Bishop Hollingsworth led a grand opening celebration for the new parish hall of St. Peter’s, Lakewood on June 9. The project took 10 years to plan and execute, and included five years of participation in the Planting for Tomorrow campaign. The campaign, which included $350,000 for Bellwether Farm, raised more than $2.9 million. The total project cost was almost $4 million. The new parish hall allows the entire St. Peter’s physical plant to become completely accessible. The exterior features large amounts of glass so that the community can look into the church, and the church can look out to the community. The new building includes office, meeting, and gathering spaces; new daycare facilities; and a beautiful new chapel/multiuse space. The members of St. Peter’s are excited to imagine how to best utilize the new space as a community resource.

St. Paul’s, Canton hosted the African Children’s Choir on their “Just As I Am” North American tour, beginning with a concert that drew a crowd of 125 people. Children from Canton joined their counterparts from the other side of the world in a combination of song, dance, and storytelling ranging from traditional Ugandan rhythms to “This Little Light of Mine.” The evening raised more than $900 to sponsor the choir, which is part of Music for Life, a ministry that extends to a half-dozen African countries. And while music is its backbone, the goal is education. The children, most ages 7-10, spend six months preparing for their nine-month tours. When they return home, they’ll attend boarding school through university graduation. They told the audience at St. Paul’s that they’ll become doctors, nurses, teachers, scientists, and police officers.

St. Andrew’s, Cleveland collaborated with the Golden Ciphers Neighborhood Center to deliver a joint production titled, “We Can Change the World.” The three-day experience combined music, rhythm, and text at the center with the goal of encouraging teenagers to offer their viewpoints on how their talents, time, etc. will make a positive difference as they embark on their career aspirations and life goals. 13 teenagers participated in the workshop. Participants recorded themselves discussing what their dreams are, what inspires them, and who their influences are. Some of their dreams included becoming an interior designer, a landscaper, a registered nurse, an entrepreneur, a professional athlete, a musician, a child advocacy attorney, an engineer, and a psychologist.

The 142nd Diocese of Ohio Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Annual Meeting took place at Bellwether Farm on May 3 - 4, 2019. Though it was rainy and cool all weekend, it didn’t dampen the attendees’ spirits! Starting with a warm welcome from the Bellwether staff, continuing with presentations by keynote speaker Lelanda Lee, and ending with Eucharist in the Worship Barn, the weekend was inspiring and brought us all closer to the Lord.