St. James, New London receives Young Adult Ministry Grant
The Rev. Ranjit Mathews, Rector of St. James', comments, "
At the celebration of new ministry in New London, a couple of breakers, Miguel and John, were a part of the liturgy, break dancing to Selma by John Legend and Common (I rapped Common’s bit). My hope is to work with Miguel and John, on creating a new space for breakers here in New London, where cross sectional relationships are built, and joy is abounding
."
Mathews was previously involved with a ministry in Los Angeles called "Hope in Hollywood," which included breakers and graffiti artists. This ministry provided a space for artists to dance and to make art, accompanied with a spinning DJ.
The Episcopal Church awarded $139,000 to 20 recipients in the categories of Campus Ministry Grants, Leadership Grants, Project Grants, and Young Adult MInistry Grants this year.
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House of Bishops invites reflections on #MeToo and the Episcopal Church
From the Episcopal News Service: "The House of Bishops is inviting Episcopalians to 'share reflections on sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation' ahead of a planned General Convention listening session titled
Pastoral Response to #MeToo
.
"The #MeToo movement has meant that 'the curtain of silence has been drawn back to reveal the pervasive misuse of power, cutting across all races, socio-economic strata, ages and locations, including our own context,' they wrote. 'In the Episcopal Church, our practices have not always reflected the values we say we hold. We do not always practice the reconciliation we proclaim.'"
Continue reading the Episcopal News Service article
here
. General Convention will be July 5 - 13 in Austin, Texas. The ECCT Deputies will have a public meeting open to all ECCT on June 6 at The Commons. Coffee Hour at The Commons' first podcast episode
addressed #MeToo in the church
.
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300+ attend 137th ECW annual meeting, May 3
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Becca Stevens, founder of
Thistle Farms
-- known globally for its work with women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction -- was the featured speaker at this year's 137th Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of Connecticut, held May 3 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. More than 300 women attended, from across the state. Bishop Laura J. Ahrens gave the sermon during the opening Eucharist; Valzie Peterkin delivered her final report as current ECW president during the business session, and Bishop Ian T. Douglas led the installation of new officers: Betty Silva, President; Gloria Rogers, 1st Vice President; Roberta Stocksdale, Secretary, and Claudia Dixon, Treasurer. Members of the
Girls Friendly Society (GFS)
had prepared a centerpiece for each table and representatives from the
United Thank Offering (UTO) made their "blue boxes"
available to all to take home.
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Becca Stevens (right) was born in Milford CT and lived there briefly before moving to Nashville, Tennessee. She began Thistle Farms 20 years ago with five women, and, as described in its recent Annual Report, it now "encompasses five homes, four social enterprises, a national network, and global partners." Becca Stevens' books along with a range of products, handmade by Thistle Farm residents, were for sale at the Annual Meeting and proved extremely popular, particularly so close to Mothers' Day. ECCT's podcast,
Coffee Hour at The Commons
, will feature Bishop Ahrens' sermon and Becca Stevens' talk as upcoming episodes.
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Good Book Club Corner, ends Pentecost, May 20:
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Resources including discussion questions, daily meditations, and videos are available
here
. Join the discussion on social media throughout #ECCT by commenting on our daily and weekly (Saturday afternoon) posts. Be sure to follow ECCT on Facebook (
link here
) and Twitter (
link here
) to participate!
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What's happening in the Regions:
(links and the top item listed on each Region's web page, if any)
- Check the Facebook page for details!
- May 19, Southwest Region Spring Convocation, St. Stephen's, Ridgefield - Click here to register
- May 14 - 16, Clergy Conference in Mystic CT. This year's focus is on the challenge of white supremacy and how to build a beloved community. Register using Eventbrite.
- May 12, 7 p.m.: St. Ann’s, Old Lyme presents Ensemble Companio, “The Greening.” Tickets available here and at the door.
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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.
- Church School Director, St. Michael's, Litchfied
- Director of Development, Trinity, New Haven
- Parish Administrator, Trinity, Tariffville
- Program Coordinator for Ministries to Young Families, Trinity, New Haven
- Director of Music Ministry, St. Mark's, New Canaan
- Music Director, All Saints', Wolcott
- Sexton, St. Paul's, Southington
- Director of Christian Formation for Children and Youth, St. Paul's, Southington
- Music Director, Christ Church, Trumbull
For open Clergy positions please click
here
.
