{e}Connections | April 18, 2023

{e}Connections is published each Tuesday. If you would like to have news or an event notice published in this newsletter, send it to communication@diosohio.org by noon on the Monday before publication.

News

Assistance for Congregations as Electricity Rates Rise

The diocese is partnering with Energility to offer options to congregations facing significant increases in electricity rates this spring. The ideal time to take action, say experts, is before May 1.

Energility recommends three steps for congregations eager to keep electric costs under control:

Check a recent electric bill to see if your congregation is already part of an aggregation program or Competitive Retail Electric Service (CRES) contract. If so, then your rate will increase according to the schedule of the program you or your municipality has chosen, but you will likely not face significant increases now.

If your congregation buys electricity under a CRES contract that expires later in 2023, explore options for extending it.

If your congregation is not part of an aggregation program or a CRES, Energility can help you find a CRES contract that fits your financial and environmental goals. The PUCO's Apples to Apples website can also provide information, but is designed for residential needs. Not all residential suppliers will work with houses of worship.

Email Canon David Getreu to learn more or to reach Energility.

Submit nominations for Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna by April 19

Do you know an older adult who is living a life of faith and hope well into their older years? Nominations are being accepted through April 19 for the Class of 2023 of the Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna.

Individuals can be nominated by any member or congregation in the diocese. Those chosen will be inducted into the society at a celebratory Eucharist and luncheon at the Procter Center on Wednesday, May 17 at 11 a.m.

Facility condition assessments for congregations

Webinar on April 19 at 1 p.m.

The diocese is partnering with Smart Church Solutions to provide each congregation with a facility condition assessment at no charge. Interested clergy and lay leaders are invited to join an informational webinar on Wednesday, April 19 at 1 p.m. Register in advance.

The program will help congregations evaluate their facility's condition and operational costs and provide recommendations about maintenance and capital reserve planning opportunities. Learn more on the Smart Church Solutions website, and email Canon David Getreu to sign up.

Resources and Reminders

Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found on the resources hub on the diocesan website.

Summer Camp at Procter

Registration now open, Open House on April 29

Registration for Procter Camp 2023 is now open.

On April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Procter will host an Open House and Spring Craft Show. This is an opportunity to learn more about camp, tour the grounds, and get help with registration. Learn more.

Visit the Procter Center website to learn more and register.

Discerning Missional Leadership retreat in Columbus

From May 8 to 11 in Columbus, the Presiding Bishop’s Office for New Episcopal Communities will host a retreat for people exploring a call to be church planters.

Read more and register online by April 20.

Why Serve 2023

A discernment retreat for emerging leaders of color

Emerging leaders from the African Descent, Asian, Indigenous and Latino communities of the Episcopal Church are invited to attend Why Serve, three days of fellowship, training and discernment from June 22 to 25 at the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.

Find more information and register online.

Upcoming diocesan meetings & events

Apr 19 at 1 p.m.: Smart Church Solutions Facilities Assessment informational webinar
Apr 22 at 10 a.m.: Beautification Day at Procter
Apr 27 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
Apr 29 at 10 a.m.: Procter Open House and Spring Craft Sale
May 3 at 1:30 p.m.: Dismantling Racism training
May 5-7: Dungeons and Dragons retreat
May 10 at 1 p.m.: Commission on Congregational Life
May 10 at 1:30 p.m.: Dismantling Racism training
May 11 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
May 12 at 11 a.m.: Church Foundation quarterly meeting
May 17 at 11 a.m.: Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna induction and luncheon

A complete list of diocesan and community events can be found on the diocesan calendar.

Episcopal visitations

Apr 23: St. George's, Dayton

May 7: St. James, Columbus

May 21: St. Luke's, Marietta

See the full schedule here.

Diocesan initiatives and ministries

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.

Formation & Mission

The diocesan formation team curates a monthly resource guide that includes both resources and opportunities for your congregation. Sign up for the resource guide here.

Safe Church training open information sessions

Canon Jason Oden and Emma Helms-Steinmetz will host four open Zoom sessions to answer questions, update information, offer support and talk through how they can support congregations with Safe Church training. Sign up to attend a session on Tuesdays, April 25, May 2, 9, 16 from 2 to 3 p.m., or sign up to request a scheduled appointment.

Moms Facebook group launching May 14

Mothers are invited to join a Facebook group sponsored by the diocese to provide a place to connect, reflect and find support and encouragement.

Participants will be invited to participate in weekly discussions for six weeks and will receive a copy of The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for The Early Years. The authors, Kimberly Knowle Zeller and Erin Strybis, will participate in two Zoom discussions with group members.

Dismantling Racism trainings

Using Picture Books for Racial Healing: A Dismantling Racism certification course

Picture books offer an excellent way to discover, discuss, and share stories about topics that many people did not study in school but that are crucial to the work of repairing, healing, and seeing God in each other. Trainings, which are limited to 20 participants, will take place this summer:

June (June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 from 12 to 1 p.m.) Sign up here.
August (16, 23, 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.) Sign up here.

