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Clergy Reflection
Making this a better world, one student at a time
By the Rev. Keri Aubert
Priest-in-Charge, St. Thomas's Episcopal Church, New Haven
President, St. Thomas's Day School Corporation
Like all schools, St. Thomas's Episcopal Day School in New Haven has a bell. Unlike other
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The Rev. Keri Aubert and Gina Panza |
schools, ours is an old-fashioned hand bell, brass with an oak handle, and it is rung only once daily, at 8:25
a.m.
That's when a fifth- or sixth-grade student goes around to the classrooms, ringing the bell to summon the St. T's community to Chapel. At the ready are the other fifth- and sixth-grade Chapel servers: ushers, cross- and flag-bearers, and prayer-leaders.
By 8:30, the students, who range from kindergarten through sixth grade, and their teachers are assembled in the Church Sanctuary, and the opening procession begins.
St. Thomas's is the only K-6 Episcopal school in Connecticut. It is one of only a few Episcopal schools anywhere that still hold
daily Chapel.
This may seem anachronistic, a leftover from a bygone era, but St. Thomas's families hold it dear. When asked why they love St. T's, many parents immediately say, "Daily Chapel." Chapel worship is a simplified version of Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. The service lasts about thirty minutes and includes an invitatory, hymn, canticle, celebration of birthdays, and homily, as well as the Lord's Prayer, suffrages, and a collect.
Here's a final surprise: Only a few St. T's families are Episcopalian. Some families hail from other Christian and non-Christian religious traditions, but the majority are "spiritual but not religious." Nonetheless, daily Chapel is the steady center around which day school life revolves.
That steady center has been especially important during the last four years. It has been a time of significant transition and change brought about by the retirement after 30+ years of service of the Head of School, the Rector, and several additional faculty and staff members. While the goodbyes have been sad, they have opened space for others who bring different gifts and skill.
The most important addition has been our amazing current Head of School, Gina Panza, whose leadership has made a tremendous difference in only four years.
She initiated important curriculum development, including STEAM - integrated education in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. She is working with
Day School Chaplain Eric Snow to more closely integrate social justice themes into Chapel and Religious Education, and to further develop our customary emphasis on religious literacy and character development. Gina has also reaffirmed St. T's 60-year commitment to diversity as a core value in a number of ways, including engaging a consultant to lead a multi-year, whole-community process of intentional work around race.
In all this, St. T's continues to benefit from its size. With one class per grade, faculty and staff treat each student as an individual with unique gifts and needs, and families partner in educating "our" children. In short, St. T's is further cultivating its core strengths, even as it evolves for a changing social and educational environment.
Throughout the 2016-2017 school year - our 60th - we celebrated both the Day School's wonderful history and its exciting new start. We know that further changes await, and one important factor lies out of our control: The number of elementary-school-age children in New Haven is falling, and all area schools have begun to feel the effects. We view this as both challenge and opportunity.
On important occasions, families and other visitors (who are always invited) swell Chapel attendance to overflowing. At one such service, I stepped forward in my Office vestments and had a sudden and striking realization: For many of the people in the crowd, I am the only ordained Christian minister with whom they have any contact. I have a choice to either overturn or reaffirm their conceptions and misconceptions - good or bad - about the Church. This is an awesome privilege, and an awesome responsibility. I pray that I and St. Thomas's make manifest the best of Christianity, and the best of The Episcopal Church.
Most families check out St. T's because of its well-deserved reputation for superior academics, but a single visit shows them what St. T's does best: educate children about kindness and community, and thereby graduate sixth graders who are impressively thoughtful and engaged. With Gina leading the dedicated and close-knit community that is St. T's, the best times are yet to come.
In this time of renewal, St. Thomas's Day School is excited to be collaborating more closely with ECCT staff, and we are seeking new partnerships with ECCT clergy, churches, and other day schools. Contact Head of School Gina Panza (gpanza@stthomasday.org) or Priest-in-Charge the Rev. Keri Aubert (k.aubert@stthomasnewhaven.org) for more information or to schedule a tour with a sixth grader. Remember, all are invited to Day School Chapel - simply come to the Church Sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. on any school day, or ask one of us about the many special Chapel services (such as Martin Luther King Day Chapel or Earth Day Chapel.)
