ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
September 18, 2018
Assist those in need in the wake of Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Florence has begun to weaken as it moves inland, but over the weekend it left South Carolina and North Carolina with a path of destruction. The Episcopal Relief & Development has a Hurricane Relief Fund to assist dioceses and partners in need with on the ground support: food, water, pastoral care, urgent care, etc. Consider donating to Episcopal Relief & Development to help our siblings in need.
Register NOW -- Region Budget Reviews are coming up.
ECCT will once again hold a series of regional meetings to discuss the financial plans for the upcoming year. All priests and parishioners are invited to attend any of these meetings, regardless of the region in which you live or worship.

These Region Budget Reviews are intended to explain ECCT’s budget development, review and approval process, and to provide attendees with information about the proposed Budget of Convention. Louis Fuertes, Canon for Mission Finance and Operations, will present an overview of the proposed Budget of Convention. Either Bishop Ian or Bishop Laura will be present to facilitate discussion and answer questions about ECCT’s plans for the future. All Episcopalians interested in our common fiscal life are invited to attend and take part in the lively discussions that we have shared in these sessions in recent years. Convention delegates and alternates are particularly encouraged to attend so that areas of interest and concern can be explored in advance of our October 26 – 27 Annual Convention.

If you would like to attend a Region Budget Review, please reserve a place now.
  • TODAY September 18: Northwest Region at St. Michael's, Litchfield, 6:30 p.m. Register here.
  • September 25: Southeast Region at St. Andrew's, Madison, 7:00 p.m. Register here.
  • September 27: North Central Region at St. James', Farmington, 6:00 p.m. Register here.
  • October 2: Northeast Region at St. James', Glastonbury, 6:30 p.m. Register here.
  • October 16: Southwest Region at Emmauel, Weston, 6:30 p.m. Register here.
Social Media Sunday is coming up -- September 30!

Social Media Sunday began here in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut by Carolyn Clement. It is a day to keep your phones on silent, but out of your pockets. Engage with others around the world and share the Good Word with your community online.

Here are some possible ideas for Social Media Sunday:

  • Use #ECCT and #SMS18 in all your posts
  • Snap a church-wide selfie
  • Tweet take-aways from the sermon
  • Check-in on Facebook from church
  • Set up a tech-help desk at coffee hour
  • Follow you church and ECCT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
ECCT PODCAST
Episode 19 -- Region Missionaries 2.0

On this episode, Karin and Alli are joined with Eliza Marth, Northwest Region Missionary, the Rev. Carlos de la Torre, Southwest Region Missionary, and Maggie Breen, Northeast Region Missionary.

Listen to the episode and others 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!!
CELEBRATIONS & ORDINATIONS
Click image for service times and more information
EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & REMINDERS
Parish/worshiping community survey continues
P lease update with 2018 delegates to Annual Convention and other changes

A survey was launched in July 2017 to provide robust data on parishes, along with policies and procedures to make some of that data available for direct collaboration among parishes and worshiping communities. Access is given to people whose own names are entered; see policies here. Thanks so much to the following churches that completed their survey since the last announcement: Christ Church, Pomfret; Trinity, Portland; St. Andrew's, Milford; St. Michael's, Litchfield.

Click here to read the related documents. Most recent version of expanded parish directory here , using survey data combined with separate clergy database info.
September is Disaster Preparedness Month!

This month, schedule some time with your friends and family to learn a new lifesaving skill: sign up for a CPR class, double check your insurance & encourage others to do so, create an emergency evacuation plan for your home, work, and church. Ready.gov has a great page of resources, links, and tips to help you be prepared. Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.
REGISTER FOR CLERGY RETREAT: October 9 - 11

Once Upon a Time: an invitation into that tender space of telling our stories, of listening to one another, and of looking at our faith through the lens of scripture in order to hear new insight and reclaim our foundation. With author and clergywoman Rachel G. Hackenberg, we'll reflect on God's story within our stories -- its highest hopes and wildest imagination, its trials and joys, its connections and ongoing revelations -- in five sessions: Story as Truth, Story as Location, Story as Metaphor, Story as Prophecy, Story as Re-Creation. Register here.
Bishop's Book Discussion with Bishop Laura Ahrens at Camp Washington, Today, September 18

