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| Photo from the Diocese of Virginia |
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The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia stood with others in opposition to Saturday's "Unite the Right" rally
Bishops of the Diocese of Virginia, which includes Charlottesville, stood together with the Charlottesville Clergy Collective (CCC) in opposing Saturday's "Unite the Right" rally. The bishops invited all Episcopal clergy in the diocese to join them in "non-confrontational and prayerful opposition to the rally."
According to the diocese's social media, its clergy are all safe.
A Charlottesville pastor organized the CCC in the wake of the 2015 shootings at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., to bring together clergy and lay people from different denominations across the region.
"As people who have been reconciled to God through Christ, we have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). In our judgment, therefore, the Church cannot remain silent in the face of those who seek to foment division," the bishops of the Diocese of Virginia, the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, the Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff, and the Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick, wrote in a letter to their clergy earlier this month.
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Remember to #PrayFastAct on Monday
Why will we fast Monday, August 21, and on that day each month? Specifically, why do we
fast and talk about it on social media as
#PrayFastAct and #ForSuchATime?
Episcopal Church leaders, including Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton of the ELCA, began the For Such A Time As This campaign calling for prayer, fasting, and advocacy to help end hunger with a three-day fast in May. It continues with an observance on the 21st day of each month, running through December 2018, when the 115th Congress ends.
Why this particular date? By the third week of the month, 90 percent of food benefits run out. We align prayer and fasting with advocacy to oppose cuts to programs that help the hungry. Read more
here and
here.
How great is the need?
It is - generally - not difficult to find food in Connecticut.
Grocery stores, restaurants, office kitchens, food trucks, gas stations and, of course, our own cupboards are stocked with goodies of varying nutritional values.
But for 1 in 8 Connecticut households, it's not that easy.
In fact, according to a 2015 report from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture
, the number of households where at least one member didn't get enough to eat because of lack of money and other resources has grown, nationally and in Connecticut.
The USDA measured food insecurity - meaning lack of access to adequate food - and very low food security - meaning at least one person in the house went hungry. At the national and state levels, food insecurity grew from the earlier part of the century but has dropped off slightly from 2010-2012 levels. But very low food security is on the rise nationally and in Connecticut, with
the state rate growing from 2.6 percent in 2003-2005 to 4.9 percent in 2010-2012 and 6.3 percent in 2013-2015.
So remember to pray, fast, and act, Monday, and in the future.
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| AccuWeather |
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Local Episcopal churches see solar eclipse as outreach opportunity
Don't forget to use the proper eyewear if you plan to watch the solar eclipse Monday - the first visible eclipse in the contiguous United States since 1979!
Connecticut viewers can expect a 60 percent sun blockage during the eclipse, which begins around 12:25 p.m. and ends around 3 p.m., according to AccuWeather. The maximum eclipse will be around 1:46 p.m.
Episcopal churches along the "path of totality" for Monday's solar eclipse will play host to tens of thousands of people looking for the best view. Watchers from Salem, Ore., to Charleston, S.C., will get the full effect and see the moon entirely block the sun.
Click here to read how Episcopal churches in the eclipse path are welcoming visitors, and here for safety tips from NASA.
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Stewardship grant applications due August 20
The Episcopal Church Advisory Council for the Stewardship of Creation is accepting grant applications until Sunday, August 20. The grants, of up to $10,000, focus on local faith-based projects to mitigate climate change and safeguard the integrity of Creation.
The 2015 General Convention approved the resolution setting up the Task Force on Climate Change; that task force developed the grant process to support local ecologically responsible stewardship of church-related properties and buildings.
Click here and here to learn more and apply.
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General Convention Official Youth Presence
applications due by November 1
High school students who want to take part in the General Convention Official Youth Presence have until November 1 to apply. Interested students must complete an online application with essay questions and need a non-family member to complete an online essay nomination form; the committee will contact the nominator by email.
The Episcopal Church will select no more than two students from each of the nine provinces to participate, and will cover travel, lodging, and meal expenses. Selected students will have a seat and a voice in the House of Deputies.
Students must be:
- An active member and communicant in good standing of an Episcopal Church congregation;
- Between the ages of 16 and 19 during the 2018 General Convention;
- Be enrolled in high school during the 2017/2018 school year;
- Be able to travel alone by plane or train;
- Be available to travel to Austin twice in 2018: for orientation from April 5 - April 8, and for the convention, which runs July 2 - July 13.
Contact Bronwyn Clark Skov, Episcopal Church director for Formation, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries, at 646-242-1421 or
bskov@episcopalchurch.org
with questions.
Click
here
for the application.
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Region-Based Discernment Groups beginning soon
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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RenewalWorks program overview Sept. 29 in New Canaan
Amid all the noise and clutter of daily life, RenewalWorks offers parishes a process to refocus on spiritual growth and identify ways that God is calling them to grow.
The Rev. Jay Sidebotham of RenewalWorks will 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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Audits/financial reviews of 2016 parish financial reports
and processes are due September 1
General Church and ECCT canons require the reviews. Timely completion and submission is a prerequisite for parishes going through clergy transition and, beginning this year, is a requirement for recognition of parishes that are in good standing.
Please contact Karolyn Nicolaides (
knicolaides@episcopalct.org
, 203-639-3501, ext. 134) if you would like to receive a list of accountants/accounting firms that have performed audits or financial reviews for other ECCT parishes.
Please note:
Parishes with total revenues exceeding $500,000 annually are required to have full audits performed by a Certified Public Accountant. Parishes with total revenues less than $500,000 can have a review of agreed upon procedures performed by an Independent Public Accountant.
