DIOCESAN

Diocesan Convention: Pre-Convention and New Delegate Orientation

To equip you for participation in the 209th Annual Convention, all guests and delegates are invited to an evening of preparation on November 12. We’ll meet on Zoom (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4309344712, Meeting ID: 430 934 4712), beginning at 7:00 p.m. with an orientation for new delegates, followed by a pre-convention legislative and budget information session at 7:30 p.m. reviewing proposed resolutions, canonical amendments, and the 2026 diocesan budget. Contact Canon Jessie Dodson with any questions. The call will be recorded and posted to our Vimeo account for those who cannot attend.

Request for Food Ministry Information

To help respond to the growing needs of individuals and families in our communities who are facing increased food insecurity following the recent reduction in SNAP benefits, the Diocese of Ohio is compiling information about parish food ministries to post on our website. We invite you to share details about your parish’s food ministry, whether it’s a pantry, meal program, or other outreach effort. To submit information, please contact Emily Tamulewicz.

Innovation Community Call

In November’s session, we’ll hear stories from people around our diocese who are seeking out public conversations and building new relationships with neighbors unfamiliar with The Episcopal Church. What does it mean to let God move us, the church, in new directions into our communities? And what do we learn when we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable and take risks to follow where the Holy Spirit leads? Come listen, and share your own stories! These calls are open to anyone, lay or clergy, who wants to grow in community with others and to explore life-giving mission in their local context. Monthly zoom calls happen every third Wednesday between August and May, and our next call will be November 19 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Contact Canon Audra Abt for more information. Zoom link here.

This year’s Episcopal Church Women's Retreat, Rooted in Renewal, is from November 21-23 at Bellwether Farm. Over the past year, ECW has been discerning their mission and vision for the future, and they can’t wait to share the inspiring ideas that have emerged. This year introduces a new option: Saturday overnight, just for fellowship! Join in the gathering to nurture faith, deepen relationships, and celebrate the Spirit’s work among us. Bring your curiosity, your joy, and your hopes for what comes next. Register by November 19.

Celebration of New Ministry

Your prayers and presence are requested as the Rev. Mikayla Dunfee and the people of St. Hubert's, Kirtland Hills, celebrate their ministry together at 6:00 p.m. on November 25. The Rt. Rev. Anne B. Jolly will preside, and the Rev. Canon Jessie Gutgsell Dodson will preach. Clergy are invited to vest (choir dress and green stoles) and process.

November Peace & Justice Newsletter

The readings for All Saints include words from Jesus which will surely hit hard this weekend in particular, as SNAP benefits (food stamps) are not expected to be distributed in November as a result of the government shutdown.

St Michael’s in the Hills, Ohio and their Rector, the Rev. Gayle Catinella, have offered some suggestions of some ways we as a church and individuals may choose to respond. Read it here.

Bellwether Farm's Special Holiday Offerings

Bellwether Farm is offering two unique holiday gift sets to share the gifts of Bellwether Farm this year. Gift boxes are tea or coffee themed, and each includes a hand-crafted mug for enjoying hot beverages year-round. In the tea box, you'll receive 4 oz of Blessed Bee Bellwether honey and a sampler of fair-trade, organic Storehouse Tea's seasonal flavors. Bellwether's coffee box includes fresh, Bellwether-made biscotti as well as a signature Bellwether Blend locally roasted coffee, provided through partnership with Firelands Coffee Company. Don't wait! The tasty and seasonal treats won't last long. Place orders through the Bellwether website. Pick-up is available at Bellwether Farm December 15-19, and at Trinity Commons December 15-18.

Upcoming Ordination

By the grace of God and with the consent of the people of God, the Right Reverend Anne B. Jolly will ordain the Rev. Barbara Reszko to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ’s one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on December 18 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Thomas, Port Clinton. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy: cassock/surplice and red stoles.

Every One Beloved - Anti-Racism Workshop

Every One Beloved, a one-day anti-racism workshop from the Diocese of Ohio, will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 7, 2026, at St. Paul's, Medina. Registration will open December 17, 2025. Anti-racism training is required for individuals in elected and appointed Diocesan positions, including clergy, and is also open to all members of the Diocese. The cost of training materials and lunch (provided) is covered by the Diocese of Ohio. In order to make the training a one-day event, 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.

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

Chanted Compline Service

The term “compline” derives from the Latin completorium—completion of the working day. As the bedtime prayers of the church, Compline tends to be a contemplative experience that emphasizes quietness, reflection, and spiritual peace. Please join St. Timothy's, Perrysburg for a chanted Compline service on the second Thursday of the month at 8:00 p.m., now through the spring. The next service is November 13.

