ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
March 19, 2019
House of Bishops spring meeting explores "Way of Love;" considers response to Lambeth decision not to invite same-sex spouses to 2020 gathering

Bishops of The Episcopal Church met in retreat at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville NC March 12-15. Visit the Episcopal News Service pages to see reports and photos including some you'll recognize from ECCT. (You can also check the pages for the Public Affairs office with the House of Bishops tag ( here ); these are usually available in Spanish and English, generally without photos.) Photo above, Massachusetts retired Bishop Suffragan Barbara Harris presiding at the opening Eucharist. At left in photo, Dean Miguelina Howell of Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, chaplain to the bishops; Bishop Ian T. Douglas also in photo. (Photo: Mary Frances Schjonberg/ENS)
From the blog : Meet Jerry Davidson: Never mess with the Holy Spirit
by ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Huggins
It is empowering to meet someone who knows that they are doing exactly what God has called them to do. That is the case with Dr. Jerry Davidson. 

Jerry is the Music Director at Trinity Episcopal Church in Torrington. Before Torrington, Jerry was the Professor of Church Music at Louisiana State University. However, he has been a church musician since the age of 13, growing up in rural Arkansas in the Methodist church. He received an MA in Sacred Music from Union, and a PhD in Music Theory from Northwestern University. 

I sat down with Jerry and Eliza Marth, the Northwest Region Missionary, for coffee to talk church music, spirituality, and this new hum of energy happening within the Northwest Region. 

ECCT's Digital Storyteller Alli Huggins 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
Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice: Afternoon workshop for women, March 31

Sign up now to attend Telling Truth and Listening Deep: Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice , led by Valerie Tutson, sponsored by ECCT's Women’s Ministry Network, and open to all who identify as women. Sunday, March 31 from 2-6 p.m. at Ch rist Church Cathedral . Register and more details here .
The Rev. Molly F. James appointed as deputy executive officer of the General Convention

The Rev. Molly James, ECCT's Dean of Formation, has accepted a new position as Deputy Executive Officer of the General Convention, effective March 28. She has served on ECCT staff since 2011 and has both passion for, and experience with, churchwide work. The announcement was made public yesterday, March 18. Click here to read in English and Spanish.

Molly is working with the Commission on Ministry and all those currently in discernment and ordination processes to support a smooth transition. In photo, Molly at a microphone presenting a committee report to the House of Deputies at General Convention last July in Austin, Texas.
UTO seeks young women applicants for 2019-2020 internship to work with Thistle Farm affiliate

Applications are now being accepted for the United Thank Offering 2019-2020 internship, which begins this September 2019 and is in conjunction with Jasmine Road in Greenville, SC. Jasmine Road, a two-year residential program, is a sister community to Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN, and serves women who have survived trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Applications are due June 1. Media release with more info here . Download the application here . 
Overview of March 9 Leadership Gathering & Mission Council meeting

The four ECCT leadership bodies met together on the morning of March 9 to hear a report on the clergy shortage from Canon for Mission Leadership the Rev. Lee Ann Tolzmann, then discussed a section of the book, Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God , by Kelly Brown Douglas, as part of their ongoing work to address racism. In the afternoon, the Mission Council heard reports and took action as required on items including finance, property, ministries, policies, Camp Washington, Joining Jesus, grants, and more. Read full report here.  
Learn more about Coltsville at these two upcoming events

Most Nutmeggers know that Samuel Colt manufactured guns in Hartford, and many Episcopalians know his widow Elizabeth was a devoted Episcopalian who had a church and later a parish house designed as memorials to her husband and their children who died: the Church of the Good Shepherd, on Wyllys Street in Hartford. There is currently an effort to establish  Coltsville as a National Historic Park  in Connecticut and this Episcopal connection is one aspect of that. Learn more at upcoming events on March 27 and 29.

Jack Hale, Good Shepherd's Senior Warden, writes: "Good Shepherd lives with an interesting and challenging paradox. We are a Christian congregation in a community beset with gun violence and our church was built with wealth accumulated through the manufacture of guns that were used for war and for the extermination of Native Americans. The connection cannot be ignored, since it is carved into the very walls of our building. We are challenged to ”make our peace” with that and to find ways to turn these particular swords into plowshares. The impending Coltsville National Historical Park will shine a spotlight on this challenge, and we welcome the attention of scholars who will help to explicate it [and are honored that] the National Council on Public History has chosen to make this challenge the subject of a public plenary session during their annual conference."

