June 10 Interchange

A joyful noise …

Pentecost in Dayton

INTERCHANGE news from the Diocese of Southern Ohio |

Jubilee ministries serve people in need

By Kelly Kagamas Tomkies Interchange contributor

(Entering the call process for the cathedral) was an act of faith. I thought, ‘If this was of God, and I’m being called, then let’s see.”

I had known (former Southern Ohio bishop) Roger Blanchard very well. Ben Arnold, one of my predecessors at Christ The Very Rev. Church, was the first bishop I voted for James Diamond as bishop suffragan of Massachusetts.

There was a lot about Christ Church and the diocese that already had an impact on my life.”

Q: What did you hope to accomplish when you came to Cincinnati?

A: I told the vestry that I needed to live a year with the life of the cathedral and life of the diocese. Close to the anniversary of my first year, I gave an address to a group called “The Cathedral in the City.” It called the cathedral to be a place of sanctuary and safety. I talked about the cathedral being the people’s church, a place that aims for excellence, aims to offer the very best that we can. At the end of the day, what I said was that a place doesn’t function as a cathedral until the people of the diocese claim it to be their cathedral.

I tried to help people of the diocese claim this institution as their cathedral.

For Charles Stough, helping clients fill out tax return forms is one way he abides by Jesus’ command to help others.

“As a young, married guy decades ago, I sold insurance. When I complete a good application for a client today, and I know the benefits are going to come to him or her, it’s just like making a big sale,” he said. When a mother of two had a business that failed, Stough helped her secure a $6,000 tax refund.

Another time, “I helped a dishwasher with a $1,400 tax lien against him, and I did seven back tax returns that wiped out all but about $90 of it.”

Stough is part of the outreach program at Christ Church, Dayton, which is one of seven designated Jubilee Ministry sites in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

The fruit of a 1982 General Convention resolution, a Jubilee Ministry designation opens the door for some funding sources from The Episcopal Church. More importantly, the designation indicates a commitment to serving others and to being a part of the reconciling work of the body of Christ.

One of the diocese’s Jubilee centers is in Christ Church, Springfield.

The church partners with an elementary school and provides tutors and a clothing closet. They participate in Peace Camp, which teaches peaceful conflict resolution skills to elementary school children for a week each summer. They also own two houses next to the church, which are used by Clark County Mental Health and Interfaith Hospitality Network.

The congregation hosts a Neighborhood Fair each year as a gift to the community.

“We sit on the edge of the poorest neighborhood in Springfield,” said the Rev. Charlotte Reed, rector of Christ Church. “This is a way for us to get to know the neighbors and offer them a free afternoon

please see DEAN, PAGE 2

please see MINISTRIES, PAGE 9

A Dean’s legacy: Cathedral in the City After more than a decade of leading Christ Church Cathedral, the Very Rev. Jim Diamond is retiring at the end of June.

The retirement caps nearly 40 years in ordained ministry for Dean Diamond – most of which was spent in parish ministry and as an advocate for reconciliation and social justice.

Dean Diamond, 65, and his wife, Barbara – a lawyer who also will be retiring – plan to split their time between homes in Maine and Arizona. After settling into retirement, the dean hopes to get involved in local parish life and perhaps do some spiritual direction.

He shared with Interchange some final thoughts about the life of a cathedral and his ministry as dean.

Question: What led you to serve as dean of the cathedral?

Answer: Cincinnati had not been on my radar. I’d known about the Diocese of Southern Ohio for quite a while.

I remember when Bishop Thompson ran for Presiding Bishop, there was a lot of publicity about how right-wing he was. I joked with Barbara and my staff, “You’re going to hear the thud (of my resume) in his wastebasket all the way back to Massachusetts.”

June 2010 Volume XXXVIII, No. 6 www.diosohio.org

Award of General Excellence: 2006, 2007, 2008

The Rev. Derrick Fetz, the Rev. Carol Potterton and Abigail Nenna lead the worship service at a local park as part of the Hope Now Mission Gathering, an outreach program of St. Mary Magdalene, Maineville. A community picnic, games and playground fun were offered after the service. See story and pictures: Page 5.

By Richelle Thompson Interchange editor

See story, photos: Page 11

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Step out into truth – risk radical change

In the Gospel passage for the Day of Pentecost (John 14: 18-25), Jesus promises his disciples that he will send them the Spirit of truth. What is truth? This is the question Pilate asks Jesus after Jesus has been arrested, but the question is already present here.

So what is the answer? We might say that truth is about congruity: congruity between what we assume and what is, in fact, the case (here, the opposite of truth is ignorance); congruity between what we say and what we know to be the case (here, the opposite of truth is lying); and congruity between what we are and what we are meant to be (here, the opposite of truth is fearfulness). I suspect that the third kind of congruity was what Jesus had in mind when he was talking with his disciples. Over and over again, he tells them not to be afraid. Why? Because he wants them to live into the freedom and goodness that is theirs as children of God. This is God’s will for us, and we are to live congruently with that will.

God is congruent, too, inasmuch as God acts in accordance with God’s own nature, and thus never acts arbitrarily. God’s nature is love. God is love, says 1st John. To say this is to say that the whole dynamic of love is contained within God’s own being.

The Father’s love for the Son, actualized by the Holy Spirit, is how this is lived out as the life of God. God is love. God is relationship. It has always been so, and will always be so. God is true to God’s own nature, and so the Father always wills to love the Son, the Holy Spirit always presents the Son to the Father as the worthy object of the Father’s love, and the Son always delights to serve the Father and to do the Father’s will.

This means that even within the unity of God, there is an embrace of the other. In his wonderful book, Beloved Dust, our own Robert Hughes invites us to see the Father’s love for the Son as the Father’s willingness to move outside himself toward the other who is his future. There is both delight and risk in this

Tribute In appreciation for Dean Diamond’s ministry, particularly the support he has showed the music program, there will be a special “Cathedral Concert: A Musical Tribute to the Very Rev. James A. Diamond” on Sunday, June 13, at 5 p.m.

Professional musicians from the cathedral congregation, including Roberta Gary, Thom Miles, Robert Clark and Harold Byers, will perform the works of Bach, Mozart and Mendelssohn. The cathedral choir also will perform under the direction of Stephan Casurella with Nicholas Bideler at the organ.

A reception will follow the performance. The concert is free and open to all.

Interim dean

Christ Church Cathedral has called the Rev. Dr. Ronald DelBene as interim dean.

DelBene was born and reared in the city of Warren in northeastern Ohio. He is currently completing work as the interim rector of Grace-St. Luke’s in Memphis, Tenn. He begins at the cathedral July 1.

REFLECTIONS

outward movement. But this is God’s truth, and it is therefore the truth at the heart of all things.

What, then, does Jesus mean when he calls the Holy Spirit the Spirit of truth? He means, first of all, that the Holy Spirit is the other-oriented, futureoriented power of God. The Spirit is the living out of God’s truth, the congruence between God’s nature, which is love, and the working out of that nature in the life of the Trinity. The Spirit is the Father’s Yes to the other, a Yes that rises up out of the Father’s heart. Again, the Spirit is the Son’s Yes to being the future, the one “through whom all things are made” and in whom all things find their redemption and their hope.

But the Spirit is also the one who drives, cajoles and draws us to conform ourselves to the dynamic of God’s love. The same God whose essence is to be open to the other has made us capable of being open to the other. Surely this is what it means to be made in the image of God. God’s love is our truth because it is the reality to which we must ultimately conform if we wish to be in communion with God. But God’s love is also our truth because it is our nature to love the stranger. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth because by this Spirit we are made to acknowledge our connection with the outsider and the enemy, and catapulted into occasions of fellowship we could not have predicted or may not have sought.

This is precisely what happened to the disciples and Mary when they were huddled in the upper room on the first Pentecost after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit descended on them in power, to force them to step out into the truth of Easter.

They had met the risen Lord and believed in him. But they were

Bishop Thomas E. Breidenthal

still afraid to live into the consequence of his resurrection – the breaking down of any barrier that separates us from one another because of the fear of sin or death. The Spirit of Truth transported them from belief to action, from remembrance to witness, from retrenchment to bold visibility.

It is no easy thing to step out entirely into truth. It exposes our weaknesses and our failures, and it lays us open to challenge and judgment. But we can trust the light of truth, because it is God’s own light shining on us, and that light is love. Pentecost teaches us not to shrink from the truth, but to face it, however difficult it may be. Take, for instance, the horrible oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.

Most of us would rather not be reminded on a daily basis that oil is gushing out of the ocean floor – it is too painful, and we feel powerless to do anything about it. But if we live into the truth of this spill, good things can come of it. We may feel more deeply our connection with the many strangers who are suffering as a result of the spill: Gulf fishermen, marsh grasses and pelicans, anguished and conflicted employees of the oil industry. We may gain an understanding of our own complicity in this tragedy through our own consumption of fossil fuels. Most importantly, we may be driven to confess our dependence on God for forgiveness and help, and may recover the hope that is ours in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Christians believe that the whole truth and nothing but the truth will bring us to hope rather than despair. And, because God’s truth is always about openness to the other, we are willing (at our best) to risk radical change – even death – if that is what it takes to be a community oriented toward the stranger. But we cannot welcome the stranger if we don’t believe that we ourselves are fully welcomed by God, and we are unlikely to act on that welcome unless we are pressured by the Spirit to do so. May God give us the sensibility to notice that pressure and the will to yield ourselves to it.

Dean: Reconciliation key to cathedral ministry FROM PAGE 1 Q: What do you believe are some of your successes in leadership?

A: The vision also talked very strongly about reconciliation. We’ve worked very hard to be a reconciling community, both within and beyond. We have talked a lot about race. We had 250 people of the congregation participate in some type of racial reconciliation and racial sensitivity. We began this work by saying that we had to address our racism within the congregation before we could speak to the diocese and community. If you look at the congregation today – the confirmation class that was presented to Bishop Breidenthal in May, you can see that we have opened our arms very widely. There are all sorts of people who have proclaimed the cathedral as theirs. There really is room for everybody.

Q: Where do you wish you had been more successful?

A: I worked very hard to develop the fourth floor apartment as a place new clergy could come and spend a week with us, to get a sense of downtown Cincinnati and to get to know diocesan staff. If I had it to do over again, I would be more intentional and specific about that invitation. A general invitation is a statement of goodwill. A specific invitation means that I want you. It would have been better to write to the priests individually and invite them to come and

spend the weekend. If I had a few more years, that’s what I would do – that connection to the diocese is the piece that I would have given more attention to.

Q: What is the future for the cathedral?

A: The cathedral is what the bishop and congregation wants it to be. I hope it continues to be a voice of reconciliation for the city and a safe place for people to come to. Canon Rick Cross started the 5,000 Club, a feeding program where street people began to realize that the cathedral was theirs and they began to lay claim upon it. This required a deep internal change for the cathedral.

We also have been the default location for civil religion in Cincinnati. When the first mayor of Cincinnati died, the city turned to us for the funeral. We really are a “Come one, come all” place of worship. We have been a place where different parties have come to have a quiet, managed discussion to get through conflict.

Geography is always hard, but I hope the future leadership of the cathedral works to make that an easier bridge. Symbolically the cathedral is the worshipping center of the diocese, but we need to make that a more practical, day-by-day celebration.

Q: You’ve had a lot of health problems over the years. How has that impacted your ministry?

A: Most have been orthopedic issues, so I was back and accessible in two or three weeks. This last round, the one I call the siege of Tucson, was of a very

different magnitude. Before, as long as I exercised, I could recover. This time is much harder. I don’t think the cathedral has suffered because of the health issues, in part because of the visioning we have done.

We allowed laity to step forward and take leadership – and sometimes when I wasn’t here, people barely noticed. I wanted there to be a much more shared and collegial ministry at the cathedral, and it’s worked out that way.

