{e} Connections | April 12, 2022 |
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"We want to get it right": An update on the bishop transition |
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In the Episcopal Church today, what used to be considered “normal” bishop transitions are becoming decidedly less common, as dioceses decide to take the kind of extended interim between diocesan bishops in which the Diocese of Southern Ohio now finds itself.
Typically, when a diocesan bishop in the Episcopal Church decides it is time to retire, she informs the Standing Committee of the diocese and then calls for the election of her successor. Usually this takes place about 18 months or more in advance of the bishop’s retirement date, giving the Standing Committee ample time to choose a search committee and a transition committee, present the search committee’s slate of nominees to the diocese, and plan for an electing convention, chaired by the retiring bishop. A transition committee, also chosen by the Standing Committee, ensures that the new bishop is welcomed, and a new season of ministry begins.
Sometimes, departing bishops choose a variation of this theme by calling for the election of a bishop coadjutor—a bishop who will become bishop diocesan no longer than three years after her ordination and consecration. This is the option that the bishops in the neighboring Dioceses of West Virginia and Ohio have recently chosen.
But in recent years, many bishop transitions have not unfolded in the normal fashion. In the Diocese of Chicago, Bishop Jeffrey Lee first called for the election of his successor in February 2019, but once the pandemic began, both his retirement and the bishop election were postponed until December 2020. And then in June 2021, just weeks before her scheduled ordination and consecration, the bishop-elect, the Rev. Paula Clark, suffered a medical emergency, and a year later, Chicago is still without a diocesan bishop. Many other dioceses—including Virginia, Milwaukee, Eau Claire, West Missouri, Rochester, Eastern and Western Michigan and, for a time, Lexington—have elected to choose provisional bishops, or bishops who terms are otherwise time-limited, while continuing to discern their futures.
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Ann Sabo to join cathedral staff as dean's executive assistant |
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Last week, Ann Sabo, who has served as the bishop’s executive assistant since 2015, announced that she has accepted the position of executive assistant to Dean Owen Thompson of Christ Church Cathedral. She will begin her new role on May 9.
“I’m just going next door,” Sabo said. “I’m not leaving the diocese; I’m just serving in a new way. Bishop Smith and the staff are great to work with, and I love working here. I hope to stay in the diocese for a long time.”
“Ann has been wonderful to work with and become beloved around the diocese,” Canon to the Ordinary John Johanssen said. “We are blessed that she is staying in the diocesan family and we wish her well in her new position.”
Sabo said she decided to make the move “for my professional longevity,” acknowledging that new bishops sometimes prefer to choose their own executive assistants. “Dean Thompson has exciting new ideas for serving the community, and I want to be a part of that. Change is good, and this transition might be a good time to bring some change to the bishop’s office.”
A search for a new interim executive assistant will begin soon.
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Presiding Bishop Curry's Easter message |
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“Easter is the celebration of the victory of God,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry said in his Easter 2022 message. “The earth, like an egg, has been cracked open, and Jesus has been raised alive and new, and love is victorious.”
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Patricia Rose to be ordained to priesthood April 23 |
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God willing, the Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith, Bishop Provisional of Southern Ohio, will ordain Patricia Marie Rose to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church on Saturday, April 23 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy: White stoles. |
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Big Provincial Gathering April 29-30 |
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The second Province V Big Provincial Gathering (BPG) will take place April 29-30 in South Bend. The event includes time with the keynote speaker, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, president of the House of Deputies; as well as workshops, table conversations, and more. Trainings will also be offered on April 28.
Proof of vaccination and masks will be required. More information is available online. Registration is required.
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Episcopal Church presence at Pride |
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June is Pride month, and communities throughout the diocese will be holding in-person Pride parades and festivals again this year. The diocese plans to sponsor an Episcopal Church presence at all Pride festivals where churches or individuals would like to march or host a vendor tent spreading the all-inclusive message of love from the Episcopal Church.
Confirmed Pride events include:
June 4: Dayton, Hamilton, Hillsboro
June 18: Columbus
June 25: Cincinnati and Granville
If you are interested in marching in a parade or working at a vendor tent at any festival, please contact the organizers by filling out the form at https://episcopaliansinconnection.org/pride/. Churches are welcome and encouraged to bring materials to hand out at the tent in addition to those that the diocese will supply.
We are still looking for a coordinator for Cincinnati. If you are interested in heading up this event, contact Julie Murray at jmurray@diosohio.org.
