Open House at Church of Our Savior

All invited to Open House

The Church of Our Saviour, Cincinnati, warmly invites all who have shared in our hopes for a transitional program for men in recovery or re-entry, to join us at an Open House celebrating the successful first year of God’s Property/Transformations House. The Open House is Sunday, Sept. 24 from 4-7 p.m. at God’s Property/Transformations House, 1956 Kinney Ave. in Evanston (Cincinnati).

You will see the house, itself transformed by faithful people and by residents who have welcomed the opportunity to begin a new life. You will meet residents and alumni whose lives are being transformed. There will be free snacks as well as an opportunity to participate in judging the “25 Cooks Contest” for a modest donation. 7 p.m., all who are able to stay are invited to participate in the weekly Transformations community Bible study on the Exodus story.

We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone and thank those who have supported the vision, especially our late Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr., Christ Church Cathedral and the Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park.

Social Justice Forum

Social justice forum
Jeffrey Price, director of Public Policy for the Diocese of Southern Ohio, will speak at St. Alban’s on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. The church is located at 333 S. Drexel Avenue in Bexley.

Price will discuss how Episcopalians can be educated to understand the Christian faith so that they may be strong disciples, equipped to exercise ministries of social justice and reconciliation. The Church has historically been an exceptional agent of direct services, hands-on care of and for persons in need. Where it has (in the past) fallen short of the mark of justice is in the area of systemic change and addressing the political and social systems that keep people in poverty or fail to uphold all persons as children of God, worth of dignity and respect.
The event is free and open to the public. For directions or more information, call St. Alban’s at 614.253.8549.

Conference registration still open

The registration deadline for the Mountain Grace III conference has been extended. The one-day conference on more effective ministry in rural and urban Appalachian communities will be held at the Ohio University Lancaster Campus this Saturday, September 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The conference will feature workshops on church growth, community development, lay preaching, evangelism, worship, leadership development and community service models.

For those who have not yet registered, or those who are unsure of their schedule and wonder if they can come at the last minute, it’s not too late! You may register at the door–just bring a check for $15 made out to the Episcopal Community Services Foundation. For a brochure, directions or late registration, call Mike Maloney at 513.531.8799 or e-mail meamon@aol.com

ECW Annual Conference

The Rev. Nancy Roth, an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, author, dancer and musician is the keynoter and workshop leader at the Episcopal Church Women Conference on Oct. 13-14. Held at the Procter Camp & Conference Center, the retreat is a time for women from around the diocese to come together for spiritual nourishment and fellowship. Costs range from $40 for commuters to $80 for single occupancy room. Register online www.episcopal-dso.org, under the Calendar or contact the Rev. Dcn. Irene Radcliff at 614.267.2145 or imradcliff@yahoo.com. Registration deadline: Oct. 2.

“Living together when we disagree”

The Rev. Frank Wade returns in October for his third and final visit as the 2006 Theologian-in-Residence for the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Wade is a well-known preacher and conference leader. He has served as a deputy to many General Conventions, has been chaplain to the House of Deputies, chaired the education committee and served on the Council of Advice for President of the House of Deputies. All are welcome to attend his workshops and talks about life after General Convention.

Oct. 6, 7-9 p.m.: “Living together when we disagree.” Held at St. Mark’s, 456 Woodman Drive, Dayton. Contact: The Rev. Mike Kreutzer, rector, at 937.256.1082.

Oct. 8, 3-5 p.m.: “Living together when we disagree.” Held at St. Andrew’s, 733 State Route 41, SW, Washington Court House. Contact: the Rev. Steven Cuff, vicar, at 740.335.2129.

Oct. 9: 7-9 p.m.: “Living together when we disagree.” Held at St. Mary Magdalene, 172 East US 22/3, Maineville. Contact: the Rev. Steven Bilsbury, priest-in-charge, at 513.677.1777.

Oct. 10: 7-9 p.m.: “Living together when we disagree.” Held at St. John’s, 700 High Street, Worthington. Contact: the Rev. Rebecca Deinsen, assistant, at 614.846.5180.
For more information, contact the Bishop’s Center in Columbus at 614.461.8429 or 800.461.8424.

Oct. 9: 7-9 p.m.: “Living together when we disagree.” Held at St. Mary Magdalene, 172 East US 22/3, Maineville. Contact: the Rev. Steven Bilsbury, priest-in-charge, at 513.677.1777.

Oct. 10: 7-9 p.m.: “Living together when we disagree.” Held at St. John’s, 700 High Street, Worthington. Contact: the Rev. Rebecca Deinsen, assistant, at 614.846.5180.
For more information, contact the Bishop’s Center in Columbus at 614.461.8429 or 800.461.8424.

Sermon preached at the Requiem Mass for the Rt. Rev. Herbert Thompson Jr.

In an e-mail from the Diocese of Southern Ohio, I learned that the sermon preached at Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr.’s Requiem Mass is posted online. Since the link leads to a .doc file, I thought it would be helpful to have it available as a regular html page as well. I know I occasionally am unable to open Word documents. Memories of Bishop Thompson, in celebration of his life, are still being collected here, and some of them will be included in an upcoming issue of Interchange. Click “read the rest of this entry” to read Rev. Hanisian’s sermon.

