{e} Connections | August 9, 2022 |
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From the Standing Committee: Bishop Nominating Committee Application Now Open |
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Greetings to all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
The Standing Committee is now engaged in the next task of the search process for the Tenth Bishop of Southern Ohio. It is time for us to form a committee whose members are forward thinking, able to consider what is best for the future of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, and not focused on one particular issue. In this part of the process, we invite each member of the Diocese of Southern Ohio to consider their possible contribution to the Nominating Committee. The Standing Committee will review all the nominations, and decide on a membership of about 12-15 people. The deadline for applications is August 22. Find the application online.
The Nominating Committee membership will be announced on September 15, when it will begin its work, and will continue until August 10, 2023. At that time, the Nominating Committee will disband and the Transition Committee will begin its work.
The Nominating Committee will include both lay and clergy members. Its work will include composing and circulating the diocesan profile; receiving applications for the position of bishop diocesan, and discerning the most appropriate candidates for the office.
Serving on the Nominating Committee will be labor-intensive. Membership requires a commitment to confidentiality, collaboration with other members of the committee, completion of time-sensitive tasks, and internet availability. There will be two retreats (October 7-8, 2022 and June 15-17, 2023) at which full in-person attendance is required. The Nominating Committee will have an experienced consultant to assist with its work.
Faithfully,
Dr. James Allsop, vice-president
Dr. Elizabeth Barker
The Rev. Dr. Ellen Cook
Mr. Barry Feist
The Rev. David Kendall-Sperry, secretary
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Southern Ohio
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Kristi Reynolds is new executive assistant to the bishop |
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Last month, the diocesan staff welcomed Kristi Reynolds as the new executive assistant to the bishop. She is a lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky and graduated from the University of Louisville. She lives in Villa Hills with her husband Steven, two young children, and their pets.
In her free time, Kristi enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her children. On the weekend, you can often find her family at the Cincinnati Zoo or their local pool. She’s always looking for book recommendations and always planning her family’s next adventure.
"I'm excited to be here and connect with members of the Diocese!" she says.
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Stars and Saints High School retreat Aug 12-14 |
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The Stars and Saints Retreat for high schoolers takes place from August 12 to 14 at Procter Center. "We will explore the stars both in our cosmos and in our lives. Who inspires us? Who shines their light and love into our lives and how do we respond in kind?" Amy Boyd, Procter Center executive director, says.
The retreat will include favorite camp activities – star gazing, camp fire, games, food and snacks, as well as opportunities to create new friendships and strengthen old ones. All high school students (students who have completed 8th grade through 11th grade) are invited to attend. The cost is $80.
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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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Outsourced accounting services for churches available |
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Many congregations face challenges concerning accounting and finance. The diocesan finance office is pleased to announce that it is partnering with Chazin & Company, a firm that provides outsourced accounting services exclusively to nonprofits. Chazin has helped other Episcopal churches and is a resource parishes might want to consider.
Chazin & Company understands that trust is gained through financial transparency and best practices. They are experienced in the reporting and oversight needs of parishes and other nonprofits.
Learn more about the various services Chazin & Company provides. They have solutions that are affordable for both smaller and larger parishes. Karen Sprague at Chazin & Company is available for complimentary meetings about how the firm can assist congregations.
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148th Annual Convention to be held November 19 |
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The 148th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The convention will be a hybrid event – voting clergy and delegates can attend either in person at Christ Church Cathedral, or virtually via Zoom.
Important dates and deadlines
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August 21: (90 days prior): Requested Constitution/Canonical changes due for review
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September 19: Registration opens
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September 20: (60 days prior): Deadline for proposed Constitution/Canonical changes
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October 5: (45 days prior): Deadline for proposed resolutions; nominations requested
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November 1: (18 days prior): Deadline for nominations
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November 2: Pre-convention meeting and Nominee Forum, 6:30 p.m.
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November 4: Registration closes
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November 12: (7 days prior): Deadline for 2022 Commission Reports
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Links
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See a list of open leadership positions here.
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Fill out a nomination form here.
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Submit a resolution here.
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Send any proposed changes to the Constitution and Canons to Joseph J. Dehner, Esq. at jdehner@fbtlaw.com.
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Check the convention website, dsoconvention.org, for the latest convention information, and watch upcoming issues of this newsletter for details and deadlines.
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Stewardship webinars offered |
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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.
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Breaking Through the Pledge Plateau
Tuesday, August 16 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
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 here.
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Recruiting and Training a Stewardship Committee
Tuesday, August 30 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
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 here.
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Annual reporting deadline |
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Below is the upcoming annual reporting deadline for congregations in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. If you have any questions about any of the deadlines, contact the Rev. Canon David Getreu at dgetreu@diosohio.org.