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Forms, policies, and other information for congregational management can be found on the resources hub on the diocesan website.
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The Good Friday Offering, which supports the ministry of the three dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, is now in its 100th year. Founded in the aftermath of World War I, the fund was established as the Episcopal Church sought to create new relationships with and among the Christians of the Middle East.
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Church Foundation Grant requests due by April 30 |
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The Church Foundation, an elected body of the diocese, awards grants to congregations primarily for one-time capital projects and/or emergency assistance for facility improvements. The trustees also are the title holders and have oversight of diocesan properties.
Applications for Church Foundation grants must be submitted two (2) weeks prior to each quarterly meeting for review to be considered. The next quarterly meeting of the trustees is Friday, May 13. Potential applications must be submitted no later than April 30 for consideration.
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2023 budget process underway |
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The Budget Committee of Diocesan Council has begun the process of developing the diocese’s operating budget for 2023. Application forms were sent to budget owners – the people responsible for each area of the operating budget – last week, and completed applications are due by May 1. The application is available on the website or from David Getreu, associate for financial management and oversight, via email.
This year, Bishop Smith has asked budget owners to use zero-based budgeting to develop their requests. Zero-based budgeting is a process in which each expense is evaluated and projected based on the need for the upcoming year rather than as an adjustment of the previous year’s amount.
“In 2023, we hope to align the diocese’s operating budget more closely with its strategic mission,” Bishop Smith said. “I encourage leaders involved in the budgeting process to look at the budget with new eyes, determining which expenses can be reduced or eliminated and which program areas need additional investment to carry out the mission to which God has called us.”
During the process of developing the operating budget, budget owners are paired with a Budget Committee member who can help guide them through the process. Please direct questions about the 2023 budget process to Patrick Hreachmack, Budget Committee chair, or the Rev. David Getreu.
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Annual reporting deadlines |
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Below are upcoming annual reporting deadlines for congregations in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
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Diocesan Ministries & Initiatives |
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Becoming Beloved Community |
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With support from the United Thank Offering, 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. Learn more and subscribe to the Diocese of Southern Ohio Becoming Beloved Community newsletter.
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Advocacy briefing
Advocacy briefings and updates are compiled by Ariel Miller, a member of Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming, and a member of the diocesan Becoming Beloved Community Leadership Team:
In this week's update: In honor of the coming Feast of the Resurrection, I’m sharing hopeful news this week: an upcoming EPA webinar April 20 on faith and climate change, Cincinnati Episcopalians’ joyful hands-on Earth Day event April 23, a new bill to protect families against predatory lending, and progress in federal gun safety policy.
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Ecumenical Advocacy Days April 25-27 |
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Also known as EAD, this is an annual gathering of Christian advocates and activists across different denominations. This year’s event will be virtual, and costs $75. Register here.
The 2022 theme is “Fierce Urgency: Advancing Civil & Human Rights”, with specific attention to voting rights and the weapon sales that make human rights abuses possible. There will also be a great opportunity to connect in the Episcopal Public Policy Network’s virtual Episcopal caucus event for Episcopalians on Monday, April 25 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. EDT. We welcome any and all Episcopalians to join us this year in fierce advocacy for making God’s love a reality and for the opportunity to learn and grow with EAD’s expansive workshops.
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For more information about seasonal opportunities such as the Lenten Lunch Series "To Be Cracked Open," as well as ongoing opportunities such as Education for Ministry, Safe Church Training and Anti-Racism Training , visit the Formation page on the diocesan website and subscribe to the Diocese of Southern Ohio Formation newsletter.
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Ethics and the Christian Life: Making Tough Decisions in a Crazy World
Workshops designed for those who want to explore Christian life from the perspective of ethical decision making. These sessions are designed for those who have little or no background in the philosophy of ethics, as well as those who do. Sessions will be highly interactive.
All are welcome. There are opportunities for face-to-face sessions as well as one Zoom session.
In Person
April 23: Cincinnati, Church of the Advent 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Lunch provided)
May 14: Columbus, OH (location tba) 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
September 3: South Eastern OH (location tba) 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Zoom
May 24: 9 to 11 a.m.
Learn more and register here.
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Procter Center is a retreat and event facility located. owned and operated by the Diocese of Southern Ohio and located in London, Ohio. It serves spiritual, community, business and youth organizations, as well as families.
