DIOCESAN
Graduating High School Seniors
Calling all graduating high school 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
Diocese of Ohio Youth Mental Health Conversations
Mental health challenges are real, and seem extra hard this year. Join the Revs. Greg and Anna for a two-part series of conversations around mental health, self care, and support on April 15 at 7:00 p.m. The discussion will focus on mental health in the LGBTQ+ community. Youth in grades 6-12 are welcome to join for one or both. The zoom link is available at bit.ly/dohioyouth. Questions can be directed to the Rev. Anna Sutterisch, Canon for Christian Formation, at asutterisch@dohio.org.
Seeding Saturdays at Bellwether Farm
It's spring again and time to start our veggie seeds at Bellwether Farm. Each year we plant thousands of seeds that grow into the veggies we all love to eat and we need your help to get them started. Sign up to volunteer for a 1.5 hour planting slot. The seeding date is Saturday, April 17. Only 1 slot is required for an individual, household, or pod.
Feeding Your Soul for the Journey
Feeding Your Soul for the Journey: Care for the World will be held on Sunday, April 18 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. There is no cost for this event. For more information, questions, or to register, please email Betty Kondrich at bkondrich@dohio.org. The zoom link will be sent the Friday before.
The Global Episcopal Mission Network Conference
The Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN) Conference will be held via Zoom on April 22-24 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. every day. The conference will focus on climate change and ecological degradation constitute the major planetary crisis of our time. More information is available on the conference webpage. Registration is now open. Please let the Rev. Margaret D’Anieri, Canon for Mission, that you have registered. There is no fee for the conference, but attendees are encouraged to make a donation as they are able. If you are not already a member of GEMN, we hope you will become a member when you register for the conference. There will also be opportunity to contribute to ecological justice projects in various parts of the world.  
Bellwether Farm Fishing Derby and Fish Fry
Join us at Bellwether Farm for a Fishing Derby and Fish Fry on April 24. Bring your own fishing gear and barbless hooks (we can de-barb them) for a day of catch and release fishing fun featuring prizes. Enjoy a fish fry of Swai and a farm-to-table salad. Please note this event is outdoors, weather dependent, and subject to being rescheduled. Tickets are required and are $5.
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 from May through August beginning at 6:30 pm. There is no cost. More details and registration information are available
Parochial Assessment Forms
The 2021 Parochial Assessment forms are available on the diocesan website. The 2021 Estimate of Monthly Support, the 2021 Monthly Assessment form, and the 2021 January Assessment form are available under the parish resources tab.
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
Diocesan Audit Team Request Available
Self-Guided Nature Hikes at Bellwether Farm
Self-guided nature hike guides (centered on The Way of Love) are available at Bellwether Farm for individuals or families to explore the wonder of God’s creation through Bellwether’s forests and along the river. Call 440.839.0088 to reserve a time to hike. 
PPP Loan Forgiveness - First Draw Loans
PPP loans which were applied for in 2020 under the CARES Act are now termed, “First Draw PPP Loans.” The Consolidated Appropriations Act, enacted on December 27, 2020, provides for a simplified forgiveness application for loans of $150,000 or less. If your parish deferred applying for forgiveness waiting for guidance, this expedited process may be beneficial to you. The application and instructions are available. (Note: The application has been updated).

The maturity dates of First Draw PPP Loans are two years for loans approved before June 5, and five years for loans approved on or after that date.  Forgiveness must be applied for before the maturity date.  

However, payments due on the loan are only deferred for 10 months beyond the end of the covered period. The covered period began the date the loan amount was received, and ends no later than 24 weeks later. Example: The diocese received its PPP loan on April 21, 2020. The initial 8-week covered period ended June 16, 2020, but was extended to October 5, the end of the 24-week covered period. Because the diocese did not use the entire loan amount during the first 8 weeks, we chose the 24-week covered period to receive full forgiveness. For loans approved on or after June 5, 2020, the covered period is 24-months. Our first payment would have been due on August 5, 2021, eight months after the end of our 24-week covered period. No payments are due, since we applied for and received full forgiveness in November 2020.  

We encourage all parishes to apply for forgiveness before any payments would be due on the loan. The process has taken far less time than allowed under the loan provisions. The diocese received its approval of forgiveness 1 month after applying, and some parishes have received it in 2 weeks. Please keep these time frames in mind when planning and applying for loan forgiveness.
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.  
PARISH
Personal Prayer Time
The cathedral sanctuary will be open on Mondays (5:00-7:00 p.m.) and Thursdays (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) for individuals to pray, walk the labyrinth, light a candle and meditate during Personal Prayer Time. No reservation is needed; capacity is limited to 20 people. No parking fee. Please enter using the Prospect door of Trinity Commons. All attendees will be asked to sign in, wear a mask during their visit, and socially distance themselves from others in the building. Trinity follows all Diocesan and CDC sanitation/cleaning protocols. Volunteers are needed to help as greeters. If you have questions, please contact Ginger Bitikofer at gbitikofer@trinitycleveland.org.
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.
OTHER
Province V Episcopal Church Women Community Conversations
The Province V Episcopal Church Women are holding Community Conversations: Calling In vs. Calling Out on Wednesday, April 28 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Mother Maria Evans from the Diocese of Missouri will lead the conversation about the current state of relationships. For additional information, please visit www.ecwprovince5.org. Registration is required. 
Province V Episcopal Church Women Annual Meeting
The Province V Episcopal Church Women Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 1 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. online. and will include the business meeting, featured speakers, and conclude with worship.  This meeting will not have a registration fee, but registration is required.
Rogation Day Reflections by Episcopal Networks Collaborative Lectionary Project
The Episcopal Networks Collaborative, which consists of The Episcopal Network for Economic Justice (ENEJ), The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), and people interested in advancing environmental justice across the United States, is excited to provide a collection of reflections on Rogationtide. Rogation Days (May 10- 12) are a small season between the Sixth Sunday in Easter and Ascension Day. Historically, Rogation served four purposes, which we attempt to highlight in our writings. These focuses were: blessing the land for harvest, reconciliation of differences, neighborliness, and mercy for the poor. When we began to think critically about this season we noticed a common thread: community. We hope these reflections prompt conversations and actions that unify our sense of belonging and strengthen our ability and desire to love and care for The Other. The direct weblink to the reflections is available.