From the parent of students who graduated in 2016 and 2017:
"One of the things that makes St. Thomas's special is the unique sense of community. Students learn an innate respect, not just for themselves, but for their peers, teachers, and other adults. You do not often see a school where the sixth graders know all the names of the first graders, but at St. Thomas's this is the norm. This fosters confidence in each child - initially feeling that they belong and are someone special, later knowing there are younger students who look up to them as role models."
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Clergy Day September 5 at Camp Washington
"Clergy Models for the 21st Century:
Flexibility, Consistency, Simplicity"
This year's Fall Clergy Day will give you the opportunity ask questions and engage in conversation with the bishops and clergy colleagues about important issues related to changes in the Church. Presentations for the day include:
- Commission on Ministry Update: The Rev. Molly F. James, Dean of Formation & the Rev. Marrisa S. Rohrbach, Chair, Commission on Ministry
- Transitions Pathways: The Rev. Lee Ann Tolzmann, Canon for Mission Leadership
- Revisions to the Church Pension Fund Clergy Pension Plan: The Rev. Laura V. Queen, Assistant Vice President of Pastoral Care in the Education & Wellness department at CPG. "The revisions, which are expected to take effect in January 2018, maintain the overall value of benefits provided today and offer greater flexibility, consistency, and simplicity. The new Clergy Pension Plan is responsive to the changing needs of the Church, is equitable and balanced in its delivery of benefits to all participants, and is easier for participants to understand and for the Church Pension Group to administer."
Clergy Day will be held at the ECCT Camp and
C
onferen
ce Center
Camp Wa
shington
in Morris, CT. Overnight accommoda
tions are available;
email
Diane Atwood
or call at
860-567-9623.
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Women Clergy
Breakfast & Book Discussion
September 14 at St. Andrew's, Meriden
It's time for clergy women to gather for autumn conversation and reflection. Please join your clergy colleagues for breakfast & book study on Thursday, September 14, from 8 to 10 a.m. at St. Andrew's Church in Meriden.
The group will finish its discussion of Rowan Williams' book, "Being Disciples, Essentials of the Christian Life," at this meeting.
Please RSVP via Eventbrite
here.
There are two more meetings scheduled for 2017: November 9 and December 14. Going forward in 2018, gatherings are scheduled for 8 -10 a.m. on January 11 and February 8, with more information to follow on future dates.
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Region-based discernment groups begin again this fall
Do you know anyone asking what God might be calling them to do next?
Another round of Region-Based Discernment Groups will begin in the fall. ECCT started the groups, which are open to anyone, in January.
If you know someone who is interested in the ordination process, wondering about making a life or career change, or just feeling called by God, please let them know about the groups.
The groups focus on discernment in the broadest sense, drawing on resources from around The Episcopal Church. Those who might be discerning a call to Holy Orders are welcome to participate.
Click
here for more information, or to contact Molly James, the Dean of Formation, or one of the group leaders.
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Opportunity for two-day VISIONS, Inc. training
Parish life can be challenging, particularly in times of change, transition and heightened anxiety. To provide lay and ordained leaders with additional resources, we invite you to participate in a two-day workshop on November 1 and 2, facilitated by VISIONS, Inc.
Topics include dealing with difference, addressing anxiety, how systems cope with change, and how to deal with conflict.
Space is limited. Registration closes at 11:30 p.m. on October 16, 2017, or when full, whichever comes first. The workshop is at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford.
Clergy can register here; lay leaders register here.
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The Rev. Dr. Malloy |
Save the date: Liturgy Symposium
at Christ Church Cathedral
Save the date of Saturday, September 30, for a Liturgy Symposium at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford.
The morning plenary session will be offered by the Rev. Dr. Patrick Malloy, noted scholar and liturgist, currently serving at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.
