Connections Fall 2021

Fall 2021 Issue 2 Vol. 8

Stories from the Diocese of Southern Ohio

Connections 147th Convention issue

Connections The official publication of the Diocese of Southern Ohio EpiscopaliansInConnection.org

Julie Murray, Editor Amy Svihlik, Designer Dave Caudill, Copy editor

Blessed to serve on the road ahead Bishop Wayne Smith

CONNECTIONS is published two times per year by: The Diocese of Southern Ohio 412 Sycamore Street Cincinnati, OH 45202-4179 This publication is funded by mission share payments to the diocesan operating budget and is available at no charge to all members of Episcopal congregations in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

SUBMISSIONS: Connections encourages the submission of articles and pictures.

We reserve the right to edit material offered for publication. All submissions must include name, phone and email address for verification. Send submissions to jmurray@diosohio.org.

POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to Connections, 412 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-4179

I am blessed to be Bishop Provisional in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. When I was still Bishop of Missouri, and even before the Standing Committee and I set in motion the machinery toward an orderly succession, I knew that I might not be done. In fact, it was clear to me that I would want to make myself available to serve as a bishop, again, in some capacity, somewhere in our Church.

Retirement suited me, I have to say, and I will be glad to pick up that manner of life once again at the end of my time in Southern Ohio. But being among you, the clergy and people of this diocese, is an unexpected blessing for me. For which I say, Thank you.

I say that it is a blessing not because the work is easy. It is not. I know, however, that hard things and blessing are not inimical. The work, honestly, looks pretty daunting. But in this challenging landscape I have at least identified three clusters of issues that will shape the work ahead for me, and for us.

COVID

For almost two years this contagion has touched everything that we do. Health care professionals, teachers, and service workers are among those directly affected, every day.

Many of them, and so many other workers and professionals, are completely exhausted.

Your clergy, to varying extents, feel this exhaustion also. I see it in them, and I hope that you can also. Tell them that you do.

There have been tantalizing moments when the end appears in sight, but then it vanishes. This cycle has repeated, and its familiarity has dispirited us; and the cycle goes on, seemingly without end.

For the meantime, I will continue to consult our task force of public health experts, and I will strive to keep the protocols simple and direct. The basic practices do not change: Wear your mask. Keep your distance. Get your vaccine. And for the clergy and other leaders – I have your back.

MORALE

This cluster of issues links directly to the previous. People and clergy alike express a sense of disconnection – some of which has to do with COVID, yes. But there is more to it than that, something deeper. Leadership feels overstressed, underappreciated, and lonely. Again, not everyone will claim these feelings to the same extent, or at all. They are, nonetheless, widespread and systemic.

I want you to know that I see this reality. And I also see that, paradoxically, so many among us have moved forward and functioned heroically, mostly by putting one foot in

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front of the other, every day. God still reigns. And the Church goes on. People in the pews, vestries, clergy, diocesan leaders, staff – all have been affected. Many have done the work of heroes. But morale remains a big concern in our diocese.

TRANSITION

Losing a bishop, even in the best and well-ordered of circumstances, causes anxiety, mostly from the sense of limbo and uncertainty about what’s next. When Bishop Tom Breidenthal resigned, it was not in the best and most orderly circumstances. His serious illness, compounded by his admitted addiction, happened during COVID, all of which made this transition chaotic from the start.

My job is to provide room for you to have the conversations that circumstances and culture might have suppressed. My job is to offer something besides chaos – to offer, dare I say, a non-anxious presence. My job, ultimately, is to provide leadership toward the election of

our next Bishop Diocesan.

Everything in these three clusters connects to the others, and it is a package deal. The way ahead requires courage, from all of us. Even so, we need not lose heart.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4: So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:16-18 NRSV) Indeed. We do not lose heart.

The Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith serves as Bishop Provisional for the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Connect with him at wsmith@diosohio.org.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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Pre-convention meeting and Nominee Forum The nominee forum gives convention an opportunity to hear from each of the nominees for the elective positions.

The nominee forum will take place in conjunction with the pre-convention meeting on Wednesday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. All clergy and delegates are expected to participate in the pre-convention meeting and nominee forum.

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The 147th Annual Convention will be held online via Zoom on Saturday, November 13, 2021, beginning at 9 a.m.

Becoming The Convention is the annual business Beloved Community meeting of the diocese, during which we conduct elections, hear reports, and vote on the budget, resolutions and any other actions presented. It includes the clergy of the diocese and elected lay representatives from each of the congregations in the diocese, as well as ex-officio members of convention (who are entitled to seat and voice, but not vote) and many visitors (who may observe only).

Everyone is welcome to observe the convention via the Zoom meeting. Registration to the Zoom meeting will be sent automatically to individuals who have seat and voice. If you do not have seat and voice but wish to observe the convention, contact Julie Murray at jmurray@diosohio.org after November 1 to register. The bishop's address will be posted online for viewing on the convention website immediately following its presentation.

Business sessions The bishop presides over the business sessions. They are organized by the bishop and subject to the Rules of Order as well as the Constitution and Canons of the diocese. You can see the agenda on page 6. The Rules of Order, Supplemental Rules of Order for virtual gatherings and the current Constitution and Canons can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

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Worship A central component of convention is the opportunity to worship together as the body of Christ, and meeting online will be no different. Our virtual convention will open at 9 a.m. with Morning Prayer.

Typically, the offering taken at the convention Eucharist benefits an organization of the bishop's choosing. While there will be no celebration of the Eucharist, links to opportunities to give online to the convention offering will be shared throughout the day.

Bishop’s Address This is the bishop’s opportunity to talk to both clergy and lay representatives from every congregation.

The address typically includes reflection on the accomplishments of the past year as well as energy about the vision and mission for the coming year. A recording of the bishop's address will be posted on the convention website for viewing shortly after it is presented.

Elections Delegates elect leaders for several positions. The list of available positions with a brief summary of each can be found beginning on page 23. Information about this year's nominees for several positions can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org. Voting will take place online at dso.electionrunner.com.

Resolutions Delegates may submit a resolution to diocesan convention asking for a particular stand on a public policy issue or adoption of a practice by congregations. Resolutions are canonically required be filed no later than 45 days before the start of convention for review by a resolutions committee.

These resolutions are screened by the committee Fall 2021

and then distributed to the diocese for consideration. The resolutions are listed beginning on page 19.

Resolutions also may be presented from the floor but must receive a two-thirds vote of convention to be considered by delegates.

Hearings for the resolutions are held during the pre-convention meeting.

