APRIL CLERGY ENEWSLETTER
April 26, 2018
The Power of Resurrection
by: Jack Gilpin

One day this past Lent I had - quite unexpectedly – what turned out to be a lesson in the power of the resurrection. I was working in England, and on a day off I rented a car and drove to a tiny little town called Avebury, which is the site of the largest prehistoric stone circle in the British Isles. The most famous of these, of course, is Stonehenge (though Avebury is much bigger, about a thousand feet across.) But I learned that day that there are a couple of important differences between the two. 

One is that the stones at Stonehenge were clearly intended to be uniform (or at least as uniform as people could make them around 3000 B.C.) They’re all rectangular, mostly about thirteen feet high, about seven feet wide, about two and a half feet back to front.

The stones at Avebury are anything but uniform (below). They range from four feet high on up to twelve and thirteen, and from ten tons to sixty. And they’re not of uniform shape, or any particular shape at all: they bulge, they jut, they stand at strange angles. There seems to have been no guiding idea of what would qualify a stone to be included here, other than a size so massive it would take many people a huge amount of labor to move it to this place and set in the earth.   

The other difference is this: Stonehenge shows evidence of several different possible functions. The stones there align with the sun and moon at the solstices, and with certain stars; so it may have been used for seasonal rituals, or as a kind of calendar, or to predict events like eclipses.

There’s nothing like that about Avebury. No one knows why it’s there, why people built it, and there really aren’t any substantial theories.  
As I walked around with my little guidebook and soaked it all in, I could feel that whatever else was in the minds of the people who created this place 5000 years ago, they did it because they felt the presence of a power, infinitely greater than they, utterly beyond their ability to comprehend, to which they felt they were somehow in relation and had to respond, from the deepest part of themselves, in the most powerful and lasting way they could. But it was a response that felt (to me) somehow defensive, born out of anxiety and tinged with fear; which probably has something to do with why it just got left there.
I drove from there to the city of Salisbury, to attend the 5:30 p.m. service of Choral Evensong at Salisbury Cathedral. The service was in the quire, in the center of the nave, which is very long, narrow, and has a very high ceiling – and it was dusk. By the end of the service the seventy-five or so of us present were in a little pod of light, surrounded by shadows, ascending into darkness. The readings and the creed were spoken, but everything else - psalms, canticles, prayers – was sung in plainchant. It was a service of great beauty, done probably in pretty much the same way it had been since the cathedral was consecrated in 1258: apposite to the time of day, beautifully crafted and performed: a finely wrought vessel, holding the liquid of the truth.

Truth which is rooted in the awareness of a power, infinitely greater than we are, utterly beyond our ability to comprehend; but now focused in a person who was born, lived, and died like we do, but who somehow embodied this power. And then there was this other thing that happened: the resurrection; which showed something completely new and unexpected about how that power relates to us.  Rather than create fear and anxiety, this power does away with them. And because it’s a person, the relation is one of communion, and so is life-giving, life-sustaining, and always new. 

And we try to do our part in that relation, that communion, out of the deepest part of ourselves, as best we’re able, and in the right way: in truth, and joy, and faithfulness; and so in beauty. This is the power of the resurrection.
The Rev. Jack Gilpin is the Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in New Milford. He is also a professional actor. He and his wife Annie have been married for 32 years and have three grown children.
2018 Clergy Conference, May 14 - 16
Registration ENDS on May 8
Bishops Ian Douglas and Laura Ahrens invite all ECCT clergy in this letter to the 2018 Clergy Conference, May 14 - 16 at the Hilton Mystic.

The theme of the 2018 Clergy Conference is "Christian Leadership Challenging White Supremacy." Registration fee is $300, with opportunities for scholarships.

The Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Dean of Episcopal Divinity School at Union and author of Standing Your Ground: Black Bodies & the Justice of God will be the keynote speaker and leader for four sessions.
Schedule to include: four sessions with Dean Kelly Brown Douglas, tour of the Pequot Museum and conversation, facilitated brainstorming time in Regions, opportunities for rest and reflection, and free time to explore Mystic.
Retired Clergy, Spouses & Partners Luncheon & Gathering, May 1
Please register for the Retired Clergy, Spouses & Partners Luncheon & Gathering on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The theme for the day is “Senior Housing and Caregiver possibilities."

Following Eucharist, there will be a presentation by Amina Weiland, certified dementia practitioner, certified dementia care partner and a trained Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group facilitator as well as a certified CHOICES counselor.

In addition to the presentation and discussion above, there will be a presentation on funds available to retired clergy by Louis Fuertes, Canon for Mission Finance & Operations, and a conversation with the bishops.

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.

This training is hosted by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center.
New England Women in Ministry Spring Retreat, May 1 - 3, Duxbury, MA

Join other women in ministry around New England for a retreat at the Miramar Retreat Center in Duxbury, Massachusetts May 1 - 3. Retreat leaders are Barbara Smith-Moran, an ordained Episcopal priest and astronomer, and founding coordinator of the science and religion program of the Boston Theological Institute, and Gail Phillips Bucher, a service deacon and pharmacologist, and president of the Interfaith and Science Exchange.

Weekend retreat schedule and flyer is available here . Registration form is available here .
Formation E-News

Dean of Formation, Molly James, publishes an occasional E-News for those in the ordination process. If you are connected to someone in the ordination process and do not already receive it, please email her to be added to the list. The E-News also includes information on opportunities for ongoing formation, so if that is of interest, please also email her to be added to the list.

The most recent edition can be viewed here.
Bishop's Book Study at Camp Washington with Bishop Laura Ahrens, May 22
Join Bishop Laura Ahrens at Camp Washington on Tuesday, May 22, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to discuss The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams.