On Pentecost, I preached about having a new sense of what it means to talk about the presence of God, of being in the spirit. With the death of our son Jeff 10 years ago and with this illness, which very nearly cost me my life, I have a new-found sense of the spirit of God, not just as an idea, but as a reality – a sense that no matter how far down you fall in a pit of despair or illness, you’re never alone. The truth is that the Holy Spirit is always there, abiding with you. Sometimes, in those moments, we discover anew for ourselves and also for the people for whom we’re praying.

Q: Any final thoughts to share?

A: This is a good diocese, a wonderful diocese.

I think together we need to figure out how to make the cathedral a more useful place for everyone in the diocese. I have the same feeling about the cathedral now as I did when I began. I told the search committee then: “You can do and be anything God is calling you to be.” I believe that is as true today as it was in May of 1999.

REFLECTIONS

The Episcopal Church In the Anglican Communion A global community of 70 million Anglicans in more than 160 countries The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Rowan Williams Archbishop of Canterbury In the United States A community of more than 2.4 million Episcopalians in 114 dioceses in the Americas and abroad.

The Most. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Presiding Bishop In the Diocese of Southern Ohio A community of nearly 30,000 Episcopalians in 40 counties.

The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, Bishop Interchange (USPS 020-933) The official publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio covers news, features and opinions about the congregations and programs of the diocese, the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. www.diosohio.org Richelle Thompson Director of Communications, Editor Julie Murray Communications specialist, assistant editor Amy Svihlik Designer Interchange encourages the submission of articles and pictures. We reserve the right to select and edit material offered for publication. All submissions must include name, address and phone or E-mail for verification.

Interchange is published monthly (except July and October) by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, 412 Sycamore St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-4179. Periodical postage paid Cincinnati, OH. This newspaper 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 address changes to Interchange c/o Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, Addresses, 412 Sycamore St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-4179.

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Phone: 740.355.7964 or 800.582.1712 Fax: 740.355.7968 E-mail: rthompson@diosohio.org Website: www.diosohio.org Deadline: July 10

A tribute to Penny and Leo Buckley For more than 13 years, Penny and Leo Buckley The Rt. Rev. were an institution at the Procter Camp & Conference Kenneth L. Center. They were not just employees of the diocese: Price Jr. they were a living, breathing manifestation of the love of Jesus Christ among us.

When they arrived, the center was under the careful administration of Bob Rodgers who had been brought out of retirement to oversee a major reconstruction.

Jason Leo was the camping director in those days, and Bob and Leo did a herculean job of holding camp amidst gaping holes and construction equipment.

When the Buckleys arrived, they moved into the now long-gone Procter House, and Penny, as the new executive director, soon became an institution, greeting everyone who came and putting all at ease.

When Bob Rodgers retired again, the Buckleys moved into the director’s house, and Leo became the supervisor of maintenance. Thus began what was to be a long and happy era of dedicated and loving service by this selfless couple.

As executive director, Penny oversaw all aspects of the center, from the kitchen to housekeeping, from the front office to the chapel. She worked with many different directors of camping and chaplains. During this time, Procter was changing from being a simple summer camp with occasional other meetings to a modern facility that was much more widely used.

Thanks to a new, modern water plant, it no longer had horrible tasting water, and with upgrades to the facility, the beds no longer were geared more for youth campers than adults. Such a facility required new methods of management, but Penny rose to the occasion and eased us all through this transition. Every guest who arrived was greeted with a hug and a smile and a genuine willingness to go the second mile. No matter how late activities went on, Penny always was there at the end of the day to turn off lights, secure the building and prepare for the next day.

Leo likewise put in long hours, always available for both routine maintenance needs and the inevitable emergencies that go along with a facility as diverse as Procter. There was no task too large or too small – he could fix anything, often at a great savings for Procter.

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Son Ryan (now in college) grew up at Procter and often worked there in summers, cutting grass or washing dishes. Lilly was born during this time and has grown into to a very intelligent and polite young girl. When guests with young children came, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and gave them a warm welcome.

When I first came to Southern Ohio, Procter had a very tenuous relationship with the Madison County community in which it is located. Bob Rodgers began to heal that, but it was the Buckleys who built this into a wonderful partnership. The whole family was part of the community and devoted time and work to its life in such a way that Procter likewise began to be seen as a positive neighbor.

As Procter moves into another era, Penny will no longer be the executive director, and she and her family are moving back to their native West Virginia. But they leave behind thousands of people whose lives have been made a bit brighter, whose spirits have been lifted a bit higher and whose relationship with God is a bit stronger because when they came to Procter, they were met by Penny Buckley. Penny understood that her ministry was to make anyone who came to the center, be it for a retreat, a meeting, a service, a camping session or just a get-away, to have their needs attended to with love and grace. She so excelled in this that even when people left, they often sought her out to thank her for making their experience so positive.

It will be hard for me to go to Procter and not find Penny in the reception area or Leo on the tractor, but even with new people in those roles, the Buckleys’ spirit will linger. I am thankful that for the bulk of my episcopal ministry in this diocese, my life intersected with the Buckleys.

I wish them well in the next chapter of their life.

Thank you God for sending us Penny and Leo at a time when their presence was most needed in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. We are all better off for their ministry among us. May God bless them in their new life and also bless us, who are better people, because we knew them.

A card shower Share your memories and gratitude for the ministry of Penny and Leo Buckley. Send cards or notes to Penny and Leo Buckley, P.O. Box 234, Romney, W.V. 26757 or by e-mail to pennybuckley1@yahoo.com

Grandmothers and babies: Strangers in Jerusalem

By Merelyn B. Bates-Mims Interchange contributor I prayed for all the children and parents of the world. I did this without knowing that I had carried my mother’s pin, hidden in the depths of my purse, to Jerusalem. I discovered it there after I got back home. It is the hospital identification pin that she wore on her white uniform, displaying her name and nursery nurse title. For 20 years, my mother took care of all the newborns, recreating for them the safe snugness of the womb by binding them fast and warmly in swaddling blankets, reassuring the babies, feeding them, rocking them softly to sleep, carefully watching for any medical developments, working with the doctors to ensure expert care.

The ways of grandmothers and babies are the same the world over. Miracles of humanness and universal kinship find ways of seeping past ethnic and language barriers. The women of Israel, the mothers and grandmothers of the children in their group, smiled and unabashedly pointed when they spotted us walking along the narrow street, strangers in their neighborhood. Some of them knew a word or two of English, but by facial expression and physical

Merelyn B. Bates-Mims, at left, holds an Israeli baby. gesturing, we laughingly succeeded in communicating that I, too, am a grandmother. Then the mother of the child bestowed a special blessing.

She handed her baby to me. And we were no longer strangers.

As I use Western eyes to describe the Old City Hebron neighborhood, I think of restrictions as its major characteristic. Ancient Kiriath Arba (Hebron) is mentioned in Genesis accounts of Abraham in the land of Canaan. Modern Hebron is now home to 163,000 Palestinians – and about 500 or so Israeli settlers, all cut off

from mainstream life by politics, warfare and unreconciled hatred.

Though Ezekiel’s instructions are unambiguous in every translation of that Scripture – “You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel” – soldiers, blockades and barbed wire nonetheless hem Philistine people in, virtually halting the conduct of tourist trade that is the lifeblood of their old-city shopkeeper communities. They, too, are Ham genealogy descendants of Genesis’ Philistines, caught in modern displacements, Moses’ ancient planning for takeover of Canaan lands yet extant, the word ‘philistine’ evolving to ‘palestine’ by Greek and Roman orthography.

At Tel Aviv’s airport baggage claim, I shook the hand of Martin, the oldest son of peacemaker Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as we arrived in the Holy Land.

We, too, are no longer strangers.

In April, Christ Church Cathedral sponsored a two-week course of study on the Bible and its setting at St. George’s College in Jerusalem. This article is the author’s reflection on that trip, written in thanksgiving for her nine grandchildren and newborn great-grandson, born May 16.

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136TH CONVENTION: PERSEVERANCE FOR THE JOURNEY Editor’s note: The 136th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio will explore the theme of “Perseverance for the Journey.”

This year’s convention will be held at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge and hosted by the Northeast Deanery and the East Central Ohio Cluster.

Hebrews provides the scriptural foundation for the theme.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily

Chair of the Dispatch of Business: Welcome

Dear members of the 136th Convention, The drive may be a bit longer for many who will be coming to the 136th convention , but I believe Convention this year will be worth the extra miles.

The folks in the East Central Ohio Cluster are going all out to host our gathering this year. The fact that we will need to stay in several motels will be more than compensated for by the spacious, comfortable Convention Center, where the services and meetings will be held. In addition, there will be an opportunity to hear Appalachian music and learn a bit about this beautiful, yet often overlooked region of our diocese.

Here are some of the plans that your committee on Dispatch of Business can share.

Although Convention opens at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, there will be a forum to “meet the nominees” for elected office held in the theatre of the Convention Center at 10:30 a.m. Since we will be electing General Convention deputies this year, this will be a good chance to get to know them before voting. (An optional lunch will be available for those coming early, so don’t forget to sign up for this on the registration form).

Seating will be at round tables, but we will not be changing tables for the small group discussions this year. Delegations will be seated together, and there will be room for guests.

Clergy will vest and process for the Saturday morning Eucharist.

Bishop Breidenthal will be at every pre-convention hearing. All clergy and delegates should plan to attend one of these. These are an integral part of convention.

In addition to the sermon and annual address by Bishop Breidenthal, the Rev. Tom Ehrich, a consultant for congregational development, will be a special guest speaker.

The large lobby will provide a good space for exhibits, so we are building into the schedule ample time to visit and talk with exhibitors.

Any congregations that have not yet submitted their delegate registration forms are asked to do so immediately. (You may download this form from the diocesan website, www.diosohio.org, under How we work, then convention).

Convention registration information will follow in the fall.

Finally, nominations for all offices are strongly solicited. It is always good to see new and different names on the ballots. Please note the deadlines for nominations, and submissions of resolutions and canonical revisions.

See you all in Cambridge on Nov. 12-13!

The Rt. Rev. Kenneth L. Price Jr. Chair, Dispatch of Business

Nominations

The Nominating Committee requests your assistance in obtaining nominations.

We seek candidates who are broadly representative of diocesan demographics.

You are the best source of nominations we have, and we depend on your initiative to provide suitable nominees for all available positions.

You may download and print a nomination form from the website or fill out an online nomination form at www.diosohio.org. Each nominee is required to respond to two questions and submit a photo for the nomination to be complete. The maximum word count is 300.

In addition, nominees for these positions are required to take anti-racism training. This is in keeping with General Convention’s resolution requiring standing commission members to have such training.

All nominations must be received no later than September 28. Only submissions received by the deadline will be printed in Interchange. Please send submissions to convention@diosohio.org.

Contact: Marsha Calloway at mcalloway1@insight.rr.com.

2011 Leadership Positions

Diocesan Council : Elect four lay, two clergy, Class of ‘13 (canonical change last year allows deacons to serve on Diocesan Council for the first time): Diocesan Council is the continuing Diocesan Convention throughout the year.

Council meets six times each year, or as called. They review budget and mis-

entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Diocesan convention is a tangible extension of our connection to one another. Let us share in the planning, prayer and preparation for this gathering.

Watch the next three issues of Interchange for more convention information or visit the diocesan website at www.diosohio.org

sion share requests, oversee the systemic review and work with the bishops on ministry and mission decisions in the diocese. (Canon XII) Special note: Changes to the Episcopal Church canons have resulted in the creation of a new diocesan Disciplinary Board, with duties to begin July 1, 2011. The Disciplinary Board replaces both the Diocesan Review Committee and the Ecclesiastical Trial Court. Details still are being determined. At this convention, delegates will elect Diocesan Review Committee and Ecclesiastical Trial Court members to serve for the first six months of 2011. Their work will be completed with the Disciplinary Board begins its service July 1. Convention will elect seven new members to this board.

deputy to General Convention are elected at the same time that the deputies are elected. Instead of requiring a majority of convention for election as an alternate, it allows for alternates to be elected in accordance with the number of votes cast.