This is the time when delegates can ask resolution sponsors questions about the proposal. There also is opportunity for debate on the floor of convention, but this time is more rigid, guided by Roberts Rules and the convention’s Rules of Order.

Voting on resolutions will also take place online at dso.electionrunner.com.

Budget The diocesan budget is prepared by the Budget Committee and recommended to convention by Diocesan Council. Hearings and debate on the budget are held during the pre-convention meeting. The vote to adopt the budget is completed at convention. The draft 2022 budget approved by Diocesan Council can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org, and also beginning on page 8.

Reports All diocesan committees and organizations are asked to present written reports that are available online on the convention website, DSOConvention.org. A few reports may be presented orally at convention. These reports contain important information about the mission and activities of the various commissions. The reports will also be included in the official journal of convention.

Thank you to artist Brianna Kelly for the creation of our "proclaimers"!

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147TH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF SOUTHERN OHIO – DRAFT AGENDA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021 9:00 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

Morning Prayer with Sermon

12:00 p.m

2nd ballot (if needed) open for 20 minutes

Call to order Opening remarks/tech overview

1:00 p.m.

Convention called back to order

First Credentials report

2nd ballot results (if needed)

Introduction of Resolution R202101

Resolutions – discussion Voting (polls open for 20 minutes)

Vote on R2021-01 (vote by orders)

Standing Committee search process report

Present/approve Consent Agenda Report of the Committee on Constitution and Canons

Voting results Trustee’s report

Report of the Nominating Committee

Treasurer’s report

Introduction of Nominees

Budget resolutions and vote

Voting (polls open for 20 minutes)

Courtesy Resolutions

Convention called back to order

Announcement of 148th Convention

Bishop’s Address

Closing Prayer

Second credentials report .

Break for lunch

Ballot results

3:00 p.m.

Adjourn

Resolutions R2021-02 through 05 introduced by number

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CONSENT AGENDA The filing of a consent agenda before a legislative body is the practice of combining routine business and reports that require action into a single agenda item as a time-saving measure. All the business on a consent agenda is then approved in one action rather than taking the time to file them separately.

It is important to note that any clergy or lay delegate may request that an item be moved off the consent agenda and placed back on to the main agenda.

147th Convention Consent Agenda 1. Rules of Order 2. Supplemental Rules of Order for Virtual Gathering

The Rules of Order and the Supplemental Rules of Order can be found on our convention website, DSOConvention.org. Look under the Documents tab.

3. Convention Agenda

The Convention Agenda can be found on page 6.

4. Granting of Credentials

In addition to those already granted seat and voice by the Constitution of the diocese, the Chair of the Committee on Credentials moves that this 147th Convention admit with seat and voice the following individuals: the Sisters of the Community of the Transfiguration; all non-canonically resident clergy licensed to officiate; representative clergy from our Presbyterian partners at the Indian Hill Church; and the lay members of diocesan staff.

Article VI, Section I of the Constitution gives seat and voice to several named people, namely Lay Members of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, the Lay Deputies to General Convention, the Lay Trustees of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, the Chancellor, the Treasurer of the Diocese and the members of the Executive Board of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese.

These people automatically have seat and voice. The Chair of the Committee on Credentials therefore moves the aforementioned guests be given seat and voice at this Convention.

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5. Appointment of Officers of Convention

Convention secretary: Ann Sabo Recording Secretary: Sherri Martin Timekeeper: Ann Sabo Parliamentarian: Eric Landen, Esq. Chief Teller: Julie Murray Committee to Approve the Minutes: President of the Trustees of the Diocese, (Jon Boss) President of the Standing Committee (Larry Hayes), and the First Vice-Chair of Diocesan Council (David Thomson).

6. Ratification by Name of those appointments required by Canon

Treasurer: Robert Kranz Registrar: The Rev. Anne Warrington Wilson Finance Committee: Nadya Richardson (chair); Bill Forbes, Carolyn Wilmesherr, Dot Yeager, Doug Langenfeld, Ernest Thompson, Jeff Baldrige, Randy Young and John Harris. Rob Krantz (Treasurer) Commission on Congregational Life (COCL) chair: The Rev. Seth Wymer Dispatch of Business chair: The Rev. Canon John Johanssen Provincial Synod Deputies and Alternate Deputies: The Rev. Phyllis Spiegel, Deborah Stokes-Wayne and Miriam McKenney, deputies; The Rev. Canon Scott Gunn and Harold Patrick, alternate deputies.

7. Approval of Annual Commission Reports

The annual committee/commission reports can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

8. Approval of Minutes of the 146th Annual Convention

The Minutes of the 146th Convention and the Special Session held on July 17, 2021, can be found in the 146th Convention Journal, under the Archives tab on the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

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2022 BUDGET The 2022 budget presented a challenge for the budget committee as budget applicants increased their ask by 19%. Also, it’s a season of change, with the start of a new provisional bishop and staff transitions in the bishop’s office. Despite the many challenges, the budget committee was able to fund most requests at 100% and present a balanced budget.

The budget committee continued the work from the past year, in simplifying the budget process while increasing transparency. For instance, both Episcopal Community Ministries (ECM) and Faith in Life are included in the 2022 budget. The budget committee also reviewed the many endowments the diocese has as a resource, and worked to find some new funding sources to alleviate burdens in other areas of the budget.

An additional challenge is that the mission share formula expires this year, and the budget committee had to use projections based on a new proposed formula.

The 2022 budget is built on the presumption that the new mission share formula will be approved by the 147th Convention (R2021-02). If the resolution is not adopted, then major cuts will need to take place on the convention side of the budget.

INCOME SIDE The Convention income side of the budget is estimated at $2,948,675, with 89% of this coming from Mission Share, projected at $2,601,950. We have reserved funds for the Mission Share incentive program, which has been well received by parishes. We continue to take a 4% draw from various endowments to use on this side of the budget as approved by the Trustees of the Diocese.

Lastly, rent, tuition, grants and donations make up the remaining income estimates.

The William Cooper Procter Memorial Fund income side of the budget is $2,516,684. This is based on a 4%

draw rate on the 12-quarter FMV rolling average. The stock markets continue to perform well, allowing us to make withdrawals while the investments continue to grow overall.

The third column reflects other restricted endowment income from Charlotte Elizabeth Procter Trust, along with income from Faith in Life, ECM, Bishop’s Housing endowment, and the WCP Expense Account, amounting to $415,274. We also project donations to ECM. These funds are used for their specific designations.

