July 2017 Connections

Connections ideas • news • events July 2017

Issue 4 Vol. 4

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Isaiah 52:7

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How about some

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good news

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tor Steve Carter writes, “When Paul tells Timothy ad news. Fake news. It’s all around to ‘do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:2),’ us, grabbing the headlines he really means for Timothy to ‘make the good and filling up our social media news his life’s work.’ Every Christ follower has feeds. Violence, sadness, anger, been given spiritual gifts. Most people think that disrespect. It’s enough to make if they don’t have ‘evangelism’ in their top three you disconnect, try to stop paygifts then they’re off the hook. But doesn’t every ing attention to the world around us. But we’re spiritual gift point people to Jesus and good wired for connection, for community, so we news? continue to search for just a little good news to Evangelism is a gift, but it’s also the purpose help us plow through the bad. of every gift. When people tell me their spiriEach day I scroll through the Facebook tual gift, I quickly begin asking how they can muck, searching desperately for today’s Fiona leverage that unique gift to help meet a need update. If you’re not familiar with Fiona, she’s a in the world. Every person you walk past or baby hippo born prematurely in January at the interact with has a need. When you make the Cincinnati Zoo. The zoo posts nearly daily picgood news your life’s work you are constantly tures, videos and stories about her progress. She is Fiona. Courtesy of on the lookout for how you can meet someone’s growing big and strong. And, she’s adorable.

Every day news about that little hippo brings a smile to cincinnatizoo.org. relational, physical or spiritual needs. When you make the good news your life’s work you are my face, and reminds me there is good in the world. constantly on the lookout for these opportunities, those divine Let’s face it, news about religion and the Church is rarely moments, where someone can encounter a God who loves positive these days – schism and decline are the stories that them.” (crosswalk.com, Dec. 12, 2016) make it into the mainline media. In her article on Campus The churches and individuals highlighted in the followMinistry (page 26), the Rev. Deborah Woolsey references a ing stories are doing just that. Looking for opportunities and recent opinion piece in the Washington Post that predicts meeting people’s needs. Making sure that the people around there are only (spoiler alert) 23 Easters left until there are no them encounter our loving God. longer any mainline churches left to celebrate it. And we are A quote is often attributed to St. Francis, “You may be the all very aware of which stories the secular media choose to only Gospel someone reads.” And while I doubt that it was highlight about the Episcopal Church. actually Francis who said it (fake news!) I don’t doubt that, if So all of this got us thinking – what if we did an entire pubtrue, we’ve been spreading a whole lot of Gospel in Southern lication just about good news? Yes, Connections is typically Ohio. And that’s good news. filled with stories about relationships and ministries – good news that has often come about as a response to bad news in our communities. But since we’ve featured a few heavy topics recently (brokenness, violence, climate change), this Connections editor Julie Murray serves as Connections issue is featuring only good news. Sure, some of Associate Director of Communications for the that good news is a response to something bad, but all of it, Diocese of Southern Ohio. Contact her at like baby Fiona, is sure to bring a smile to your face and reasjmurray@diosohio.org. sure you that there is good in the world.

In his blog post, “Make Good News Your Life’s Work,” pas-

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The joy

in encountering others

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his edition of Connections is about good news. Most generally, this is about the good news of God in Jesus Christ, for which the fancy church word is "Gospel." We are focusing here on how the gospel is playing out in brave and joyous ministry all over the Diocese of Southern Ohio. I hope you will take delight in the stories that are presented here, and will be inspired to add your own.

The good news is that God exists, that God is love, and that God became one of us to befriend us and to draw us back into the force field of God's love. Our first challenge is to imagine that this is true for us individually. Jesus our shepherd calls us each by name, over and over, until we heed his personal summons.

That summons (as attested to by countless Christians through the centuries) is an invitation into the dynamics of mercy. We are invited to receive acceptance and relief whether or not we have earned it. In turn, we are to extend the same acceptance and relief to everyone who crosses our path.

So sometimes the good news can sound like bad news: we are loved by God no matter what, but that means we must love each other no matter what.

If we close our ears to Jesus' call, it is probably because we are afraid to be this open to whoever crosses our path, be it spouse, child, store clerk, homeless person, undocumented person, or someone emerging from prison. But if we ignore Jesus' love for us for fear that we will then have to love others as he has loved us, we are, as the old saying goes, cutting off our nose to spite our face. We cannot reject radical openness to the neighbor without rejecting Jesus' radical openness to us. This principle lies at the heart of the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us." This is not just about forgiveness but about offering to our fellow human beings all the kindness and slack that God has offered us.

So sometimes the good news can sound like bad news: we are loved by God no matter what, but that means we must love each other no matter what. This can only end up being good news for us if we acknowledge the deep satisfaction and joy that can come from random but genuine encounters with other people.

Such encounters come our way whether we like it or not.

But if we decide ahead of time to embrace them, we will encounter them as good news, and the good news that God embraces us as well will seem all the more real.

This is what I mean by a phrase I often use: following Jesus into the neighborhood. God's mercy, made evident in Jesus, propels us into merciful engagement with everyone, without exception, beginning with those who are closer to us but stretching to the ends of the earth.

I have received a lot of positive response to the idea of following Jesus into the neighborhood. Most of our congregations understand that engagement with their neighborhood is the key to spiritual authenticity and institutional sustainability.

If we don't put what actually surrounds us first, we quickly become a well-defended backwater. But if we do pay attention to and engage with what surrounds us – our neighborhood – we will regain our reason for being, which is to bring hope to a broken world. That hope is none other than the possibility of friendship despite difference.

For the most part, our churches are surrounded by people who are different from us. In some cases it is the difference generated by economic or racial inequality. In many instances it is difference generated by political disagreement. In most instances it is difference generated by the sharp decline in anyone's desire to be identified with any religious institution whatsoever. As churchgoers, our natural response to all this

difference is to hunker down and weather the storm. But the storm we are experiencing is not a storm to our neighbors – it is just normal life, without the comfort that life has ultimate meaning.

It is our job as followers of Jesus simply to make friends with our neighbors.

Not to preach, unless called upon to do so. Not to absolve, unless requested to do so. Not to admonish, unless our own convictions compel us to do so. Rather, to get to know our neighbors – for instance, the local police, the school principals, the neighborhood council, the local businesses and those who shop there – and to begin to be in communion with them.

There is no question but that the Holy Spirit is pushing us in this direction. Congregations across the diocese are asking how they can engage with their neighborhood. I am calling for a convocation or gathering of the diocese to do three things: (1) To check out whether there is consensus about the need for this engagement; (2) to provide some concrete methods and models for congregations to pursue this engagement; and (3) to gather feedback from all participants regarding the direction of the diocese (e.g., what is the Holy Spirit pushing and pulling us toward?), so that a task group can write a statement of direction, to be presented to diocesan convention in November for possible ratification.

I am calling for this convocation to take place on Saturday, September 16, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Procter Center. Rooms and Friday night dinner will be available at cost for those who are coming from a distance. I hope that every congregation, large or small, will be represented.

You should also be aware of a diocesan-wide Big Read project that is closely related to this convocation. A number of people have called for a diocesan study of the Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible. If we are following Jesus into the neighborhood, we are aligning ourselves with a central biblical theme – exiting from slavery and/or privilege into the glorious liberty of the children of God, and this, of course is what Exodus is all about. So on August 27, we will all begin working through Exodus as our first reading on Sunday mornings.

For more on the Exodus Big Read project, see page 7 or go to www.adsobigread.org.

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal serves as bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Contact him at tbreidenthal@diosohio.org.

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Let’s all read the Book of Exodus – together!

We are at a moment as a church and a culture when questions raised in the Book of Exodus are prominent. What does it mean to be a stranger in a strange land? What does it mean to leave behind all the things we thought we knew? What does it mean to see our communities change? As such, we are inviting everyone in the diocese to come together to read the Book of Exodus from August 27 to April 7, 2018.

Here’s how it works: The Exodus ‘Big Read’ will launch on Sunday, August 27. On that day, readings from Exodus appear in the lectionary, and we're asking that every preacher in the diocese will preach about Exodus for the launch. Over the course of the next seven months, our hope is that every individual in the diocese will read the book of Exodus and at least one supplementary book to help with understanding. We would like to see every parish hold at least three adult forums about the Book of Exodus, and we'll be providing short, online courses to use for these forums. Plus, we're asking that fifteen minutes be set aside for the study of Exodus every time a vestry, committee, or commission meets. Finally, we're hoping that you will come to any or all of the four Exodus-themed events that we'll be holding in the diocese.

Here's what you need to know in order to make all of that happen. You can find Exodus materials online at our Big Read website: AdsoBigRead.org. Here are some of the resources that you'll be able to access there: 1. Reading schedules to guide individual study.

2. Descriptions of the three supplementary texts we're recommending, which should guide you in choosing the right one.

3. A blog where a variety of writers will comment on the Book of Exodus and what they're learning from it.

4. Worksheets for leading fifteen minute Bible studies during meetings.

5. Video courses that can be used for adult forums (an internet connection is all that you'll require).

6. A calendar of Exodus-themed events that will be held in the diocese.

Some of these resources are already up on the website.

