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We are the champions!
The numbers are in for the Bucks vs. Ducks Challenge, and the winner is: The Bucks of Southern Ohio and Ohio!
The dioceses of Oregon and Eastern Oregon collected 286 donations for a total of $5,345, and our Ohio/Southern Ohio team collected 297 donations for a total of $9925. That's over $15,000 that will be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development for tree planting initiatives!
Thank you to everyone who pledged and donated! If you have not yet sent in your pledge, please send your check, payable to the Diocese of Southern Ohio (with Bucks vs. Ducks Challenge in the memo line) to Diocese of Southern Ohio, 412 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
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Worship Leader training cancelled
We regret to have to cancel the Worship Leader Training scheduled on January 24 and 31 due to lack of registrations. It is necessary to have a critical mass of at least eight persons to present the program successfully. Another date will be scheduled for the next few months and advertised within e-news.
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Online parochial report filing underway
Online filing of the 2014 parochial reports began January 2. Packets, including hard copies of the report and log-in information with UEID and PIN numbers, were mailed the second week of December. Please note that the workbooks for help in filling out the report are available online.
To download the workbooks and a PDF of the 2014 Parochial Report, please use the following link:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/parochial-report
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Safe Church comprehensive training - 2 dates now available
The first Safe Church trainings have been scheduled for 2015. The first training will be held at All Saints, New Albany, on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (or so). There is no cost for the training. Lunch will be provided, but since this is an "express" training, no formal breaks will be offered during the day.
Watch e-Connections, the diocesan website and the calendar for other training dates and places as they become available. For more information about Safe Church training, contact our diocesan coordinator, the Rev. Darren Elin at darren@stthomasepiscopal.org or 513.831.2052. |
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32nd Annual Absalom Jones Celebration
Renewing Our Commitment to the Ministry of Social Justice and Reconciliation
 The 32nd annual Absalom Jones Celebration will feature a symposium on race, gender and economic equality followed by a Festal Choral Eucharist featuring music by Theodicy Jazz. Sponsored by the Bishop Herbert Thompson, Jr. Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, Christ Church Cathedral, Church of the Redeemer and the Diocese of Southern Ohio, the celebration will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, Feb. 14.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. with registration and continental breakfast. Opening prayer begins at 9:30 a.m. The keynote address for the symposium will be delivered by Clarence G. Newsome, Ph. D., President of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, followed by a panel discussion facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, the Elizabeth Conolly Todd Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Goucher College in Baltimore, MD.
Two workshops will follow lunch at 1 p.m.:
- How can your organization/congregation engage and participate in the work of social justice? Presenter: Charles A. Wynder, Jr., Office of Social Justice & Advocacy Engagement, The Episcopal Church
- Second Chance Act, Presenters: Aaron Pullens and Diana Hoskins
At 2:15 p.m. both workshops will be repeated. The day will conclude at 3:30 p.m. with a Festive worship service to commemorate the life and ministry of the Rev. Absalom Jones.
A choir rehearsal for those wishing to participate in a combined choir at the worship service will be held at 1:30 p.m.
Bus transportation from Dayton and Columbus may be available. Please contact St. Margaret's Church (937.837.7741) in Dayton or St. Philip's Church (614.253.2771) in Columbus for details.
The event is free, but registration is required. Register at: https://diosohio.wufoo.com/forms/renewing-our-commitment/. The deadline for registration is Feb. 10.
Download a bulletin insert for the celebration at
http://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/3202332/AJ_bulletin_half2.pdf
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Webinar and summit on summer nutrition programs for children
You can prevent the children of your community from going hungry over summer vacation by participating in USDA summer feeding programs administered through the Ohio Department of Education. Learn more through the upcoming summit Feb. 20 or webinars Jan. 22 and 29. You can also sign up for webinars to learn about these programs and their impact on children's health and educational achievement, go to this link at the Food Research and Action Center: http://frac.org/leg-act-center/cnr-priorities/
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Does your church have a library?
Nancy Elkington, library volunteer at St. John's, Worthington, is collecting information about the prevalence of church/parish libraries in the diocese. We have a library at St. John's Worthington that we want to be the kind of resource that is capable of supporting children, youth and adults in their formation activities. I'm hoping that there are other libraries and/or volunteer librarians in the diocese willing to self-identify in order to establish an interest group. Such a group might occasionally convene in person and also use email or video chat to talk through shared issues and collective solutions. If your church/ parish has a library or book collection, I would very much appreciate hearing from you!
If you can be helpful, please provide responses to the questions below and email them to me at nancyelkington@gmail.com
- Does your church have a library or collection of books intended primarily for use by parishioners? If yes, about how many books are in your collection?
- Would you be willing to work with others in the Diocese to survey our combined holdings and to develop a workplan for rationalizing the dispersed collection?
- Do you have a designated librarian(s) with principle responsibility for ordering and maintaining books in your parish? Please identify yourself and others by name along with contact details (email and/or phone).
