{e} Connections | March 29, 2022 |
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An update from the Standing Committee |
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March 29, 2022
Commemoration of John Keble
Dear friends in Christ,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
It has been too long since our last update from the Standing Committee to the diocese. We regret the long absence of updates, and we will offer more frequent updates over the coming months.
Since our last update, we bid farewell to Larry Hayes and Phil DeVaul with our gratitude for their hard work and committed leadership. We welcomed newly elected members of the Standing Committee, Lissa Barker and David Kendall-Sperry.
Over the last few months, we have continued to attend to the regular work of the Standing Committee, and we have also been engaged in work related to the transition time in our diocese. Very importantly, we have established a cordial and productive working relationship with Provisional Bishop Wayne Smith, in which he regularly receives our counsel and offers his counsel to us. We currently meet once or twice each month for our work together.
As we work toward greater diocesan health, we know that congregations, leadership bodies, staff, and our provisional bishop are striving to do their part in the exercise of their ministries in an increasingly healthy manner as members of the Body of Christ. We on the Standing Committee are listening to constructive input and are working to ensure that we are carrying out our duties with increased health and effectiveness.
We continue to discern the best time to move forward with the next major step in the process that will lead to the discernment, call, election, consent, and ordination of our next diocesan bishop. In some sense, nearly every aspect of diocesan ministry is now part of our transition work, but we are mindful that the appointment of the search committee will be the next major and visible step.
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Diocesan Council approves bishop's request to provide Mission Share rebate |
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At its meeting on March 13, Diocesan Council approved a rebate of one month’s mission share payment to every congregation in the diocese. The rebate will be credited to each congregation’s account in July.
Bishop Wayne Smith asked council to approve the rebate, citing the financial impact of COVID on congregations. “People and clergy have been crying for support for parish ministries and for any relief after a hard season,” he said. “Southern Ohio had an unexpected surplus in revenues for 2021. It seemed the right thing to direct these revenues to the parishes.”
The unexpected surplus, Canon John Johanssen said, is a result of lower expenses during COVID shutdowns, which most in-person events could not take place, and a Paycheck Protection Program loan from the federal government that was used to cover allowable diocesan expenses.
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New Central Ohio missioner makes connections in first three months |
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On January 1, the Rev. Joseph Kovitch began a new half-time position as missioner for the Central Ohio region of the diocese, and already he is making connections and providing help to the 16 churches in his charge.
The diocese has had a missioner in Southeast Ohio for several years, but Canon to the Ordinary John Johanssen said basing a missioner in Columbus came out of a need for churches to be better connected following the pandemic. “Missioners are to make connections,” he said, “to help congregations work with each other and to gain some efficiencies.”
Kovitch said that he has undertaken two major initiatives in his first three months. The first involves helping congregations deepen their spirituality by identifying local spiritual directors—people who are trained to assist others in deepening their spiritual life—and gathering them to be a resource for parishes. His other initial effort has involved creating connections between seven parishes in the region that are undergoing some kind of significant change, related either to clergy transitions or issues of financial sustainability.
image: the Rev. Joseph Kovitch
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Patricia Rose to be ordained to priesthood April 23 |
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God willing, the Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith, Bishop Provisional of Southern Ohio, will ordain Patricia Marie Rose to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church on Saturday, April 23 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy: White stoles. |
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Lenten offerings from around the diocese |
If you are looking for a Lenten program or series to enhance your season of renewal, a comprehensive list of events being offered around the diocese is available on the diocesan website. Some events are in person, many are on Zoom; you are sure to find something that piques your interest that will fit into your schedule.
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Big Provincial Gathering April 29-30 |
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The second Province V Big Provincial Gathering (BPG) will take place April 29-30 in South Bend. The event includes time with the keynote speaker, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, president of the House of Deputies; as well as workshops, table conversations, and more. Trainings will also be offered on April 28.
Proof of vaccination and masks will be required. More information is available online. Registration is required.