Others will be added as we get closer to the August 27 launch date.

Contact the Rev. Karl Stevens at kpbstevens@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions for ways of improving our plans and making the Exodus Big Read even better!

Exodus-themed events: Sunday, August 27 – Launch Day! Exodus readings appear in the lectionary and clergy are asked to preach on Exodus.

Saturday, September 16 – Exodus Convocation at Procter Center.

November 10-11 – Diocesan Convention. Special emphasis on Exodus.

January 20, 2018 – Jubilate Conference. The Liturgy & Music Commission’s annual conference will have an Exodus theme.

April 7, 2018 – Capstone Event. We will be joined

by Old Testament scholar Terence Fretheim as we end the Exodus Project and summarize what we’ve learned.

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Bishop ordains four to diaconate

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t a glorious Eucharist commemorating the Martyrs of Uganda, Bishop Breidenthal ordained four men to the diaconate on June 3 at Christ Church Cathedral. The new deacons are, Charles Graves IV, James Devin Rodgers, Jared Coffin Talbot and Emmanuel Tuyishime.

Each of the deacons will now begin a twoyear residency program, either here in the diocese or close to the seminary they attend.

Their residency placements are: Charles Graves, Church of the Advent, Walnut Hills Devin Rodgers, St. Gregory of Nyssa, San Francisco Jared Talbot, St. Stephen’s, Columbus Emmanuel Tuyishime, St. George’s, Dayton.

See more pictures from the ordination on the photo gallery at our website diosohio.org.

Photos by Julie Murray

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Three ordained to priesthood At a Eucharist commemorating Ephrem of Edessa, Bishop Breidenthal ordained Kevin Dwayne Beesley, Margaret Lloyd Foster Foote and Margaret Clare Leidheiser-Stoddard to the priesthood on June 10 at Christ Church Cathedral.

The new priests will continue in their two-year residency placements, began after being ordained to the transitional diaconate in 2016. They are:

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Kevin Beesley, St. Andrew’s, Pickerington Maggie Foote, Latino Ministry Center in Forest Park and Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming Maggie Leidheiser-Stoddard, St. John’s, Worthington See more pictures from the ordination on the photo gallery at our website diosohio.org.

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The Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna Class of 2017

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Joyful, engaging, loving. Devoted, grace-filled, caring and compassionate. Kind, humble, sincere, responsible. Faithful, fearless, zealous and dedicated. Devout, tireless, welcoming, willing.

All of these are adjectives you might use to describe Jesus, and you would be right. They are also just some of the ways that the newest members of the Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna have been described as how they have, and continue to, carry out their ministries in their faith communities and beyond.

The Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna was created in the diocese in the mid-1990s as a way to honor the elders of our community. The first awards were presented in 1995 and are given annually to persons who are at least 60 years of age and Episcopalians for 15 or more years. The Class of 2017 was inducted at a special Eucharist and luncheon at the Procter Center May 10.

Nominations to the society can be made by anyone in the diocese on behalf of individuals who fit the criteria. The nominations

are sent to the Affirmative Aging Commission for consideration for the honor. The ten individuals honored this year are: Anita Beardsell, Christ Church, Springfield Stuart Collins, St. Patrick’s, Dublin Betty Crichton, St. Christopher’s, Fairborn Mary Deisman, Trinity, Troy Phyllis Donohoe, Trinity, Troy Sally Johnson, Epiphany, Urbana Hayward and Telesa Learn, St. Christopher’s, Fairborn Diane Roberts, All Saints, New Albany The Rev. Diana Shirley, All Saints, New Albany Here are some excerpts from their nominations. All of the honorees are loving, caring leaders among us, even though they are, you might say, a little more seasoned. And that is good news for everyone. ~ Julie Murray

ANITA BEARDSELL

“Anita displays at all times a willingness to serve Christ in all persons,” says her nominator, Doris Holmes. “She is an example to everyone at Christ Church.”

Anita served as parish administrator for 22 years at Christ Church, Springfield. She also served as secretary to the vestry for every meeting during that time. Anita has also headed up the Prayer Chain, delivered soup and bread to sick parishioners, takes yarn to shut-in knitters and parishioners to doctor appointments. She started and maintains a group for single people of the parish called the Lunch Bunch, handling all the details, from choosing the restaurant, making reservations and notifying people of time and place, as well as offering rides to whoever may need it. Anita has served on vestry, and volunteers at the food pantry.

She’s a long-time member of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and the Altar Guild, dressing the chapel altar each week. She is also a member of the Peace and Patches quilting group at Christ Church.

In the community, Anita is a long-time member of Young Women's Mission in Springfield; volunteers weekly in the Nearly New shop (part of YWM); volunteers weekly at the Heritage House; ushers at the Kuss Auditorium; and has sung in two Boar's Head Festivals.

STUART COLLINS

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People are drawn to Stu Collins’ caring countenance and sly wit, says his nominator, but no one should overlook his depth of shareable knowledge as he participates in conversations, such as the Group Spiritual Direction group at St. Patrick's, Dublin.

Stuart was confirmed into the Episcopal Church in 1962. He and his wife Jill became parishioners at St. Patrick’s early on, and were a major supporter and contributor of time, talent and treasure in the early days of St. Pat’s. They sang in the choir for many years, and Stu continues as a Lay Reader. He coled the Alpha program at St. Pat's and served on several Faith Alive weekends.

Stu made a Cum Christo weekend in 1976. (Cum Christo is a Columbus-area ecumenical version of Cursillo). He was also on the team for the first Southern Ohio Episcopal Cursillo. Since then, he has met weekly with a group to share prayer, study and action.

He is also an active participant in the weekly and monthly prayer chain at St. Pat’s.

Stu's dedication to Kairos Prison Ministry began in 1997. He has served on 18 weekends at five different prisons, plus the follow up meetings for a year after each weekend. He has also served six years on the Advisory Committee for Kairos at Marion Correctional Institute. Since 2012 he also has been involved in the Embark Program for prisoners who are within a year of their release.

Now a retired physicist, Stu was part of the Fellowship of Christian Faculty and Staff at Ohio State University from 1994 to 2017. As part of that group, he participated in a two-week trip to St. Petersburg in Russia to spread the faith and help with Campus Crusade for Christ in colleges there.

BETTY CRICHTON

“If a picture of a woman of grace would be displayed in a dictionary, the picture would be that of Betty,” says her nominator, the Rev. Ruth Paulus. “Betty is the consummate lady, caring, kind, compassionate, and incredibly humble. Betty will not understand how she could be the recipient of this award. To those of us who know and love her, there is no better person to receive this honor!”

Over the years, Betty has been involved in many endeavors in service to the church and wider community. She has quilted for the St. Clare’s Creatures Comfort group at St. Christopher’s, Fairborn, and is a faithful member of Altar Guild.

She has been a choir member, been involved in ECW and supported any ongoing effort by the congregation. A true prayer warrior, Betty is part of the Prayer Chain, constantly praying for those who are in need or distress. And if one is sick, shut in or experiencing life challenges, you can expect to get an uplifting card from Betty to make you smile and lift your spirits.

Betty is a woman of profound faith, availing herself to education programs offered by the church; and never tires in her willingness to pray for others, read Scripture and further her understanding of her faith. Betty asks insightful questions about faith, scripture, and other topics relating to spirituality.

Although past 90, Betty continues steadfast in her execution of responsibilities with family, friends, and church. She gives selflessly without ever considering anything in exchange. Betty lives and loves life to the fullest. She sees the best in people, while realizing we all fall short of the mark. Betty offers a ready smile, a sincere hug, and a willing, open heart. She blesses young and old alike.

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MARY DEISMAN

Mary is a behind-the-scenes person, combining her keen eye for, and attention to, detail into a ministry for others and for the church. Serving as an office volunteer many years ago at Trinity, Troy, she streamlined and computerized the mailing list for the church, and collated, folded and stamped mailings with labels she had prepared. Mary also made large print hymnals for a sight-impaired parishioner, and weekly types the music for fellow choir musicians.

Mary has sung in the choir since the first Sunday she attended Trinity in 1962. She has served as chalice bearer, lay Eucharistic Visitor, and assistant treasurer. Currently she is a Lay reader, serves on the Worship Committee, continues to volunteer in the office, and continues in her enjoyment of capturing scenes of parish life and people with her camera. Her volunteer work has included helping at VBS and the Stepping Stone program for Head Start children transitioning to kindergarten. Presently she continues to volunteer for weekend railway trips in southern Indiana. Her compassion for others and her faith that shines through prayer and “making a joyful noise to the Lord”, are visible expressions of her devotion to Trinity and the Lord.

PHYLLIS DONOHOE

Faith, grace, service, and hospitality fully describe Phyllis. A cradle Episcopalian, she has served Trinity, Troy, as choir member, Sunday school teacher, convention delegate, convention volunteer, on altar guild and on vestry. She is currently serving on altar guild, the Fellowship Committee, and is a regular and enthusiastic participant in the weekly Sunday Forum.