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Social Media Sunday 2017 (#SMS17) is coming soon!
Get ready to pick up your digital devices for Social Media Sunday (#SMS17), September 24.
This event started in 2013 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Tariffville as a way for pa
rishoners to use devices to share their life of faith with the digital world.
It has since grown to include Christians and people of faith everywhere.
And if you don't believe your church needs to be online, check out this blog by David Hansen, a pastor with a Lutheran church in Texas.
Be the church online!
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Now Accepting Election Nominees for 2017 Convention
We're seeking nominations for positions on the Standing Committee, to be elected at this year's annual convention.
We need two lay persons and two clergy persons to serve 3-year terms, to do the important work of our Standing Committee in the life of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Nominations are due by October 6. Learn more and submit your name for election here.
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| The Rev. Dr. Malloy |
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Save the date of Saturday, September 30 for a 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.
Workshops on a variety of subjects will be offered. More info and registration
here.
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Bishop Stephen Cottrell
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Save the dates!
Three-night "Come and See" Revival
Aug. 27-29 in Ridgefield and conversation on evangelism Aug. 29 at the Cathedral
in Hartford
The Hartford event is called, "Sharing Our Faith: Evangelism for a Post-Christendom World." Tickets are $15 and include a light lunch of sandwiches or salad, plus fruit or pasta salad on the side, and bottled water. Click
here for more information and to buy tickets.
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Positions Open
NOTE: Applicants will be able to submit their resume and cover letter to the contact person directly from the ECCT website, if that option is chosen by the person submitting the position for posting.
- Youth Minister, St. James', Farmington
- Music Director, Christ Church, Tashua
- Bookkeeper, Good Shepherd, Hartford
- Lay Associate for Member Engagement, St. Paul's, Norwalk
- Director of Music, Good Shepherd, Orange
- Music Director, Christ Church, Middle Haddam
- Part-Time Pianist, Grace Episcopal Church, Broad Brook
Clergy only:
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Announcements & Reminders
The parish/worshiping community survey for the ECCT database is live. Click
here
to read the related documents. Thanks so much to the following churches that completed their survey since last week's announcement: St. Mary's, Manchester; St. John's, East Windsor; Holy Trinity, Enfield; St. James' Church, Farmington; St. James' Church, Poquetanuck; and Grace Church, Yantic.
Bishop Laura J. Ahrens will host an open meeting Thursday, Aug. 24 from 3-5 p.m
.
at
The Commons in Meriden to talk about Education for Ministry (EfM) theological
study for
laity.
The meet
ing is for those already familiar with EfM who want to share
joys, challenges,
a
nd opportunities in ECCT as well as for those who want to learn more about
being a part
icipant, a mentor, or setting up an EfM group.
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is hosting a "Healthy Congregations" workshop in Milton, MA, Aug 25-26 intended to help the church stay focused on its unique mission and purpose.
The registration fee of $109 includes the training manual, lunch, and refreshments. There are discounts for parish teams. Learn more
here
.
Registration is open for the 2nd Annual Youth Festival (grades 8-12) at Camp Washington
in M
orris on September 9-10.
Camp starts Saturday morning at 10 a.m., continues with food trucks, music, and more Saturday evening and finishes Sunday with brunch and a 1 p.m. pickup.
Registration is $25. Scholarships are available but space is limited, so register
here
today.
The Sisters of Saint Helena
are welcoming women wondering about monastic life
in the Episcopal Church to a two-day "Come-and-See" retreat at the Convent of Saint Helena in North Augusta, SC, September 1-3.
Attendees will meet other women exploring monastic life, ask questions and experience the sisters' life of prayer and community. The gathering is open to single women between 25 and 50. Call 803-426-1616 or email
Save the dates of September 15-17 for the centennial celebration of Camp Washington.
Guest arrival and opening reception at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 15, followed by dinner. Main event Saturday Sept. 16, full day of Camp activities. Lunch at noon; Holy Eucharist at 2 p.m. followed by celebratory dinner; 7 p.m. evening camp and campfire. Sunday Sept. 17 Morning Prayer at 9 a.m. followed by brunch and cookies. Register here.
The Rev. Alexia Salvatierra will lead a faith-rooted organizing workshop on September 1
5 and 16 at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in N
ew Hampshire.
Space is limited to 40 people. Cost is $75, which includes the program, materials, three meals and refreshments, and double-occupancy lodging, or $50 without the lodging. Register here.
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Events coming up soon
Events below are coming up in the next few weeks:
ECCT OFFERINGS
The ECCT calendar is located here. It allows you to filter events by category and includes a subscribe link at the bottom of the page. Specific details including locations, times, etc. will also be found there.
- August 22, Resolution 4 meeting
- August 22, Faith & Order meeting
- August 24, EFM Strategic Planning meeting
- August 24, Standing Committee meeting
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August 29, Conversation on Evangelism, Christ Church Cathedral,
Hartford
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August 31, Finance Committee meeting
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September 4, The Commons is closed for Labor Day
- September 5, Clergy Day, Camp Washington, Lakeside
BISHOPS' SUNDAY VISITS
- September 10, Bishop Ahrens, Christ Church, Roxbury
- September 10, Bishop Douglas, Trinity/St. Michael's, Fairfield
P
ARISH EVENTS:
A complete calendar of parish events is available here.
Hosting an event?
Please submit parish events
here
.
Reach out to the specific parish for event updates, specific locations, and further details. Season-specific regular
worship services will not be listed below.
- None scheduled for August
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