ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
July 9, 2019
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Episcopal Church response to crisis on the border
[The Episcopal Church, July 2, 2019]
Over the past several weeks, The Episcopal Church has responded to the reports of inhumane conditions for children and other asylum seekers in government custody in a number of ways. This response includes calls for donations and goods from Episcopal dioceses on the border, prayers for those seeking safety, efforts to engage in advocacy, and pastoral messages from bishops around the Church.
“We are children of the one God who is the Creator of us all,” said Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. “It is our sisters, our brothers, our siblings who are seeking protection and asylum, fleeing violence and danger to children, searching for a better life for themselves and their children. The crisis at the border is not simply a challenge of partisan politics but a test of our personal and public morality and human decency.”
The Episcopal Church, through the Office of Government Relations (OGR) and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), has compiled a list of resources, bishop statements, and information in response to the ongoing humanitarian situation at the southern border.
The list of resources for education and support is available on the EMM website
here
a
nd will continue to be updated with ways to learn more and take action.
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New Ministry Network forming to address plight of migrant children
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The Rev. Deborah Meister (St. Luke's, South Glastonbury) and the Rev. Ranjit Mathews (St. James', New London), and several other priests, have formed a new Ministry Network, "Let My People Go." It is, in their words, "aimed at raising awareness of the plight of the migrant children in U.S. detention camps" and "to coordinate a multi-parish effort to raise funds to post bail for those children who have adult relatives living in the US..." Initial parishes with one or more involved, in addition to the two above, include St. Paul's, Fairfield; Trinity, Newtown; Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford; St. Paul's, Woodbury; Trinity, Seymour; Grace, Hartford; Zion, North Branford; Trinity, Branford; and St. James', Fair Haven.
The Network is continuing to organize and will have more information to be published in an upcoming issue of eNews.
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Art installation planned for July 12 in New London is inspired by faith; go to Facebook Live for coverage by Alli Gannett on July 12
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A bold art installation will go up on July 12 outside St. James, New London as a means of witnessing against the inhumane conditions for migrants on the nation’s Southern border. The installation, conceived by the rector, the Rev. Ranjit Mathews, and approved by St. James' vestry and both ECCT bishops, is meant as a physical manifestation of the church’s baptismal vows to seek to serve Christ in all persons. ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Huggins will be at St. James to talk with Ranjit about it on
Facebook Live (approx 11:15 am) A link to a media release will be included next week, along with a link to the Facebook post.
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Light a candle this Friday at 9 pm in silent vigil
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Lights for Liberty: A Nationwide Vigil to End Human Detention Camps
announced yesterday, July 8, that it has events scheduled on five continents and in nearly 600 locations worldwide for this Friday night, July 12, from 7 pm to 9 pm local time.
From Lights for Liberty media release:
"Beginning at 7 p.m. on July 12, advocates, activists and impacted persons will speak on the issue of human detention camps in the United States. At 9 p.m., around the country and around the world, participants will light candles in a silent vigil for all those held in US detention camps to bring light to the darkness of the Trump administration’s horrific policies."
Text "lights" to: 977-79 to connect with Lights for Liberty. There are lots of additional resources for social media sharing on their
website.
Link here
(and scroll down) for a list of states and cities that have been registered on Light for Liberty's website with links to the events. As of July 8 the cities in CT included Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Chester, East Granby, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Greenwich, Hamden, Hartford, Kent, Manchester, Milford, Norwich, Redding, Stamford, West Hartford, Westport, and Willimantic.
Lights for Liberty was created by a loose coalition of grassroots activists, with support from long-standing immigrants’ rights organizations and other organizers. More information can be found at
http://www.lightsforliberty.org
.
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From the blog: Time-traveling in Brooklyn, Connecticut
By ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Gannett
Yesterday I drove up to Brooklyn, Connecticut to attend the historic Eucharist at the Old Trinity Episcopal Church. For the last six years or so, the congregants of Trinity Church has gathered on the Sunday after the Fourth of July for a travel back in time. This time-travel is not just because of the lack of electricity in an historic floorplan of this 1769 parish, but we used the liturgy from the 1760 Book of Common Prayer (similar to the 1662 BCP).
