DECEMBER CLERGY ENEWSLETTER
December 20, 2018
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The Holiness of Darkness
by: Stacey Kohl
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This is not your typical Christmas message, because this Christmas message is about darkness.
This may not seem all that unusual at first glance. After all, most Christmas messages speak about darkness, but those messages always seem to pit darkness as the “bad guy.” Darkness is not simply the opposite of light; it is its mortal enemy. It is something that needs to be illuminated, eliminated, and overcome. But as the Winter Solstice, the longest and darkest night of the year, approaches I find myself asking, has darkness gotten a bad rap?
It’s easy to see how darkness can be so easily cast as the “bad guy.” After all, being in the dark can be scary. I was afraid of the dark as a child, and even now, when I’m alone in the house at night, I’m not super excited to go traipsing down to the dark basement by myself. I know in my head the old adage is true, “there’s nothing there in the dark that isn’t there in the light;” still, I think I’ll wait till morning to start that last load of laundry.
Danger lurks around every corner in darkness.
Scripture also doesn’t do darkness many favors. Darkness is a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth; a place where the evil dwell and thrive. We, the followers of Christ, the Light of the World, are instructed to turn from darkness and to embrace the light. Darkness, after all, is the harbinger of death and light the symbol of life.
Don’t get me wrong, these images and metaphors can be helpful, particularly as we seek to find language to describe the mysteries of life and faith. In particular, the language of darkness and light can help us as we attempt to describe the pain and sorrow we all experience far too often in our lives. Our world can truly feel like a dark place sometimes.
However, limiting darkness to only villain status has serious consequences. Namely, it perpetuates a dangerous stereotype, “black is bad." Villains have long been associated with darkness, or black, while heroes are light, or white. Research has shown this association has significant negative societal implications as people are more likely to identify those with darker skin as “dangerous” or “bad,” than those with lighter skin. When we limit our language about darkness to only include depictions of evil, we subconsciously reinforce this stereotype.
Darkness is not inherently evil. The world began in darkness, and while light quickly entered the scene, God did not eliminate the darkness. Instead, God gave it a name and a job; to begin each new day (There was evening and there was morning, the first day). Darkness wasn’t the “bad guy” that had to be fought against, it was and is part of the wholeness of creation. Light is not overcome by darkness, but darkness is also not overcome by light—they live in balance, two halves of a perfect whole.
Thus darkness has a critical role to play, for it is in darkness that life begins. The seed buried deep in the earth begins its journey to life in darkness. The new day dawns, not with the sun and light, but with the moon and darkness. The child that is to come lies ensconced, warm and safe, in the darkness of the womb.
And it is in the darkness of the womb, of Mary’s womb, that we meet the Christ Child. Our first encounter with Emmanuel is not in the light, but in the dark.
As night falls this evening, I encourage you to take a few moments and allow the inky blackness of a long winter’s night to enfold you. Breathe in deeply and experience the holiness of darkness and the wonder of new life being formed in it.
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The Rev. Stacey Kohl is the Curate at St. Mark’s, Mystic, since 2017. Originally from Missouri, she spent a decade working as a lighting designer; a profession that taught her to love darkness as much as light. Today she lives in New London with her husband, 10-month old son, and their Old English Sheepdog.
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Suspension of the Statutes of Limitation
Presiding Bishop the Most Rev. Michael Curry and President of the House of Deputies the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings
released this letter to the Episcopal Church
on the Statute of Limitations Suspension for Clergy Sexual Misconduct, which will begin on January 1, 2019.
"In July, General Convention considered
26 resolutions and one memorial
addressing issues the #MeToo movement has brought to light, many of them developed by the House of Deputies Special Committee on Sexual Harassment and Exploitation. One of these resolutions,
Resolution D034
, suspends for three years the canon (church law) that places a time limit on initiating proceedings in cases of clergy sexual misconduct against adults. There is no time limit on reporting clergy sexual misconduct against children and youth under age 21.