Trinity supports the local Partners in Hope program, and Phyllis has offered numerous volunteer hours participating in their Circle program as an “ally”. She also is a caregiver for a family member. With “Anna-like” humility and service, Phyllis is also the Sunday morning church opener, coffee maker, greeter, and welcomer of supply priests.

Welcoming, faithful, and extremely prayerful and devout, she is the living example of God’s desire for humanity – to do what is fair and just to our neighbor, to be compassionate and loyal in our love, and walk with humility before our God.

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SALLY JOHNSON

Sally is involved in every activity at Epiphany, Urbana. She is known as the photographic “historian” at the church, and can be found snapping away at Easter Egg hunts, swim parties and Christmas parties, as well as monthly outreach meals, all church events, youth choir rehearsals and concerts. In addition, Sally is editor, photographer, and reporter for the Cluster Chronicle, the newsletter for the churches of the Northern Miami Valley Episcopal Cluster.

Sally is a tireless and staunch supporter and board member of the Champaign County Youth Choir since its inception. Her efforts have been instrumental in finding and contacting businesses and organizations in the community as funding sources. Her community involvement is legendary, having served on the planning committee for the Arts Affair, and as a member of the Champaign County Arts Council Board for thirty years. She volunteers for many groups doing fundraising, writing press releases, recruiting materials and newsletters for non-profit organizations.

A humble woman of deep faith and prayer, Sally’s daily readings of Scripture, devotionals, and journaling are critical to her well-being.

HAYWARD LEARN

Hayward is a very knowledgeable kid at heart, having a very childlike faith that is complex yet simple. He openly shares his love of the liturgy and the church with passion laced with a great deal of flare. He isn’t afraid to show joy in church. He is a hit with the kids and parents alike! Yet, his serious side shows a man of faith that is incredibly caring, sincere, engaged, principled and involved in the life of the church and community. A man of few words, the words he speaks are profound and thoughtful.

Hayward expends a great deal of time, talent and energy towards the youth of St. Christopher’s, Fairborn. Concerned with their spiritual formation, experientially and otherwise, he has organized trips to Mountain Top, Halloween parties, overnight lock-ins, canoe/camping trips and more. All are focused on not only fun, but how God works in and through these events. He is a ready support of the kids, but also, others in the congregation. He lends his talents in many areas to meet the many and varied needs of the community. A “Jack of all Trades” and master of many, he serves humbly and does not enjoy being in the spotlight.

Hayward proudly claims his Anglican/Episcopal roots, and meets with others for breakfast for spiritual fellowship. Truly a deep spiritual thinker, Hayward has solid insight into walking with God on a daily basis and how that informs his life interfacing with others.

Hayward engages in servant ministry in so many ways. He extends his efforts in all areas, not just that of congregational ministry. He does not meet a stranger. Others would know he is Christian by his love.

TELESA LEARN

Telesa readily shares her faith with others, and the faithfulness of God working in and through her life in its entirety. Telesa’s life has been multicultural in location and belief systems. She exhibits a lovely sensitivity and respect of various ways of looking at God and God’s activity, no matter what the prevalent culture would be.

Respect and honor is front and center with Telesa, of others and self.

Telesa is a “behind the scenes” person.

She is a “Martha” with a “Mary” heart. She tends to so many things around the church. She is very concerned about the welfare of others in the congregation and fearlessly stands up for social justice issues and what is right.

Telesa faithfully attends adult forums at St. Christopher’s and adds much to the discussion with insightful comments and questions. She sings in the choir and shares her talents with others through music. She often attends healing services and is a prayer warrior for those in distress or facing challenges. Over the years, she has tended to the gardens/ flower beds and indoor foliage at the church with loving care. If there is a function or event going on, you can always count on Telesa to be present and helping out. Service above self is how Telesa operates. She and her husband, Hayward, are engaged in civic events and concerns, not only in the congregation but also in the community at large.

DIANE ROBERTS

Diane is a true example of Christian witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her heart is full of compassion for the less fortunate, the disenfranchised, and the outcast.

During her many years as a social worker, she fought for the rights of women and the poor. Now in her retirement, she continues this good work in bringing Christ's love and light to the world. As a faithful and practicing Episcopalian, Diane truly lives out her Baptismal Covenant with zeal and compas-

sion.

Diane has created a program at All Saints, New Albany, called "Seasoned Saints," a support group for retirees and those aging.

The group gathers for Eucharist, a shared meal, and some form of activity or outing to build community, engage in outreach work, and support the parish. With her artistic talents, she also helped create the large Nativity scene at All Saints alongside of her carpenter husband, Jim. As faithful office volunteers, Diane and Jim also assist in the creation of the weekly bulletins. She is an active member on the All Saints Outreach Committee.

Diane partnered with members of Temple Beth Shalom, a reformed Jewish congregation that shares parking space with All

Saints, to facilitate a "Mitzvah Day" of good works, in which both congregations joined together to engage in outreach endeavors.

She is currently working with nearby Noor Mosque to create a bridge to the Muslim community as well.

Diane is a faithful disciple of prayer. She attends Sunday Eucharists, the Divine Office during the week, as well as Thursday night Eucharist. Her acts of love are brought forth from the wonderful life of prayer that she has. Her relationship to Jesus is clear and evident.

THE REV. DIANA SHIRLEY

“Deacon Diana Shirley is one of the most amazing disciples of Jesus Christ that I know,” says her nominator, the Rev. Jason Prati. “Her love and zealousness to serving the Lord and His people is tremendous. Her heart for service as a Deacon is evident and powerful. Not only does she fit the model for Deacon, but her life as a Christian is amazing and beautiful.”

Deacon Diana has developed and leads the Pastoral Care Team at All Saints, New Albany. She is quick to assist when someone is in need, either physically or spiritual. Calls, visits, setting up transportation for elderly parishioners, coordinating food drop-offs, creating many prayer shawls and reaching out to family members of sick parishioners are just some of the ways in which Deacon Diana assists those in need. She also leads the Sunday school program coordinating volunteers and teachers, assisting in the redevelopment of the Sunday School curriculum, and even teaches classes herself.

As a certified spiritual director, Deacon Diana is assisting many candidates in the diocese who are discerning vocations to the diaconate or priesthood. She is a person of deep prayer. Her passion for ministry is fueled by her prayer life and relationship with Jesus Christ.

Deacon Diana never wants to be the center of attention. She quietly works in the Lord's Vineyard in humility and kindness. She does what she does because of Christ and her love for Him and His Church.

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ST. ANDREW’S

A church involved in the neighborhood

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here’s a lot of going out into the Evanston neighborhood at St. Andrew’s, Cincinnati. Here are just a few recent examples: Parishioners from St. Andrew’s, along with the Hope Coalition, are involved in building with Habitat for Humanity.

The plan for a new home is underway, starting soon.

Parishioners were involved in Classical Roots 2017, a Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and church partnership fundraising event in early May. The program allowed churches to get additional funding whenever anyone used a code to buy tickets to the annual concert, a celebration of African

St. Andrew's parishioners in their purple garb for Precious Purple Sunday.

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American musical heritage. St. Andrew’s had several members who sang in the community choir featured at the concert.

“Precious Purple Sunday,” under the umbrella of the First Ladies for Health and Cradle Cincinnati, was held in late March. On that Sunday, parishioners wore purple outfits to church to raise awareness for infant mortality. This event was also an ecumenical ministry with Christ Temple Baptist Church in Evanston.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Women (ECW) organized Friends and Family Day at St. Andrew’s. What a joy to see many friends and families worshipping in an Episcopal

Workers and guests at the ECW sponsored book fair.

Church that day!

The 2017 Evanston Community Memorial Parade had a contingency of parishioners from St. Andrew’s. Fliers were distributed from the various ministries, inviting residents to events at church, such as the pantry and to worship at St. Andrew’s.

St. Andrew’s also continues to support Community Blend Coffee Shop about one-and-a-half blocks from the church.

One of the employees of the coffee shop occasionally attends Sunday service at St. Andrew’s.

The church is involved in Campus Ministry with Xavier University. Students have attended services, and some parishioners have attended special services at the university’s Bellarmine Chapel. Additionally, St. Andrew’s is involved with the NEXUS garden, a program that offers plots to residents in Norwood, Evanston, and throughout the Xavier community.

Produce from the garden is harvested and shared with the St. Andrew’s pantry.

St. Andrew’s hosted the “Start Me” program, an accelerated program sponsored by Xavier University, Evanston Community Council, Port Authority and other organizations.

The program is an intensive 15-week accelerated course, covering all aspects of operating a business, which provides training and support for the most promising micro entrepreneurs in the Evanston community. The program was intended to accommodate 15 businesses. Other sponsors of this program include

PNC Bank, BB&T Bank, the Neighborhood of Evanston, and the Community Building Institute. At the graduation, graduates were offered an opportunity to come to St. Andrew’s on one Sunday to tell us about their business.

St. Andrew’s marked World AIDS Day Dec. 1 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. This was a resource for community improvement and health education.

