Nov 2016 Connections

Connections news • ideas • events November 2016

Issue 6 Vol. 3

CHRIST ALL AROUND

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he theme for our upcoming convention is “Christ all around.”

What does this mean? It means that Jesus is to be found everywhere, in the face of every friend and stranger.

This is not just about recognizing in each person a brother or sister for whom Christ died, although that is essential.

It is also about being open to hearing Jesus speaking to us through others.

This requires discernment, as others are as capable as we are to be conduits of falsehood and cruelty. Nevertheless, Jesus, who is the Word of God, uses human interaction to interrupt our habitual assumptions and patterns of thought: a child asks a question about race that stops us in our tracks; a homeless woman offers us a blessing; a coworker we’ve been at odds with asks for reconciliation out of the blue. We are constantly being called as disciples of Jesus to be alive to the renewal he offers right where we are. Christ all around us is Christ coming at us, circling in on us even when we’re standing still.

But there is another, and perhaps more challenging way to look at this. If Christ is all around us, why are we waiting for him to knock on our door? Why are we not taking the initiative to seek him out in the people who are around us? Or, to shift the metaphor, why are we not following Jesus into our neighborhoods, so that he might introduce himself to us there?

The call to engage our neighborhood may seem vague in the abstract, but it isn’t vague when we get down to it. Every neighborhood is different, and it is possible to define neighborhood in many different ways.

But wherever we are, and whatever surrounds us, our path is clear. It’s about establishing and strengthening relationships with people and institutions that are close by.

There is nothing vague about that. As local congregations and faith communities we can partner with neighborhood associations, local schools, other faith communities, city councils, businesses, hospitals, police and firefighters.

Many of you are already doing this. But for some of our congregations this is new and perhaps frightening territory. It can seem overwhelming to move out from the familiarity of pew and coffee hour, or to make the shift from hosting newcomers to being guests on someone else’s home turf. But this doesn’t have to happen all at once. We can start small. Approach a nearby church and ask if there is something you and they could do together. Make an appointment with the principal of the local school and find out how you might be of use. Get to know a local restaurant and explore ways to make beautiful meals available to those who can’t afford them. Begin attending meetings of your city council or neighborhood association.

And if heading out of your four walls is too daunting to begin with, imagine how to open your building to the community – for free. Can your kitchen help incubate someone’s new food product? Can your parish hall provide space for respite care, or offer Wi-Fi to kids whose parents can’t afford it at home?

Once you start thinking and praying about your neighbors, the opportunities for partnership and service will be endless. Just choose one of them and see where that takes you.

Whether you are in your building or in the larger community, the key is to be present, to forge friendships, to step outside your comfort zone – not for the sake of church growth or more pledging units, but for the sake of the Gospel. Neighborhood work is intensely local work. But in the Christian tradition it is also cosmic work, inasmuch as we are trying to model the essential connection of each human being to every other human being everywhere.

At convention we will all be invited to choose one of ten groups, each learning from and interacting with a representative of one of our diocesan neighbors (prisons, schools, the arts community, farmers, policemen, refugees, the Latino community, people involved in microenterprise, workers rights, and the heroin epidemic). Our goal for this exercise is twofold: (1) to learn more about the networks that surround us and (2) to reflect on how we as congregations and faith communities can be good neighbors.

Often, in our well-intentioned desire to be neighborly, we create programs and invite people into them. As I suggested above, there’s nothing wrong with that.

But (and here I quote Karl Stevens, who is arranging this event) “what would it be like if we went and learned about the experiences of our neighbors, and allowed ourselves to be invited into their hopes and dreams, even their programs and activities”?

This exercise will take place on Saturday morning, November 12, immediately following the convention Eucharist. You don’t have to be a delegate or a member of the clergy to participate! Please join us for worship and for a collective exploration of what it means to follow Jesus into the neighborhood, and to find him all around.

If Christ is all around us, why are we waiting for him to

knock on our door?

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal is the Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Contact him at tbreidenthal@diosohio.org.

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Introducing … DSOConnect The Diocese of Southern Ohio has launched a new app!

DSOConnect, available in the App Store and Google Play, is the new way to find information – fast! Find staff, locate parishes and see upcoming events quickly and easily. Plus the app contains everything you need for convention.

This is DSOConnect 1.0 so after you’ve used it for awhile we want to hear from you about what needs to be added for version 2.0.

• All convention info • Contact info for all congregations and faith communities • A listing of all diocesan events All in one place!

Links to the DSOConnect app in the App Store and Google Play can be found on our convention webpage.

Download it on your smart device today!

CROWNE PLAZA COLUMBUS NORTH

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FRIDAY AGENDA 142nd Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio | Christ All Around November 11-12, 2016 / Columbus, Ohio

SATURDAY AGENDA

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The 142nd annual convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio will be held at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North Nov. 11-12, 2016. The Crowne Plaza is located at 6000 Doubletree Ave.

REGISTRATION

There is no cost to attend convention, but pre-registration is required for anyone planning to attend. Online registration remains open until midnight on Friday, Nov. 4. No online registration is available after the Nov. 4 deadline. Anyone not preregistered may register at the door, but no meal availability is guaranteed.

CHECK-IN

Check-in and onsite registration opens at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11. At check-in, you will receive your name badge and tokens for any meal you have reserved. There are no convention packets.

All resources needed for convention are available on the convention page of the website or through the app. No paper copies will be provided. If you do not have Internet access, please ask a member of your delegation to print materials for you.

CREDENTIALS

All voting clergy and certified lay delegates must sign in for their voting credentials. Sign-in sheets will be located next to the check-in desk. Visitors and guests do not need to sign in.

NOMINEE FORUM

Meet the individuals who have offered themselves for service to our diocese at the Nominee Forum, held at 10:45 a.m. Friday in the Buckeye Room.

MEALS

The cost for the meal package for convention is $63. This includes the Friday evening convention banquet and Saturday lunch. No meal availability is guaranteed for anyone not pre-registered.

SEATING

There will be no assigned seating at convention. You may sit together as a delegation, or spread out and connect with other delegates.

VOTING

Voting will be online, so voting clergy and certified delegates should plan to bring a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Links to our online voting site can be found on the convention page of the website and through the app. If you do not own a wireless device, please try to share with someone at your table. There will be a small number of tablets available for voting at the Connection Center.

EXHIBITS

A wide variety of exhibits will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and will reopen after Eucharist on Saturday morning. The exhibits will be located throughout Foyer 1 and in Salons B, C, D, E and F.

New to convention:

THE CONNECTION CENTER

Look for our beautiful new Connection Center, located in the legislative space in the Grand Ballroom. The Center is designed to be a place to connect – literally! Come and meet your diocesan staff members, ask questions, or just put a face to a name. There will be charging stations for your wireless devices and a few voting stations for those who do not have a wireless device. Staff members will be available in the Center throughout convention – make sure to stop by and say hello!

TWEET AND FOLLOW ON TWITTER: #DSOCON2016

WORSHIP EUCHARIST The Convention Eucharist will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom.

All are welcome to attend. Clergy are asked to wear a white stole (no other vestment) and process, and then sit at their respective tables. Â The bishop will give his annual convention address during the sermon.

We will live stream the address on the convention webpage for those who are unable to attend.

CHAPEL A chapel will be provided for attendees throughout the convention in Room 113. Our convention chaplains are Jonathan Youngman from Franklinton Cycle Works and the Rev. Maggie Foote, Resident at Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming, and the Latino Ministry Center in Forest Park.

COMBATTING ISLAMOPHOBIA: A LECTURE AND WORKSHOP FOR CLERGY AND LAY LEADERS

One of the great challenges of our times is understanding unfamiliar religious traditions in the context of a violent and fearful world.

Today, there is widespread fear and bigotry directed at Muslims.

The Ecumenical and Inter-religious Council of Advice of the Diocese of Southern Ohio will offer a combination lecture/workshop with Dr. Todd Green on Friday, November 11 from 9.30 to 10.30 a.m. Green will help us to explore the background, causes of bigotry and fear of Islam and Muslims, and present modes of addressing Islamophobia in our own communities.