Join Bishop Laura Ahrens to discuss Waking Up White by Debbie Irving , Chapters 1 - 5. Discussion begins at 11:00 a.m. and is open to everyone. There is no cost to attend, however a $10 donation is encouraged to cover the cost of lunch. Please register at campwashington.org or call 890-567-9623.
Grant Deadline for Sustainability Development Fund, October 1

The Millennium Fund is now known as The Sustainable Development Fund and provides funding for mission projects. The Fund varies from year to year but typically ranges from $40,000 - 45,000. The sponsoring group must be a parish or organization in good standing of the ECCT. Learn more about the criteria and download the application here .
ECCT Poetry Day at Camp Washington -- October 3

Reserve your spot for the next ECCT Poetry day at Camp Washington on October 3, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Day to include poetry prompts, cozy work spaces next to the fireplace, read-a-round and conversations, and lunch. Cost of the day is $30, please reach out to Dr. Barbara Campbell to rsvp by September 25.
A Contemplative Approach to Spirituality & Sexuality, Oct. 4 in Sewanee, Tennessee

The Beecken Center offers a day-long workshop to discuss sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity at St. Mary's parish in Sewanee, Tennessee. The workshop will focus on healthy and honest conversation around spirituality and sexuality, as well as provide tools for participants to engage in discussion around sex, sexuality, and spirituality. Learn more and register for the workshop here .
Camp Washington's PRIDE Weekend, October 5 - 7

This retreat weekend open to all LGBTQ+ youth and allies, will feature workshops, food, music, guest speaker Tony Ferraiolo, Certified Life Coach and public speaker, and more! Cost $150, register today at campwashington.org/pride.
Love God, Love Neighbor, Episcopal Migration Ministries Conference, October 11 - 13

Registration is now open for “Love God, Love Neighbor,” a three-day training course, sponsored by  Episcopal Migration Ministries , for clergy and laity that is designed to equip Episcopalians to be advocates, allies, and ambassadors for refugees and the ministry of refugee resettlement. October 11-13 at Christ Church Cathedral, Louisville, Kentucky. Information and registration are available  here . 
Social justice & advocacy grant deadline October 15

The Mission Development Fund, managed by Social Justice and Advocacy Ministry Network, awards financial grants to support projects related to social justice and advocacy to individuals and parishes in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Applications are due October 15. Learn more here .
Register today for the next Discipleship Matters Conference

Register for the Discipleship Matters Conference, October 15 - 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This national conference series explores Christian formation for discipleship, scripture engagement, habits of daily prayer, serving the poor, and sharing the Good News. The conference will offer keynote presentations, workshops, and networking time, and will be undergirded with Eucharist and the Daily Office. More information here .
ANNUAL CONVENTION
October 26 - 27 at Mystic Marriott in Groton, CT
Read the latest Convention update here .
Register TODAY for Convention
Registration is open for the 2018 Annual Convention, on October 26 & 27 at the Mystic Marriott in Groton, CT. More information here or on our website . Hotel registration is separate.
Submit your delegates' names
Submit the names of your elected delegates and alternates using the ECCT parish survey ( link here , or email Matt Handi for more information). 
Trivia Night Banquet
 It's a battle of wits and useless knowledge at Convention on Friday night! Get together your friends from around the church and register today.
ECCT CALENDAR
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.

  • September 18: Bishop's Book Discussion at Camp Washington
  • September 18: Provisional Priest-in-Charge Gathering
  • September 18: Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Deborah Meister, 6:30 p.m., St. Luke's, Glastonbury
  • September 18: Northwest Region Budget Review
  • September 19: 49ers Gathering
  • September 20: New Call meeting (formerly Fresh Start), The Commons
  • September 20: Property Committee meeting, The Commons
  • September 21-22: COM-Discernment Gathering with Nominees, Incarnation Center, Ivoryton
  • September 25: Convention Planning, The Commons
  • September 25: Southeast Region Budget Review
  • September 26: Faith & Order: Resolution Decision Deadline, The Commons
  • September 26: COM Gathering, The Commons
  • September 27: North Central Region Budget Review, St. James, Farmington
  • September 27: Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Sandra Cosman, 6:30 p.m., St. John's, Pine Meadow
  • September 29: Commission on Ministry Fall Gathering with nominees, The Commons
  • October 2: Interim Priest-in-Charge Gathering, The Commons
  • October 2: Northeast Region Budget Review, St. James', Glastonbury

