SOUTHWEST REGION ENEWSLETTER

May 2019
From your Region Missionary, Carlos de la Torre
Dear Friends,

My time as your Region Missionary has come to an end. Next week, I begin a new call as rector of Saint John's, Bellefonte in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. It has been my privilege to serve as your Region Missionary. A role which was as new for you as it was for me. For nearly two years, we have come together to explore our identity as a Region. Parishes are intentionally exploring joint initiatives and projects; we are launching new Ministry Networks; foundational Ministry Networks in our Region are continuing their faithful work; and we are gathering and connecting as a Region at convocations. As I look back over the last two years, I'm amazed at the work we've accomplished. God has been good and faithful.

While my time with the Region has come to an end, the work continues. For one last time, on behalf of the Southwest Region Leadership Team, I want to invite to the Region's next convocation on Saturday, June 29 . Your time together will take root in the Word of God and in its illumination through the  Saint John's Bible . Saint Luke's (Darien) is blessed to have a reproduction of the Saint John's Bible. This is available to be a resource for us as a region, learn more by visiting their website .

The Southwest Region will gather to exchange ideas and explore collaborative ministries across our parishes and Region. Your Bishops and Canons are hard at work interviewing and vetting candidates to serve as Region Missionaries. So while nothing is set in stone, the hope for June's convocation is to introduce, meet, and welcome your new Region Missionary. Whether this is your first convocation, second or third, join us to explore how we as a Region might continue to serve God's Kingdom in new and exciting ways.

Easter Blessings,
Carlos
Register for convocation
https://bit.ly/2HdQhll
Ministry Networks in the Region

Laundry Love Ministry Network
St. Mark's has partnered with St. Luke’s (Darien), St. Paul’s on the Green (Norwalk), Christ Church (Norwalk), Open Doors (Norwalk), and Triangle Community Center (Norwalk) to host Laundry Love on the first Wednesday of each month from 1PM-7PM at Giant Laundry in Norwalk.  Laundry Love is a ministry of the Southwestern Region of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. 
 
Laundry Love is a program designed for assisting those in need in our greater community by providing free laundry services. The Laundry Love initiative consists of regular opportunities to come alongside people who are struggling financially by assisting them with their laundry. Laundry Love partners with local laundromats in cleaning clothes and linens of low-income or no-income families and individuals. The laundromat becomes a place where strangers become friends, kids are known by name, hope is being hustled, and the worth of every human being is acknowledged and celebrated.

Check out Fr Peter's vlog as he visits Giant Laundry in Norwalk.
Global Philanthropy Leaders Ministry Network

At the opening of a United Nations special summit in 2015, world leaders embraced a sweeping 15-year global plan of action to end poverty, reduce inequalities and protect the environment, known as the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Episcopal Church in Connecticut has previously resolved to fund relevant mission projects to address these goals. One such project is Global Philanthropy Leaders initiative created at St. Stephen’s (Ridgefield) in 2017 and rolled out to St John’s (Bridgeport) and St. Luke’s (Darien) in 2018. The goal is to launch 10 new Global Philanthropy Leader sites over the next two years. Even more, there are funds available. Individual parishes or groups of parishes willing to join forces will receive $1,000 for youth micro loans. This is made possible by a generous granted awarded to Global Philanthropy Leaders by Companions in Mission Ministry Network.

Global Philanthropy Leaders empowers high schoolers who are looking to make a difference in and who are curious about the world around them. Leaders learn how to make microloans in a thoughtful and prayerful way to people in need from around the world. They learn the difference between being given money versus being entrusted with church funds. By receiving these loans, recipients around the world will either start or expand a business of their choice in order to improve their family’s lives. Microfinance, loans made to people with no credit history nor collateral, in amounts too small to be of interest to conventional banks, help to address 13 of the 17 SDG’s. Talk about making a difference in people’s lives! 

If you're interested in learning more about Global Philanthropy Leaders for your youth's parish or interested in working with a neighobring on this brand new youth iniative, contact Rich Stein at itradeoptions@earthlink.net
Joih the Region Leadership Team
Have you've been excited by the work you've seen unfold in the Region? Do you have hopes and dreams for greater collaboration and mutual sharing among our parishes? If so, please consider being part of the Southwest Region Leadership Team. To learn more about what it means to be part of the team or if you would like to join, please contact Canon Tim Hodapp Thodapp@episcopalct.org