Update from Standing Committee |
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Just before Christmas, we said that we would launch a survey of our diocese in early January. This survey is the first step in our search for our new bishop.
We are finishing up the survey now, and we hope to launch it later this week. When the survey launches, we will do our best to communicate the link by email, social media, and online. We’ll also ask for your help in sharing the link with others in your congregation.
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2020 Parochial Report forms now available; help webinar scheduled for January 14 |
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The link to the 2020 Parochial Report is now available online and is due March 1. Learn more
The Parochial Report for 2020 has changed from its typical five (5) pages of information to an expanded eight (8) pages. The diocese will offer a webinar on the revised form on Thursday, January 14 from noon to 1 p.m. We will discuss how to report various items, i.e. PPP money, diocesan COVID-19 loans/grants, online attendance and a variety of other topics. Advance registration is required. You can register for the webinar here.
Please email any questions on the new report to Carine de Lange to help us prepare for the webinar. We look forward to seeing you!
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New information on the Paycheck Protection Program
On December 27, 2020, the president signed a new law to alleviate the cash crunch many businesses are still experiencing due to the ongoing pandemic; relief measures include a second draw of PPP loans.
Read more
www.dsoconnections.org
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There is a possibility that mail delivery to the diocesan office was compromised this past weekend. If any individuals or congregations have mailed checks to the diocese in the last two weeks, please contact Susan Byrnside in the Finance Office for verification that your check has been received. |
2021 Mileage reimbursement rates |
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the new standard mileage rates for 2021. Starting on January 1, 2021, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup, or panel truck will be:
- 56 cents per mile driven for business use, down 1.5 cents from the 2020 rate
- 16 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down 1 cent from the 2020 rate
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
A link to the diocesan expense reimbursement form can be found on our website on the Finance page of our website.
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As of January 1, 2021, the minimum wage for non-tipped employees in Ohio will rise from $8.70 to $8.80 per hour, a 10-cent increase.
This bump can be attributed to the constitutional amendment voted on in 2006 by the citizens of Ohio that raises the minimum wage in the state each year based on the Consumer Price Index that increases it to meet inflation. The bump will bring a 40-hour workweek employee to $352.
Ohio businesses with gross receipts of less than $323,000 in 2020, and for those workers under the age of 16, the minimum wage remains $7.25, which is the federal minimum wage.
Remember you are required to post the minimum wage and overtime information in a space that is easily visible, such as an employee break room, your HR office that is accessible to employees, or another common space.
For a copy of the poster with the new 2021 minimum wage, Ohio employers can click here.
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Three online formation offerings now available to everyone in the diocese:
- Diocesan Safe Church Training/Formation
- Introduction to Epiphany
- How to Teach Kids at Home
For more information, contact Formation team member the Rev. Jason Oden at joden@diosohio.org.
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Tammie Vanoss, Director of IT for the diocese and Christ Church Cathedral, has tendered her resignation from both staffs, effective January 20, 2021. Please join us in thanking Tammie for all her hard work and dedication to both organizations over the last five years and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors.
We will be working with Tammie for a smooth transition. After January 20, any IT requests or questions can be directed to Carine de Lange, Operations Executive and CFO, until such time as the position is filled.
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Becoming Beloved Community |
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As the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement, we dream and work to foster Beloved Communities where all people may experience dignity and abundant life and see themselves and others as beloved children of God. |
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Legislative advocacy briefing |
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Thank you to everyone in the diocese who advocated on the policy issues we followed in the 133rd session of the Ohio Legislature: gun safety, creation care, and criminal justice reform. Here are some updates at the start of a new two-year session:
- Moving Ahead on Ohio Energy Issues
- Governor signed SB 33 into law on Jan. 11
- Governor signed criminal justice reform bills
www.dsoconnections.org
Advocacy briefings are compiled by Becoming Beloved Community leadership team member Ariel Miller.
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Network calls about Episcopal Advocacy |
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Join the Office of Government Relations for a 30-minute, weekly conversation about the policies and legislation we are advocating for. This is a chance to take part in a conversation on advocacy asks, political environment, and the legislative outlook. We will offer a pilot run of these calls for the next six weeks, beginning this Thursday, January 14, 1:00-1:30pm ET. Register here
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Follow the latest news and events related to The Episcopal Church's work on Becoming Beloved Community here in our diocese at http://dsobeloved.org.