EXPENSE SIDE Over the last two years the finance department has worked hard to reduce costs by renegotiating or cancelling contracts to make more funds available for programming. One of the biggest impacts on the WCP side of the budget was the reduction of investment fees by moving all assets under PNC Bank management. As a result, investment fees have gone from over $50,000 three years ago to zero dollars in the second half of the 2021 fiscal year. The finance department is also working to reduce bank fees through the elimination of bank accounts and negotiating cost reductions.

One item that is hard to control is health insurance costs. Our health insurance costs are increasing on average just under 5% for 2022. The diocese pays one hundred percent of the health insurance cost for our employees.

The legislative cost budget is increased compared to the current year due to the General Convention scheduled for 2022. The DSO sets aside funds in each budget year to pay for these periodic large events, to reduce budget burden in the event year. The big areas for 2022 are a two-day convention, General Convention, the Lambeth Conference, and continued costs for a bishop search.

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The expenses at the Diocesan House (Jane Procter Center – 412 Sycamore St.) are projected to stay constant or decrease slightly. We believe the current renovations will reduce utility and maintenance costs.

In 2022, we will begin the process of renegotiating the phone contracts.

The Bishop’s Office general costs remain similar to prior years. However, the 2022 budget has been increased to reflect the cost for a provisional bishop.

Other staffing costs are projected at similar levels to this year. We had a few transitions in 2021 and will re-evaluate long-term diocesan staffing needs as we seek to rebuild with the assistance of Bishop Smith.

The Finance, Communications and IT departments continue to run about the same. These departments are continuously searching for ways to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. One cost reduction in the works for next year is moving data storage from a Dropbox subscription to OneDrive, which is included in our Office365 subscription.

The Various Ministries section of the budget is akin to prior years, except for the addition of New Hope Church in the Dayton area. This new church plant started in July 2020 and is expanding its outreach and worship services. We are also providing funding to the Creation Care and Environmental Justice task force.

They are helping the diocese to be responsible stewards of creation. We have also increased budget funding for Becoming Beloved Community. In past years, BBC received a $30,000 grant from The Episcopal Church to support program costs but does not qualify for one for 2022.

We revamped the section on youth ministry to indicate a broader approach. We are now calling it Family, Formation and Youth. We will be focusing on these three areas in 2022, beginning with the hiring of new staff to accomplish the goals of the bishop.

income since the ECSF Foundation was dissolved in 2019. This program is run by the diocesan office administration rather than an outside party.

The Licensed Ministry section is a new description for an existing budget group. We continue to fund various ministries which lead to licensed ministry within the diocese.

We continue to fund SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) grants through the formula proposed at convention from the Mission Share of the diocese.

We continue to dedicate resources to assist parishes.

The bishop’s office has produced almost monthly webinars on a variety of subjects which have been well attended. Additionally, we continue to provide financial assistance through the Financial Action Task Force with COVID-19 grants/loans.

We continue to fund outreach outside of our diocesan programs by allowing outside organizations to make grant requests. We have consolidated the areas of Institutional Associations and Opportunity Grants into WCP Memorial Outreach Grants. These grants are under the direction of the bishop.

Finally, we are also budgeting substantial funds for the Church Foundation. The needs of the Church Foundation have increased due to the age of our buildings and in certain instances, lack of needed maintenance. The Church Foundation has created a properties committee to assist with building assessments, to plan for future needs and to provide advice to our parishes.

The 2022 budget is a balanced budget. It is our hope that this budget is more transparent and easier to understand.

Episcopal Communities Ministries (ECM) expenses are included in the budget along with the projected

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MISSION SHARE 2021 CITY, CONGREGATION

ESTIMATED MISSION SHARE

MISSION SHARE RATE

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MISSION SHARE 2021 CITY, CONGREGATION

ESTIMATED MISSION SHARE

MISSION SHARE RATE

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MISSION SHARE 2021 CITY, CONGREGATION

ESTIMATED MISSION SHARE

MISSION SHARE RATE

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MISSION SHARE 2021 CITY, CONGREGATION

ESTIMATED MISSION SHARE

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ACCT # DESCRIPTION

CONVENTION BUDGET

WC PROCTER BUDGET

AND OTHER BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

% OF BUDGET

MISSION CONSOLIDATED SHARE BUDGET RATE

CONSOLIDATED ACTUALS

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ACCT # DESCRIPTION

CONVENTION BUDGET

WC PROCTER BUDGET

AND OTHER BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

% OF BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED ACTUALS

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ACCT # DESCRIPTION

CONVENTION BUDGET

WC PROCTER BUDGET

AND OTHER BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

% OF BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED ACTUALS

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ACCT # DESCRIPTION

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CONVENTION BUDGET

WC PROCTER BUDGET

AND OTHER BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

% OF BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

CONSOLIDATED ACTUALS

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RESOLUTIONS R2021-01: Change canonical designation of St. Paul’s, Logan, from mission to parish WHEREAS, in accordance with Canon XVI, Section 17 (a), the Commission on Congregational Life has determined that the Mission of St. Paul's, Logan, has maintained a regular schedule of weekly celebrations of public worship, has maintained an adequate level of ordained leadership, compensated in accordance with diocesan standards, has regularly paid its annual Diocesan Assessment, is servicing all legal debts, and consists of twenty or more persons from separate households in good standing; therefore be it RESOLVED, that St. Paul's, Logan, be received into union with the Diocesan Convention of Southern Ohio as a parish with two additional delegates to be seated with voice and vote.

EXPLANATION

After prayerful consideration and in consultation with the Commission on Congregational Life, St. Paul's Episcopal Mission in Logan seeks to become a parish in its own right by this resolution at this convention per Canon 16.17.a.

St. Paul's Mission for the last three years has successfully accomplished: 1. Celebration of public worship at least weekly (every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and every Sunday at 11a.m.)

2. Maintenance of an adequate level of ordained leadership as approved by the Commission on Congregational Life.

Such leadership shall be compensated in accordance with the minimum Diocesan standards. (has done since 2019) 3. Payment of the Congregation's full annual Diocesan assessment (paid monthly) 4. Servicing all legal debts of the Parish. (the mission is currently debt free) 5. Twenty (20) or more persons aged 18 years or older from at least twenty separate households as members in good standing.

(22 different households call St. Paul's their spiritual home).

SUBMITTED BY: St. Paul's Mission, Logan, and the Commission on Congregational Life

BUDGET IMPACT: None

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R2021-02: Mission Share Funding Plan Be it RESOLVED, that the Mission Share Funding Plan for the years 2022-2024 be set using a proportional share formula applied equally to all congregations in the diocese.

