PROVINCE V
Province V Synod
The Province V Synod was held on May 1. The Rev. Gay Jennings, President of the House of Deputies, was the keynote speaker. Slideshows and video links are available on the Synod webpage

Quick Links:
Recording of the event.
Leadership Coaching Project video and webpage
Post-pandemic coaching offer webpage
Network video
Affiliated Organizations video
DIOCESAN
Parochial Reports
The online site for filing the 2020 parochial report is now closed for parishes.  The last day for Diocesan staff access is Friday, May 14. Please submit the reports to the Finance Office to meet this deadline, if at all possible. If the parochial report is submitted after May 14, the parish’s figures will not be included in DFMS reports for our diocese. The parochial report statistics are very important for the ministry of the Diocese and its parishes. Please let us know how we can assist you.
May Morels
Join Farmer Kyle on May 15 to forage through the forests at Bellwether Farm for magnificent morel mushrooms. The foraging will be offered in two time slots: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. You’ll learn how to spot the mushroom, safe ways to harvest, and maybe even get to try a bite of this natural delicacy. This event is open to all ages and is free. Registration is required. Registration will be open until May 14.
ECW Annual Meeting
The ECW Diocese of Ohio invites you to the 143rd Annual Meeting & Retreat on May 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This virtual event, Inside Out/Outside In: Recentering through Connections, will include an introduction and opening presentation by Natalie Ronayne (Chief Development Officer, Cleveland Metroparks); Connecting to Community through Nature by Kelly Coffman (Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resiliency Study (CHEERS), Cleveland Metroparks); Chair Yoga by Angee Mantell (RYT Yoga Certified Instructor); Healing Power of Nature by Joe Blanda, MD; an introduction by Patty Kellner, (President, Kirtland Bird Club); and Labyrinth by Sue Mueller, (St, Barnabas, Bay Village).  A worship Service officiated by The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr., Bishop of Ohio, will conclude the event. All are welcome. Registration is required
Magnificent Mushrooms
Muse on the mycological mystery of mushrooms -- morels and more -- at Bellwether Farm on May 29. Guests will enjoy a presentation from Peter Richards of the Ohio Mushroom Society, and then delight in a farm to table feast featuring morel mushrooms (nature permitting) gathered from Bellwether’s forest. The presentation by Mr. Richards will be recorded and available on Bellwether’s website, in addition to a special recipe by Chef Lonny. Arrive at Bellwether Farm on May 29 as early as 4:00 p.m. for the 5:00 p.m. presentation. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. Space is limited to accommodate safe social distancing and the follow all COVID-19 protocols. Masks will be worn at all times, except while eating. Dinner will be served outdoors, and in case of inclement weather, inside at socially distanced tables. The suggested donation for this event is $50 per plate. Registration is required, and sales will end on May 28.
Upcoming Events at Bellwether Farm
  • Bishop's Bike Day - June 4-5: Join friends of all ages for a group bike ride departing from Bellwether Farm.
  • Ukulele Day - June 26: Join Ukulele aficionado Chelsie Cree for a day of celebrating the ukulele from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
  • Intergenerational Camp - July 2-4 and July 16-18: Following an Olympics theme, families or pods will participate in team-building activities, friendly competition, and traditional camp activities including arts and crafts, fishing, swimming, hiking, and canoeing. 
Young Adults
  • Graduating Seniors - If you or someone you know is graduating from high school this spring, please fill out this form so we can celebrate you. Please contact the Rev. Anna Sutterisch, Canon for Christian Formation, with any questions at asutterisch@dohio.org
  • Young Adults Party: Young Adults (18-30s) are invited to an in-person gathering on June 6 to usher in the graduating seniors, launch a week of Young Adult Camp, eat empanadas, and spend time together. RSVP to the in-person gathering here.         
  • Connections Camp: We're teaming up with young adults in the Diocese of Indianapolis/St. Paul’s On the Way for a week-long Connections experience on June 7-11. You'll receive a package with activities and goodies, and we'll meet each night to spend time and share. This opportunity will be a fun and low-key way to reconnect with your youth event friends, make new young adult friends, and do some classic spiritual practices. 
Anti-Racism Training
Anti-Racism training is required for all individuals in elected and appointed Diocesan positions, and it is also open to all members of the Diocese. The Commission for Racial Justice will offer this two-day training on June 11 and 12 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. both days. The training will be held on Zoom. The cost of the training materials is covered by the Diocese of Ohio. You must commit to attending the full sessions and to doing the off-line work. Registration is required. For additional information please email the Rev. Margaret D’Anieri at mdanieri@dohio.org.
Diocesan Youth Event
Youth currently in grades 6-12 will gather at Bellwether Farm on June 12-13 to enjoy friends new and old, play with the goats and on the farm, make some art, pray, and relax together in this beautiful place. Register at dohio.org/DYE. A full save the date calendar is available. Questions can be directed to the Rev. Anna Sutterisch, Canon for Christian Formation, at asutterisch@dohio.org
Parish Audits
The small parish audit program may be used for a 2020 audit instead of the committee audit program. Diocesan Council approved this change. These audits are due by June 1. The audit materials can be accessed here. CPA and Diocesan audit team audits are due by July 15.
Safeguarding God's Children
All vestry members must be trained in Safeguarding God’s Children. If you are a newly elected vestry member, or you elected new leaders at your parish, it might be time to check if everyone has been “Safeguarded.” Trainings are self-paced online modules. To register, email Mary Ann Semple at resourcelibrary@dohio.org. If you would like to be trained as a facilitator to lead Safeguarding trainings, please contact Mary Ann. 
Internships at Bellwether Farm
Bellwether Farm is currently seeking a Sustainable Farm intern and a Culinary intern. Full job descriptions and more information are available on the Bellwether Farm website. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to William Powel, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, at wpowel@dohio.org.
Quality Training for Your 2021 Stewardship Team
The Congregations and Christian Formation office is partnering with TENS to provide a series of four webinars offering stewardship training for your parish. The 90-minute webinars will be held on the first Tuesday of each month through August beginning at 6:30 pm. There is no cost. More details and registration information are available
Carlotta East Scholarship Award Winners
The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Ohio and the 2021 Carlotta East Scholarship Fund Committee are delighted to award two outstanding candidates. These candidates exemplified the commitment to their education and faith that qualified them to receive the award.
 