  • Wednesday March 27, 9 a.m. to noon, public discussion and Q&A with the scholars, "Coltsville Conversation with Scholars," at Good Shepherd, 155 Wyllys Street, Hartford. Free; no registration required. More info here. 
  • Friday, March 29, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., presentation and public discussion about Coltsville and its potential roles, "Considering Coltsville: A Revolving Story," at Center Church, 60 Gold Street, Hartford. Free, no registration needed. More info on related website here. 
 Learn more about film & dialogue series, "Sacred Ground"

Tonight, Tuesday, March 19, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m Province I is hosting an online conversation with Katrina Browne, creator of Traces of the Trade , about The Episcopal Church's film-and readings-based dialogue series on race, Sacred Ground. More info and register (free) here. The web conference is part of a monthly series hosted by Province 1's Cultural Competency and Multicultural Awareness Task Force.
Joining Jesus initiative shows parish interest in both aspects

The ECCT initiative,  Joining Jesus , in which parishes have the opportunity to pair raising financial resources with deepening spiritual practices, has been underway since January 2, 2019. The initiative is   described in more detail here , and includes a link to   this backgrounder document   mailed to all ECCT parishes.
  • CCS Assistant Vice President Tiffany Reed has met with 71 parishes about their potential participation in the spiritual practices or the fundraising initiative. Fourteen parishes are conducting parish rapid studies to determine interest and capacity for a potential fundraising initiative. Clergy and lay leadership at 11 additional parishes expressed interest in participating in rapid studies this winter; 24 additional parishes expressed interest in participating at a later date;
  • Ana Sofia Hernandez, Executive Director, has joined Tiffany at The Commons in Meriden to work with parishes in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut this spring.
  • Funds set aside by the Mission Council for this purpose will pay the consultants’ expenses for up to six parishes to conduct fundraising initiatives this spring, with the possibility for additional participation this fall and into 2020.
  • Canon for Mission Collaboration the Rev. Tim Hodapp hosted a day-long event on February 23 and a second, shorter event on March 13 to share info on a one-year parish project inviting a team of clergy and lay leaders into a deeper exploration of the spiritual practices; more than 30 parishes expressed interest and 125 people attended those events.
  • Funds set aside by the Mission Council for this purpose will support expenses for up to 12 parishes to participate in the formal one-year experiment.
  • Bishop Douglas is connecting with potential individual supporters of the identified ECCT/Region initiatives (as described in the backgrounder).
  • Advisory Council members, along with the list of parishes participating in the Joining Jesus initiative, will be announced once finalized.
Roster announced for ECCT Liturgical Commission; "Open Communion" task force members to be subset of those

Following the 2018 General Convention, each diocese of The Episcopal Church was asked to establish a liturgical commission for followup on  Resolution A068 , "Plan for the Revision of the Book of Common Prayer." The resolution proposed a path forward for the process of liturgical revision. ECCT's Liturgical Commission, appointed by its bishops, include: the Rev. Allison Reed; the Rev. Stephen Holton; the Rev. Susan Richardson; Mr. Jake Street; Mr. Walden Moore; the Rev. Stephanie Johnson, the Rev. Rebekah Hatch; the Very Rev. Miguelina Howell; Mr. David Thomas; Mr. Rich Lamlin; Ms. Maryann McCary, and both bishops. A subset of these will be appointed by the bishops to serve on a task force as requested by  resolution  of ECCT's 2018 Annual Convention in response to the question, "How would the practice of Open Communion change the life of the church?"
ECCT PODCAST
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!!

NO NEW EPISODE LAST FRIDAY - TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES ...
ECCT IN THE NEWS
Trinity on the Green in New Haven is hosting a Lenten series of guest speakers on the subject of "Trauma and Grace;" the March 17 presentation was given by New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell. New Haven Register reporter Rob Marchant covered the event. Text, video, and photos here.

Trinity Newtown was in the Newtown Bee with photos of their Shrove Tuesday pancake supper here.

Email Karin if your parish or worshiping community has been featured in non-ECCT media/news!
EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & REMINDERS
Don't miss it! Annual Spring Training & Gathering (for laity and clergy) April 27 in Berlin CT - Registration is open
This year's event will be held Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Berlin High School, 139 Patterson Way, Berlin, CT.