Standing Committee: Elect one lay, Class of ‘13; Elect one presbyter, Class of ‘13 The Standing Committee is the bishop’s council of advice and the ecclesiastical authority in the absence of the bishops. It also shares responsibility for the ordination process, is consulted for consent for the election and consecration of new bishops in the church and reviews requests from congregations to encumber their property. (Constitution VIII) Trustees of the Church Foundation: Elect one lay, Class of ‘15 Trustees are responsible for administering loans and funds for church buildings.

(Articles of Incorporation) Trustees of the Diocese: Elect one lay or clergy, Class of ‘15 The elected trustees are responsible for management of diocesan and certain other investments and property owned by the diocese; and for serving as the board of advisors to the bishop on administration of the William Cooper Procter Fund. (Canons XI)

Constitution and Canons

Bishop Thomas E. Breidenthal celebrates the Eucharist at last year’s diocesan convention.

Diocesan Review Committee: Elect one clergy, one lay The Diocesan Review Committee receives and reviews allegations of clergy misconduct. (Canon 3, Section 1 of Title IV) Ecclesiastical Trial Court, Judges: Elect one clergy Judges of the Ecclesiastical Trial Court receives allegations of clergy misconduct and makes decisions, if needed, about discipline of clergy. (Canon XVIII) Diocesan Disciplinary Committee Elect one clergy, one lay, Class of ‘12 Elect one clergy, one lay, Class of ‘13 Elect two clergy, one lay, Class of ‘14 (The staggered terms are for the creation of the board. Elections at future conventions will be for full three-year terms) Episcopal Community Services Foundation: Elect three people (lay or clergy), Class of ‘13 An independent supporting foundation of the diocese that encourages, supports through grants and education programs and helps to sustain volunteer community service performed under the sponsorship of Episcopal Church congregations and deaneries.

General Convention Deputies Elect four lay deputies and four lay alternates Elect four clergy deputies and four clergy alternates These people will serve as deputies to represent the diocese for the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, Ind. Alternates for

The Committee on Constitution and Canons is charged with assisting in the screening, preparation and presentation of constitutional and canonical amendments. Amendments to the Constitution and Canons of the diocese must be submitted in writing by 60 days prior to convention – Sept.13. This is a canonical requirement. Because of the time involved in research and preparation, and to ensure that each proposed amendment is properly drafted, the committee requests that all proposed amendments be submitted 90 days prior to convention – Aug. 13. Please submit any proposed amendments to convention@diosohio.org.

Contact: Joseph J. Dehner at 513.651.6949 or jdehner@fbtlaw.com

Journal reports

In addition to canonically required reports, all committees, commissions, task forces and ministries are requested to submit a brief, typewritten report of their work during the past year. Reports should be kept under 200 words.

Submission of a word processing file attached to email is preferred or file an online form at www.diosohio.org, How Things Work, Convention. The reports should be filed at convention@diosohio.org. The convention office should receive reports no later than Sept. 28.

Contact: Richelle Thompson, 800.582.1712 or rthompson@diosohio.org

Resolutions

Resolutions are a key way for the people of the diocese to discuss and reflect upon issues in the church and beyond. Bishop Breidenthal encourages the submission of resolutions. All proposed resolutions must be received by Sept.

28 at convention@diosohio.org. The Resolutions Committee will meet that week at Diocesan House in Cincinnati to review the resolutions.

Those submitting resolutions are expected to attend, or have a representative at, the deanery pre-convention hearings. A sample resolution is posted on the diocesan website at www.diosohio.org, How Things Work, Convention.

Contact: Jim Heathcote at 937.446.2108 or jheathcote@earthlink.net.

Exhibitor Information

Consider sharing the work of your committee, organization or congregation’s ministry with the larger family of the Diocese of Southern Ohio and the wider Church by preparing and staffing an exhibit at this years’ diocesan convention.

There is a charge per exhibit space (costs included in registration form). Please bring your own extension cords and outlet strips. All exhibits will be in a secured area.

The deadline for reservations is Oct. 15. Requests for space will be filled on a firstcome, first-served basis.All exhibitors will receive a meal reservation form in September.

Reserve your exhibit online at www.diosohio.org, How Things Work, Convention.

NEWS

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Epiphany: Note(s) of gratitude for mothers

By Sally Johnson Interchange contributor In observance of Mother’s Day, the men of Epiphany, Urbana, prepared and served a three-course dinner to mothers, daughters, grandmothers, granddaughters, aunts, female cousins and friends on May 1.

The evening was elegant from start to finish. Ladies, ages 2 to 92, were graciously welcomed at the door by hosts in formal dress. Each guest was given a carnation corsage. The women were escorted to a cameraman, waiting to photograph them.

Tantalizing fragrances wafted from below the stairs.

Guests eagerly descended to the dining room where a corps d’elite of servers in sparkling white shirts and dark trousers stood in formation, each with the traditional waiter’s white hand towel over one arm.

The ladies were seated according to handmade place cards, and table grace was offered by the Rev. Timothy West, missioner of the Northern Miami Valley Episcopal Cluster, which includes Epiphany.

At a nod from Ed Hardin, event organizer, maitre d’ and Master of Ceremonies for the evening, servers began their presentation of grilled chicken, broccoli, asparagus and seasoned rice, accompanied by hot rolls and beverages.

Dessert of pound cake and strawberries topped by whipped cream elicited a hum of pleasure.

After the meal, Hardin introduced Janet Ebert, a retired music educator and musical icon of Champaign County. She

The men of Epiphany, Urbana, served the women of the church a special three-course meal in honor of Mother’s Day. used her remarkable collection of vintage sheet music to illustrate the “Music of the People.”

Ebert noted that the popular music of every period reflects the prevailing social, political and religious attitudes. Her collection spans several centuries and, via flute, keyboard and voice, she offered melodramatic, sweetly sentimental, patriotic, humorous and love songs from the Gay Nineties music halls, vaudeville, the world wars, early movies, Broadway stage shows and contemporary films.

As she moved from decade to decade, Ebert donned accessories typical of the period— feather boas, fans, long beads, a fur scarf and muff, hats, gloves and handbags – and even adapted her skirt length to the fashion of the time.

Ebert encouraged guests to sing along with their favorites.

She noted that when she gives this presentation for residents of care centers for the elderly, disabled and developmentally handicapped, the song that inevitably moves the audience to sing is “Over the Rainbow,” immortalized by Judy Garland in the film, “The Wizard of Oz”.

“It’s everybody’s favorite,” she said, “and even those who have lost much of the ability to communicate, know the words and music and sing with obvious pleasure.”

Commercial photography made a big change in sheet music, said Ebert. The covers, once done by artists and illustrators, began to feature photos of the show business personalities who introduced the tunes and made them famous.

She showed examples which pictured songsters from Rudy Vallee to Elvis Presley.

The advent of recordings and electronic technology reduced the demand for sheet music, said Ebert, and, by 1990, very little was being published.

The evening literally concluded on a high note as an ensemble of servers sang a rousing “Happy Mother’s Day to You.” Then each of the gentlemen stepped to where mother, grandmother, wife, fiancé, sister, aunt or friend was seated and offered his personal greeting.

The evening was a memorable tribute, not soon forgotten.

Hope Now Mission: All were hosts, and all were served By the Rev. Derrick Fetz Interchange contributor “All who hunger gather gladly ...” sang those assembled for worship while receiving Communion in a park in the heart of the village of South Lebanon.

Some residents of South Lebanon arrived for food and fellowship as if they heard the worshipers singing the hymn and interpreted it as invitation to join the community.

The people of St. Mary Magdalene, Maineville, traveled two miles on May 16 to worship, host a free meal and play games at Veterans Memorial Park in South Lebanon. The purpose of the event was to share fellowship through worship and a meal. Around 40 residents of South Lebanon joined the people of St. Mary Magdalene for all or part of the event, known as the Hope Now Mission Gathering.

The event created an opportunity to build new relationships, said the Rev. Carol Potterton, deacon at St. Mary Magdalene.

By the end of the conversation with a South Lebanon neighbor, “she was showing me pictures of her brothers and sisters and telling me where they all live. It was as if we had known each other for months. I came away with a deep desire to do the same worship and meal again and again.”

The conversations and the fellowship didn’t end at the picnic tables. Most of the kids played a myriad of games organized by the youth group of St. Mary Magdalene. Some of the adults enjoyed several rounds of the popular backyard game cornhole. Others clustered in groups to talk about life events.

The Hope Now Mission Gathering was sponsored by the congregation’s Mission Support Team, a group of members working with the congregation to become more outwardly

Left: Jane Bobel, left, serves food during the Hope Now Mission Gathering in South Lebanon. Right: Let the games begin! Members of St. Mary Magdalene’s youth group joined with youth from South Lebanon for an afternoon of fun. focused in purpose and action. The Mission Support Team, assembled a year ago, has been encouraging the congregation to explore how it can respond to the spiritual and physical needs of those within a 10-mile radius of the church.

The gathering encouraged church members to be missionaries in every aspect of life, said Bob Craig, part of the Mission Support Team and administrator for the village of South Lebanon. “As an employee of the Village with 23 years as a public servant, it brought home to me how my daily work is in many ways indistinguishable from my faith life. I look forward to other ways our church can serve the village in the future as we come to understand our role in the greater community.”

Nearly every member of St. Mary Magdalene played an active role in the gathering. The newly formed Prime Time

Ministry, a ministry for retirees, orchestrated the food. Many parishioners prepared side dishes. Others helped greet and set up. Even those parishioners who were absent from the mission gathering found ways to contribute.

All who attended served and all received – it didn’t matter if you were a member of St. Mary Magdalene or a resident of South Lebanon. All served as hosts, and all served as guests.

All received blessings from God who is the host of all. Sharen Horn, St. Mary Magdalene’s Interfaith Hospitality Network chair, sensed a deep gratitude among those who attended.

Nancy Schwind, a member of St. Mary Magdalene, plans to continue building relationships in South Lebanon: “Our first event holds promise and hope. We all look forward to our next gathering in South Lebanon.”

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Education for Ministry: Reflections Bob Willoughby, a graduate of Education for Ministry from St. Timothy, Anderson Township, shares his experience in the formation program. This is part of a continuing series on Education for Ministry. To learn more about the program or to sign up for one of the classes, contact Hawley Todd at todd@episcopalhealing.org. See page 12 for a schedule of Education for Ministry classes, starting in September.

What impact has Education for Ministry had on my life? Although I have been an Episcopalian since my teens, I would have to confess that my faith rested primarily on attending church. I did so willingly, but it was more about being there than it was about faith. I would also hasten to add that through the lectionary and numerous “bible studies” over four decades prior to the EfM experience, I learned very little about the origins of Christian beliefs and the development of our modern Church.

EfM changed all of that. Through EfM I learned about my Judeo-Christian faith from Genesis to the Gospels, and I learned about the early Church and the miracle of its origin and survival in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles. Most important of all, I learned that Jesus is in my life and all I have to do is invite Him into my consciousness to make His presence a reality.

What impact has EFM had in my ministries? My experience in EfM has made it possible for me to have personal relationships with the clergy, staff and fellow worshippers at St. Timothy’s. In prior times, these were people whom I knew only as fellow parishioners. Now I count many of them among personal friends. One outcome is that I was recently elected to the vestry…something I would have avoided in the past. I guess you could say that I now feel that I am part of a community and not just a churchgoer. I know that these feelings began in the EfM sessions, in particular when I became a part of the small EfM community.

How has EfM prepared me for living? In the years prior to my EfM experience, I found it both difficult and uncomfortable to pray on a daily basis. The structure of prayer in the Episcopal liturgy was my primary contact with God and with Jesus. One of the very important things I learned during EfM was to pray each day…comfortably. Another thing I learned was that daily prayer is not about asking favors of God. It is about peace of mind: acknowledging and reminding me who God is and who Jesus is – the Lamb of God and my Savior and my refuge. It is about confessing sin and reminding me of my sinful nature. It is about thanksgiving for the miracles and blessings of my life. It is about asking for God’s mercy on those who are sick or troubled, especially those close to me.