Please come prepared to discuss the first three sections of this book. Lunch will follow the conversation. Please RSVP by emailing camp@campwashington.org
This book is about a week-long meeting between two of the world's most renowned spiritual leaders and their secret to attaining true, lasting joy. The book is divided into three sections; the first is dedicated to the nature of joy, where the men create a vague definition of joy as a lasting state, not just a fleeting emotion. The second section of the book addresses the most pressing obstacles humans face to joy. The third and final section of the text defines eight pillars to joy that the men have agreed upon throughout the weeks' worth of discussion.
Clergy Events
Upcoming :
  • April 26: Priest-in-Charge Consultants Gathering, The Commons
  • April 27: Anti-Racism Training for Ordination Process, The Commons
  • April 28: Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate for Armando Ghinaglia, Dana Capasso Stivers, and Thom Peters, Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford
  • May 1: Retired Clergy, Spouses, & Partners Gathering
  • May 5 - 11: Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders, Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford
  • May 5: Southeast Region Confirmation
  • May 10: Women Clergy Breakfast & Book Study, St. Andrew's, Meriden
  • May 12: Northeast Region Convocation, Christ Church, Pomfret
  • May 14 - 16: Clergy Conference, Mystic, CT
  • May 19: Southwest Region Convocation, TBD; Northwest Region Confirmation, Camp Washington; Southwest Region Confirmation & 50th Anniversary of St. Timothy's, Fairfield
  • May 22: Bishop's Book Study with Bishop Laura Ahrens, Camp Washington
  • May 24: Fresh Start Meeting, The Commons
  • May 28: The Commons is Closed
  • May 31: Transition Consultant Gathering, The Commons

Save the Date:
  • June 1-3: Deacon Formation Retreat
  • June 6: General Convention Deputation Public Meeting, The Commons
  • June 7: Clergy Day, St. Mark's, New Britain
  • July 2-13: General Convention, Austin, TX
  • September 14 - 16: Deacon Formation Retreat
  • September 18: Fall Clergy Day, location TBD, but put it in your calendar!
Clergy in Transition
Please help spread the word :

Spanish speaking clergy: Good Shepherd, Hartford is currently without a priest. If you speak Spanish and are available to lead a 12:15 p.m. Sunday Eucharist occasionally, please contact Lee Ann Tolzmann .

The Canon for Mission Leadership is now accepting applications for the following positions:
  • FT Rector Christ Church, Greenwich (deadline May 20)
  • FT Rector St. David’s, Gales Ferry (deadline May 31)
  • HT Rector Holy Trinity, Middletown (deadline June 15)
AND:
  • FT Chaplain at Seabury Lifecare Community. Job description available here.

Clergy in Transition

The Rev. Mary Anne Osborn retired from her ministry as Missional Priest in Charge at Christ Church, Middle Haddam on January 31.

The Rev. Bill Burt has ended his ministry as Rector of St. John’s, North Haven.

The Rev. Robert Stocksdale has ended his ministry as Conditional Priest in Charge at Epiphany, Durham.

The Rev. Charlotte LaForest, currently Assistant Rector at St. John’s, Essex, has accepted the position of Assistant Rector at St. James’ West Hartford and will begin on May 20.

The Rev. Alon White, currently Interim Priest in Charge at St. Matthew’s, Wilton, has accepted a call as Interim Priest in Charge at Christ Church, Redding, and will begin next month.

The Rev. Alan Murchie, currently Assistant Rector at Calvary, Stonington, has accepted a call as half-time Rector at Trinity, Trumbull, and will begin in June.

The Rev. Marissa Rohrbach, currently Rector of St. Andrew’s, Meriden, has accepted a call as Rector of St. Matthew’s, Wilton, and will begin in June.

The Rev. Peter Bushnell will retire from his ministry as Rector of Holy Trinity, Enfield, effective June 1.

The Rev. Lisa Hahneman will end her ministry as Rector of Holy Spirit, West Haven, on May 31.

The Rev. Peter Stebinger will end his ministry as Missional Priest in Charge at St. Paul’s Church, Bantam, on May 31.

The Rev. David Parachini will end his ministry at Grace Church, Newington, on May 20.

The Rev. Rob Neville will end his ministries as Rector of Christ Church, Tashua, and Grace Church, Trumbull, on May 31.

Parishes in Transition

Calvary Church, Stonington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim PIC in Place: Ajung Sojwal
Christ Church, East Norwalk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
Christ Church, Greenwich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receiving Names
Christ Church, Middle Haddam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking CPIC
Christ Church, Redding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Called Interim PIC: Alon White
Christ Church, Sharon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
Christ Church, Stratford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
Christ Church, Tashua. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
Epiphany, Durham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking CPIC
Good Shepherd, Hartford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using supply for short Interim
Grace Church, Broad Brook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
Grace Church, Newington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
Grace Church, Trumbull. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
Grace Church, Yantic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
Holy Advent, Clinton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking 2yr PPIC
Holy Spirit, West Haven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
Holy Trinity, Enfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
Holy Trinity, Middletown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receiving Names
Middlesex Cluster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim PIC in place: Jim Bradley
St. Andrew’s, Meriden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
St. David’s, Gale’s Ferry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receiving Names
St. Gabriel’s, East Berlin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
St. James Poquetanuck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discerning
St. John’s, East Windsor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Half-time PPIC
St. John’s, New Haven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
St. John’s, North Haven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
St. Martin’s, Hartford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
St. Paul’s, Bantam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
St. Paul’s, Woodbury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interviewing
Trinity Church, Milton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
Trinity Church, Seymour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interviewing
Trinity Church, Wethersfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC

Please contact me ( latolzmann@episcopalct.org ) with any questions about the TMC or the process. I look forward to working with you.
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