ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
May 28, 2019
Justice pilgrimage brings together 20 Episcopal clergy members for intensive racial healing work
[ENS] by David Paulsen
Twenty Episcopal priests and deacons are wrapping up a weeklong pilgrimage in Atlanta, Georgia, organized by the  Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing  as a pilot program that could become a new model for furthering The Episcopal Church’s racial reconciliation work.

Participants in the center’s Justice Pilgrimage were selected from all 20 dioceses in the church’s Province IV, which encompasses all or part of nine states in the Southeast. Atlanta Bishop Robert Wright spoke to the group on May 19 to welcome them.

“The common purpose is to understand the American story in all of its nuance and figure out where the opportunities for healing and justice are,” Wright said May 23 in an interview with Episcopal News Service. That nuance, Wright explained, is what allows people from different backgrounds to come together and feel comfortable openly and honestly discussing difficult questions of race and racism.
“It doesn’t really call for self-flagellation. Shame is not the goal,” Wright said. “It is to understand our role in this very complex thing and to seek healing and justice.”

The pilgrimage includes a full itinerary of lectures and discussions at the Absalom Jones Center in Atlanta, as well as a two-day bus trip with stops at African American historical sites in Savanna, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. When it concludes May 24, the pilgrims’ work will only be beginning.


ECCT Related: The ECCT Racial Justice, Healing, and Reconciliation Ministry Network is working toward offering two pilgrimages in 2019. They hope to offer a summer visit to Trinity, Brooklyn (built by enslaved persons) followed by a visit to Providence, RI for a tour organized by the Center for Reconciliation; and a fall visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, in Washington, D.C. Details will be publicized when ready.
From the blog: Stories from the past: WWII Episcopal Chaplains
by ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Huggin s
(Posted on Memorial Day, May 27, 2019)
A couple weeks ago, I received an email from our archivist at The Commons, Greg Farr. He had found a small box filled with pictures and correspondents between Episcopalian Connecticut natives serving as chaplains in World War II. 

These letters and photographs were sent upon the request of the  Rt. Rev. Walter Henry Gray , the eighth bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.

Greg writes, “Upon the request of [the bishop], Connecticut natives entering the military as chaplains were asked to send photographs to the bishop depicting their wartime situation and to write corresponding statements and updates to be shared at that time with Connecticut parishioners.” 

We have decided to let the past tell its story this Memorial Day. 

We thank Greg for his work in pulling together this collection from ECCT and this country’s past. If you are interested in learning more about this collection, or our archives in general please email  Greg Farr . 
 
ECCT's Digital Storyteller Alli Huggins is using a blog site, episcopalct.blog , to share her stories and those from others. ECCT podcast episodes are linked, as well. You can search archives and submit story leads. Contact her at storytelling@episcopalct.org
‘Walk in Love’ border tour provides insight into the complexity at the south-central Texas border

[ENS] By Lynette Wilson
[Episcopal News Service – South Central Texas] All along the 1,954-mile U.S.-Mexico border stretching from Brownsville, Texas, to San Diego, California, Episcopalians are providing humanitarian aid to asylum-seekers and, where possible, providing support for law enforcement officers in their parishes and communities.

“Walk in Love” border tour, organized and led by the  Episcopal Diocese of West Texas highlighted some of the Episcopal ministries and humanitarian in south-central Texas. The May 15–17 tour of Texas began in San Antonio and made stops along the U.S.-Mexico border in Roma, McAllen and Brownsville. ...

“The intention of the perspectives and experiences gained on the tour is to provide information and shed the light of Christ, not stoke the fires of discord, on very complicated realities experienced by people within our communities,” said West Texas Bishop David Reed, in a press release.

2019 CT River Pilgrimage underway

Click on the image, right, to a video of the start of this year's Connecticut River pilgrimage (links to Instagram account of Kairos Earth.) See their schedule here. (To ask whether you might still register for a day paddle May 30 from East Haddam to Essex, contact Jo Brooks of Kairos Earth at river@kairosearth.org) .
Wear Orange weekend June 7-9

Orange is the color that Hadiya Pendleton’s friends wore in her honor when she was shot and killed in Chicago at the age of 15 — just one week after performing at President Obama’s 2nd inaugural parade in 2013. After her death, they asked us to stand up, speak out, and Wear Orange to raise awareness about gun violence. ( wearorange.org )

Bishops United Against Gun Violence is a partner to this organization; Bishop Ian T. Douglas is a convener and Bishop Laura J. Ahrens is a member. Our bishops, and other BUAGV members, will observe this annual weekend and encourage other Episcopalians to do so as well.
Monthly bulletin insert for June available now

The Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation (RHJR) Ministry Network   is organizing a series of monthly bulletin inserts to support parish participation in ECCT's    Season of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation.  These include a quote, guest reflection, update on resources, and reminder of the Season, with contact info. These are also posted on the " Communication Resources   " section of the related web pages. This month's reflection is by the Rev. April Alford-Harkey, deacon at St. Thomas' New Haven and chaplain at St. Vincent's Medical Need Service.
Jack Spaeth memorial service set for June 29

The memorial service for John W. ("Jack") Spaeth, III, 30+ year administrator for the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, is set for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29 at Christ Church Cathedral. Jack retired in 2012 and died this past April 15. Click here to read the letter sent by the bishops.
ECCT PODCAST
Listen to episodes at Coffee Hour at The Commons , or on iTunes , Google Play , and Stitcher !

