November 2018 Connections by Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio

Connections ideas • news • events November 2018

Issue 6 Vol. 5

Gathering in the tent of meeting

We are fast approaching our next Diocesan Convention – my twelfth! I confess I am slightly anxious about it, not because I see any major controversy brewing, but because it will be compressed into one day under a tent at Procter. That’s a big change from recent practice, and I worry that we will have less time for spiritual conversation and just plain fellowship. Nevertheless, the fact that we continue to come together year after year to conduct the business of the diocese should not be taken for granted. This way of making decisions as a Christian body reflects ancient ecclesiastical tradition, and reflects the Episcopal Church’s essential (although not always fully embraced) commitment to dialogue, debate and discernment across all kinds of devices. This is precisely why any diocese – that is, the ministry and witness of a whole range of parishes and faith networks within a particular region – is the fundamental unit of our life together as a church. At our best we operate on the assumption that no congregation can achieve its full potential in isolation from or indifference to the faith communities that surround it – Episcopal parishes first, because of natural affinity, but also others, however similar or strange. And so we go to the trouble of governing ourselves collectively. This is what our annual conventions are all about. We work together and discern the Spirit’s guidance together: endowed and struggling, small and large, urban and rural, east and west, liberal and conservative. If we do this with sincerity and civility, then what we do matters spiritually, even if there is not as much time for fellowship and catching up as some would like. It builds us up internally, and it provides a much-needed witness to our nation that difference does not equal disunity.

I am reminded here of the literal meaning of a synod – for this is what our annual convention is. “Synod” is a Greek word meaning a journey together. I mentioned above that synodical gatherings are deeply imbedded in church tradition, beginning with the first general council of the church, which took place in Jerusalem and is described in Acts 15. It is often said that we Anglicans are episcopally led but synodically governed. That means that bishops provide pastoral oversight, but it is the whole people of God, through their chosen representatives, who come together to chart the Church’s course. This is the ancient pattern we are about to re-enact in November under a tent in the cornfields of Madison County. The tent itself connects this convention to our Exodus Convocation in the fall of 2017, which also took place at Procter in what we lovingly termed “the tent of meeting.” That was a reference to the moveable tabernacle that accompanied the children of Israel as they made their exodus from Egypt through the wilderness into the Promised Land. That tabernacle was the place where God would meet Moses and his people to guide them on their journey. My prayer for us as we prepare for our annual convention is this: May our work together in November be a continuation of our exploration of Exodus last year. May it further our journey into the neighborhoods that surround us. May it prove to be a journey together that continues to find us gathered in a tent of meeting with our Lord. The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal serves as Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Connect with him at tbreidenthal@diosohio.org.

PROCTER CENTER WELCOMES THE 144TH ANNUAL CONVENTION Dear Friends in Christ, The Procter Board and staff are very excited to welcome you to Procter Camp and Conference Center for the 144th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Procter Center provides a safe, inviting and spacious rural setting that cultivates spiritual formation, models sustainable living and celebrates God’s love and reconciliation through hospitality, prayer, study, work and play. Many folks in the diocese have been here numerous times and consider it a second home. For some of you it will be your first visit. Our goal is to extend to you “extreme hospitality” in every way. We want your visit with us to be pleasant and hassle free. We will do our very best to make sure that happens. What is Procter? Procter is a farm. The diocese has owned the property since the 1950s, when Mrs. Jane Procter gifted 1,200 acres to the diocese in honor of her husband William Cooper Procter. The iconic red barn was part of a much larger working farm for many years. There was a large house that sat up on the hill that was known as the Procter House. Unfortunately, the house had to be demolished a few years ago due to water damage, but the summer kitchen is still standing as well as the root cellar, which are remnants of the homestead. Both buildings are used by our Procter farm team to store vegetables grown here on the farm. In keeping with the farming tradition on this land, the staff farms about six acres and grows vegetables for our dining hall, as well as to sell at farmers markets and to distribute to our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). We raise pigs and chickens with lots of sunshine, organic feed, freedom to run around and love. Pork, chicken and fresh eggs will be for sale the day of the convention. Another approximately 200 acres is used by the center and 1,000 are commercially farmed with corn and soybeans. The harvest should be complete when you are here, but you will be able to see the vastness of the property. We are very blessed to be the caretakers of this scared place. Procter is a Summer Camp. During the summer months we provide a wonderful camp experience for youth and families. Each week we have a chaplain here to provide Eucharist and spiritual guidance for our campers and staff. The mornings are spent in formation, with the afternoon and evenings reserved for traditional camp activities, such as swimming, creative arts, nature study, sports and games. We now also offer a Latino Family Camp and Camp RISE – a grief camp for children who have had a loved one die from drug use. We find there is a “thin space” here between God and us. It is a magical place and everyone comes away from the experience changed in some way. Procter is a retreat and conference center. During the school year we host groups nearly every weekend and many weekdays. A wide variety of groups come here to meet, learn, rest, rejoice and discern. We provide respite care for local youth one weekend a month. Everyone is welcome at Procter! If your group is looking for a place to meet or just rest and relax, we hope that you will consider Procter. The night before the diocesan convention we will come together for fun and fellowship. There will be a wonderful meal served from our farm, a fun band, Skirt and Boots, and a big bonfire. The party is from 6:30 to 10 p.m. We will also toast our friend the Rev. Jack Koepke, retired Canon to the Ordinary, and wish him well in his retirement. We look forward to seeing you and hope that you will find Procter Center warm and welcoming. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you to make your stay more enjoyable. Sincerely, Amy R. Boyd Executive Director P.S. Pray for good weather!