Clergy and lay leaders have a special role to play to counter false witness and to build ties between religious groups in our communities.

We need to be informed about Islam and Islamophobia so that we can respond to questions and concerns within our churches and communities. We need access to resources that build our awareness of Muslims as neighbors and fellow citizens, and not simply as terrorists. This includes underreported works of Muslims who speak and act against terrorism. We need strategies to be agents of change in building bridges in our own communities between local religious and civic groups.

The event will be held at the Grand Pavilion at the Crowne Plaza North – Worthington Hotel (the same venue as diocesan convention), located at 6500 Doubletree Ave. There is no cost to attend.

For planning purposes, please sign up for this event through diocesan convention registration. You do NOT need to attend the convention to attend the workshop.

For more information, please contact the Rev. Jennifer OldstoneMoore at joldstonemoore@wittenberg.edu or the Rev. Canon Manoj M. Zacharia at mzacharia@cccath.org.

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Dr. Todd Green teaches European and American religious history and interfaith dialogue at Luther College in Decorah, IA. A dedicated public intellectual, Green has written widely on Islamophobia – its causes, costs, and dangers – and his views on Islam and Islamophobia have been cited by organizations including the Council on Foreign Relations, the Center for American Progress, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Green blogs regularly for The Huffington Post and has been interviewed by a variety of media outlets, including CNN, NPR, Al Jazeera, France 24, and Reuters.

R2016-1: Change canonical designation of St. Andrew’s, Pickerington WHEREAS, on July 31, 2016 the Mission Council of St. Andrew’s, Pickerington, voted to request the Bishop to change the canonical designation of St. Andrew’s, Pickerington, from Mission to Parish, and WHEREAS, in accordance with Canon XVI, Section 17 (a), the Commission on Congregational Life has determined that the Mission of St. Andrew’s, Pickerington, 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. Andrew’s, Pickerington, 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.

[Note: This resolution requires a 2/3 majority of both orders to pass] Submitted by: The Commission on Congregational Life

St. Andrew’s, Pickerington

RESOLUTIONS R2016-2 Mission Share Funding Plan Be it resolved that the Mission Share Funding Plan for the years 2017-2021 be set using a proportional share ratio applied equally to all congregations in the diocese. This share ratio 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 latest Parochial Report, each divided by the total Normal Operating Income and Total Operating Expenses of all congregations in the Diocese, respectively. The resultant share ratio 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 6.0% 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), and be it further Resolved that Diocesan Council oversee a Mission Share Review process, that is initiated upon petition by the congregation to reduce its mission share percentage because of extenuating circumstances. In addition, the Commission on Congregational Life, the Diocesan Finance Committee or the Budget 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 2020 to review and adjust the Mission Sharing Funding Plan or establish a new funding plan for 2022 and beyond.

Explanation: Every five years it is Diocesan Council’s responsibility to oversee a review of the mission share formula. Council is then tasked to prepare a proposal for diocesan convention.

In late spring, a task force chaired by the Rev. David Getreu convened five listening sessions around the diocese to hear what congregations had to say about the current mission share formula. One of the concerns expressed at those meetings was distaste for average Sunday attendance (ASA) as one of the factors determining each congregation’s share. Also, given the financial strain being felt across the church, the hope was that a revised formula might provide some relief to a majority of our congregations.

This formula removes ASA as a factor and bases mission share solely on operating expenses and income. This formula creates a range from 6.0% to 14.14% with a midpoint of 11.5%. This decreases mission share for all but seven congregations.

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The Rev. David Getreu, on behalf of Diocesan Council

Exploring Mission Share Funding

Exploring the Mission Share Funding Plan resolution The process for developing a new Mission Share funding plan began in late spring with a series of listening sessions aimed to find out what congregations had to say about the current formula.

In the current formula, Mission Share calculations are made by giving equal weight to Average Sunday Attendance, Operating Income and Operating Expenses as well as specifying 12.50% as the Mid Point Percentage. These three ratios are determined from Parochial Report data. A congregation’s Share Ratio is the average of the three ratios. Then all congregations are ordered from low to high by their Share Ratio.

The congregation with smallest Share Ratio is assessed at a rate of 6% of current Normal Operating Income, and the congregation with Share Ratio closest to average Share Ratio is assessed at rate of 12.5% of current Normal Operating Income. All other congregations are assessed at a rate defined by Share Ratio order on a straight-line graph connecting the lowest and highest rated congregations.

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Exploring Mission Share Funding One of the primary concerns identified during the listening sessions was that Average Sunday Attendance is not a good indicator of a congregation’s ability to pay its Mission Share.

Also, congregations need to have their Mission Share reduced due to their own financial strain.

The process began by establishing a 2017 Mission Share Baseline of $2,834,344. This baseline was calculated using the current Mission Share formula and 2015 Parochial Report data.

Seven different scenario changes to the baseline were considered, including a flat rate of 13.4%, the percentage required to produce the same Mission Share baseline amount.

An eighth scenario, a flat rate 10% Biblical Tithe, was also considered. The effects of 10% Flat Rate/Biblical Tithe: • Total Mission Share amount to the diocese decreases by 25.36% ($718,724) from 2017 baseline • 23 lowest income congregations would have increases in Mission Share amount of 6.6% to 66.7% • All but one congregation would have double-digit % increase in Mission Share amount • 39 highest income congregations would have decreases in Mission Share amount of 4.0% to 36.2% • 11 of the highest income congregations would decrease over 30.2% Ultimately, Scenario #7 was recommended for adoption by Diocesan Council. This scenario: • Removes Average Sunday Attendance as a Mission Share Factor • Gives equal weight to Operating Income and Operating Expenses • Reduces Mid Point Percentage to 11.50% • Decreases Mission Share for 89% of congregations Keep in mind that the percentage decreases for each congregation are in comparison to what the Mission Share would be in 2017 if the current formula were kept in place. So while the percentage decreases, the actual dollar amount due may actually increase slightly from the 2016 amount.

The Rev. David Getreu serves as Priest in charge at St. Philip’s, Circleville, and chaired the task force charged with examining the Mission Share Funding Plan.

NOMINATIONS Convention will elect several people to leadership positions in the diocese. Nominees for each position were asked to answer two questions: 1: Please reflect on your participation in the life of your congregation, the diocese and the larger community.

2: Why do you feel God is calling you to serve in this position?

The nominees and their answers are listed in alphabetical order under each position. Delegates will have an opportunity to meet the nominees and ask additional questions during a nominee forum at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11. Thank you to these individuals for offering themselves for leadership in the diocese.

Note: Some positions do not have the number of nominations needed or any nominations at all. If you would like to be considered for nomination for one of these positions, please contact Nominations Committee chair Nadya Richardson at nadyar125@aol.com.

BUDGET COMMITTEE Elect 1 lay, Class of ‘19 none

DIOCESAN COUNCIL, CLERGY Elect 2 clergy, Class of ‘19

THE REV. RUTH PAULUS ST. CHRISTOPHER’S, FAIRBORN 1: As rector of this congregation for 11 years, I have fulfilled the customary duties of any rector. I am trained in pastoral care and counseling, as well as spiritual direction, both of which I have provided for the congregation as well as others seeking these services. I have served the diocese in writing for clergy health, was director of Procter Camp and nurse there for 6 years, and was a part of Parish Health Committee. In the larger community, I have been chaplain to the Fairborn Fire Department, Rotarian, and serve as the President of the Greene County Council on Aging. In addition I serve as part of the team for the Life Transformation Coalition for Fairborn.

2: I am currently serving on Diocesan Council, filling in for a position vacated by one of my colleagues. It has been a rewarding, life giving and fascinating opportunity, that I would be honored and humbled to serve upon. As part of my nature, I bring a forthright approach to situations, as well as wisdom of years and experience.

THE REV. DR. WILLIAM SANGREY ST. GEORGE’S, DAYTON

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1: By the nature of our order, a deacon is called to keep one foot in the church, and one foot in the communities outside the parish door.