 Know of an interesting individual or unique ministry in ECCT? Maybe something going on at your parish, or someone there? Let us know!!

In Episode #47, published May 24, Alli hosts a conversation with the Rev. Nicholas Porter about the organization he founded and directs, Jerusalem Peacebuilders, its purpose, about about an event they'll be holding in New Haven this summer. Link here.

Here's a list of archive guests by date with name/s and topic in case you want to check out past episodes.
ECCT IN THE NEWS
The Litchfield Connection had an article in their June issue about St. Michael's Parish (in Litchfield) celebrating the second anniversary of its food pantry. Volunteers and donations come from the church and from other churches and community organizations. The print publication included a photo of the volunteers, and of the "menu" of food items that sits on St. Michael's piano in their community room. Happy Anniversary, food pantry!

Email Karin if your parish or worshiping community has been featured in non-ECCT media/news!
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CAMP WASHINGTON?
Sign up the kids for summer camp!

Mini-camp (overnight and day, ages 5-10); Children's Camp (ages 7-12); Teen Camp (ages 12-16); Wilderness Adventure Camp (ages 7-12 and 12-16); and Service Leadership Camp (ages 13-16).


Programs at Camp Washington:
  • June 9, Second Sunday, with the Rev. Marilyn Anderson. 4:30 p.m. Conversation about wolves followed by worship and a meal. $10 suggested donation, register by calling 860-567-9623. More info here.
  • June 21-23, Writing workshop w/Davyne Verstandig (info/register here)
  • June 28, Bishop's Book Study with Bishop Laura Ahrens, Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church, by Rachel Held Evans. 11 -12:30 a.m. discussion followed by lunch, $10, register here or call 860-567-9623.
Camp Washington is the official Camp and Conference Center of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut (ECCT) and a resource for Christian development and spiritual formation for followers of Jesus. Camp Washington is located on 300 acres in northwestern Connecticut and organizes and/or hosts retreats, conferences, and events throughout the year and offers a full summer camp program. It is a place of “acceptance, joy, and renewal for all God’s people.”
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL?
Upcoming events at Christ Church Cathedral
* Specially designated Centennial year events

  • June 9 Church Street Eats (CSE) Anniversary; International Day & Unveiling of Church Street Heroes Portrait, noon -2 p.m.
  • June 21 Church Street Eats Paint Night, 6 p.m.
  • June 29 Ordination of Deacons, 3 p.m. (ECCT event hosted at CCC)
  • June 30 Stained Glass Window Sunday - Tours at 9, 11:30, 1:30

Plan ahead! Centennial offering to ECCT in July:
*Sunday July 21, Jazz Mass at 10:30 a.m., Joint service with Hartford communities
Christ Church Cathedral is the gathering place for the entire Episcopal Church in Connecticut and the seat of its bishops. It is “Connecticut’s Cathedral” as all Episcopalians in CT are members of the Cathedral. From our Cathedral we are called and empowered to participate in God’s mission in our local neighborhoods. In this its centennial year, our Cathedral is opening its doors in new ways to neighbors near and far.
ECCT CALENDARS
Events below are coming up in the next few weeks
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.

ECCT meetings and events calendar (see other calendars below for bishops; Ministry Networks; Regions; and Clergy
  • May 24-31 CT River Pilgrimage
  • May 28: Convention planning team
  • May 28: Faith & Order Cttee Mtg
  • May 29: Celebration of New Ministry, the Rev. Alan Murchie
  • May 30: Finance Cttee Mtg
  • May 31: Movie and dinner, South Glastonbury
  • June 2: Blessing of the Fields, South Glastonbury
  • June 1: Retiro Hispano (Hispanic Retreat)
  • June 4: Missional PIC Gathering
  • June 6: Joining Jesus Advisory Council
  • June 6: Celebration of New Ministry, the Rev. Marek Zabriskie
  • June 8: Leadership Gathering followed by meetings of Mission Council, COM, Standing Cttee, and trustees of D&B)
  • June 9-19 Holy Land Pilgrimage

Bishops' Schedule:
Visitations:
  • June 2, Bishop Ahrens, St. James's, W. Hartford; Bishop Douglas, St. Martin's, Hartford
  • June 23, Bishop Douglas, St. John's, Pine Meadow
Confirmations:
  • June 1, Bishop Ahrens. Saint Luke's, Darien
  • June 8, Bishop TBD, SW Region, Ridgefield

Ministry Network meetings (see more on this calendar )
  • June 1, Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation, St. Luke's New Haven, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Region events
  • May 28: NC Region Leadership Team Mtg
  • May 29: SE and SC with St. Stephen's E. Haddam, Life along the River: Homelessness in Connecticut (see parish events, below)
  • June 6: NE Region Leadership Team Mtg
  • June 7: NE Region Men's Breakfast
  • June 22: NW Region Convocation
  • June 29: SW Region Convocation

Ordinations and Celebrations of New Ministry
  • May 29, Celebration of New Ministry, the Rev. Alan Murchie, Trinity, Nichols, 6:30 p.m.
  • June 6, Celebration of New Ministry, the Rev. Marek Zabriskie, Christ Church, Greenwich, 6:30 p.m.
  • June 29, Ordinations to the Diaconate, Christ Church Cathedral, 3 p.m.

