ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
June 25, 2019
The Way of Love: The Episcopal Church produces a new podcast featuring Presiding Bishop Michael Curry; three episodes now available
Media release from the Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs:

“The way of Jesus is the Way of Love. And the Way of Love can change the world,” Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says in his  new podcast ,  The Way of Love: with Bishop Michael Curry, which launche[d] on Pentecost [June 9]. These weekly conversations, featuring Bishop Curry along with podcast hosts Kyle Oliver and Sandy Milien, explore living a life committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial and redemptive love.

"Each week in Season 1, Bishop Curry introduces one of the seven Way of Love, Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life : Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest. Listeners are invited into deeper engagement with each practice as Kyle and Sandy share their insights and offer questions for reflection or small group discussion.New episodes air Tuesdays through July 30.

"The Way of Love: with Bishop Michael Curry, is available on all podcast apps and at episcopalchurch.org . Visit the  Way of Love podcast webpage  to subscribe to the podcast through Apple iTunes, Google Play or Spotify and to sign up for notifications of new seasons as well as additional featured content.
From the blog: Stories from the Holy Land Pilgrimage, Part 2
by guest contributors, compiled by Sharon Pearson and edited by the Rev. Adam Thomas

(ECCT's Digital Storyteller Alli Huggins - now Alli Gannett - is on her honeymoon and the Rev. Adam Thomas and Sharon Pearson, who went on ECCT's Pilgrimage in the Holy Land , took over blog posts during this time.)

A group of more than thirty Episcopalians from Connecticut (as well as a few family members from other states) were on pilgrimage in Israel-Palestine during the middle of June. With their pilgrimage over, here are a few more stories and impressions from the trip.

A Lamb Himself
Sitting on a stone in the desert watching the sunrise was amazing! The vastness of open land was spectacular. Sitting in silence, the sounds and sights of nature prevailed. Birds above, the donkey grazing on the hillside crossing right in front of me and the sheep voices in the distance. 
Late that same day we saw two young boys, one with a lamb around his neck. As I asked to take a picture, one of them put the lamb around my shoulders. Many times the vision of Jesus as a lamb himself (the Lamb of God) and as the Good Shepherd. Jesus asks his disciples to be the keepers of his sheep. It reminds me that we too as followers of Christ are invited to be shepherds to others. (Joanne Halstead)

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
ECCT Pilgrims in the Holy Land - in photos

The ECCT Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, June 9-19/23, has ended. Bishop Douglas did an Instagram takeover. These also post to our Facebook page . These are just four of the many photos posted. Check out the social media to see more.

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

The Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation (RHJR) Ministry Network   is organizing a series of monthly bulletin inserts to support parish participation in ECCT's  Season of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation .  These include a quote, guest reflection, update on resources, and reminder of the Season, with contact info. These are also posted on the "   Communication Resources   " section of the related web pages. This month's reflection is by Suzy Burke of St. John's, Essex and co-convener of the RHJR Ministry Network.
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.
HBO and Netflix documentaries on Bryan Stevenson; "Central Park Five"

 True Justice  is an upcoming HBO documentary about Just Mercy author Bryan Stevenson ’s fight for equality. It follows his struggle to create greater fairness in America’s “system” and shows how racial injustice emerged, evolved and continues to threaten the country, challenging viewers to confront it. It airs Wednesday, June 26 at 8 p.m. More info here. Thx to RHJRMN member Suzy Burke for the tip.

When They See Us is a Netflix documentary co-written and directed by Ava DuVernay about "five teens from Harlem [who] become trapped in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park." ... "The quintet, labeled the Central Park Five, maintained its innocence and spent years fighting the convictions, hoping to be exonerated. This limited series spans a quarter of a century, from when the teens are first questioned about the incident in the spring of 1989, going through their exoneration in 2002 and ultimately the settlement reached with the city of New York in 2014." More info here.
Episcopalians testify in support of slavery reparations bill in House Judiciary subcommittee hearing

[ENS] Carrie Graves June 20, 2019
  The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held a hearing June 19 on  H.R. 40 , a bill introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) that calls for the creation of a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans.

Among those serving on the panel of majority witnesses were Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and Katrina Browne, producer of the documentary “ Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North ” and consultant for The Episcopal Church as part of its  Becoming Beloved Community  racial justice and healing initiatives. Also on the panel were actor Danny Glover, author Ta-Nehisi Coates (“Between the World and Me”), Columbia University undergraduate Coleman Hughes and former NFL player and author Burgess Owens. The hearing took place on Juneteenth, which commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865.

Episcopal Church joins efforts to mark 400 years since enslaved Africans’ arrival in North America

[ENS] David Paulsen June 10, 2019
 A historically black Episcopal church in Washington, D.C., hosted a service June 9 marking 400 years since enslaved Africans first landed in North America at Jamestown in what is now Virginia.