Workshop details in booklet here.

Info, links, and resources also on this web page.

It's a day in the spring to gather with lay and ordained Episcopalians in CT for training (aka workshops) in various parish ministries as well as workshops that can help deepen your personal spiritual life. A print mailing was sent to parishes on February 8; special edition 2/21 eNewsletter on the day is here.
Upcoming Clergy Events

  • April 19, Renewal of Vows, Christ Church Cathedral
  • May 9, Retired clergy, spouses & partners event (info/register here)
  • May 20-22, Clergy Conference, Westbrook (info/register here)
  • May 23 Clericus: No. Central & So Central, at St. Peter's Cheshire; 11 a.m. Register here
  • June 4 Clericus: Northeast & Southeast, at St. Peter's, Hebron, 10 a.m. Register here

Mandatory Clergy Professional Development Day :
Choose any of the three offered:

Way of Love and other Lenten resources available in English & Spanish

The Episcopal Church released Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent and Easter , a list of resources from partnering organizations and churches. Three specific resources include Adult Forums, Quiet Days, and "Test Kitchen." Other resources include: Lent Madness, Sermons that Work for Lent, Ashes to Go, and more! Spanish and English resources available. Click the image on right.

  • Click here for a 20-minute podcast interview with "Way of Love" resource developer Jerusalem Greer (from 3/1/19)
"Way of Love" on ECCT social media this Lent

Join the Episcopal Church in Connecticut on social media as we embrace the  Way of Love this Lent. Each week ECCT will focus on one word of the  Way of Love : turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go, and rest. There will be video reflections each Wednesday, as well as prayers and intentions throughout the week. Be sure to follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram (especially IGTV – Instagram TV) to participate. Brought to you by ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Huggins.  
Annual "Faith Behind Bars and Beyond" Forum (prison ministry) to be held March 30

The 10th Prison Forum, presented by the ECCT Ministry Network Faith Behind Bars and Beyond, will be held Saturday, March 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 45 Church Street, Hartford.

PRESENTERS: Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, CSJ, executive director of Hour Children , an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration, will be the keynote speaker. The afternoon speaker will be Lawrence Bartley, communications associate at The Marshall Project , a nonpartisan nonprofit news agency that "seeks to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system."
ADDITIONALLY: In addition to speakers, and a video shown during Lawrence Bartley's forum, there will be a panel discussion with returning citizens and their families and a Q & A following each panel discussion.
REGISTRATION: Register online here. The $10 fee includes your lunch, and beverages and snacks offered throughout the day.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS: Can provide brochures and similar.
WEBSITE WITH FULL DETAILS AND CONTACT : Link here .
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CAMP WASHINGTON?
Upcoming events at Camp Washington:

  • March 29, Bishop Laura Ahren's Book Study, The Cloister, by James Carroll (info & register here)
  • April 4, Second Sunday
  • April 4-7, Rest & Renewal weekend (info & register here)
  • April 5-8, Icon writing workshop (info & register here)
  • April 12, Bishop Laura Ahren's Book Study, Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week, by Amy-Jill Levine
  • May 3-5, Annual Middle School Weekend (info & register here)
  • May 5, Open House for summer camp programs



Sign up the kids for summer camp! Programs include:
Mini-camp (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).
Camp W ashington 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?
Christ Church Cathedral recently adopted this new logo for its centennial year. It retains the cross, which is now in the same blue as the ECCT mark; retains the grape vines, which represent God's vineyard and are also in the State of Connecticut seal; and removes the background shield. The text on the banner was adopted by its Centennial Committee. The Cathedral Chapter approved the final design.  
Upcoming events at Christ Church Cathedral

  • March 23 (Sat. 7 pm): Cuatro Puntos Concert: The Curve, with Iraqi musician/composer Ameen Mokdad (register here)
  • March 24 (Sun. 2-6 pm) Storytelling as a Spiritual Practice (Sponsor: ECCT Women's Ministry Network)
  • March 30 (Sat. 8:30 am. - 2 pm) Faith Beyond Bars & Beyond Prison Ministry Network's annual forum
  • April 11 (Thu., 7 pm): Cuatro Puntos Concert: Sounds of Persia with Iranian santur master Dariush Saghafi and composer Reza Vali
  • April 16 (Holy Tuesday) Annual Clergy Renewal of Vows
  • April 20 (Holy Saturday) Region Confirmations - Easter Vigil
  • May 5 (Sun. 10 am) Mariachi Eucharist
  • May 11 (Sat., 9 am-2 pm) Dean Kelly Brown Douglas, "What it means to be a Church in 'Make America Great Again' Times" (details and register here)
  • May 19, 50th Anniversary celebration for couples married 50 years or more
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 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.