Workshops on a variety of subjects will be offered. More info and registration
here.
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RenewalWorks parish program overview in New Canaan
Clergy and lay leaders are invited to hear the Rev. Jay Sidebotham of RenewalWorks discuss the program, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, September 29, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in New Canaan. This ministry of Forward Movement tailored 10 years of research into the key characteristics of flourishing congregations to the Episcopal tradition. Attendees will learn what to expect if they bring RenewalWorks into their churches, and will have a chance to ask questions.
The program is $15 and includes lunch. Registration is required. Click here to learn more about RenewalWorks, or here to register.
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Holy Family Passionist Retreat |
October Clergy Retreat in West Hartford
"Spiritual resilience in a time of climate crisis." J
oin your colleagues at our annual Clergy Retreat from
Tuesday, October 10 to Thursday, October 12
, at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford.
Our retreat leader is the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, the Missioner for Creation Care from the Diocese of Western Massachusetts. She is an author, climate activist, was a lecturer in Pastoral Theology at Episcopal Divinity School, and served as chaplain to the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops.
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Upcoming Events
Sept. 5: Clergy Day, at Camp Washington, Morris CT. "Clergy Models for the 21st Century: Flexibility, Consistency, Simplicity." Three presentations: update from the Commission on Ministry; [clergy] transition pathways; and revisions to CPG clergy pension plan. Overnight accommodations available
. More info and registration available
here.
Sept. 7: Recently Ordained Clergy program. A time of fellowship and formation for newly ordained clergy. Participants have the opportunity to share experiences and gain feedback through monthly check-ins and sharing of critical incidents. More info available here.
Sept. 21: Fresh Start Program. Monthly meetings begin again for this diocesan-led program for clergy in new cures, including both clergy new to the diocese and diocesan clergy. It provides clergy with tools for transition into a "new ministry," in addition to strengthening relationships among participants and their connection to the diocese. More info is available here.
Sept. 28: Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. William Burt, St. John's Church,
North Haven.
Sept. 30: Liturgy Symposium at Christ Church Cathedral
. The morning plenary session will be offered by the Rev. Dr. Patrick Malloy, noted scholar and liturgist, currently serving at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Following lunch, workshops will be offered on: bulletins, customaries, being a Master of Ceremonies, rubrics, preaching, training, and Taize worship. Hosted by the Commission on Ministry and open to lay and ordained leaders in ECCT. More information and registration is available here.
Oct. 5: Recently Ordained Clergy program.
A time of fellowship and formation for newly ordained clergy. Participants have the opportunity to share experiences and gain feedback through monthly check-ins and sharing of critical incidents. More info available here.
Oct. 7: Ann M. Perrott will be ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday, October 7, 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church, Norwich.
Oct 10-12: Clergy Retreat: "Spiritual resilience in a time of climate crisis."J
oin your colleagues at our annual Clergy Retreat from
Tuesday, October 10 to Thursday, October 12
, at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford. Our retreat leader is the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, the Missioner for Creation Care from the Diocese of Western Massachusetts. Register
here.
Nov. 14: Hospital Healthcare Chaplains Network meets, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., The Commons, Meriden. Share the joys and challenges of being a hospital healthcare chaplain. Register
here.
Nov. 17-18: Annual ECCT Convention, Hyatt Regency, Greenwich, CT. More info and registration
here.
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Annual Convention Reminder
The 233rd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut will take place on on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, Connecticut.
 For everything you need to know about it, visit the
Convention page.
All clergy are expected to attend and must write to the bishop diocesan for authorization to be excused.
All clergy, delegates, alternates, and others attending convention MUST register. Online registration is $85/pp until Nov. 14. After that, on-site registration is $100/pp.
Hotel registration is separate.
The deadline for nominations and for resolutions is October 6.
Convention eNews will provide regular updates, information about food and lodging, links to material, reminders, resources, and reports. Sign up here.
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Please continue to help spread the word!