As a result of this resolution, from January 1, 2019 until December 31, 2021, those who wish to bring a case of sexual misconduct against a member of the clergy will be able to do so, regardless of how long ago the alleged misconduct occurred. Allegations of misconduct can be made to the intake officer in the diocese where the alleged misconduct occurred, or, if the allegation is against a bishop, to the
Office of Pastoral Development
. You can learn how to reach the intake officer in a diocese by checking its website or calling the bishop’s office."
Read the whole letter here online
in English
,
en Español.
The Rev. Dr. Molly James, Dean of Formation for ECCT, assisted in the creation of this resolution.
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Season of Racial Healing, Justice, & Reconciliation for ECCT
By affirmative vote at Annual Convention, ECCT has now entered into a "Season of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation," which will formally launch on Feb. 10, 2019 as a "Day of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation." ECCT also committed to hiring a 10-hour a week staff position to assist with related resources. In early January, a letter from the bishops with more information will be mailed to parishes and a similar one emailed to individuals subscribed to ECCT enewsletters.
Learn more here.
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28-day journey to examine white privilege - discussion group forming
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Serving God’s Mission with the Poor & Marginalized: Convention Follow-up January 26
The work that began at Convention in the Saturday workshop on the question that asked, “How do we meaningfully engage ECCT in the existing work of serving God’s mission among the poor & marginalized,” is continuing with an initial gathering to work on the next steps identified in the report to Convention. Join the Rev. Jessie Karpf and the Rev. Ron Steed, ECCT deacons, for the first gathering on January 26 at The Commons.
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New Model Safe Church Policies - Faithful Futures, January 3
Join Bishop Ian Douglas, Bishop Laura Ahrens, and Robin Hammeal-Urban, Canon for Mission Integrity & Training, to learn about the new Model Safe Church Policies that go into effect January 1, 2019 in The Episcopal Church. A light supper will be provided at 6:00 p.m. The program will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Space is limited. In order to accommodate as many parishes as possible, registration is limited to no more than two people per parish.
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Trinity Institute:
Scene & Unseen: Facing Race Through Film, February 8 - 9, 2019
In New York City only
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Editor's note: Copyright laws require that churches/Regions need a license to show films, even when offered for education or formation and free to participants; companies such as CCLI offer licenses.
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Upcoming
Trinity Institute
will feature two films (
Do the Right Thing
by Spike Lee &
Blindspotting
by Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casals. This will be an in-person-only event in NYC that will be recorded. Panel includes: t
he Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Dr. Greg Garrett, and Dr. Catherine Meeks are collaborators and speakers offering an exploration of race through film during Black History Month.
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Mandatory Clergy Professional Development 2019 (MCPD)
All clergy canonically resident or licensed to serve in ECCT are required to attend MCPD for one day every three years. All clergy in ECCT are due for this training in 2019.
Please hold one of the following three dates to attend MCPD:
- Thursday, April 11, 2019 at St. Mark’s, New Canaan
- Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at St. Peter’s-Trinity, Thomaston
- Saturday, June 15, 2019 at St. John’s, Vernon
If you cannot attend on the day for which you register, then you will need to attend the only make-up session on
Saturday, September 7
at St. John’s, West Hartford.
Clergy who fail to attend MCPD will not be in good standing
.
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Parochial and Non-Parochial Reports Due March 1!
Title 1, Canon 6, of the Constitutions & Canons requires the “Every Bishop, Presbyter, or Deacon whose report is not included in a parochial report shall also report on the exercise of such office, and if there has been none, the causes or reasons which have prevented the same.”
To be consistent with the General Church definition of “non-parochial” clergy, this form is to be completed annually by all clergy who are canonically resident in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut and who are not affiliated with a parish. This includes retired clergy and clergy in secular employment including those affiliated with parishes but not in their parochial report. A report is required to be a clergy in good standing within the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.
Please complete, print, sign and return form by March 1, 2019.
By mail: The Episcopal Church in Connecticut, Office of the Episcopate, 290 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT 06450
Questions: Alison Hollo, 203-639-3501 ext. 112
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Will you get your parochial & non-parochial reports in on time?