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Announcements & Reminders
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Please continue to fill out the parish/worshiping community survey for the ECCT database - and be sure to update it with 2018 delegates to Annual Convention!!
A survey was launched in July 2017 to provide robust data on parishes, along with policies and procedures to make some of that data available for direct collaboration among parishes and worshiping communities.
Thanks so much to the following churches that completed their survey since the last announcement:
St. David's, Gales Ferry and St. Paul's, Southington.
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Episode 7 is now LIVE! We talk with Architect Duo Dickinson!
If you have any ideas for show topics or know of an interesting individual/ministry happening in ECCT,
send us an email
.
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Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders, May 7 - 11, Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford
The
Mediation Skills Training Institute
is designed to equip church leaders with the skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict.
The five-day institute
also includes a component on congregational mediation and consultation, placed within the context of family systems theory.
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Second Sunday at Camp Washington, May 13
Join Heidi Traux, Rector at Trinity, Lime Rock on May 13 at 4:30 p.m. at Camp Washington for some reflection, learning, and community. After a short program, there will be worship and a simple meal.
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REGISTRATION CLOSES TOMORROW
2018 Clergy Conference, May 14 - 16 Mystic, CT
Bishops Douglas and Ahrens invite all clergy
to the 2018 Clergy Conference, May 14 - 16 in Mystic. Clergy from the Episcopal Church in Connecticut will gather to hear ways our own faithful and faith-filled leadership can counteract white supremacy, especially as it impacts our communities and our nation.
Included: intensive sessions with Dr. Douglas, opportunities for worship, chances to explore the surrounding Mystic area, and time for rest and for collegiality.
Clergy please
REGISTER TODAY
for the conference
here
.
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Historical Society of The Episcopal Church Grant Request Deadline, May 15
Grant deadline approaching for the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church grant. Individual scholars, academic and ecclesiastical groups are welcome to apply for grants to support significant research, conferences, and publications. Grants are generally $1,000 - $2,000. Typical grants include travel to archives, collections or resources, dissertation research, and seed money for larger projects. Details at
hsec.us/grants
.
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Bishop's Book Study with Bishop Laura Ahrens, May 22, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Camp Washington
The Bishop's Book Study at Camp Washington is a monthly gathering of clergy and lay people who love to read, and provides an opportunity to discuss the book in an inviting environment. Lunch is provided.
Please RVSP here
.
The next book is
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
, by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams.
Here is a flyer
.
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ECCT's Deputies to GC79 Open House, June 6
Join the ECCT Deputation to General Convention on Wednesday, June 6 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at The Commons for an open conversation about General Convention. Ask questions, share thoughts, and learn about the deputies and what they bring to
General Convention
as representation of ECCT.
Share your thoughts with the deputation, offer up questions and conversation topics by emailing
ecctdeputation@gmail.com
.
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Discover God's economy: Use finance for social change
The
1K Churches initiative
of CT-based
Criterion Institute
helps churches discover God's economy through study, prayer, and investment in a small business in their local economy. Resources are online and your congregation can participate. Gather a group, access the online material from 1K Churches (Intro, Bible Study, "Getting Started" guides), make some initial decisions, and when you're ready, move from study to action. Learn more and get started
here
.
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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.
- May 5 - 11, Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders, Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford
- May 8, Convention Planning, The Commons
- May 10, Women Clergy Breakfast & Book Study, St. Andrew's, Meriden
- May 10, Recently Ordained Clergy Meeting, The Commons
- May 12, Northeast Region Convocation, Christ Church, Pomfret
- May 14 - 16, Clergy Conference, Hilton in Mystic
- May 16, Commission on Ministry, The Commons
- May 17, 49ers Gathering, The Commons
- May 17, Standing Committee, The Commons
- May 19, Southwest Region Convocation, Saint Stephen's, Ridgefield; Southwest Confirmation, & 50th Anniversary of St. Timothy's, Fairfield
- May 19, Northwest Region Confirmation, Camp Washington
- May 22, Bishop's Book Study with Bishop Laura Ahrens, Camp Washington
- May 22, Convention Planning, The Commons
- May 22, General Convention Deputation Meeting, The Commons
BISHOPS' VISITS:
- May 13: Bishop Ahrens, Christ Church, Tashua; Bishop Douglas, Christ Church, Bethlehem
- May 20: Bishop Ahrens, Christ Church, Pomfret; Bishop Douglas, St. Stephen's, Bloomfield
- June 3: Bishop Ahrens, Trinity, Tariffville; Bishop Douglas, Christ & Holy Trinity, Westport
- June 10: Bishop Ahrens, St. James' Danbury; Bishop Douglas, Christ Church, Greenwich
- June 17, Bishop Douglas, Grace/St. Peter's, Hamden
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All Parish, Region, and Ministry Network events are posted on
this calendar
.