Although I am active in the life of the parish where I serve by proclaiming the Gospel, assisting in worship and supporting the members, the majority of my ministry takes place outside the walls of St. George’s.

Vocationally, I am a chaplain providing pastoral care in multiple and diverse settings including a local hospice, a children’s hospital and a retirement community in a large portion of our diocese including Cincinnati, Dayton and rural south central Ohio. In these roles, I serve people with diverse backgrounds, faith traditions and spiritual challenges. The unifying aspects of my ministry are the need to develop relationships and engage people where they are, recognizing them as fellow children of God. In addition, I volunteer as a scout leader working with youth from the local neighborhood who are growing up in a challenging world. Through these connections, I feel I am able to bring the

concerns of the world to the parish, while simultaneously bringing the Good News of Christ to the world.

2: In our Baptismal Covenant we profess our faith and promise, with God’s help, to live this faith out in the world. Part of my understanding of living my Christian faith is to be a servant to others in the parish, the neighborhood and the world. As a deacon, this call to service is a bedrock part of my understanding of my ministry. At this time, I feel that God is asking me to expand my horizons to include service to our diocese through the ministry of the Diocesan Council. If so called, I hope to approach the challenges and opportunities presented as a council member grounded in my faith and trust that God will indeed help me serve for the betterment of the community and the world.

DIOCESAN COUNCIL, LAY

Elect 3 lay, Class of ‘19 Elect 1 lay to fill unexpired term, Class of ’17 KAREN PEELER TRINITY, COLUMBUS 1: I have been a member of Trinity Church for nineteen years. During that time I have served on the Vestry, chaired the Community Ministries and Worship, Music, and Arts teams, sung in the choir, and chaired a search committee for a Christian education Director. I lead Morning Prayer each Wednesday in our sanctuary. Currently most of my time is devoted to co-directing Trinity’s IN THE GARDEN street ministry, now in its tenth year, which serves 80-120 downtown homeless citizens weekly.

I have attended numerous diocesan conventions and events, and have taken training as a lay Worship leader. I have not yet served officially on a diocesan committee, but am keenly aware of their work. I am a retired member of the music faculty of The Ohio State University, and am active in Columbus arts organizations as well.

2: I think the Church is at an important crossroads in its history, and I choose to try and help effect meaningful necessary changes within it. For some time, I have felt it is now time for me to use what talents and skills I have to work beyond the local church, to help further the greater good of our diocese and the work of TEC.

ERIC SCHRYVER ST. GEORGE’S, DAYTON 1: I love the Episcopal Church, been a member of our faith all my life, and for last five years I have been discerning a call to serve Jesus Christ in a lay capacity and participate in leading our church. Served at St. George’s in many capacities since 1972 including: Bible study, youth formation, stewardship, membership, finance, outreach, lay reader, Stephen Ministry, search commission, delegate to 15 DSO conventions, multiple terms on the vestry, and warden.

Within the Diocese of Southern Ohio I served in many capacities including: • EfM Mentor • Commission on Ministry • Harvesting Conversations • Mission Share Review Task Force • Lay Leadership Training – work in progress Within the larger community I served DSO in many capacities, including: • Helping the poor and the homeless to the best of my ability and courage • Boy Scouts of America • Rotary International • Sales and Marketing Dayton Power and Light Co – 20 years • Self employed, professional photographer – 45 years • Even though social media is stronger than ever, I believe the best way to bond, plan, resolve conflict, and walk the path with Christ is to share a meal with others.

2: Through my life lessons God has blessed me with the wisdom to solve problems from a different and many times unexpected perspective. I want to serve and care for others with God’s help and a sense of humor. I have a strong spiritual life based on daily prayer and meditation. If elected, I would be very honored and willing to serve on the Diocesan Council and as Lay Deputy to General Convention in 2018. By being on Diocesan Council I will be in a more knowledgeable position to represent the diocese at General Convention. My service at General Convention will then strengthen my work on Diocesan Council.

RICHARD WARREN ST. LUKE’S GRANVILLE 1: In my parish I’ve served in a number of different ministries - Vestry, convention delegate, usher, lector, and counter. I have been involved in the Diocese for many years beginning with SOLLI, serving as an alternate Deputy to General Convention, Evangelism Commission, Stewardship Commission, Budget Committee, Diocesan Council and a member of the Procter Center Board of Directors.

2: My participation in the Diocese has been a learning experi-

ence, helping me to grow as an individual and as a follower of Jesus. I have seen Council grow and become a more focused body in carrying out its duties and as a sounding board for the Bishop during my current term. I would like to continue to serve on Council for another term. My interest in being a Trustee of the Church Foundation stems from the realization that there are many parishes in the Diocese that struggle with issues involving the property they occupy and I see this an opportunity for me to be involved with the Church Foundation in helping them find meaningful resolutions that will enable them to focus more on mission and service to their communities.

EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY SERVICES FOUNDATION Elect 3 clergy or lay, Class of ‘19

MICHELLE DAYTON ST. JAMES, ZANESVILLE 1: Working as an emergency physician, I am present to what is “trending” in the community.

On a more global scale, I have been leading short-term medical missions to Central America for the last decade, and we have hosted international students at our local university. I have been available to serve in my parish, and have co-facilitated centering prayer and inner healing groups. I am a trained spiritual director, so care for souls as well as care for bodies is part of my regular schedule.

2: This is, perhaps, an opportunity to use some of what I have learned serving other non-profit organizations, specifically for the Kingdom of God. I had the privilege of helping to start a children’s advocacy center in my county, and so have a little experience that may be useful in the transitional phase of ECSF.

THE REV. SUSAN RIIS ST. JAMES, ZANESVILLE 1: My work to date on the board of ECSF has taught me a great deal about the breadth and depth of the ministries of our parishes to our brothers and sisters and encouraged me in the work ECSF does to support these ministries through grants and counsel.

2: As I live out my life as a deacon, I find I am continually pulled or pushed between the theoretical and general and the specific and practical in fulfilling my baptismal vows — as an individual, as one serving a parish, and as a trustee of this Board. Over the past three years, ECSF has been engaged in re-visioning its structure and operations, while continuing to provide grants to parish outreach ministries. I have been blessed to be a part of this effort and would be honored to continue to do so.

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STANDING COMMITTEE, CLERGY Elect 1 clergy, Class of ‘19 none

STANDING COMMITTEE, LAY Elect 1 lay, Class of ‘19

MARTHA LENTZ ST. MARK’S, COLUMBUS 1: As a lifelong Episcopalian, I’ve served on mission committees and vestries, becoming familiar with concerns of various size churches. As interim communications director for the diocese of North Carolina and consultant to the most recent nominating committee for bishop of Southern Ohio, I’ve summarized concerns from across two dioceses and communicated them to others. As co-chair of the St Paul’s Winston-Salem, NC charitable foundation, I participated in evaluating grant applications to award $1 million a year, was a Stephen Minister and Lay Eucharistic visitor, and organized the community’s first Habitat for Humanity “Blitz Build.”

A graduate of the lay preaching course, I am licensed to preach in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

At St Mark’s, Columbus, I am a verger and choir member, have participated in a mission trip to Guatemala, and chaired the stewardship committee.

In business, I am a medical practice management consultant, a certified project management professional, and consult with individuals and not-for-profit organizations as an editor and on marketing and development projects.

2: I am called to this leadership position because I am passionate about the prophetic ministry of our diocese in supporting churches in their service to our communities, especially in areas of social justice.

in the life of our parish and community. I’ve been a junior and senior warden and occasionally an Annual Convention delegate.

Currently I am a Eucharistic Minster, president of the Endowment Fund’s Trustees, and on occasion, a Lector. Community service includes being Chair of the City’s Planning Commission, a member of the Economic Development Commission and of the Community Improvement Corporation, the Wyoming High School Association’s immediate past president, and a Wyoming School Foundation trustee. I served on the Diocesan staff for 14 years, was a member of the Standing Committee, and am president of the Trustees of the Diocese, am on the Commission on Congregational Life, the Advisory Committee on Compensation & Resources, Convention’s Dispatch of Business Committee, am a member of Procter Center’s Board of Directors, and for 14 years was the Diocese’s Episcopal Relief & Development Coordinator. I’ve served in one or more roles for Episcopal Retirement services (ERS) since 1989 and am currently an ERS Foundation Trustee.