This share formula shall consist of equal proportions of a congregation’s Normal Operating Income (Page 3, Line A) and Operating Expenses (Page 3, Line E) as found on the parish’s Parochial Report, each divided by the respective two factors for all congregations of the diocese. The resultant factor shall be the congregation’s Share Ratio for the following year’s Mission Share Rate. All congregations shall be ordered from low to high by Share Ratio and the Mission Share Rate shall be defined as follows: a) The congregation with the smallest Share Ratio will be assessed at a rate of 4.0% of normal operating income. b) The congregation with the Share Ratio closest to the average Share Rate shall be assessed at a rate of 11.5% of normal operating income. c) All other congregations will be assessed at a rate defined by their Share Ratio order on a straight line connecting the congregations found in a) and b).

SUBMITTED BY:

Clifton Flemister, on behalf of the Mission Share Formula Task Force

EXPLANATION:

Every 5 years, the Diocese reviews the Mission Share Formula. The proposed formula works to assist the smaller congregations of the diocese while not placing a large burden on the other churches. Overall, 22 parishes will see increases due to increased income in 2020 and 51 parishes will have a decrease over their 2021 mission share. The proposed formula had the least impact to the parishes.

Additionally, this proposed formula is only for 3 years. The task force felt it was best to review it in three years due to the impact of COVID-19 on our parishes and not wait five years.

BUDGET IMPACT:

It affects the entire budget.

and be it further RESOLVED, that Diocesan Council oversee a Mission Share Review process, that is initiated upon petition by a congregation to reduce its mission share percentage because of extenuating circumstances. In addition, the Commission on Congregational Life, or the Diocesan Finance Committee also may petition Diocesan Council to revise a congregation’s Share Ratio; and be it further RESOLVED, that Diocesan Council set a Funding Plan Review in the year 2023 to review and adjust the Mission Sharing Funding Plan or establish a new funding plan for 2025 and beyond.

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R2021-03: Creation of a Capital Improvement Fund WHEREAS, The Church Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio is ultimately responsible for the care and upkeep of the physical buildings and properties of our community, and WHEREAS, the primary care of those properties lies with the local congregations and their vestries, and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has strained many of the congregational budgets in the diocese, reducing their ability to properly maintain their aging infrastructures, and WHEREAS, funding for grants for building projects through the Church Foundation has been strained based on increased need, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the 147th Convention affirm the creation of a capital improvement assessment of 1% of Box A of the Parochial Report for all non- “at-risk” congregations of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, and be it further RESOLVED, that the assessment increase to 2% in 2023 and 3% in 2024 and be automatically placed on the agenda of the 150th Diocesan Convention in 2024 for review, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Church Foundation give a report to the 150th Convention as to the use of the funds and propose continuation, changes, or elimination of such fees, and be it further RESOLVED, that in each year of the proposed fee, 25% of assessment collected be withheld in a capital improvement fund to build funds for future times of great need as many of our beautiful buildings continue to age and need repairs.

SUBMITTED BY:

Trustees of the Church Foundation

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:

The Church Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio is ultimately responsible for the care of the physical buildings and properties of our community. This includes (73) parishes and rectories, the Cathedral and offices, the beautiful Procter Conference Center, cemeteries, and other buildings that serve our communities.

The primary care position lies with the local parishes and vestries across the diocese, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on budgets for many, which has pushed a significant burden onto our ongoing meeting agendas with a limited budget.

Generally, the Foundation begins the year with $175,000 that we can use to award grants to supplement the local participation for necessary repairs and upkeep of all the lovely buildings outlined above. We also have access to almost four times that amount that we can lend at relatively low rates for the same issues. To be clear, we cannot grant or lend for operating issues - only for repairs and upgrades (Windows, parking lots, HVAC, roofs, building purchases, etc.)

Because of the strain on budgets across the diocese that has drained our financial resources, (to be clear, in good years, we generally have a carry-forward surplus but not in current times) the Church Foundation is proposing this funding rule for your consideration to help ease the burden for parishes currently in dire need and build a fund to better cover necessary maintenance and upgrades of all of our beautiful, but aging physical resources, regardless of current financial need.

We propose an assessment of 1% of Box A from each congregation’s Parochial Report beginning in 2022 - increasing to 2% for 2023 and 3% in 2024. Any current congregations deemed as “at risk” by the bishop would be exempt.

This proposal, if approved, would be on the agenda for renewal and/or modification at the 150th Annual Diocesan Convention in 2024.

These funds will supplement the Church Foundations grant pool, but 25% each year would be held back to build a reserve fund that will grow over the years and supplement our ability to aid congregations in times of broadly experienced, dire need as we are experiencing now.

BUDGET IMPACT: None on the diocesan budget, but it will impact parish budgets.

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R2021-04: A Resolution for Continued Funding of the Beloved Community WHEREAS, The Becoming Beloved Community is the body within which we promote the fruits of the spirit and grow to recognize our kinship as people who love God and love the image of God that we find in our neighbors, in ourselves, and in creation; and WHEREAS, The Becoming Beloved Community provides a positive, theologically and biblically based ideal toward which we can grow in love; and WHEREAS, The Becoming Beloved Community reminds us of our baptismal covenant which states that we will seek and serve Christ in all persons, and love our neighbors as ourselves and, that we will strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being; and WHEREAS, The Becoming Beloved Community prays for communities that labor so that the flourishing of every person (and all creation) is seen as the hope of each; and WHEREAS, The Becoming Beloved Community offers the return to the roots of our faith tradition to guide us as followers of Jesus in response to the suffering of the world during this pandemic of COVID, white supremacy, and increasing divisiveness; and WHEREAS, The Beloved Community in the Diocese of Southern Ohio provides a deeply faithful paradigm for transformation, formation, organizing, advocacy and witness through its programs such as storytelling/sharing; dismantling racism; sacred conversations; justice circles; creation formation; energy efficient grant program; and others; therefore be it

Convention of The Episcopal Church as a duly authorized resolution from this Diocese, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Secretary of this 147th Convention be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Resolutions Committee of Province V for consideration by the Provincial Synod in 2022.

TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION RESOLVED, the House_________________ concurring, that this 80th General Convention request that the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget, and Finance allocate $2.0 million for the triennium for the continued implementation of additional work of organizing our efforts to respond to social and racial injustice and grow a Beloved Community of healers, justice makers and reconcilers of the implementation of this resolution, and be it further RESOLVED, that such monies shall again be utilized exclusively to make grants to agencies and dioceses and other affiliated entities of The Episcopal Church for the establishment of such programmatic activities aimed at addressing issues of justice, healing, reconciliation, and better care of God’s creation.