Bishops' Visitation Schedule:

  • September 23: Bishop Ahrens: St. Mark's, Storrs
  • September 30: Bishop Ahrens: All Saints, Cornwall; Bishop Douglas: St. Albans, Simsbury
  • October 7: Bishop Ahrens: St. Peter's-Trinity, Thomaston
  • October 14: Bishop Ahrens: Christ Church, Guilford; Bishop Douglas: St. David's, Gales Ferry
All Parish, Region, and Ministry Network events are posted on  this calendar .

Below are the upcoming events for the next two weeks. Hosting an event? Please submit ALL parish, Region, and Ministry Network events  using this form. Please indicate which region your event is in by selecting the appropriate region category.   Contact specific parish for updates, locations, and details.

PLEASE check to see if your event is already on the calendar before you submit it.

Parish:
Regular worship services, including season-specific, will not be listed below.   

  • September 21: New Life Journey Celebration Festival & Feast, Trinity, Portland
  • September 21: Faith on Fire presents Dane Boston, Christ Church, Greenwich
  • September 22: Handmade in CT Craft Fair, Christ and the Epiphany, East Haven
  • September 22: Fall Bake, Mum, & Tag Sale, St. John's the Evangelist, Yalesville
  • September 22: Classic Car Concours and Cruise, Christ Church, Sharon
  • September 22: Film: Paul, Apostle of Christ, St. James, Farmington
  • September 22: Holy Smokes BBQ, Trinity, Collinsville
  • September 22: Penny Lane "Beatles" Concert, Trinity, Trumbull
  • September 23: 6th Annual Miles for Mission Road Race, St. Francis, Stamford
  • September 23: Growing in Faith, Trinity, Wethersfield
  • September 23: Choral Evensong, St. John's, West Hartford
  • September 23: Healing Service, Holy Trinity, Enfield
  • September 24: Hosted Series: Racism in America, St. Mary's, Manchester
  • September 29: Tag & Bake Sale, Grace, Broad Brook
  • September 29: 43rd Annual Craft and Harvest Fair, St. George's, Bolton
  • September 29: Mum & Bake Sale, Church of the Holy Spirit, West Haven
  • September 29 - 30: 42nd Annual Apple Festival, Christ Church, Trumbull
  • September 29: Autumn Harvest Dinner, Auction, & Antiques Lecture, St. Mary's, Manchester
  • September 29: Choral Evensong for St. Michael's Festival, St. Michael's, Litchfield
  • September 29: Courage & Faith: Austin Channing Brown, Christ Church, Greenwich
  • September 30: Glory Days Bible Studies w/ Max Lucado, Christ Church, Oxford
  • September 30: Threatened and Endangered Birds of Prey, St. John's, Vernon
  • September 30: Animal Blessing, Christ and the Epiphany, East Haven
  • September 30: New World Trio: Ensemble-in-Residence at The Red Door, St. John's, West Hartford
  • September 30: Chili & Rice Cookoff, Trinity, Wethersfield

Region-wide:

  • September 22: SE Region Wardens' Meeting, St. James', New London
  • September 22: NC Region: Talking about Faith & Family, Playdate for Families with Young Children, St. James's, West Hartford
  • October 2: SC Region: Service of Remembrance and Community Outreach, Church of the Good Shepherd, Shelton

Ministry Network:

  • September 27: Hiking with the Rachels, Paugussett State Forest, Newtown
  • September 29: Brotherhood of St. Andrew Steak and Chicken Dinner, St. John's, Vernon
Safe Church Training:

All Safe Church Trainings (Comprehensive Basic, and Lay Recertification) can be found on our website. We will no longer be listing each training in the eNews. Please find & register for trainings on our website .
OPEN POSITIONS
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. 


For open Clergy positions please click here .