2: God has blessed me in so many ways to be a “connector” and one who, thanks in part to the varied responsibilities I’ve experienced, recognizes when “collaboration” between different agencies of the Diocese or in my community can accomplish so much more by their coordinating their activities. For example, in my roles both as a Trustee of the Diocese and a Commission on Congregational Life member, I recognize that making a grant or facilitating a loan is much more that just making financial resources available to a congregation. It is much more about how that funding will further the mission and ministry of that congregation. That is why I feel God is calling me to serve and for which I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

TRUSTEE OF THE CHURCH FOUNDATION Elect 1 clergy or lay, Class of ‘21

TRUSTEE OF THE DIOCESE

RICHARD WARREN ST. LUKE’S GRANVILLE

Elect 1 clergy or lay, Class of ‘21

(see Diocesan Council, above)

JON BOSS ASCENSION AND HOLY TRINITY, WYOMING

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1: Participation at Ascension & Holy Trinity (A&HT), Wyoming, remains essential for my lifelong Christian formation. From early days in the junior choir, as an acolyte, as the Church School’s Treasurer and leading our youth group’s Sunday evening Compline Service, A&HT’s clergy and lay leaders, by their own example, nourished and encouraged me to fully participate

DIOCESAN DISCIPLINARY BOARD, CLERGY Elect 3 clergy none

DIOCESAN DISCIPLINARY BOARD, LAY Elect 2 lay none

PROCTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elect 1 clergy or lay, Class of ‘19

AMY DOHN BAIRD ST. ANNE’S, WEST CHESTER 1: Since I’ve attended St. Anne, I have read the Bible in 90 days (well, mostly), been a member of the adult formation team, and attended adult formation, I trained and served a year as a Stephen Minister, and I recently graduated from the four year Education for Ministry course. One of my favorite things to do is to grab my knitting and attend on Tuesdays from 10:30am to 2:30pm (with lunch precicely at 12:30!) and spend time with my friends, The Crafty Ladies-they are a wise and wonderful group! I have served as a convention delegate, and can be found almost every year at convention as a visitor if nothing else.

I oversee the Book of Remembrance, and enjoy meeting those throughout the diocese who have benefitted from the grants and scholarships we provide. I am currently in the process of becoming a non-profit. I have a yarn shop, Second Hand Stash, and am on the verge of working with autistic adults using knitting machines to make blankets that thy will use, gift, sell and donate. I teach knitting and fiber arts both at my studio and at Michael’s.

2: I am finishing up my one-year term of being on the Procter Board of Directors.

I am currently deeply involved with the Procter kitchen staff working on determining food costs per serving and working to make the food ordering and purchasing process more efficient, and making sure we are not losing money on serving meals. I think there is plenty of room for Procter food services to grow and serve many more people than they currently do. With Amy Boyd, a fellow knitter, on staff as the director of Procter, I see great promise for growth and improved usage of this gem of a center. I love Procter and the staff and look forward to being involved in its future and growth.

DEPUTIES TO THE 79TH GENERAL CONVENTION, CLERGY Elect 4 clergy + 4 clergy alternates

THE REV. DR. JOHN AGBAJE ST. ANDREW’S, CINCINNATI 1: I am the Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, by December 8, 2016 I will have been serving in this position for three years. As a result of my leadership St. Andrew’s continues to participate in Diocesan ministries. Through my leadership, members of my congregation continue to support the Episcopal Relief Service, and increased collaboration with Xavier University, Evanston Council, and local businesses.

2: Since my ordination 20 years ago, I have served as a member of the Diocesan Council in the Diocese of Minnesota. I have also served as a trainer in various workshops including involvement of Youth in the church ministries, Multicultural Training in the Diocese of Chicago and the diocese of Southern Virginia. I also served as a member of the Executive Board in the Diocese of Southern VA. Dean of Convocation, Deputy to General Convention and Alternate Deputy to General Convention in the Diocese of Southern VA. Having been in this Diocese for almost three years I hear the call to use my experience to contribute in the capacity of Deputy to General Convention representing the Diocese. As I have worked in other Dioceses, I pledge to work as hard as possible for this Diocese should I be given the opportunity to serve as a Deputy to General Convention and come back from the Convention and inform others what I learn from the Convention.

THE REV. DICK BURNETT TRINITY, COLUMBUS 1: As rector of Trinity, Columbus, and as a member of the Diocese of Southern Ohio for 19 years, I have been involved in several expressions of “public ministry” blending congregational, ecumenical, and community networks that seek to serve Christ in all persons and strive for justice and peace in our day. I have been active in ministries that bridge communities through partnerships in local public education and economic development, opposition to the death penalty in Ohio, and advocacy for ‘Dreamers’ and U.S. immigration reform.

Throughout my time in the Diocese of Southern Ohio I have been active in two commissions: Social Justice & Public Policy and Ecumenical & Interreligious Relations. I served as dean of the Columbus Deanery for 14 years and have served as clergy deputy at three General Conventions (2000, 2009, and 2012). In 2009, I was delighted to be a member of the legislative committee on Ecumenical & Interreligious Relations that produced the statement “Toward Our Mutual Flourishing.” Recently, I joined a roundtable of Columbus stakeholder/community leaders seeking to strengthen civic bonds and multiracial dialogue in the midst of distrust and unrest in our city and nation. Healing and wellness starts, I believe, in respectful, inclusive initiatives like this.

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2: Having been a deputy to General Convention, I understand the importance of discernment, respectful engagement, and flexibility in the compounded days of legislative action and missional reflection. I have been described by others as a “bridgeperson” and find most personal joy in connecting people for ministry in ways offering imaginative and lasting results for the common good. I try to listen to differing voices with compassion and an awareness of local history & culture, yet also be willing to give voice to the Spirit’s new thing(s) emerging right here, right now. Following a positive 78th General Convention (2015) that re-imagined much of our common life as a Christian body and organization, I believe the 79th General Convention will require voices that speak faithfully and consistently from the core of Episcopal identity for a new era. Central concerns of economic, racial, and environmental justice and essential social equity must be at the front of General Convention’s actions in 2018. My long expressed passion for community, collaborative, and public ministry, I trust, will help the voice representing Southern Ohio as it enters into council for the good of The Episcopal Church and the world.

THE REV. CANON SCOTT GUNN CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL 1: I have enjoyed serving our beloved Episcopal Church at several levels: congregation, diocese, and church wide. In my present ministry at Forward Movement, it is a delight to travel across our church and see vibrant ministries of all kinds. Beyond Forward Day by Day, I love our work of inspiring disciples and empowering evangelists – helping churches and individuals come alive in the power of the Good News of God in Jesus Christ. In Southern Ohio, I now serve as an examining chaplain for the Commission on Ministry and Bishop, and I have served on the COM. At Christ Church Cathedral, when I am not traveling, I love preaching, celebrating the Eucharist, and, most often, sitting in a pew and adding my voice to our praise.

2: Surely I cannot deny the fact that I am a church geek of the first order. So being a Deputy to General Convention is one of the best ways to live out the vocation as church geek. But that is not the only reason I feel called to serve as a Deputy, or perhaps even the best reason. I am passionate about finding ways to be the Church in the 21st century in our present context. We need to be discerning about the Holy Spirit’s invitation to adapt to changing realities and needs, and we also need to hear when to immerse ourselves in our ancient tradition. My hope – and my calling – is to bring to bear what I hear and see in our own diocese and across the church to my work as a Deputy. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is hard work, but it is also the wellspring of boundless joy. Besides the nitty-gritty of legislative action, I hope to use my talents as a communicator to share the joy of discipleship – even as a Deputy!

– with the people of our diocese.