Theodicy Jazz Collective Performance

The internationally renowned Theodicy Jazz Collective, founded at Oberlin College in the early 2000’s and fresh from their triumphant musical leadership at this year’s diocesan convention, returns to their Oberlin roots to provide music for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at Christ Church, Oberlin, at 10:30 a.m. on November 16. Under the leadership of the Rev. Andy Barnett (Oberlin College ’08), and in collaboration with the celebrated choir of Christ Church, Oberlin, under the direction of Dr. Steven Plank, Theodicy presents a stirring, gospel-infused variation on Christ Church’s stately worship. The Rev. Andy McQuery, Rector of Christ Church, Oberlin, is the preacher. All are welcome!

Beginners, Believers, and the Biblically Brave: Bible Literacy for Real People

Grace, Mansfield announces a Christian formation course, "Beginners, Believers, and the Biblically Brave: Bible Literacy for Real People," now through December 21. Sessions meet 9:00-9:45 a.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. This free program is open to the public and requires no prior biblical knowledge. Co-facilitated by Fr. Christopher D. Hofer, Priest-in-Charge, Grace Episcopal Church (theology); Amanda Dove, National Director, Strategic Partnerships, The Kids Mental Health Foundation | Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation (Biblical Studies); and Matthew Moser Miller, Founder & Owner, Pealer Mill Orchard and Cidery (Literature & Historical Criticism).

Weekly schedule and topics:

November 16 — Rule of Firsts
November 23 — Ways of Reading
November 30 — Original Language
December 7 — What Does Jesus Say About It?
December 14 — What Is Your Take on It? Making Room for the Holy Spirit
December 21 — Practice and Reflections

Feed Cleveland at St. Luke's Mobile Pantry

With many benefits on the chopping block, neighbors near and far are in need of good, healthy food more than ever. Join St. Luke's, Cleveland, as well as partners in ministry from St. Barnabas, Bay Village; St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights; Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, and beyond in feeding the community this fall. Working with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the mobile pantry runs the second and fourth Mondays each month. While St. Luke's typically sees 160 families, the need has increased to record levels of 225 families per event. Upcoming dates: November 24 and December 8. Sign up to volunteer here. Call the office at 216.631.2841 or email community@stlukecle.org with any questions.

Cans for Cookies Event

Help support St. Matthew's, Toledo in the creation of a food pantry by bringing a can of food to the Cans for Cookies Event, December 6 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Donate one can and get one dozen cookies in return. Bring along some Christmas presents and Santa's helpers will get them wrapped for you for free while you enjoy coffee and a sweet treat. RSVP on St. Matthew's Facebook Page.

Ohio's Presidents' Wives

St. Barnabas, Bay Village presents Ohio’s Presidents’ Wives on December 10 at 11:00 a.m. in Parkside Hall. This one-hour program is presented by a group of women, in period costumes, portraying the lives of the eight First Ladies of the Ohio Presidents. Little-told facts of their lives and times will be shared.

All are welcome, but reservations are required. Please email to reserve your spot.

Christmas Cookie Sale

St. Timothy’s, Macedonia is having their annual Christmas Cookie Sale on December 13, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. All of the Christmas cookies and other sweet treats are homemade by outstanding bakers in the parish. Early arrival is suggested.

Calling Volunteers for the Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival

The 63^rd Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival at Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, invites you to participate in this year's annual presentations. This Elizabethan Christmas experience, a beloved family tradition, has opportunities to participate including cast, choir, and behind-the-scenes help. Adults and children ages 4 and above are welcome. This is a non-denominational cast and audience. Click here to complete the Volunteer Form. This year's presentations will be on December 28, at 2:00 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. Past cast members are encouraged to complete the form so we have updated contact information. For more info: 216.774.0436; boarsheadfestival@hotmail.com; www.boarsheadcleveland.org

Spaces Still Open on 2026 Pilgrimage, St. Paul’s, Akron

There’s still time to sign up for St. Paul’s New Beginnings Pilgrimage, November 3-6, 2026, to southern Ohio/northern Kentucky. Our God is the God of second chances, and this pilgrimage offers an opportunity to learn more about His Divine love as demonstrated throughout history when we visit:

Maria Stein Relic Shrine, Maria Stein, Ohio
Wright Brothers National Museum, Dayton, Ohio
Noah’s Ark, Williamstown, Kentucky
St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, Kentucky
Hopeton Earthworks (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Chillicothe, Ohio

To register go to incrediblejourneystours.com. Trip cost: $875 per person double occupancy. Click here to watch a video about the pilgrimage.

OTHER

Save the Date - Women Clergy Retreat

Next year's Women Clergy Retreat will be taking place May 31-June 3, 2026 at St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, Michigan. This retreat centers on the experiences of women clergy. We explicitly invite everyone (trans, cis, nonbinary, genderfluid, agender, and more) who feels this is for them to attend. Open to participants in Provinces V and VI. Details and registration will be forthcoming, and posted here: https://www.provincev.org/wcr26.html