What's New in the Diocese of Ohio

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Interested in learning about military, federal, or hospital chaplaincy?

The Episcopal Church’s Armed Forces and Federal Ministries Office (AFFM) is holding a series of Zoom sessions to provide an overview of military, federal, and hospital chaplaincy opportunities; education and formation requirements; the ecclesiastical endorsement process; and more. Discovery Days are ideal for individuals discerning a call to chaplaincy; seminarians and clergy; and diocesan leaders supporting vocational discernment. Our military chaplains live around the world and offer inclusive spiritual care to those in active-duty combat. With 50% of military members being between ages 18 and 26, chaplains supporting them are part of the church’s largest young adult ministry. The next call will take place on May 27 at 6:00 p.m. Register for the Discovery Days here.

DIOCESAN

Zoom Services at Regional Gathering

Friday Morning Prayer on May 29 (9:00-9:30 a.m.) and the Regional Confirmation on May 30 (3:00-4:00 p.m.) will be available via livestream for anyone interested. You will find those links on the homepage of the diocesan website. The Regional Confirmation at Christ Church, Hudson is also open to those who would like to attend in person.

Diocese of Ohio Pride T-Shirts Now Available

Show your pride with a Diocesan Pride t-shirt featuring our message: "God Loves You. No Exceptions.®" Individual orders are now available for this year’s t-shirts. Order your shirt now to wear at upcoming Pride celebrations, including Cleveland and Wooster Pride on June 6, as well as later and ongoing Diocesan Pride events. Please allow 2 weeks for shipping.

Upcoming Events at Bellwether Farm

Warden Connection: Output & Communication

Join Canon Russ Tripi as we continue exploring the Open Systems approach to leadership with a focus on output: how vestries communicate decisions, clarify next steps, and build trust within the congregation. Please note: due to scheduling, this month’s Warden Connection will take place on June 16 at 12:00 p.m., rather than the usual second Tuesday gathering. The Warden Connection is a monthly virtual space where Senior and Junior Wardens connect, share wisdom, and encourage one another in leadership across the Diocese of Ohio. Please join as you are able.

Queer Clergy Retreat

Honoring the unique joys and challenges of living out our calls as LGBTQ+ clergy, this retreat will offer a safe, affirming space to share our stories, build relationships, and simply enjoy being together in community. This gathering will take place at Bellwether Farm on June 24 at 5:00 p.m., with departure on June 26 at 3:00 p.m. The retreat will include both group activities and personal time, allowing space for whatever you may need. We are also grateful for the support of the Diocese, whose generosity is helping to offset the cost of this retreat and make this gathering possible. All clergy who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community are welcome to attend. For more information or questions, please contact the Rev. Megan Allen-Miller.

Every One Beloved Registration Open

Registration is open for Every One Beloved, our diocesan anti-racism training, on July 25 at St Paul’s, Mt. Vernon. Anti-racism training is required every five years for all clergy, individuals in elected and appointed Diocesan positions, licensed ministers, and Diocesan staff. Training is also open to any interested member of the Diocese. The cost of training materials and refreshments is covered by the Diocese of Ohio. The completion of pre-workshop reading and a post-workshop reflection will be required to receive a certificate of completion. For additional information, please email the Rev. Rosalind Hughes, Canon for Beloved Community.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made- Registration Now Open

Registration for Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: a one-night retreat for LGBTQIA people of faith hosted by Trinity, Toledo and Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, is now open. Click here for a complete description and registration. The retreat will take place the evening of August 28 through late afternoon on August 29. The retreat will be led by the Very Rev. Christine Fentress-Gannon, Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Plymouth, MI. For more information, contact Dan McGuire or Rebecca Miller.

Children & Youth Leaders Connection

We’re gathering contact information for those serving in children, youth, and family ministries across the Diocese of Ohio. Many leaders are doing meaningful work without always knowing who else is out there doing the same ministry. Our hope is to strengthen connections between leaders so we can share ideas, support one another, promote events and programs, and discover new opportunities for collaboration. If you serve in this area, either as a staff member or volunteer, and are interested in connection and support, please fill out this quick form or contact Russ Tripi, Canon for Leadership Development.

Grow in Faith and Understanding with EfM

Education for Ministry (EfM) is celebrating 50 years of theological education and formation. More than 120,000 participants around the world have taken part in this program, which began as seminary-level theological education for lay people. EfM is a four-year study program, with participants committing one year at a time. Groups follow a Benedictine and Episcopal pattern of prayer, work, and study. Participants gather in community to deepen their relationship with God, explore Christian history and theology, discern their gifts, and grow in their life with Jesus. There are no tests or grades; the only expectation is that participants show up and take part in the conversation. All people are welcome to participate in EfM courses. For more information, visit the DOhio website. For questions, contact Diane Hexter, EfM Coordinator for The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, at 440.590.5950.