Click here to subscribe to the Becoming Beloved Community newsletter
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Connecting with our cathedral |
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Music Live at Lunch, Christ Church Cathedral's weekly concert series, will feature these upcoming performances listed below in January. Currently these free concerts are being live streamed via Facebook on Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m.
Jan 19: UC College-Conservatory of Music Organ Students
Jan 26: Rebecca Culnan, violin; Daniel Culnan, piano
Coming up in February:
Feb 2: The Cincinnati Dancing Pigs
Feb 9: Lieto String Quartet and Richard York: Brahms' Clarinet Quintet
Feb 16: Lagniappe
Feb 23: Noyse Merchants
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Sunday, February 7, 2021
5 p.m.
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The Christ Church Cathedral Choir
Canticles: Magnifcat and Nunc dimittis in B-flat – Charles Villiers Stanford
Anthem: Like as the Hart Desireth the Waterbrooks – Herbert Howells
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*In Response to COVID-19
All programming is subject to change due to pandemic-related restrictions. Whenever possible, we will offer services and concerts via live stream if in-person gatherings are not permitted. Please check the cathedral website (cincinnaticathedral.com) for updates throughout the season.
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Christ Church Cathedral is located at 318 E 4th Street in downtown Cincinnati. For more information, news and events, visit cincinnaticathedral.com. |
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Bethany School Campus Encounters |
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Opportunities from Province V |
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NEW: Suicide Prevention Network
January 19, 2021
11 am - 12 noon ET / 10-11 am CT
Join this NEW Province V network on Zoom.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. And invite your friends!
Preventing Suicide Training
You are invited to explore this opportunity:
The Episcopal Church’s Department of Faith Formation, in consultation with a multi-disciplinary working group, has partnered with LivingWorks to offer the 90-minute Start program. This training is being offered as an introductory course, a quick-start intended to help participants recognize when a person is considering suicide and take quick action to get them help and support. Our hope is that this course will spark conversation and consideration about ways communities can go deeper to contextualize the learnings and begin to address issues that may be underlying increasing mental health conditions and suicidal ideation.
If you work with at-risk populations, your registration is free.
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Creation Care Network hosts a conversation about "A Perfect Planet"
January 26,
6-7 pm ET / 5-6 pm CT
Are you passionate about the Earth? The Creation Care Networks of Province V and Province IV are joining together to offer a discussion of A Perfect Planet by Sir David Attenborough. Watch the videos and then join us in a conversation on January 26, 6 pm ET / 5 pm CT.
This five-part series is streaming on BBC America or Discovery+. Please watch available episodes before the discussion event and bring your thoughts and questions to the group that gathers. (Only the first few are available through Discovery+ at this point.)
Registration is required. A reminder email with your link will be sent out the day of the event.
If you have questions, contact Heather.
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Creation Care Network's next meeting will be February 1. See our webpage for more info.
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Lawrence Home Association’s Academic Grant for Minority Women program |
The Lawrence Home Association, founded in 1896 under the will of philanthropist Eleanor Earnshaw, was started to “provide a Christian home for self-supporting, young women on limited means, the most important aim being to help them elevate their standard of life.” To this day, the Lawrence Home Association provides opportunities for young women.
An eight-member board of women, appointed by the bishop, meets once a year to vote on recommendations for academic grants for minority women, scholarships for clergy daughters and funding for social-service agencies whose mission is to serve women of limited means and help them move out of conditions related to poverty, abuse, etc.
The purpose of the Academic Grant for Minority Women program is to help finance the postsecondary education of minority women, regardless of age, who are affiliated with an Episcopal church within the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
The association expects to make eight grants in 2021. The application deadline is March 15, 2021. All applicants for the 2021-22 grant period will be selected by April 15, 2021, and notified by May 15 about the status of their applications. To obtain an application, go online to https://episcopaliansinconnection.org/financial-assistance-2/
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Grace through the works of Jane Austen |
Join the Community of the Transfiguration's Spirituality Center via Zoom for a journey that uses the life and writing of Jane Austen as inspiration for us today. Those who register by January 13 will receive a retreat 'goodie bag' to assist with setting the space for your Zoom retreat experience.
Retreat will be Friday January 22 from 1.30 to 4 p.m. and Saturday, January 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (including time for tea and scones). Cost is $45, with scholarships available. Register at www.ctretreats.org/events.
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