St. Andrew’s held a Book Fair in May, sponsored by St. Andrew’s ECW. Through a partnership between the ECW and the Evanston Community Recreation Center, the fair is part of the ECW outreach program. “Books Unplugged” was the theme of the fair for youth, the premise being to persuade students in the Evanston community to unplug themselves from their electronic devices for a period and reconnect to the written words or pictures in books. A commitment to the priority of reading and education inspired this initiative, and the fair offered a multitude of alternatives to reach for, while piquing the children's interest and elevating their imaginations. The book fair received generous donations of hundreds of gently used books and new books featuring various genres and subject matter. As a result of the success of this offering, another book fair will be held in the fall. ~ Submitted by the Rev. John Agbaje and Vicki Washington, 17 St. Andrew's, Evanston 17

The congregation of St. St. Luke’s Anglican Mission in Mérida, Mexico.

EXPLORING new friendship with neighbors afar

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everal parishioners at Church of the Good Shepherd, Athens, have had ties to the city of Mérida, Mexico, capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán. They discovered, over a period of several years, the lack of an Anglican or Episcopal congregation where they could worship while they were in Mérida. After several short-lived attempts by Canadian and US expatriate residents and winter visitors to establish an Anglican presence in that city, an Anglican mission at last became a reality in 2016.

At first, they attended the Eucharist celebrated according to the Roman Catholic rite in English at one of the colonial, downtown churches. Fr. José Vieira, a bilingual Roman Catholic priest, celebrated for that community.

However, Fr. Vieira felt called to serve as a priest in the Anglican Communion, and decided to leave the

Roman church. The Anglican Church in Mexico, specifically the Diocese of Southeastern Mexico, agreed, and in March 2017, Fr. Vieira formally became a priest in the Anglican Communion. Fr. Vieira’s assignment is to serve as Priest-inCharge of the newly formed St. Luke’s Anglican Mission in Mérida.

Under Fr. Vieira’s dynamic leadership the congregation not only reaches out to the expat and visitor communities but also to an ever increasing number of Mexicans who have chosen to follow Christ as practiced in the Anglican tradition. For the present, St Luke’s meets in the home of one of the parishioners, but soon will take residence in a building of its own.

St Luke’s offers two celebrations of the Holy Eucharist each Sunday, one in English and another in Spanish. Attendance for both services numbers well over 30. There are two youth groups, one for teenagers and another for young adults.

They have a website (https://www.stlukesmerida.org) and a Facebook page (St. Luke’s Anglican Mission in Merida).

In the summer of 2016, a parishioner at Good Shepherd who lives part of the year in Mérida asked that Good Shepherd donate any extra prayer books and hymnals to St Luke’s.

Some 25 prayer books and 25 hymnals were gathered and sent to the church. There had also been a request that Good Shepherd seek to form a relationship of some kind with the mission in Mérida. In early May 2017, when another of St. Luke’s congregants was visiting members of her family that had just moved to Athens, she met with the Rev. Deborah Woolsey, Priest-in-Charge at Good Shepherd, and with Dr. David Burton, parishioner at Good Shepherd and retired professor of Spanish at Ohio University (OU) who had directed a Spanish-language study abroad in Mérida for more than twenty years.

The reason for the meeting was to explore the possibility of St Luke’s and Good Shepherd forming a more formal friendship/relationship since ties between the two already exist.

Given the great distances that separate Anglican missions and/or parishes in Mexico, the state of non-Roman Catholic denominations in Mexico and the fact that many members of St Luke’s are Episcopalians, their desire has been to have close contact with an Episcopal church in the US in order to share our common bonds.

The vestry of Good Shepherd unanimously agreed to explore further the possibility of forming a relationship. To that end, Fr. Vieira and the Bishop’s Committee of St Luke’s have invited a small group from Good Shepherd to visit them to begin to form the relationship and to share in our common Episcopal bonds. At present, plans are to send a small, intergenerational group of Good Shepherd parishioners and OU students to Mérida for about a week in January 2018, with the purpose of

Fr. José Vieira offered a public foot washing on Maundy Thursday in downtown Mérida. meeting, getting to know one another, sharing our commonlyheld Anglican/Episcopal values and the Eucharist with our sisters and brothers at St Luke’s. Good Shepherd will reciprocate with an invitation to a group from St Luke’s to visit Athens at a future date.

David Burton is a member of Good Shepherd, Athens, and facilitated the meeting between Good Shepherd and St. Luke’s.

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Morning Chapel

Gabriel helping distribute tooth brushes for morning brushing.

THE FACE OF GOD

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As I write this, I've only been back from Honduras for a matter of hours.

The sights, smells and stories of the children of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, are so fresh in my mind that the developed world I live in seems like the fantasy while the developing world of Honduras seems like the reality.

I wasn't sure what to expect when flying into the country with the highest murder rate in the world. But there I was, landing in Tegucigalpa with my entire family. The city is in the mountains. From the tiny airplane windows, it looks beautiful. Gorgeous mountain ranges with trees as far as the eye can see. After we land, I realize that it's hot.

It's overcrowded. It's loud. There are guards with semi-automatic weapons in front of stores. There are wild dogs with protruding ribs that you can't pet for fear of rabies. There are shacks comprised of random pieces of wood and corrugated metal with dirt floors that are people’s homes. There are tiny children begging in the streets. There are adults begging. People look at you as you pass

them on the streets with eyes filled with despair. And then there's El Hogar.

For those of you who don't already know, El Hogar is an Episcopal school and home that has been serving impoverished children in Honduras since 1979.

Although they get support from many different funding sources, the people and the congregations of the Diocese of Southern Ohio are among their largest supporters.

El Hogar is completely surrounded by an immense wall. On top of the wall is a chain link fence. On top of the chain link fence is barbed wire. These precautions are not to keep the children in, but to keep strangers out. When you pull up to the gate and beep your horn, a guard looks to see who you are and then opens the gate for you. Once inside the walls of the El Hogar compound, the gates shut behind you and then there is a sense of peace and welcome.

That's not to say there isn’t chaos and commotion associated with a hundred happy smiling children all wanting your attention, but these happy children's

faces are as close to seeing the face of God that I've ever experienced. Erika Skafel, who is on the staff of El Hogar, said to us the first day, "there's a lot of happiness within these walls." I'm not sure that any truer words have ever been spoken.

There is happiness and hope everywhere you look at El Hogar. Up to this point, I've only been talking about the elementary school, which is in downtown Tegucigalpa. There are three other El Hogar locations with different programs for the children after they graduate from elementary school. There is a girl's program where they attend high school, and there are two boy’s programs; an agricultural school and a technical school.

Since my return from El Hogar, there are so many stories I keep thinking about. One story that has remained at the top of my mind is Gabriel’s story.

René Gabriel came to El Hogar when he was seven. He and his older brother had been living on the streets, collecting plastic to recycle for money and eating whatever they could find. Gabriel’s older

Uniforms on and waiting for class to begin.

Above: Everybody does their own laundry and there are no electric washing machines.

A student's home.

Left: Everyone has chores.

Below: One of three resident cats.

brother has severe learning disabilities and other special needs. At age seven, Gabriel was his sole caregiver.

A gang was trying to lure young Gabriel in, promising protection and a home for him and his brother. But Gabriel knew, even at seven years old, that he didn’t want the lifestyle of being in a gang. Thankfully, Gabriel had heard about El Hogar on the streets so he made the decision to try to get himself and his brother in.

He found out where El Hogar was and he and his brother walked for miles to reach it. He knocked on the gate until the guard heard them and let them in.

El Hogar took Gabriel and his brother in. If you'd go to El Hogar today, five years later, you'd hardly believe this was a kid who had been living out of dumpsters when he was seven. Today, all you would see was a happy, confident, and capable young man with a broad smile who mentors the younger students and has a knack for sensing whenever anyone needs help with anything. He is the most capable boy I have ever met. You'd see a young man with a bright future who wants to study history and be a mathematician. There is no doubt in my mind that he will accomplish anything he sets out to do.

El Hogar would be an incredible place if it were just for Gabriel’s story alone, but its not just Gabriel’s story. It's Juan's story, it’s Anna Nicole’s story, it’s John Carlos’ story, it’s Yener’s story and the stories of thousands of other children who have been passed through El Hogar and been given hope, love and a bright future for nearly 40 years. El Hogar is truly the presence of Christ in Honduras.

David Dreisbach serves as Director of Communications for the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Contact him at ddreisbach@diosohio.

Bearing Fruit that Endures “B

PIMIL 8th annual event July 22

earing Fruit that Endures” (John 15:16) is the theme for Partners-in-Ministry-in-Liberia (PIMIL)’s Eighth Annual International Luncheon and Silent Auction Fundraising event, scheduled for Saturday, July 22 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at St. John's, Worthington. This theme is “good news” to the keynote speaker of the event, the Rev. Dr. Lee Anne Reat, Vicar of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Columbus, and hopefully to all who will attend this yearly event.