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community

GENERAL INFORMATION The 144th annual convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio will be held at the Procter Center November 3, 2018. Pre-convention meeting

If you were unable to attend the pre-convention hearing that took place Oct. 16, the video is available for viewing on the convention page of our website or on the DSOconnect app. Voting delegates who were not able to attend the meeting are strongly encouraged to view this video to hear the discussions about resolutions and other matters for consideration.

Friday evening fellowship

For those who enjoy the fellowship time of convention that is just not possible in a one-day format, the Procter Center is hosting a pre-convention party Nov. 2 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. There will be a bonfire, live music and lots of great food, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll honor the ministry of the Rev. Canon Jack Koepke, who retired as Canon to the Ordinary Oct. 1.

Parking

Please consider carpooling to Procter. We all want to do our part to help the environment, and fewer cars will help with parking. There will be people directing traffic. You will likely be parking on grass. Golf carts will be available to take you to the tent for convention if you need or want a ride. A limited number of handicap spots will be reserved in the lower lot.

Check-in

To help streamline the check-in process, please verify with your church that registration and/or payment have been made on your behalf before arrival at Procter. For those who have pre-registered and paid, expedited check-in will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, and beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3. Look for the check-in signs in the hospitality tent. At check-in you will receive your name badge, a wristband for lunch (if lunch was reserved), and your voting credentials. For those who still need to register and/or pay, you may do so in person on Friday, Nov. 2 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. or Saturday, Nov. 3 beginning at 7 a.m. Look for the registration/payment area in the hospitality tent.

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community

Food

Lunches will be available only for those who pre-paid with their registration. No extra meals will be available, so if you did not reserve a lunch you will be responsible for bringing your own.

Seating

There is no assigned seating at convention. You may choose to sit together as a delegation or spread out and connect with other delegates.

Childcare

Childcare will be be available at Procter. Contact Andrea Foote at afoote@ proctercenter.org if you need child care and did not indicate it on your registration.

Smoking

Smoking will not be permitted in either of the tents at any time during the convention. Look for designated smoking areas outside of the tents.

Beverages

Coffee and beverages will be available throughout the day Saturday, thanks to a generous gift from Christ Church Cathedral.

Restrooms

Both indoor and outdoor restroom facilities will be available.

Information

All resources needed for convention are available on our convention website, DSOConvention.org, or through the DSOConnection app. No paper copies will be provided. If a member of your delegation does not have access to the Internet, please print the materials out for them in advance.

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CONSENT AGENDA The filing of a consent agenda before a legislative body is a practice of combining routine business and reports that require action into a single agenda item. All the business on a consent agenda is then approved in one action rather than taking the time to file them separately. The items that appear on this consent agenda are items that are discussed individually at every convention and approved by a voice vote. Grouping these items into a consent agenda will save time in our greatly reduced schedule. It is important to note that any clergy or lay delegate may request that an item be moved off the consent agenda and back on to the main agenda. This consent agenda will ask for approval and/or ratification of the following items: 1. Rules of Order 2. Convention Agenda 3. Granting Credentials In addition to those already granted seat and voice by the Constitution of the diocese, the Chair of the Committee on Credentials moves that this 144th Convention admit with seat and voice the following individuals: our lay Chaplain; our youth delegation; the Sisters of the Community of the Transfiguration; all noncanonically resident clergy licensed to officiate; representatives from our Presbyterian partners at the Indian Hill Church; and the lay members of diocesan staff. Article VI, Section I of the Constitution gives seat and voice to several named people, namely Lay Members of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, the Lay

Deputies to General Convention, the Lay Trustees of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, the Chancellor, the Treasurer of the Diocese and the members of the Executive Board of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese. These people automatically have seat and voice. The Chair of the Committee on Credentials therefore moves the aforementioned guests be given seat and voice at this Convention. 5. Appointment of officers of convention Convention secretary: Ann Sabo Recording Secretary: Sherri Martin Timekeeper: Clifton Flemister Parliamentarian: The Rev. Richard Schisler Chief Teller: Sonja Bronson Committee to Approve the Minutes: Jon Boss, Martha Lentz, the Rev. Sallie Schisler 6. Approve annual Committee/Commission reports The annual committee/commission reports can be found on the convention website, DSOConvention.org, or in the DSOConnect app. 7. Approve minutes of the 143rd convention The minutes of the 143rd convention were were published in the Journal of Convention. The complete Journal can be found at DSOConvention.org. Printed copies will be available for review on the day of convention.

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community

AGENDA

PRECONVENTION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2

1:00 p.m.

Exhibitors set up in Bishop Thompson room

2:00 p.m.

DOB meeting

4:30 p.m.

Exhibits open

4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Early check-in & onsite registration

6:30 – 10:00 p.m.

Pre-convention party and fellowship

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 7:00 a.m.

Check-in & onsite registration

8:00 a.m.

