ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
July 2, 2019
Gratitude for Karin Hamilton, Canon for Mission Communication & Media

Karin Hamilton has worked at the Episcopal Church in Connecticut for 25 years. In her tenure, Karin has accrued a long and diverse set of accomplishments, of which some are listed below.
  • In the mid-1990s, Karin created the first website for the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, which was one of the first in The Episcopal Church and won an Episcopal Communicators award for her work.
  • Evolved a 6-issue per year print newspaper (with a popular section of very brief parish stories, called "Parish Pearls,") to an annual professional-quality magazine that she named CRUX, which highlighted God’s mission and its connection to daily life throughout Connecticut.
  • Established one of the first diocesan electronic newsletters, which has grown over 20 years to include an audience of over 5,000 individuals.
  • Created and kept updated an informational chart depicting how Resolutions move through General Convention—which was used by Episcopal News Service and at least one seminary for educational purposes.
  • Live-tweeted the election of the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas in 2009 from the balcony in the Cathedral.
  • Initiated and shepherded a re-branding of the Diocese of Connecticut in 2014, including a new logo and branding, clear and concise language around God’s mission, and high-quality marketing materials; resulting in the current logo and look of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.
  • Spurred creation of an on-going informational bookmark series clearly highlighting the Five Baptismal Marks of Mission, God’s Mission in 100 Words, Guidelines for Mutuality, What is a Parish in the New Missional Age, and Spiritual Practices in a New Missional Age.
  • Created a one-minute video series, to feature an individual from each of the six Regions, for the 2017 Annual Convention.
  • Established reputable daily electronic newsletter coverage during the General Conventions of The Episcopal Church.
  • Created, launched, co-hosted, and co-edited the weekly diocesan podcast Coffee Hour at The Commons.
  • Helped to establish the new and revolutionary role of Digital Storyteller at the diocesan level.
The list of accomplishments continues on, as does our immense gratitude to Karin for her faithful dedication and incredibly hard work for the church, the people of Connecticut, and the community at The Commons. Karin has supervised many individuals within her role as Canon for Mission Communications & Media, and has worked with numerous individuals on projects, magazines, newsletters, videos, and more.

Karin has not only formed working relationships with people within the church but has developed close ties and bonds. She has always paid close attention to highlighting stories, voices, and talents of those often placed by society on the margins; and has always been open to and supportive of new initiatives and different ideas from her own.

Continue reading on our website here, which includes quotes from bishops Douglas and Ahrens.
Please note: Although retired, Karin Hamilton will continue on for the time being as a contractor to edit and publish the weekly, monthly, and bi-monthly eNewsletters and to work on CRUX.
From the blog: Meet: Jennie Dixon: Use the gifts you’ve been given to serve

By ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Gannett

I had the pleasure of having coffee with Jennie Dixon at a Dunkin' Donuts in Windsor, CT. We sat down and immediately dove into a conversation about empowering women. Jennie is a Professional Chartered Financial Consultant, published author, public speaker, and president of the St. Monica’s Daughters of the King (DOK) chapter. 

Right away I could tell Jennie is living her call as a woman of God. Throughout our conversation about her life, her education, her work, and the DOK, she spoke with passion and conviction for what she is doing in her life.

Jennie attended teacher’s college in Jamaica before coming to Connecticut with her mother, brother, and two sisters. Jennie has taught at Central Connecticut State University’s School of Business, Chen Shyen University in China, and completed one year of a Ph.D. program. 

Her background and passion: teaching financial literacy to uplift women. 

“When I was a financial planner I would see clients that are couples come in,” Jennie said, “all the talking would be done by the men. Women wouldn’t know anything about the finances.” 

Jennie said, “I heard God saying, ‘this is your life’s work, this is what you are meant to do … use the gifts you’ve been given to go out and serve women.”

Thus the fire to pursue educating women in financial planning was lit. 

ECCT's Digital Storyteller Alli Gannett 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
Congratulations to the newly ordained

Image posted on ECCT's Facebook page (thank you!) Ordained June 29 at Christ Church Cathedral:

Front row, from left: The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens, the Rev. Donald Burr, the Rev. Erin Flinn, the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas; second row: the Rev. Mary Barnett; the Rev. Michael Reardon, the Rev. Darryl Burke; third row, the Rev. Felix Rivera, the Rev. Tara Shepley, the Rev. John Kennedy, III.