SUBMITTED BY:

Becoming Beloved Community Co-Conveners, Lawrence James and The Rev. Michelle Dayton

BUDGET IMPACT:

This resolution, if passed at General Convention, will have a positive impact on the diocesan budget with access to additional resources.

RESOLVED, that the 147th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio reaffirm its support for the Becoming Beloved Community; and be it further RESOLVED, that this 147th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio direct the Secretary of this Convention to forward the following resolution to the Secretary of General

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R2021-05: A Resolution to Include the Name Bishop Barbara Clementine Harris in the Lesser Feasts & Fasts Calendar RESOLVED, that the 147th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio submit the following resolution to the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church meeting in 2022; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Secretary of this Convention forward this resolution to the Secretary of General Convention of The Episcopal Church as a duly authorized resolution from this Diocese; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Secretary of this Convention be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Resolutions Committee of Province V for consideration by the Provincial Synod in 2022.

TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION Whereas, Barbara Clementine Harris was raised in a household surrounded by women of faith where her passion for racial and social justice was grounded; and Whereas, Barbara Clementine Harris who loved and participated in a church that saw her as a problem and considered her culturally and socially separated and inferior,

but by baptism, full and equal member of the community; and Whereas, Barbara Clementine Harris during her ministry served as chaplain to the Philadelphia County prisons and as counsel to industrial corporations on public policy issues and social concerns; and Whereas, Barbara Clementine Harris throughout her life, participated in the Union of Black Episcopalians which was founded to address the issues of racial and social justice; and Whereas, Barbara Clementine Harris became the first woman to be ordained a bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion on February 11, 1989; and Whereas, Barbara Clementine Harris’s unrelenting and heroic witness to those on the margins of the church and larger society, her warm and generous spirit and her tireless energy and humor made her one of the most beloved and noteworthy bishops in the church; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the House of ________________ concurring, that the 80th General Convention include and enter Barbara Clementine Harris, Bishop to the Calendar of the Church Year to be celebrated on March 13.

EXPLANATION FOR THE RESOLUTION

The criterion for inclusion: “Before a commemoration is included in the Calendar, proposers must establish that significant, enduring local and regional commemoration in corporate worship exists.” Such local commemorations have occurred in the Diocese of Southern Ohio at St. Philip, Columbus. Further commemorations will occur in March 2022 and the parish names will be forwarded to the Secretary of General Convention and the Secretary of Province V Synod.

SUBMITTED BY:

Debby Stokes-Wayne, Lay Deputy to General Convention 2022; The Rev. Phyllis Spiegel, Clergy Deputy to General Convention 2022

BUDGET IMPACT: None

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2021 OFFICES FOR ELECTION Nomination to leadership in the Diocese of Southern Ohio is generally self-submitted. All nominees must fill out a nomination form to be placed into consideration. The absolute deadline to submit nominations is October 29.

In addition to responding to the questions on the nomination form, all nominees are expected to participate in the online Nominee Forum on November 3.

Information about the individuals already submitted for nomination can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

DIOCESAN COUNCIL

Diocesan Council members play a critical role in the governance of the diocese, acting as the “convention-betweenconventions”. Members review the budget and mission share review requests, follow implementation of convention resolutions and work with the bishop on ministry and mission decisions in the diocese.

At this convention, we will elect: • Two clergy for a 3-year term (Class of 2024) • Three laypersons for a 3-year term (Class of 2024) • One layperson for an unexpired 1-year term (Class of 2022)

STANDING COMMITTEE

Standing Committee serves as the bishop’s council of advice.

It shares responsibility for the ordination process, is consulted for consent for the election and consecration of new bishops in the church and reviews requests from congregations to encumber their property. This group also carries out a mutual ministry review with the bishop.

At this convention, we will elect: • One clergy for a 3-year term (Class of 2023) • One layperson for a 3-year term (Class of 2023)

TRUSTEES OF THE DIOCESE

Trustees of the diocese (also known as the Procter trustees) is the group responsible for management of diocesan and certain other investments and property owned by the diocese; and for serving as the board of advisors to the bishop on administration of the William Cooper Procter Memorial Fund.

At this convention, we will elect: • One layperson for a 5-year term (Class of 2026) • One layperson for a 3-year unexpired term (Class of 2024)

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TRUSTEES OF THE CHURCH FOUNDATION

The Trustees of the Church Foundation are responsible for administering loans and funds for church buildings as well as some oversight over diocesan-owned properties.

At this convention, we will elect: • One layperson OR clergy for a 5-year term (Class of 2026) • One layperson OR clergy for a 4-year unexpired term (Class of 2025)

REGIONAL DISCIPLINARY BOARD

The Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Southern Ohio, Western New York, and West Virginia have agreed to maintain a joint Disciplinary Board for the purposes of implementing Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church (“Compact”).

The Regional Disciplinary Board (“RDB”) shall consist of thirteen (13) persons, seven (7) of whom are Clergy and six (6) of whom are Laity and shall constitute a court for purposes of Article IX of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church.

Each of the dioceses shall elect one clergy member and one lay member for a three-year term on the RDB. The thirteenth member, a clergy member, shall be nominated by the RDB and subject to the unanimous approval by the bishops of the member dioceses.

At this convention, we will elect: • One layperson for a 3-year term (Class of 2024)

PROCTER CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Procter Center’s Board of Directors is accountable to the bishop for all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the center in coordination with the center’s three stakeholders; i.e., the Church Foundation. the Trustees of the Diocese & Diocesan Council.

At this convention, we will elect: • One layperson or clergy for a 3-year term (Class of 2023)

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S ories

from the Episcopal Church in Southern Ohio

We all have a story to share Share yours or learn from others at EpiscopaliansInConnection.org/stories

25 Fall 2021

First Day of School New changes, same blessing

26 Connections

T

The Rev. Deborah Woolsey

he Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Athens sits in the heart of Ohio University, across from the campus library, next to the alumni center, on the way to classes, dorms, and cafeterias. The past few years it has become our custom to greet students, faculty and staff on the first days of class, offering them free coffee and donuts on the front steps of the church. It was never really about the donuts or coffee. It was a way to be present to our neighbors, offer a blessing in hopes of having a good academic year and doing a little something to make it a good first day.

The pandemic made us reconsider the practice of offering free food, even though it would be outside. More people have returned to on-campus life, but they are doing so with more complex emotions, sensitivities and concerns than in the past.

We thought it would be best to change, to try and adapt to the changes on campus.

A few of us were still outside on the church porch. To say good morning, to show we are with our neighbors in this new academic year. And in case someone wanted or needed directions. Instead of giving away free coffee and donuts, we had plenty of free face masks attached to the railings in front of the church. Quite a few students were grateful for the free masks, as they had forgotten theirs in their excitement and rush of the first day of class. And our coffee shop was open with everything for $1.

