ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
March 5, 2019
The "virtual prayer service of lament" from Bishops United Against Gun Violence, recorded on Facebook Live last Friday in D.C., received over 3,000 views. To watch, visit the Episcopalians Against Gun Violence Facebook page, here. It's also on the Facebook page of Episcopal News Service. Both pages have links to other articles that ENS wrote and posted about the bishops' visit to legislators last week.
From the blog : Faith, Love, and Courage: St. John’s, Essex and Diocese of Lebombo, Mozambique
by ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Huggins
In honor of  World Mission Sunday  in March, I had coffee with three men from  St. John’s parish in Essex  and talked about their relationship with the country of Mozambique, the   Diocese of Lebombo , and Bishops Dinis Sengulane and Carlos Matsinhe. 

I sat down with Ed Burke, Tony Custodio, and the Rev. Jonathan Folts, thinking I would hear a simple history of their relationship, the “this and that” of how a predominantly White parish in Essex, Connecticut came to support, sponsor, and build a relationship with a Southern African diocese. But this conversation was so much more. The relationship between St. John’s, Essex and the Diocese of Lebombo is so much more. It is one built out of joy, not guilt or responsibility. It is one that is personal and spiritual, and those who have had the chance to visit have been impacted tremendously.  

ECCT's Digital Storyteller Alli Huggins is using our new 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
Embrace the "Way of Love" on social media this Lent

This Lent, join the Episcopal Church in Connecticut on social media as we embrace the  Way of Love . Each week ECCT will focus on one word within the  Way of Love : turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go, and rest. There will be video reflections each Wednesday, as well as prayers and intentions throughout the week. Be sure to follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram (especially IGTV – Instagram TV) to participate. Brought to you by ECCT DIgital Storyteller Alli Huggins.  
Sign up NOW for a Region Confirmation for your group!

If your parish has a group preparing for Confirmation this spring and you're interested in a Region confirmation service, make sure you've registered for a date and a place. Some are already full - some are waiting for you to sign up. Here's the current list , prepared by Senior Administrator, Office of the Episcopate, Alison Hollo. Call her to reserve your space, 203-639-3501 ext. 112; ahollo@episcopalct.org
Episcopalians prepare for 63rd Annual
UN Commission on the Status of Women
March 11-22 in NYC

The 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 63) meeting in New York City March 11 to March 22 will gather representatives of member states, UN entities, and NGOs from all regions of the world. Women and girls, men and boys from The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion will participate, including a group of about 20 from The Episcopal Church to represent the Presiding Bishop. This year's delegate from Province I is Charlotte Healy, a youth member of Trinity, Southport, who's promised to keep us posted on social media. Last year, Lois Frankforter of Grace & St. Peter's, Hamden and president of GFS/USA was a delegate. She talks about her experiences in an upcoming podcast that will air this Friday.

Link here to The Episcopal Church public affairs announcement with more info on the event, links to its priority themes, the Presiding Bishop's statement, list of of staff and delegates, and more. Be sure to check out opportunities at the Church Center and all UNCSW 63 side events that are open to the public.
ECCT PODCAST
Listen to the episode and others 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!!
New Episode (#38), Mar.1, 2019 : A conversation with Jerusalem Greer, developer of the "Way of Love" Christian formation resources and spiritual practices to help Episcopalians live out the Way of Jesus that Presiding Bishop Michael Curry talks about. (See above on related ECCT social media series during Lent.)
ECCT IN THE NEWS
New Life Ministries, which provides support and transitional housing to women just released from prison in SE Connecticut, was the recipient of a $10,200 grant from a Mystic-based, "Power of Together 2 Southeastern Connecticut" organization. Members meet quarterly, pledge $100/session, hear pitches from those seeking funding, and vote on the spot for who gets the money. Reported by Lee Howard in The Day of New London . (Note:The Rev. Ann Perrott of ECCT talked about New Life Ministries in Episode 29 of Coffee Hour at The Commons.