It is good news indeed when one reflects on the ministry of PIMIL since it was started 21 years ago. Initially referred to as “The Liberian Ministry” of St. Matthew’s,

Westerville from 1998 to 2004, the name was changed to PIMIL in order to invite the collaborative efforts of others in ministry. PIMIL is an educational outreach ministry, focusing on underprivileged and disenfranchised Liberian families. The need for the ministry arose from the devastating 14-year Liberian civil war (1989-2004) that plummeted the masses. The average daily income fell below the poverty level of less than $1.90 a day as defined by the United Nations Development Program.

PIMIL has always been producing “fruit” that endures, as evidenced by its scholarship assistance program to children from kindergarten through high school. In addition,

Rufus Lawrence Kelly, an early beneficiary of a PIMIL scholarship.

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sponsors provide financial assistance to students to achieve career goals in nursing. PIMIL has contributed to the medical needs of the country by sponsoring six nurses, including a degreed Muslim student. A graduate student in nursing of the academic year 2015-2016 wrote: “This is Antonia Moore, your sponsored student of PIMIL. I have graduated from Smythe Institute of Management and Technology in nursing 2016. I now work at the Foya District clinic in Lofa County. Your support [toward] my education was very meaningful.” Thanks very much.

The scholarship assistance offered by PIMIL has grown phenomenally. In the 2004-2005 school year, PIMIL had 10 sponsors offering financial assistance of $3,900 to 33 students and graduated four students. Fourteen years later, PIMIL has 75 sponsors and donors, offering $34,000 to 156 students! PIMIL has sponsored 1,500 students over the years.

At last year’s fundraising event at St. John’s, Worthington, the keynote speaker, Rufus Lawrence Kelly, was one of the first beneficiaries of the PIMIL scholarship program. Rufus, now in his early thirties, gave an eloquent testimony of how the scholarship he received from PIMIL for six years allowed him to finish high school and then earn his BA in Sociology from the African Methodist Episcopal University in Liberia. As a sociologist employed by the Liberian government’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Rufus was in charge of training local leaders, “helping [rural dwellers] on how to solve problems collectively.” As a recipient of a World Learning USAID scholarship, Rufus also studied at the University of Ghana in 2013. In 2014, through the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) Communication for Development Program, Rufus was employed as a trainer to disseminate preventative health information in rural communities during the fight against the deadly Ebola virus.

Rufus conveyed to the audience how he had applied himself toward achieving his dream of working in rural communities in Liberia.

PIMIL’s mission through education is: • Demonstrating Jesus’ love • Restoring hope • Transforming lives • Enabling dreams • Helping to rebuild Liberia •Fulfilling the United Nations’ 16 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2012 PIMIL has contributed to the increase of literacy from 12.5% to 60.8% over the last 10 years. The goal of the fundraising is to raise $10,000. These funds will allow PIMIL to support more Ebola orphans in school, of which there are over 2,000.

The current sponsorship of 156 students includes 65 Ebola orphans of the epidemic year of 2014-2015. PIMIL’s goal is to support 100 Ebola orphans.

Attendees enjoying last year's International Luncheon.

The fundraising event offers a truly quality family outing affair.

The event has received rave reviews from the guests. The menu of American and Liberian foods consists of lasagna, tossed salad and bread, spinach greens on rice, Jollof rice with mixed vegetables, rice bread and fried plantains and ginger beer (non-alcoholic). Guests have commented on the spinach greens, “I come purposefully for the greens!” New on this year’s menu is the Liberian donut. There will be many desserts and take home of leftovers – therefore bring a take-home container if you wish! Activities include intercultural experiences of praying the Lord’s Prayer in Vai, a Liberian language, learning the Liberian handshake and donning the head wrap for the women. The children’s activities are interactive, with the “African drum circle” and decorating a game board to take home. There will be an international cookie table, a silent auction of exotic quilts and Liberian burlap, a raffle and Make-an-Offer items. There are activities for all to appreciate and memories that will endure! Attire: casual, Hawaiian, African.

Tickets to the International Luncheon are $15 adults and $5 for children. Do join us in any way possible by your presence or through a much appreciated donation. Make checks out to: St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. In the memo indicate: PIMIL fundraising. Address: St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 30 East College Avenue, Westerville, OH 43081. PIMIL is a ministry through St. Matthew’s and operates under the church’s 501c3.

The Rev. Abby Flemister is a retired priest at St. Matthew’s, Westerville. She also serves as PIMIL Director. Contact Abby at aflemister@insight. rr.com.

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Kindness, simplicity and joy For over a century, the motto of the Community of the Transfiguration has been ‘Benignitas, Simplicitas, Hilaritas, or Kindness, Simplicity, Joy.’ Founded on the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6) in 1898, the vision of foundresses Mother Eva Mary and Sister Beatrice Martha was to pattern the Community after the life of Mary and Martha of Bethany. Since then, the Sisters and those who are part of the extended Community have focused their lives of service on underserved areas of the world.

The first home of the Community was in the city of Cincinnati, not far from St. Luke's where Mother Eva's brother was rector. They worked with mothers and children and it was from this ministry that Bethany Home grew. In the summer of 1898, the present Convent property was purchased in Glendale – ‘out in the country’ and away from the city’s polluted air – and the Sisters and children moved.

In the early years the children at Bethany Home attended public schools, until the Sisters added a school building, St. Faith, on the Glendale property. Later, Bethany Home became Bethany School, a boarding school for girls, and in 1976 it became a day school for girls and boys. Today Bethany School is the only Episcopal Day School for ages K - 8 in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

Throughout the years the Sisters who have been part of this Community have extended the love of God across the globe. As the community grew, branch houses furthered the work of the Community. From China and Japan to the Dominican Republic and Lincoln Heights in Cincinnati, the Sisters have engaged in the ministries of education and health.

Although Sr. Priscilla and Sr. Jean Gabriel recently returned to Cincinnati as year-round residents after

MINISTRIES THROUGHOUT THE YEARS 1898 Glendale Ohio, Bethany Home 1908 Bat Cave, NC 1911 Cleveland, Ohio, St. John's Orphanage 1914 China, St. Lioba’s School 1918 Oahu, Hawaii, St. Andrew’s School 1906 Glendale Ohio, St. Edmund's School for boys.

1931 St. Simon of Cyrene Church, Lincoln Heights, (Cincinnati), Ohio Parish work, school, community center 1943 San Mateo and St. Dorothy’s Rest, Camp Meeker, California, schools and parish work 1945 Puerto Rico, jail ministry, youth center 1955 Sendai, Japan, Education 1957 Glendale, Ohio, St. Mary's Memorial Home (nursing home) 1967 Texas, Holy Family School and St. Philip's School 1979 Lincolnton, North Carolina, retreat house 1980 Ferndale then Eureka, California, West Coast Ministry 1983 San Pedro de Marcoris, Dominican Republic, childcare, Centro Buen Pastor School 2010 Glendale, Ohio, Transfiguration Spirituality Center, retreat center 2011 Tabor Ministry, Butler Ohio

more than two decades of branch-house service, the Sisters’ school and children’s health ministry of Centro Buen Pastor in San Pedro de Marcoris, Dominican Republic, still thrives.

Now under the leadership of local clergy and laity, it receives ongoing support from the Sisters. Many of the children, who have grown up in the challenging neighborhood where Centro Buen Pastor is located, have grown up to finish high school and college.

Closer to home, the Sisters have had a ministry in the Lincoln Heights area since the 1930s. The Sisters of the Community of the Transfiguration support and sustain St. Monica’s Recreation Center in Lincoln Heights.

Over 300 children are given a safe place where they can gather under supervision after school and during the summer. Youngsters have an opportunity to play, learn and grow; and during the summer, small groups of children go to Tabor Cottage in Butler, Ohio, where Sisters Nadine and Rachel oversee a week of country living with their young guests.

As part of the ministry of hospitality offered by the Community today, the Transfiguration Spirituality Center (TSC) opens its doors to individuals and groups from all faith traditions as well as to secular groups who seek a place apart for meetings or workshops. Two or three times a year TSC sponsors retreat leaders (The Rt. Rev. Katherine Jefferts-Schori is coming in the fall) and welcomes both overnight and commuting guests to participate in reflection and conversation. The Sisters are delighted when local clergy take advantage of the ‘priest apartment’ on campus to come away for a few days of quiet or study. When diocesan or congregational groups come to the Spirituality Center for retreats and time away from the busy-ness of life, they often participate with the Sisters in their daily prayer and worship, enhancing the experience for the Sisters as well as the guests.

From the beginning, Associates of the Community have been supportive of the Sisters’ ministry through their prayer and fellowship. In 2004 after prayer and consideration, the first Oblates were received. Oblates are men or women, married or single, who have a call to the religious life but live in the world. Associates and Oblates continue to be

received, and encompass individuals from all walks of life. Sr. Jacqueline oversees the connections with the Associates, and Sr. Diana and Sr. Priscilla engage with the Oblates and those actively engaged in and considering the Oblature.

In all aspects of the Sisters life and ministry, the unifying theme is the love of Christ.

The essential work of the Sisters is the work of prayer. No matter how the works vary, the life of each Sister and of the Community as a whole is centered around the daily Eucharist, the Offices and times of private prayer, meditation and study. As Mother Eva wrote so long ago, “The vision of the King in his beauty is given that the light may shine through us and guide others to know, love and glorify him.”

