Dear People of God in Southern Ohio,
My God, my rock in whom I put my trust, my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge; you are worthy of praise. Psalm 18:2
I write today to share news of a transition in the life of one of our diocesan ministries. After prayerful discernment, assessment, and conversation, we’ve made the decision to conclude the ministries of Iglesia Episcopal Espiritú Santo (IEES) in the Forest Park neighborhood of Cincinnati at the end of May.
For around fifteen years, IEES faithfully served the community through a food pantry and homework club made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers, many from Christ Church, Glendale. These ministries have been a source of nourishment, support, and encouragement and we give deep thanks for the compassion and commitment that has sustained this work.
Several factors have contributed to this decision: the increasing availability of similar services in the area, the financial demands of maintaining an aging building with several emergent concerns, and a broader diocesan effort to strategically reimagine and renew Latino ministries in a way that reflects the changing needs of our communities. While this chapter is coming to a close, we trust that God is already at work, opening new possibilities for vibrant ministry and relationship with our Latino neighbors.
With leadership from our missioner for Latino Ministries, the Rev. Gerardo Romo Garcia, and our missioner for stewardship, the Rev. Derrick Fetz, we are working to ensure that guests of both the food pantry and homework club are connected to other local resources so that they may continue to receive the support they need. The transition will be handled with care and attention, honoring the dignity of those we have served and the good work that has been done.
A closing service to celebrate and give thanks for the ministry of IEES will be held later this year.* Details will be shared as they become available. I encourage you to join us in marking this moment with our shared gratitude and hope.
Let us hold in prayer all those who have been part of this ministry–its leaders, volunteers, and the community it served.
Yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White
X Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
* A previous date had been announced but had to be postponed due to scheduling needs of the participants.