Email Karin if your parish or worshiping community has been featured in non-ECCT media/news!
EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & REMINDERS
Annual Spring Training & Gathering (for laity and clergy) April 27 in Berlin CT - Registration is open

It's a day in the spring to gather with lay and ordained Episcopalians in CT for training (aka workshops) in various parish ministries as well as workshops that can help deepen your personal spiritual life. A print mailing was sent to parishes on February 8; special edition 2/21 eNewsletter is here.
This year's event will be held Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Berlin High School, 139 Patterson Way, Berlin, CT. Workshop details in booklet here.
 Visit historic St. Luke's, New Haven, on March 17

The Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network invites ECCT to attend St. Luke's, New Haven for "Friends & Family Day" on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 10 a.m. for a Caribbean Mass with music from their steel band, followed by a time of fellowship. Register here (for planning purposes only). The event is offered as an event during ECCT's designated Season for Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation . St. Luke's is the fifth oldest Historically Black Episcopal congregation in the U.S. Read more about its history here.
Upcoming Clergy Events

Way of Love and other Lenten resources available in English & Spanish

The Episcopal Church released Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent and Easter , a list of resources from partnering organizations and churches. Three specific resources include Adult Forums, Quiet Days, and "Test Kitchen." Other resources include: Lent Madness, Sermons that Work for Lent, Ashes to Go, and more! Spanish and English resources available. Click the image on right.

  • Click here for a 20-minute podcast interview with "Way of Love" resource developer Jerusalem Greer (from 3/1/19)
Annual "Faith Behind Bars and Beyond" Forum (prison ministry) to be held March 30

The 10th Prison Forum, presented by the ECCT Ministry Network Faith Behind Bars and Beyond, will be held Saturday, March 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 45 Church Street, Hartford.

PRESENTERS: Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, CSJ, executive director of Hour Children , an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration, will be the keynote speaker. The afternoon speaker will be Lawrence Bartley, communications associate at The Marshall Project , a nonpartisan nonprofit news agency that "seeks to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system."
ADDITIONALLY: In addition to speakers, and a video shown during Lawrence Bartley's forum, there will be a panel discussion with returning citizens and their families and a Q & A following each panel discussion.
REGISTRATION: Register online here. The $10 fee includes your lunch, and beverages and snacks offered throughout the day.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS: Can provide brochures and similar.
WEBSITE WITH FULL DETAILS AND CONTACT : Link here .
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CAMP WASHINGTON?
Upcoming events at Camp Washington:

  • March 6-7, ECCT Women Clergy Retreat
  • March 8-10, "Happening" (teens) weekend
  • March 10, "Second Sunday," with the Rev. Jack Gilpin
  • March 29, Bishop's Book Study, with Bishop Laura Ahrens discussing The Cloister by James Carroll
  • April 5-8, Icon writing workshop, with Kara Nelson
  • May 5, Open House for summer camp programs


Summer Camp programs include: Mini-camp (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). Registration is open. More info and links here .
Camp W ashington 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?
Dean Kelly Brown Douglas will be at Christ Church Cathedral on May 11. Details and register here .
Upcoming events at Christ Church Cathedral

  • March 23 (Sat. 7 pm): Cuatro Puntos Concert: The Curve, with Iraqi musician/composer Ameen Mokdad
  • March 30 (Sat. 8:30 am. - 2 pm) Faith Beyond Bars & Beyond Prison Ministry Network's annual forum
  • April 11 (Thu., 7 pm): Cuatro Puntos Concert: Sounds of Persia with Iranian santur master Dariush Saghafi and composer Reza Vali
  • April 16 (Holy Tuesday) Annual Clergy Renewal of Vows
  • April 20 (Holy Saturday) Region Confirmations - Easter Vigil
  • May 5 (Sun. 10 am) Mariachi Eucharist
  • May 11 (Sat., 9 am-2 pm) Dean Kelly Brown Douglas, "What it means to be a Church in 'Make America Great Again' Times" (details and register here)
  • May 19, 50th Anniversary celebration for couples married 50 years or more
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 CALENDAR
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.

