{e}Connections | February 21, 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. | |
Bryan Stevenson to speak at Christ Church Cathedral on March 17 | |
Bryan Stevenson will speak at Christ Church Cathedral on March 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Stevenson is the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative. He is widely known for his best-selling book Just Mercy Mercy, which has also been adapted into a feature film.
This event, which is part of the Taft Lecture Series, is free to the public, but space is limited. Registration is required. Click here to register.
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Flemister to receive distinguished service award from Diocese of Liberia | |
The Rt. Rev. Dr. James B. Sellee, bishop of the Episcopal Church of Liberia, has invited the Rev. Abeoseh “Abby” Flemister to receive the Rev. E. Bolling Robertson Award for distinguished service to that diocese. The award, named for an Episcopal priest who served as a missionary in Liberia from 1945 to 1984, recognizes Flemister’s “invaluable contributions to the Church and humanity over the years.” It will be bestowed on March 5 at the closing service of the 87th Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Church of Liberia at Cuttington University.
Flemister, who has been licensed to officiate in the Diocese of Southern Ohio since retiring to Columbus in 2004, is a priest of the Episcopal Church of Liberia. She and her husband, Clifton, are members of St. Matthew’s, Westerville, where she serves as director of Partners in Ministry in Liberia (PIMIL), a program established in 2005 to educate children in the wake of civil war that ravaged Liberia from 1989 to 2003.
Read more.
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Nominations for bishop open until Feb. 28 | |
Clergy Renewal of Vows April 4 | |
The annual Clergy Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Holy Oils will take place on Tuesday, April 4, at 11 a.m. in Christ Chapel at the Procter Center. Lunch will follow the service. Register to attend here. | |
Donate to Earthquake Recovery in Turkey and Syria | |
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Episcopal Relief & Development is working with ACT Alliance to provide supplies, hot meals and other emergency support in response to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria that killed nearly 47,000 people and caused widespread damage.
Donations to the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Response Fund will help Episcopal Relief & Development continue responding to this disaster.
Please continue to pray for those who have been affected by the earthquake.
photo courtesy of the ACT Alliance
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Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found on the resources hub on the diocesan website. | |
Expanded offerings on Freecycle Marketplace | Dozens of additional liturgical items have been added to the Freecycle Marketplace in the last several weeks. If you haven't checked it out lately, there just may be something you've been looking for waiting for you. | |
Parochial reports due March 1 | |
Diocesan Annual Reporting form due April 1 | |
The 2023 diocesan annual reporting form is now available on the diocesan website. Congregations should fill out this form immediately after their annual meetings, or no later than April 1.
Completing the form helps the bishop's staff update contact information for lay leadership, lay convention delegates, ministry leaders, facilities, human resources, financial information and more. Questions about the form should be directed to Canon Julie Murray at jmurray@diosohio.org.
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Lawrence Home academic grants provide opportunities for young women | |
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The Academic Grant for Minority Women program helps finance the post-secondary education of minority women, regardless of age, who are affiliated with an Episcopal church within the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The association expects to make eight grants in 2023. The application deadline is March 17.
Learn more.
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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, for assistance and resources for sharing the message of inclusive love that the Episcopal Church has to offer.
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Summer Camp at Procter
Open House on April 29, Registration now open
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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.
2023 Camp Dates
- Tween Camp: July 24-26
- Middle School Camp: July 17-22
- Senior High Camp: June 26-July 1
- Day Camp: June 12-August 4*
- Family Camp 1: July 12-15
- Family Camp 2: July 26-29
- Silver Camp 1: June 21-24
- Silver Camp 2: August 1-4
*Camp will not take place the week of July 3-7
Visit the Procter Center website to learn more and register.
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A complete list of diocesan and community events can be found on the diocesan calendar.
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Feb 22: Ash Wednesday
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Feb 22 at 1 p.m.: Trustees Investment Committee meeting
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Mar 1: Parochial Report deadline
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Mar 2 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
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Mar 8 at 1 p.m.: Commission on Congregational Life
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Mar 11 at 10 a.m.: Diocesan Council
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Mar 16 at 10 a.m.: Trustees of the Diocese
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Mar 16 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
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Mar 17: Deadline for Academic Grants for Minority Women
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Mar 18 at 10 a.m.: Procter Board
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Applications for churchwide roles due April 15 | |
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The Joint Standing Committee on Nominations invites members from across the Episcopal Church to apply for the churchwide roles listed below. The deadline to apply is April 15. Elections will take place at the 81st General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky from June 23-28, 2024.
Learn more and apply.
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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. | |
Lenten Learning Opportunities | |
40-Day Journey to Remembering Soul and Spirit | |
February 22 through April 2.
Join Amy Howton and Miriam McKenney for a Lenten series based on the book Innerground Railroad: A 40 Day Journey of Remembering Soul and Spirit by Howton and Quanita Roberson. Participants will be emailed daily activities and meditations and are invited to gather online for an opening ceremony on Ash Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and for weekly meetings Sundays, February 26 through April 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All materials will be provided at no cost. Email amy@wildrootsinc.com with questions.
Sign up online to take part in the series and receive a Zoom link.
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The Faith and Life Committee and the Creation Care and Environmental Justice Commission recommend Deep Green Faith, a five-week online course for clergy and lay leaders. Participants will explore ways to expand creation care beyond committee actions, material stewardship, and personal life adjustments.
Dates: February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Learn more and register.
For a conversation about financial assistance for you or your parish, contact the Rev. Canon Jason Oden.
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Empty Altars: American Saints in a Cynical Age | |
Join Dr. Diana Butler Bass and Dr. Tripp Fuller during Lent (February 27, March 6, 13, 20, and 27) as they explore "sainthood" for an American -- and global -- future.