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THE REV. PAULA JACKSON OUR SAVIOUR/NUESTRO SALVADOR, CINCINNATI 1: I have served in DSO since 1987, and as Rector of Our Saviour/Nuestro Salvador since 1990.

During this time it has been my privilege to chair the Liturgical Commission, and to serve on the Task Force on Sexuality as well as on the Commission on Latino Ministry and the Network for Public Policy and Social Justice.

I believe my sisters and brothers in the Diocese have learned that they will know where I stand on an issue, but that I will also listen to them with respect. I can learn from others’ perspectives and even be changed by their experiences.

It has been an honor to serve as your Clergy Alternate to General Convention in 2006; and as Deputy in 2009, 2012, and 2015. I have enjoyed the preparation and the work; and have chronicled not only for our parish but for the Diocese in a daily bilingual reflection. GC still gives me hope for the future of the Church.

2: I was asked to run again. If elected, I will accept that as a call.

THE REV. SUZANNE LEVESCONTE TRINITY, HAMILTON 1: I am currently Rector of Trinity, Hamilton.

Trinity is a parish of great socio-economic diversity, with parishioners who live in subsidized housing to those who own successful businesses or hold professional jobs and everything in between. We are a parish in great transition as we move from the 1950’s paradigm of doing church that looked inward to the newer paradigm of looking outward into the neighborhood and being church to one another and to the community around us.

This transition includes moving from siloed individuals making important decisions to being more collaborative in how we move forward in our lives together. As a result of the work we have been doing together we have been growing in vibrancy, fellowship, hospitality, evangelism, faith, ministry and numbers. And as we grow we continue to draw the same broad range of people.

Our newest endeavors are hosting dinner church once a month and embracing mission-based budgeting.

I am also the current President of the Board of ECSF (Episcopal Community Services Foundation) for the Diocese of Southern Ohio. ECSF is also an organization in transition. Over the last year we have worked on clarifying our mission, moving towards non-profit and board best practices, developing a strong and functioning committee structure, implementing forward thinking budgeting, and emphasizing collaborative decision making.

My involvement in the wider community of Hamilton includes networking with various individuals and agencies in the city and county to help address the needs of many of the individuals that come to Trinity for help. One of the most important aspects of serving those in need has been providing a listening ear and becoming companions with them on their journeys. The realization of how vital this type of

relationship is in helping individuals and families move toward wholeness resulted in the planting of a seed that has since developed into a companionship/advocacy ministry for recovering women with children and at risk pregnant women which meets monthly at Trinity.

2: The Church as a whole, both universal and Episcopal, seems to be in the process of transition. Our very vision of what it means to serve Christ and be the body of Christ seems to be in the process of transformation. Moving into that transformation will require great change. On the parish level, on the foundation/ diocesan level, and in the community, I have concrete experience with transition and transformation, including the faith visioning that is part of moving forward into new ways of being the Church. I have beeen surprised that over the last three years God has placed me in ministries of transition and transformation at every turn. And I would like to bring the perspective I have about change at the parish and diocesan levels and in the local community into conversation with the broader Church by being a delegate to General Convention.

I also bring the perspective of serving at a mid-sized parish in a town that is having to remake itself from once being, and no longer being, a thrieving industrial town. This brings its own challenges to the parish. Trinity is one of many, many small town parishes that finds itself affected by these economic changes and their accompanying cultural changes, and I would like to be a representative for this parish demographic at General Convention.

THE REV. JASON PRATI ALL SAINTS, NEW ALBANY 1: I am currently serving as Interim Priest in Charge of All Saints in New Albany, Ohio. I am a member of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry as well as the Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and Music. I serve as the Convener for the Society of Catholic Priests for the Diocese of Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Indianapolis. I also have an wonderful working interfaith relationship with the rabbis and congregation of Temple Beth Shalom in New Albany, Ohio.

2: At my ordination, I was charged with the task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which at its core is a message of love. God has blessed me with a deep passion and gifts for this task of evangelization. When we gather at General Convention to help navigate the Church through the waters and storms of our present age, I hope as a deputy to bring this passion for Jesus Christ to the table to help strengthen and enliven the Church to carry His message of love to a hurting world.

THE REV. CANON MANOJ ZACHARIA CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, CINCINNATI 1: I have been blessed to serve as cathedral sub-dean and as the Ecumenical and Interfaith

liaison for the Diocese of Southern Ohio. My ministry has entailed developing and sustaining relationships among members of the cathedral congregation, diocesan parishes, as well as other denominations and adjudicatories. I have also been involved in combating racism and “phobias” based on culture, creed, and sexual orientation. Sustaining relationships grounded on commonalities reflecting the breadth of the Anglican tradition is my passion, as I have served four (4) churches in Communion with the See of Canterbury. Prior to its dissolution (General Convention 2015) I was appointed by the President of the House of Deputies to the Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Inter-religious Relations and have served on the Governing Boards of World Student Christian Federation (North America) and other ecumenical bodies.

2: As a missionary, vicar of rural parishes, rector of suburban parishes, bi-vocational cleric, and as a member of cathedral staff, I have been in a variety of situations domestically and globally that have enriched my ministerial focus. As a parish priest who has served under-resourced through well-resourced congregations in a variety of settings, I identify with the call to be missional in difficult and an increasingly “spiritual” but not religious circumstances. The diversity of experiences, as a priest, has made me sensitive to the fact that my call is to represent the breadth and diversity of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. I appreciate the fact that there are a variety of cultures in our diocese and as a priest molded in the Anglican “middle way,” I think I can offer substantive balance as well as diversity in representing Southern Ohio at General Convention. My faith is centered on the Lordship of Jesus the Christ through the tradition of the Anglican faith expressed in The Episcopal Church.

DEPUTIES TO THE 79TH GENERAL CONVENTION, LAY Elect 4 lay + 4 lay alternates

CATHY BAGOT TRINITY, NEWARK 1: I’ve served on vestries numerous times at Trinity, Newark, and at St. John’s, Worthington, as well as serving on several clergy search committees. I completed the Southern Ohio Lay Leaders’ Initiative (SOLLI) program and the Diocesan Common Ministry program. In the Diocese I served two terms on the Commission on Ministry, and currently serve on the Standing Committee and Commission on Congregational Life. Beyond the Diocese, I am serving my third term as a trustee of the Bexley Hall Seabury Western Seminary Federation.

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ministry of all people. I believe God calls us to ensure the consistent, creative, ongoing formation of all God’s people and support for our various ministries. I am and will continue to be an advocate for that and encourage the church to embrace that commitment – internationally, nationally, diocesan-wide and locally. For the first time, I am in a position to attend the General Convention as a lay delegate, and I am willing to be nominated to do so.

ELIZABETH BARKER ST. PATRICK’S, DUBLIN 1: I am a cradle Episcopalian who has gone out and explored many other faith traditions, but who has always come home to the Episcopal Church.

I love this church! On the congregational level, I have served on vestry, in the choir as a Stephen Minister, an EFM mentor and as a parish nurse. In this Diocese, I have served on Diocesan Council and as a Delegate to Diocesan Convention. In the larger community I have served as an Alternate and then a Delegate to the General Convention. My commitment to the work of the church is absolute. I am open to discussion and new ideas and also to the richness of the tradition of our church.

2: I am committed to being an instrument of God’s work in the world. I have implemented this in my international work in Honduras, Jamaica, Liberia and Cambodia where I have served in the capacity of health expert and provider. It has been exciting to me to participate in the outreach of the church to the health of our country and to other countries. I was so excited about the role of youth, the role of our church in health and wellness ministries, the role of our church in the global community. I believe I’m called to continue this participation and to represent our Diocese in the larger community

DAVID JONES ST. JAMES, PIQUA

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1: In years past I was on the Vestry, I drove the church van, and worked in our church food pantry. My wife and I hosted Lunch with God the last Sunday of each month until January this year.

I run the sound for our church services. I am on Diocesan Council and represent the council on the Procter Board. I am on the budget committee and I am the Finance Officer of ECSF, serving the first of a 3-year term.

