{e} Connections | May 24, 2022 |
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Campus Ministry in Athens Includes Coffee, Pop Culture and a Priest on the Porch |
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By Melodie Woerman
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Athens doesn’t have to look far to see its mission field, because it is right outside its doors in every direction.
The church sits smack dab in the middle of the campus of Ohio University, and that is by design its rector, the Rev. Deborah Woolsey, said.
In the early 1950s, the Rt. Rev. Henry Wise Hobson, who was then bishop of the diocese, decided campus ministries should operate from churches on the campuses of the major universities. This accounts for the location of Good Shepherd as well as St. Stephen’s in Columbus, which serves Ohio State University and Holy Trinity in Oxford which serves Miami University.
Woolsey said Good Shepherd’s building even looks like all the other buildings on campus, but with a steeple. When she arrived seven years ago, she suggested painting the doors red, to better mark it as a church. But she said there never has been a conversation about who the church serves or who its neighbors are, “because it’s right there.” And that has provided some unique opportunities during the pandemic.
Image: the Rev. Deborah Woolsey, rector of Good Shepherd, stands in front of a TARDIS, from the Doctor Who TV series, during a talk posted to the church YouTube channel.
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Welcome Adam Hayden, director of children, youth, and campus ministry |
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This week, the diocesan staff welcomed Adam Hayden as the new director of children, youth, and campus ministry. Hayden brings with him over twenty years of experience working with young people. He has created a number of experiences for children, including a roadtrip-style college tour for teens, a hip-hop after-school program for young children, and a five-day social justice immersion that takes teens to the southern United States to learn about injustice and how faith traditions respond to injustice in the world.
Hayden also works with Kids4Peace Cincinnati where he helps cultivate community across religious lines. He lives in the College Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati with his partner in life, Larita, their two kids, Oliver and Zoe, and two pet rats, Coconut and Creme. When not with family or trying to empower young people, he loves to travel, play basketball, and write about hip-hop music.
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Ordinations to diaconate on June 4 |
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God willing, the Right Reverend George Wayne Smith, Bishop Provisional of Southern Ohio, will ordain Jake Cunliffe and Dan Carlson to the Sacred Order of Deacons in Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Christ Church Cathedral at 11 a.m. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy are invited to vest and process (red stoles). |
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Listening Sessions begin this week |
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As announced by the Standing Committee on May 11, several listening sessions have been scheduled to discuss results of the recent diocesan survey and learn of the hopes and concerns within the diocese on our upcoming bishop search. The sessions will be held both in-person and online, at various times and days for our different demographics, and facilitated by New Realm Consulting.
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May 27 at 1:30 p.m., at Procter Center. Diocesan lay leaders and clergy (e.g. Diocesan Council, Trustees, Procter Board). Members of these groups will receive a direct invitation to register for this session. If you are a member of one of these groups and have not yet received an invitation to register for this session, please email standingcommittee@diosohio.org.
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May 27 at 5:00 p.m., at Trinity Church, London. Open session in person for any laity or clergy. Register now.
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May 31 at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom. Clergy. Register now.
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May 31 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Laity. Register now.
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June 1 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Open to any clergy or laity. Register now.
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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 is proud to sponsor an Episcopal Church presence at all community 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, sponsored 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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PRIDE MASS at Trinity Capitol Square on June 16 |
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Episcopal churches from across central Ohio will host PRIDE MASS to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ siblings on June 16 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square. The Rev. Elizabeth Hoster of St. Luke's Granville will preside, the Rev. Devin Rodgers of St. Alban's Bexley will preach, and music will be led by The Noon Service Band from Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati. A reception will follow. All are welcome to attend.
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A Report from the Big Provincial Gathering |
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The following is a report from Edward Lasseigne about the recent Province V Big Provincial Gathering.
On April 28-30, our second-ever Big Provincial Gathering (BPG) took place in South Bend, Indiana. The Diocese of Southern Ohio belongs to Province V, comprised of the Midwestern dioceses of the Episcopal Church. Our Big Provincial Gathering, which takes place every two years, brings together Episcopalians from throughout our region for fellowship, worship, and collaboration on projects across diocesan boundaries. Thursday, April 28 was devoted to four different, day-long training sessions on these topics: Civil Discourse & Advocacy, Intergenerational Efforts in our Churches, Addressing Suicide in our Ministries, and Teaching Children about Anti-Racism.
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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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All those who receive campus ministry grant funds are required to participate in the Campus Ministry Collaborative, which includes a representative of each campus ministry in the diocese. The Collaborative meets once a year in person at Procter Center and holds additional meetings via video conference. If you are applying for the first time, you will be asked to join the video conference meeting on July 8 at 11 a.m. to discuss your grant request and listen to others discuss their submissions.
Please direct any questions about the grants or granting process to the Rev. Deborah Woolsey at revdebwoolsey@gmail.com.
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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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The Living Church Student Essay Competition |
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The Living Church is pleased to announce the 13th annual Student Essays in Christian Wisdom Competition. Any Anglican or Episcopal student enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program (BA, MDiv, MA, or equivalent diploma; not ThM or other secondary degrees) in a seminary or theological college of the Anglican Communion or accredited ecumenical equivalent may submit an essay of 1,500 to 2,000 words.
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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:
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May 31 6-8 pm: 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan Kickoff at Cincinnati Zoo: your input welcome. Register here.
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EPPN post on climate change impact on children: The Episcopal Office of Government Relations is posting a series on children, with the latest on the harm they are enduring from climate change. Your congregation can act to mitigate this injustice by implementing energy efficiency measures with the aid of a diocesan grant of up to $10,000. Read more and apply here.