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Aug 11 at 2 p.m.: Dispatch of Business
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Aug 12 at 11 a.m.: Church Foundation quarterly meeting
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Aug 12-14: Stars and Saints High School Retreat at Procter Center
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Aug 13 at 9 a.m.: Procter Board
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Aug 16 at 12: p.m.: Breaking Through the Pledge Plateau webinar
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Aug 18 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
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Aug 21: Request date for any Constitution or Canons change proposals
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Aug 24 at 1 p.m. Trustee's quarterly investment meeting
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Aug 27 at 10 a.m.: Diocesan Council
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Aug 30 at 12 p.m.: Training and Recruiting a Stewardship Committee webinar
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Aug 31: Deadline for congregational audits
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Sept 1 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
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Sept 5: Labor Day, Diocesan office closed
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Sept 8 at 3:30 p.m.: ACCR meeting
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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. Today, Ariel is joined by fellow A&HT member, Becky Surendorff, who is working to reform Ohio’s laws so sexual predators are exposed and held accountable.
Highlights of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by the Senate Aug. 7
In a dramatic marathon session Aug. 6-7, the United States Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by a vote of 51-50 under the reconciliation rules that bypass the filibuster. The House of Representatives is scheduled to return Friday, Aug. 12 to vote on the bill. Contact your Representative with your views this week.
If the IRA passes:
- 13 million Americans will continue to get expanded ACA tax credits capping their health insurance premiums at 0% to 8.5% of their monthly income.
- Medicaid recipients will be protected by a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket drug costs and a $35 monthly cap on insulin premiums
- The climate provisions of the bill are projected to cut US greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, a giant boost towards our diplomatic commitment of 50%.
- The bill’s cost will be more than offset by a 15% minimum tax on corporations with more than $1 billion in revenue, Medicare savings, a 1% excise tax on stock buy-backs, and higher IRS collections from tax evaders.
Ohio House Bill 266 would shield children, not sexual predators
HB 266, also known as the Hidden Predator Act, was introduced in April 2021 and referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee, where it has languished without a hearing. The bill seeks to reform Ohio’s rape and sexual abuse laws by:
- Eliminating the criminal statute of limitations for rape
- Extending the civil statute of limitation for victims to report child sex abuse to age 55
- Creating a 3 year civil lookback window for child victims (“hidden predator bill”)
- Closing the spouse loophole in Ohio rape laws
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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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Interfaith opportunities for youth |
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Interfaith Youth is a program for students in grades 6-12. Gather on Sundays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. to spend time with friends, make new friends, learn from people of faith traditions outside of your own, and build community together. All teens are welcome!
The location is the Ish Garage, 4113 Langland St. (in Northside). Dates are Aug 14, 21, 28, and Sept 11, 18, & 25.
Register here or text ‘INTERFAITH YOUTH’ to 812-430-4464 to sign up.
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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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Sunday, August 14
7:00 p.m.
St. Barnabas, Montgomery, has been a proud partner of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati for many years, and Harmony for Habitat benefit concerts have been some of its most successful fundraisers for Habitat. This year, Harmony for Habitat 2022 is being organized as an Eagle Scout project by St. B’s own Joshua Chertock, featuring talented young and emerging artists.
Several local young and emerging musicians will be performing favorite works, including a two-piano arrangement of the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s iconic Piano Concerto in B-flat minor, flute and violin duets by Shostakovich, a violin and piano sonata by Franck, and vocal selections including Ici-Bas, Moon River, America the Beautiful and more.
Admission to the concert is free. A free-will offering will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati. To donate online, visit st-barnabas.org/habitat and be sure to write “habitat” in the designation line.
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Jammin' at the James presents My Brother's Keeper |
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Saturday, August 27
6 to 10 p.m.
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Updates from Christ Church Cathedral |
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Rhineburg Brass: Ensemble in Residence
Christ Church Cathedral is delighted to welcome a new ensemble-in-residence! Rhineburg Brass is a quintet of musicians who aim to enrich the community with a contagious love of music through performing brass repertoire that spans centuries. The ensemble can be heard throughout the season in concerts and worship services.
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Music Live at Lunch
Music Live at Lunch is a free, weekly concert series featuring a variety of music. Bring your own lunch or buy one at the cathedral. Concerts are held on Tuesdays, September through May, at 12:10 p.m. Convenient parking is located in the Queen City Square Garage across the street from the cathedral’s Fourth Street entrance.
September performers
Sept 6: Rhineburg Brass
Sept 13: Sassafras Grass
Sept 20: Brasilia
Sept 27: Wild Carrot
See the full Christ Church Cathedral concert schedule here.
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Items needed for new After School program
Procter is starting an after-school program for nearby Madison Plains Elementary School. We are in need of kid-sized tables and chairs, as well as book shelves that close up so that the after school program materials will be safe and out of sight when Hobson Hall is being used by other groups. We are also looking for a set or two of Godly Play artifacts to be used in after school and at day camp.
If you have any of these items at your church that you could donate to Procter, please contact Executive Director Amy Boyd at aboyd@proctercenter.org. We would be most grateful.
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Communications and Office Assistant (part-time), St. Patrick's, Lebanon
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Financial Administrator, Trinity Church on Capitol Square, Columbus
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Rector, Christ Church, Springfield
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Music Director, St. Andrew's, Ft. Thomas, KY
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Missioner for Black Ministries, Diocese of Southern Ohio
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Director, Transfiguration Spirituality Center
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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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Youth Minister, St. Barnabas, Montgomery
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Intentional Interim Priest, Indian Hill Church
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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, 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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