Exhibits open

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Eucharist/Bishop’s address

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Bishop calls the 144th Convention to order Nomination report/nominee forum

10:45 – 11:00 am Opening remarks Welcome Announcements Approval of Consent Agenda Online voting opens Resolution filing deadline Consideration of R2018-01

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AGENDA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3

11:00 – Noon First credentials report Becoming Beloved Community presentation

2:15- 3:00 p.m. Second vote, if needed Resolutions formally presented for discussion and action

12:00 – 1 p.m. Lunch Spouse lunch in Bishop Hobson Deacon lunch in Procter Center dining hall Becoming Beloved Community table discussions

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. Trustee’s report Treasurer’s report Budget resolutions Invitation to 145th convention Closing announcements Courtesy Resolutions

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Bishop calls the convention back into session Second credentials report Youth witness Voting closes

4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Closing prayer Adjourn Exhibits close

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community

153 YEARS OF SHARING GOD’S LOVE IN DAYTON “God is love and where true love is, God himself is there” St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Dayton, traces its 153-year history back to a missionary minded group of parishioners of Christ Church, Dayton. Their first building was a small brick building built in 1868. The bishop designated the mission as a parish in 1889. The congregation worshipped in a number of locations until building the current building on Salem Avenue in 1923. The people of St. Andrew’s have always retained the missional focus of its founders. Sharing God’s love in tangible ways has shaped St. Andrew’s story – welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry and seeking and serving Christ in all people. St. Andrew’s has been known throughout the Dayton area for its 10 food pantry (operated in cooperation with other Dayton-area

Episcopal churches) and a clothing closet, as well as numerous other outreach efforts. St. Andrew’s has long been a bright spot in a food desert and struggling neighborhood in west Dayton. As with many churches, the number of members waned over the years. Most of the members no longer live in the surrounding neighborhood, but that has not diminished their commitment to loving and serving their neighbors. In 2010, a group of Rwandan and Burundian refugees began a new worshipping community at St. Andrew’s on Sunday afternoons. New Hope African Fellowship has joined with St. Andrew’s parishioners for many special services and activities. They have been blessed to have found a new home and renewed faith in America, and are grateful to St. Andrew’s for welcoming and hosting them over the last eight years.

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community Beginning in 2016, St. Andrew’s participated in the “Recasting of Assets” program sponsored by the Commission on Congregational Life, along with seven other parishes. The 13-month program gave each of the congregations the information, tools and support to look at the viability of their parishes. At the end of the program each congregation came to a heartbreaking decision on their future. Facing declining attendance, dwindling resources and an increased need for infrastructure repairs, St. Andrew’s made the very difficult and courageous decision to close as a parish. A final worship service was held April 8, 2018. In the emotional, moving service, surrounded by former members, members of the community and friends from around the diocese, the people of St. Andrew’s were able to officially say goodbye to the place that had been the center of their spiritual lives and ministry for many years. Many of the remaining members have now joined various congregations in the Dayton area.

No final decisions have been made concerning the future of the property (worship center, education/fellowship space and rectory). Join the diocese in offering thanksgiving for the faithful ministry of the people of St. Andrew’s that has touched the lives of thousands of people over so many years. “And these three remain, faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13). Submitted by Cathy Bagot, chair of the Commission on Congregational Life and member of Trinity, Newark.

Resolution R2018-01 officially dissolves the union between St. Andrew's and the Diocese of Southern Ohio. This resolution must be approved by a two-thirds vote in both the lay and clergy orders to take effect.

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community

RESOLUTIONS R2018-01: Dissolve the Union between St. Andrew’s, Dayton and the Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio RESOLVED, that upon adoption of this resolution by a vote of two-thirds of each order of the 144th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, the union between Saint Andrew’s, Dayton and the Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio be dissolved; and be it further RESOLVED, that, at the same time, the Contract of Closure delivered to the Standing Committee by the Right Reverend Thomas E. Breidenthal, Bishop of Southern Ohio, on September 20, 2018 shall become effective.

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community

R2018-02: Funding for Church Planting WHEREAS The Episcopal Church has renewed its commitment to establishing new congregations per General Convention Resolution A005, and has allocated significant resources towards that end; and WHEREAS The Presiding Bishop has called for evangelism to reach new people for the sake of the gospel and declared that planting new churches is a missional imperative of the Church; therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Diocese of Southern Ohio shall be committed to engaging in the ministry of planting and re-starting congregations and commit to directing appropriate existing diocesan bodies towards this goal, as well as where necessary creating new diocesan leadership, structures, and funding towards these ends, and be it further RESOLVED, that starting in 2020, 2% of the diocesan annual Mission Budget be designated for the purpose of planting new congregations in this diocese, and establishing diocesan structures to oversee and ensure the success of plants. These funds would potentially be used for, but not limited to, training clergy called to plant congregations, supplement salaries for church planters, and assist with newly planted congregations (missions) operations and/or capital; and be it further RESOLVED, that distribution of these Mission Budget funds be at the discretion and oversight of the Bishop of Southern Ohio, and/or those persons or entities whom the bishop designates. Submitted by The Rev. Ben Phillips, St. George’s, Dayton Co-Sponsors: The Rev. Kevin Beesley, All Saints, New Albany The Rev. Philip DeVaul, Church of the Redeemer, Cincinnati The Rev. Joseph Kovitch, St. Matthew’s, Westerville The Rev. Dr. Calvin Lane, St. George’s, Dayton The Rev. Emmanuel Tuyishime, St. George’s, Dayton The Rev. Paul Williams, St. Andrew’s, Pickerington The Rev. Canon Manoj Zacharia, Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati Explanation: The Diocese of Southern Ohio has planted numerous parishes in the past, and has a number of worshipping communities with potential to become new church plants. It is time to make a fresh initiative to plant new congregations (missions) in Southern Ohio, as well as assess new and best practices for planting new congregations (missions).

