 5 p.m. A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome.
| |
|
Resolution deadline October 5
Convention resolutions are one of the ways Episcopalians do the practical work of our life together and express our love in action. If you would like to propose a resolution for consideration by the 148th Convention, the deadline is drawing near. By canon, resolutions must be submitted no later than 45 days prior to convention. The deadline to submit resolutions is Wednesday, October 5.
Please follow the sample format, newly revised as of 2022! You can submit your resolution here. For questions, contact the Resolutions Committee chair, the Rev. Alice Connor, at ursamajorstudio@gmail.com.
| |
|
Seeking nominations for diocesan leadership
There are several elected leadership positions for which the Nominating Committee seeks nominees for election. Please consider submitting your name for one of the positions to be elected, or, if you know of a member of the diocese, either lay or ordained, who would be well suited for one of the positions, please encourage them to apply.
A list and description of all available positions is available on the convention website. Nominations are requested by October 5, but the absolute deadline is November 1. The nomination form can be found here. Questions can be directed to Jon B. Boss, chair of the Nominating Committee, at jbboss@fuse.net or (513) 761-2630.
| |
|
Registration open
The 148th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio will take place on Saturday, November 19. Registration is now open until November 4. The convention will be a hybrid event – voting clergy and delegates can attend either in person at Christ Church Cathedral, or virtually via Zoom.
You may register for either the in-person or remote session using the online form. The form allows for individual registration or for congregation delegations. A box lunch will be available for in-person attendees who request one on registration. Cost is $10. Attendees may also choose to bring their own lunch.
You can find all the latest details about the convention on our convention website, DSOConvention.org. Watch upcoming issues of this newsletter for details and deadlines.
Important dates and deadlines
-
October 5: (45 days prior): Deadline for proposed resolutions; nominations requested
-
November 1: (18 days prior): Deadline for nominations
-
November 2: Pre-convention meeting and Nominee Forum, 6:30 p.m.
-
November 4: Registration closes
-
November 12: (7 days prior): Deadline for 2022 Commission Reports
| |
|
Links
- Register here.
-
See a list of open leadership positions here.
-
Fill out a nomination form here.
-
Submit a resolution here.
| |
Discerning a call to ordained ministry? Attend the Explorers' Retreat | |
|
Are you discerning a call to ordained ministry? Do you want to explore further that pull you feel to be a deacon or priest?
In our diocese, one enters discernment for ordained ministry by attending the Explorers’ Retreat, organized by the Commission on Ministry (CoM). The Explorers’ Retreat has two parts; Part 1 will be a two-hour Information Session held on Saturday, November 12, from 10 AM to noon, by Zoom. Part 2 is an overnight retreat at Procter Camp and Conference Center, scheduled for January 27-28, 2023. Both events are required for those wanting to begin the formal process of exploring a call to ordained ministry in the diocese. Learn more.
| |
A report from the Reparations Task Force | |
|
The Reparations Task Force was created in 2020 and charged with helping to define what reparations would look like in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. In the fall of 2021, the task force was assigned to work with the Bishop and Trustees to explore the creation of a diocesan staff position whose focus would be to increase the vitality of the Black and brown communities of faith while also being an advocate for the engagement by all our congregations in responding to Jesus’ call to “love our neighbors as ourselves.”
The task force set up an action team, headed by Judge Tyrone Yates and representatives of the historic Black congregations. The group developed a gap analysis and a job description for the Black Missioner position. These documents were submitted to Canon Johanssen and Bishop Smith. A search for candidates has been initiated by the diocese and the position will be filled by the end of the year.
The Reparations Task Force has also been asked to initiate a Parish History Project. Bishop Smith has asked each congregation to write a history to include what its role was in different areas such as slavery, reconstruction and Jim Crow laws. Newer parishes may be able to report on what they experienced more recently during segregation, housing discrimination, and white flight. This information can be useful for conversations and a component of our upcoming (2025) Sesquicentennial celebrations. Reports can be submitted online.
If you need help with your history project, contact the task force chairs, Dianne Ebbs at dianneebbs@gmail.com or the Rev. Karl Stevens at rector@ststephens-columbus.org.
| |
Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found on the resources hub on the diocesan website. | |
Webinars on human resources, church safety | |
|
Human resources webinars
The Diocesan Finance Department, along with our partners at Strategic HR Business Advisors, will offer three webinars in the coming months covering Human Resources issues. Each webinar will be held from 12 to 1 p.m.
-
September 21: Basic Employment Law. See video.
-
Tuesday, October 4 at 12 p.m.: Managing Performance: Coaching, Corrective Action and Terminations. Register here.