FORMATION

Formation conference calls forth courageous witness

By Ariel Miller Interchange contributor

Facing an intent audience of teachers and missionaries at Procter, Bishop Thomas E. Breidenthal demolished the wall between Sunday school and a world riven by strife.

“All four Gospels start the account of Jesus’ ministry with his baptism in the Jordan River,” he said during the May 1 conference sponsored by the Christian Formation Commission. “The Spirit descends, the Father proclaims ‘this is my Son, in whom I am well pleased,’ and Jesus is empowered to make known God’s reconciling love for everyone. In our baptism, we are caught in the crossfire of the love of God for the Son through the Holy Spirit – caught up in the very dynamic of God, clinging to Jesus’ coattails as he is driven into the desert and temptation. Everything in his life becomes what our life is about.”

No PowerPoint presentations on curriculum this day: those who came brought eyewitness news of God’s transforming power from the front lines of human pain. From teens carrying out 40 days of service on the streets of inner-city Dayton to the fearless women who put their bodies on the line to stop the violence in Liberia, the whole day was a feast of the stories of holy men and women responding every day to God’s call. The baptismal vow to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” became tangible—within everyone’s reach.

Launching the day, the bishop defined baptism as the wellspring of discipleship. He named the human habit of division and exclusion as “original sin.”

“The Church looks like a community that’s set up to deconstruct. We are afraid that we will become inundated with strangers or people in need or Lutherans and Roman Catholics! But we are saved by more community.”

“We want to get away from the chaplaincy model of the parish church,” he urged. “The Church is not a collection of clients who need a visit from a priest or a boost on Sunday. The Church is a group of people called to be the Body of Christ, struggling to overcome the tendency of human communities to exclude.

“The new prayer book revolutionized the Episcopal Church by placing the Baptismal Covenant at the heart of our worship life,” said Bishop Breidenthal. This, he added, is the real meaning of common ministry: “being in common the Body of Christ. Every one of us has the authority to preach the Gospel, and the responsibility to know it.”

“Challenge teachers to remind your congregation that Christian formation is not about Sunday School or adult education! Overcome the danger of circumscribing it to the classroom. Formation is becoming disciples. The Church is on a journey, and it feels as if it’s dying all the time. It feels like death because we have to shed patterns which have become dear to us.”

But in the place of the familiar and safe come quest, adventure and astonishing breakthroughs. In discussions throughout the day, the 40 participants heeded the bishop’s call to witness to each other.

Christian Formation Commission chair Deb Parker assembled a cross-section of people who are living out their baptismal vows in local and overseas mission. The presenters included Hawley Todd, who leads a midweek healing service at Cincinnati’s inner-city Grace Church, uniting people of every class and circumstance to an open-ended encounter with the Spirit; Joey Thiele who shared the cross-cultural bridging of American and Russian Christians through the Miami Valley Episcopal Russian Network; and the Rev. Craig Foster, who issued an urgent call for more people to

Above: Many of the participants of the Christian Formation Conference came dressed in Liberian garb. A main focus of the conference was storytelling and mission. Right: Edith Bowen-Carr and the Rev. Jennifer West of St. Matthew, Westerville, talk about ministry and mission in Liberia. become mentors and spiritual allies for prisoners through Kairos.

The heart of the day was listening to the heroic stories of Liberian women who overcame terror and found within themselves and through God’s love the courage and power to end their country’s civil war. The Rev. Abby Flemister, Clifton Flemister and Edith Bowen-Carr led a morning workshop on Liberian culture, history and the role of the nation’s Episcopalians, then held an afternoon screening of the documentary “Pray the Devil Back to Hell.” Todd, a mentor in Education for Ministry, led the viewers in a theological reflection on the role of women in ending the violence.

Many of the Americans arrived in Liberian dress, embodying the commission’s mission to draw out and support collaborative interactions for ongoing growth and development of our common life in Christ in the world. Christian Formation Commission members invited many mission leaders to bring displays and handouts, featuring everything Bruce and Jane Ergood’s ongoing public health work in rural Honduras to Episcopal Community Service Foundation’s emerging task forces to impact poverty in Southern Ohio. Participants received an array of resources connecting faith to daily discipline, from buying fair trade products to the 2010 Trinity Institute videoconference on building an ethical economy.

Links and formation resources can be found on the Christian Formation website www.christian-formation.diosoio.org.

Shaping the whole day was the Episcopal Church’s new Charter for Lifelong Formation, adopted at the 2009 General Convention (www.formationcharter.com).

“This is the clearest statement of common ministry I’ve ever heard in this diocese,” said Hawley Todd after Bishop Breidenthal’s keynote address. “He’s moving the Church out of the paid professional-client model. In many churches, it’s like paying dues to a country club: you expect to get a product. He took an axe to that tree! What I loved is the open-endedness. He doesn’t really know how this will play out. He’s inviting the Holy Spirit to make all of us new.”

MISSION

Redemption and Release: Re-entry pros launch ECSF’s E-FREE

By Ariel Miller Interchange contributor

How does your garden grow?

On a chilly, misty day in May, the Rev. Canon Anne Reed “dug in” to her mission to feed the hungry and planted some vegetables that will help feed the homeless and hungry visitors to the 5000 Club at Christ Church Cathedral.

“We have a chance as a diocesan staff to support the feeding ministry at the cathedral,” said Reed, the diocese’s new canon for mission. “This summer we hope to have fresh tomatoes and green peppers, as well as herbs, to give to those who prepare the meals for the 5000 Club at the cathedral, and thereby support our community feeding ministry.”

With help from diocesan staffers Pat Haug and Erick Williams, Canon Reed planted a small urban garden in the Bishop’s Garden, a tiny Eden located between Diocesan House and the cathedral grounds. In containers and planters traditionally filled with flowering plants, petunias and azaleas have been replaced by tomatoes, peppers and a variety of herbs. A few Topsy-Turvy tomato planters can even be found hanging from the trellis!

Canon Reed is currently collecting information regarding all the feeding ministries around the diocese. Congregations involved in feeding ministries should send information about their ministry to Julie Murray at jmurray@diosohio.org.

– Photos and story by Julie Murray

Not long ago, Anthony Hakim Johnson was doing time for a felony. Now, he’s giving back to his community as a chemical dependency counselor while studying for his bachelor’s degree at Capitol University through a Presidential Scholarship. Mentoring by Episcopalian Madeleine Trichel helped him transform his life.

Now, they team up to teach inmates at Marion Correctional and educate the wider community on the potential of ex-offenders.

Such outcomes are still too rare. Almost 30,000 people are released from Ohio prisons every year. Faced by huge challenges, 38% end up back in prison. The impact is devastating: talents wasted, children deprived of parents’ care and support, and taxpayers paying more than $25,000 per prisoner a year.

An ardent team of deacons and lay leaders met May 14 to tackle that grim reality. Chaired by the Rev. Jackie Burns, a prison chaplain at Marion Correctional, the group responded to the call by the Episcopal Community Services Foundation board to engage fellow Episcopalians in equipping former inmates to build constructive and fulfilling lives.

They’ve christened the initiative E-FREE: Episcopalians For Responsible Empowerment of Ex-Offenders. This team will pool decades of experience in corrections to inform churches of the challenges facing returning prisoners and concrete ways they can improve the outcomes.

E-FREE members set clear goals for their work in 2010: • to collect stories of challenge and success, including video interviews • assemble a speaker’s bureau • compile a toolkit of best practices • organize field trips • join statewide legislative advocacy for more effective corrections • develop preaching and teaching resources The first challenge is to make a dent in communities’ ignorance, pessimism and prejudice.

That will help build the grassroots support among Ohioans – especially faith communities – needed to change laws and public policies that hamper re-entry.

“We have two prisons in Madison County, but I don’t see churches stepping up to do much,” said Barbara Tope, senior warden of Trinity, London, and board chair of Ministry for Community (MfC), an ecumenical non-profit incubator that organizes solutions to unmet community needs. MfC’s executive director, Twyla McNamara, has a professional background in corrections and is already working to better connect ex-offenders to resources through local Benefit Bank teams.

The wide-ranging work and volunteer service of E-FREE members illustrates myriad

Senate Bill 22: Advocacy opportunity

A top priority for E-FREE this summer is informing Episcopalians about Senate Bill 22, starting with review by the diocese’s Social Justice Network.

Presented as a cost-saving measure for a state facing an $8 billion deficit, SB 22 provides many corrections reforms designed not only to reduce the inmate census but also to change the definition and penalties for crimes so that more parents will be able to stay employed and support their children.

Among its provisions: • raising the threshold for felony theft from $500 to $1,000 • giving preference to alternative sentencing over incarceration to parents who are behind on child support • equalizing penalties for crack and powder cocaine • expanding eligibility for treatment in lieu of conviction • allows potentially shorter mandatory terms for possession and trafficking in hashish and marijuana Sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Seitz of Cincinnati, the bill dovetails with reforms originally included in last year’s budget bill by Democratic Gov. Strickland, who was a prison psychologist.

Despite this bipartisan consensus on needed reforms, “this bill won’t get out of committee until Democrats promise they won’t call Republicans ‘soft on crime’ for sponsoring it,” says the Rev. Craig Foster.

The bill would save the state about $25 million a year over the state’s current corrections outlay costs. That’s just for starters. Lost wages, child support, and income taxes dwarf the cost of unnecessary incarceration.

The state’s current prison capacity is 38,655 beds. “Ohio’s prison population was 51,144 in April,” Foster says. “If we do nothing, that will change to 53,992 in a year.”

To learn more: Contact ECSF or visit www.opnff.net/legislative_policy_update.asp

other ways faith communities can help exoffenders do well.

Trichel of Trinity, Columbus, and the Rev. Irene Radcliff, of St. John’s, Columbus, teach teach life skills and serve as part of the Christian support team for Horizon, a year-long interfaith character formation program for inmates at Marion Correctional. Its alumni have only a 12% rate of recidivism. New volunteers are needed, especially as the program seeks to expand to Chillicothe.

Radcliff also serves on Kairos Outside teams, providing retreats and spiritual support to women with loved ones in prison. She’d love to see churches organize bus trips so that parents, spouses and children in poverty can visit relatives in prisons far from home.

The Rev. Craig Foster of St, John’s, Columbus and Paul Rhynard, outreach chair of St. Paul’s, Greenville, are volunteering with faith-based community initiatives addressing needs from

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anger management to housing. Rhynard, who advised many ex-offenders in his career as a Veterans Administration vocational counselor, is working to lead his congregation into more hands-on roles as he continues to help ex-felons in Greenville’s faith-based Good Samaritan Homes to win and keep jobs. He notes that churches can start with something as low-risk as providing sack lunches for Citizens Circles, the community-based mentoring programs organized by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.

Gifford Doxsee, a retired history professor from Ohio University, was a prisoner of war with Kurt Vonnegut during the firebombing of Dresden and has never forgotten what it feels like to be in prison.

He has taught inmate GED classes, served on many Kairos teams and befriended ex-offenders who have gone on to start powerful re-entry ministries of their own. His parish - Good Shepherd, Athens - is teaming up with a Methodist church in town to employ and mentor an ex-offender as sexton.

Working with the non-profit Ohio Justice and Policy Center, attorney Pam Thurston of St. Mark’s is developing a comprehensive database of thousands of provisions in Ohio law –collatoral sanctions - which continue to penalize people even after they have completed their prison sentence. Hundreds of hiring and professional licensing prohibitions bar ex-offenders from many jobs for which they are otherwise qualified.

Foster and the Rev. Canon Karl Ruttan, who staffs the diocese’s Social Justice Network, will work to inform churches and individuals on opportunities for legislative advocacy to support policies that are more just and practical in fostering successful re-entry.

Foster, a joyful veteran of many Kairos retreat teams with inmates and a mentor in the Columbus ex-offender support group Harbor on the Hill, stresses the need to train church people to be canny as well as caring in mentoring ex-felons.

Arriving some time ago for her regular Monday night gathering with the men in the Horizon program at Marion Correctional, Trichel told them of being mugged outside her own house. A hush fell over the group as they looked at this slender, white-haired woman who had become dear to them over the months they had spent together.