With thanks,
Nancy Elkington
Vestry Member and parish library volunteer
St. John's Episcopal Church
700 N. High Street
Worthington, OH 43085
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Beyond Walls: Spiritual Writing at Kenyon
July 12-18, 2015
Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio
Designed for clergy, spiritual directors and seminarians to reach believers and those seeking belief
You feel confident in writing to those you know in your church. Yet clergy of all faiths tell us that there's another conversation that matters, outside their institution's walls, among those who aren't there for services, but are reading, thinking, caring about living a moral and spiritual life. This is your chance to learn the best ways to join the conversation.
Take your seat at this remarkable seminar week of writing, inspiration, and spiritual refreshment, led by world-class practitioners on one of the nation's most beautiful college campuses. Register today to join us July 12-18, 2015. Learn more or apply at http://www.kenyoninstitute.org/programs/beyond-walls-spiritual-writing-at-kenyon/registration/.
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Study The Old Catholic Church in The Netherlands
The Old Catholic Church, our longest standing communion partner, is offering students, clergy and interested laity a unique opportunity for summer school with a course called "Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context."
The Old Catholic summer school will be held from 5-10 July 2015 and is taught by the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Dr. Joris Vercammen, the Archbishop of Utrecht, will be one of the keynote speakers.
The beautiful historic city of Utrecht provides the venue for the weeklong course, which includes excursions to Old Catholic worship, religious art, and a tour of this old Episcopal city.
More information can be found online at
http://www.utrechtsummerschool.nl/courses/culture/old-catholic-theology-in-its-ecumenical-context.
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Explorers' Retreat for those discerning a call to ordained ministry - registration deadline approaching
The Explorer's Retreat provides an overview of the discernment and ordination processes as well as plenty of time for conversation about the diaconate and the priesthood. Everyone who desires to begin a formal exploration of a possible call to ordained ministry is required to attend.
This year, the Explorer's Retreat will be held the evening of Feb. 6 through the late afternoon of Feb. 7 at the Procter Center. The registration deadline is Jan. 23. |
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Trinity Institute 2015: Two locations to be a part of the conversation
January 22-24, 2015
You're invited to attend Trinity Institute (TI2015), an annual conference that takes place in New York City-but you can attend at two places in Southern Ohio - St. Philip's Columbus, or Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati. At both locations, we can bring all the elements of the NYC conference to you via webcast.
This year's conference takes on the pervasive, overwhelming issue of economic inequality. TI2015 speakers have real-world experience making change happen. They will provide us with hopeful, practical tools we can use to make a positive economic impact.
In Columbus
To register for TI2015 at St. Philip's, Columbus, email stphilipscolumbus@gmail.com or visit www.stphilipcolumbus.diosohio.org
WHERE: St. Philip Episcopal Church, 166 Woodland Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
WHEN: Thursday January 22 7- 9p; Friday 9a - 530p; 7p Film Screening Inequality For All (optional); Saturday 9a - 330p
COST: $15.00 registration fee which includes lunch (both days, vegetarian options available)
In Cincinnati
WHERE: Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. 4th Street in downtown Cincinnati.
COST: No registration fee. Parking and lunch on your own.
CONTACT: For more information, contact the Rev. Canon Manoj Zacharia at mzacharia@cccath.org or 513.842.2054
For more information about Trinity Institute's national theological conference-including speaker bios, schedule, videos and more, visit www.ti2015.org
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 The Seven: A mentored experience in diaconal ministry for young adults
"Choose seven from among you who are known to be full of the spirit and wisdom?" - Acts 6:3
Do you want to learn how to integrate your everyday experiences in the world around you with your daily commitment to a life of faith? Do you long to make a difference in the place you live?
The Seven is a part-time, 10-month hands-on spiritual and educational experience for young adults (18-30 years old) who want to engage in meaningful work and reflection while discerning their own vocational calls, in mentored relationships with Episcopal deacons. The format provides monthly mentorship meetings, formation through readings and reflection online, and two group retreats. Interested to learn more? Contact: The Rev. Jane Gerdsen at 513.543.0440, freshexpressions@diosohio.orgThe Rev. Douglas Argue at 614.312.1176, douglas.argue@cohhio.org |
Art as a Spiritual Connection offers Soul Collage workshops
 Art as a Spiritual Connection and Praxis Communities will offer Soul Collage workshops in 2015. Soul Collage is a creative art experience that combines creativity, spirituality, and psychology.
Through a simple process of cutting and pasting images from magazines, participants will create a unique set of cards that will help them to access their inner wisdom, quiet their thinking mind and allow space for the voice of the Holy Spirit to emerge. Workshops run Friday evening to Saturday afternoon and are limited to 12 participants in each session.