What we anticipated missing were the people who would stop and talk, those who would linger with us a while on that first day, telling us whatever was on their mind or in their heart while we listened. These conversations were not very long, most were brief encounters that lasted a minute – but we still valued them. We still wanted to give people the opportunity to know we are present, and ready to listen. So, we put up a large sign with a blank white space. A message at the top of the sign invited people to write their thoughts and feelings on the first day. Many parishioners wrote words of welcome, blessings, prayers and encouragement on the sign. We put out lots of colored markers in cups attached to the sign so people could respond to our invitation.

Over the first two days of classes, the sign filled up with the words of those who accepted our invitation. Students wrote messages of gratitude for the welcome, for our presence on the first day. Others wrote messages of encouragement, while others wrote silly messages, and others expressed they had indeed had a good first day. Others shared their own invitations in hopes of getting more followers on their social media

platforms. We were thrilled our invitation was accepted.

The sign came down after the first few days of class. But we are thinking about new questions to put on the sign that parishioners and the campus community might contemplate and share together, to keep the unique conversation going. It’s a different way of sharing our stories, hopes and personalities and a new way to be present to each other, but the blessing we are offering is the same as it has always been.

The Rev. Deborah Woolsey serves as Rector at Church of the Good Shepherd, Athens, and as Convener of the Campus Ministry Collaborative for the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

27 Fall 2021

From small beginnings come great harvests

Students hold up vouchers for new shoes distributed by volunteers at Grace Church, Pomeroy.

The Rev. Canon Lee Anne Reat

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Vacation Bible School, providing new shoes to school children, making sure that children have all the supplies they need to begin a successful school year, community dinners, educating the community about addiction and recovery, and distributing lifesaving Naloxone in the context of worship are examples of the extraordinary ministries taking place in small congregations in the southeastern region of our diocese. The results are nothing less than the tiny seeds that are planted in the spring that yield great harvests in the fall.

Holy Trinity, Bellaire, has a long-time partnership with Epiphany Lutheran Church in Pickerington, thanks to the efforts of parishioner Brianna Voight, who coordinates their Vacation Bible School and all the faithful volunteers from Trinity. A team of young people comes to Bellaire each year for a week of VBS fun. This year most activities were online, but the Sunday kick-off was held at the church. Thirty-five VBS kids, their younger siblings and parents came to play games,

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Community Dinner at Church of the Epiphany, Nelsonville

pick up craft supplies and receive lunch and snacks items for the entire week. In addition, each child received a bag full of school supplies and other goodies, donated by parishioners and staff of Christ Church Cathedral and the bishop’s office staff. Trinity members reciprocate the kindness of Epiphany by traveling to Pickerington each Halloween to volunteer for their Trunk or Treat event.

In Pomeroy, the people of Grace Church gathered in late August to distribute vouchers to children for new back-toschool shoes. The ministry was begun by Grace member Steve Story. Sadly, Steve is no longer living, but the yearly event continues in his honor, reaching out to at least 100 children.

Grace Church was also able to donate over 75 bookbags full of school supplies through the Meigs Cooperative Parish, a shared ministry to the people of Meigs County among several churches in the community, thanks to donations from the cathedral community and diocesan staff.

The people of Epiphany, Nelsonville, have resumed their community dinner on the fourth Thursday of every month.

Homemade selections with lots of love mixed in are served to 50 or more guests at the church, and more dinners are delivered to a nearby senior living community. And as an extra bonus, live music is provided at dinner!

In Portsmouth and Ironton, outreach to the community is focused, in part, on the opioid and mental health crises in

Vacation Bible School at Holy Trinity, Bellaire

southern Ohio. The Rev. Paul Bennett, Priest Resident at All Saints’, Portsmouth, celebrated a “Naloxone Saves” worship service. The worship and provision of Naloxone kits to all in attendance shifts the focus of conversation around drug addiction away from blaming the victim to saving lives and an “orientation to dignity.” A harm reduction approach to recovery begins with the premise that all people are God’s precious children and saving the lives of those who overdose begins the process of healing. The Rev. Sallie Schisler, Vicar of Christ Church, Ironton, is an active community advocate in Scioto and Lawrence Counties, working with Tri-State Family Connections and other organizations to encourage a harm reduction orientation to addiction response.

These are but a few examples of the great harvest of Christian witness in southeastern Ohio congregations. They serve as testament to the faith and tenacity of very small groups of Episcopalians building relationships with community partners and stepping out in faith to love and serve the Lord.

Canon Lee Anne Reat serves as the diocesan Missioner for Southeast Ohio, and as Interim priest at Christ Church, Springfield.

29 Fall 2021

Campers spent time learning about farming with camp farm director Amy Molena during camp sessions this summer.

Procter Center living up to its legacy Bishop Ken Price

30

In 1952, William Cooper Procter donated 1200 acres of farmland to the Diocese of Southern Ohio. One thousand of those acres were rented out to farmers and produced funds for the newly organized Procter Farm and Camp, and a summer camping program was launched.

For the next 50+ years, many improvements were made on the camp property, notably a dining hall, several cabins, a comfortable, year-round conference center, a chapel, and a lake. With the new additions, the camp took on new life as a conference center. It was not unusual for summer camp sessions to be sold out. As time went on, clergy began serving as chaplains for the summer sessions and new camps were added, such as one for those suffering grief over a loss of a loved one, a Wilderness Camp (among the few trees on the property) and a “Silver” Camp for those over 60.

With all the exciting changes occurring, however, there was still a disconnect between the farm and the camp. That 1,000 acres leased out yielded income, but that seemed to be all the connection. One year a very small garden was planted out by the highway, so that at least there was a visible nod to farming. And in the late 2000s a farmer was hired to work

some of the 200 acres of camp property to grow produce, but still, that effort had little connection with the daily camping program.

In 2015, Amy Boyd was hired as Executive Director, and she in turn hired Danielle Vogel as the Farm and Business Development Manager. Danielle and a few summer interns began to farm six of the acres of the camp property, and food was being grown to supplement food in the dining hall, to sell at local farm markets and to assist community food endeavors. The Procter Store was opened in nearby London, to sell Procter produce and crafts. Ironically, although the name was now changed to the Procter Center, it seemed to finally be living into its original name of Procter Farm. Still lacking, however, was a physical incorporation of the farm operation into the camping program.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer of 2020 was a bust for Procter. There were no youth or family camps, and few in-person conferences. But in April 2021, Amy Boyd made a brilliant move that has led Procter to truly live up to its original name. She hired a young woman who had extensive experience in both camping and farming, and Danielle turned over a sizable plot of land to her total supervision to be farmed by and incorporated into daily life

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at camp. Amy Melena became the first ever Procter Camp Farm Director.

