ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
March 26, 2019
Winter video tour of the property: Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center Inc.

Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center , Inc. is located high on a hill in Bristol, Connecticut, on 26 acres of beautiful land. The land, along with a big house and several other buildings, were donated to the Episcopal Church in Connecticut for ministry by Katherine Shepard.

The center initially opened in 2004 and serves children and teens with special needs as well as veterans. Shepard Meadows, which is a premiere PATH-certified center, runs therapeutic riding programs in the spring, summer, and fall. PATH describes therapeutic riding as "equine-assisted activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs" and can include mounted and unmounted programs. Shelly Pope was appointed Shepard Meadows' executive director last August. (That's Shelly in the photo above, with Indy.)

Recently I visited Shepard Meadows to learn more about it from Shelly and from Dave Desmarais, vice-president of their Board of Directors and a long-time volunteer. Our conversation was recorded as an podcast episode of ECCT's Coffee Hour at The Commons. ( Link here to Episode #40 ). Afterwards, Shelly and Dave gave me a brief tour and I met another board member/volunteer, Liz; another staffer, Emily; and some horses. I learned about their hopes for upgrades to a covered arena. The visit took place in the winter when they weren't running programs, but you can learn about those from this wonderful 2014 promotional video they've posted to YouTube. Make sure to visit their we bsite and Facebook p age as well.

Link here to 2014 promotional video (summer! Focused on the program)
Link here to 2019 video tour ( winter! Focused on guided tour)
Link here to podcast conversation with Shelly and Dave, "Witnessing Miracles at Shepard Meadows"
From the blog : Flexible space defined by local art at Seabury
by ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Huggins
The story is actually quite short: there was a need for partitions, and partitions came to be.

With the collaborative effort of the Rev. Rowena Kemp, architect Duo Dickinson, the Rev. Puck Purnell, woodworker Tom Leary, and the administrative team and one resident at  Seabury , four hanging quilted tapestries were installed within a year. Each tapestry was hand quilted by one of the residents, Linda Berry, throughout the year. The beautiful and lightweight holders were built by Tom Leary, and are on casters to be easily moved throughout the chapel. The intention behind the movability: creating intimate spaces within the chapel for smaller prayer services.

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
Native student group at Yale Divinity School hosting conference of indigenous leaders this week; Bishop Carol Gallagher keynoter tonight

Episcopal Bishop the Rt. Rev. Dr. Carol J. Gallagher, currently serving as a regional canon in the Diocese of Massachusetts , is the keynote speaker tonight, 7-8 p.m. as part of " Fully Native, Fully Christian: Converging Rivers and Indigenous Canons , "a conference to bring together a multi-generational, ecumenical group of Native Christian leaders from across the country to discuss the shaping power of indigenous story, music, proclamation and ceremony among indigenous congregations. " Held at Yale Divinity School and hosted by YDS Native student group, Native Crossroads, with support from YDS, BDS, and other partners.
CORRECTION: Roster for ECCT Liturgical Commission

A correction received after last week's publication of the list: ECCT's Liturgical Commission members include: the Rev. Allison Reed; the Rev. Stephen Holton; the Rev. Susan Davidson; Mr. Jake Street; Mr. Walden Moore; the Rev. Stephanie Johnson, the Rev. Rebekah Hatch; the Very Rev. Miguelina Howell; Mr. David Thomas; Mr. Rich Lamlin; Ms. Maryann McCary, and both bishops.
This Saturday, March 30: Annual prison ministry forum, at the Cathedral

The 10th Annual 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 .
This Sunday afternoon: Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice: Afternoon workshop

Sign up now to attend Telling Truth and Listening Deep: Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice , led by Valerie Tutson, sponsored by ECCT's Women’s Ministry Network, and open to all who identify as women. Sunday, March 31 from 2-6 p.m. at Ch rist Church Cathedral . Register and more details here .
River Pilgrimage this spring: Registration open!

he Southeast and South Central Regions of ECCT in partnership with Kairos Earth are bringing back a  Connecticut River Pilgrimage  this spring. It's shorter - just Connecticut. Pilgrims are invited to move deeply into prayer, contemplation, and movement by canoe or kayak as a community together from May 24-31.   There are two three-day options. Guides will again be Mark and Lisa Kutolowski, guides for the 2017 River Pilgrimage . The pilgrimage is open to applications from all faith backgrounds or none at all.

BDS offers week-long course "Thriving Christian Communities" for rectors and wardens

Berkeley Divinity School is offering a week-long course for rectors and wardens to "explore the elements of leadership that contribute to flourishing Christian communities," June 3-7, 1:30- 4 p.m., offered in conjunction with Yale Divinity School Summer Study 2019. Includes a series of presentations by BDS Dean Andrew McGowan on five topics he's addressed on the present status of the Episcopal Church and the relationship between success and God's presence, as well as case studies in leadership by YDS lecturer and BDS Board of Trustees member Jim Elrod.  More info here . For questions contact kira.wishart@yale.edu . To register,  https:/summerstudy.yale.edu /
"Beating Guns" tour to visit New Haven Sunday April 7 to turn weapons into farm tools

"Beating Guns" is a 35-city tour featuring a 90-minute event including music, art, and stories of people impacted by gun violence culminating with an invitation for the audience to take a hammer and transform a gun into a garden tool. The tour will be in New Haven from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday April 7 at the United Church on the Green in New Haven. Tickets (free) and more info here.
Stewardship conference to focus on generosity: April 30-May 2

ECCT is a member of the Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS), which has resources for parishes. Some are free. Contact Canon for Mission Collaboration the Rev. Tim Hodapp for access to web-based material for members.