A man named Ronnie stood up. “I have to tell you something. I did that to a lady once. I never thought about it.

“I am never going to do that again.”

“He’s out now, and doing well,” Trichel says. “Ronnie! He has the bluest eyes you ever saw!”

This is the kind of epiphany that the leaders of E-FREE want to share.

If your congregation is already part of the solution or you want to explore ways to get involved, write or call at ECSF@eos.net or 513.221.0547.

About Jubilee Ministries Helping others in need is something Jesus commanded throughout His life and ministry.

A special group of congregations and agencies have sought the designation of Jubilee Ministry to publicly proclaim this commitment to serving others. Throughout the Episcopal Church, there are more than 600 Jubilee Ministries. Seven are located in the Diocese of Southern Ohio: ❋ Episcopal Community Services Foundation ❋ Open Door Jubilee Ministry Center (Cincinnati) ❋ Hunger Network in Ohio ❋ Neighborhood House, Inc. ❋ St. John’s Episcopal Church ❋ The Christ Church Dayton Center ❋ Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield The Rev. Canon Anne Reed is the diocese’s new Jubilee Ministries officer.

After General Convention passed a resolution to establish Jubilee Ministries in 1982, deputies set about to determine guidelines. They determined that applicants for Jubilee Ministry designation: ❋ Must be an Episcopal congregation, Episcopal cluster or an ecumenical cluster with Episcopal presence, and/or an agency with connections to the Episcopal Church. ❋ Must be involved in mission and ministry among and with poor and oppressed people wherever they are located. ❋ The mission and ministry must be rooted in worship. ❋ The mission and ministry must include several programs, including at least one human rights advocacy program and one human services program.

Once the ministry receives its Jubilee designation, it must be willing to demonstrate the operation of its programs to others as models, maintain “how to” files, act as a resource center and funnel for information, and be subject to an annual review.

One might wonder why a ministry would apply to gain the Jubilee designation. While Jubilee ministries do receive a small amount of funding from the Episcopal Church, the designation is more about what it symbolizes. Jubilee ministries serve as a vital link between “our congregational life of worship and the actions of our life in the world to which we are called to serve,” said the Rev. Christopher Johnson, social and economic justice officer for The Episcopal Church. “They represent a congregation’s participation in the reconciling work of the greater Body of Christ and its commitment to serve others engaged in similar ministry as both a resource and colleague.”

Jubilee Ministry: Faith in Action “Jubilee Ministry is faith in action-loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength by loving our neighbors as ourselves. Jubilee Ministry connects these two important dynamics of the spiritual journey, enabling God’s reconciling work to be seen through us. Sharing the stories of Jubilee Ministry is a vital part of this work. We connect with each other through sharing our joys, struggles, disappointments and triumphs.” ~ Jubilee Network, Episcopal Church website (www.episcopalchurch.org)

Above: Bill Nelson, center, of the ECSF grants committee facilitates a discussion at a grant seekers’ workshop, one of many workshops the foundation convenes to help Episcopalians pool the knowledge and resources needed to better overcome poverty.

At right: Mary Rollins and the Rev. John Paddock brainstorm recession recovery strategies at ECSF’s regional roundtable in Dayton last year.

Above: ECSF Monty Reece offers solutions to helping dispaced workers weather the recession.

Right: Street Church at St. John’s, Columbus, is a worshipping community for all people and an open door to helping many homeless people connect to resources that can save and improve their lives. St. John recently applied and was accepted to receive the designation of Jubilee Ministry.

Top: Marilee Oldstone-Moore, a parishioner at Christ Church, Springfield, serves hot dogs to the neighborhood.

Above: Neighbors enjoy walking tacos during the Neighborhood Fair sponsored by Christ Church, Springfield.

Left: Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, a parishioner at Christ Church, Springfield, paints the face of a young neighbor.

FROM PAGE 1 of games, food, a rummage give-away and other activities.

While the participants of these programs express deep gratitude for the benefits, volunteers receive the most, said Reed. “We certainly experience Jesus through the people we serve, receive even more than we give, and learn how to better serve.”

Urban flight from Dayton has “resulted in an increase of poor, needy and homeless people in the inner city,” said Christ Church, Dayton member Carol Ganim. The church operates CityHeart for the people of Dayton “to be a place of refuge, solace, assistance, referral and care.”

Volunteers at CityHeart and the ministry’s caseworker work with each individual who comes in the door, whether that person is looking for a place to sit and rest, food, shelter, help with rent or utility payments, and many other needs. For example, CityHeart’s Benefit Bank – and volunteers like Stough – works with clients to determine what benefits they are eligible to receive, and then assists them with the paperwork needed to apply for them. They also provide tax return assistance, sack lunches or referrals to other agencies.

The Open Door Ministry, a ministry of the Church of the Advent in Cincinnati, became a Jubilee center in 1984. Director Evie Foulkes says the program has become key advocate for adults dealing with mental illnesses. Open Door offers a payee program, which manages and budgets disability checks for 90 adults unable to handle their own money. This program keeps them from being homeless, pays all of their bills and gives them weekly spending money. Often the ministry’s staff become like family to these disabled adults, said Foulkes.

Open Door also works with people with drug addictions.

“We are very proud of our drop-in area. It has become a safe haven for the elderly, disabled adults, and men and women dealing with drug addictions,” Foulkes said.

Many of the center’s volunteers are “people from the neighborhood who have nothing and want to become part of our family,” she said. “They come every day to help us help others!”

Based in Cincinnati, Episcopal Community Services Foundation’s goal is to strengthen the capacity of Episcopalians to overcome poverty. The foundation provides grants, raises people’s awareness of human need and shares the news of effective responses. The foundation offers free training and often convenes people around shared concerns.

One of the foundation’s biggest challenges is a lack of knowledge in the Episcopal Church about why people are in need, said Executive Director Ariel Miller.

“Their assumptions about who is poor, why, and the state of this country’s ‘safety net’ need to be far better grounded in current facts,” said Miller.

Many lives can be changed through increased education and understanding, she said.

“If people of faith start to understand what fellow human beings are contending with, as well as the talents and gifts of those human beings, then we can pull together to transform the landscape in Ohio,” said Miller. “Once caring people see clearly what’s not working and what a better Ohio looks like,

AROUND THE DIOCESE

NOTABLE

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Evie Foulkes, director of the Open Door Ministry at Church of the Advent, Cincinnati, was honored by Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services for more than 25 years of helping improve the lives of people with chronic mental illness. The story of Foulkes’ caring ministry also was chronicled in a tribute published in the Cincinnati Enquirer. To see the story, visit www.advent-cincinnati.diosohio.org.

Rick Wagner, Senior Warden at Church of the Advent, Cincinnati, was named Alumni of the Year at St. James School, in Hagerstown, MD. St. James is an Episcopal boarding school, and Wagner recently attended his 50th reunion.

Wagner also was honored by Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services for his work and commitment to the mentally ill.

Kathleen Flanigan, Holy Trinity, Oxford, published an article in the Spring 2010 issue of Desert Call: Contemplative Christianity and Vital Culture.

Desert Call is a publication of the Spiritual Life Institute, a Roman Catholic, ecumenical community of vowed men and women with roots in the Carmelite Contemplative tradition. Flanigan’s article, “Uncexpected Pilgrimage,” gives readers a glimpse of her 2006 walking tour of northern England.

Darice Chapel, Grace Church, College Hill, is one of only 25 students selected to participate in the Summer Collegiate Orientation Program and Enrichment (SCOPE) program at the College of Mount St. Joseph. SCOPE brings together African-American high school students from the Greater Cincinnati area to assist them in preparing for college. Students reside on campus for one to two weeks, attending classes and earning credit to apply toward a college degree.

The program is a three-year commitment beginning in the student’s sophomore year of high school. At the conclusion of the program, Chapel will have earned six transferrable college credits to the college or university of her choice.

Cincinnati West

Dayton

Miami River

The Cincinnati Associates of the Community of the Transfiguration will hold an overnight “Gardening Retreat” June 4-5. Their plan is to donate some of their labor to the convent gardens, have a short time of silence and three short inspirational talks and dedicate their effort to the memory of Sister Mary Veronica, an avid gardener who passed away a few months ago. The retreat will begin with Evensong at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 4 and end with a sharing time at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 5.

Overnight accommodations are available for Friday night as well as for those who wish to stay Saturday night. The retreat is open to Associates of the Community as well as to those who are interested in learning more about the Episcopal convent in the Village of Glendale. For reservations or further information contact Molly Dutina at 513.752.9337 or mollyd@zoomtown.com.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Paul’s, Dayton, held a fundraiser to help finance their outreach efforts. Since each prayer shawl requires $18 worth of yarn, the knitters needed a way to rejuvenate their coffers. So several of the talented knitters created beautiful, handmade baby layettes and offered them for sale to members of the congregation.

Each one-of-a-kind layette set included a blanket, a hat or bonnet, a sweater or dress, a pair of booties, a bib and a shoulder cloth.

Joel Zylstra, parishioner at Holy Trinity, Oxford, will be taking part in Pedalcation 2010, a pedaling vacation to raise funds for sustainable education in Nairobi, Kenya. Starting in Oxford, Ohio, Zylstra will ride 2,800 miles through nine states before pulling in to Tacoma, Wash. This is a self-supported ride, which means that Zylstra will carry his own cooking and sleeping supplies for the entire trip. All proceeds benefit Dagoretti 4 Kids, a small non-profit organization on the outskirts of Nairobi that rehabilitates street kids to improve their physical, social and spiritual well-being and supports their entry and success in local primary and secondary schools. Zylstra’s goal is to raise through pledges $1 per mile, with a matching funds donation that will turn it into about $6,000. For more information about the bike trip, Dagoretti 4 Kids or donating to this sustainable education initiative, visit www.mjzylstra.wordpress.com.

Columbus

St. Peter’s, Delaware, has agreed to serve as fiscal agent for the local chapter of the NAACP. Their rector, the Rev. Charles Wilson, has accepted the position of vice president of the chapter’s steering committee.

St. Patrick’s, Dublin, held a get acquainted dinner for new members in May. The entire parish was invited to attend a potluck supper, at which newer members could get to know new people and ask questions about the congregation.

The ECW at St. John’s, Worthington, will host their second annual Liberian event at noon on June 8. These events offer an opportunity to expand knowledge of Liberian culture and history as well as to acquire a better understanding of the west African country’s links with the United States and the Episcopal Church.

This year’s activities will feature a PBS film entitled “Iron Ladies of Liberia.” There will also be discussion of the book, This Child Will Be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable Life by Africa’s First Woman President, written by current Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. The lunch menu will be a mix of American and Liberian foods. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the church at 614.846.5180.

The Stephen Ministry and Daughters of the King at St. George’s, Washington Twp., hosted guest speaker Dr. Laura Grimes for a presentation on exploring spiritual direction. A spiritual director is known in the Celtic tradition as an anam cara, or soul friend. This is a sister or brother in faith who provides sacred listening to assist people in discerning and responding to God’s presence in both prayer and everyday life. Grimes, a member of St. George’s, is a theologian and spiritual director who offers this ministry and can also help people connect with other qualified directors in the area.

If you have questions about the presentation or would like to schedule an appointment with Grimes, call the church at 937.434.1781.

The Dayton Episcopal Food Pantry (formerly St. Margaret’s/St. Andrew’s Food Pantry) is a collaborative effort of many of the churches in the Dayton Deanery housed at St. Andrew’s, Dayton. In 2009, the pantry served an average of 51 households per month, or about 154 people, an increase from the 83 people per month served in 2008. The pantry already has served nearly 1,700 people this year! The pantry is open the third and fourth Saturdays of the month and by appointment during the week. If you can donate food, money or time to help out the pantry, contact the Rev. Jane Gerdsen at jane.standrews@sbcglobal.net.

The OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Seniors) at St. Anne, West Chester, have some fun activities planned for the summer. In addition to walking tours of beautiful, historic Spring Grove Cemetery, the OWLS will be attending a Cincinnati Reds game on June 17 and enjoying a lunch-time show of the comedy “Church Basement Ladies,” at La Comedia Dinner Theater on July 1.

