{e} Connections | July 12, 2022 |
|
Diocese receives UBE Exemplary Partner in Mission Award |
|
On July 6 at its annual awards dinner in Baltimore, the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) presented its Exemplary Ally award to the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The award was accepted by Deputy Deborah Stokes-Wayne, chair of the diocese’s deputation and a member of St. Phillp, Columbus.
During the award presentation, UBE leaders presented Deputy Stokes-Wayne with a ceremonial check, pledging their intent to pay off the balance of a loan from the diocese, part of a 2016 debt restructuring in which the diocese forgave $50,000 of an outstanding $100,000 loan.
“Words cannot adequately express how grateful we are to the Diocese of Southern Ohio for your steadfast support over the years,” the Very Rev. Kim Coleman, UBE national president, said in announcing the award. “The diocese has been a tremendous ally. We look forward to many more years of partnership in the work of ensuring that all of God’s people have a place at the tables of decision-making in our beloved Episcopal Church.”
Image: The Very Rev Kim Coleman,UBE National President, Deputy Deborah Stokes-Wayne, Sr. Warden of St. Philip, Columbus, John Harris, past UBE President, of St. Simon of Cyrene, Lincoln Heights.
|
|
General Convention Wrap-up |
|
In case you missed it yesterday: Bishop Smith greeted the diocese in a short video made just before General Convention adjourned. Watch it on Vimeo.
|
|
Deputy Debby Stokes-Wayne of Southern Ohio speaks on the floor of the House of Deputies during legislative debate. photo: Deputy Scott Gunn
|
|
Stewardship webinars offered |
|
In August, TENS, The Episcopal Network for Stewardship, will offer three webinars to help congregations develop good stewardship practices for their giving campaigns. The free, lunchtime webinars will be held on Tuesdays from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Dates and registration links are listed below, and can also be found on the calendar. |
|
Telling Your Stewardship Story – Making the Case!
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 12PM – 1:30 PM
Your members give their gifts to support your mission! Help them know and tell the story of your work in the world by learning how to tell the story of how your Church changes the world. We’ll review some design tips and tools to help you make great materials, explore the best practices on donation websites and pledge forms, and discover how to create messaging that shows impact. Join us for this live webinar by registering here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/380609863347
|
|
Breaking Through the Pledge Plateau
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 12PM – 1:30 PM
Are your pledge campaigns falling flat, achieving the same results year after year? It’s time to learn some strategies and ideas on how to get your members excited about your ministry and ready to support it with their best stewardship gifts. We’ll explore formation ideas, campaign strategies, and new approaches to pledge campaigns. Join us for this live webinar by registering today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/380620876287
|
|
Recruiting and Training a Stewardship Committee
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 12PM – 1:30 PM
Not everyone is called to serve on a stewardship committee and not everyone is trained to be a fundraiser. Learn how to identify and mentor members of your leadership and congregation who have a knack for communicating the good news of your mission. We’ll uncover formation strategies for your adult education programs, some preaching and teaching tips, and some best practices in supporting your stewardship leaders. Join us for this live webinar by registering at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/380630314517
|
|
Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found on the resources hub on the diocesan website.
|
|
Next Church Foundation Grant deadline July 15 |
|
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 four (4) weeks prior to each quarterly meeting for review to be considered. The next quarterly meeting of the Trustees is August 12, therefore applications must be received by July 15 for consideration.
|
|
Annual reporting deadlines |
|
Below are upcoming annual reporting deadlines for congregations in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
|
|
-
July 14 at 2 p.m.: Dispatch of Business
-
July 15: Church Foundation Grant deadline
-
July 15 at 1 p.m. Finance Committee
-
July 20-23: Family Camp 3 at Procter Camp
-
July 21 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
-
July 22 at 10 a.m.: Budget Committee
-
July 27-30: Family Camp 4 at Procter Camp
|
|
Diocesan Ministries & Initiatives |
|
Becoming Beloved Community |
|
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. |
|
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.
This update puts both last month’s Supreme Court decisions and a case the justices have agreed to hear this fall in the context of more than 150 years of striving to extend equal protection to all American citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment, as well as the implications the cases have for the authority of the federal executive branch, state constitutions, and courts for protecting civil and human rights. This post also offers resources for your advocacy.
The cases in this update are:
-
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, overturning the nationwide right to abortion, established in 1973 by Roe v. Wade. I’m sharing the Presiding Bishop’s statement and news of how Episcopalians are organizing a response.
-
West Virginia v. EPA, forbidding the executive branch from adopting regulations to accelerate a transition away from fossil fuel electric generation without explicit legislation passed by Congress. This decision is widely seen as threatening the basis of federal agencies to make rules to protect public health, consumers, and myriad other aspects of the common good.