- HB 455 would make it harder for businesses, schools, and congregations to keep guns off their premises. See story of traumatized Buffalo schoolchildren following mass shooting at grocery store, plus suggestions on informing and engaging local businesses to testify on HB 455.
- Statehouse Debate Continues over Bail
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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.
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Who is my Neighbor?: The Zine for Ordinary Time
We are so excited to offer a new zine for our diocese that we hope will guide you through the summer season and the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. We offer this to all who are interested, for families, groups, individuals, the theologically curious and budding theologians, and parishes. We invite you to follow along with us this summer.
The Zine will be published online (links will be emailed and can be found after May 27 on the Formation webpage) and in lieu of printing, we are sending out the books we used for inspiration and content creation!
We used two books:
To receive a copy of each book (1 per family) please sign up.
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Summer playground meet-ups for families
Families are invited to meet with others in the diocese for play days at local playgrounds from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first Fridays of the month. Come say hello and meet folks who come to play! No sign up or commitment needed.
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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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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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Red Door Community Concert at Holy Trinity, Oxford |
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June 10, 2022
12:15pm
The final Red Door Community Concert this season features David Castillo, Mexican-born conductor and organist, on the church’s Nordlie Opus 27 tracker organ. Castillo was the organist at Holy Trinity when the organ was acquired in 2017. He visited its original home in Kansas to evaluate it.
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"Dancing to Remember" for those with dementia and their care partners |
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Greater Cincinnati people with any stage of dementia, together with their care partners, are invited to a series of three “Dancing to Remember” ballroom dancing lessons on Wednesdays in June, followed by a celebratory Saturday showcase for friends and family where they can display what they have learned. The program is free.
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Celebration of New Ministry at St. Barnabas, Montgomery |
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By the grace of God, and the consent of the people, the congregation of St. Barnabas, Montgomery invites you to a Celebration of New Ministry as they welcome their third rector, the Rev. Canon Jane Gerdsen, on the Feast of St. Barnabas; Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 2 p.m. Clergy are invited to wear red stoles. Your prayers and virtual presence are invited. Reception to follow the service. Please RSVP online.
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Updates from Christ Church Cathedral |
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Soul Goods to open June 3
Soul Goods, a new gift shop at Christ Church Cathedral, will officially open on Friday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Everyone is invited to the grand opening.
Soul Goods' mission is to empower people to be a part of making the world a more equitable place through the purchase of quality goods. 100% of Soul Goods' profits will go to the good work of bringing equity to the world – donating profits to local and global organizations serving the marginalized and advocating for equity. Soul Goods partners with vendors that are committed to doing good.
Read an email from cathedral Dean Owen Thompson sharing his vision about Soul Goods, how it came to be, and how it will create yet another space to serve others. To help, you can like and friend Soul Goods on Instagram and Facebook now.
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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 31: Moyen Age – Medieval music
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A Re-Visioning of Faith: Loving Jesus? Yes. The Church? Not So Much.
The Wednesday Evening Series
May 18, 25, and June 1
6:00 Worship | 6:30 Potluck Meal | 7:00 Program
You are invited to join cathedral Sub-Dean Paul Williams as he hosts our Wednesday Evening Disciple’s Way Series starting May 18. During this three-week offering, we will examine the ways in which the Church serves––and does not serve––people today who are longing to follow Jesus. Join us as we gather in the library and enjoy worship and a meal together, followed by our program. This offering is May 18 and May 25, with the final gathering on June 1 welcoming the Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, as our special guest host.
Worship begins at 6 PM, followed by a potluck dinner and discussion. Questions? Email Sub-dean Paul Williams at pwilliams@cccath.org. Registration is recommended, but drop-ins are welcome.
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High School Choral Scholar Applications Now Being Accepted
The cathedral’s choral scholar program provides Cincinnati area high school students an opportunity to join the Christ Church Cathedral Choir as apprentices. Successful applicants will receive intensive training in the art of fine choral singing so that they may begin the process of learning to perform at a professional level, and will learn a wide range of repertoire, such as works by Tallis, Brahms and Howells, as well as spirituals and music of other cultures. For their efforts, they are compensated with a monthly scholarship throughout the academic year. Choral scholars participate in all the duties of the cathedral choir, including Thursday evening rehearsals, the Sunday morning Eucharist, monthly Choral Evensong, observances of holy days such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Holy Week, as well as other liturgies or concerts as assigned by the cathedral. More information and application information is available here
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Cathedral Choir Audition Information
Do you love to sing? Then consider auditioning for a position in the Christ Church Cathedral Choir. As a cathedral chorister, you will sing at weekly Sunday morning services, monthly Evensong services, and other major liturgical observances in the church year. We also maintain a roster of substitute choristers. Positions are open for paid and volunteer choristers, as well as substitute choristers.
We hold choir auditions at the end of July every year, as well as other times by arrangement with the director of music. Those interested in auditioning for the 2022-23 season can go here to learn more and complete an application. For more information or to schedule an audition time, contact Stephan Casurella, Director of Music, at 513.842.2065.
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Bishop Smith's visitations |
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June 12: Church of St. Edward, Whitehall
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Chaplain and Spiritual Services Lead (part-time), Episcopal Retirement Services
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Parish Administrator (part-time) St. Andrew's Pickerington
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Director of Youth, Family, and Outreach Ministries, St. Thomas, Terrace Park
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Nursery Caregiver, Christ Church, Glendale
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Executive Assistant, Diocese of Southern Ohio
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Assistant for Ministry, Diocese of Southern Ohio
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Youth Minister, St. Barnabas, Montgomery
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Intentional Interim Priest, Indian Hill Church
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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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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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