Scott Richards, the Senior Warden, said that they expect approximately 100 people to gather for the service – many of whom are interested in the building and drive from clear across the state.
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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
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Congratulations to EfM grads
By Ron Ward, EfM Coordinator for ECCT
Mentors and graduates with Bishop Laura J. Ahrens at the Education for Ministry (EfM) Class of 2019 graduation June 30 at Church of the Epiphany, Durham. Seven graduates were honored among the five EfM groups in ECCT, according to Ron Ward. Graduates are from St. Timothy's, Fairfield; Church of the Epiphany, Durham; St. James's, W. Hartford; and St. John's, W. Hartford.
Front row, left to right: The Rev. Erin Flinn, NC Region Missionary, who delivered the sermon; Barbara Collins, Epiphany; Laura Dwinells, St. Timothy’s; Bishop Laura J. Ahrens; Katharine Forline, Epiphany; the Rev. Susan Pinkerton, St. John’s; Mary Cole, St. John’s. Second row, Karen Otte, mentor, Epiphany; Nina Josko, mentor, St. Timothy’s; Victor Friedrich, mentor, Epiphany; Elizabeth Waterman, St. James’s; Ron Ward; and Eric Ross, St. James's, not shown.
EfM is a four-year program of study and reflection, structured by the University of the South School of Theology. Each group is comprised of minimum of six and maximum of twelve students under the guidance of trained mentors. Currently there are three EfM groups in ECCT. For more information contact Ron Ward,
rtwtmr@comast.net, 860-676-8338.
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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
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Confronting the Slave Trade in our Back Yard: Pilgrimage July 13
Only five seats left on the bus!
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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.
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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
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Join NC & SC Regions for summer film series to explore race and racism
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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.
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Applications accepted for The Episcopal Church staff officer for racial reconciliation
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[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.
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.
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Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network recruiting Episcopalians for "Speakers Bureau;" training & resources provided
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By the Rev. Don Hamer for the Training and Resources Team of the Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network
An important aspect of this work over the coming years is to engage every parish in our diocese. To that end, the Training and Resources team of the
RHJR Mnistry Network is recruiting folks who are committed to this work and interested in being part of a “speakers bureau.” This group will send small teams to parishes, worshiping communities, and other public forums to offer a variety of interactive programs on the subject of racial healing, justice and reconciliation. We will provide all of the materials and training needed. Our goal is to be able to offer innovative, engaging programs designed to meet the unique needs of each congregation or forum.
If you believe you might be called to this transformative work, please contact the Rev. Don Hamer, Convener, at
dlhquadzilla2@yahoo.com or by phone at 860-614-1360.
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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 Crandall 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
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Women are joining the House of Bishops at unprecedented rate:
Hard work; Holy Spirit; larger culture’s influence, seen as motivators
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Photo: All the women bishops and bishops-elect who had received the church’s consent to their ordination and consecration who attended the March 12-15 House of Bishops meeting at Kanuga Conference and Retreat Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina, pose for a group photo. (Bishop Laura J. Ahrens is midway down the second row.) Since that meeting, three more women have been elected to the episcopate. Photo: Mary Frances Schjonberg/Episcopal News Service
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By Mary Frances Schjonberg
[Episcopal News Service] The first day of June was a historic, if somewhat distracting, day in the life of The Episcopal Church.
Perry and Ashby are the seventh and eighth bishops elected in The Episcopal Church this year, and the fifth and sixth women, the most ever elected in one year in the church’s history.
“What a day for the church; what a day for women,” recalled Bishop Todd Ousley, the head of church’s Office of Pastoral Development who shepherds diocesan bishop searches. He admitted he was one of those people checking his phone.
Thus far in 2019, in addition to the six women elected as diocesan or suffragan bishops, Episcopalians in two dioceses have elected men to be their diocesan bishops. Four of those eight bishops-elect, all women, identify as people of color. At least one more woman will be elected bishop this year, on July 26, when the Diocese of Montana chooses from
a slate of three women
.