Some of the staff at St. Monica's Recreation Center, a ministry of the Community of the Transfiguration.

Photos by Faith Lang.

For information about upcoming Transfiguration Spirituality Center events, visit www.ctretreats.org, or call 513.771.2171.

For information about the Community of the Transfiguration, visit www.ctsisters.org, or call 513.771.5291.

The Rev. Anne Reed serves as Director of Engagement at Transfiguration Spirituality Center. Contact Anne at ctretreats@gmail.com.

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The Rev. Katharin Foster, the Rev. Deborah Woolsey and Elizabeth Thompson offer Ashes to Go to the people of the Ohio University community. Ashes to Go is growing into one of the most effective ministries at Church of the Good Shepherd.

CAMPUS MINISTRY

Touching the future by being

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Christ Present

An opinion piece published in the Washington Post boldly predicted there are only 23 Easters left for mainline churches. (If it doesn't stem its decline, mainline Protestantism has just 23 Easters left, Acts of Faith, Perspective, April 28, 2017) When I saw this title on my Facebook newsfeed, I couldn't help it – I took the click bait and read the article written by Ed Stetzer, a former Episcopalian turned Evangelical. His opinion that mainline churches such as the Episcopal Church have only 23

Easters left is based on the data that is certainly no secret and shows a steady decadeslong decline in membership and attendance in mainline denominations nationwide.

According to the trend as he saw it, Stetzer noticed the decline will bottom out in 23 years, when the numbers will hit zero and there won't be anyone left to celebrate Easter, or Christmas for that matter.

While the author captured my attention with his title, his prescribed method of halting or reversing the decline didn't resonate with me. I am in the unique position where I am both a parish priest and participate in campus ministry. When I first started at Church of the Good Shepherd, located in the heart of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, I had no formal training in campus ministry.

This meant I had no idea what I was supposed to do – so instead I set out to explore the campus and figure out what I could do.

This has led to engaging interactions with students, faculty, and staff.

I've listened, learned, and walked spiritually with people from all over the world who are at OU. I've had the honor to hear about the struggles students and professors have, how they are facing those struggles, and how participating in worship services at Church of the Good Shepherd is one way they are finding peace, community, healing and inspiration to make the world a better place.

The connections and relationships that have emerged from such encounters have been hopeful and inspiring to me, as I've met people with deep yearning, curiosity and faith.

I've learned a great deal about perseverance from an art student who is creating images to help people understand PTSD, not only to increase awareness, but to help in her own healing process and encourage others who suffer illnesses. I've listened to a good, creative, innovative student who had to transfer because he can't afford tuition at OU tell me how one of the best parts of his time here was the open chapel at Church of the Good Shepherd, where he could spend time reading and contemplating the Gospel. I've watched a skeptical agnostic discover the love

of God and hungrily embrace that love.

I am not the only person doing this important work of campus ministry in the diocese. We also have campus ministers in Cincinnati, Columbus and Oxford – meeting students and faculty where they are, walking with them, making connections and growing closer to God and each other. Every campus minister has powerful stories to tell of the work they are doing, and how they see Christ in the people they encounter.

Our numbers of engagement are not large, but we are all having meaningful encounters where we see growth, transformation and the love of God in each other.

Campus Ministry may not look like it did in the past, but thanks to the dedication and work of campus ministers in this diocese, it is still reaching out, welcoming and going out to meet campus communities where they are to show them God is present.

The Washington Post opinion piece, while clearly intended to be a warning, made me realize something about campus ministry I hadn't before. Campus ministry reaches out and touches the future through the relationships it is forming here in the present – which gives me hope; and I believe there will be many more than 23 Easters for the Church to celebrate. I am grateful for the colleagues who share in this work and inspire me everyday, and for the active support of the Diocese of Southern Ohio that makes campus ministry a priority by providing the financial means to help support these ministries through Campus Ministry grants. Together we are Christ Present to all generations.

The Rev. Deborah Woolsey is Priest-in-Charge at Church of the Good Shepherd, Athens, and Convener of the Campus Ministry Collaborative in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

Learn more about the unique campus ministries the diocese supports on the diocese website.

Downtowners Campus Ministry receives Episcopal Church program grant A total of $127,358 has been awarded to 15 recipients of the Episcopal Church 2017 Young Adult and Campus Ministry grants. Young Adult and Campus Ministry Grants provide funding for dioceses, congregations, and community college/tribal college/ university campuses that are doing or seek to do ministry with young adults on and off college campuses.

“These grants help the Episcopal Church live into an expanded understanding of what it means to be in ministry with young adults on and off college campuses,” said the Rev. Shannon Kelly, Officer for Young Adult and Campus Ministries. “This is a growing ministry, one that shows the church how to engage mission and the Jesus Movement in new, innovative ways.”

Three Leadership Grants and 12 Program Grants were awarded to 13 dioceses.

Leadership Grants will start or reinvigorate young adult and campus ministry initiatives. Program Grants provide seed money to assist in the start-up of new and innovative campus ministries or to enhance a current initiative.

The Downtowners received a $1,700 program grant to continue their ministry with students from all of the colleges and universities located in downtown Columbus.

Learn more at downtownersministry.org.

Benevolent backpacks T

he backpack, one of the oldest and most basic contrivances for carting things from one place to another, has become a vehicle for conveying love and understanding to some of our community’s most vulnerable children.

The Church of the Epiphany, Urbana, and the Church of Our Saviour, Mechanicsburg, operating as the Northern Miami Valley Episcopal Cluster, learned that many children are placed in foster care with nothing of their own. They are parted from parents and often the only home they have ever known, empty-hearted and empty-handed.

After seeing schoolchildren transport books and supplies to class in canvas bags strapped to their backs, our vestries conceived the idea of filling backpacks with personal items and gifts for children entering foster homes. Bright-colored or drab, plain or splashed with trendy designs, the backpacks would not only address practical needs, but would let children know that, in addition to their new families, they have friends who are thinking of them and who care deeply about their feelings.

Members of Epiphany took the idea to Stacy Cox, director of Champaign County Job and Family Services, and got the go-ahead to begin a program. The next week, the venture was explained to the parish congregations and everyone was told that just twenty dollars would buy and fill a bag. Envelopes were placed in strategic locations for donations to help fund the initiative. Over $100 was collected that Sunday.

Bags were purchased and filled with grooming supplies,

Father Don Duford blesses some of the first of the completed bags.

Viewing with satisfaction the well-filled backpacks are, l to r: Stacy Cox, Director, Champaign County Job and Family Services; John Wing, Senior Warden, Our Saviour; Diane Kremer, Senior Warden, Epiphany; and Father Don Duford, Cluster Priest-in-Charge. books, crayons and coloring books, journals and pens, a cozy stuffed friend and a soft cotton, quilt-style blanket, assembled and contributed by those incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women at Marysville. Bags and contents were tailored to age and gender. Soon, the first batch of backpacks was sent off to be distributed, each one blessed by the Rev. Don Duford, Cluster Priest-in-Charge.

Since then, the two parishes have raised hundreds of dollars for the ongoing project and have gathered on several occasions to fill bags. The most recent work session followed a combined Sunday morning worship service and potluck meal at Our Saviour in late April. Eighteen backpacks were prepared, this time for children in adjacent Logan County where Cynthia Heffner of Epiphany is director of Job and Family Services. She noted that there are about 130 youngsters in Logan County currently living with foster families or waiting for a home.

JFS Director Cox also attended the combined service and praised the Cluster for the concept and its heartwarming benefits, saying, “Your generosity means more than you can ever know.”

She spoke emotionally of witnessing backpack treasures ease the distress of young children experiencing this wrenching separation. She watched in tears as one little fellow comforted his younger siblings with the contents of his bag.

With that picture ever before them, it’s likely that benevolent backpacks will become a permanent part of the Cluster’s mission to serve our community with the mind of Christ.

Sally Johnson is a retired journalist and member of Epiphany, Urbana. She has edited the Cluster Chronicle, a monthly publication of NMVEC, which includes the Church of Our Saviour in Mechanicsburg, for six years.

BETHANY A

a branch of the Jesus Movement

s the students of Bethany School leave campus for the summer and head back to communities throughout Greater Cincinnati, we hope that they take some things with them. We hope that they take all that they have learned and experienced in our classrooms. We hope that they take good memories of fun and friendship. We hope that they take that one green shoe that has been in the lost and found since August! But most of all, we hope that they take with them a sense of God’s love made real in this special community.

As the only Episcopal School in the state of Ohio and one of the few in the Midwest, Bethany School faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities as we attempt to witness to the Good News of God’s love in a way that is authentically rooted in our Episcopal identity, yet also honors the religious, cultural, and socio-economic diver-

sity of our community. The academic study of religion is part of this process, as is the witness of the Sisters of the Transfiguration, who founded the school as a place of hope and continues to be a visible presence on our campus.

