{e} Connections | June 14, 2022 |
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Northern Miami Valley Episcopal Cluster parishes are growing under new priest's leadership |
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By Melodie Woerman
The cluster missioner, the Rev. Derrick Fetz, says the two congregations are still small, with an average Sunday attendance in Urbana in the low 20s and in Mechanicsburg in the upper 30s. But each one recently added members by baptism and confirmation, and at Our Saviour about half those attending worship are newer members.
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Fetz himself is new to the cluster as their priest, although as an Urbana native he attended Epiphany after finding the Episcopal Church in high school. He and his family arrived in Ohio in September 2021, after leaving his ministry as dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Buffalo, N.Y. Fetz returned to the area to help his in-laws and to be part of the family business his great-grandfather started, where his parents also work.
In each congregation Fetz has emphasized ministry with children, including their full participation in Sunday liturgies. He greets them in their Sunday school rooms and offers a prayer, then they join the opening liturgical procession. “They carry crosses and candles and noisemakers and streamers and you name it, in what we call the worship parade,” he said.
Photos: Bishop Smith on May 1 at a joint service of the churches of the Northern Miami Valley Episcopal Cluster, in Church of Our Saviour, Mechanicsburg; the Rev. Derrick Fetz.
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Episcopal Church at Pride |
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The past two weekends, the Episcopal Church has had a presence at Pride festivals in Dayton, Hamilton, Hillsboro, Upper Arlington and Westwood. Thanks to the many people from around the diocese who volunteered at these events, the LGBTQ+ communities learned first-hand of our all-inclusive message of love. Stephanie Sexton of Christ Church, Dayton, had this to say about her experience at Pride: |
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"What I found most resonating was not the abundance of love exploding over downtown Dayton - although that was beautiful - it was how many people stopped by the booth to say, 'Thank you for being here.'
"Most of those sentiments came from people my age. It was a wake up call for me that as an ally, an inclusive Christian and young adult, I need to SHOW it. I tend to be hyper aware of the religious trauma that so much of my generation experienced growing up and because of that I usually keep my faith to myself. And how fitting it is, that on a day all about being exactly who you are, I feel more confident that ever to do just that."
Image: Elizabeth Wagner, left, and Stephanie Sexton, center, made handmade yarn bracelets representing all the Pride flags at the Dayton Pride booth.
You can see photos from some of the festivals here.
There are a few more Pride events in the coming weeks:
June 18: Columbus
June 25: Cincinnati and Granville
If you are interested in sharing witness of your faith at any of these festivals, 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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Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found on the resources hub on the diocesan website.
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Campus Ministry grant deadline June 17 |
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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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Backstory Preaching Mentorship |
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What does it take to:
- Craft a sermon you believe in and can't wait to preach?
- Create a preaching rhythm that is life-giving?
- Integrate your whole self into your preaching - to be good news to preach good news?
without sacrificing your family time, personal time, or well-being? Backstory preaching offers a one-year preaching mentorship program.
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“By virtue of Baptism, all members of the Church are called to
holiness of life and accountability to one another. The Church
and each Diocese shall support their members in their life in
Christ and seek to resolve conflicts by promoting healing,
repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life
and reconciliation among all involved or affected.”
(Canon Law of the Episcopal Church, Title IV, Canon 1)
All members of the Clergy have accepted additional accountability for doctrine, discipline, worship and obedience. To assure that accountability, Title IV of the Episcopal Church’s canon law instructs that any conduct that prejudices the reputation, good order and discipline of the Church that is committed by the Clergy needs to be reported. Thus, if you believe that a clergy person has engaged in any such conduct, it is essential that the report be submitted and reviewed. The church is dedicated to a fair and truthful process for all sides.