Upcoming clergy events (see next category also)
  • May 28: OTM Profile workshop
  • June 4 Clericus: Northeast & Southeast, at St. Peter's, Hebron, 10 a.m. Register here
  • June 4, Missional PIC gathering
  • June 7 - 10, AED Triennial, RI
  • June 15: Mandatory Clergy Professional Development/Safe Church Recertification

Mandatory Clergy Professional Development Day (MCPD)
  • The first session was April 11; the second was May 14; the final "regular" session will be Saturday, June 15, St. John's, Vernon. If it is full you can ask to be on the waiting list (call Deb Kenney to ask questions about that. See the FAQs if you have general questions about MCPD.)
  • If you cannot attend either of these, or you must cancel a session for which you already registered, you must register for and attend the one make-up session on Sat., Sept. 7 at St. John's, West Hartford. Registration opens after the June session,
  • Clergy who fail to attend MCPD in 2019 will not be "clergy in good standing."
  • See FAQs here. (what's required, who's required to participate, and more)
PARISH EVENTS
Events below are coming up in the next few weeks
Please visit this calendar for details on these parish events not listed above. To add an event, please fill out this form .

List of parish events Link here for full info. (Ministry Network and Region Leadership, see above). Be sure to list your events in your Region eNewsletters to reach your local audiences.

May 28, Book club discussion, Waking Up White , Torrington
May 29, Life Along the River: Homelessness in CT, East Haddam
May 31, Organ music of Great Britain, W. Hartford (w/ re-dedication of expanded Austin Organ)
May 31, Balance class (Hebron)
June 2, Music events: Organ concert, W. Hartford; community choral evensong, Torrington
June 2, Jazz mass, Hot Cat Jazz Band, 10 a.m. Glastonbury
June 5, Pops concert, Hartford
June 6, Book discussion, Flip-flops after 50 , Glastonbury
June 8, Golden Oldies concert, Wethersfield
June 9, St. Luke's Steel Band Anniversary Awards Brunch, Branford
June 9, PRIDE Eucharist, collaborative service, 5 p.m. Norwalk

Selected event featured this week: PRIDE Eucharist Sunday June 9, 5 p.m., St. Paul's on the Green, Norwalk: " Come and rejoice in the fabulous diversity in which God has made all people! On the day after Fairfield County’s Pride in the Park 2019, gather with those of every sexual orientation and gender identity to celebrate how much God loves each of us and to commit to working for justice in the world. This service, now in its sixth year at St. Paul’s on the Green in Norwalk, is presented in 2019 as a collaboration between several Episcopal parishes in Fairfield County (the ECCT Southwest Region) and we welcome The Reverend Marcella Gillis, Assistant Rector of Christ & Holy Trinity Church in Westport, and the Reverend Curtis Farr, Rector of St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fairfield CT as participants in the service. All–regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or faith background–are welcome to attend and participate fully. This is a family-friendly event, so please bring your kids! A reception will follow on the church labyrinth."
Sign up for Region Newsletters

All Region Missionaries can now use a common Constant Contact account for ECCT staff to create and publish regular newsletters. Here are links to some recent issues. Be sure to sign up for these by updating your subscriptions at the bottom of any enewsletter or from a link on this page . Get your local news & events!

Safe Church Training - Spring schedule started in March - FINAL DATES

All Safe Church Trainings (Comprehensive Basic and Lay Recertification) can be found on our website.
  • Use this link to the website page. From that page:
  • Lay recertification trainings are listed at the bottom of that page. Final session for this spring is June 1.
  • Option 1 for comprehensive training, full day in-person sessions. These have concluded for spring 2019.
  • Choose Option 2 for a hybrid: online training w/shorter in-person sessions (direct link here). Three upcoming dates for the in-person component are: June 8 (E. Windsor); and June 15 (Lime Rock).

If you have an upcoming summer program or Vacation Bible School and you need basic safe church training, plan ahead and take training in advance.

Important note for clergy only:
ALL clergy must attend one Mandatory Clergy Professional Development Day in 2019. See clergy section in Calendar of Events, above.

OPEN POSITIONS - WE'RE HIRING!
Job openings may be found  here on the website . 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. 

ECCT staff positions:

  • Canon for Mission Communications & Media - reviewing applications
  • Dean of Formation - Link here for more
  • Canon for Mission Finance & Operations - reviewing applications

Parish and Camp pos itions:


Clergy non-parochial:

For open Clergy positions in parishes please click here .