The Revs. Don Burr and Felix Rivera were ordained to the diaconate, and the Revs. Mary Barnett, Darryl Burke, Erin Flinn, John Kennedy, Michael Reardon, and Tara Shepley were ordained to the transitional diaconate.
Join a day of "Trail Magic" July 20

Alli Gannett (formerly Huggins), ECCT's digital storyteller and an Appalachian Trail (AT) hiker, along with other members of the Young Adult Episcopalians (YAE) group of New Haven are planning a "Trail Magic" day in Salisbury CT, in the Northwest Region of Connecticut where the AT passes through our state . It involves welcoming hikers as they pass by a designated spot (to be determined), and offering tasty snacks, cold drinks, and friendly conversation. The planners will connect with members of the Northwest Region, plus their new missionary, as well. Others welcome. ECCT (and NW Region members) hosted a similar event on July 23, 2017, as reported here . More info to follow, or email yaeforjesus@gmail.com
Confronting the Slave Trade in our Back Yard: Pilgrimage July 13
Saturday July 13, Brooklyn CT and Providence RI.
Meet up at Trinity Church, Brooklyn at 9 a.m. and take a short bus trip to Old Trinity Church, Brooklyn, built by enslaved persons; then re-board the bus to Providence RI for a two-hour walking tour of the city with the Center for Reconciliation to learn more about the international slave trade. $65/person, lunch is NOT included; please bring your o wn. Bus trip limited to 40 persons. Click on flyer above to download a copy; click on "Tickets," at right, to register.
Sat, Jul 13, 2019 9:00 AM EST
"Confronting the Slave Trade in Our Back Yard" - Bus Trip
Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network, Providence
July bulletin insert now available

What are the indicators of a successful "Season"?

Kelli Ray Gibson, our Racial Justice Resource Coordination, is currently in the process of collecting input from people across ECCT. The goal of her compilation is to create a synthesized logic model to guide her work for the duration of this Season of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation.

Please describe or list as clearly and explicitly as possible what you believe are the indicators of an effective Season of Racial Justice, Healing, and Reconciliation. In other words, how will we recognize if effective change happened? What will be different? Use this form. It asks for your name and email address, other information helpful but optional.
Join NC and SC Regions for summer film series to explore race and racism

The North Central and South Central Regions have been working together to offer a series of three films, with facilitated conversation to follow, as a way to explore race and racism. The series is open to those in other Regions, as well. Free, register here.

The series takes place July 30, August 6, and August 13 from 5:30 - 9 p.m. at St. Paul's, Wallingford and materials are from this year's Trinity Institute, "Scene and Unseen" Facing Race Through Film." Films includes: Do the Right Thing; Blindspotting, and, Trace of the Trade.
Applications accepted for The Episcopal Church staff officer for racial reconciliation

[June 27, 2019] The Episcopal Church is accepting applications for the position of staff officer for racial reconciliation, a member of the Presiding Bishop’s staff.
 
The staff officer for racial reconciliation will catalyze and organize Episcopal efforts to embrace and practice Becoming Beloved Community, the church’s long-term commitment to racial reconciliation, healing and justice. The staff officer will support networks of regional leaders and coordinate church-wide efforts, especially around StorySharing, pilgrimage, anti-racism training and liturgical resource development, and much more.
 
Information about the position and details for applying are available  here . In addition to completing the profile and submitting your résumé, please submit a cover letter that includes at least three professional references. Deadline for applications is August 1, 2019.

For more information contact Episcopal Church Human Resources at  HRM@episcopalchurch.org . You may also learn more about the Church’s work at www.episcopalchurch.org/reconciliation .
Hiking Holy Borders

Join Southeast Region Missionary the Rev. Rachel Thomas and Northeast Region Missionary Maggie Breen this summer for some hikes. Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., dates listed below. Email Maggie or Rachel to let them know you're coming and for any info specific to that day's event. Also visit the online calendar and sort by month and by "Sports & Outdoor Events"
  • July 16:  James Spignesi, Jr. Wildlife Management Area, Scotland;
  • July 23:  Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown, Greens Falls area; 
  • July 30: Hopeville Pond, Griswold;
  • August 6: (instead of a hike) Presentation about Prudence Crandall by Drew… at First Church, Canterbury, in conjunction with the Friends of the Prudence Crandall Museum;
  • August 13: Utley Hill Trail, Columbia;
  • August 20: Airline Trail, Lebanon 
Boston cathedral’s ‘Ministry of the Steps’ takes church’s welcome to the street

[Diocese of Massachusetts - By Bridget K. Wood}
A chess match between a police officer and a person who is homeless isn’t what you would necessarily expect to see while walking down Tremont Street in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. On the portico of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, however, this has become the new normal during the summer months, thanks to the cathedral’s “Ministry of the Steps.”

The Ministry of the Steps officially launched as a pilot program last summer, with just a tent canopy, some AstroTurf from Costco and an invitation to the community to join cathedral staff and volunteers in offering various outdoor activities to engage the community and those walking by. The activities range from chess, checkers and bingo games to art projects, drum circles, musical performances and chanting. Last year’s Ministry of the Steps included voter registration drives, as well as a witness against gun violence by the B-PEACE for Jorge Campaign. The Ministry of the Steps has now begun its second summer of programming with activities happening outside the cathedral on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning at 9 a.m.