If you believe that a member of the clergy has engaged in behavior that brings material discredit upon the church or violates their vows, please do not hesitate to contact the Rev. John Johanssen, Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, at 800-582-1712. You will be immediately referred to an intake officer who is trained in the disciplinary process. This person will be in contact with you directly to take your statement and outline the next steps so that a resolution can be reached. You can also reach the intake officers for the Diocese of Southern Ohio, Ms. Amy Howton and Mr. Wayne Sheppard, directly at intakeofficers@diosohio.org.
If you have questions about the Title IV process, please contact the Rev. Canon John R. Johanssen at 800-582-1712 or jjohanssen@diosohio.org and you will receive a prompt reply. A chart that describes the process for disciplinary investigations can be found on the Title IV website.
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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
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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Episcopal Church resources on deradicalization: As the Jan 6 hearings continue, the Episcopal Church is publishing resources that congregations can use to help fellow Americans overcome their extremist ideology and reintegrate into their communities.
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Bipartisan gun safety bill possible in US Senate, even as gun rights grow in Ohio: In a weekend with rallies across the nation imploring elected officials to act to prevent gun violence, a bipartisan group of Senators – including retiring Ohio Senator Rob Portman – announced agreement on a package of gun safety reforms with enough Republican votes to overcome the filibuster. If passed, it would be the first significant federal legislation to prevent gun violence in decades. The next day, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law HB 99, which allows school districts to arm teachers and staff with only 24 hours of training, compared to over 700 hours required by previous law. And on June 13, Ohio’s permitless conceal-carry bill went into effect, allowing Ohioans to carry a concealed handgun without training, a license or a background check.
Read more for the details of the Senate framework and a more ambitious gun violence prevention bill passed last week by the House of Representatives with five Republican votes, as well as how to contact Ohio Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown with your views.
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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 Your Neighbor? Ordinary Time Zine for families now available!
We are delighted to offer a new zine 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.
You can view the zine here, or download it here. You can also listen to new episodes of the Forming podcast that go along with the zine here.
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Lay Worship Leader training
Lay Worship Leader training is now available on Zoom and hosted by volunteer and certified trainer Mark Conrad.
To be certified you will need to participate in two sessions, June 25 and July 9, both 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sign up here.
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Exploring the Word in Faith without Fear: An online Bible Study for LGBTQ+ Christians and Allies
Purpose: Provide a SAFE space for scripture study, formation and community for queer Christians and Allies
Target: LGBTQ+ and Allies in our communities and in the Diocese of Southern Ohio
Dates: Tuesdays, June 29 - August 9, 7 p.m. via Zoom.
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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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Jammin' at the James concert series |
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Jammin’ at the James is a family-friendly, free summer concert series held on the lawn at St. James, Westwood. For our June concert, bring some chairs or a blanket and enjoy the Country sounds of Michael Moeller. There will be a food truck serving up eats, you are also welcome to bring a cooler. 7 to 10 p.m., 3207 Montana Ave. in Westwood. Learn more.
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Updates from Christ Church Cathedral |
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Juneteenth at the Cathedral |
Juneteenth is celebrated as African Americans true independence day. In support of this day, the cathedral will be offering a special Juneteenth service at 10 am on Sunday, June 19. Learn more.
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Jazz and Brew in the Commons
Jazz & Brew in the Commons is a new summer offering where we will gather in the cathedral’s outdoor garden space and enjoy beer, light eats, and live jazz! With dates in June and July, you’re invited to come hang out with us on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. In the event of rain, this offering will simply move inside to our incredible Centennial Chapel space.
July 8
July 22
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Summer Camps at the Cathedral
Each summer at Christ Church Cathedral, the halls echo even more loudly than usual with the laughter and joyful sounds of children as they are welcomed to the cathedral summer camps. With a focus on art and music, these camps are for geared to help children grow, learn, make friends, and have fun! More information and registration.
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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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Director, Transfiguration Spirituality Center
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Youth Director (part-time), All Saints, New Albany
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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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Nursery Caregiver, Christ Church, Glendale
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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'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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