{e} Connections | April 26, 2022 |
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Diocesan survey closes today! |
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The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Southern Ohio is surveying members of the diocese about our readiness to proceed with the next chapter of the search for our next bishop. You can take the survey here through April 26.
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Small churches make a big impact along the Ohio River |
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St. Peter’s, Gallipolis and Grace, Pomeroy are small, 180-year-old congregations in small towns along the Ohio River in Appalachia. They share a resident priest, the Rev. Joshua Nelson, and a commitment to serving their communities, both of which are struggling with higher-than-average poverty rates.
Around Gallipolis, St. Peter’s is known as “the Loaves and Fishes church” for hosting the 30-year-old ministry that provides a hot noon meal one Sunday a month, said Nelson, who grew up in nearby Circleville, and began his ministry with the two churches in February 2021.
During the pandemic the ministry had to switch from a plated meal to carryout boxes, which kept people fed but resulted in what Nelson called a loss of “the community that was so important to its ministerial identity.” But last Sunday marked a return to in-person service, and, according to Nelson, the congregation served 30 pot roast dinners either at the church or to-go, and provided another 60 meals for residents of the housing unit next door.
Image: the Rev. Joshua Nelson
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St. Mark’s honors formerly enslaved landowner |
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The Rev. Vicki Zust, rector of St. Mark’s, Columbus, presented a $1,000 check to the Upper Arlington School Board at its April meeting on behalf of the congregation. The donation, made from the Rector’s Discretionary Fund with the unanimous approval of the vestry, was a contribution toward the construction of a public plaza to recognize Pleasant Litchford, a formerly enslaved blacksmith whose land holdings included the property on which St. Mark’s is located.
Pictured above: The Rev. Vicki Zust, center, with members of the Upper Arlington School Board. The board members from left to right are: Nidhi Satiani, President Lori Trent, Vice President Jenny McKenna and Lou Sauter. Photo courtesy of Upper Arlington Schools.
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2023 budget applications due May 1 |
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The Budget Committee of Diocesan Council has begun the process of developing the diocese’s operating budget for 2023. Application forms were sent to budget owners – the people responsible for each area of the operating budget – and completed applications are due by May 1. The application is available on the website or from David Getreu, associate for financial management and oversight, via email.
During the process of developing the operating budget, budget owners are paired with a Budget Committee member who can help guide them through the process. Please direct questions about the 2023 budget process to Patrick Hreachmack, Budget Committee chair, or the Rev. David Getreu.
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Diocese to Hire Two Administrative Assistants this Spring |
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This spring, the diocese is seeking to hire two administrative assistants:
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Assistant for Ministry: The Assistant for Ministry works with the Canon for Transition and Congregational Ministry and other senior staff to offer assistance for a number of ongoing diocesan office functions.
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Executive Assistant: The Bishop's Executive Assistant supports the bishop; serves as a liaison to the senior management teams; organizes and coordinates executive outreach and external relations efforts; and oversees special projects.
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Episcopal Church 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 churches or individuals would like to march or host a vendor tent spreading the all-inclusive message of love from the Episcopal Church.
Confirmed Pride events include:
June 4: Dayton, Hamilton, Hillsboro
June 18: Columbus
June 25: Cincinnati and Granville
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/. Churches are welcome and encouraged to bring materials to hand out at the tent in addition to those that the diocese will supply.
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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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Church Foundation Grant requests due by April 30 |
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The Church Foundation, an elected body of the diocese, awards grants to congregations primarily for one-time capital projects and/or emergency assistance for facility improvements. The trustees also are the title holders and have oversight of diocesan properties.
Applications for Church Foundation grants must be submitted two (2) weeks prior to each quarterly meeting for review to be considered. The next quarterly meeting of the trustees is Friday, May 13. Potential applications must be submitted no later than April 30 for consideration.