Standing Committee Meeting Summaries

Each month the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Ohio will submit a summary of its meeting to help familiarize the diocese with the work of this body. Find the summaries here.

FunDay Visitations

You’ve heard of Sunday Visitations but have you heard of FunDay Visitations? As a Diocese we will eat and drink, play, pray, and serve together. The Bishop and her staff feel it is important to attend parish events as a way to be in relationship with each other. While we cannot guarantee a member of the staff will be able to attend, it is a priority to do our best to join as schedules allow. The sooner we can get the events on our calendars the better. Submit your favorite parish Fun Days using the form on the diocesan website. Please note, this is a separate submission from the weekly enews.

PARISH

Breaking Bread Together: Making Sense of the Holy Eucharist in the Episcopal Tradition

Grace Church, Mansfield invites parishioners and guests to a five-week Christian Formation series in May. The final session will take place from 9:00–9:45 a.m. on May 31.

This interactive program will help participants explore the meaning, history, and life-shaping power of the Holy Eucharist in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition. Using Scripture, Tradition, and Reason (the Anglican “three-legged stool”), participants will learn why we gather at the Lord’s table, how the Book of Common Prayer shapes worship, different theological ways Christians understand the presence of Christ, and what communion and hospitality look like in practice. The series closes by connecting the table to service, including pantry ministry. Each 45-minute session follows the same structure: a short opening prayer, a simple icebreaker, focused teaching, small-group reflection, and a closing prayer. The final theme is Living the Eucharist: Liturgy, Prayer, and Service.

Hope Will Not Fail: Songs of Hope for a Troubled Time

On May 31, the choir at Our Saviour, Akron will offer a concert, titled Hope Will Not Fail: Songs of Hope for a Troubled Time, at 4:00 p.m. The concert will include music written for Church of Our Saviour, including the world premiere of the CooS Mass, music by women composers from our March anthems, and music of hope from composers like Mark Miller, Rollo Dillworth, and Victor C. Johnson. All are welcome to attend this free event.

Faith Community Choir Concert

Come and hear the St. James, Painesville Choir and Friends as they present the annual conclusion of the choir season with a Service of Evensong. The Service will take place on May 31 at 5:00 p.m. in the Chancel of St. James, under the direction of our Organist and Choirmaster, Dr. Davis Badaszewski, DMA. St. James will be commemorating the Feast of the Visitation with works by Bairstow, Goss, Greening, and Ridout.

Family Fellowship Fun Night

St Paul's, Oregon is excited to offer a Family Fellowship Fun Night on June 5 at 5:00 p.m. The evening will include supper and two baseball movies, Sandlot and League of their Own. All are welcome to attend, and bringing friends, grandkids, and cousins is encouraged.

Annual Motorcycle Blessing

Good Shepherd, Lyndhurst invites all riders and community members to its Annual Motorcycle Blessing on June 7. The event will take place from 12:00-1:00 p.m., with the blessing beginning at 12:30 p.m. This relaxed and welcoming gathering offers an opportunity to pray for a safe and enjoyable riding season. Whether you ride every day, on weekends, or simply wish to participate in a community event, all are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring their motorcycles, invite friends, or simply come as they are. A free lunch of hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be provided. For more information, visit Good Shepherd's website or reach out through email.

Unwanted Firearms Disposal Event

Trinity, Toledo has received a grant to support an Unwanted Firearms Disposal Event to be held on June 13 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Monroe Street United Methodist Church in Toledo. This event is a cooperative project of the Multifaith Coalition to Reduce Gun Violence and one Episcopal (Trinity, Toledo), three Lutheran (Olivet, Holy Trinity and Salem), one Methodist (Monroe Street) and one Mennonite (Toledo Mennonite) churches, and Moms Demand Action. During the event, gun donors will drive through a prescribed process where their guns will be checked by trained Firearm Safety Officers and then chopped into parts by trained chop saw operators. The gun parts will be made into art objects. Gun donors will receive gift cards for donating their guns. An experienced nonprofit organization, Disarmory Ministries, will run the event. Approximately 60 volunteers will be recruited to assist with the event. Volunteers will not handle firearms. Questions? Contact the Rev. Meribah Mansfield.

Chicken BBQ

On June 13 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. (or until sold out), St. Paul's, Oregon will be selling chicken dinners for $18, which includes 1/2 chicken, wood-fired and kissed with their own special BBQ sauce, St. Paul's famous herb-buttered potatoes, homemade coleslaw, with a roll and butter. Soft drinks and desserts will also be available for purchase.