-
Wednesday, November 9 at 12 p.m.: Retention through Engagement and Recognition.
The webinars will be recorded and available for later viewing.
Learn more.
| |
|
Congregational safety webinars
Gregory Howard, a Protective Security Advisor with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) serving Southern Ohio, will present two webinars on church safety on September 28 and October 19. The webinars will be free of charge and are recommended for vestries and others in church leadership.
-
Wednesday, September 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m.: CISA Physical Security Services and Best Practices for Church Security. Register online.
-
Wednesday, October 19, 6 to 7 p.m.: Active Shooter Preparedness and Response Webinar.
These webinars will be recorded for later viewing.
Learn more.
| |
Diocesan Ministries & Initiatives | |
Becoming Beloved Community | |
|
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio has committed to the call of Becoming Beloved Community, with deepening focus on the work of racial healing, reconciliation, and justice-making. Learn more and subscribe to the Diocese of Southern Ohio Becoming Beloved Community newsletter.
| |
"Centered" discipleship circles begin this week | |
|
Beginning September 27, people in the diocese are invited to participate in Centered, a new discipleship series that guides small communities to gather weekly over nine weeks to share a meal and prayer; view two short films; discuss questions about God, belonging, and living a meaningful life; and support each other in committing to follow Jesus and his Way of Love intentionally.
For the last fourteen months, Miriam McKenney of Calvary, Cincinnati and Forward Movement has worked on Centered with the Episcopal Church’s Office of Evangelism and a diverse team of lay and ordained leaders across the Episcopal Church.
Centered will take place in 90-minute sessions on Zoom on Tuesday evenings (7 to 8:30 p.m.) or Friday mornings (10 to 11:30 a.m.) beginning Sept. 27. Limit 12 people per session. Sign up online.
| |
Deep Green Church: Foundations for Ecological Discipleship | |
|
On October 8 and 9, All Saints, New Albany will host a weekend event presented by Dr. Collin Cornell and the Rev. Jerry Cappel of the Center For Deep Green Faith. The weekend will include presentations, workshops and worship to deepen understanding of the theology that underpins our work of creation care.
Each person planning to attend must register. The suggested in-person donation is $10 per person. Childcare will be provided. Please register by October 1.
Learn more and register.
| |
|
Weekly advocacy updates are compiled by Ariel Miller, a long-time community advocate and member of Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming.
In this week's update:
- Cincinnati’s median rent surge the worst of top 50 metros Read more.
- Innovative Columbus housing project for trafficking victims secures funding Read more.
- New Bethany House Family Shelter open house Sept. 30 Read more.
- Fall election schedule and Innovation Ohio Voter Guide Read more.
- Ohio’s rising trend of deaths of despair Read more.
Read the full advocacy update.
| |
|
For more information about seasonal opportunities as well as ongoing opportunities such as Education for Ministry, Safe Church Training, and Anti-Racism Training, visit the Formation page on the diocesan website and subscribe to the Diocese of Southern Ohio Formation newsletter.
| |
|
Licensed Worship Leader training
Licensed Worship Leader training will be held over Zoom and hosted by volunteer and certified trainer Mark Conrad.
To be certified you will participate in two sessions, Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday, November 5, 10 a.m.to 12 p.m. Register here.
To schedule a regional or parish training, email Mark.
| |
|
Update from YEDI
The YEDI (Youth Engagement Design Internship) program is in full effect. The students are working hard on putting together a pen pal program that will invite youth from across the diocese to participate in old-fashioned letter writing! Stay tuned for details.
| |
"Nourish" Campus Ministry Fall Retreat | The Campus Ministry Collaborative will hold its annual fall retreat October 7-10 at Hocking Hills' Lazy Bear Cabin in Logan. Young adults and students who would like to feed their soul through connecting, restoring and relaxing should register by Sept. 30. For more information or to register, contact the Rev. Deborah Woolsey, Campus Ministry Collaborative convener, at revdebwoolsey@gmail.com. | |
|
"Slay: Being a Modern-Day Saint" Middle School Retreat | |
|
Procter Center and the Formation Team invite all 6 to 8th graders to join for an amazing weekend retreat Oct. 28-30 at Procter.
Join old friends and new to play games, eat food, and explore what it would look like if middle school students were the saints of their communities! Registration is coming soon, but be sure to save the date and save your spot by texting "SLAY" to 812.430.4464!
| |
Interfaith Youth Gatherings with Cincinnati Kids4Peace | |
Do you want to spend. time with friends? Make new friends? Eat snacks, learn, and grow together? Then come join us as we build community around love and understanding. You can identify with any faith, religion, spirituality, or none at all. All teens are welcome.