Each week's session will focus on a specific theme of faith and how it was expressed in the lives of those who came before us. Participants may join each class session live or access a recording of the session at any time.
More information and registration here.
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Using Picture Books for Racial Reconciliation | |
On Tuesdays at 11 a.m. during Lent, Miriam McKenney and Emma Helms-Steinmetz will lead conversations about the work of dismantling racism by using picture books. Picture books offer a way to discover, discuss, and share stories about topics many people did not learn about in school but are crucial as we work to repair, heal, and see God in each other. Participants will discuss a different book each week, and choose one of the books to add to their home libraries at the end of the program.
Recordings of the sessions will be available only to those who sign up due to copyright regulations.
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Dismantling Racism trainings
The next Dismantling Racism Bible Study trainings will be:
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Thursdays, March 16, 23, 30 at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sign up here.
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Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17 at 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sign up here.
The trainings will be co-led by Director of Dismantling Racism Miriam McKenney. Additional trainings will be offered in the second half of the year; sign up to receive an email when those dates are set.
Read more on the diocesan website.
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Dungeons and Dragons retreat
Calling all high school students: You are invited to a Dungeons & Dragons Retreat May 5-7 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.
For more details and to register, click here.
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Peace and reconciliation experiences | |
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Civil Rights Pilgrimage
The Diocese of Southern Ohio will sponsor an intergenerational Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Atlanta, Selma, Montgomery, Chattanooga, and other destinations from May 31 to June 7.
The cost of the trip will be $1,678 for a double occupancy room and $2,296 for a single. Scholarships will be made available upon request. Learn more and register here, or contact the Rev. Christopher C. Richardson with questions.
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Holy Land Pilgrimage
The Rev. Canon Jason Oden and Rabbi Brad Hirschfield will lead Holy Land pilgrimage and study tour September 5 to 15. To learn more, reach out to Canon Jason Oden. Scholarships are available.
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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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This week, consider:
- Spiritual and scholarly resources for teaching the history of race in America
- Zoom forums Feb. 28 with Sister Helen Prejean and retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor
- Citizens and the Ohio Legislature race to shape the state constitution’s rules on citizens’ voice, gerrymandering, and reproductive rights
Read the Advocacy Briefing.
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Godly Play training Feb. 23-25 | |
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St. Mark's, Upper Arlington, and St. John's, Worthington, will co-host Godly Play Core training Feb 23-25 at St. Mark's.
Godly Play Core Training is the recommended training for every adult leading Godly Play sessions (years 1-3 of practice), for administrators, and for clergy. Over the course of three days (minimum 18 contact hours), participants experience all aspects of the Godly Play method and begin to become fluent in the Godly Play core stories and fundamental practices.
More information and registration here.
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Lenten learning: Heal Yourself, Heal the World | |
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Ascension and Holy Trinity, Wyoming, will offer a five-week Lenten formation series, Heal Yourself, Heal the World, beginning Sunday, Feb. 26 at 11:30 a.m. Join us on our Lenten journey as we have conversations about healing and experiences of healing for ourselves and for others.
Learn more.
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Saint Mark’s, Upper Arlington, will offer a service of Choral Evensong, with music by the St. Mark’s Choir, on Sunday, March 5 at 4 p.m. Music will include the Second Service by William Byrd, responses by Bernard Rose, and anthems by Johannes Brahms and Martin Lauridsen. Admission is free. Donations will be gratefully received in support of the Special Music Fund at Saint Mark’s. A reception will follow. Learn more. | |
St. Barnabas to launch new music series Mar 12 | |
St. Barnabas, Montgomery will launch a new music series, St.B@3, on Sunday, March 12 at 3 p.m. with a performance by members of the Starling Chamber Orchestra. This preparatory program from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music will perform music by Mozart, Bach, Leclair and Sarasate.
Learn more
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Updates from Christ Church Cathedral | |
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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.
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Music Live at Lunch
Music Live at Lunch is a free, weekly concert series held on Tuesdays, September through May, at 12:10 p.m.
Upcoming performers:
Feb 28: Michael Ronstadt (cello)
Mar 7: The Southbank Quartet
Mar 14: Estrada do Sol (Brazilian music)
Mar 21: Lisa Biales (folk music)
Mar 28: Cello students from the studio of Sarah Kim & Alan Rafferty
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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.
| Beautification Day April 22 | |
Procter Center needs your help getting our grounds ready for the camp season.
We will gather on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beautification Day projects include:
- Creating an herb and lettuce garden.
- Repotting plants in the greenhouse.
- Weeding and cultivating the raised beds and high tunnel.
- Transplanting vegetables from the greenhouse to the field.
- Planting in the flower beds outside Thompson Lodge, Christ's Chapel, and the Sawyer Greenhouse.
- Weeding and planting in the two court yards.
- Building a firepit by the lake.
- Cleaning out Blanchard Commons.
RSVP here.
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Register for Summer Camp!
Registration for Procter Camp 2023 is now open.
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Procter is hiring for Summer Camp
Procter is currently hiring summer help for the 2023 camping season, May 30 through Aug. 6. Summer camp jobs provide opportunities to build relationships, network, and develop skills that translate to any career. Learn more and apply at proctercenter.org.
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See all job opportunities on the diocesan website.
Latest postings:
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Parish Secretary, St. Anne's, West Chester
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Respite Counselor, Procter Center
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Rector, St. Anne's, West Chester
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Associate Rector for Discipleship, Church of the Redeemer, Cincinnati
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Digital Missioner, St. John's, Columbus
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Nursery Attendant (part-time), St. Andrew's, Pickerington
Email communication@diosohio.org to add a job listing.
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