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Please remind me in the new year, thanks!
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The Commons will be closed the following times:
Monday, December 24:
Closing at 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday,
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- Friday, December 28:
Closed
Monday, December 31:
Closing at 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 1:
Closed
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Upcoming
:
- December 20: Ordination to the Priesthood: the Rev. Brett Figlewski, Trinity, Milton
- January 3: New Models Safe Church Policies Faithful Futures, The Commons
- January 10: Interim Priest-in-Charge Gathering, The Commons
- January 16: COM meeting, The Commons
- January 17: New Call Gathering, The Commons
- January 18 - 19: ROC Gathering, Camp Washington
- January 21: The Commons is Closed
- January 22: Provisional Priest-in-Charge Gathering, The Commons
- January 22: Northeast & Southeast Region Clericus Gathering, St. James, Preston
- January 22: Parochial Reports 101, The Commons
- January 24: Missional Priest-in-Charge Gathering, The Commons
- January 25: Parochial Reports 101, The Commons
- January 26: Mission Council Work Day, Camp Washington
- January 26: Serving God's Mission with the Poor and Marginalized, The Commons
- January 29: Parochial Reports 101, The Commons
- January 29: Transition Consultants Gathering, The Commons
- January 31: Parochial Reports 101, The Commons
- January 31: Celebration of New Ministry: Taylor Albright, Trinity, Tariffville
Save the Date:
- March 6 - 8: Women's Clergy Retreat, Camp Washington
- March 30: Faith Behind Bars & Beyond Annual Forum
- April 11 & May 14: Clergy Professional Development & Safe Church Recertification
- April 27: Spring Training and Gathering
- May 20-22: Speak Truth to Power, Clergy Conference with the Rev. Mpho Tutu van Furth, leader, and the Rev. Leng Lim, as chaplain, Westbrook, CT
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Reminder to all currently licensed clergy in ECCT- December is here- licenses expire at the end of this month!
THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE THAT ARE CANONICALLY RESIDENT IN ECCT.
From ECCT's "Policies Concerning Licensing of Clergy:"
- "Licenses are issued for one year and are valid through December 31 of the year of issue. The License to Officiate must be renewed annually by written request to the Bishop in November or December. Responsibility for initiating the renewal lies with the licensed person."
- A reminder to prepare and submit your request to renew your license via letter or email to Bishop Douglas ASAP. Your license will expire on December 31. If you have any questions please contact Amber Page Gehr, Administrator for Transitions & Clergy Support at apagegehr@episcopalct.org
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Clergy in Transition
The Rev. Dana Stivers has been appointed Missional Curate at St. Paul’s Church, Westbrook. She began serving there in October.
The Rev. Martha Tucker, Diocese of Pennsylvania, has been appointed Missional Priest in Charge of Christ Church, Sharon, effective November 18, 2018.
The Rev. Tom Furrer has been appointed Missional Priest in Charge of Trinity Church, Wethersfield, effective January 1, 2019.
Parishes in Transition
Calvary Church, Stonington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim PIC in place: Ajung Sojwal
Christ Church, East Norwalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
Christ Church, Middle Haddam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Negotiating
Christ Church, Redding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim PIC in place: Alon White
Christ Church, Tashua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Negotiating
Epiphany, Durham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
Good Shepherd, Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interviewing
Good Shepherd, Orange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
Grace Church, Newington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
Grace Church, Stafford Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
Holy Spirit, West Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking CPIC
Holy Trinity, Middletown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
Middlesex Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
St. Andrew’s Devon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
St. Andrew’s Stamford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
St. David’s, Gale’s Ferry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interviewing
St. Gabriel’s, East Berlin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
St. James’ Danbury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim in place: Lisa Hahneman
St. James’ Winsted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
St. John’s, Salisbury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
St. John’s, Washington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Will seek PPIC in spring 2019
St. Luke’s, Darien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
St. Luke’s New Haven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking half-time PPIC
St. Mark’s Bridgeport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
St. Martin’s, Hartford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
St. Peter’s/Trinity, Thomaston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
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