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community R2018-03: Becoming Beloved Community RESOLVED, that this 144th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio affirms and endorses the resolutions of the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, held in July 2018, on Becoming Beloved Community; and be it further RESOLVED, that this Convention encourages every congregation and entity of the Diocese of Southern Ohio to live into our baptismal covenant to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being;” and to create communities in which all people are beloved and embraced; and be it further RESOLVED, that we commit ourselves to work diligently and to pray fervently for the transformation of ourselves and of our communities of faith to dismantle racism and injustice in all of their forms; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Becoming Beloved Community Task Force be directed to oversee diocesan efforts to comply with the 79th General Convention resolutions and be required to report to Diocesan Council at each of its meetings until the 145th Diocesan Convention. Submitted by: Becoming Beloved Community Task Force of the Diocese of Southern Ohio Dianne Ebbs Ariel Miller The Rev. Maggie Foote The Rev. Canon Karen Montagno The Rev. Canon Jane Gerdsen The Rev. John Paddock The Rev. Rick Incorvati Cherie Bridges Patrick, co-convener Megan Johnson The Rev. Carol Potterton Martha Lentz The Rev. Canon Lee Anne Reat The Rev. Joanna Leiserson Nadya Richardson The Rev. Meribah Mansfield, co-convener Deborah Stokes Miriam McKenney Madeleine Trichel

Explanation: The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church recognized, by the adoption of Resolution 2015-C019, that, despite repeated efforts at anti-racism training as well as racial justice and racial reconciliation initiatives–including the passage of more than 30 General Convention resolutions dating back to 1952–that the abomination and sin of racism continues to plague our society and our Church at great cost to human life and human dignity. 2015-C019 charged the Presiding Bishop, President of the House of Deputies, Vice President of the House of Bishops, and Vice President of the House of Deputies to lead, direct, and be present to assure and account for the Church’s work of racial justice and reconciliation. They articulated a framework for that work, entitled Becoming Beloved Community: The Episcopal Church’s Long-term Commitment to Racial Healing, Reconciliation and Justice, which directs additional work in the area of racial reconciliation. This framework was introduced in May 2017. In our diocese,

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community Bishop Breidenthal appointed a Becoming Beloved Community Task Force in January 2018 to plan implementation of a diocesan Becoming Beloved Community initiative. The diocese received a United Thank Offering grant in July 2018 to fund the hiring of a part-time Becoming Beloved Community Coordinator for one year, to support the creation of up to 10 pilot Beloved Community Centers around the diocese. The Becoming Beloved Community Task Force has planned several training events and programs and made many resources available to support communities of practice as they work toward Becoming Beloved Community.

Resolutions of the 79th General Convention regarding Becoming Beloved Community: Resolution A228 Beloved Community Summit: Igniting the Church to be Bold Agents for Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation This resolution calls for The Episcopal Church to create a Beloved Community summit by the end of 2019 to support and inspire the leaders of such initiatives. This gathering would accelerate the work of racial reconciliation by sharing stories, best practices, resources, and identifying needed action in each of the four areas of becoming Beloved Community, that will grow a network of healers, justice makers, and reconcilers. Resolution A044 Establishing an Anti-Racism/Racial Reconciliation Certification Framework Building Capacity for Becoming Beloved Community—This resolution attempts to clarify the criteria for such training, suggesting a structure that coincides with the four parts of Becoming Beloved Community. Resolution A045 Revision and Reminder of Anti-Racism Training Requirement This resolution acknowledges “not all dioceses have followed the spirit of the antiracism training required,” and it calls for better documentation of participation in the training. Resolution B004 Encouraging the Language of Dismantling Racism and Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation This resolution seeks to move away from the term “anti-racism” in favor of a greater focus on healing, justice and reconciliation. Resolution D002 Funding the Work of The Beloved Community This resolution marks the first time a churchwide grant program will be dedicated specifically to providing financial support for Episcopalians working toward racial healing and justice in their congregations and communities. The 2019-2021 church budget includes $750,000 for the grants, much less than the $5 million recommended by D002, but these initiatives – such as forums, workshops and informal gatherings – often don’t need a lot of money to become viable and thrive.

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NOMINATIONS Budget Committee, lay (elect 1, 3-year term) Ballots cast Needed to elect

Patrick Hreachmack St. Mark's, Columbus

Budget Committee, clergy (elect 1, 3-year term) Ballots cast Needed to elect (OPEN)

Diocesan Council, clergy (elect 2, 3-year terms) Ballots cast Needed to elect (OPEN)

(OPEN)

Ballot 1

Ballot 2

Ballot 3

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community Ballot 1

Ballot 2

Ballot 3

Diocesan Council, lay (elect 3, 3-year terms) Ballots cast Needed to elect Kathy Jose Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati Wendell Mulford All Saints, Pleasant Ridge Bill Ubbes St. Patrick's, Lebanon

Disciplinary Board, clergy (elect 1, 3-year term) Ballots cast Needed to elect The Rev. Kevin Beesley All Saints, New Albany

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community Ballot 1

Ballot 2

Ballot 3

ECSF Board (elect 3 clergy or lay, 3-year terms) Ballots cast Needed to elect

David Jones St. James, Piqua

Kimberly Nelson St. Patrick's, Dublin

James Murray St. Peter's, Delaware Standing Committee, clergy (elect 1, 3-year term) Ballots cast Needed to elect

The Rev. Phillip DeVaul Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park

There are many open positions on this nominee list. Only nominees who filed before the Connections press date are listed here. For a complete line-up that includes nominees who filed later, check the convention website, DSOConvention.org.