Group rate tickets are being purchased for these outings, so if you are older, wiser, loving, or just want to join in with the OWLS, contact the church at 513.779.1139 for more information.

Ohio River

The Men of St. Andrew’s, Evanston, invite you to take part in the third annual St. Andrew’s Golf Outing, to take place Saturday, July 10 at 9 a.m. at Avon Fields Golf Course.

The cost is $60 per golfer, which includes 18 holes, cart fees and lunch. Come and enjoy a great round of golf as well as a silent auction, longest putt, longest drive and closest to the pin contests and raffles with great prizes. Deadline for entry is July 1. Contact Robert Wilson at 513.207.6590 or Mike Wilson at 513.266.1123 for more information.

Around the Diocese items are culled from congregation newsletters and written by Julie Murray. For more information about the events or programs, contact the person listed or the congregation.

Please make sure the diocese is on your mailing list. Send newsletters to Julie Murray, Diocese of Southern Ohio, 412 Sycamore St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Not mass mailing your newsletters anymore? Please add the diocese to your electronic mailing list. Email your newsletter to jmurray@diosohio.org and rthompson@diosohio.org.

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around the CHURCH

UBE to explore baptismal convenant

The Anglican Communion

a community of 70 million Anglicans in more than 160 countries Resources for national and world news: The Episcopal Church, USA www.episcopal church.org Anglican Communion: www.anglican communion.org Around the Communion Sources: Anglican Communion News Service, Episcopal News Service

[Episcopal News Service] The 42nd annual meeting and conference of theUnion of Black Episcopalians is set for June 28-July 2 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and North Charleston Convention Center in North Charleston, South Carolina.

This year’s theme is “Embracing our Heritage: Living the Baptismal Covenant for a 21st Century Church.”

“Our theme is captivating the energies of many black Episcopalians,” said the Very Rev. C. David Williams, UBE president. “It dovetails with the sentiments and needs of other black organizations such as the combined conference of AME, CME and AME Zion churches who are also meeting in Charleston, and are also seeking to find completeness in Christ ... and to see change as a positive thing and needed to survive in the church of today.”

The five-day intergenerational assemblage will include a memorial service at the “bench by the road” on Sullivan’s Island. The bench was placed there by Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prizewinning American author, editor and professor Toni Morrison, to memorialize and remember thousands of people who were brought into the U.S. as slaves

at that location.

The conference also will include a forum focused on the conference theme, with dialogue and interchange with individuals from throughout the “Low Country,” aka the South Carolina Coast, and a training session for all chapter officers and regional directors.

“I have been around the country speaking with black Episcopalians and what I hear the most is concern that we engage ourselves in ministries that challenge who we are as Christians and actively participate in the lives and concerns of our brothers and sisters who are in need of our help,” said Williams.

“We are looking to the Charleston experience and its ‘Corridor of Shame’ wherein we hope to start a mission field and assist with the horrendous need of easing the burden on the poor to provide the basic necessities of life.”

Each year’s conference is unique; however, there are elements that have become a constant such as the Thursday night Gala, the Youth Explosion Worship Service and workshops geared to the theme and church-related information.

“Attendees of this year’s conference can expect ‘A

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Taste of Charleston’ with Gullah food and entertainment; lively worship; dialogue and interchange; fellowship; leadership training for laity and clergy and intergenerational sessions,” said the Rev. Theodore R. Lewis, conference dean.

The conference keynote address will be delivered by Cleveland Sellers, the eighth president of Voorhees College, a historically black Episcopal College in Denmark, South Carolina.

“Our student pool is comprised of many first generation attendees who may come from low income, non-traditional families or who are products of underfunded and educationally weak secondary schools,” said Sellers. “These challenges, particularly with the Episcopal-affiliated historically black colleges and universities, mean that it is up to alumni as well as Episcopalians to not only support our schools, but to advocate for support from others.”

John Harris, a member of St. Simon of Cyrene, Lincoln Heights and treasurer for the Diocese of Southern Ohio, is serving as the interim executive director for the Union of Black Episcopalians.

Further information and registration for the conference are available www.ube.org.

Dayton Deanery celebrates Pentecost, unity By the Rev. Mike Kreutzer Interchange contributor They started arriving early in the morning.

First came the people of St. Margaret’s, our gracious hosts for the day. Then, one or two at time, other Episcopalians joined them. By midmorning, the trickle had become a flood. Car after car streamed in, filling the church’s large parking lot and spilling over into the grass.

By the time the service began, nearly 600 Episcopalians and guests packed the sanctuary.

Ushers walked in and out, setting up additional chairs along the back wall and in front of the pews. As the cases of service bulletins were emptied, people began sharing them with one another.

Then, after the prelude and welcome, the congregation rose as one to sing enthusiastically “Hail thee, festival day!” With gleaming crosses leading the way and doves-on-poles swirling overhead, the 50-plus members of the combined Dayton Deanery Choir processed in, followed by other ministers for the service, including the Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal.

The bishop began the service with a threefold “Alleluia! Christ is risen!” and the congregation’s voice resounded, “The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!” When the lector for the first reading reached the sentence from Acts 2 in which Peter begins to speak to crowd gathered together in Jerusalem, voices from throughout the congregation continued the rest of the reading in their own first languages from all parts of the globe. During the service, a young child was baptized and more than two dozen people were either confirmed or received. The choir

anthems, accompanied by organ, trumpet and a string trio, lifted everyone in praise of the one Lord, one faith, one baptism that unites us in one God. As the worship service ended, the celebration continued. Participants filled the parish hall, spilling out into the narthex and finding places to share lunch together in a large tent outside. The warm spring sunshine provided an ideal context for the warmth of a very special celebration of the life of the one Spirit who makes us all members of one church.

As the bishop and his wife, Margaret, prepared to return home, he observed that this was the most amazing Pentecost celebration he had ever experienced.

The Episcopal Church in Montgomery and Greene counties felt the same way.

The Rev. Mike Kreutzer is dean of the Dayton Deanery. Contact him at makruetzer@ameritech.net.

Above left: Lori Tingley translates the Word with members of the audience who were deaf or hearing-impaired.

Above: Bishop Thomas E. Breidenthal confirms a new member into the body of Christ.

Left: Clergy from across the Dayton Deanery gathered for a unified Pentecost celebration at St. Margaret’s, Trotwood.

Photos by Katherine Wagner and Eric Schryver

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CALENDAR

RESOURCES

June 3-5 – School for Ministry weekend at Procter Camp & Conference Center. Contact: Kay Sturm at 800.582.1712 ext. 136.

5 – Center for Life Formation graduations at Christ Chapel, Procter Camp & Conference Center, 11 a.m.

10 – Title IV training at Procter Camp & Conference Center, 10 a.m. Contact: the Rev. Canon Karl Ruttan at 800.582.1712 ext 137.

10 – Standing Committee meets at Diocesan House, noon. Contact: the Rev. Stephen Applegate at 740.587.0167.

12 – Deacons’ ordinations at Christ Church Cathedral, 11 a.m. Clergy: red stoles.

12 – Safe Church Training at Christ Church, Springfield, 9 a.m. Lunch provided at no cost. See registration info online at www.diosohio.org.

12 - Preacher training at Procter Camp & Conference Center. Contact: the Rev. Canon Karl Ruttan at kruttan@diosohio.org or 800.582.1712. Information: www. lifeformation.diosohio.org 14-15 – Executive staff retreat 16 - Commission on Congregational Life meets at Procter Camp & Conference Center, 10 a.m. Contact: Janice West at 937.278.2249.

17 – Pre-ordination retreat for those being ordained to the priesthood, 10 a.m.

Contact: Pat Haug at 800.582.1712 ext. 103.

19 – Priests’ ordinations at St. Anne, West Chester, 11 a.m. Clergy: red stoles.

20-25 – Reading Camp at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

24-27 – Ohio Episcopal Celebration at Kenyon, Kenyon College, Gambier. Register at www.episcopalcelebration.diosohio.org.

25-27 – Family Camp I at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

30-July 3 – 123 Camp and Outdoor Adventure Camp at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

July 5 – Diocesan offices closed for Independence Day holiday.

6-10 – Boys and Girls Camp at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

10 – Common Ministry Exploration Mission and Formation teams at Procter Camp & Conference Center, 10 a.m. Contact: the Rev. Canon Karl Ruttan at 800.582.1712.

12-16 – Creation Camp at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

16-18 – Family Camp II at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

17 – Diocesan Council meets at Procter Camp & Conference Center, 10 a.m. Contact: the Rev. Bruce Smith at 614.486.9452.

19-24 – Senior High Camp at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

26-31 – Intermediate Camp at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

August 2-7 – Junior Camp at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

11-14 – Family Camp III at Procter Camp & Conference Center.

14 – Safe Church training at St. Anne, West Chester, 9 a.m. Lunch is on your own at local eateries. See registration info online at www.diosohio.org.

18 - Commission on Congregational Life meets at Procter Camp & Conference Center, 10 a.m. Contact: Janice West at 937.278.2249.

27-29 – School for Ministry at Procter Camp & Conference Center. Contact: Kay Sturm at 800.582.1712 ext. 136.

June

visitations

6 Bishop Breidenthal

Bishop Price

Bishop Rivera 13 Bishop Breidenthal 20 Bishop Breidenthal

27 Bishop Breidenthal

Bishop Price Visitations resume in September.

St. Paul, Greenville Our Saviour, Mechanicsburg All Saints, Pleasant Ridge St. James, Piqua St. Paul, Logan/ Epiphany, Nelsonville St. Mary, Waynesville St. Luke, Marietta

REST IN PEACE The Rev. Clifford Atkinson, a priest for more than 50 years, died May 8.

Ordained in 1953, Cliff served congregations in Kansas, Iowa, Chicago and New York. He had been in Southern Ohio for more than 20 years, serving on diocesan staff and as interim and supply in at least a dozen congregations. He was recently honored with the St. Simeon award for his witness and ministry.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen; son, Christopher; stepchildren, Steven Hammons, Elizabeth Miller and Jerry Johnson; and six grandchildren.

The memorial service was held at Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park. Memorials may be sent to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati 45020.

John Washington, a longtime member of St. Philip, Columbus, and member of the Minority Empowerment Initiative Trust, died May 4. He was 84.

Vera Billing, who served for many years as junior warden of Christ Church, Ironton, died May 4. She was 84. The following day, another long-time church member died. Mary Slagel, 95, was a member of the Daughter of the King, a Sunday School teacher and director of the church’s Christmas pageant.

CONGRATULATIONS! The Rev. Jane Gerdsen and Rob Konkol are doing their part to grow the church. They welcomed their first child on May 26. Joshua Patrick Konkol weighed in at 8 lbs and 10 oz and was 19 ¾ inches. Mom and baby are doing well. Gerdsen serves St. Andrew’s, Dayton, while Konkol is the diocese’s director of youth and camping ministries.

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY CLASSES Most Education for Ministry classes will start in September and end in May. Registration deadlines will vary for each class but most will need to be completed by the end of July. For more information about individual classes, please use the contact information listed with each class or contact Hawley Todd at todd@episcopalhealing.org New classes may be added if there is sufficient interest in any area of the diocese. For information on starting a new class or becoming a mentor, please contact Hawley Todd. See page 6 for reflections about Education for Ministry.