During my time in our diocese, I have commissioned the summer staff each year. When Amy Boyd told me that she was hiring a camp farm director, I told her I thought the hand of God must surely be upon her. When I went to commission the summer staff in June 2021 and met Amy Melena, I knew that was the case. She impressed me from the moment we met and has continued to do so ever since. This impression was solidified when I asked her what her vision for the summer was and she said, “Camp is a place for campers to come experience who and how they can be in the world. The farm allows them to participate in God’s action hands-on and learn how they can impact our food system from seed to harvest.” With this simple statement, Amy Melena had summed up what Procter is all about.

Even with the cloud of COVID still hovering, the Procter Board supported reopening summer camp in 2021. Since youth numbers were down, extra family camps and the new Silver Camp were added to the schedule. A day camp for local youth, led by Darien McCoy, was added to run concurrently with the residential sessions. Amy Boyd took a more hands-on role with summer camps than past executive directors had, and Kate Howton was hired as the residential camp director.

The number of counselors was down, which made for lots of job sharing and some interesting scheduling challenges, but Amy Melena’s extensive farm knowledge and camp experience and Kate’s rich Procter background made an unbeatable combination.

The summer camping sessions were organized so that each day, campers had three elective sessions. For one of them, everyone took a turn going to the farm. Then the campers could choose their second elective between arts and crafts or helping to create a quilt for the center. Amy Boyd organized and ran the quilt elective, assisted by Mariann Price, and they reported that some of the most unlikely campers became the best quilters. Five quilts were created for use at the Center.

The counselors were divided between overseeing the day camp, leading the creative arts elective, assisting with the quilting, or working with “Farmer Amy.” Whenever I could, I observed Farmer Amy at work, and I realized just what a perfect hire she was. Not only did she handle all tasks relative to the farm plot, but she was also a brilliant teacher for children and adults alike, gently instructing while allowing them to participate in the farm tasks. Each day the chaplain for that camp set the theme for the day with a Bible passage, and Amy used that passage as a foundation for her teaching about God’s abundance, the sanctity of the earth, and our role as caretakers of the earth

Fall 2021

and stewards of God’s abundance. That was coupled with lots of practical tidbits about herbs, vegetables, fruit, chickens, pigs, eggs, compost piles and even edible flowers. Several adults at family camp remarked how much they had learned from her. Her relationship with the total camping program was also evident as she, a seasoned camper herself, was fully engaged in all the usual camp activities ranging from campfires, talent shows and sports, to the closing chapel service. Likewise, Kate and some of the counselors were present to support her in the farm elective. It was the union of camp and farm that made Procter Center and Farm truly a unified dream.

In the Fall, when the interns must return to school it is always crunch time for Danielle to finish the harvest and prepare the farm for winter. This year one of the family campers, Annika Russo from St. Patrick’s, Dublin, was so inspired by the farm elective that she and her daughter, Gretta, who is home schooled, relocated to Procter to assist Danielle. Their several weeks of full-time work was a godsend. This is but one result of the newly born camp/farm experience.

The summer of 2021 at Procter was a magical time of bringing together just the right people at the right time. It was not perfect. The cloud of COVID remained, the numbers were down, and the always lingering worry about money was still there, but the wedding of camp and farm had finally occurred.

God shone upon the Procter Center in 2021. Hopefully this will be even greater in 2022.

The Rt. Rev. Kenneth L. Price is the retired Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

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Small church with a big heart

Fr. Seth Wymer, accompanied by Deacon Paul Scanlan, blesses the hundreds of pairs of underwear donated by parishioners at St. Paul’s, Logan, for their first Undie Sunday.

The Rev. Seth Wymer

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St. Paul’s Church in Logan is a quiet, unassuming church in a small, quiet, and unassuming town in Southeastern Ohio. However, like most people who are quiet and unassuming in their nature there is a spirit that is on fire – and to that end St. Paul’s is a powerhouse in Logan.

Under the capable direction of Deacon Paul Scanlan, (who was also recently appointed as the Convener of Deacons for the diocese) this fall St. Paul’s kicked

off “Undie Sunday” (it rhymes beautifully when spoken like a true Appalachian native – think Undie Sundie). During one weekend, this quiet and unassuming church collected over 500 pairs of children’s underwear to help restock “The Closet” – a clothes closet in the Logan-Hocking School District that exists to help under-privileged children in Appalachia have new, clean clothes.

After receiving the call from The Closet, Deacon Paul made an announcement to the parish and in two weeks’ time, the underwear came rolling in.

St. Paul’s is quickly becoming like the Ghostbusters when a need arises to be Christ in the world – “Who you gonna’ call?” Well, maybe we’re not the Ghostbusters, but certainly this powerhouse of love, St. Paul’s, responds to the call!

Fr. Seth Wymer serves as Rector at St. Paul’s, Logan, and St. John’s, Lancaster.

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Feeding ourselves and others Opportunities for generosity bring hope and grace Andrea Owens What is ECM? Episcopal Community Ministries (ECM) is a diocesan grants committee born in 2020 from the former ECSF, (Episcopal Community Services Foundation) an independent foundation that was dissolved in 2019. ECM raises money through gifts from individual donors, parishes and foundations, and uses those funds to help support local outreach ministries in our congregations by awarding grants.

What’s the difference?

The difference is that without the financial burden of maintaining a separate foundation, 100% of all monies raised are awarded to local ministries to help their neighbors in need.

(Please refer to the 2019 ECSF / 2020 ECM comparison chart to see how funds were allocated as well as the substantial cost savings.)

In 2021 ECM awarded $74,000 annual grants in February, and $4,000 COVID-19 emergency grants in August. We anticipate additional COVID-19 emergency grant requests before the end of the year.

How can ministries apply for a grant?

Application forms for annual grants are posted on the ECM website in mid-September and are due on November 30. After careful review by the ECM Committee, grants are awarded the following February. The COVID-19 emergency grant form can be submitted at any time.

What type of programs does ECM fund?

