Volunteers at the Garden for All, a grant-recipient and ministry of All Saints, New Albany.
Hello {First Name},
Invitation.
As Advent commences this year, I am reflecting on this word. It’s quite applicable to this season. Advent invites us to prepare for the annual celebration of Christ’s lowly birth. The liturgical season invites us to slow down and reflect while much of the world seemingly speeds up leaving little room in the inn of our lives to center in God who humbly bends down to earth to be love in the form of flesh and bones and to be love in action. God’s love took the form of flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit AND because Mary said “yes” to God’s invitation by carrying and giving birth to Jesus.
Like Mary, many of our congregations across the Diocese of Southern Ohio have said “yes” to making God’s love real by being welcoming inns for those wearied by the journey of life. These guests are warmly embraced by Episcopalians, their ministry partners, and friends as they enter the door in search of food or education support or emergency assistance or human connection or basic dignity. Over half of our 71 congregations receive grants from Episcopal Community Ministries (ECM) to support them in implementing ministries that directly help the people in their neighborhoods.
These financial grants are only made possible because people across Southern Ohio and beyond have joined Mary in accepting God’s invitation to make a difference in the world— this past year returning givers and 21 NEW givers made financial contributions to ECM. For all who have given historically and for all who are considering a financial gift in response to this invitation, I sincerely say, “THANK YOU!”
Your gift helps our local ministries:
- address the ramifications of increased costs in food, housing, and other necessities;
- supply seed money (literally!) for new and expanding community gardens;
- support tutoring services that help children succeed;
- provide necessary support to women recovering from human trafficking; and
- relieve the burden of medical debt.
On a personal note, I served as the priest of Epiphany, Urbana and Our Saviour, Mechanicsburg prior to recently joining the bishop’s staff. I witnessed firsthand the impact ECM has made. Those two congregations received ECM grants to support their respective community meals—we collectively fed 150+ people each month and fostered community and nourished their souls at the same time.
This annual Advent Appeal is a way ECM is preparing for the next round of grant proposals as 2025 unfolds. Will you join me in responding to this invitation with a resounding “yes?” If so, please scan this QR code or use the enclosed giving card to make a donation. You can also learn more and donate on our website.
In hopeful anticipation of Christ’s coming,
The Rev. R. Derrick Fetz
Missioner for Stewardship
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
P.S. As you may know, Andrea Owens, who has faithfully served as ECM’s administrator for the past four years, is retiring at the end of this year. My donation will be made in thanksgiving for her and her ministry among us. Thank you for your service, Andrea!