St. Patrick’s, Dublin Thursday evenings Cricket Park & Stephen Smith, cbpark@aol.com

St John’s, Lancaster Wednesday evenings Kathy Heim, kawasabi@columbus.rr.com, 740.20.3397

St. Patrick’s, Dublin Monday evenings Lissa Barker & Susan Jones, cbpark@aol.com

St. George’s - Dayton/Centerville Thursday evenings Emily Jobe,wyogale@me.com or 937.231.5402

St. Patrick’s, Dublin Monday mornings Deb Parker, info@slem3.com or 740.548.3613

Convent of the Transfiguration Glendale Wednesday mornings Lisa Hughes, lrhughes@fuse.net or 513.677.9448 Emily Jobe, wyogale@me.com or 937.231.5402

All Saints, New Albany Sunday evenings Fred and Diana Shirley, 614.88.9038 or dianashirley@columbus.rr.com St. Stephen’s, Columbus Tuesday evenings Nancy Green, ngreen5989@wowway.com

Grace, College Hill Monday evenings; Friday mornings Hawley Todd, todd@episcopalhealing.org or 513.967.6581

NEWS NOTES Formation

Ohio Episcopal Celebration: Formation, fun for the family While adults are exploring the theme of speaking truth to power during the Ohio Episcopal Celebration at Kenyon, children will tackle the “Gospel According to Dr. Seuss.” The conference, an intergenerational event, also offers a youth program for those ages 13 to 18. Their theme is “Speak the truth in love.”

Children’s program leaders will help children (ages 12 and under) understand their responsibility with power and truth as it relates to people and the earth, using games and crafts based on the wisdom of Dr. Seuss. Books include “Yertle the Turtle,” “The Sneeches,” “The Lorax,” and ”Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” Overnight accommodations, meals and children’s programs are free for children 12 and under when they accompany parents or guardians at the Ohio Celebration. Each day, in addition to the children’s program, families are given opportunities to share time and creative activities.

For youth (ages 13-18), activities include swimming, movie night, games, chillin’, food (lots of it), talkin’, and, if nothing else, a chance to get out of town and get into the country.

Hiking and biking are possibilities; friendships are probabilities; and fun and relaxation are guarantees! It is only $100 per youth; there are lesser fees if you can come for only a day or two. All youth must be accompanied by a parent or designated adult.

The Ohio Celebration conference is an intergenerational conference hosted jointly by the dioceses of Ohio and Southern Ohio, with support from Bexley Hall Seminary. The conference will take place Thursday evening, June 24 through Sunday, June 27 on the campus of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.

Information: www.episcopalcelebration.diosohio.org

Release, Heal and Grow retreat St. Thomas, Terrace Park, invites all to participate in a weekend experience of Christian healing and renewal June 18-20. Led by the Rev. Dr. Russ Parker, the weekend’s theme is “Release, Heal and Grow.” Parker, an Anglican priest and native of England, is a prolific author and speaker who focuses on healing and reconciliation. He travels extensively, lecturing and teaching in issues connected with Christian healing and healthcare, reconciliation and church transformation. His practice of teaching Christian listening in Northern Ireland and Rwanda has advanced the cause of peace and won him praise and respect around the world.

All are welcome – but seating is limited. Call the church office at 513.831.2052 for reservations. Childcare is available.

St. Thomas is located at 100 Miami Ave. in Terrace Park. The event runs on June 18 from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m.; June 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on June 20, preaching for the 7:45 and 10 a.m. services.

Calvary hosts Godly Play training After many months of preparation, a Godly Play Core Training was held at Calvary, Clifton, in mid-April. Godly Play is a Montessori -based church school curriculum developed by Jerome Barryman, a long-time Christian educator. The training includes 18 hours of instruction in the purpose and practice of telling Godly Play stories to Sunday school children.

Participants have an opportunity to work on their storytelling techniques as well as listening to others tell stories. The child centered aspects of Godly Play storytelling, response to the story, the feast and respect of silence all help to develop the intrinsic knowledge of God and spirituality of children.

Attendees came from churches in the Greater Cincinnati area as well as Cleveland and Dayton and Danville, Ky. The event was hosted by the Children’s Ministries of Calvary with financial assistance from the diocese’s Christian Formation Commission.

People

Radcliff:Valiant Woman Award Church Women United in Columbus and Franklin Counties bestowed their 2010 Valiant Woman Award to the Rev. Irene Radcliff at their May meeting.

Radcliff, a deacon at St. John, Town Street, has served as a board member of Church Women United for three terms. In addition, her commitment to social justice, prison reform and human and women rights is evident through her community involvement over the decades, including serving on the boards of the Girl Scout Council, Columbus Urban League, United Way and the Natinoal Women’s Caucus. In 2009, she was elected as member-at-large for social justice for the national Episcopal Church Women Board. In March, she addressed the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women on behalf of ECW.

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A graduate of The Ohio State University, with bachelor and master’s degrees in social work, Radcliff worked for more than 20 years in social work She is the mother of five sons and the grandmother of 12. She was married to Edwin, a United States Air Force officer until his death in 1999.

Jackson: Humanitarian Award The Rev. Paula Jackson, rector of Church of Our Saviour, Mount Auburn, was awarded the Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr. Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission.

The award commemorates the life and works Bishop Thompson, eighth bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, who was a passionate advocate for the ideals of social justice and inclusion, and sought to bring together many diverse populations within the Cincinnati area.

Jackson has been a vocal advocate for issues of social justice, from full inclusion of gay and lesbians in the life of the church to immigration and poverty concerns.

Here is Jackson’s acceptance speech (also available in Spanish): “I invite you to reflect for a moment on the first word of Bishop Thompson’s personal motto: ‘To reconcile, to liberate, to heal, to serve.’”

We may think of reconciliation in imagery suggested by the Latin roots of the word: re-concile, bring back into the circle, suggesting that someone who was there has gone away, and we who are still in the circle go get them back. As our mothers told us, ‘Kiss and make up.’ Or more poignantly in Rodney King’s lament, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

Cincinnati has struggled with the goal of reconciliation. We erupt in moments of outrage and then scramble to address our estrangement, but never with a sense that we are getting somewhere together. Those who seem outside the circle remain deeply alienated and those in the center defend their entitlements.”

Bishop Thompson knew, however, that the Greek word translated “reconcile” in the New Testament has an entirely different meaning. Katallassein is the word, and it means to be radically changed. As in giving up my old life for a new life, my old worldview for a new one, even dying if that’s what it takes. It can take the sense of changing outsiders, aliens, extranjeros into citizens, compañeros, friends. It is a transformation into which all of us must enter if we want to be reconciled. But few will risk deconstruction of the old, in order to rejoice in what transformation may bring.”

“Bishop Thompson dedicated his ministry to the reconciliation that comes from transformation of values, of lives, of institutions and communities. I respectfully receive this award on behalf of those who deserve it: the Church of Our Saviour / La Iglesia de Nuestro Salvador, a congregation which for the past 50 years (more or less), intentionally (more or less), has enjoyed (more or less) the continual process of deconstruction and transformation for the sake of an ever broadening circle of reconciliation.”

Conservation group announces new executive director Ohio Interfaith Power and Light has appointed Dr. Cleve Callison as its new executive director. Callison, a member of Holy Trinity, Oxford, and the diocesan resolution committee, began his duties in late April.

Callison will be responsible for budget development, project management, fundraising and communications for the statewide environmental organization. He has extensive experience in nonprofit management, having led NPR stations at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and at Miami University in Oxford. Callison has served as senior warden of both St. Paul’s, Winston-Salem, and of Holy Trinity, Oxford.

“Dr. Callison’s skills and background are ideally suited to help develop and shape OhIPL at this important juncture,” said Dr. Gregory Hitzhusen of Ohio State University, former executive director and now board chair of Ohio IPL. “His leadership and vision are very welcome, and I’m thankful for the new energy he’s already bringing to OhIPL.” Ohio Interfaith Power and Light is an affiliate of The Regeneration Project’s national Interfaith Power and Light campaign. Its mission is to empower a religious response to climate change and to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

Ohio IPL focuses on tangible results in religious communities, putting faith into action.

Events Jazz on the Lawn: St. Simon of Cyrene, Lincoln Heights, invites all to attend the free Jazz on the Lawn concert on June 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Cincinnati Firefighters’ Band will be featured. St. Simon’s is located at 810 Matthews Drive, Lincoln Heights. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside. Refreshments will be sold. Information: Rosie Holloway at 513.227.7155.

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reflectionS

Saving America’s Soul

Christian action and the healing of American racism

By Ariel Miller Interchange contributor Leaving his after-school job at the town library one evening, a gentle teenager named Gilbert Bond was jumped and savagely beaten for being black.

“No one,” his mother said grimly, “who would do something like this to another person would be improved by prison. I’ll press charges only if the sentence includes the mental health treatment this assailant needs.”

That is Christian reconciliation. Not words, but practice: immediately and consistently treating all others with the love and compassion Jesus pours out for us.

It was just one of the stories of terror and grace with which Gilbert Bond riveted Episcopalians at the Procter Camp & Conference Center May 15 as he revealed how Christians have worked for two centuries to replace the violence and degradation of American apartheid with holy wholeness.

Bond, the Anabaptist theologian and Yale Divinity School professor who founded the Center for the PraXis of Christian Reconciliation, was invited by the Southern Ohio Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians to deliver the inaugural Thurgood Marshall Symposium. The date honored the May 17 anniversary of Marshall’s success in winning the unanimous Supreme Court decision of Brown vs. Board of Education, which ruled segregation unconstitutional.

While Marshall, who later became America’s first black Supreme Court justice, will soon take his place in the calendar of saints of the Episcopal Church, Bond made it clear that every person has the capacity to carry on this work. He proved it with stories of generations of holy women and holy men – ordinary people rarely remembered in history books - who understood and lived the implications of the Gospel of Love.

In 1908, the year Thurgood Marshall was born, 89

legal architecture that encoded American apartheid. Why, then, Bond asked, did Martin Luther King Jr. begin the Montgomery Bus Boycott 18 months after Brown vs. Board of Education?

“We are here,” King explained to a reporter, “to heal the soul of America.” Changing the law was crucial, but not enough.

“Unless we become brothers and sisters,” Bond added, “the divided soul of America will lose the integrity of its soul.”

And this is how the new Covenant in Christ is transforming human community. Through Christ, Bond explained, “wholeness is created not from sameness and homegeniety as in all previous human cultures. The Spirit moves across all boundaries. It cannot be contained.”

Tracing salvation history from Abram and Sarah, “two Gentiles from Iraq,” Bond evoked God’s promise that through them “all nations would be blessed.”

People must open their hearts not simply to profess but also to practice faith, Bond urged.

There is plenty to do, he said, and faith furnishes the tools.

Consider immigration policies, he said. “There are no aliens: Remember God’s word to us in the Torah: for you were once a stranger in a strange land, and I remembered you!”

Dr. Gilbert Bond addresses the UBE symposium.

Black Americans were lynched. Marshall’s mentor, Charles Hamilton Houston, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Amherst College, was almost lynched in Georgia after returning from serving his country as an officer in World War I. With deep faith in the rule of law and the principles of American human rights, NAACP attorneys including Houston and Marshall worked for decades to transform the

Bond’s teaching in the Thurgood Marshall Symposium was sponsored by the Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr. Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians; the diocese’s Faithin-Life Commission, Social Justice Network and Minority Empowerment Trust Fund; Christ Church Cathedral; and Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park.

To learn more about tools for reconciliation, visit the Center for the PraXis of Christian Reconciliation, www.christianreconcilers.com. For a copy of Dr. Bond’s Thurgood Marshall address and a bibliography of reference materials, write to ECSF@eos.net or call 513.221.0547.

Four students complete inaugural lay preaching class Practice, practice, practice… that pretty much sums up the Lay Preachers’ course curriculum. And practice may not make perfect, but it surely improves your skills -- and gives you calluses.

This May four students completed the two-year Lay Preaching course – a new offering by the Diocese of Southern Ohio. This course is a prerequisite to being licensed as a lay preacher by the diocese. A lay preacher is licensed to preach in any Episcopal Church in the diocese, if invited by the rector or priest-in-charge. The course was taught by the Rev. Stephen Smith and the Rev. Lee Anne Reat.

We met once a month for two years. Some of the class time was spent on instruction, but most of the time was taken up with exegesis (analyzing scripture) and preaching.

And of course, after every sermon, there was time for feedback (hence the calluses). The feedback, gently provided by the rest of the class, was as helpful as it was humbling.

As Stephen Smith explained to us on the first day of class, “Preaching cannot be taught without doing the task on a regular basis.”