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community Ballot

Ballot 2

Ballot 3

Standing Committee, clergy (elect 1, 2-year unexpired term) Ballots cast Needed to elect The Rev. Charles Graves IV Church of the Advent, Cincinnati

The Rev. Canon Scott Gunn Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati

Standing Committee, lay (elect 1, 3-year term) Ballots cast Needed to elect Larry Hayes St. Andrew's, Pickerington Donald Lane Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati Trustee of the Diocese (elect 1 clergy or lay, 5-year term) Ballots cast Needed to elect

The Rev. David Pfaff Christ Church, Glendale

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Ballot 1 Trustee of the Diocese (elect 1 lay, 1-year unexpired term) Ballots cast Needed to elect Mike Krug Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park Trustee of the Church Foundation (elect 1 clergy or lay, 5-year term) Ballots cast Needed to elect

(OPEN) Procter Board of Directors (elect 1 clergy or lay, 3-year term) Ballots cast Needed to elect

The Rev. Bruce Smith St. James, Columbus

Bill Ubbes St. Patrick's, Lebanon

Ballot 2

Ballot 3

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2019 BUDGET The 2019 budget was developed with a focus on Becoming Beloved Community. The Budget Committee revised its budget application in anticipation of the diocese and General Convention adopting these principals. The budget also aligns itself with a Vision Statement recently adopted by Diocesan Council. VISION STATEMENT: A church turned inside out, to love and serve Jesus Christ in our communities in relevant ways, both new and traditional. This vision statement is to guide our diocese in discerning its mission priorities and direction; the budget also reflects and aligns with this vision. The budget committee felt it was important to • Align with diocesan goals • Align with General Convention / Episcopal Church goals • Align with issues in the wider church and world Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has lifted up the term “Jesus Movement” as a path forward for our General Convention. We’re following Jesus into a loving, liberating and life-giving relationship with God, with each other and with the earth. Those applying for financial resources were asked to keep the Jesus Movement in mind, and asked to consider the three Jesus Movement priorities adopted by General Convention. These priorities are evangelism, reconciliation and creation care. The Episcopal Church continues to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as a guide to our mission and ministry in the world. They are: • Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger • Achieve universal primary education • Promote gender equality and empower women • Reduce child mortality • Improve maternal health • Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases • Ensure environmental stability • Develop a global partnership for development This budget includes programs and ministries that address these global concerns. In aligning the budget to the diocesan vision statement, General Convention goals and initiatives of the church and wider community, this budget expresses the mission and ministries of the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community There are big changes in the 2019 budget.

Mission Share

2019 will be the third year of the current mission share formula. In absolute dollars, mission share has increased $183,773 over the previous year. Last year, the budget process experienced a tremendous hardship with the mission share decreasing by almost $100,000. Over a two-year period, the mission share has increased only $84,788.

La Iglesia Episcopal del EspĂritu Santo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (IEES)

The 2019 budget includes funding for this new ministry. Started in 2018, the La Iglesia Episcopal del Espiritu Santo is the investigation and development of a Latino church plant in the northwest Cincinnati area (Forest Park, Ohio). This initiative has received a grant from the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society for $100,000. The 2019 budget includes funding from both the mission share budget and the William Cooper Procter fund for this new ministry start.

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Collaboration with Cathedral

The budget includes expenses and offsetting income relating to collaboration of the bishop’s staff with the staff of Christ Church Cathedral. These efforts, underscoring that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, are initially focused on three key components: Enhancing Creativity and Individual Impact Strengthening Community Leveraging Our Leadership Roles Putting this understanding into practice is the impetus behind the collaboration efforts now being undertaken. The efforts of the staff of each organization will be more effectively executed with collaboration. For example, the additional resources that each organization can bring to the other, whether tangible or intangible, will enhance communication initiatives, human resources practices and facility management procedures. Sharing resources as it relates to operations will also improve our individual capacities to demonstrate best practices that can be replicated for the benefit of other churches.

Total shared positions (2 FTEs) Other new diocesan expense

$ 280,226.39 $ 15,000.00

TOTAL $ 295,226.39 Cathedral offset $ (140,201.67) Diocesan Collaborative staffing costs

$ 155,024.72

Transition Ministry

As many parishes have experienced transition, the diocesan transition office has evolved due to staffing changes. A new model continues into 2019 with the creation of regional transition consultants. These regional consultants are under contract with the bishop’s office to assist congregations in finding new clergy leadership. This could be a traditional rector search, priest-in-charge assignment or part-time clergy placement. The transition consultants will report to the Canon for Congregational Vitality and Transition and be assisted by staff within the bishop’s office.

Becoming Beloved Community Projects

The Episcopal Church, including the Diocese of Southern Ohio, has adopted the "Becoming Beloved Community" initiative. This initiative calls for us to follow four paths: Telling the Truth about the Church and Race: What things have we done, and left undone, regarding racial justice and healing? Proclaiming the Dream of Beloved Community: What does Beloved Community look like in this place?

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community Practicing the Way of Love: How will we actively grow relationships across dividing walls and seek Christ in each other? Repairing the Breach in Society and Institutions: How will we participate in repair, restoration and healing of people, institutions and systems? The 2019 budget includes funding for the Becoming Beloved Community initiative. This funding is lived out in two ways. First, programs and formation: The commission will put on several events throughout the year. Second, the task force asked for funding to grant to other parishes and entities that live out Becoming Beloved Community. This grant funding will assist them in doing that ministry. The task force is developing an application.

