ECCT WEEKLY ENEWSLETTER
September 11, 2018
A Collect for Remembering the Anniversary of September 11
The Revs. Eileen W. Lindner and Marcel A. Welty, National Council of Churches, created this Litany of Remembrance, Penitence, and Hope, which can be privately or collectiv ely. Our bishops encourage parishes to toll their bells at 8:46 a.m. and hold a moment of silence, as commended by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum .
Region Budget Reviews are coming up, Register today!
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.
  • September 13: South Central Region at Grace & St. Peters, Hamden, 6:30 p.m. Register here.
  • 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.
ECCT PODCAST
Episode 18 -- All about Social Media Sunday!

On this episode, Karin and Alli are joined with Carolyn Clement of Trinity, Tariffville, the creator of Social Media Sunday or #SMS18. We talk digital ministry; how churches can get involved with Social Media Sunday; how Carolyn developed the idea of #SMS18!

Listen to the episode and others at Coffee Hour at The Commons , or on iTunes , Google Play , and Stitcher !
Getting ready for #SMS18, here are some possible ideas for your community:
  • 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
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.
New Online Bible Study beginning this fall

ChurchNext, part of Forward Movement , will host 3 new live-streaming Bible studies beginning September 12 on Wednesday evenings 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Topics include: Bible and Racial Justice, Heretics in Good Company, and Bible and Evangelism. Bible studies are free to subscribing ChurchNext congregations, dioceses, and individuals who purchase a $9/month ChurchNext subscription. Find out more and sign up at  www.churchnext.tv.
Two workshops by author Dr. Peter Steinke at Trinity, Vernon, September 14

Dr. Peter Steinke will lead two workshops on September 14, each titled after one of his new books.  Teaching Fish to Walk  will be in the morning and  To Make a Difference  will take place after lunch. Cost: $35 for each session; includes a copy of the book; $60 to attend both sessions; includes both books. Register here . Questions about the venue: Tim Oslovich . Questions about the workshops: Dr. Steinke .
Bishop's Book Discussion with Bishop Laura Ahrens at Camp Washington, 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, 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 . 
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
Reminder: Resolutions and Nominations, are due FRIDAY September 14 contact Adam Yates
The questions for this year's Annual Convention have been rolling in and you can begin previewing them now. It's not too late to submit a question of your own , THIS FRIDAY, September 14 is the deadline.
Register 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 11, Convention Planning
  • September 13, South Central Region Budget Review
  • September 14 -16, Deacon Formation Retreat
  • September 15, Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Curtis Farr, 10:30 a.m., St. Paul's, Fairfield
  • 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

Bishops' Visitation Schedule:

  • September 16, Bishop Ahrens: Grace, Broad Brook; Bishop Douglas: St. Monica's, Hartford
  • 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
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 11: Exploring the Parables, Trinity, Wethersfield
  • September 12: Pre-hike breakfast, Christ and the Epiphany, East Haven
  • September 15: Family Bowling at Amity Bowling Center, Church of the Good Shepherd, Orange
  • September 16: Worship on the Beach at Bradley Point, Church of the Holy Spirit, West Haven
  • September 16: Healing Service, St. Philip's, Putnam
  • September 16: Concert: Prometheus Duo, St. John's, Vernon
  • September 16: Concert: Lyra Vocal Group, Emmanuel, Killingworth
  • September 16: Miles + Mafale Benefit Concert, Trinity, Portland
  • September 17: Potluck & Bible Study, Holy Trinity, Enfield
  • September 21: New Life Journey Celebration Festival & Feast, Trinity, Portland
  • September 22: Handmade in CT Craft Fair, Christ and the Epiphany, East Haven
  • September 22: Classic Car Concours and Cruise, Christ Church, Sharon
  • September 22: Film: Paul, Apostle of Christ, St. James, Farmington
  • 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

Region-wide:


Ministry Network:

  • September 11: Hiking with the Rachels, Farm River State Park, East Haven
  • September 11: Brotherhood of St. Andrew Meeting, 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 .