ECCT PODCAST
Listen to episodes 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!!

In Episode #52 , published June 28, Alli and Karin talk with the Rev. Jack Gilpin, rector, who is also an actor, about both of those careers, and about living your truth. Link here.

Here's a list of archive guests by date with name/s and topic in case you want to check out past episodes.
ECCT IN THE NEWS
Email Karin if your parish or worshiping community has been featured in non-ECCT media/news!
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CAMP WASHINGTON?
Sign up the kids for summer camp!
Sessions started June 30

Mini-camp (overnight and day, 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). Check the camp website for dates and details of each and to register.


Programs at Camp Washington:
  • July 14, "Second Sunday," speaker, worship, and simple meal; the Rev. Diana Rogers, "Guatemala in the Face of Betrayal," $10 suggested donation, call 860-567-9623 to register.
  • July 19, Bishop's Book Study, Why Religion? A Personal Story, by Elaine Pagels. 11 -12:30 a.m. discussion followed by lunch, $10, register here or call 860-567-9623.
Camp Washington 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?
Upcoming events at Christ Church Cathedral
* Specially designated Centennial year events

  • July 14 Joint Service at St. Monica's, Hartford
  • *Sunday July 21, Jazz Mass at 10:30 a.m., Joint service with Hartford communities

Plan ahead! Upcoming Centennial offerings to ECCT:

*Sunday September 15, Hip Hop Mass, 3 p.m., especially for the youth of ECCT
*Saturday October 26, Centennial Evensong and Reception - ECCT Convention
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 (see other calendars below for bishops; Ministry Networks; Regions; and Clergy
  • July 11, Joining Jesus Advisory Council
  • July 13, Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation pilgrimage: Brooklyn CT and Providence RI
  • July 16, D&B Board Mtg
  • July 17, COM Mtg
  • July 18, Standing Cttee Mtg
  • July 23 & August 27, Convention Planning Team Mtg
  • Aug. 29, Finance Committee Mtg

Bishops' Schedule:

Ministry Network meetings and/or events (see more on this calendar )
  • July 20, "Trail Magic" on the Appalachian Trail, YAE of New Haven w/NW Region, Salisbury

Region events
  • July 23, 30 & August 6, 13, 20 SE and NE, and open to all: Hiking Holy Borders with Rachel & Maggie (see info block above)
  • July 30, Aug. 6, Aug 13, NC and SC, and open to all, Sacred Healing film series (see info block above)
  • Aug 2, Men's Breakfast, NE Region

Ordinations and Celebrations of New Ministry .

Upcoming clergy events (and those in ordination process)

Mandatory Clergy Professional Development Day (MCPD)
  • The three regular sessions of MCPD are done. If you were not able to attend, you must now register for and attend the one make-up session that will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 at St. John's, West Hartford. Online registration is here.
  • Clergy who fail to attend MCPD in 2019 will not be "clergy in good standing."
  • See FAQs here. (what's required, who's required to participate, and more)
PARISH EVENTS
Events below are coming up in the next few weeks
Please visit this calendar for details on these parish events not listed above. To add an event, please fill out this form .

List of parish events Link here for full info. (Ministry Network and Region Leadership, see above). Be sure to list your events in your Region eNewsletters to reach your local audiences.
July 6, Book & Bake Sale, Manchester
July 8-12, Vacation Bible School (VBS) Orange
July 8-26, Theater camp, Washington
July 19-21, Summer Carnival, Niantic
July 20, Chicken dinner, Hebron
July 21, Four Seasons Plus concert, Killingworth
July 21, Book study, The New Jim Crow, Torrington
July 24, Outdoor pops concert, Hartford
Aug 17, Pulled pork dinner, Hebron
Aug. 24, Bluegrass Festival, Guilford
Sign up for Region Newsletters

All Region Missionaries use a common Constant Contact account (along with other ECCT staff) to create and publish regular newsletters. Here are links to the most recent issues. Be sure to sign up for these by updating your subscriptions at the bottom of any enewsletter or from a link on this page . Get your local news & events!

New Region Missionaries (RMs) in the SW, SC, and NW Regions started June 23. Link to PDF booklet with bios/intros to all six RMs.

Safe Church Training
All Safe Church training sessions (in-person and dual in-person and online) for basic or specialized training, and for recertification, are done for spring/summer. Fall dates will be announced and published later this summer.

Important note for clergy only:
ALL clergy must attend one Mandatory Clergy Professional Development Day in 2019. See clergy section in Calendar of Events, above.

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:

  • Canon for Mission Communications & Media - interviewing
  • Dean of Formation - Link here for more
  • Canon for Mission Finance & Operations - interviewing

Parish and Camp pos itions:


Clergy non-parochial:

For open Clergy positions in parishes please click here .