{e}Connections | April 25, 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. | |
A summer of revitalization at Procter Center | |
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Nineteen volunteers gathered at Procter Center on Saturday to prepare the buildings and grounds for this year’s campers, retreaters, and farm market shoppers. The camp and conference center’s spring cleanup day is an annual tradition, but this year, it set the stage for a different kind of summer season.
When longtime Procter executive director Amy Boyd resigned last fall to accept a job in her home state of New Hampshire, Bishop Wayne Smith asked two diocesan staff members—the Rev. Jason Oden, canon for formation, and the Rev. David Getreu, canon for finance and budget—to step in as Procter’s co-interim directors. Together with Robin Kimbler, Procter’s longtime operations director, they are charged with repairing and revitalizing the facility and transforming its camp program into a linchpin of the diocese’s Christian formation efforts.
For the Rev. Derrick Fetz, priest at the Northern Miami Valley Episcopal Cluster and a Procter board member, this summer camp season represents a return to Procter’s mission as a center for the diocese and a place to instill core values of love, inclusion and joy in young Episcopalians.
Read more.
Mari Fetz walks toward Procter's chapel during a spring clean up day on April 22. photo: the Rev. Derrick Fetz
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Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna to Induct 18 | |
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The Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna will induct 18 new members as the Class of 2023 at its annual meeting and celebratory luncheon on May 17 at Procter Center. The celebration, which will be the society's first in-person meeting since 2019, will begin with Eucharist in Christ Chapel at 11 a.m. A luncheon in the dining hall will follow the service.
Anyone wishing to attend the luncheon must RSVP before May 7. The cost is $18 per person. There is no charge for the current honorees. RSVP online.
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Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found on the resources hub on the diocesan website. | |
Facility condition assessments for congregations
Webinar recording available; opt-in by June 1
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Beginning this month, each church property in the diocese is eligible for a facility condition assessment provided free of charge thanks to the support of the Trustees of the Diocese, the Church Foundation Trustees, Diocesan Council, and the Commission on Congregation Life. The assessments will be conducted by Smart Church Solutions. Congregations can opt in to this initiative by emailing the Rev. David Getreu, diocesan canon for budget and finance, at dgetreu@diosohio.org by June 1.
On April 19, leaders from Smart Church Solutions and Getreu hosted a webinar to provide an overview of the facility condition assessment process.
Watch the webinar recording and read more.
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Upcoming diocesan meetings & events | |
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A complete list of diocesan and community events can be found on the diocesan calendar.
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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. | |
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 are hosting 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, May 2, 9, 16 from 2 to 3 p.m., or to request a scheduled appointment. | |
Moms Facebook group launching May 14 | |
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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.
Sign up to participate.
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Mission Immersion: Asheville, NC
Youth (grades 7-12) are invited to take part in a mission immersion experience from July 23 to 28. The group will travel to Asheville, North Carolina to assist outreach organizations, learn together, grow together, and have tons of fun. For more information, contact Adam Hayden at 812-430-4464 or ahayden@diosohio.org.
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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:
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June (June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 from 12 to 1 p.m.) Sign up here.
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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.
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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.
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Social Justice & Advocacy | |
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Advocacy update
Advocacy briefings are compiled by Ariel Miller, a longtime community advocate and member of Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming.
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As the Ohio Legislature races to raise new hurdles for citizen-sponsored constitutional amendments, this week's Advocacy Update documents a growing disconnect between the Ohio legislature and many Ohioans on issues including reproductive rights, gun safety, and how schools teach about the role of race and racism in American history.
Read the advocacy briefing.
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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.
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Godspell-based Zoom bible study in April and May | |
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Beginning this week, the Four Church Collaboration of St. Philip's, Circleville, St. John's, Lancaster, St. Paul's, Logan, and St. Paul's, Chillicothe presents a Godspell-based Bible study focusing on the Gospel of Matthew.
The class, facilitated by the priests and deacons of the collaboration, will take place on Thursdays, April 27, May 4, 11, and 18 at 6:30 pm. The program will conclude with a Godspell party on May 25 at 5:30 pm at St. Philip's, Circleville. Join using this Zoom link.
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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. | |
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On Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m., 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, will lead 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.
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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 Brahms. More information is available on the St. Barnabas website. | |
Updates from Christ Church Cathedral | |
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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.
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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.
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Updates from Procter Center | |
Summer Camp at Procter
Registration now open, Open House on April 29
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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.
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Amazon Wish List
Please consider making a donation to camp this summer via our Amazon Wish List
See the list.
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Procter Center is hiring!
Procter Center is hiring the following positions:
- Extended season to year-round staff needed:
- Respite Care Counselors (a year-round, one weekend per month role)
- Evening Cook (part-time, with full-time opportunity)
- Housekeeping (part-time, with full-time opportunity)
- Ground Crew & Maintenance (part-time, with full-time opportunity)
- Farm Hands (paid internship)
- Hospitality Attendant
Email info@proctercenter.org or call 740.206.2036 for more information, and to apply.
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