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Save the date for Camp Open House and Spring Craft Show |
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Rain or shine, join us Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Camp Open House! This event will be taking place along side our Spring Craft Show! Local craftsman and artists will be onsite, showing off their one of a kind works.
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Procter Camp: A place to reflect, learn, and grow
In 2022, Procter Camp programs include Youth Camp for children entering 3rd-8th grade, Senior High Camp for 9th-12th grade, Family Camps for all ages, and Day Camp for 1st-6th grade. We’ll end the summer with Silver Camp, for kids at heart, 50+.
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If your congregation would like to have news or an event notice published in the newsletter, email Julie Murray.
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Sacred Conversations welcomes Amy Howton April 12 |
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On April 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., St. Mark's, Columbus will welcome Amy Howton of Becoming Beloved Community to their Sacred Conversations series. Howton will engage in dialogue around the vision of Becoming Beloved Community and what it means for us personally and communally.
Sacred Conversations is a dialogue-based discussion group devoted to the practice of deep listening, story sharing, and being present to the Divine in each of us. Sacred Conversations are open to all.
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Benefit concert for Ukraine at All Saints, Pleasant Ridge |
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All Saints, Pleasant Ridge, welcomes Ukrainian Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music students Diana Chubak (Piano), Andrii Isakov (Violin), and friends for their series of benefit concerts for Ukraine around the city of Cincinnati. The concert being hosted at All Saints is on Saturday, April 23 at 4 p.m. with a reception to follow. Very limited tickets will be available at the door, so we advise everyone to buy them in advance.
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Sandy Sanborn Martin Memorial Concert at Calvary April 24 |
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The Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble and concert organist Isabelle Demers, along with the Winton Woods High School Varsity Ensemble, will perform Duruflé REQUIEM and other works in memory of the lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Sandy Sanborn Martin Memorial Concert at Calvary, Cincinnati, on Sunday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.
This event is privately underwritten, no tickets are required; open seating. Suggested donation (for CFE educational/outreach initiative): $20.
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Updates from Christ Church Cathedral |
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Holy Week at Christ Church Cathedral
Maundy Thursday
Liturgy with foot washing, 7 p.m.
Vigil at the Altar of Repose, 9 p.m.
Good Friday
Liturgy, 12 p.m.
Choral Evensong, 7 p.m.
Holy Saturday
Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m.
The Void: Creative Meditations on the Emptiness of Holy Saturday, 4 p.m.
The Great Vigil of Easter, 8:16 p.m.
Easter Day
Holy Eucharist, 8 & 10 a.m., 12 p.m.
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Music Live at Lunch: Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m.
Music Live at Lunch, Christ Church Cathedral's weekly concert series, is celebrating its 50th year.These free concerts are presented on Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m. Patrons may bring their own lunch or purchase one at the cathedral.
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April 19: Danielle Hundley (flute) – Classical & contemporary music
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April 26: Ricky Nye (piano) – Blues, jazz, & boogie woogie music
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Icons in Transformation
Christ Church Cathedral will host the traveling exhibit, Icons in Transformation, from April 1 to May 22. This art exhibit by artist Ludmila Pawlowska features a mix of mediums ranging from paintings to large installation pieces to sculptures. The exhibition is one of only five stops within the United States and is free and open to the public during cathedral hours.
All artist proceeds from sales of art work at Icons in Transformation in Cincinnati will be donated to UNHCR and CARE International to provide life-saving protections to families forced to flee their homes in Ukraine.
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Bishop Smith's visitations |
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Intentional Interim Priest, Indian Hill Church
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Parish bookkeeper, St. Anne's, West Chester
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Assistant for Ministry, Diocese of Southern Ohio
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Nursery Child Care Provider, St. Barnabas, Montgomery
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Parish Administrator (full time), St. Alban's, Bexley
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Church Administrator (part-time), St. John's, Columbus
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Communications Associate (part-time), Trinity, Hamilton
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Nursery Childcare, All Saints, Pleasant Ridge
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Nursery Supervisor, La Iglesia Episcopal del Espíritu Santo
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Parish Musician and Choir Director, St. Christopher's, Fairborn
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Executive Director, Association for Episcopal Deacons
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Priest in Charge (full-time), Holy Trinity, Oxford
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Administrative Assistant, Holy Trinity, Oxford
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Priest-in-Charge (part-time), St. Philip's, Columbus
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The {e} Connections newsletter is published each Tuesday. Please send submissions to communication@diosohio.org by noon on the Monday before publication.
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The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
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