Brave Hearts Camp: A Faith-Based Creative Arts Experience for Children

Christ Church, Warren is pleased to announce Brave Hearts Camp, a faith-based creative arts camp designed to inspire children to explore creativity, courage, and kindness through a variety of artistic experiences. Taking place June 15-19 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Brave Hearts Camp welcomes children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade (just completed) for a fun and meaningful week of music, dance, visual art, theater, and creative movement. Rooted in beloved Bible stories, the camp will help children discover how courage, faith, perseverance, and compassion can shape their lives and the world around them. Each day will feature hands-on arts activities, collaborative projects, and creative play, all designed to build confidence, spark imagination, and foster friendships. Local educators and teaching artists will lead engaging sessions in rotation, giving campers the opportunity to explore multiple artistic disciplines in a supportive and joyful environment. The cost is $35 for the week, and full scholarships are available to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate. Lunch will be provided daily. Families interested in registering can begin the process by completing the online registration form. For additional information, please contact the church office at 330.372.4998, or visit www.christchurchwarren.org.

Vacation Bible School

Join St. Barnabas, Bay Village for a week of Bible stories, crafts, songs, and games on June 15-19 from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Each day will honor one of our core values of community, inclusion, justice, peace, and love! All are welcome. There is a small fee per family, but scholarships are available and no one will be turned away. Kids ages 4 and older are welcome to attend. Middle School and High School students will be highly valued as helpers. Registration is now open.

Guns to Gardens - Safe Gun Surrender Event

Epiphany, Euclid will be hosting a Guns to Gardens event on June 20. Guns will be “chopped” on site then later turned into garden tools and art items. The guns will be surrendered anonymously and the donor will receive a gift card from a local business as a thank you. Bring unloaded guns to the event in the trunk or hatch of the car or truck. Ammunition will not be accepted. We will receive guns from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Contact Epiphany for more information.

Salad Luncheon

Visit St. James, Painesville for a Salad Luncheon on June 26 from

11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The luncheon will include a raffle, door prizes, and an inspirational speech from the Rev. Abraham Allende, Bishop Emeritus of the ELCA Church. Tickets are $15/person, available for purchase online or by calling the church office at 440.354.3526.

Wonder Junction - All Aboard For Fun At VBS

Grab your bandana and dust off your boots! St. Peter's, Lakewood is headed west to Wonder Junction, where kids will discover the wonder of who Jesus is. They'll marvel at the Creator of the universe who came to earth as a tiny baby and was laid in a feeding trough for animals, who grew up and began his ministry of healing people and demonstrating his power as God the Son, who gave his life in payment for sin, who conquered death, and who will return one day in power and glory. They will be encouraged to embrace the salvation Jesus offers and challenged to live for his glory as we wait for his return. This VBS Retreat Day will take place June 27 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This is for children entering Kindergarten this fall through 5th grade. Registration is now open. All children are welcome - please feel free to invite the children of family and friends.

Mass and a Movie

Put on your finest red, white and blue to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary as St. Timothy’s, Massillon will offer a mass for Independence Day on June 27 at 6:30 p.m. Following Holy Communion, there will be a screening of the 1972 musical ‘1776’ starring William Daniels and Ken Howard. Powdered wigs and knickers optional. This event is free and open to the public.

Christmas in July Craft Show

St. Luke, Chardon will be hosting a Christmas in July Craft Show on July 18 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. This event will feature a variety of handmade crafts by local crafters. There will be a food counter with snacks for purchase. All proceeds will benefit St. Luke's ministry. Crafters who are interested in selling their work at the show can contact St. Luke by the end of June.

140 Ways for 140 Days

St. Luke's, Cleveland invites the entire Diocese of Ohio to join us in prayer and action for 140 days leading up to our 140th anniversary on the corner of West 78th St. and Lake Ave. in Cleveland. Click here for a welcome video, prayer guide, tickets to our Sister Act Sing-Along Fundraiser Brunch on September 12 at 11:00 a.m., and to sign up for the Sister Act Sing-Along Community Choir.

OTHER

Province V to Host “Big Provincial Gathering” and Youth Event in Kalamazoo This Summer

Episcopalians from across the Midwest will gather in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this summer for the Big Provincial Gathering (BPG), a dynamic, collaborative event designed to inspire, equip, and connect lay and clergy leaders in ministry. The gathering will take place July 30–August 1 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and nearby partner sites. BPG offers participants the opportunity to share ideas, showcase successful programs, and learn practical strategies for strengthening congregational life. Workshops and conversations will focus on real-world ministry challenges and innovations, with an emphasis on collaboration and resource-sharing across dioceses. The event’s plenary leader will be the Rev. Canon Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija, who will guide participants in exploring faithful, creative approaches to ministry in today’s church.

Running concurrently with the Big Provincial Gathering is the Provincial Youth Event (PYE), a parallel program for students who have completed grades 6–12. Centered on the theme “We Will, With God’s Help,” the youth event invites participants into a shared exploration of the Baptismal Covenant and what it means to live faithfully in community. Youth participants will engage in worship, reflection, and community-building activities, while also joining portions of the larger gathering. For more information, contact the Rev. Heather Barta.