Perhaps most of all it is in the daily practices of prayer, worship, service and care for each other, especially in the midst of the challenges of a school day, that our individual and collective identity is formed. This means that when conflicts arise, when individuals fall short of goals or when successes are celebrated, we seek to approach these moments with a commitment to the Gospel values of forgiveness, reconciliation, encouragement and humility.

As an Episcopal school, we attempt to teach not to but rather out of our tradition.

This means that whatever the religious or spiritual background of our students, while they are with us they will hear and

hopefully experience the powerful truth that each of us is a creation of a loving, empowering God. Knowing this helps shape what we believe about ourselves, and how we treat others. We attempt to teach this lesson for the sake of our students, but not for theirs alone. Our hope is that they will leave our campus having experienced authentic Christian community and will be able to respond to that experience by serving as witnesses to the good news of God’s love wherever their summer journeys take them.

In this way we are, to paraphrase former Bethany chaplain and current Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, part of the Episcopal School branch of the Jesus movement!

Joe Snavely serves as Chaplain at Bethany School. Contact him at snavely@bethanyschool.org.

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Goodness and good news for kids at Procter

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It’s Friday evening, and the Madison County Ride van pulls up to Procter. Inside are three boys who are not sure where they are or if they want to be here. Their parents come in and get their paperwork filled out and soon they are on their way.

This is Respite Care, a new program at Procter. We have begun working with Madison County Jobs and Family Services to provide respite care for children whose family may be struggling with a variety of issues. The goal is to give the parents a little break to work on their own issues, so that the family can stay together. The children come to Procter once a month on a Friday and stay through breakfast on Sunday.

We have two great staff folks to work with the kids this weekend, Luke and Curtis. The boys are very quiet and it takes a bit to draw them out. Then we go to the dining hall and they see all that great food and begin to relax as we have dinner. Many fun activities are planned for the weekend, and despite the cold they want to do it all – fishing, hiking, basketball and of course, a campfire with s’mores.

On Saturday night the kids help prepare their own dinner, and savor each bit a little more as they learn to make lasagna.

It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and the boys painted flowerpots and presented them on Sunday. Each activity that is planned is purposeful and the results are beginning to show.

After the last Respite Care weekend this spring, one of the boys asked Luke if he had to wait a whole month to see him again. Luke reached out to Madison County and is now able to meet with the boy and his father on a regular basis, through their Wraparound Care program. The child will also be joining us at camp this summer and he can’t wait to see Curtis again and really experience all Procter has to offer with the pool and

lake and other summertime favorites.

We have made a positive impact on that child and his family as we followed Jesus into our neighborhood. We are making a concerted effort to reach out to our neighbors in Madison County so that we can serve them at Procter. I attended a Town Hall meeting on drug addiction and learned first-hand the toll that it is taking on the citizens and ultimately the children in our community. We have reached out to offer the camp experience to children who have lost a parent to drug addiction. These will not be our first campers with this experience.

This message was recently shared with us as we work with congregations to make sure that we can get kids to camp: "These poor kids live on the edge. They are children who come to our free community dinner. Their mother died of a drug overdose and they are cared for by their 70-year-old grandmother who lives on Social Security. Last year as I understand it, [campers name] went to Procter for the first time. It turned his life around, according to his grandmother. He went (to camp) hardly speaking and withdrawn. He came back smiling, talking and playing. She called it a miracle." He’s returning this summer with three siblings.

There is goodness all around us. We welcome each of you to come and experience the joy of God’s love at Procter.

Amy Boyd serves as Executive Director at Procter Center. You can contact her at aboyd@proctercenter.org.

Finding our good news

B

THROUGH LISTENING

ishop Breidenthal has named Jean Cotting as interim coordinator of the Listening Project committee.

She replaces the Rev. Karl Stevens, who now serves as Director of Children and Youth at St. John’s, Worthington.

Over the last two years, the Listening Project committee, continuing on conversations that began at the 141st diocesan convention, has identified nine common areas of mission – Affinity Groups – about which our congregations have energy and passion: •Prison Ministry •Advocacy & Community Development •Mission Trips •Serving Meals •Hospitality & Sharing Space •Youth •Homelessness and Housing •Education •Farms & Gardens

The committee has also conducted a multitude of interviews about missional activity in several congregations around the diocese to learn of the various ways we are reaching out to and engaging with our communities. What is working, and what isn’t – where are we having successes? What approaches are working, and what lessons have been learned from initiatives that haven’t worked out? What are the areas that we’d like to expand into – and what resources are needed to be able to make it happen?

During this time of transition, Cotting will help the committee reflect on this work and begin planning a future course of action.

“Our hope for this transitional phase of the project is to help lay the groundwork and provide a base of information for Bishop Breidenthal and our community leaders as they set about the task of more

formally articulating our diocesan vision and aspirations for moving into the future and defining who we want to become as a people of faith,” said Cotting. “We particularly hope to provide useful supplemental information from our collection of data to the Exodus Convocation this fall.”

Cotting adds, “As part of my work on this committee, I’ve had the opportunity to get to work with a number of very fine people both in my own local community in Columbus and across the diocese. On behalf of Karl and myself, I would like to thank the congregations that have participated in the interview process, and our committee members for all their work in bringing the project this far. I look forward to keeping you updated as we bring more clearly into focus our vision of how we in Southern Ohio will grow and develop as vital participants in the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.”

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TASTES OF GOODNESS NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

As a small mission church, a major part of the Church of the Good Samaritan, Amelia, reason for being is to be willing to offer a helping hand to neighbors in need. One of the programs our congregation has come together to support is providing a free dinner on the last Friday of each month to anyone in the community who wants to attend.

We did this for several reasons, one of which was to meet and get to know better the people who call our community home. Another reason is to have the opportunity to serve a hot meal at a time in the month where it would help many of our senior guests stretch an already tight budget.

As time passed, our community dinners grew. Now, a main problem with success for a mission church with very limited resources is that the more successful you become, the more chance there is for you to not be able to afford to continue the program. But God does provide.

Recently we experienced this in the form of aid offered by the employees of Texas Roadhouse’s Milford location. The people who work there share our feelings about community service. When we thought we would have to discontinue our program, or at least scale it back, Texas Roadhouse stepped in and gave us the additional resources to continue the program at the same level that our guests have become used to.

Because of our community dinners we have gotten to know the Texas Roadhouse folks through their actions. To them, community outreach is not just words, but an attitude. That is why we at Good Samaritan welcome Texas Roadhouse as one of our new community partners, willing to help those less fortunate in our neighborhood.

Submitted by Charles Buhler

PADDOCK COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD HONOREE

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Church of the Good Samaritan members Bryan Hosler (middle) and Laura Pemberton accept a food donation of bread and salad from Managing Partner Brian Kutcher of the Texas Roadhouse located in Milford, Ohio.

The Rev. John Paddock was awarded a Cardinal Bernadin Community Service Award

by St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church at a banquet held on June 11. The 10 honorees of the 2017 award represent individuals who have given of themselves through their community service and faithful dedication to their church. The awards are named for Cardinal Joseph Louis Bernardin, who served as Archbishop of the Cincinnati Archdiocese, and as a Bishop and Cardinal of Chicago.

HONORING MINISTRY TO LATINO COMMUNITY

Carlos and Glenda de Jesús were honored for their nine years of leading ministry within the Latino community of our diocese at a bilingual Eucharist and dinner May 25 at the Latino Ministry Center. What began as a ministry helping one family has grown into a Homework Club serving over 60 children annually, an English class for adults serving over 25 adult learners, a community garden and much more. Carlos and Glenda were instrumental in establishing the Latino Ministry Center at the former Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Forest Park, and have also helped to foster ministry with Latinos in Price Hill and Mt. Auburn.

We thank for them for their long dedicated service in our diocese.

YES, WE DID IT AGAIN!

St. James, Piqua, decided to redo the piano we decorated last year. After being outside in the sun for a year, the piano we decorated with decoupage of neon colored paper had faded and looked like it had seen better days. After a year of collecting several different patterns and colors of Duct Tape, a small group of parishioners used the Duct Tape to recover the piano.

It was a short and sweet project – we were able to completely recover the piano in a couple of hours. Once again, the piano will be set out on our sidewalk in good weather or on our porch, for anyone to play any time they want.

Submitted by Krista Abernathy

A NEW FACE AT ST. JAMES

St. James, Piqua, is pleased to announce that the Rev. Robert Hill has joined the congregation as our extended supply priest.

He will preside at services on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month.

Fr. Hill started out here with a bang, introducing himself to everyone present at a welcome reception at the church, as well as sending a letter out to most of the inactive parishioners, telling them a little about him.

St. James is very happy to have Fr. Hill be a part of our family and look forward to our future with him.

Submitted by Krista Abernathy

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Commission offers liturgy and music formation, education and resources

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ne of the great triumphs of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer was and continues to be a vision of church and worship in which everyone — lay people and clergy — play powerful parts. With an exciting vision from our bishop to incorporate the whole diocese (the neighborhood) in prayer and praise, the Liturgy and Music Commission is an active body of clergy and musicians dedicated to bringing educational opportunities and formational resources to equip congregations to worship God in the beauty of holiness.