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Know of an interesting individual or unique ministry in ECCT? Maybe something going on at your parish, or someone there?
Let us know!!
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In Episode #53
, published July 5, Alli talks with just-retired ECCT-staffer Karin Hamilton about communication & media changes over the years and about God in the midst of it all.
Link here.
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Email
Karin
if your parish or worshiping community has been featured in non-ECCT media/news!
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CAMP WASHINGTON?
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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.
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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.”
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL?
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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
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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.
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ECCT CALENDARS
Events below are listed through the end of August
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COMBINED CALENDAR FOR THE SUMMER:
Meetings & events for: ECCT-wide groups; Ministry Networks (MN); Regions; Clergy
ECCT calendar details
here
: Region and MN calendar details
here
)
- July 11, Joining Jesus Advisory Council, The Commons
- July 13, Confronting Slavery in our Backyard: Brooklyn CT and Providence RI pilgrimage (Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation MN, open to all)
- July 16, D&B Board Mtg, The Commons
- July 16, Hiking Holy Borders: James Spignesi, Jr. Wildlife Mgmt Area, Scotland (NE & SE Regions, open to all)
- July 17, COM Mtg, The Commons
- July 18, Standing Cttee Mtg, The Commons
- July 20, "Trail Magic" on the Appalachian Trail, Salisbury (Young Adult Episcopalians MN of New Haven w/NW Region, open to all)
- July 23, Convention Planning Team Mtg, The Commons
- July 23, Hiking Holy Borders, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown (NE & SE Regions, open to all)
- July 30, Hiking Holy Borders: Hopeville Pond, Griswold (NE & SE Regions, open to all)
- July 30, Sacred Healing Film Series: "Blindspotting," Wallingford (NC & SC Regions, open to all)
- Aug. 2, Men's Breakfast, Vernon (NE Region, open to all men in the NE Region)
- Aug. 6, Presentation about Prudence Crandall, First Church, Canterbury (NE & SE Regions, open to all)
- Aug. 6, Sacred Healing Film Series: "Do the Right Thing," Wallingford (NC & SC Regions, open to all)
- Aug. 13, Hiking Holy Borders, Utley Hill Trail, Columbia (NE & SE Regions, open to all)
- Aug. 13, Sacred Healing Film Series, "Traces of the Trade," Wallingford (NC & SC Regions, open to all)
- Aug.20, Hiking Holy Borders, Airline Trail, Lebanon (NE & SE Regions, open to all)
- Aug. 27, Convention Planning Team Mtg, The Commons
- Aug. 29, Finance Committee Mtg, The Commons
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)
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PARISH EVENTS
Events below are coming up in the next few weeks
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Be sure to list your events in your Region eNewsletters to reach your local audiences.
July 8-12, Vacation Bible School (VBS) Orange
July 8-26, Theater camp, Washington
July 19-21, Summer Carnival, Niantic
July 20, Chicken BBQ dinner, Hebron
July 21, Four Seasons Plus concert, Killingworth
July 21, Book study, The New Jim Crow, Torrington
July 21, "Tales of Old East Haven," East Haven
July 24, Outdoor pops concert, Hartford
Aug 17, Pulled pork dinner, Hebron
Aug. 24, Bluegrass Festival, Guilford
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Connect to your Region webpages for info, newsletters, events, social media, and more! Link from each image below. (
What's my Region?
)
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Signup for newsletters
on this page
, check the box for your Region.
Submit your local events to the Region Missionary for your local Region newsletter.
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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 section in Calendar of Events, above.
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OPEN POSITIONS - WE'RE HIRING!
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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.
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:
- Associate for Children's Ministries, Christ & Holy Trinity, Westport (apply by 9/2)
- Sexton, Trinity on the Green, New Haven (apply by 7/15)
- Assistant to the Rector or Director of Christian Education, half-time, St. Matthew's, Wilton
- Director of Youth & Education Ministry, part-time, St. John's, Niantic (apply by 7/15)
Clergy non-parochial:
For open Clergy positions in parishes please click
here
.
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