Administration

Every budget includes the cost of operations. For the diocesan budget this area includes staff, building maintenance, repair, and operations. Insurance, utilities, supplies, software, and professional development are included in this area. Communications, information technology, and finance are major back office functions of the diocesan operating budget. The budget includes increases for health benefits and a 3% cost of living adjustment (no COLA in 2018).

Staffing

Retirements, resignations and program changes impact staffing. For the bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office this occurs annually. Significant changes have been made in staff assignments. These changes often occur during the fiscal year. This staff report represents staffing at the beginning of each budget year (what is planned in the budget). The budget reports full compensation costs. The budget also reports offsetting income for positions shared with the Cathedral.

National Church Pledge

General Convention set forward an annual request for funding from diocese. Southern Ohio consistently provides funding to DFMS at the budget amount required at General Convention. The 2019 budget includes the full ask from the church at $435,106. The Convention or Mission Share budget totals $3,196,950 for fiscal year 2019. The total consolidated budget, which includes the WC Procter fund, totals $6,039,034. The full budget was adopted by Diocesan Council and the mission share budget is presented to convention for approval.

Harold Patrick Chair, Budget Committee Diocesan Council 2019

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community 2019 MISSION SHARE RATE

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144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community OFFICE OF TRANSITION

144th Convention: Becoming Beloved Community

CONNECTING The Christians meet the Dragons It sounds like a Biblical narrative, but the Christians of this story are 21st century Episcopalians, families and individuals aged 8 to 80, from the Northern Miami Valley Episcopal Cluster (NMVEC), which includes Church of Epiphany in Urbana and the Church of Our Saviour in Mechanicsburg. On a perfect August evening they filled more than 40 seats in a section behind first base at Fifth Third Field and watched the Dayton Dragons beat the Bowling Green (Kentucky) Hot Rods 3-1. The baseball outing was the idea of Ed Hardin of Epiphany. He spotted the August 18 special $10 ticket price and surveyed the two congregations for interest. Twentyeight folks signed on immediately and Ed announced, “the game’s afoot” (apologies to Arthur Conan Doyle). Before game time, another 13 people bought the $10 ticket which guaranteed a reserved seat and a Dragon’s baseball cap. Popcorn, peanuts and soft drinks made the traditional summer pastime fully authentic with the Dragons’ 3-1 win a satisfying bonus. At church the following day, the still-spirited participants agreed that it will be hard to top this Cluster venture, but Ed said other intriguing possibilities are already being considered. Many of the Cluster events and outreach ventures have been Ed’s suggestion, e.g., an Easter egg hunt, Christmas crafts and games and several swimming parties each year for community families. The Cluster is served by our Priest-in-charge, the Rev. Donald Duford. The parishes function independently but come together for special worship services, outreach ministries and gatherings of families and friends to expand and unify the faith community and strengthen esprit de corps.

Submitted by Sally Johnson, Church of the Epiphany, Urbana

A capped and smiling Ed Hardin, center, recruited 41 folks from the Northern Miami Valley Episcopal Cluster for an evening of fun at a Dayton Dragons’ baseball game. Next to Ed is Ron McFarland and in the row above are, l to r, Cathy Murray, Isaac Waddell and Angela Murray. Seated at the top are Todd, Sophie and Will Boeck; mother Amy Beck was taking the picture.

Connecting through kindness One Sunday in September, the Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, assisting bishop in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, visited St James, Westwood, for an episcopal visitation. After the service, she spent time with the kids who were in attendance that day, sharing what it meant to be a bishop and all the things that made her different from St. James’ priest in charge, the Rev. Mary Carson. The following days after the service, one young parishioner, Harper, told her moms that she wished her “Miss Mary” was a bishop, because she really liked the butterfly skirt Bishop Nedi wore during coffee hour (when she spoke with the children) and she thought Miss Mary would look GREAT in a butterfly skirt, too. A few weeks later, Harper was asked to go with Mary to her office after the service. To her surprise, Mary emerged Harper and “Miss Mary,” the Rev. Mary Carson, in in a new butterfly skirt, their matching butterfly skirts. and in her hands, was a matching one for Harper. Bishop Nedi heard the story of Harper liking her skirt and made Harper and Mary matching ones. “I still can’t wrap my head around the thoughtfulness and awesomeness of this act of kindness,” said Harper’s mom, Steffanie. “My heart is so full.” via Facebook, St. James Episcopal Church – Cincinnati.

The Gospel According to Harry Potter All Saints, New Albany Friday, November 9, 6 to 9 p.m. Whether you arrive by portkey or by floo powder, come dive into the wizarding world of Harry Potter to see the Gospel hidden inside. Prepare to be sorted, learn how the Church is the “Room of Requirement” and the Eucharist is our “Patronus charm.” Enjoy your favorite Potter delectables made by our own house elves. “Hogwarts Chaplain,” the Rev. Dr. Patricia Lyons, Missioner for Evangelism and Community Engagement for the Diocese of Washington D.C., will be apparating to All Saints to be our guest professor at this amazing event! House robes, sweaters, ties, costumes, brooms and wands are greatly encouraged. To register, please scribe your name at www.allsaintsnewalbany.org. For any questions, please contact the Parish Office of Magical Registration and Wand Permits at 614.855.8267. Just a reminder that you may not apparate in the worship space. Third floor corridor is closed due to Cornish Pixie infestation.