In addition to giving sermons and providing feedback, we had lots of instruction about the art and craft of writing sermons. For example, we learned that preparing a sermon

involves two separate tasks: first deciding what to say and then determining how to say it. Woe to the preacher who tries to do both at once!

We learned about many different styles of sermons: deductive sermons, inductive sermons, story sermons, children’s sermons and about using props. We read sermons by well-known preachers and discussed what made them good – and what we might learn from them for our own preaching. Stephen and Lee Anne encouraged us to try out different styles in our preaching – and our practice sessions became fun, safe places to experiment with new techniques.

I was fascinated to learn that to preach is to “do” theology – because the preacher interprets the Word of God for his or her congregation, connecting scripture to the practical needs of everyday life. When one preaches, one both accepts a solemn responsibility and also embraces an audacious act. Or, as a homiletics expert Fred Craddock puts it, the sermon is both a whisper and a shout: the preacher must be patient enough to listen to the whisper of the Word of God but must be bold enough to shout it from the roof-

Spencer Pugh

top. (Matthew 10:27 “What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.”)

In the second year, two more students joined the class, and they fearlessly jumped into the mix, preaching and providing feedback without hesitation. Now, with the four “secondyears” moving on, there is lots of room in the class for new students. Perhaps you could be one of them?

How do you know if this class is right for you? First, you need some reasonable knowledge of the Bible, so the first two years of Education for Ministry (or the equivalent experience) is required. You also need to be somewhat comfortable with public speaking. And, you need to be recommended by your parish priest. But, I think the most important thing is that you feel that call both to listen for that whisper and then to shout it from the rooftop… and, of course, you have to be willing, in the presence of your peers, to practice.

The four students completing the course are Spencer Pugh, Nick England, Pat Rugola and Debby Stokes. Two students continue with their second year of training; they are: Ken Lyon and Betsy Kitch. Read sermons from the students of the diocese’s lay preaching program online at www.diosohoi.org.

REFLECTIONS

Lay theologian: Dogs and angels

I want to get dogs a promotion, moving them up in the Great Chain of Being.

The psalmist wrote, You have made [man] but a little lower than the angels; you adorn him with glory and honor; You give him mastery over the works of your hands; you put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field, The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.

(Psalm 8:4-9; BCP 592) You might think dogs would come out fairly high in this list. The Great Chain hierarchy would go: God, angels, humans, tamed mammals (including dogs), wild mammals, birds, fish, crabs and crawdads, etc.

On the other hand, you only have to look to Psalm 59 and 68 to see that dogs were thought of as scavengers, snarling and on the prowl. It was not until much more recently that dogs became household companions, bred in all shapes and sizes.

Dogs were “domesticated” even before the invention of agriculture, maybe 15,000 years ago. One hypothesis is that wolves found human garbage to be an easy food source, and over generations the more sociable offspring did better.

Humans were eventually relying on dogs, with their keen senses of smell and hearing being useful in hunting, not to mention their protecting our ancestors against wild animals.

When Fang (our Mastiff) and I go out on walks, he guards me against trash trucks, fire engines, school buses, and squir-

Dr. Don Reed

rels and rabbits.

In one of the coolest experiments I know, if you show a chimp that you are hiding a banana slice under one of two cups, but you don’t let it see which of the two you’ve put it under, and then you point to the cup covering the treat, the chimp doesn’t get it. It goes to the wrong cup as often as to the right one.

Even after multiple trials, the chimp is no closer to figuring out that you’re trying to tell it something. But dogs get it right off. They go straight to the cup you point to and get the treat.

Interestingly, wolves don’t get it either. The ability to understand human gestures as conveying information seems to have evolved in dogs, though not in our close ape relatives. Chimps can learn how to solve problems, like how to get a grape out of a contraption, by watching us get it and then imitating what we did. They learn things from each other the same way. But for the chimp it is all about me, me, me, not about an “us.”

This is the crux of my case for dog promotion: the “us” we have with dogs. There is something else too.

Once upon a time, the Great Chain of Being was construed so that humans straddled the divide between the supernatural and the natural – part angel, part beast. Scientifically minded people tend now to think of angels as metaphorical.

The psalmist wrote, Because you have made the LORD your refuge,

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and the Most High your habitation, There shall no evil happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.

They shall bear you in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

(Psalm 91:9-12; BCP 720) The thing about angels – they seem devoted, not to an “us” with us, but to the “us” we have with God. Our companionship with non-humans can be among the most important connections we have to the works of God’s hands. Such companionship can enhance not only the us we have with them but also the us we have with God. Fang and I often walk in the wide grassy median of the boulevard a block and a half from our house. He stops to smell trees and pick up bits of trash to eat or sticks to carry along as we go.

The city recently mulched around the trees in the boulevard. The other morning Fang paused to sniff around a mulch ring, and before I knew it, he was carrying a Barbie!

He had her by the head, her hair tangled with mulch, her legs and party dress sticking out of his ample Neo jowls as we completed the final 15 minutes of our walk.

And we made it back unscathed.

Don Collins Reed is a member of Christ Church, Springfield, and is professor of Philosophy at Wittenberg University.

Contact him at dreed@wittenberg.edu.

Notes from the Edge Chris, one of my partners-in-crime in campus ministry, told me that his goal for the year was to develop relationships with, say, three students. Three. If I’m honest, my first, unvoiced reaction was, “Just three? Isn’t that a ridiculously low number?” But in conversation with Chris, he said he’d rather make a few deeper, more long-lasting relationships than a whole bunch of more surface, fun-oriented ones.

This dichotomy is at the heart of both campus and parish ministries – how to combine meaningful small groups with larger, attractional stuff? Many campus ministries focus, it seems, primarily on large-group craziness – whipped cream pies to the face, scavenger hunts, big worship events – and they often draw a large crowd. On the plus side, that’s a lot of people to hear the message when you share it. On the minus side, many of those students don’t hear the message at all in the midst of all the big fun. Other campus ministries focus more on oneon-one relationships, on encouraging a deep relationship with God. Again, on the plus side, you get committed Christians, and on the minus side, you only get a few of them.

When Jesus said in Matthew’s Gospel, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” what did he mean?

The Rev.

How are we supposed to make disAlice ciples? And what Connor does that mean anyway? It’s followed by “baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit” so it clearly suggests incorporation into the Christian community. And it seems to require actually, you know, talking with people about the faith. But it doesn’t necessarily suggest increasing Sunday worship attendance or pledging income. But it doesn’t suggest doing it in small numbers either.

“Make disciples” for us at the Edge House means a mix of attractional and relational events. It means we put on larger events like Jazz and Gospel Jam or World Pasta Day or Croquet on the Common. It means we interact with as many attendees as possible, finding out some of their stories, inviting them back to the Edge. It means we have the big fun as a way of meeting people. And it means that the second meeting is the real one – over lunch or coffee, we can delve a bit more into where the student is, where he or she want to be, how we can do that together. Making disciples at

the Edge House is increasingly focused on these one-on-one or small group relationships – offering a few students time and attention so that they can go out and do the same.

Maybe your church has been talking about how to grow your numbers for a while now. Or maybe you’ve been wrestling with the concept of evangelism. I don’t have the magic answer for you, but I know we all struggle. And I know that our call is beyond one of numbers and fear. It’s always a balance between being attractional and relational. Working on a campus with more than 35,000 students is scary at times – how to reach any of them at all when they’re bombarded with information – but we do it because we love what we’ve found in the Church, and we want to share it.

And that’s the key, I suppose – do something – experiment with the gifts you’ve been given and share what you have.

Use whatever means necessary – large or small, ridiculous or sublime – it’s all God’s anyway.

The Rev. Alice Connor is the campus minister for the Evangelical Lutheran Church at the University of Cincinnati. She works at the Edge (campus ministry house) and lives in the middle. You can reach her at www.edge-uc.org.

Mission and Marriage: They do Art Paul and Kelli Sexton met on a mission trip to Russia nearly five years ago. So it seemed only fitting that mission – giving to others – would play a key role when they exchanged wedding vows on May 1 at Christ Church, Dayton. In honor of their guests, they gave a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development for mission.

“We were thinking we could give cheap little bags of candy or some gag gift,” said Art, 23. “Or we could make a donation in the name of our guests that would be a lot better, an actual gift.” The couple chose ERD in part because of Kelli’s passion for the agency’s work in rebuilding New Orleans. She has traveled to the beleaguered city twice on mission trips. And the newly married couple is considering New Orleans as a honeymoon destination – with a mix of mission and sightseeing on the agenda.

Paul runs YODAH – Youth of Dayton Are Here – and will be a camp counselor at Procter this summer, while Kelli teaches the preschool class of Christian education at Christ Church.

“We’ve always been involved in the Episcopal Church,” said Art. “We just wanted to give back the church we love.”

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CAMP

Counselor submits winning camp design

Diocesan youth director Rob Konkol challenged students to develop a logo for the 2010 summer camp season. Lisa Jacob, a sophomore at Ohio Northern University and member of St. James, Westwood, submitted the winning design. She will serve as a counselor this summer. Interchange asked Jacob to share her inspiration for the design, which will appear on the camp T-shirts.

Let me tell you about the symbolism behind the design and what camp means to me.

Evening campfire is the highlight of my day at Procter. Campfire is the center of our community. We come together at the close of each day in reflection and song. As I sit around the campfire, I see the loving face of Christ in those around me. The fire blazes in our hearts as the moon shines above the lake. The presence of God is very real and tangible at this time of day and in this place.

At camp, the sun is always on the horizon to welcome a new day or to usher in the evening hours. The sun is also a visual reminder to be the light of Christ for others. Many songs we sing at camp deal with light imagery, which encourage us to let our own light shine as well as to live in the light of Christ.

Christ Chapel and the reflecting pond are classic icons of Procter. Going to Procter for 10 years

2010 camp schedule It’s not too late to sign up and be a part of the Procter summer camp experience. Learn more and register at www.youth.diosohio.org.

has helped me grow as a person and develop a spiritual life of my own. While every aspect of camp involves faith in some way, the chapel is the camp’s spiritual center. It is where we worship, pray and sing.

These three aspects come together to form the Trinity symbol, representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As campers, we come from all over the diocese to form one loving and supportive community, where we witness Christ’s love in many ways.

The Episcopal shield ties the design together.

Camp represents the heart of the Episcopal Church: A welcoming faith community whose mission is to serve and love.

Lisa Jacob

Family camps: June 25-27; July 16-18; August 11-14 123 Camp: June 30-July 5, for campers entering 1, 2 or 3 grades, and a guardian Outdoor Adventure camp: June 30-July 6, 6-12 grades Boys & Girls Camp: July 6-10, 4-5 grades Creation Camp: July 12-16, 6-12 grades Senior High camp: July 19-24, 10 through graduated seniors Intermediate camp: July 26-31, 8-9 grades Junior Camp: August 2-7, 6-7 grades

Reading Camp aims to help struggling readers For the first time, the Diocese of Southern Ohio is sponsoring a Reading Camp for 3-4th graders from June 20-25.

The goal of Reading Camp is to help children who are reluctant and struggling readers to improve literacy skills, encourage them to become more confident students and begin a life-long love of reading. The camp staff includes reading specialists, educators, camp counselors and volunteers.

The hope is that by the end of the week, the children have gained confidence in their reading skills, in part because of the enjoyment and success they experienced at camp.

There is no cost for the camp for students. Tuition is provided by generous donations by parishioners of the Diocese of Southern Ohio as well as by grants from corporations and foundations.

As we all know, reading is critical to the development of children and our future adults. National statistics indicate that the number of fourth graders who cannot read at their grade level is often indicative of the number of prison cells needed when they reach adulthood.

We need your help in sponsoring reluctant readers. The cost for a student to participate in the five-day residential camp is $350.

This includes Procter Summer Camp housing, various activities, including creating a play to be performed at the closing, a backpack and T-shirt and several books to take home.

Contributions of any amount may be mailed to 412 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Please indicate ‘Reading Camp’ in the memo line.

For additional information, contact the Rev. Diana Shirley at 614.882.9038 or dianashirley@columbus.rr.com