  • March 19, Missional PIC Gathering, The Commons
  • March 20, COM meeting, The Commons
  • March 21, New Call meeting; Standing Committee Mtg., The Commons
  • March 22-23, Postulants & Candidates Retreat with the Bishops, at Camp Washington
  • March 26, Convention Planning Team
  • March 29, Bishop's Book Discussion at Camp Washington: The Cloister, by James Carroll
  • March 30, Faith Behind Bars & Beyond Ministry Network event, Prison Ministry Forum (public)
  • March 31, Women's Ministry Network event, Afternoon with Valarie Tutston (2-6 pm, Christ Church Cathedral)
  • April 2, Joining Jesus Advisory Council
  • April 4: Provisional Priest-in-charge Gathering; Faithful Futures: Transitions

Bishops' Visitation Schedule:

  • March 24: Bishop Ahrens - Calvary, Stonington; Bishop Douglas, Trinity New Haven
  • March 31: Bishop Ahrens, Our Saviour, Plainville; Bishop Douglas, Christ Church, Stratford

Ministry Network meetings (ECCT-wide) (events listed above) (see more on this calendar )

  • March 24, Holy Landers Dinner for 2019 Pilgrims
  • April 2, eco-theology: guest speakers; sponsored by Omega Group, Grace & St. Peter's, and SC Region (7 pm Grace & St. Peter's Hamden)
Parish & Region events

Please visit this calendar for details on these parish and Region events not listed in the Camp, Cathedral, Ministry Network, or ECCT events above. To add an event, please fill out this form .

Listed March 19-April 6: Memory Cafe; Stations of the Cross; Durafle Requiem; SC fundraiser dinner; Polish dinner; Cuatros Puntos concert; healing service; NC Leadership Mtg; NE Region crafting as spiritual practice; "Way of Love" practices; Family Bowl Event; New College, Oxford concert; New World Trio concert; book club: Educated; Vienna Choir Boys; Evensong; Green forum; Men's Breakfast (NE); National Scrapbook Day event; Concert: The New Consort; Chanticleer concert.

Selected event this week: Tuesday, April 4, 6-8 pm at St. John's, Vernon, "Green Forum on Plastic Pollution." View a 22 minute version of the documentary, "A Plastic Ocean," on the impact of plastics in our ocean; hear about plastic pollution in CT's rivers and recycling efforts, current state legislation to regulate single-use plastic, and the moral imperative for addressing this issue. Hosted by St. John's and co-sponsored by the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network . RSVP here .
Sign up for Region Newsletters from eNews

All Region Missionaries will soon start to use an ECCT staff common account in Constant Contact for regular newsletters, so you can sign up right now to receive your Region's newsletter when it launches. These will replace the current ones being published.

The Region Missionaries will do their best to ensure that current subscribers are carried over to the new system but just to be sure (and in case you weren't on that subscriber list), you can subscribe now. Click on "Update Profile" at the footer of this enewsletter or go here and update your newsletter preferences. Sign up for any newsletter you'd like to receive and you can change your subscription at any time.
Safe Church Training - Spring schedule starts in March

All Safe Church Trainings (Comprehensive Basic and Lay Recertification) can be found on our website.

Important note for clergy only:

ALL clergy must attend one Mandatory Clergy Professional Development Day in 2019. These include Safe Church Recertification. Date options (link on them to register): Thu., April 11 in New Canaan; Tue., May 14 in Thomaston; and Sat. June 15 in Vernon.

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:

ECCT is seeking three Region Missionaries to serve the Northwest Region, Southwest Region, and South Central Region (one Region Missionary per Region). Visit www.episcopalct.org for information about the Regions, from structure and boundaries to stories and imagery. Please note: the needs and priorities of the Regions and the particular talents and skillsets of the candidates will take precedence when matching candidates and Regions. 


Applications are currently closed for the position of Racial Justice Resource Coordinator after receiving more than 80 applications.

Parish and Camp pos itions:


For open Clergy positions please click here .