"Kids4Peace is a way to first make friends and then become more aware and educated on different types of people," Shanaz, a Kids4Peace participant, says.
The gatherings will take place at the ish Garage in Northside (4113 Langland St., Cincinnati, OH 43223) on the following Sundays from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.:
- October 2 and 16
- November 6 and 20
- December 4 and 18
Contact Adam Hayden for more details via email or at 812.430.4464.
Register online.
| |
If your congregation would like to have news or an event notice published in the newsletter, email Julie Murray. | |
"Are We There yet?" film screening Oct. 6 | |
|
Thursday, Oct. 6
7 p.m.
On October 6 at 7 p.m., St. Stephen's, Columbus, and Trinity, Columbus, will sponsor a screening of the documentary short film, "Are We There Yet?" at the Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High Street, on Thursday, October 6 at 7 p.m. The film examines the roots of Christian nationalism and asks honest questions about if change is possible. A Q&A with the filmmakers will follow. All are welcome!
| |
Updates from Christ Church Cathedral | |
Taft Lecture Series presents "We Are Called to be a Movement" | |
|
Music Live at Lunch
Music Live at Lunch is a free, weekly concert series featuring a variety of music. Bring your own lunch or buy one at the cathedral. Concerts are held on Tuesdays, September through May, at 12:10 p.m. Convenient parking is located in the Queen City Square Garage across the street from the cathedral’s Fourth Street entrance.
Upcoming performers:
Oct 4: Dan Culnan (piano) & Rebecca Culnan (violin)
Oct 11: The Bacchanal Steel Band
Oct 18: James Meade (guitar)
Oct 25: Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass
| |
|
Choral Evensong
Sunday, October 2
5 p.m.
Pre-service organ recital begins at 4:30 p.m. with organist Jason Gunnell. Evensong begins at 5 p.m. Canticles The Truro Canticles – Dobrinka Tabakova Anthem Oculus non vidit – Rihards Dubra
Hymns and Improvisation
Sunday, October 9
3 p.m.
Organist William Porter leads a hymn festival, in which the voices of the Cathedral’s Richard Fowkes organ join with the voices of the audience to sing favorite hymns with improvisations interspersed throughout. No admission charge. Suggested donation: $15.
Northern Kentucky University Philharmonic Orchestra
Monday, October 12
7 p.m.
The NKU Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Amy Gillingham Culligan is joined by organists Stephan Casurella and Daniel Grotz in a program featuring Rheinberger’s Organ Concerto No. 1, Holst’s The Planets, and Saint-Saëns’ “Organ Symphony.” No admission charge.
| |
Christ Church Cathedral 2022-23 Music Brochure now available
We are pleased to announce the publication of the new Christ Church Cathedral music brochure with its wealth of music offerings for the coming program year.
If you would like a printed copy of this brochure mailed to your home, please email hello@cccath.org with your mailing address and a note requesting a music brochure. Or download an electronic version.
| |
Fall Harvest Boxes from Procter Farm | |
Each fall, the farm at Procter Center is overflowing with delicious, fresh vegetables, and also has fresh-to-frozen pork and chicken that is pasture and humanely raised for the most nutrient-dense and tastiest cuts. Order a Fall Harvest Box for one week or save by purchasing boxes for multiple weeks.
| |
|
See all job opportunities on the diocesan website.
-
Digital Missioner, St. John's, Columbus
-
Nursery Attendant (part-time), St. Andrew's, Pickerington
-
Director of Music, Trinity Lutheran Church, Cincinnati
-
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries, Trinity Lutheran Church, Cincinnati
-
Communications and Office Assistant (part-time), St. Patrick's, Lebanon
-
Financial Administrator, Trinity Church on Capitol Square, Columbus
-
Rector, Christ Church, Springfield
-
Music Director, St. Andrew's, Ft. Thomas, KY
-
Director, Transfiguration Spirituality Center
-
Chaplain and Spiritual Services Lead (part-time), Episcopal Retirement Services
-
Parish Administrator (part-time) St. Andrew's Pickerington
-
Youth Minister, St. Barnabas, Montgomery
-
Communications Associate (part-time), Trinity, Hamilton
-
Nursery Supervisor, La Iglesia Episcopal del Espíritu Santo
-
Administrative Assistant, Holy Trinity, Oxford
-
Priest-in-Charge (part-time), St. Philip, Columbus
Email Julie Murray to add a job listing.
| |
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
| | | | | |