Attend their annual conference, April 30-May 2 this year in Indianapolis with Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows as keynote speaker. Price increase after March 30. More info and registration here, including info on a live-streaming option.
Don't miss it! Annual Spring Training & Gathering (for laity and clergy) April 27 in Berlin CT - Registration is open
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.

Info, links, and resources also on this web page.

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 on the day is here.
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!!
Episode #40 : "Witnessing Miracles at Shepard Meadows." Conversation with Shelly Pope, executive director of Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center in Bristol and Dave Desmarais, Vice-President of their Board of Directors. Learn about the Center's work and ministry.

See also a brief video tour of Shepard Meadows; meet some people and horses.
ECCT IN THE NEWS
Tony Terzi with Fox 61 News went out to the Church of the Good Shepherd Orange for a story on their Ashes to Go event, including an interview with newly appointed priest in charge the Rev. Bill Cavanaugh and with some who came for ashes. Link to the video on Facebook.

Email Karin if your parish or worshiping community has been featured in non-ECCT media/news!
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CAMP WASHINGTON?
Upcoming events at Camp Washington:

  • March 29, Bishop Laura Ahren's Book Study, The Cloister, by James Carroll (info & register here)
  • April 14, Second Sunday w/the Rev. David McIntosh: short program; worship; shared meal
  • April 4-7, Rest & Renewal weekend (info & register here)
  • April 5-8, Icon writing workshop (info & register here)
  • April 12, Bishop Laura Ahren's Book Study, Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week, by Amy-Jill Levine
  • May 3-5, Annual Middle School Weekend; Narnia! (info & register here)
  • May 5, Open House for summer camp programs (3 p.m.)
  • June 21-23, Writing workshop with Davyne Verstandig


Sign up the kids for 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).
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?
Christ Church Cathedral recently adopted this new logo for its centennial year. It retains the cross, which is now in the same blue as the ECCT mark; retains the grape vines, which represent God's vineyard and are also in the State of Connecticut seal; and removes the background shield. The text on the banner was adopted by its Centennial Committee. The Cathedral Chapter approved the final design.  
Upcoming events at Christ Church Cathedral
* Specially designated Centennial year events

  • March 30 (Sat. 8:30 am. - 2 pm) Faith Beyond Bars & Beyond Prison Ministry Network's annual forum
  • March 31 (Sun. 2-6 pm) Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice (Sponsor: ECCT Women's Ministry Network)
  • *April 11 (Thu., 7 pm): Cuatro Puntos Concert: Sounds of Persia with Iranian santur master Dariush Saghafi and composer Reza Vali (tickets here)
  • April 16 (Holy Tuesday) Annual Clergy Renewal of Vows
  • April 20 (Holy Saturday) Region Confirmations - Easter Vigil (contact Alison Hollo for info)
  • *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 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:

  • March 26, Convention Planning Team
  • March 29, Bishop's Book Discussion at Camp Washington: The Cloister, by James Carroll
  • March 30, Faith Behind Bars & Beyond Ministry Network event, Prison Ministry Forum (public)
  • March 31, Women's Ministry Network event, Afternoon with Valarie Tutston (2-6 pm, Christ Church Cathedral)
  • April 2, Joining Jesus Advisory Council
  • April 4: Provisional Priest-in-charge Gathering; Faithful Futures: Transitions
  • April 9: Mutual Ministry Review Training
  • April 11: Mandatory Clergy Professional Development Day (first of three dates in 2019)
  • April 12: Joining Jesus Clergy gathering and Joining Jesus coaches' gathering
  • April 13: Joining Jesus teams and coaches gathering
  • April 16: Clergy Renewal of Vows at Christ Church Cathedral

Bishops' Visitation Schedule:

  • March 31: Bishop Ahrens, Our Saviour, Plainville; Bishop Douglas, Christ Church, Stratford
  • April 14: Bishop Ahrens, St. Alban's, Danielson; Bishop Douglas, All Saints', East Hartford

Ministry Network meetings (see more on this calendar )

  • April 2, Eco-theology: guest speakers; sponsored by Omega Group, Grace & St. Peter's, and SC Region (7 pm Grace & St. Peter's Hamden)

Upcoming clergy events

Mandatory Clergy Professional Development Day :
PARISH & REGION EVENTS
Events below are coming up in the next few weeks
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 here for March 26-April 13: NC Leadership Mtg; Stations of the Cross & community meals; NE Region crafting as spiritual practice; "Way of Love" practices; Family Bowl Event; New College, Oxford concert; New World Trio concert; book club: Educated; Vienna Choir Boys; Evensong; Green forum on plastic pollution; Men's Breakfast (NE); National Scrapbook Day event; Concert: The New Consort; Chanticleer concert; organ concert; field trip to Lyman Allyn Art Museum; Persian music concert; NE Leadership mtg; Lenten retreat w/Martin Laird; Enneagram workshop/retreat; Danbury concert chorus.

Selected event featured this week: Sunday, April 7 at 1 p.m. join members of St. James', New London for a field trip to Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London for an exhibit and lecture on Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass windows. 1 p.m. explore the museum on your own; 2 p.m. lecture about Tiffany stained-glass windows. $25/person; all welcome. To signup w/St. James, contact karlaumland@gmail.com , or RSVP directly to the museum, 860-443-2545 ext.2129 or  info@lymanallyn.org .
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. (Most have already launched.)

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 to add more newsletters (or make other changes). 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. 


Applications are currently closed for the position of Racial Justice Resource Coordinator after receiving more than 90 applications, and interviews are underway. The position of Canon for Mission Communication & Media and of Dean of Formation will be posted as soon as possible.

Parish and Camp pos itions:


For open Clergy positions please click here .