ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
July 16, 2019
|
|
Responding to the border crisis
|
|
Holy Family in cages: a witness inspired by faith
"Statues of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus have been placed inside two cages outside St. James Episcopal Church [in New London] as a means of witnessing against the inhumane conditions for migrants on the nation's Southern border.
"Conceived by the Rev. Ranjit K. Mathews, rector of St. James, the installation was endorsed by the church's vestry- its governing body -- as well as by the both the diocesan and suffragan bishops of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas and the Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens. It was erected on July 12 and [remained] through Sailfest weekend, which draws thousands of visitors to the city. ..."
- Watch the video: ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Gannett recorded the Rev. Ranjit Mathews talking about the art installation on July 11 on Facebook live. Photo above, by Alli Gannett, shows the installation, Mathews, and leaders from St. James at the front door of their church.
|
|
Ministry Network forming to address plight of migrant children
|
|
The Rev. Deborah Meister (St. Luke's, South Glastonbury) and the Rev. Ranjit Mathews (St. James', New London) and several other priests are forming a 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 intends "to coordinate a multi-parish effort to raise funds to post bail for those children who have adult relatives living in the US..." The Network will partner with
RAICES, a nonprofit immigration legal services provider in Texas, founded in 1986.
In her July 15 letter to ECCT,
linked here, Deborah has written a longer description of the reason behind the new ministry network, and has also put out a call to ECCT churches to take up a collection on August 11, or find other ways to raise funds for this purpose.
"The conditions in which these people are being held are not a political matter, but a moral and spiritual one," she writes. "There is no politics compatible with our faith which allows us to condone these deaths, or the conditions which led to them and which may lead to more. ... this is about our fundamental moral commitments. We who have been baptized in the Episcopal Church, or who have chosen to join the church, are reminded of this each time we renew our baptismal covenant, when we are asked, 'Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?' Always, we reply, 'I will, with God’s help.'”
|
|
Presiding Bishop's statement on the crisis at the U.S. border -
Video statement in English; subtitles available in Spanish
|
|
"Who is my neighbor?"
“¿Quién es mi prójimo?”
“Deeply embedded in the Christian faith, indeed deeply embedded in the Jewish tradition, which is the mother of the Christian faith, and deeply embedded in the faith and traditions and values of many of the world’s great religions, is a profound conviction in a sure and certain value and virtue that care for the stranger, the alien, the visitor, is a sacred duty, a sacred vow.”
Click
here
or on the image above to watch the Presiding Bishop’s video message. For captions in Spanish (or English), choose that option in the CC (Closed Captions) box.
|
|
From the bl
og:
By Guest Contributor Kristen Estabrook, a former Hilden at St. Hilda's House in New Haven; posted by
ECCT Digital Storyteller Alli Gannett
In March of 1911, the rector of Christ Church, New Haven led a procession through my current home. With holy water and incense, he blessed every room. Mary S. Johnson and Josephine A. Lyon had recently moved into this home, St. Hilda’s House, on the corner of Broadway and Elm with the intention “to establish and provide for a place where a certain body of women could live a life of devotion and humble service,” as
Lyon writes
.
One hundred and seven years later, in August of 2018, the current rector of Christ Church, New Haven led a strikingly similar procession through this same home, commemorating and blessing four strangers and me as we committed ourselves to these same intentions: to live a life of devotion and humble service within our shared home, St. Hilda’s House.
|
|
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
|
|
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
(image by Morrow Long on flickr.com)
|
|
Pilgrimage November 16-17, 2019:
Museum of African American History and Culture, in D.C
The Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network's pilgrimage planning team has acquired tickets to the Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The timed, group tickets are for two days, Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17. Travel will be by motor coach, with tentative plans to leave Hartford at 7 a.m. November 16 and make one stop in the Stamford/Greenwich area en route. Attendees will be responsible for making their own reservations at a nearby hotel, discounted rates will be available.
Group size is limited. Details about registration, travel, hotel discount code, meals, and cost are being determined and
will be on this page when available. Future enewsletters will include a link until the trip is full.
|
|
|
Summer film series to explore race and racism:
July 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 13; @ St. Paul's, Wallingford
|
|
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.
|
|
Apply now: Episcopal Church staff officer for racial reconciliation
|
|
[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.
|
|
Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network recruiting Episcopalians for "Speakers Bureau;" training & resources provided
|
|
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.
|
|
Hiking Holy Borders
Join Region Missionary the Rev. Rachel Thomas (SE) and Maggie Breen (NE) 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. Full details:
online calendar;
sort by month and by "Sports & Outdoor Events"
- TODAY: 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;
- August 13: Utley Hill Trail, Columbia;
- August 20: Airline Trail, Lebanon
|
|
 |
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 #54
, published July 12, Alli talks with ECCT's three new Region Missionaries. Get to know them! From left, Erendira Jimenez (Southwest); George Black (South Central); and Dylan Mello (Northwest).
Link here.
|
|
|
|
Christ Church, Greenwich has started a mission partnership with the Episcopal Church of Cuba; their rector the Rev. Marek P. Zabriskie, wrote in his
column in the Greenwich Sentinel about the Episcopal Church of Cuba and its history, and the early shape of the new partnership. (Note: Bishop Griselda will be the guest preacher at Christ Church on July 28.)
The Day of New London gave front page coverage to the story about their recent art installation of the Holy Family in cages, in front of the church.
Read here. It was also in the local
New London Patch (See more reporting above, as well.)
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 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:
|
|
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
|
|
|
*Sunday July 21, 10:30 a.m.
Jazz Mass - Joint Service with Hartford communities
|
|
|
|
*Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m.
Back-to-School Hip Hop Mass
|
|
|
|
Plan ahead! *Saturday, Oct. 26, Centennial Evensong and Reception
|
|
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 listed through the end of August
|
|
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 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 28 Visit from the Bishop of Cuba, Christ Church, Greenwich
- 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 on 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)
|
|
PARISH EVENTS
Events below are coming up in the next few weeks
|
|
Be sure to list your events in your Region eNewsletters to reach your local audiences.
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
|
|
Connect to your Region webpages for info, newsletters, events, social media, and more! Link from each image below. (
What's my Region?
)
|
|
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.
|
|
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. Sessions for the fall are being scheduled now and will be 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.
|
|
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:
Parish and Camp pos
itions:
Clergy non-parochial OR lay professional:
For open Clergy positions in parishes please click
here
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