Serving others before serving ourselves: St. Mark’s unique Christmas project One by one, the social workers at “Help Me Grow Brighter Futures” walk into Crystal’s office to make their cases. Crystal is the Service Coordinator for this federally- and state-funded program, administered by the Montgomery County Family and Children First Council. It provides a broad system of services for eligible families, focusing on the health and development of infants and toddlers. Each of these dedicated workers makes their case why one particular family whom they serve should be one of those chosen for this year’s Christmas Project of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Crystal and her staff carefully study the requests to determine which families are their neediest clients. When the selection is made and the list is compiled, she contacts Carol Nancarrow, St. Mark’s coordinator for this long and rich parish tradition. The Christmas Project’s roots reach back more than 40 years to other St. Mark’s outreach initiatives led by the late Ann Cobb. Over the past decades, it has served hundreds of children and their families with an abundance of food and countless gifts during the Christmas season. This past Christmas, this moderately-sized parish (average Sunday attendance: 55) served 22 families, including 41 children. The project provides for each child both a “need” (e.g. a winter coat) and a “want” (a new toy, requested by the child’s parent). Working from the information provided by Help Me Grow, Carol personally contacts each family to discuss with them the special needs and wants of each of them. She carefully notes the needs of any handicapped children, diaper sizes, favorite colors for clothes, the race for any dolls, and other individually specific requirements and preferences.

Distributing food to the waiting boxes

A stocked van ready to return from shopping Responding to the needs that the families and social workers have identified, the project has provided, for example, winter coats for a family of two grandparents and four children, and an XL puffer jacket for a teenager with special needs. Individualized “wants” that the families have requested, and for which the project has provided, have included a soft toy that talks and lights up for a six-year-old with cerebral palsy; soft tiles to make a safe play-space for a baby who has had multiple leg operations; and toys with gears to place and turn for autistic children. For the food to be provided, Carol notes types and flavors of baby food, any allergies (e.g. nuts), intolerances (e.g. lactose, gluten), as well as any religious restrictions (e.g. no pork products). Over the years, she has learned from the recipients about cultural preferences. Appalachian and AfricanAmerican families, for example, have requested some form of greens as part of their customary Christmas foods, and Latino/a families have asked for rice and beans for their holiday celebrations. Like the gifts of needs and wants, each family’s gift of food is adapted to each one’s needs and traditions. In 2017, a typical family received a turkey and a ham, plus many traditional holiday side dishes, both fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, and some holiday desserts, such as a pumpkin pie or cookies. Packs of baby food and dia-

pers might be included as well. On a designated Sunday in November, parishioners are invited to take home one or more paper ornaments. Each one lists the first name of a child, plus his or her “need” and “want.” Then they set off to do their shopping. A couple of weeks later, the gifts are gathered for St. Mark’s Sunday Eucharist, in which the congregation prays for those to whom the gifts will be given. The gifts are brought unwrapped, because the parents want to see and wrap their own children’s presents. The church provides them with the wrapping paper and tape. The money for much of the food comes from the proceeds of the church’s August yard sale. All the money made at the sale is used to fund outreach beyond the parish. As Carol puts it, “We raise the money by the sweat of our brows, usually literally.” In addition, one couple in the parish provides turkeys for each family. Other parishioners contribute money to supplement what is available for the biggest day of the project’s year: Shopping and Delivery Day. Early in the morning, a group of about 15 parishioners gathers at the church. Each shopper is given his or her list of items and quantities, then a caravan of trucks, cars and vans heads to a nearby Meijer’s store. Carol has worked in advance with the store manager, who has many of the items ready on large flatbed carts. Others need to be located, collected, and transported to the front of the store. One or two cashiers have been assigned to process the enormous order, with Carol watching over the proceedings and paying the bill. Then it’s back to St. Mark’s. Meanwhile, Carol’s husband, Don, has posted a large-print list of each family’s foods (identified as families “A” through “V”) on the first-floor walls of the church’s Community Building. Other volunteers ensure that the same letters are firmly attached to the bags that hold all the other gifts. In a scene of wonderfully organized chaos, workers walk up and down the hall, matching foods with each list. Then, after everything has been carefully double-checked, the boxes of food and the bags of other gifts are carried out into the waiting fleet of vehicles that will deliver them to the Help Me Grow office at the Montgomery County Job Center. A large cadre of social workers, many of them smiling and laughing with excitement, meets the vehicles in the parking lot. They help carry everything into their offices. The aisles are lined with large letters, corresponding to the church’s labeling, so that each family receives its individualized gifts of food and Christmas presents. After the St. Mark’s members depart, each member of the staff eagerly takes the abundance of gifts to their client family, where they, too, are greeted with great joy.

Checking each family's food As I tell our parishioners, our annual Christmas Project is, for me, the real beginning of Christmas. It is in our generous service to others, especially to those who are most in need, that we most faithfully follow the example of the One who has given us all the perfect Christmas gift. Submitted by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer, rector of St. Mark's, Dayton.

HENRI NOUWEN, GOD, AND YOU: Deepening Your Personal Spiritual Life February 15-16, 2019 Transfiguration Spirituality Center Henri Nouwen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beloved and gifted author, priest, and internationally recognized spiritual master, counselor, and guideâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;offered gentle wisdom for universal questions of the spiritual life: Who am I? Where have I been and where am I going? Who is God for me? Where do I belong? How can I be of service? We will explore these questions through prayer, guided meditation, creative exercises and interactive sharing. Cost: $150 ($125 if registered by Jan 1) Register at www.ctretreats.org or call 513.771.2171

Westina Matthews, Ph.D., is an adjunct professor for the Center for Christian Spirituality at General Theological Seminary where she has taught contemplative spiritual direction for the past nine years. The author of three books in her Have a Little Faith series, Matthews has contributed to several Forward Movement anthologies of daily meditations (2011, 2014, 2015, 2016) and to Wisdom Found: Stories of Women Transfigured by Faith (2011). Her forthcoming book is entitled Aging with Grace: Reflections from Along the Wilmington River (New York: Church Publishing, Fall 2019).

