A MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
The Ohio Public Health Advisory System has designated 7 counties in the Diocese of Ohio as Level 4, the highest health threat alert – Severe Exposure and Spread. Every other county is at Level 3, save one. Given the continuing surge in every metric – positive tests, symptomatizing patients, hospitalizations, Intensive Care Unit overcrowding, and COVID related deaths – it is time for all of us to take extreme safety measures for ourselves and others. In common deliberation with Bishop Price in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, we have come to a common understanding of what this means for Episcopal congregations in Ohio.

To that end, all congregations will suspend in-person worship by Sunday, December 13, if they have not done so already, and return to worshiping by online services only on that day. This will continue until further notice, certainly through the end of the month and very likely into the new year. As well, beginning no later than December 13, all other in-person gathering for purposes of formation, governance, and outreach will be suspended, save for feeding, clothing, and recovery ministries. It will be essential to work closely with leaders of those ministries and organizations to determine whether they can be safely continued.

DIOCESAN
New Parochial Report Form
New materials for preparing the 2020 parochial report are now available. The first item is a video that walks through all of the submenus of the online site for filing the parochial report. If you have not used the website before, or would like a refresher of the website, you will want to look at this 25-minute video. It highlights what areas of the site are new, updated, or unchanged.  It reviews resetting your password and when to call your Diocesan office for assistance. The instructions for the 2020 parochial report have been released by The General Convention office of The Episcopal Church. To file your parochial report please visit: https://reports.dfms.org.
Imputed Income Letters
Almost all clergy have $150,000 of group-life insurance that is provided through the Church Pension Fund. The cost of coverage in excess of $50,000 is a taxable benefit. Letters detailing the tax reporting of these amounts were sent on Monday, December 7.
Form 1099-NEC
The IRS has developed a new form to be used to report payments to nonemployee contractors, such as lawn care providers, snow removal services, repairmen, supply clergy who do not receive a Form W-2, and other individuals or unincorporated business who receive payments of at least $600 in 2020. The form is due to the recipient and the IRS on February 1, 2021.  These payments were previously reported on Box 7 of Form 1099-MISC. The penalty for not filing a required form has been increased by $280 each.
PPP Loan Forgiveness
The AICPA has developed two tools to help with the application for PPP Loan forgiveness. The first is an Excel spreadsheet that walks through all the calculations required to prepare the application request. The second tool will actually determine which of the forgiveness forms is needed and prepare a signature ready application form based on the data entered.  
Los Amigos Episcopales Fundraiser
Due to COVID-19, Los Amigos Episcopales (LAE) will not be able to have its traditional Soup Supper fundraising event this fall. In lieu of this, LAE is conducting a fundraising appeal until the end of the 2020. Our main mission is to support the vocational, educational, social, and Humanitarian programs of the Anglican-Episcopal Diocese of El Salvador. LAE provides the sole support for one of four Montessori Schools run by the Diocese - La Davina Providencia. LAE also supports the Diocese's new Seminary with four seminarians to be ordained in early 2021. During the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic complicated by other natural disasters, we are proving funding to help the Diocese of El Salvador provide food security to parishioners. For more information about how you can donate to LAE, go to www.losamigosepiscopales.org.
Young Adult Grants
The Young Adult Ministry Grant, funded by the United Thank Offering (UTO) and distributed by the Diocesan Young Adult Task Force, is a new grant to encourage parishes, mission areas, etc. to experiment and take bold action to attract and engage young adults (19-30). Applications will be reviewed monthly, and funds must be used by May 2021. Members of the task force are available to brainstorm with you, and have included some ideas in the grant application.
Learn, Pray, Act
Resources from the Episcopal Church for addressing racist violence are available. This is a growing list of litanies, learning opportunities, and suggested actions and connections from across The Episcopal Church and beyond. There are links to some specialized resources on the Diocesan website. As you are thinking about how to respond in your parish and community, please be in touch with the Rev. Margaret D'Anieri, Canon for Mission, at mdanieiri@dohio.org.
PARISH
Donations for Your Neighbors Cloak at St. Luke's
St. Luke’s, Cleveland is seeking various items of clothing to help with Your Neighbors Cloak. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they can currently only accept certain items which are listed here on this flyer. Please contact the Rev. Barbara Maxwell at deacon.stluke.cleveland@gmail.com for more information. All drop-offs must be with a St. Luke’s staff member. Your Neighbors Cloak currently distributes clothing every Wednesday from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to help distribute or sort clothing beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. All volunteers must wear a mask and gloves (these can be provided if needed).
Personal Prayer Time at Trinity Cathedral
Personal Prayer Time at Trinity Cathedral has been cancelled for the near future. An announcement will be made when it resumes.
St. Luke's Mobile Food Pantry
St. Luke’s, Cleveland is looking for volunteers to work their Mobile Pantry on Mondays. Please sign up online if you are interested in volunteering. 
Art Show at Christ Church, Shaker Heights
Light through the Trees, an art exhibit featuring paintings and mixed media pieces by artist Lucy Bailey, will be on display at the Van Aken Community Gallery at Christ Church, Shaker Heights through December 12. The show will be open on Wednesdays from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. or by appointment by contacting the artist at lucybaileyart.com 
Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival at Trinity Cathedral
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival will be celebrated virtually on Sunday, December 27 at 2:00 p.m. The celebration will be posted on our Facebook page and on YouTube. More details will be coming soon.
Job Openings
Director of Youth Ministries - St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights
View all job openings.
IN THE NEWS