The event at  St. Luke’s Episcopal Church , one of seven participating capital-area churches that were founded by slaves or former slaves, was led by  Bread for the World ’s Pan-African Young Adult Network, and it kicked off this week’s annual Bread for the World Advocacy Summit, a large ecumenical gathering of anti-hunger advocates.

The kickoff service at St. Luke’s was framed as a time both of lament for past injustices against African Americans and of hope for a better future, Bread for the World’s Angelique Walker-Smith told Episcopal News Service. She said the commemoration also was a fitting start to this week’s advocacy on Capitol Hill on issues related to food.

“We’re bringing historic roots and a historic lens to our legislative agenda,” Walker-Smith said. Four hundred years ago, “people of African descent were basically fed the crumbs off the table.”

The calendar this year is filled with services and events marking the first transatlantic voyage of Africans in 1619 to the land that would become the United States, and The Episcopal Church is in the middle of planning its own commemorations. The church is coordinating with the Diocese of Southern Virginia, which includes Jamestown.

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.
EfM Graduation set for June 30

The Education for Ministry (EfM) Class of 2019 graduation and celebratory Eucharist is set for 4 p.m. Sunday June 30 at Church of the Epiphany, Durham, CT. Bishop Laura Ahrens will be the Celebrant and Erin Flinn, North Central Region Missionary, will be the preacher. There are ten graduates to be honored among the five EfM groups in the dioceses according to Ron Ward, EfM Coordinator for ECCT. Graduates are from groups at Christ Church, Greenwich; St. Timothy’s, Fairfield; Church of the Epiphany, Durham; St. James’s, West Hartford; and St. Johns, West Hartford.

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 the Diocese. For more information contact Ron Ward, rtwtmr@comast.net or phone 860-463-8057.
Annual Convention Sat./Sun. Oct. 26-27 - Early registration ends June 30

  • This year's Annual Convention will be held at the Hartford Civic Center on Saturday/Sunday, October 26-27, 2019. All info below was published in the July 13 Call to Convention.
  • Details and registration here (registration required, early (reduced fee) registration ends 6/30
Don Dupont to resign as ECCT Property Manager

Don Dupont has announced that he is resigning as property manager for ECCT effective June 30, citing increases in his other work commitments. He explained that these limited his time "to perform the property manager role to the level it deserves."

Canon for Mission Finance & Operations Louis Fuertes had praise for Don's servi ce. “Don’s efforts to manage the care of ECCT’s property holdings have been extremely professional and he has demonstrated resourcefulness and sensitivity to the sacred nature of our properties," said Canon Fuertes. "His experience, practical judgment and good nature will be missed. We wish him well.”

The property manager position is part-time and project-based. An updated job description is being finalized and when ready, will be posted on indeed.com and on ECCT's website.
Jack Spaeth memorial service June 29

The Memorial Service and celebration of the life of Jack Spaeth, former Canon for Stewardship and Administration at the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford. Clergy are asked to vest in cassock and surplice with white stole.
Click here to read the letter sent earlier by the bishops.
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 #51 , published June 21, Alli and Karin talk with the Rev. Lee Ann Tolzmann, ECCT's Canon for Mission Leadership, about the reality of clergy leadership in parishes today, and about her own spiritual journey. 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 start 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:
  • June 21-23, Writing workshop w/Davyne Verstandig (info/register here)
  • June 28, Bishop's Book Study with Bishop Laura Ahrens, Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church, by Rachel Held Evans. 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

  • June 29 Ordination of Deacons, 3 p.m., hosted ECCT event
  • June 30 Stained Glass Window Sunday - Tours at 9, 11:30, 1:30
  • July 14 Joint Service at St. Monica's, Hartford



Plan ahead! Upcoming Centennial offerings to ECCT:
*Sunday July 21, Jazz Mass at 10:30 a.m., Joint service with Hartford communities
*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
  • June 25: Convention Planning Team
  • June 30, EfM Graduation at Epiphany, Durham
  • 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, Convention Planning Team Mtg

Bishops' Schedule:

Ministry Network meetings (see more on this calendar )

Region events
  • June 25, NC Region Leadership Team Mtg
  • June 29: SW Region Convocation
  • July 23, 30 & August 6, 13, 20 Hiking Holy Borders with Rachel & Maggie (see info block below)

Ordinations and Celebrations of New Ministry .
  • June 29, Ordinations to the Diaconate, Christ Church Cathedral, 3 p.m.

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.
June 26, Outdoor Pops Concert, Hartford
June 30, Healing Service, Enfield
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
August 24, Bluegrass Festival, Guilford
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, 10-2:  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 
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 start this week. 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 - reviewing applications
  • 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 .