The ECM committee provides annual grant funding in support of parish-based projects that address: • Food and Food Security – food pantries; community meals and feeding programs; community gardens • Housing – emergency shelters; utility, rent or mortgage assistance; and assistance in applying for government programs, such as Section 8 housing and HEAP •Emergency Assistance – meeting the immediate needs of individuals and families; clothing assistance programs; transportation assistance; disaster relief • Education and Life Skills – job readiness skills, GED classes, applying for government assistance programs and job placement programs; study skills; health and nutrition; tutoring (especially for children/youth at risk); literacy

33 Fall 2021

programs • Youth at Risk – rehabilitation, mentoring and education • Social Justice – to affirm the dignity of every person Parish programs that have active participation of church members and are supported by congregational resources are prioritized over independent community programs. Emphasis is given to ministries that deal with the systemic issues of poverty and injustice by addressing the underlying causes of an individual’s situation.

COVID-19 emergency grants are awarded to programs providing food, housing, or emergency assistance during the pandemic.

Who decides how the ECM grant money is spent?

Each grant awarded is administered by the recipient church. We believe that local congregations are in the best position to assess and respond to their own community’s needs.

Why do these outreach ministries need help from the diocese?

The ministries who apply for ECM grants are adhering to our theological mandate to “do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8), but need financial assistance to

ECM

ECSF

2020 Actual YTD

2019 Actual YTD

Unrestricted Revenue Transfers in from Endowment

$57,752.32

$75,000.00

Individual Contributions

$36,952.62

$27,540.85

Foundation Contributions

$17,018.27

$27,563.41

Church Donations DSO Contributions Procter Fund COVID-19 matching grant DSO Convention matching grant DSO Grant payments Other Income

$36,612.00

$15,542.61

$12,711 $3,648 $0.00 $439.00

$0.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 $0.00

$165,133.21

$155,646.87

Grants Paid Out $71,220.00

Grants Paid Out $68,020.00

$1,266.17

$10,216.25

Staffing cost

$0.00

$63,043.35

Insurance and Bonding

$0.00

$2,161.00

$3,525.36

$19,017.73

$973.81

$3,225.00

$5,765.34

$97,663.33

$88,147.87

($10,036.46)

TOTAL UNRESTRICTED SUPPORT & REVENUE

Grants Paid Out

Administration and Fundraising Expenses Accounting & Auditing Fees

Marketing & Communications/website Miscellaneous expenses

Administration and Fundraising Expenses

NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT)

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Church All Saints - New Albany Christ Church - Dayton Christ Church - Springfield Christ Church - Springfield Epiphany - Nelsonville Epiphany - Urbana Good Samaritan - Amelia Grace Church - CincinnaE Grace Church - CincinnaE Holy Trinity - Bellaire Our Saviour - CincinnaE Our Saviour - CincinnaE Our Saviour - Mechanicsburg St. Alban's - Bexley St Johns - Columbus St Johns - Columbus St Patricks - Dublin St. Paul's - Logan St Peters - Gallipolis St Simon of Cyrene - Lincoln Heights St Stephens - Columbus Trinity - Columbus Trinity - Columbus Trinity - McArthur Trinity - Troy

meet spiraling needs in their beleaguered communities.

Churches in areas of greatest need too often have the least resources as shrinking congregations heroically practice Faith in Action.

ECM grants are not only a financial lifeline for the people seeking help, but crucial psychological and spiritual support for the church volunteers serving on the front lines in our churches. Contributions from their fellow Episcopalians send a message that they are not alone, and that their work

Ministry Garden of All Saints ComposEng Expansion (spring, Summer, Fall daily) City Heart (daily) Peace Camp (summer) Children's Defense Fund Freedom School (summer) Community Dinner (monthly) Community Meal (monthly) Food Pantry (monthly) Food Ministry (weekly) Summer Camp Reading (summer) MoEvaEonal Morning Munchies (weekly) Food Ministry (2x weekly) TransformaEons CDC (daily) Food Ministry (monthly) Columbus Early Learning Center (monthly) His Place Community Dinner (weekly) Street Church (weekly) CATCH Freedom (ongoing) Feeding & Clothing (monthly) Loaves & Fishes (monthly) Summer Camp Reading (summer) Neighborhood Services, Inc. (weekly) In the Garden (weekly) State IDs for Homeless and returning ciEzens (ongoing) Laye_e Program (ongoing) Torrence Medical Fund

is seen and valued.

Not all churches who apply for ECM grants are in struggling neighborhoods.

Some churches are developing ministries in response to a newly recognized issue and need help growing their program. Often these ministries need assistance for only one or two years before their church can fully support the program.

I give to my congregation’s outreach ministries, why should I consider donating to ECM

as well?

This is an opportunity to share God’s love by collaborating with fellow Episcopalians throughout Southern Ohio for greater impact. As the chair of the ECM grants committee, the Rev. Dr. Ellen Cook wrote, “What can we do when the needs are so great, and our resources seem so limited by comparison? The answer is that we join hands with fellow Christians to do what we can, and God will join hands with us to make miracles happen.”

2021 GRANT 2021 COVID GRANTS $6,000 $6,000 $1,000 $1,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,500 $2,500 $5,000 $2,000 $2,000 $500 $5,000 $6,000 $3,000 $4,500 $2,500 $2,500 $3,500 $1,000 $1,500 $3,000 $6,000 $2,000 $1,000 $2,000 $2,000 AWARDED February $74,000 $4,000 AWARDED August 20

We hope that many of our congregations will consider contributing, and that you too will make an individual donation to ECM supporting outreach ministries. Make your gift at ecmsouthernohio. org/.

Andrea Owens serves as the ECM Administrator for the diocese.

Connect with her at aowens@diosohio.org.

35 Fall 2021

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A Concert for the Human Family

Wordsmith

Recording artist Kory Caudill, at piano, left, led a band of talented multi-genre muscians. Photos by Julie Murray.

The Concert for the Human Family was born more than two years ago when a team of musicians, artists, creatives, and Episcopal Church leaders gathered to dream about what movement could begin, what conversation could be started or amplified, if our churches and cathedral spaces once again rang out with the promise and hope and power of Good News?

The inaugural concert scheduled in May 2021 at the Episcopal Cathedral in Philadelphia was forced to be presented virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But at the invitation of the Rev. Canon Jane Gerdsen, the Concert for the Human Family was finally able to hold its first in-person concert at

Nia McKenney

Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati on September 26.

The principal artists, Nashville recording artist Kory Caudill and Baltimore rapper, Wordsmith, with a band of multi-genre, talented musicians, teamed with local artists Nia McKenney and the Muse Women’s Chorus to create a powerful, beautiful musical experience intended to serve as an invitation for deeper and more long-standing conversations around racial reconciliation for all who listened.

A video from the live stream of the Concert for the Human Family can be viewed on the video page of our diocesan website: episcopaliansinconnection.org/video/.

EpiscopaliansInConection..org EpiscopaliansInConection