Below are the upcoming events for the next two weeks. Hosting an event? Please submit
ALL
parish, Region, and Ministry Network events
using this form
,
you may select as many categories that apply to your event as needed. Please indicate which region your event is in by selecting the appropriate region category.
Reach out to the specific parish for event updates, specific locations, and further details.
PLEASE check to see if your event is already on the calendar before you submit it.
PARISH EVENTS:
Regular worship services, including season-specific, will not be listed below.
- May 9, Choral Evensong, Trinity, Torrington
- May 10, Bible Study: Stephen, Deacon/Martyr: Power to Serve Sacrificially, Trinity, Wethersfield
- May 10, Service & Potluck for the Feast of the Ascension, Grace, Hartford
- May 10, Choral Evensong for the Ascension, St. Jame's, Farmington
- May 11 - 12, Spring Rummage Sale, Church of the Good Shepherd, Orange
- May 11 - 12, May Fair, St. Mark's, New Canaan
- May 12, May Fair, St. Mary's, Manchester
- May 12, Ecumenical Evensong, St. Thomas the Apostle, West Hartford
- May 13, L'Ascension, Christ Church, Greenwich
- May 14, Education for Ministry Open House, Church of the Epiphany, Durham
- May 15, Education for Ministry Open House, Zion, North Branford
- May 17, Bible Study: My Chosen Instrument: The Power to Proclaim, Trinity, Wethersfield
- May 17, Annual Ascension Day Shut-In Service, Holy Trinity, Middletown
- May 18, Faith on Fire: Craig Higgins, Christ Church, Greenwich
- May 19, All the Tunes you Can Eat, St. Paul's, Southington
- May 19, Guided Labyrinth Walk, Church of the Good Shepherd, Orange
- May 19, 50th Anniversary, St. Timothy's, Fairfield
- May 19, Celebration of the Holy Spirit through Fire Potluck, Trinity, Portland
- May 19, Golden Oldies Concert, Trinity, Wethersfield
- May 19, From Broadway to Hollywood, St. Francis, Stamford
- May 21, Bible Study & Potluck, Holy Trinity, Enfield
- May 21, Education for Ministry Open House, Church of the Epiphany, Durham
- May 22, Hiking with the Rachel's, Old Furnace State Park and Moosup Valley State Park
REGION MEETINGS & EVENTS:
- May 12, Northeast Region Convocation, Christ Church, Pomfret
- May 19, Southwest Region Convocation, Saint Stephen's, Ridgefield; Southwest Confirmation, & 50th Anniversary of St. Timothy's, Fairfield
MINISTRY NETWORK MEETINGS & EVENTS:
- May 8, Hospital Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Network Gathering, The Commons
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SAFE CHURCH TRAINING:
The spring safe church schedule for laity is online
here
. If you serve in a parish, you want to make sure your lay leaders attend safe church training or re-certification, if required or recommended for them based on their position. You must register online; registration closes seven days before the session, or when it is full. Sessions with fewer than 10 people registered may be cancelled. Questions? Contact
Deb Kenney
.
Comprehensive (Basic) Safe Church Training
For ordained and lay ministers who have not yet attended a training in Connecticut
- Option 1 - full day, includes lunch
- May 12: St. James', New London - Register Here
- Option 2 - hybrid program with online training plus shortened live follow-up
- May 14, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.: Trinity, New Haven - Register Here
- May 19, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.: Christ Church, Roxbury - Register Here
- May 22, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.: St. Mary's, Manchester - Register Here
Recertification Training for Lay Persons
For lay ministers who attended a full day of basic safe church training three to five years ago
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