Transfiguration Spirituality Center, 495 Albion Ave., Glendale, OH 45246

All voices welcome in our beloved community The email was short and to the point. The reader found one of the articles in the last issue of Connections offensive. They understood that the article was the author’s opinion, but felt that by publishing the article the editorial board for the magazine must support it. So they asked to be removed from the mailing list for any future issues. FYI, there is no “editorial board” for Connections, just myself and communications director David Dreisbach. I responded to the reader that articles published in Connections do not necessarily match my own opinions, or that of the diocesan staff or even the bishop. We often publish articles with viewpoints I do not agree with. And I have published (and written!) articles that others do not agree with. I shared with the reader that as editor, my aim is to connect people with many different backgrounds and opinions and viewpoints and give them a place to begin the process of having conversations, even if they are disagreements. That the most important thing is even though we may think differently, we remain together in beloved community. It is (in my opinion) the best thing about the Episcopal Church – we worship together in unity even though we may not see things the same way. The now ex-reader thanked me for my thoughtful response, but repeated their request to be removed from the distribution list. This exchange got me thinking that we should probably add something to our masthead that says “opinions published do not necessarily reflect that of the bishop, etc.” But also that with a new year on the horizon, it was an opportunity to connect with our readers to talk about what Connections is, and what it isn’t. You may have noticed over the last few years that Connections is no longer a newspaper that reports on events; rather it is a place where stories and opinions and reflections can be shared. The editorial calendar for 2019 is listed on the next page. If you see a topic that you would like to weigh in on, please do! You don’t have to be a theologian or a scholar

to have an opinion, so you don’t have to be one to submit an article to Connections, either. Maybe you’ve read a book related to one of the upcoming topics and would like to tell others about it. Or maybe you’ve experienced something that you think others can learn from. (Anybody ever fail at anything? You have a chance to share your wisdom about it in May.) You may just want to share a great story about something that is happening or has happened at church. I often receive requests for “someone from the diocese” to write a story about something happening at their church. But I firmly believe that no one can tell your story better than you can. Even the best reporter may not pick up every nuance or get the story just right. But as a participant, you can – so send it in! We always wrap up every issue with a section called “Connecting,” just for these stories. And our September 2019 issue, “Storytelling II,” will be solely focused on congregations sharing their stories, as they did in our “Storytelling” issue this past January. My hope is that you will read something in every issue of Connections that excites you or resonates with you or makes you think. But if you do read something that you really don’t agree with, I hope that you will take it to your priest or some fellow parishioners and hash it out together – where it fits within your understanding of scripture and tradition and our current culture. You may come away with a different perspective. Or, you may just agree to disagree. Either way, I pray that you don’t walk away. All voices are welcome, so hang around and be a voice in our diverse and beautiful beloved community.

Connections editor Julie Murray serves as Associate Director of Communication for the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Connect with her at jmurray@diosohio.org.

2019 CONNECTIONS EDITORIAL CALENDAR Month Topic Submission deadline January Diaconate 12/1/18 March

Perspectives on Beloved Community February 1

May Failure April 1 July Sabbath June 1 September Storytelling II August 1 November Convention issue; TBA October 1 Topics are subject to change. Submissions for Connections are always welcome. Submission must include a name, phone number and contact email for verification. We reserve the right to edit material submitted for publication. Accompanying photos must be high-resolution .jpeg files (minimum 300 dpi) sent as separate attachments, not embedded in a document file. Word count: A full two-page spread article with art is approximately 950 words, a single page is approximately 600 words. Questions about any upcoming topic should be directed to Julie Murray, Connections editor, at jmurray@diosohio.org. Submit items for publication to the communications office at communication@diosohio.org.

COMING UP NEXT: THE DIACONATE “Every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ, serving God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now calls you to a special ministry of servanthood directly under your bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.” (Ordination of a deacon, BCP p. 543) In the Anglican, Orthodox and Roman traditions, the diaconate is a clergy order. In other traditions, deacons are laypersons. The word deacon is derived from the Greek word diákonos, an ancient Greek word, meaning servant, waiting-man, minister or messenger. It is generally believed that the order of the diaconate originated in the selection of seven men by the apostles to assist with the charitable work of the early church, as recorded in Acts 6. As we begin our diocesan-wide study of Luke and Acts, let’s take a look at the diaconate and the unique ministry of deacons. Submissions are due December 1.

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CONNECTIONS

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

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

Submissions: Connections encourages the submission of articles and pictures. We reserve the right to edit material offered for publication. All submissions must include name, phone and email address for verification. Send submissions to communication@diosohio.org. Next deadline: December 1

Connections (USPS 020933) is published bi-monthly by the Diocese of Southern Ohio, 412 Sycamore St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-4179. Periodical postage paid at Cincinnati, OH. This publication is sent to all members of Episcopal congregations in the Diocese of Southern Ohio and is funded by mission share payments to the diocesan operating budget. Other subscriptions are $10 annually.

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

Connections is a publication of the Diocese of

Southern Ohio, designed to enhance these connections and help foster new ones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because we are continually looking for ways to widen our circle.

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