-
Moore v. Harper asking the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out a decision by the North Carolina Supreme Court that invalidated an extremely gerrymandered legislative map drawn by the state legislature. This case has giant implications for Ohio voters. You can learn more Wednesday night, July 13, in the Ohio Fair Districts All Volunteer Huddle at 6 pm on Zoom.
|
|
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.
|
|
Director of Children, Youth and Young Adult Ministries Adam Hayden is looking forward to connecting with all congregations in the diocese. Give him a call (812.430.4464) or send an email to ahayden@diosohio.org to jumpstart the conversation! |
|
If your congregation would like to have news or an event notice published in the newsletter, email Julie Murray.
|
|
8th Annual Gaslight Chamber Music Series July 22-23 |
|
Please join us this summer for the 8th Annual Gaslight Chamber Music Series featuring members and guests of the Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble.
The program will feature American, British & German music for solo and various combinations of voice, organ & piano.
VOICE: Quinn Patrick Ankrum, Audrey B Luna, Mary Elizabeth Southworth & Daniel Weeks
ORGAN: Mitchell Miller & Michael Unger
PIANO: William Averill, Brad Caldwell & Howard Helvey
Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM
July 22 & 23, 2022 (different repertoire on each program)
Generously underwritten and open to all; no tickets required; open seating.
$20 suggested donation per recital for CFE’s educational/outreach initiative.
Calvary Episcopal Church, 3766 Clifton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45232
|
|
PIMIL International Luncheon returns July 23 |
|
The Partners in Ministry in Liberia (PIMIL) annual International Luncheon and Silent Auction is back after two years of COVID-19 cancellations! The event will be held at St. Philip, Columbus, on Saturday, July 23 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Proceeds support the education of more than 200 students in Liberia, who now include survivors of COVID-19.
Consider the gathering and fellowship as a reunion of reconnecting with friends, making new friends, and enjoying delicious American and Liberian menus. You will also be able to read student essays on this year’s theme, Prepare your Mind for Action – Education is the Key (based on 1 Peter 1:13v), buy souvenir items, including dolls dressed in exquisite Liberian clothing, and much more. The featured speaker is Clifton Flemister. Tickets are $20 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Donations accepted for students between 13-17 years old.
If you cannot attend the luncheon but would like to donate, you can do so by PayPal, or by check made out to PIMIL, and mailed to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 30 E. College Avenue, Westerville, OH 43081.
Image: The 2019 PIMIL International luncheon
|
|
Updates from Christ Church Cathedral |
|
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. The cathedral also maintains a roster of substitute choristers. Positions are open for paid and volunteer choristers, as well as substitute choristers.
The cathedral holds 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 learn more oneline and complete an application. For more information or to schedule an audition time, contact Stephan Casurella, Director of Music, at 513.842.2065.
|
|
Yes we Van!
Procter Camp & Conference Center is working on a special project.
Procter furthers the diocesan mission through outreach and creation care. The property was originally a farm when it was gifted to the diocese, and a portion of the property is still worked by a local farmer through a long-term lease.
In addition, Procter has its own farm, managed by Procter staff, which not only produces food to use at the Center for Diocesan events and camps, but also sells food in Central Ohio through a shop, Procter Store, and farmers’ markets.
The farm has become enmeshed into the life of camp. Campers can learn about the circle of life, and growth, and how it connects to our Christian faith and Creation Care. What a gift!
In recent years, Procter has extended its outreach into the surrounding community, offering Day Camp, Respite Care, and coming soon, Procter After School, to our neighbors, opportunities that are rare in this rural area.
We can bring young people and their families to Procter to demonstrate the love of Christ in a safe, healthy, and fun environment – in the shadow of our beloved Red Barn.
|
|
To help make these programs easier to deliver, we need something really practical – a new van. We need a safe passenger van to bring children from the surrounding area to Day Camp – they don’t always have family available who can bring them to us. We also need a vehicle with the flexibility to remove seats and transport our produce and meat to farmers’ markets and our store, in London. Currently, the staff must lift a heavy freezer into the back of a truck – no easy feat. We have determined that we can accomplish both needs with one vehicle – we run a tight ship!
We are asking e-Connection recipients to prayerfully consider contributing to “seed” the purchase of the van and leverage contributions from other Procter friends and diocesan members to make an investment.
We hope that you will consider supporting an important resource and ministry of Procter Center and the diocese in this way. The total we hope to raise, purchase, outfit the van, and provide signage is $50,000. If you can contribute, or have questions, please contact Amy Boyd at 740.206.2036. Checks may be made out to Proct er Center, and mailed to 11235 St. Rt. 38 SE, London, Ohio 43140.
|
|
Bishop Smith's visitations |
|
-
Missioner for Black Ministries, Diocese of Southern Ohio
-
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
-
Intentional Interim Priest, Indian Hill Church
-
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's, Columbus
|
|
The {e} Connections newsletter is published each Tuesday. Please send submissions to communication@diosohio.org by noon on the Monday before publication.
|
|
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