Kayla Bertholf, St. Peter’s, Ashtabula - Junior at the College of Wooster, majoring in microchemistry & molecular biology and minoring in religious studies. Aspires to earn a PhD to conduct research and profess at the collegiate level.

Leah Romanelli-DeJesus, Church of the Ascension, Lakewood - Entering final year at Bexley Seabury Seminary Federation to attain a Masters of Divinity. Expects to be ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2022 and aspires to become a parish priest.

The Carlotta East Scholarship Fund was established in 1945 to assist Episcopal women who need aid to complete their education, upgrade skills before returning to the workforce, or complete religious training. 
ChurchNext
www.ChurchNext.tv is a high-quality online spiritual formation resource for parishes and individuals. Subscriber parishes can take courses together on a variety of topics including scripture, liturgy, and many other areas of personal and spiritual growth. Courses are taught by experts, many from The Episcopal Church, and allow members to learn what they want, when they want, and at their own pace. Participants can learn anywhere there is an Internet connection on a PC, laptop, or tablet. Your parish will develop its own “school” which will allow members to take courses by themselves, in small groups, or even as a congregation. 

The Diocese of Ohio will pay for a one-year subscription for any parish willing to give ChurchNext a meaningful try-out. If you are interested, please email the Rev. Brad Purdom
PARISH
Choir Chairs Needed
Christ Church, Huron is seeking 15 choir chairs. If you have chairs that you would like to donate, please contact the Rev. Mike Floyd.
Motorcycle Blessing
Church of the Good Shepherd, Lyndhurst is holding a motorcycle blessing on May 16 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Come and receive a blessing over your motorcycled, for safe and trouble-free travels, wherever the road may take you. All are welcome.
Explore St. Paul's
St. Paul’s, Akron will host an Explore St. Paul’s on on Sunday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. This class will let visitors know what our mission is, how we live it out, and how to get involved. Please call the church office at 330.836.9327 to register or for more information.
Personal Prayer Time
Trinity Cathedral & Diocesan community members are invited to come to the Cathedral to walk the labyrinth, meditate, pray, light a candle, or sit in the sanctuary. Prayer time visits will be made by appointment and can be made by contacting Ginger Bitikofer at gbitikofer@trinitycleveland.org. She will work with visitors to schedule their time. Parking is free. Masks and social distancing are required. Trinity follows all Diocesan and CDC sanitation/cleaning protocols.
Adult Education Classes
In order to offer stimulating, thought-provoking, and spiritual adult education to its members and the diocese, Trinity Cathedral has compiled several educational series on its YouTube channel. Enjoy series ranging from Bible study to end-of-life preparation. Also learn about the spirituality of the enneagram and watch forum interviews with theologians, community leaders, historians and more. You can find these series below “worship services” and “sermons” on Trinity’s YouTube channel. Please contact Scott Blanchard, at sblanchard@trinitycleveland.org for questions or more information.