Email Director of Dismantling Racism Miriam McKenney to learn more.

Good News Tuesdays

Each Tuesday in Eastertide (through May 23), gather on Zoom from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with Miriam McKenney and Amy Howton to share the Good News and build community. Sign up to participate.

Growing as Disciples, Rooted in the Way of Love

May 11 to August 19

From May 11 to August 19, Amy Howton and Miriam McKenney will lead an intensive spiritual formation community of practice. The experience will include two in-person retreats, from May 11 to 13 and August 17 to 19, and a Zoom check-in in July.

Learn more and apply to participate.

Dungeons and Dragons Retreat

May 5 to 7

Calling all high school students: You are invited to a Dungeons & Dragons Retreat May 5 to 7 at Procter. This will be an immersive campaign setting for the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons, which includes dozens of new options for player characters and a myriad of spells, monsters, and magic items steeped in history to bring the world of the first century to life at the table. Learn more and register.

Social Justice & Advocacy

Advocacy update

Advocacy briefings are compiled by Ariel Miller, a longtime community advocate and member of Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming.

This week: Climate Solutions, Food Security, K-12 Funding

Ohio Legislature could pass resolutions raising bar to amend constitution
April 25: Dr. Katherine Hayhow’s webinar for the Episcopal Church on how your parish can help climate solutions
April 21 or 25: Lutheran webinars on the Farm Bill’s importance for food security and environmental sustainability
May 11: Represent your food ministry at the diocese’s table at a Statehouse lunch
Ohio’s public school funding: next steps, key issues, and how to advocate

Read the Advocacy Briefing.

Community Engagement

Celebrating Pride

Planning is now underway for Pride events in several communities in the diocese in 2023. If your congregation is interested in participating in Pride in your community, contact Julie Murray, Canon for Communication and Community Engagement.

Around the diocese

Grace Church Spring Yard Sale on April 22

Grace Church, Cincinnati, will hold a yard sale on Saturday, April 22, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the event of rain, the sale will be held inside the building on the first floor.

Vendors, artisans, crafters and families are invited to participate by purchasing a table for $30. Text 513-532-9362 or email gracecollegehill@gmail.com to reserve space.

Holy Hike May 6

On Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m., join Brice Patterson, deacon of the Fellowship of St. John Muir and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, and Derrick Fetz, priest of the Northern Miami Valley Episcopal Cluster, for a Holy Hike at the Cedar Bog Nature Preserve in Urbana. The less-than-a-mile guided walk will pause for participants to meditate and hear short readings and poems by Mary Oliver, John Muir and Wendell Berry.

The accessible boardwalk path is easy to navigate, and benches are available for breaks. Cost: $5 per person (directly supports Cedar Bog) Learn more and register by emailing derrick@nmvec.org.

Balancing action and contemplation

St. Stephen’s, Columbus, will offer a Zoom class entitled, “Balancing Action & Contemplation” from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays from April 20 to May 25. This class is designed for those who have a heart for social justice and will be facilitated by St. Stephen’s parishioner Jamie Massa.

Learn more and sign up.

Reuse/Swap It, an Earth Day celebration

On Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Creation Care Ministry at Church of the Redeemer, Cincinnati will host "Reuse/Swap It: an Earth Day Celebration." Bring reusable items to swap and take part in educational activities. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Learn more.

Good Shepherd celebration concert to feature organist Gregory Crowell

On Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m., the third in a series of concerts to celebrate the completion of the restoration of the 1952 Aeolian-Skinner organ at Church of the Good Shepherd, Athens, will feature guest organist Dr. Gregory Crowell, senior affiliate professor of music at Grand Valley State College and director of music at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Culture and Artisans' Fair at St. Mark's

St. Mark’s, Upper Arlington, will host a Culture and Artisans’ Fair on Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artisans will sell handmade items from all over the world, and the event will include food and music and an opportunity to interact with the artisans and hear their stories. Learn more.

St. B@3 presents Peanut Butter & Jam and the Madcap Puppets

On May 7 at 3 p.m., Peanut Butter & Jam and the Madcap Puppets will present a freewheeling version of Little Red Riding Hood told through the music of Brahams. More information is available on the St. Barnabas website.

Updates from Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is located at 318 E. 4th Street in downtown Cincinnati. Learn more on the cathedral website and subscribe to the cathedral newsletter.

Music offerings

Music Live at Lunch, Tuesdays, 12:10 p.m.

Weekly concerts every week September through May. See schedule here.

May 6, 7 p.m.: Swing Low Sweet Chariot

Join Theodicy Jazz Collective for an evening of sacred jazz. Suggested donation: $15. More info here.

May 7, 5 p.m.: Choral Evensong

The Christ Church Cathedral Choir is joined by Theodicy Jazz Collective for this festive service of prayer and praise. Learn more here.

Updates from Procter Center

The Procter Camp and Conference Center is located at 11235 State Route 38 SE in London, Ohio. Learn more on the Procter Center website and subscribe to the monthly newsletter.