{e} Connections | November 8, 2022 | |
St. Simon of Cyrene blesses new photovoltaic solar system | |
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St. Simon of Cyrene, Lincoln Heights blessed the congregation’s new photovoltaic solar system during a special creation-themed liturgy celebrating St. Francis of Assisi on October 9.
Pastor Mary Laymon led the service, which blessed a 15.4 kW system consisting of 41 Silfab photovoltaic panels on the church’s south-facing roof. Installed by Solar Power & Light of Miamisburg, the system has been generating approximately 60 percent of the congregation’s electrical power since it went online on July 30.
Read more.
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Christmas Joy Purse for Ebola orphans | |
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Partners-in-Ministry-in-Liberia (PIMIL) asks the people of the diocese to donate toward an annual “Christmas Joy Purse” that will provide Christmas celebrations for Liberian Ebola orphans in their communities. PIMIL hopes to raise $1,000 by December 12 in order to transmit the funds to Liberia in time for the celebrations.
The Christmas Joy Purse idea was conceived by the Sunday school and teachers of Trinity, Columbus, at the outbreak of the Ebola epidemic in 2014. The idea has turned into a yearly tradition, but the impact of COVID-19 has made it difficult for the congregation to continue sponsoring the event. The PIMIL board hopes that others in the diocese will help keep the tradition alive.
Learn more and donate online.
Image: A kickball game at a past Christmas celebration.
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SLAY Middle School retreat a weekend of fun | |
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The 2022 SLAY Middle School Retreat was a blast! Fifteen 6th-8th grade students came together for an empowering weekend of learning, having fun, and eating!
Students learned about church history, including creeds and councils. They studied the Nicene Creed, created personal creeds, and a collective creed. Then, the students got to try out being bishops of the early church, attending the “Council of Procter.” They also played games, painted pumpkins, and much more.
Remember – All middle school and high school students are invited to participate in a new pen pal initiative planned and facilitated by high school students in the diocese! Sign up at bit.ly/YEDIpenpal
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Register now to attend bishop search focus groups | |
Discerning a call to ordained ministry? Part 1 of Explorers' Retreat Nov. 12 | |
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Are you discerning a call to ordained ministry? Do you want to explore further an interest in being a deacon or priest?
In our diocese, one enters discernment for ordained ministry by attending the Explorers’ Retreat, organized by the Commission on Ministry (CoM).
The Explorers’ Retreat has two parts; Part 1 will be a two-hour information session held on Saturday, November 12 from 10 a.m. to noon, by Zoom. Part 2 is an overnight retreat at Procter Camp and Conference Center, scheduled for January 27-28.
Both events are required for those wanting to begin the formal process of exploring a call to ordained ministry in the diocese. Learn more.
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The 148th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio will take place on Saturday, November 19.
Important dates and deadlines
Pre-Convention meeting
The Pre-convention Meeting and Nominee Forum held on Nov. 2 was recorded and is available for viewing on the homepage of the convention website.
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Links
- See the list of nominees here.
- See proposed changes to the Constitution and Canons here.
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See proposed resolutions here.
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See the Draft 2023 Budget here.
Find the latest details about the convention at DSOConvention.org and watch upcoming issues of the newsletter for updates.
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Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found on the resources hub on the diocesan website. | |
Applications for Episcopal Community Ministries grants now open | |
The 2023 Episcopal Community Ministries (ECM) grant application is now available online. ECM enthusiastically welcomes applications from congregations that need help funding existing outreach ministries or are seeking seed money to launch new service initiatives.
To qualify for an ECM grant, ministries must have the active participation of church members and be supported by congregational resources. Grants will now be awarded twice annually – in February and July. Application deadlines are December 15 and June 15.
Read more here.
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A complete list of events can be found on the diocesan calendar.
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Nov 12 at 10 a.m.: Explorers Information Session
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Nov 16 at 2 p.m.: Trustees Quarterly Investment meeting
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Nov 17 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
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Nov 19 at 9 a.m.: 148th Annual Convention
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Nov 24-25: Diocesan office closed for Thanksgiving holiday
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Dec 1 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
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Dec 2-3: Winter CoM meeting
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Dec 3 at 9 a.m.: Procter Board
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Episcopal visitation schedule | |
Diocesan Ministries & Initiatives | |
Becoming Beloved Community | |
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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 briefings are compiled by Ariel Miller, a longtime community advocate and member of Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming.
In today's update:
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Election Day Prayers: As polls begin to close on Nov. 8 for the U.S. midterm elections, all are invited to join an Election Day Prayers gathering from 8 p.m. to midnight online, hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. Read more.
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Preparing for a lame duck session and a new state budget: The Ohio Legislature’s lame duck session is likely to move a lot of legislation. The Governor and new legislature will start early in the new year on the next biennial budget, with major implications for public education and safety net programs. Two upcoming sessions will provide valuable insights. Learn more.
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Ohio Environmental Council Election Debrief: All environmental advocates are invited to this briefing Nov. 15 at noon from OEC’s policy experts following the midterm elections. Learn more.
Do you yearn for public policy consistent with the Baptismal vows we just renewed on All Saints Day – to support justice and peace and the dignity of all people? Email Ariel your contact information if you’d like to join a network of advocates of faith across our diocese.