Additional service information for Bishop Thompson

From the diocese’s e-mail update…

We have some additional information about the service for Bishop Thompson. The PNC Bank parking garage is opening especially for the day and offering a discounted $1 parking rate. The building is at Fifth and Main streets in downtown Cincinnati, with the garage entrance on Main Street between 4th and 5th streets. A reception will be held after the service at the PNC Bank building.

Service information for Bishop Thompson

The family of Bishop Thompson has determined the arrangements.

Calling hours are Friday, Aug. 25, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Centennial Chapel at Christ Church Cathedral. Link to a map to the Cathedral. Address: 318 E. Fourth Street. 513.621.1817.

Saturday, Aug. 26, Burial Office: 11 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral. (Doors will open at 9 a.m.).

There are two parking garages within one block of Christ Church Cathedral: On Sycamore Street between Fourth and Third streets (on the left side of the street), and on Main Street between Fourth and Fifth streets (on the right side of the street). Any churches planning to take a bus to the services should contact Mark Reed at the cathedral at 513.842.2060 to arrange parking.

Clergy will be vesting on the third floor of Diocesan House, 412 Sycamore St. (This building will be locked during the funeral.) Vestments: alb with white stole. Bishops will be vesting in the conference room on the first floor of Diocesan House. Sisters of the Transfiguration are gathering in the Centennial Chapel of Christ Church Cathedral. Judiactory leaders who wish to vest will be in the Trustee’s Room on the first floor of Diocesan House.

The Thompson Memorial Campership Fund, 412 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

The W.E.B. DuBois Academy, 1812 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214, Attn: Diane Ebbs

General Theological Seminary, 175 Ninth Ave., New York, New York 10011, Attn: Bruce Smith

Camp DeWolfe, Diocese of Long Island, c/o Bishop’s Office, 36 Cathedral Ave. P.O. Box 510, Garden City, NY 11530

Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold will celebrate, with Bishop Kenneth Price Jr. serving as con-celebrant. The Rev. Canon Jim Hanisian will serve as preacher.

We have established a website for you to share your memories of Bishop Thompson and to celebrate his life. Some of these may be used for a special tribute issue of Interchange that will be published later this month. Visit the site at http://bishopthompsontribute.blogspot.com I also invite you to submit stories, memories, photos or comments about Bishop Thompson to Interchange. Send them to Richelle Thompson by e-mail, please.The deadline is Aug. 23.

Please keep Herb, Owen, Kyrie and Christian, and all of Bishop Thompson’s family in your prayers.

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Staff and former staff members and Cincinnati dignitaries will have reserved seating; the Cathedral ushers will have a list of names. Overflow seating will be available in the undercroft with a live video feed.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the designated memorial funds:

• The Thompson Memorial Campership Fund, 412 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
• The W.E.B. DuBois Academy, 1812 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214, Attn: Diane Ebbs
• General Theological Seminary, 175 Ninth Ave., New York, New York 10011, Attn: Bruce Smith
• Camp DeWolfe, Diocese of Long Island, c/o Bishop’s Office, 36 Cathedral Ave. P.O. Box 510, Garden City, NY 11530

Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold will celebrate, with Bishop Kenneth Price Jr. serving as con-celebrant. The Rev. Canon Jim Hanisian will serve as preacher.

Education for Ministry Classes Start in September

Education for Ministry (EfM) provides a safe place for lay people to refine, articulate and live their faith through a structured group learning experience. EfM is an extension course from the School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee and is sponsored by the Diocese of Southern Ohio. EfM seminars consist of 6 to 12 adults led by a trained mentor who meet weekly to reflect theologically and discuss the Bible, church history and theology.
What EfM does better than any other theological education program is to equip people to integrate their faith with their real life experiences in ways that make sense and bring meaning to their lives. EfM graduates attest to being able to live more full and abundant lives. Many discover (or rediscover) their ministries in their daily life and work. Some find themselves called to use their talents in new ways. In all cases, those who complete the program have new confidence in their ability to live their lives as theologically articulate Christians.

To find out more about EfM, check out the information on the Anglican Adademy web site.

The Rt. Rev. Herbert Thompson Jr. 1934-2006

From the Diocese of Southern Ohio

A giant of the faith
The Rt. Rev. Herbert Thompson Jr.
1934-2006

Rest in Peace

In an e-mail note to you yesterday, Bishop Price shared the news that Bishop Thompson died unexpectedly on Wednesday while in Florence, Italy. He was supplying there and had preached on Sunday. He apparently collapsed after swimming and could not be revived.

We don’t know any details about arrangements at this point, but we will let you know as soon as possible, both through this e-mail and posted on our website.

We have established a website for you to share your memories of Bishop Thompson and to celebrate his life. Some of these may be used for a special tribute issue of Interchange that will be published later this month. Visit the site at http://bishopthompsontribute.blogspot.com/ I also invite you to submit stories, memories, photos or comments about Bishop Thompson to Interchange. Send them to Richelle Thompson by e-mail, please. The deadline is Aug. 23.

Bishop Price plans to send to the clergy later this afternoon a special prayer for Bishop Thompson that he is asking to be included in Sunday worship. Some congregations are holding special services today and tomorrow to celebrate the life and ministry of Bishop Thompson. A release to the media and a biography of Bishop Thompson are on our website and can be reprinted for inclusion in the worship bulletins, if you’d like.

Please keep Herb, Owen, Kyrie and Christian, and all of Bishop Thompson’s family in your prayers.

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Sincerely,

Richelle Thompson
Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio