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{e}Connections | March 28, 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.

Tyrone Yates joins Trustees of the Diocese

At a meeting earlier this month, the Trustees of the Diocese appointed the Honorable Tyrone Yates, a Hamilton County municipal judge, as a trustee.

Yates is filling a vacancy created late last year when Nadya Richardson resigned after being nominated as diocesan treasurer by Bishop Smith and elected by the diocesan convention. He is eligible to run for the remaining three years of Richardson’s term at the convention in November.

Yates, who served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2003 to 1010, is a longtime member of St. Andrew’s, Cincinnati, where he has served as junior and senior warden.

“We are delighted that Tyrone has agreed to join us,” Jon B. Boss, president of the Trustees, said. “He is an active member of his congregation and understands and has been involved in the diocese for many years. His wisdom and experience will serve us all very well during this transitional time.”

Although the Trustees have previously let vacancies stand until the following convention, Boss said that the five-member body chose to appoint a temporary replacement for Richardson to ensure a three-member quorum at its meetings for the remainder of this year.

Read this article on the website.

PB Nominating Committee outlines timeline, process

The Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop has published an essay about the process and timeline for electing the Episcopal Church's next presiding bishop.

The profile for the election is scheduled to be published on May 15, and nominations for presiding bishop will be open from then until July 15. A slate will be announced in the spring of 2024.

At General Convention in June of 2024, the House of Bishops will elect the presiding bishop and the House of Deputies will vote on whether to confirm the bishops' choice.

The new presiding bishop will take office on November 1, 2024.

Read more.

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.

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.

Nominations open for Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna

Do you know an older adult who is living a life of faith and hope well into their older years? Nominations are now being accepted 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.

Read more.

Diocesan Annual Reporting form due April 1

The 2023 diocesan annual reporting form is now available on the diocesan website. Congregations should submit this form 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 others.

Questions about the form should be directed to Canon Julie Murray at jmurray@diosohio.org.

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

• Apr 1: Diocesan Annual Reporting Form deadline
• Apr 4: Clergy Renewal of Vows
• Apr 7: Diocesan office closed for Good Friday
• Apr 10: Diocesan office closed for Easter holiday
• Apr 12 at 1 p.m.: Commission on Congregational Life
• Apr 13 at 2 p.m.: Standing Committee
• 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

Apr 16: Indian Hill Church

Apr 23: St. George's, Dayton

See the full schedule here.

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.

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.

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. Fees are on a sliding scale from $275 to $475 for a single room and $175 to $375 for a shared double room. Financial support is available.

Learn more and apply to participate.

Youth gatherings

Dungeons and Dragons Retreat

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.

Peace and reconciliation experiences

Holy Land Pilgrimage

The Rev. Canon Jason Oden and Rabbi Brad Hirschfield will lead a Holy Land pilgrimage and study tour September 5 to 15. To learn more, email Canon Jason Oden. Scholarships are available.

Advocacy update

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

This week:

• Ohio Senate races to enact August special election to make it harder to amend constitution before citizen-sponsored reproductive rights proposal reaches voters
• Bipartisan support emerges for HB 120 to repeal HB 6 coal-plant subsidies
• Governor’s budget includes $162 million for research-supported literacy instruction
• Ohio curriculum battles reflected in bills moving through legislature

Read the Advocacy Briefing.

Today is Budget Advocacy Day

Ariel Miller (far left) joined with other advocates to meet with legislators during this year's Budget Advocacy Day, an initiative of the Ohio Council of Churches and Hunger Network Ohio.

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, for assistance and resources for sharing the message of inclusive love that the Episcopal Church has to offer.

Red Door Community Concert: Yun Kim

On Friday, April 14 at 12:15 p.m., Holy Trinity, Oxford will host “Wild Card,” a free concert of music from the 17th to the 21st century. This fourth concert of the Red Door Community Concert Series features organist Yun Kim on Holy Trinity’s Nordlie Organ.

Yun Kim is choirmaster and organist at Christ Church, Dayton, and teaches organ at Sinclair Community College.

The concert is free and open to the public, and will also be posted on the Holy Trinity YouTube channel. Masks are suggested.

Becoming Beloved Community Conversation and Book Discussion for “Dear White Friend”

Sunday, April 16

6:30 p.m.

The people of St. Barnabas, Montgomery and their Becoming Beloved Community team will host a fireside chat with author and business owner, Dr. Melvin Gravely II.

Mel will be discussing his 2021 book, Dear White Friend: The Realities of Race, The Power of Relationships and Our Path to Equity. Learn more and register here.

Sandy Sanborn Memorial Concert: Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble

Sunday, April 16

7:30 p.m.

Calvary Church, Cincinnati, presents the Sandy Sanborn Martin Memorial Concert featuring the Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble and concert organist Bradley Hunter Welch playing choral and organ music by Johannes Brahms, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Howard Helvey, Mbuso Ndlovu, Francis Poulenc, André Thomas and others.

The suggested donation is $20. A reception will follow. More information here.

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 here.

Reuse/Swap It, an Earth Day celebration

The Creation Care Ministry at Church of the Redeemer, Cincinnati presents "Reuse/Swap It: an Earth Day Celebration" on Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring reusable items to swap and take part in educational activities. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Learn more.

Stations of the Cross at St. Francis, Springboro

The members of St. Francis, Springboro, pray the Stations of the Cross each Saturday in Lent at 9:30 a.m.

The Stations depicted in the photo were originally installed at St. Michaels and All Angels in Avondale.

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.

Last Words of Christ: Immersive Sound Liturgy

Saturday, April 8

6 p.m.

In honor of Holy Saturday, artists from our cathedral community and beyond will reflect on the seven last words of Christ.

Alleluia!

Sunday, April 16

3 p.m.

Members of Collegium Cincinnati led by Associate Artistic Director Manami White will perform a program in celebration of the Easter season: J. S. Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No. 7, Antonio Vivaldi’s Longe mala, umbrae, terrores, and W. A. Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate. 

Tickets and more info here.

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:

Apr 4: Heri et Hodie – Women’s vocal ensemble presenting Lenten music

Apr 11: The Faux Frenchmen – Hot Club–driven jazz

Apr 18: Kirsten Homdrom (piano)

Apr 25: Moyen Age - Medieval music

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.

Procter Center Open House and Spring Craft Show April 29

This year's Camp Open House will be held in conjunction with the Spring Craft Show on April 29 from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. Local craftsman, artists and food trucks will be on site, and special goodies given out throughout the day.

Learn about camp, take tours of the farm, cottages and lodge, and get answers to questions from Procter's knowledgeable staff.

Visit the Procter Center website to learn more.

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.

See all job opportunities on the diocesan website.

Latest postings:

• Summer Camp Counselor, Procter Summer Camp
• Administrator/Bookkeeper (part time), Grace Church, College Hill
• Engagement Leader/Employee Relations, The Azek Company
• Church Music Director/Organist/ Keyboardist (Part-time), Church of the Ascension, Middletown
• Rector, St. Anne's, West Chester
• Digital Missioner, St. John's, Columbus

Email communication@diosohio.org to add a job listing.

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