I particularly enjoyed the bible study and break out groups.  The bible study was conducted at each table and had eight participants.  The breakout or "small" group consisted of approximately fifty members.  We were given four questions to discuss which centered on issues of formation, communication, leadership and connectedness within and between congregations in the diocese.  These new activities helped me to get acquainted with members of the diocese in a way that has not happened before.  Sharing and exchanging ideas allowed us to listen, be open and vulnerable to each other. 

During the business session, six resolutions were passed, R07-1-R07-6.  (Full text of resolutions can se read on the DSO.org website) Key resolutions were R07-4 which endorsed the formation of the Ohio Interfaith Power and Light, to educate, encourage parishioners to respond in faith-based ways to climate change and its consequences.  R07-5 which passed by a very narrow margin of one vote encourages congregations to outreach programs to help and assist pregnant women.  R07-6 calls on the Bishop to establish an ad hoc committee to conduct a serious study of just, reasonable and environmentally sustainably economic development throughout the diocese, with special attention to communities of color, Appalachia, and other vulnerable communities which bear the brunt of our abuse of God's good earth.  The resolution on immigration failed.  Due to a procedural loophole, the convention voted not to consider the resolution calling on the Episcopal Church to withdraw from property lawsuits. 

I thought the convention was on point and very relevant for the DSO and the wider church.  I hope that we will make a commitment individually and collectively to follow-up on our formation and connectedness.

Submitted by: Vicar Ernestein Flemister

"A mother and young child came to St. Paul's Church of Chillicothe looking for help to pay for fuel oil and a deposit to get electricity for their new home. The family had recently moved to the area, the father was beginning a new job, and the mother had sustained a fairly serious injury. With two children, the family was approaching a cold winter with no heat or electricity. They were turned away by other local outreach ministries which had run out of funds. With one contribution from the ECSF-aided Good Faith Fund the family was able to pay the deposit and avoid the consequences of a winter without heat or electricity."