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Episcopal Church presence at Pride |
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June is Pride month, and communities throughout the diocese will be holding in-person Pride parades and festivals again this year. The diocese plans to sponsor an Episcopal Church presence at all Pride festivals where individuals would like to march or host a vendor tent spreading the all-inclusive message of love from The Episcopal Church.
Confirmed Pride events are Hamilton, June 4; Dayton, June 4; Columbus, June 18; Cincinnati June 25, and Granville June 25. If you are interested in marching in a parade or working at a vendor tent at any festival, please contact the organizers by filling out the form at https://episcopaliansinconnection.org/pride/.
We are still looking for a coordinator for Cincinnati. If you are interested in heading up this event, contact Julie Murray at jmurray@diosohio.org.
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Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found on the resources hub on the diocesan website.
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Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life & Leadership is now enrolling; free info session April 4 |
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Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life & Leadership, a program offered by Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, addresses the challenges of a life that ideally is centered in God and committed to spiritual practice but is all too quickly overtaken by stress, isolation, burnout and time management issues. Going Deeper provides an opportunity for clergy of all denominations to focus intentionally on the inner work that can foster a transformation of heart and embody a Spirit-led practice of ministry. In the face of administrative and cultural pressures, clergy are invited to “center down,” as Howard Thurman describes, and listen for the Spirit’s guidance in challenging times.
A free information session about the program, to help you discern if this program is right for you, will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 4 at 11 a.m.
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The Good Friday Offering, which supports the ministry of the three dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, is now in its 100th year. Founded in the aftermath of World War I, the fund was established as the Episcopal Church sought to create new relationships with and among the Christians of the Middle East.
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Annual reporting deadlines |
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Below are upcoming annual reporting deadlines for congregations in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
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Diocesan Ministries & Initiatives |
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Becoming Beloved Community |
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With support from the United Thank Offering, 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.
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Advocacy briefing
Advocacy briefings and updates are compiled by Ariel Miller, a member of Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming, and a member of the diocesan Becoming Beloved Community Leadership Team:
In this week's update: More mapping controversy: In a late-night vote held March 28 over the objections of the minority, the Ohio Redistricting Commission voted 4-3 to approve state legislative maps that had been provided to five of the seven members only a few minutes earlier; the new plan is only slightly different from the maps the Ohio Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional in its March 16 ruling.
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Faith Communities Go Green invites you to Earth Month Eco-Challenge in April |
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Learn and update your daily life to protect our fragile planet home by joining the Green Umbrella-EquaSion team for the 2022 Eco-Challenge from April 1-30. This year’s contest focuses on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which the Episcopal Church and our diocese support. You can learn how to adapt your lifestyle (part of your Rule of Life) to reduce harmful impact and promote environmental, social, and economic well-being for everyone, living into our Baptismal vows. Faith Communities Go Green is a multi-faith initiative of EquaSion and Green Umbrella which includes many Episcopalians in Greater Cincinnati. Anyone can join our Eco-Challenge team, which is called “Cincinnati Area Faith Communities Go Green.” It’s free, fun, and transformational. Sign up here.
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For more information about seasonal opportunities such as the Lenten Lunch Series "To Be Cracked Open," 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.
Ethics and the Christian Life: Making Tough Decisions in a Crazy World
Workshops designed for those who want to explore Christian life from the perspective of ethical decision making. These sessions are designed for those who have little or no background in the philosophy of ethics, as well as those who do. Sessions will be highly interactive.
All are welcome. There are opportunities for face-to-face sessions as well as one Zoom session.
In Person
April 23: Cincinnati, Church of the Advent 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Lunch provided)
May 14: Columbus, OH (location tba) 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
September 3: South Eastern OH (location tba) 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Zoom
May 24: 9 to 11 a.m.
Learn more and register here.
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Procter Center is a retreat and event facility located. owned and operated by the Diocese of Southern Ohio and located in London, Ohio. It serves spiritual, community, business and youth organizations, as well as families.
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Save the date for Camp Open House and Spring Craft Show |
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Rain or shine, join us Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Camp Open House! This event will be taking place along side our Spring Craft Show! Local craftsman and artists will be onsite, showing off their one of a kind works.
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If your congregation would like to have news or an event notice published in the newsletter, email Julie Murray.
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Tabernacle Choir broadcasts anthem commissioned by Calvary Church |
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To celebrate the installation of the Rev. Allison Rainey English as the 19th Rector of Calvary Church, Cincinnati in 2019, the parish commissioned Dr. Mack Wilberg, Music Director of the legendary and Grammy Award-winning Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (Salt Lake City, Utah), to compose a new anthem for choir and organ, titled Lift up your hearts!
Although the Tabernacle Choir experienced an extended hiatus during the pandemic, as of March 6 they have returned, along with the Orchestra at Temple Square, to perform live on their weekly television and radio program, Music and the Spoken Word. Lift up your hearts! (with Dr. Wilberg’s new full orchestration) was the concluding work performed on the March 20 broadcast.
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Benefit concert for Ukraine at All Saints, Pleasant Ridge |
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Ukrainian students of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and their friends, will perform a concert to benefit relief efforts in Ukraine on Saturday, April 23 at 4 p.m. at All Saints, Pleasant Ridge. A reception will immediately follow the concert.
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St. Thomas, Terrace Park, will host a Pysanky Egg workshop on Wednesday, April 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. All skill levels welcome.
Learn to make traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs in the St. Thomas parish hall. A light dinner will be provided; cost is $12. For ages 16 and up.
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Loneliness, Covid, & Hope |
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Updates from Christ Church Cathedral |
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Music Live at Lunch: Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m.
Music Live at Lunch, Christ Church Cathedral's weekly concert series, is celebrating its 50th year.These free concerts are presented on Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m. Patrons may bring their own lunch or purchase one at the cathedral.
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April 5: Lisa Biales (singer/songwriter) – Folk music
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April 12: Music for Holy Week: A vocal and instrumental program presented by cathedral musicians
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April 19: Danielle Hundley (flute) – Classical & contemporary music
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April 26: Ricky Nye (piano) – Blues, jazz, & boogie woogie music
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Choral Evensong
Sunday, April 3, 5 p.m.
The Christ Church Cathedral Choir
Canticles: Magnificat & Nunc dimittis (Fauxbourdon Service) – Jeremy Woodside
Anthem: Lord, for Thy Tender Mercy’s Sake – Richard Farrant
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Icons in Transformation
Christ Church Cathedral will host the traveling exhibit, Icons in Transformation, from April 1 to May 22. This art exhibit by artist Ludmila Pawlowska features a mix of mediums ranging from paintings to large installation pieces to sculptures. The exhibition is one of only five stops within the United States and is free and open to the public during cathedral hours.
All artist proceeds from sales of art work at Icons in Transformation in Cincinnati will be donated to UNHCR and CARE International to provide life-saving protections to families forced to flee their homes in Ukraine.
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Concert: The Void
The Void: Creative Meditations on Emptiness for Holy Saturday
Saturday, April 16
4 to 6 p.m.
Local visual artists, poets, videographers, and musicians present an immersive, multimedia, curated arts experience in Centennial Chapel of new, original works in response to the “emptiness” of Holy Saturday - that time between Jesus’ death and resurrection.
No admission charge.
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Bishop Smith's visitations |
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Parish bookkeeper, St. Anne's, West Chester
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Assistant for Ministry, Diocese of Southern Ohio
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Nursery Child Care Provider, St. Barnabas, Montgomery
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Parish Administrator (full time), St. Alban's, Bexley
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Church Administrator (part-time), St. John's, Columbus
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Communications Associate (part-time), Trinity, Hamilton
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Nursery Childcare, All Saints, Pleasant Ridge
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Nursery Supervisor, La Iglesia Episcopal del Espíritu Santo
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Parish Musician and Choir Director, St. Christopher's, Fairborn
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Executive Director, Association for Episcopal Deacons
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Priest in Charge (full-time), Holy Trinity, Oxford
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Administrative Assistant, Holy Trinity, Oxford
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Priest-in-Charge (part-time), St. Philip's, Columbus
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The {e} Connections newsletter is published each Tuesday. Please send submissions to communication@diosohio.org by noon on the Monday before publication.
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The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
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