  • March 7-8: Women Clergy Retreat at Camp Washington
  • March 7; Joining Jesus Advisory Council Mtg; Faithful Futures: Collaboration, both at The Commons
  • March 9: Leadership Gathering, The Commons
  • March 13: Spiritual Practices for a New Missional Age, The Commons
  • March 15-16 ROC gathering, Ivoryton
  • March 17, Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network event: Caribbean Mass w/Steel Drum Band (10 am, St. Luke's New Haven)
  • March 15-17, Deacon Formation Retreat, Rhode Island
  • March 19, Missional PIC Gathering, The Commons
  • March 20, COM meeting, The Commons
  • March 21, New Call meeting, The Commons
  • March 22-23, Postulants & Candidates Retreat with the Bishops, at Camp Washington
  • March 26, Convention Planning Team
  • March 29, Bishop's Book Discussion at Camp Washington
  • March 30, Faith Behind Bars & Beyond Ministry Network event, Prison Ministry Forum (public)
  • March 31, Women's Ministry Network event for all lay and ordained women in ECCT, Afternoon with Valarie Tutston, storyteller (2-6 pm, Christ Church Cathedral)

Bishops' Visitation Schedule:

  • March 3: Bishop Ahrens - St. Paul's, Riverside; Bishop Douglas - St. Paul's, Plainfield
  • March 12-15, House of Bishops Meeting
  • March 24: Bishop Ahrens - Calvary, Stonington; Bishop Douglas, Trinity New Haven
  • March 31: Bishop Ahrens, Our Saviour, Plainville; Bishop Douglas, Christ Church, Stratford

Ministry Network meetings (ECCT-wide) (events listed above) (see more on this calendar )
  • March 12, Climate & Environmental Min. Network Mtg. (5:30 pm, St. Stephen's, E. Haddam
  • March 13, Brotherhood of St. Andrew's Mtg. (7 pm, St. John's, Vernon)
Parish & Region events

Please visit this calendar for details on these parish and Region events not listed in the Camp, Cathedral, Ministry Network, or ECCT events above. To add an event, please fill out this form .

Listed March 6-31: Yale Youth Institute Lunch & Lecture; NE Region Leadership Mtg; Mendelssohn concert; Celtic music concert; interfaith film series; series on mass incarceration; sacred chant workshop; lecture with Dr. Katherine Grieb; Purpose-Driven Life series; St. Patrick's Day dinner; barbershop chorus; Memory Cafe; Durafle Requiem; SC fundraiser dinner; healing service; NC Leadership Mtg; NE Region crafting as spiritual practice; New College, Oxford concert; New World Trio concert.

Selected event this week: Memory Cafe, St. Peter's Cheshire. "The Memory Cafe will be open the third Wednesday of every month from 1-3 p.m. It is a safe, supportive, welcoming gathering place where those with early- and moderate-stage memory loss and their care partners can enjoy conversation, activities and refreshments. There is no cost to attend. It is open to all surrounding communities. There is wheelchair access and free parking. Please share this resource with friends and neighbors."
Sign up for Region Newsletters from eNews

All Region Missionaries will soon start to use an ECCT staff common account in Constant Contact for regular newsletters, so you can sign up right now to receive your Region's newsletter when it launches. These will replace the current ones being published.

The Region Missionaries will do their best to ensure that current subscribers are carried over to the new system but just to be sure (and in case you weren't on that subscriber list), you can subscribe now. Click on "Update Profile" at the footer of this enewsletter or go here and update your newsletter preferences. Sign up for any newsletter you'd like to receive and you can change your subscription at any time.
Safe Church Training - Spring schedule starts in March

All Safe Church Trainings (Comprehensive Basic and Lay Recertification) can be found on our website.

Important note for clergy only:

ALL clergy must attend one Mandatory Clergy Professional Development Day in 2019. These include Safe Church Recertification. Date options (link on them to register): Thu., April 11 in New Canaan; Tue., May 14 in Thomaston; and Sat. June 15 in Vernon.

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:

ECCT is seeking three Region Missionaries to serve the Northwest Region, Southwest Region, and South Central Region (one Region Missionary per Region). Visit www.episcopalct.org for information about the Regions, from structure and boundaries to stories and imagery. Please note: the needs and priorities of the Regions and the particular talents and skillsets of the candidates will take precedence when matching candidates and Regions. Apply here at indeed.com.

ECCT is now accepting applications for the Racial Justice Resource Coordinator, the position created out of the 2018 Annual Convention and whose tenure is concurrent with the “ Season of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation .” For more information read the job description and apply here at indeed.com

Parish and Camp positions:


For open Clergy positions please click here .