People of God in Southern Ohio,
This year, we celebrate 150 years of ministry as the Diocese of Southern Ohio – generations of disciples serving God and joining in the transformation of our communities.
In anticipation of this major milestone, a group of Southern Ohioans have been working together to gather our history, telling our stories of who we are and who we’ve been – in discipleship, in race relationships, women’s ministries, LGBTQ+ progress, and the industrial and economic changes that have affected our communities. A forthcoming book documents their learnings and some of the stories that are important to understanding our legacy as a diocese.
History Webinar
On September 4th at 7 pm, our History & Storytelling Group will host a Zoom webinar for all Southern Ohio Episcopalians. I will host a panel discussion with diocesan leaders representing significant stories or affinities within our diocese:
- Robin Holland, chair of our Commission on Ministry and member of St. Philip, Columbus, will represent the resilient presence of our Historically Black congregations.
- The Rev. Jane Gerdsen, rector serving St. Barnabas, Montgomery, will represent women’s ordination and other changes in our diocese and church that strengthened women’s ministries.
- The Rev. Michael Smith, associate priest serving St. Anne, West Chester, will represent the significant progress toward inclusion and leadership of LGBTQ+ Christians in our church and diocese.
- Joshua Sherwood, member of the Diocesan Council and St. Peter’s, Gallipolis, will represent the legacy and continuing life of post-industrial river parishes in Appalachia.
- The Very Rev. Owen Thompson, dean of Christ Church Cathedral, will represent the Mother Churches which established Episcopal witness throughout our diocese through the founding of new parishes.
The official invite, sent last week, includes short biographies for each of the panelists and the link to RSVP for this important webinar.
150th Celebration at Procter Center
This webinar lands in the lead up to our 150th Celebration at Procter Center on Saturday, September 27th, our official festive commemoration in our history as a diocese.
At Procter, we’ll pray, sing, play, and eat together as we share and remember our legacy as the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. Our day of celebration and storytelling will conclude with a special Eucharist with music from an all-diocese Pick-up Choir, the Gospel Choir at St. Margaret’s, Trotwood, and with excellent preaching from long-time Southern Ohioan and our missioner for Beloved Community, Miriam McKenney.
Visit our website for all details and to RSVP for this important free event.
I give thanks for the legacy and ministry of this diocese and for the honor of serving among you! Please join me for both of these important events: the September 4th webinar and the September 27th gathering at Procter. We can’t wait to be with you in learning and celebration!
Yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White
X Bishop
Diocese of Southern Ohio