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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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April 29 at 1 p.m.: Finance Committee
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April 30 at 2:30 p.m.: Celebration of New Ministry at St. Mark's, Columbus
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May 5 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
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May 7 at 9 a.m.: Procter Summer Camp Open House and Spring Craft Show
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May 12 at 3:30 p.m. ACCR
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May 13 at 11 a.m. Church Foundation Quarterly meeting
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May 14 at 9 a.m.: Procter Board
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May 19 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
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May 20 at 10:30 a.m.: Budget Committee
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May 21 at 10 a.m.: CoM Regional Discernment Committee orientation
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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
Weekly advocacy 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: The redistricting map being ruled unconstitutional is most likely outcome for Ohio - you can still weigh in; Earth Day action here and in Washington; Episcopal Office of Government Relations newsletter on advocacy successes; and Governor DeWine signs HB 126, which curtails school districts’ ability to challenge property valuations.
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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.
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Ethics and the Christian Life: Making Tough Decisions in a Crazy World
These workshops are designed for those who want to explore Christian life from the perspective of ethical decision making. The highly interactive sessions are designed for those who have little or no background in the philosophy of ethics, as well as those who do.
All are welcome. There will be opportunities for face-to-face sessions as well as one Zoom session.
In Person
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 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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Procter Camp: A place to reflect, learn, and grow
In 2022, Procter Camp programs include Youth Camp for children entering 3rd-8th grade, Senior High Camp for 9th-12th grade, Family Camps for all ages, and Day Camp for 1st-6th grade. We’ll end the summer with Silver Camp, for kids at heart, 50+.
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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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Naming Our Losses in the Midst of Easter Hope |
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Clergy and laypeople from across the diocese are invited to "Naming Our Losses in the Midst of Easter Hope," a gathering taking place on Saturday, April 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at All Saints, New Albany. The event is open to all, and will include creative exercises with options to write and draw, time for discussion, worship, and the option to meet with a spiritual director.
In a season of loss and grief, this is an opportunity make an investment in healing through prayerful creativity and companionship. The gathering will be led by the Rev. Joseph Kovitch, missioner for the Central Ohio region, artist and iconographer Lisa Palchick, and a team of local spiritual directors from the Central Ohio region.
Download a flyer here and bulletin insert here.
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Red Door Community Concert Series presents the Queensmen May 6 |
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The fifth Red Door Community Concert at Holy Trinity, Oxford, will feature the Queensmen, a small ensemble of the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus with Steve Milloy, their artistic director, on Friday, May 6 at 12:15 p.m. This ensemble strives to be the “best of the best” of the chorus, and their program will be uplifting and positive with a selection of songs relating to contemporary social issues.
The concert is free and open to the public; masks are required.
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Annual Women's Day Weekend at St. Margaret's May 21-22 |
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Join the Episcopal Church Women of St. Margaret’s, Dayton, for their annual Women’s Day Weekend celebrations on May 21-22. The theme for this year is Women Chosen for Such a Time as This.
On Saturday, May 21, come for Fedoras, Food, Fun and Fellowship at the Women’s Weekend luncheon. The event will feature card games, a hat show and door prizes. Tickets are available for a $25 donation by contacting Maeda Thompson at 937.825.7751. Attendees are also asked to bring a pack of diapers (sizes 4, 5 or 6) to help support the Gem City Gives Diaper Bank.
On Sunday, May 22, the keynote speaker at the 9:30 a.m. worship will be the Rev. Deborah Howard.
For more information, contact the church office at 937.837.7741.
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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.
May 3: The May Festival: Sacred Music by Women Composers I
May 10: The May Festival: Sacred Music by Women Composers II
May 17: The May FestivalL Five Centuries of Music for Low Voices
May 24: The May Festival: American Voices
May 31: Moyen Age – Medieval music
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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 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and CARE International to provide life-saving protections to families forced to flee their homes in Ukraine.
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Bishop Smith's visitations |
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Youth Minister, St. Barnabas, Montgomery
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Intentional Interim Priest, Indian Hill Church
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Parish bookkeeper, St. Anne's, West Chester
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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 Supervisor, La Iglesia Episcopal del Espíritu Santo
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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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