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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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Safe Church Certification
All clergy, vestry members, licensed leaders (lay worship leaders, lay Eucharistic visitors, lay Eucharistic ministers), church staff, parish key holders, all volunteers and all outside group leaders that use parish buildings need to be certified in Safe Church.
Stay up to date with your Safe Church Licensure! Take the training today, or email Emma Helms-Steinmetz to find out when your certification expires (5 years from your last certification).
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Interfaith Youth Gatherings with Cincinnati Kids4Peace | |
Do you want to spend. time with friends? Make new friends? Eat snacks, learn, and grow together? Then come join us as we build community around love and understanding. You can identify with any faith, religion, spirituality, or none at all. All teens are welcome.
"Kids4Peace is a way to first make friends and then become more aware and educated on different types of people," Shanaz, a Kids4Peace participant, says.
The gatherings will take place at the ish Garage in Northside (4113 Langland St., Cincinnati, OH 43223) on the following Sundays from 2:30 to 4 p.m.:
- November 20
- December 4 and 18
Contact Adam Hayden for more details via email or at 812.430.4464.
Register online.
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If your congregation would like to have news or an event notice published in the newsletter, email Julie Murray. | |
Fall Feast: Volunteers Needed Thanksgiving Week | |
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Give Back Cincinnati and Duke Energy Convention Center are hosting Fall Feast Cincinnati – offering free turkey dinners, free live music, and free coats to our neighbors. Fall Feast needs 50 more volunteers the week of Thanksgiving, especially on Thanksgiving Day. If you would like to put the way of love into action Thanksgiving week and volunteer, sign up here.
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You could win tickets to the BIG game! | |
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Bethany School has been given two tickets for the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game on November 26. The face value for these tickets is $500 each. The school is selling chances to win the pair of tickets for $100. The winner will be chosen Nov. 11.
Buy a chance.
All funds raised will support the Bethany School Annual Fund, which helps to provide the full Bethany School experience. Thank you for your support!
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Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble Fall concert at Calvary | |
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Calvary Episcopal Church in Cincinnati presents the Mary Slade Rust Martin and Louis Henry Martin Memorial Program, featuring the Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble and soloists, with concert organist Isabelle Demers, on Sunday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Brad Caldwell, artistic director & pianist
Howard Helvey, conductor
Gwen Coleman, associate conductor
Peggy Grant, guest oboist
The Winton Woods High School Varsity Ensemble, guest choir; Beth Caikowski, director
Featuring Choral, Art Song, and Organ Music by Charles-Valentin Alkan (regional premiere), Howard Helvey, David Hurd, Jane Marshall, Craig Phillips & others. The concert is privately underwritten, no tickets are required. Open seating. Suggested donation (for CFE educational/outreach initiative): $20.
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All Saints hosts Cincinnati's first Human Library | |
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Saturday, Nov. 12
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Human Library is an event where you can "borrow" a real human for honest, respectful conversations to break stereotypes and stigma.
Sponsored in partnership with the Cincinnati Public Library and Community Happens Here.
All Saints is located at 6310 Parkman Pl. in Pleasant Ridge.
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Bethany School Open House on Nov. 13 | |
Bethany School, the only K-8 Episcopal School in Ohio, will hold an Open House on November 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Bethany is located at 555 Albion Ave. in Glendale. For more information, visit bethanyschool.org.
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Grace, Cincinnati, hosts concert Nov. 13 | |
Grace Church, College Hill, will host a concert by Bishop Todd O’Neal of The House of Joy and choir on Sunday, November 13; the reception is at 3:00 p.m. and the concert starts at 4:00 p.m. A free-will offering will be accepted.
Grace Episcopal Church is located at 5501 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, 45224. In addition to street parking on Hamilton Avenue, there is a church parking lot on the Belmont side of the church. Additional parking is at the College Hill Recreation Center, a block from the church on Belmont Avenue.
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Updates from Christ Church Cathedral | |
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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.
Upcoming performers:
Nov 15: Rabbit Hash String Band – Old-time Music
Nov 22: Students of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music harpsichord & organ studios
Nov 29: Vincenzo G. Volpe (flute) & Michael Delfin (piano)
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Mass for the Endangered
Saturday, November 12
7:30 p.m.
Cincinnati’s Vocal Arts Ensemble, directed by Craig Hella Johnson, performs Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Mass for the Endangered, a work that offers prayer for endangered animals and the imperiled environments in which they live.
Ticket information: vaecinci.com/events.
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Terra Divina Contemplative Prayer Gathering
November 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
November 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Imago Community Garden in Price Hill, 739 Terry Street Cincinnati, OH 45205
In this outdoor, all-ages, bi-weekly Saturday morning participants gather around a fire for contemplative practice rooted in the rhythms of the natural world. Registration is recommended, but not required. Learn more on the cathedral website. Contact Megan Suttman at msuttman@cccath.org with questions or to register.
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Procter is hiring!
Are you looking for a great way to spend your summer while having a positive impact on youth and families? Join us at Procter as part of our Summer Camp team. We are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking, passionate young adults (18+) to work in our youth and family resident camps.
Learn more.
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See all job opportunities on the diocesan website.
Latest postings:
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Digital Missioner, St. John's, Columbus
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Nursery Attendant (part-time), St. Andrew's, Pickerington
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Director of Music, Trinity Lutheran Church, Cincinnati
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Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries, Trinity Lutheran Church, Cincinnati
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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
Email Julie Murray to add a job listing.
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The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
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