2: My wife, Evelyn, and I attended the convention in Utah at which time she was able to speak on all the LGBT resolutions at the hearings. This was the first time we attended a National convention for the church. I was elected as third alternate deputy and went as a guest but we attended all the diocese group meetings and the convention sessions. I told Evelyn that I would take her to the next convention however she died March 31 this year unexpectedly. I believe God has a plan for all of us and the final item on Evelyn’s plan was to speak on the resolutions and God is tugging at me and nudging me to run for convention Deputy.

HAROLD PATRICK ST. MATTHEW’S, WESTERVILLE 1: God has blessed me with a passion to serve others in ways that can fundamentally impact the way in which they can find and pursue their own relationship with God and their own calling.

Towards that end, I have been a ‘serial entrepreneur’ for most of my adult life. My focus has been on franchising, small business development, and real estate development.

My journey has taken me through more than a dozen enterprises serving eight states and nine dioceses. Since 2012, my wife Cherie and I have been active members of St. Matthew’s, Westerville. Currently, I serve on the Vestry, and the Way Forward/Strategic Initiative Task Force. I am a lay reader and am actively involved in our Episcopal House in Uptown Westerville.

Along with Cherie, I have helped lead our outreach to refugees.

In addition to sponsoring a high school student’s trip to Boston to compete in a national STEM Club competition, we have also ‘adopted’ a refugee family; a father with two daughters in high school and a son in middle school. This family was one of several families St. Matthew’s helped through emergency situations. I continue to be blessed by serving as the Chairperson of Partners In Ministry In Liberia (PIMIL). My completion of Formation for Common Ministry laid the foundation for me to become a more active part of the Diocese. I was honored to serve as a Delegate to Diocesan Convention for the last two years. Last year I was humbled by the privilege to serve on Diocesan Council. I now serve on the Budget Committee as well and am gaining a much better sense of how I can serve our Diocese going forward. I have been awarded keys to the city by mayors in both Birmingham, AL and Philadelphia, PA and previously honored as African American Business of the Year in Los Angeles, CA. I have served on the Boards of Directors of the Urban League and Boys and Girls Club in various cities as well as having served as a Board Member of both the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association and the Burger King National Minority Franchisee Association. Additionally, I was a Board Member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated National Building Foundation and the Chairman of Alpha’s National Business and Economic Development Foundation. Finally, now as a real estate developer with a focus on church-based non-profit owners of affordable housing I am continually working with real estate professionals across the country as I seek to assist these owners in bringing their visions of benefiting their residents and their communities, and those of their church sponsors, to fruition.

2: We were told in Mathew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” The next two words changed everything – “Therefore go…”. And go they did. The first century church had it right. Two thousand years is a long time and many, maybe even most, and in truth we all have lost have our way at some time in one way or another. And in what I believe to be a reaction to that more global

‘lostness’ more than 70 years ago Archbishop William Temple said: “The Church is the only institution that exists primarily for the benefit of those who are not its members.”

That was a global call to return to what Jesus told us to do.

That call was global but life is lived ‘local’. And while I cannot say exactly how many years ago this was first said here (it was here when we got here) I can say that in our Diocese I believe the word ‘connection’ to be that same call to return to what Jesus said. We shout it at the top of our lungs on our web site and other communications and we strive to live it in all that we do. God has blessed me more than I could ever ‘ask for or imagine’ with a wife, a parish, and a Diocese all of whom allow me the privilege to serve and thereby help me to grow nearer to God and that which God intends as revealed through the Holy Spirit that dwells within me. I believe that God now is calling me to serve as a Lay Deputy at the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. The President of the House of Deputies writes that Deputies are charged to listen, share, attend, and vote informed by prayer, factual, information, and the workings of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the goal is to seek not the mind of the majority but to reflect the mind of the Holy Spirit. Being transformed from nomad to pilgrim I have heard God’s call and humbly and prayerfully respond by offering myself in nomination to serve.

I close respectfully mindful of the closing of Isaiah 6:8…”Here am I. Send me.”

ERIC SCHRYVER ST. GEORGE’S, DAYTON (see Diocesan Council, above)

DEBORAH STOKES ST. PHILIP, COLUMBUS 1: I have been blessed to have found a parish and diocese where gifts are shared with each other as we continue to grow in the love of Jesus Christ. That love and support has given me the opportunity to serve in leadership capacities, such as vestry member, Junior Warden, Chancel Choir, Altar Guild, Lay Eucharistic Minister and Visitor, and lay licensed preacher.

In continued growth of God’s beloved community, I have been given the opportunity to extend my passions on a diocesan level through leadership positions in such as areas as Chair of Racism Training Task Force, Deputy to General Convention, member of

the Bexley Seabury Seminary Board, the Diocesan Disciplinary Board, and Trainer for Worship leaders.

As a retiree, my love for public service has continued through participating on community boards (YMCA), social action organizations (NAMI of Franklin County, Project Harmony) and faith organizations (Bible Study Fellowship). Everything is fueled by my desire to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in building community.

2: I believe God continues to call me to this position so that my gifts of compassion, understanding of cultural/ethnic diversity, knowledge of health and social issues, a sense of humor, and experience as deputy to past General Conventions can be further used in the wider Church. It has been a great joy to serve the Church as Deputy to General Convention from the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

I have been humbled by your continued support. If elected as Deputy, I will continue to prayerfully represent this Diocese to the best of my ability. I love the work and I love this Church!!

MEGHAN WESTERN ST. JAMES, CLINTONVILLE 1: Raised as an Episcopalian in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, I moved to Columbus and the Diocese of Southern Ohio in 1998. I was active as a college student and student minister at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, as well as serving on teams for Vocare. As an adult, I have been an active member of St. James, Clintonville, for 8 years. In that time I have served as member of the choir, various lay liturgy ministries, on a Search Committee, and on Vestry for 3 years. I have served as a delegate to Diocesan Convention once previously, and am slated to serve again this fall. I work on the weekly announcements for my congregation and am active in our hospitality ministry. In Summer 2015 I joined Diocesan Council as a Bishop’s appointee and have greatly enjoyed my time serving the larger Diocese.

2: I have felt a call to General Convention since the previous triennium. I believe that diverse representation is critical to a healthy diocese and that my position as a member of a “younger” group helps fulfill this need. I feel a strong commitment to the position of the Church within the larger national community, and believe that willfully submitting myself for service is the best way for me to live out my faith in the world.

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TALLY SHEETS Ballot 1 Ballot 2 Ballot 3 Ballot 4 Ballot 5 Ballot 6 Budget Committee, lay (Elect 1)

Diocesan Council, clergy (Elect 2) The Rev. Ruth Paulus The Rev. William Sangrey

Diocesan Council, lay (Elect 3 + 1 unexpired term) Karen Peeler Eric Shryver Richard Warren

ECSF board (Elect 3) Michelle Dayton The Rev. Susan Riis

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TALLY SHEETS Ballot 1 Ballot 2 Ballot 3 Ballot 4 Ballot 5 Ballot 6 Standing Committee, clergy (Elect 1)

Standing Committee, lay (Elect 1) Martha Lentz

Trustee of the Diocese (Elect 1) Jon Boss

Trustee of the Church Foundation (Elect 1) Richard Warren

Disciplinary Board, clergy (Elect 3)

Disciplinary Board, lay (Elect 2)

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TALLY SHEETS Ballot 1 Ballot 2 Ballot 3 Ballot 4 Ballot 5 Ballot 6 Procter Board of Directors (Elect 1) Amy Dohn Baird

Deputy to General Convention, clergy (Elect 4 + 4 alternates) The Rev. John Agbaje The rev. Dick Burnett The Rev. Canon Scott Gunn The Rev. Paula Jackson The Rev. Suzanne LeVesconte The Rev. Jason Prati The Rev. Canon Manoj Zacharia

Deputy to General Convention, lay (Elect 4 + 4 alternates) Cathy Bagot Elizabeth Barker David Jones Harold Patrick Eric Shryver Deborah Stokes Meghan Western

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UNDERSTANDING THE 2017 BUDGET

E

ach year the budget process begins with the establishment of the Budget Committee. The committee consists of nine members; three are elected at convention, Diocesan Council appoints three, and three are appointed by the bishop. The committee meets in December and develops a planning calendar for the year.