The commission strives to help our parishes tap into their own abilities and gifts to create beautiful, worshipful liturgies which give glory to God and edify and build up our people for God’s reign. Over the years, the commission has gone through many changes, including being two separate bodies (one focused on music and another on liturgy). In the past, the focus was often on planning diocesan liturgies or hosting music festivals.

Recently, however, Bishop Breidenthal has given us a new direction with a new vision: formation, education and resources. To that end, the commission has developed and expanded an annual gathering called Jubilate, a conference to excite the imagination and learn from guest speakers. At past Jubilate conferences, we’ve featured Dent Davidson, missioner for liturgy and the arts in the Diocese of Chicago; David Hurd, former professor of sacred music at General Theological Seminary; William Petersen, former dean of Bexley Hall; and Elise Feyerherm, former professor of liturgy at Bexley Hall and Episcopal Divinity School.

This year, we’re particularly excited to be an integral part of the Diocese of Southern Ohio’s diocesanwide study of the Book of Exodus. As such, Jubliate 2018 is aligned to focus on the Great Vigil of Easter and the themes of Exodus embedded in that powerful liturgy. Everyone is warmly invited to join us at the Procter Center on Saturday, January 20, 2018, for lively conversations and presentations from the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Dean of the School of Theology at Sewanee, and Ellen Johnston, Director of the Center for Liturgy and Music at Virginia School of Theology. One part of the day that you surely won’t want to miss is a roundtable with our speakers and our own Bishop Breidenthal on the subject of prayer book revision. And be certain to check out Ellen’s website at www.liturgyandmusic. keyhallonline.org, where you will find articles as well as resources for liturgy planning.

But there’s more to our commission’s work than Jubilate – we’re also working on two other projects.

The first is to gather contact information on any music leader, choir director, organist, pianist, etc. in all the congregations as well as information on the music program in each. Using this information as a guide, our second project will be to create smaller educational and musical events in various places in the diocese.

As noted at the outset of this reflection, one of the breakthroughs of our current prayer book is incorporating the gifts of all the baptized, so we welcome your insights. Please feel free to reach out and share your thoughts about the liturgical and musical needs of our diocese and wider church with commission members.

The commission is comprised of the following individuals from all parts of the diocese: Marsha Reilly, co-chair, Church of the Good Shepherd, Athens; The Rev. Dr. Cal Lane, co-chair, St. George’s, Dayton; the Rev. Trevor Babb; Patrick Bachmann, St. Andrew’s, Pickerington; the Rev. Canon Lynn Carter-Edmands, diocesan staff representative; Dr. Stephan Casurella, Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati; Phil Clary, St. Timothy, Cincinnati; the Rev. Edward Payne; Marti Rideout; the Rev. Marjorie Menaul; the Rev. A.J. Stack, St. Peter’s, Gallipolis, and Christ Church, Ironton; Kevin Wine, Trinity, Columbus; Jennifer Bell, St. Patrick’s, Dublin; and the Rev. Jason Prati, All Saints, New Albany. Please feel free to contact either Marsha Reilly at mareilly1@columbus.rr.com or the Rev. Dr. Cal Lane at associate@stgeorgeohio.org with questions, ideas, or concerns. We will be happy to refer you to other commission members.

Marsha Reilly serves as co-chair of the Commission on Liturgy and Music, and as director of music at Church of the Good Shepherd, Athens.

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143RD ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION PREVIEW Nov. 10-11, 2017 | Hyatt Regency Hotel, Cincinnati CERTIFY YOUR LAY DELEGATES

REGISTRATION

Congregations are canonically required (see Canon III, Section 5) to submit a Certificate of Election of Lay Delegates as soon as possible after they have been chosen at your annual meeting. This certificate does not register the delegates for convention; it is simply to let the convention planners know who was elected to the position of convention delegate from your congregation for communication purposes. If your congregation has not yet reported your election, you can download the certification form from our convention website dsoConvention.org.

Online registration for convention will open in early September. Watch eConnections for updates.

PRE-CONVENTION HEARINGS

October 9 • Cutoff date for hotel reservations

All delegates to convention are expected to attend an area pre-convention hearing. The bishop presides at each one of these meetings, and this is the only opportunity to have casual conversation or ask questions about resolutions and the budget.

Sunday, October 15 – St. Peter’s, Gallipolis, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, October 18 – St. Patrick’s, Dublin, 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 22 – Christ Church, Dayton, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, October 25 – St. Barnabas, Montgomery, 7 p.m.

CONVENTION DEADLINES TO NOTE September 11 • Proposed Canonical Changes due September 28 • Nominations for offices • Proposed resolutions

October 31 • Online registration closes • Absolute deadlines for late nominations. No nominations will be accepted from the floor.

• Commission/Committee/Task Force annual reports due • Necrology due

CONSTITUTION AND CANONICAL CHANGES The Constitution and Canons guide the governance of the diocese. A committee reviews the Constitution and Canons each year and considers whether to propose changes. Proposed amendments may come from any member of the diocese, although the committee requests an opportunity to review the proposal to make sure it abides by wider-church rules. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing by Monday, September 11 to convention@diosohio.org. Contact diocesan chancellor Joseph J. Dehner at 513.651.6949 or jdehner@fbtlaw.com with any questions.

2017 offices for nomination Check our convention website dsoConvention.org for a description of each office and a link to the online nomination form. Deadline for nominations that will be posted online prior to the preconvention meetings is September 28. Please note that nominations will NOT be accepted from the floor of convention.

The absolute deadline to nominate is Oct. 31. Direct any questions to nominations chair Jon B. Boss at jbboss@fuse.net.

Budget Committee / three-year term Elect 1 lay, Class of ‘20 Diocesan Council / three-year term Elect 2 clergy and 3 lay, Class of ‘20 Episcopal Community Services Foundation board / three-year term Elect 3 clergy or lay, Class of ‘20 (*) Standing Committee / three-year term Elect 1 clergy and 1 lay, Class of ‘20

Trustees of the Church Foundation / five-year term Elect 1 clergy or lay, Class of ’22 and 1 clergy or lay, Class of ‘20 Trustees of the Diocese / five-year term Elect 1 clergy or lay, Class of ‘22 Procter Center Board of Directors / three-year term Elect 1 clergy or lay, Class of ‘20 (*) If interested in serving on ECSF board, please contact the Rev. Theresa Thornton at revtjthornton@ gmail.com.

PROPOSING RESOLUTIONS Proposing resolutions is a key way for the people of the diocese to discuss and reflect upon issues in the church and beyond. There are a variety of types of resolutions, ranging from those that ask the diocese to take a stand on a particular issue to special observances to calls for commitment to certain ministries.

A sample resolution can be found on our convention website dsoConvention.org.

Resolutions can be submitted at dsoConvention.org.

All proposed resolutions must be submitted by Sept.

28. The Resolutions Committee will meet that week to review the resolutions.

Those submitting resolutions are expected to attend (or have a representative present) at all preconvention hearings. Contact resolutions chair Jim Heathcote at 937.446.2108 or jheathcote@earthlink. net with questions.

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Supporting parish and administrative leaders

Stay ahead of a wave of changes and gain insight into some newer administrative best practices – join us for an informative day for your parish administrative leadership team While we are all committed to serving our shared mission in each of our congregations, there are still changes that impact all of our churches – from the revised Clergy Pension Plan, to the latest developments with health insurance, and best practices for Employee Support. The diocesan Advisory Commission on Compensation and Resources (ACCR) would like to help your parish stay ahead of “the wave” and gain the insight needed to gracefully navigate what the changes can mean for the people who serve with us.

We invite your administrative leadership (including Treasurers, Wardens, Administrators and Rectors) to join us join us for Administrative Leadership Day on Saturday, August 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Procter Center. Representatives from Church Pension Group and other leading voices will be there to discuss changes and trends impacting healthcare and the Episcopal Medical Trust Plans, as well as to review the changes to the Clergy Pension Plan, and other employee support and compliance matters that impact your congregation, including a newly developed Employee Resource Guide.

The cost for Administrative Leadership Day is minimal - $15 – as we’d like as many people to be able to participate as possible. Registration is required – register at diosohio.org on the events page. If you have any questions about this event, contact the Rev. Darren Elin, ACCR chair, at 513.831.2052 or Darren@stthomasepiscopal.org.

Registration deadline is August 9.

COMING UP NEXT: TRADITION

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“We’ve always done it that way.”

What have we always done, and more importantly, WHY? What is the Episcopal tradition, or the Anglican tradition, for that matter? Where does it come from? Is it still relevant?

In September, we will discuss the tradition and history of the Episcopal Church. This will be a great primer for new Episcopalians – and maybe some not so new ones. Submission deadline is August 1. Send submissions to communication@diosohio.org.

So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Luke 9:6

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: Aug. 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.

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We are a people of connection. We kneel around the same table regardless of color, creed, gender, race or sexual orientation.

CONNECTIONS is a publication of the Diocese

of Southern Ohio designed to enhance these connections and help foster new ones because we are continually looking for ways to widen our circle.

dsoCONNECTIONS.org The Episcopal Church

All are Welcome [No Exceptions]