The office of the Canon for Mission Leadership is now accepting applications (Letter of interest, resume and OTM profile) for the following parishes through August 31. All are listed on the OTM website and all have transition information on their own websites:
St. Peter's, South Windsor
(85%-time rector)
Grace, Old Saybrook
(full-time rector)
St. Luke's, South Glastonbury (half-time rector)
Also: Trinity, Torrington (half-time) and Trinity, Milton (quarter-time) are willing to share a priest. If you know anyone who might be interested in this ¾-time possibility, please contact the Canon for Mission Leadership.
St. John's, Stamford, is looking for a half-time assistant to the rector. For more information, contact the Rev. Jim Wheeler at jwheeler@stjohns-stamford.org.
On September 1, we will begin receiving names for a full-time rector for
Trinity, Tariffville, followed very shortly by
St. Matthew's, Wilton.
Clergy in Transition
The Rev.
Carrie Combs is now Curate at Trinity Church, Newtown.
The Rev. Kathleen Berkowe
has resigned her position as Priest in Charge at St. Mark's Church, New Britain.
The Rev. Jon Widing
will retire from his position as Missional Priest at Christ Church, Sharon, effective November 1.
The Rev. Andrew Osmun will
retire from his position as Missional Priest at Christ and the Epiphany Church, East Haven, effective October 1.
Parishes in Transition
Christ Church, Stratford.................................Interim in Place: Scott Lee
Christ Church, Watertown..................................Seeking Missional Priest
Epiphany Church, Durham...........................................Negotiating LOA
Grace Church, Old Saybrook.......................................Receiving Names
Grace Church, Yantic.......................................Seeking Missional Priest
Grace and St. Peter's Church, Hamden..................Seeking Half-time PIC
Holy Trinity, Middletown.........................Interim in place: Dana Campbell
Immanuel Church, Derby.............................................Negotiating LOA
St. Andrew's Marble Dale..................................Seeking Missional Priest
St. David's, Gale's Ferry...........................Interim in place: Mark Santucci
St. Gabriel's, East Berlin...................................Seeking Missional Priest
St. John's, East Windsor......................................Seeking Half-time PIC
St. John's, New Haven..........................................Using Supply Priests
St. Luke's, South Glastonbury.....................................Receiving Names
St. Martin's, Hartford........................................Seeking Missional Priest
St. Matthew's, Wilton...................................Interim in Place: Alon White
St. Paul's, Fairfield.......................... ................................Interviewing
St. Paul's, Woodbury........................................Negotiating Interim LOA
St. Peter's, Hebron.....................................................Negotiating LOA
St. Peter's, South Windsor..........................................Receiving Names
Trinity Church, Milton.......................................Seeking Missional Priest
Trinity Church, Seymour...............................Interim in place: Steve Ling
Trinity Church, Tariffville.............................Interim in place: Ajung Sojwal
Trinity Church, Torrington.............................................Negotiating LOA
Trinity Church, Trumbull..............................Interim in place: Paul Carling
Trinity Church, Wethersfield...............................Seeking Missional Priest
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From Lee Ann Tolzmann, Canon for Mission Leadership
The
Transition Ministries Conference
is a regional meeting of diocesan transition ministers from about 40 dioceses, mostly in the northeastern quadrant of the U.S., specifically to share information about congregations that are searching for clergy and clergy who are looking for new congregations. Diocesan transition ministers present summaries of congregational profiles and pertinent information about potential clergy candidates in search of the best match between talent and need.
The conference occurs twice a year, and the next meeting is September 25-28. If you are exploring another call, or are in the early stages of the discernment process, this is a chance for you to test that out.
The first step is to fill out the TMC Confidential Information form at
transitionministryconference.org. Please also take the time to update your OTM Portfolio, which can be done online. The deadline for submitting your material is Monday, September 18.
Knowing that the decision to explore new ministry possibilities is a sensitive one, please rest assured that the names shared at the TMC are kept in strictest confidence; only I will know who has asked to be presented. There is a high trust level between TMC transitions ministers, and we honor the delicate nature of this sort of discernment.
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