The budget process can be broken into a five-step process that includes: planning, preparation, adoption, implementation and evaluation. The process is driven by the application and the underlying ministry priorities.

2017 TIMELINE:

February 2016 – instructions for completing the 2017 budget application are posted on the website April 8, 2016 – all budget requests and submissions are due April 26, 2016 – Budget committee meets, budget assignments to committee members. Diocesan financial officer presents initial estimates on financial resources available for the upcoming fiscal year.

April – June – Budget committee works with budget applicants.

June 9, 2016 – Budget committee meets. Each member reports on finding from evaluations of budget applications and submits a recommendation about funding. The Committee then compiles all of its findings.

August 11, 2016 – Committee meets to review addition comments and balance the budget September 10, 2016 – Budget committee presents budget to Diocesan Council.

BUDGET COMMITTEE GOALS

Each year the budget committee adopts goals. The first goal is to end the budget process with a balanced budget. Another is to be an advocate for the budget they are evaluating. The policy choices the budget committee must make represent a balance between meeting the ministry priorities and the mission share, which provides the necessary financial support. The human and financial resources are allocated in the budget to achieve the

ministry priorities of the diocese; the budget thus reflects the allocation of revenue and expenditures to support the ministry priorities of the diocese. It is a delicate balance.

BUDGET ADOPTION

The budgets of the diocese for the next year are proposed at a Diocesan Council meeting in September. In October, pre-convention meetings are held to hear input on the budget.

INTRODUCTION OF THE CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

Totaling just over $5.6 million, the consolidated operating budget of the Diocese of Southern Ohio implements programs, launches mission and provides services afforded from multiple funding sources. The budget is required by Canon and is used as a guiding resource as the bishop’s staff completes the work of the diocese. It is presented in two sections: Sources (revenues) and Uses (expenses). The purpose of a consolidated budget is to provide a spending plan for diocesan leadership and show the highest standard of accountability and transparency to our congregations.

OPERATING REVENUE BUDGET

Diocesan operating revenue is comprised of several sources.

The two main sources of revenue are Congregational Mission Share and a portion of the William Cooper Procter Fund used for operating expenses.

Mission Share is the contribution from congregations. A new formula for Mission Share for the next five-year cycle will be adopted at the November 2016 convention. The Mission Share formula uses congregational income and expenses to rank each church and determine the percentage/ mission share rate that congregation will pay. Actual income in 2017 will be realized based on congregations’ actual income and the rate that is assigned based on the formula.

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BUDGET Income from investments and the William Cooper Procter Fund have begun to increase over the last several years.

Economic conditions nationwide are impacting investment income, which have resulted in these increases. The Procter Fund is able to contribute $2,394,726 to the consolidated diocesan operating budget. But only $622,000 of that amount is considered impacting the Congregational Mission Share budget; the majority of the William Cooper Procter funds is restricted by the trust and only passes through the operating budget.

In addition, this budget also receives a portion of its funding from grants and payments from other diocesan endowments.

Most notably, the Charlotte E. Procter Fund fully pays the bishop’s salary. Other diocesan activities, such as Faith in Life (FIL), Minority Empowerment Initiative Trust (MEIT), public school summer reading programs and others, self-fund their operations but are run through the operating budget. Fee income from the summer youth program and rental income from facilities is also reported in this budget.

Income from other endowments is included in the operating budget. The estimate for 2016 is slightly higher than estimated for 2015. No consideration is given for realized gains.

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MISSION SHARE BUDGET

This budget is based on the proposed mission share formula for 2017. The formula ranks each congregation based on two criteria: operating income and operating expenses as defined by the parochial report. Each congregation’s ratios are based on dividing their income/expense by the total income/expense of all congregations. A congregation’s Share Ratio is based on the average of the two ratios.

a) The congregation with the smallest Share Ratio will be assessed at rate of 6% of current normal Operating Income b) The congregation with the Share Ratio closest to average Share Ratio will be assessed at rate of 11.5% of current normal Operating Income c) All other congregations will be assessed at rate defined by Share Ratio order on a straight line connecting the congregations found in a) and b) above.

BUDGET OPERATING EXPENDITURE BUDGET

The diocesan expenditure budget provides the resources for the canonical requirements of our common ministry. Though this budget we fund the compensation of our bishop and diocesan staff, the work of the diocesan office and support of other administrative functions, such as publication of our news magazine Connections.

Through this budget we also fund and support mission congregations of the diocese, college work, diocesan support and outreach ministries and cooperative projects developed by our churches working in concert with one another. Another way to say it: Where does the money go or what does it pay for?

1. The Bishop and staff. To be an Episcopal Church means we have a bishop. The mission share pays for the salary and benefits of the staff. Our diocese is fortunate that the bishop’s salary is funded by the C. E. Procter fund. Only the pension and other benefit costs are paid using mission share resources. The bishop provides spiritual leadership, guidance, and vision. But he can’t do it alone. His staff takes care of the many operational responsibilities from forms, contracts, certificates, receipts, billings, visitation scheduling, story interviews and producing the Connections.

He needs people to work with churches that are searching for a new priest. He needs people to run the Procter Center and to work with the youth of the diocese.

2. Congregational staff support. The bishop’s staff answers your questions, helps churches find clergy, leads churches through discussions to know who they are and what role they play in their communities, assists in facility audits, provides loans, updates website, archival research, youth ministry support, clergy and lay formation, helps churches to vision, and provides a safe and wonderful time and experience at summer camp. The staff is available to meet with congregations and assist in many additional areas.

3. Diocesan office operations. Basic operating expense to run the administrative work. Computer servers, utilities, copiers, paper, telephones, computers, and Internet are a few items in this area. Through our telephone company we have a toll free number so congregations can contact us more easily. In addition, congregations may use the diocesan conference call service for their church meetings.

4. Meetings. Lots of meetings. We have a number of committees that work throughout the year on your behalf and enable your church’s ministry. Some of them, you’ve elected, some of them have been appointed by the bishop. The meeting expenses for the various committees cover the travel expenses for members and food for the meetings.

5. We are a part of the church. Called the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, our diocese supports the work of the church at large. Each diocese is asked to pay 18% of its operating income (minus $150,000) which goes to help fund programs and people on a national level, such as missionaries, college work, Native American Ministries, stewardship, and congregational development to name a few. The 2017 proposed budget pays 18% and meets its national church obligation.

6. The Province assessment. Provinces are geographic areas of the church. We are in Province 5 (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois).

We meet together and share resources when possible since we are “neighbors.” The province determines how much we pay in assessment. This assessment has increased over the last several years.

7. Audit fees. The financial records of this diocese are very complicated. The diocese oversees the financial operations of 10 ‘companies’. Some of these companies are separately incorporated entities outside of the diocese. They are associated with the diocese but not affiliated with the diocese. Just as churches are canonically required to be audited, dioceses also are canonically required to be audited as well. Our diocese is audited by a CPA firm and we pay significant fees for the audit. Each year the diocese has received a ‘clean’ audit. The last two years there have been no management comments and no adjusting entries performed by the auditors.

8. Building expenses. The Diocesan Office building has regular maintenance and operating expense such as utilities, snow removal, elevator repair, contracted cleaning and city code requirements. The diocesan property manager oversees this building and others and secures bids for work and works with a cadre of facility professionals to ensure good stewardship of our real property.

9. Congregational grants. The budget includes resources for congregations to expand local ministry work. Campus ministry provides churches in ‘college towns’ resources to partner with colleges or establish their own campus ministry programs.

National and World Mission provides grants to congregations who have their own or partner with other agencies in domestic and foreign mission work. Commission on Congregational Life (COCL) provides funding to congregations to support existing and new ministry work in their congregations. COCL is expanding its role and working with churches to reimagine who they are and what they can be.

10. Procter Center. Part of the mission share pays for the Camp Director and other staff to operate the summer camp and to work with groups that use the center. More detail will be shared how this portion of the budget will be transferred to the Procter Center directly.