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Toward Our Mutual Flourishing Conference Feb. 21
The Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Commission of the Diocese of Southern Ohio cordially invites you to participate in a one-day consultation on The Episcopal Church's Theological Statement on Inter-Religious engagement, Towards Our Mutual Flourishing. The consultation, which will feature eminent inter-religious scholar Dr. Lucinda Mosher and The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, D. Phil, will also focus on the question: What does it means to engage religious many-ness at a pastoral level in the Diocese of Southern Ohio? FAQ: What: Towards Our Mutual Flourishing Conference Where: Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square (25 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.) When: Saturday, February 21, 2015 (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) Why: In light of increasing religious-spiritual diversity, we as Christians who are formed by the Anglican tradition need to equip ourselves to be good neighbors to our diverse neighbors. Who: Open to all members of The Episcopal Church in the state of Ohio as well as those in Full Communion with The Episcopal Church or the Anglican Communion. What does it cost? Monetarily, nothing. But the benefits are priceless! Registration deadline is Feb. 14. More Questions? Please contact the Rev. Canon Manoj M. Zacharia, EIRC Convener, at
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Fully Alive: A weekend of engagement with improv artist John Poole
A young adult retreat in Chicago Feb. 20-22
 In his book, Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics, Samuel Wells defines improvisation in the theater as "a practice through which actors seek to develop trust in themselves and one another in order that they may conduct unscripted dramas without fear." Sounds a lot like life, doesn't it? Building trust, overcoming fear, conducting relationships, and making choices-all without a script.Wells establishes theatrical improvisation as a model for Christian ethics, a matter of "faithfully improvising on the Christian tradition." He views the Bible not as a "script" but as a "training school" that shapes the habits and practices of the Christian community. Drawing on scriptural narratives and church history, Wells explains tenets that characterize both improvisation and Christian ethics. His model of improvisation reinforces the goal of Christian ethics-to teach Christians to "embody their faith in the practices of discipleship all the time." Not everyone wants to do improv, not if it means being on a stage in front of other people. But some of the basic ideas that improv teaches are tremendously helpful to the spiritual life, and we think that everyone can benefit from them. Take a look at the materials below, use it to prepare, play, and experiment with improv tenets in your community, and join us for the Fully Alive retreat! The Fully Alive retreat is a creation of Episcopal Campus Ministries in Prov V, which includes the University of Wisconsin, The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois, Butler University, Purdue University, the University of Indiana, the University of Michigan, Kenyon College, The Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, Ohio University, Miami University, and many other luminous academic institutions. The retreat is open to young adults (up to age 30) whether or not they're enrolled in school.
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Executive Director of Development
Episcopal Retirement Homes (ERH), a mission-centered organization which enriches the lives of older adults in a person-centered, innovative and spiritually based way, is seeking a talented professional to lead a staff of five.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with residents and donors; possess exemplary listening, interpersonal, oral and writing skills. S/he will be a creative and innovative thinker open to new ideas and fundraising techniques and demonstrated ability to inspire trust across multiple constituencies. See more
Organist/Musician (part-time)
Trinity Newark, seeks a part-time organist/musician. Our organist of 15 years retires at the end of December. Our pipe organ is a 1957 Schantz Restored 2 manual 10 rank with 730 pipes. We have an Allen electronic that we currently use while our Nave is undergoing repairs to the roof superstructure. We anticipate expanding our music program. Required is one weekly choir practice with a Sunday rehearsal and a 10:30 a.m. sung Mass. This position is an interim for 2-3 months. The person filling this position will be considered for the permanent position. Contact the Rev. Dr. Ronny W. Dower, PIC 740.562.5356 (Cell).
Youth Minister (part-time)
St. George's is a family-oriented church situated on Far Hills Ave in the southern suburbs of Dayton. We have about a dozen or more youth who are actively involved in our youth programs (grades 6-12 with a center of gravity in 8th and 9th grades). We have very engaged parents who provide a lot of leadership. We desire someone with a vibrant Christian faith and a commitment to sharing that faith with young people. The youth leader does not need to be an Episcopalian, although familiarity with our traditions would be valued. Further, we believe that parents have the lead role in forming their children as disciples and our role as clergy and lay leaders is to equip, support, and encourage. At St. George's we have an average Sunday worship attendance of around 215 across three services (8, 10:30, and 5pm). The youth leader would be expected to be present on Sunday mornings from roughly 9am to Noon in addition to leading the youth group's activities at other times (regularly at 3-5pm on Sunday afternoons). The youth leader will work closely with the associate rector as part of our comprehensive family ministries here at St. George's. This is a part-time position but the work will be rich with resources. Prospective candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to the Rev. Dr. Calvin Lane via email associate@stgeorgeohio.org. Please feel free also to email with questions or call 937.434.1781 (ext 104).
Music Leader Grace Church, Cincinnati, is seeking a musician who will help build up our Sunday morning congregation by leading us in a variety of inspiring worship music. Read all about it here.
Director of Music/Organist (part-time) St. Philip's, Columbus, has an open combined position of part-time Director of Music/Organist. Primary responsibilities include selecting music for Sunday services, playing organ at one Sunday service each week, and directing the 15-member Chancel Choir. To apply for the position or to address questions, contact greener1081@gmail.com.
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Didn't see any news about your congregation here? Submit your news! The deadline for each weekly e-Connections is every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.
The deadline for Connections, the bi-monthy publication of the diocese, is every other month on the last day of the month:
Jan 31 (Feb/Mar issue)
Mar 31 (Apr/May)
May 31 (Jun/Jul)
July 31 (Aug/Sep)
Sept 30* (Oct/Nov)
Nov 30 (Dec/Jan)
*convention issue. Deadline may be changed in order to have all convention materials available for pre-convention meetings.
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