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BUDGET STAFFING

The 2017 expenditure budget contains two fewer positions than that of the 2016 year. With the elimination of the Canon for Mission position, and the resignation and non-replacement of the Missioner for Campus Ministry position, the number of full-time staff is now 17. This number includes 13 staff and 3 missioners.

Bishop Staff Missioners

2017 2016 2015 1 1 1 13 14 14 3 4 3 17

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18

Diocesan staff are paid from various funding sources. The main source is the Mission Share. This diocese is blessed to have an endowment that pays for the bishop’s salary; the Charlotte Elizabeth Procter endowment was established in January 1934 and has paid the salary of the bishop since that date. The final funding source is the William Cooper Procter Fund. New initiatives outside of regular diocesan operating activities that meet one of the four criteria established by Mr. Procter may be eligible for funding. Programs like Brendan’s Crossing, Fresh Expressions and Congregational Vitality meet these criteria.

2017 2016 2015 CEProcter 1 1 1 Mission Share 12 13.5 13.5 WCProcter 4 4.5 3.5

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17

19

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Staffing for the diocesan budget will further decrease in 2017.

The two positions currently identified as Director of Youth, Young Adult and summer camping ministries and Assistant Director of Youth, Young Adult and Summer Camping ministries have been assigned to the Procter Center and will now become a part of the Procter Center programs and operations. Funding for the youth department and summer camp will be part of the diocesan budget but transferred to the Procter Center.

YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT AND SUMMER CAMPING PROGRAM

This program has been a part of the diocesan budget for many years. It has changed and grown under various directors.

Beginning in 2016 with the hiring of a new director at the Procter Center, the bishop, in consultation with the Procter Center board, has moved the staff and operations of this program to the Procter Center.

The Procter Center has been the center of diocesan formation for decades. Moving this vital aspect of formation to the Procter Center to oversee and develop would help correlate many formation offerings under one heading.

In 2017 the funding and expenses will all move to the Procter Center budget. How does this impact the consolidated diocesan operating budget? The budget committee has determined what people and programs operated out of the consolidated budget. The cost of these people and programs will continue to be funded from the consolidated budget, but those funds will be transferred annually to the Procter Center. The Procter Center will annually submit a budget request for funding from the consolidated operating budget. The youth, young adult and summer camping program receives funds from both Mission Share and the William Cooper Procter Fund. (see chart on facing page)

BUDGET RESOURCES

The full proposed 2017 budget for the Diocese of Southern Ohio can be found online at our convention webpage or at our new app, DSO Connect. If you do not have Internet access and would like a print copy, please contact the Finance office at 800.582.1712.

BUDGET YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT AND SUMMER CAMPING PROGRAM

2017 Mission Share Budget

2017 WCProcter Budget

2017 CEProcter and Other Budget

2017 Consolidated Budget

$124,420.91

$0.00

$0.00

$124,420.91

$0.00

$46,850.24

$0.00

$46,850.24

62720 SUMMER CAMP SUBSIDY (Transfer)

$0.00

$75,000.00

$75,000.00 $41,000.00

YOUTH DIRECTOR YOUTH ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS

$6,500.00

62730 CAMPING PROGRAM

$0.00

62780 CAMP STAFF SALARIES

$0.00

$41,000.00

TOTAL CAMP PROGRAMS

$0.00

$122,500.00

62810 BISHOP’S COMMISSION

$0.00

$250.00

62830 EPISCOPAL YOUTH EVENT

$0.00

62860 RETREATS & GATHERINGS

$0.00

$15,000.00

$15,000.00

$2,000.00

$2,000.00

YOUTH PROGRAMS

$6,500.00

$0.00

$122,500.00

$250.00

62820 YOUTH MIN INITIATIVE

$0.00

$2,000.00

$2,000.00

62840 SUPPLIES, COPIES, MAIL, PROMO

$0.00

$3,500.00

$3,500.00

62870 YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

$0.00

62880 Winter Family Camp

$0.00

TOTAL YOUTH PROGRAMS

$0.00

$37,750.00

$0.00

$37,750.00

$124,420.91

$207,100.24

$0.00

$331,521.15

TOTAL DIOCESAN YOUTH

$5,000.00

$5,000.00

$10,000.00

$10,000.00

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Tickets for Non-Profit Groups

Christ Church Cathedral’s 77th Annual Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival December 31, 2016 2 to 3:30 p.m. (Dress Rehearsal Only)

Distribution of group tickets is via mail only.

Requests should be written on the group’s official letterhead and include a Self-Addressed, SelfStamped envelope.

Send requests to:

Boar’s Head Group Tickets c/o Christ Church Cathedral 318 East Fourth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Requests must be received at Christ Church Cathedral no later than December 8, 2016.

• Maximum of fifteen (15) tickets per non-profit group.

• Please indicate the need for handicap seating; space is limited.

• Tickets are available on a first-come/firstserved basis until gone.

• All attendees must have a ticket, including children who walk.

• Audio, video and printed souvenirs will be available for purchase.

For more Boar’s Head Festival information, visit http://cincinnaticathedral.com/boars-head/

events

Boar’s Head festival

news

Changes to labor laws affect church employees Recent news stories have highlighted significant changes to US labor laws, which affect all organizations – churches included. On May 18, 2016, the Department of Labor announced changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) regulations governing exemptions from the FLSA’s overtime pay requirements. These changes affect how employees are classified as whether Exempt or Non-Exempt and the implications regarding overtime pay that result.

In a nutshell, the overtime exemption for employees (what constitutes an “Exempt” employee from “Non-Exempt” status has changed the threshold from an annual salary of $23,660 (or -$455 per week) to $47,476 (or -$913 per week). This means that a fulltime employee (FTE) that earns less than $47,476 is now considered “NonExempt,” and as such, is entitled to overtime wages for work beyond 40 hours in a calendar week. This change goes into

effect December 1, 2016.

These changes will potentially impact the classification of each full-time employee (exempt/non­exempt) and how they are paid; even though a particular FTE was hired as an “Exempt” employee, they are not grandfathered to retain that status (it is generally determined by the wage threshold and several other factors).

It is recommended that all organizations discuss this matter with their respective governing board, vestry, council, etc. and consider the best course of action when facing an employee’s change of status. With advice and reflection, an organization may want to consider the following options: 1. First and by default, staff earning a salary or wage less than the new threshold will (as of 12/01/2016) be “nonexempt” and so an organization will need to pay them for all hours worked.

Any hours worked over 40 would be con-

sidered overtime and paid at time-anda-half.

2. In some cases it may be more prudent to raise the employee’s salary to above the new threshold of $47,476 annually, which would allow the employee to maintain “exempt” status with no overtime wage required.

If the church or organization needs further clarification please contact a labor law professional. For more information and details on the actual change in law, visit https://www.dol.gov/featured/overtime

LEARN MORE

Congregation administrative leaders (including Treasurers, Wardens, Administrators) are invited to gather on Saturday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Procter Center for a special Administrative Leadership Day. Representatives from Church Pension Group and other leading voices will be there to discuss changes and trends impacting healthcare and the Episcopal Medial Trust Plans as well as the review and possible changes to the Clergy Pension Plan, the above-mentioned Labor Law Change and other compliance matters that impact your congregation. Register for this informative workshop at diosohio.org.

mission

This statement is published annually in compliance with USPS regulations.

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CONNECTIONS

The official publication of the Diocese of Southern Ohio www.diosohio.org

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, Publisher David Dreisbach, Art director Julie Murray, Editor Amy Svihlik, Designer Dave Caudill, Copy editor

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 communication@diosohio.org.

Next deadline: Dec. 1

Connections (USPS 020933) is published bi-monthly by the Diocese of Southern Ohio, 412 Sycamore St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-4179. Periodical postage paid at Cincinnati, OH. This publication is sent to all members of Episcopal congregations in the Diocese of Southern Ohio and is funded by mission share payments to the diocesan operating budget.

Other subscriptions are $10 annually.

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