JULY CLERGY ENEWSLETTER
July 26, 2018
General Convention with Pez Jesus & ECCT Youth
by: Rebekah Hatch
The youth team (4 youth & 2 chaperones) came with adventurous spirits, unclear expectations, patience, shoes for walking, reusable ECCT mugs, Camp Washington polos, Pez Jesus! t-shirts, nearly 100 PEZ dispensers, a hashtag (#gencon18), and an infectious desire to steep ourselves in General Convention. And, that’s just what we did. On our first evening, we all went out for dinner and shared our “ups & downs” from the day. One of the challenges that came up was not knowing exactly what we were doing. But, boy, how that shifted. We went from collectively having no idea what General Convention was all about to experts at the V-Binder , resolutions, legislative sessions and taking pictures of any and all bishops in our line of sight.

Curtis Farr and I had the absolute privilege of accompanying four youth to Austin for General Convention, not as members of the Official Youth Presence, but as observers. One of the many fantastic features of General Convention is, that while you can’t vote without being a part of an official deputation, you can do almost anything else. As “just” observers, we were able to visit both the House of Deputies and Bishops; attend legislative committee hearings; take in the Exhibit Hall; and participate in any and all open events and activities that took place at General Convention while we were there.
Our Youth Team enjoyed lunch with other youth and young adults while we were there, and heard directly from the Rev. Gay Jennings (President, House of Deputies). They gathered with other youth teams for dinner and heard from a couple bishops and one another. They counted the Revival as one of the highlights they experienced. They witnessed the larger Bishops United Against Gun Violence (BUAGC) demonstration; as well as a handful of the daily gatherings. Each of them received one of 96 crosses distributed each day by BUAGC. They hung in there as the heat of the sun beat down on us at the Hutto Center. They collectively shared great excitement around welcoming The Episcopal Church in Cuba back into TEC, so much so, that, when the chaperones made the executive decision to take a “tourist” day, the Youth Team didn’t want to leave until after they made it to a legislative hearing on TECCuba (“We can’t leave until at least 10 – we have to make to the 7:30am hearing.”).

There was definitely some free time and fun (VooDoo donuts, LBJ Library, Texas State Capitol), but this group of youth was plugged in and connected to so much of what General Convention included; which is really an amazing display of what the Church is truly about – a combination of frustrating and life-changing moments. If your congregation is interested in hearing more from the Youth Team (Christine Babbit, Andrew Gausepohl, Neal Minto & Elizabeth Rousseau), reach out to me or Curtis and we’ll help you facilitate a meeting with these leaders in our church. Together, we witnessed a church that is more than waking up to where we are right this moment; with a group of youth that are already leading the way. Pez Jesus, indeed.
The Rev. Rebekah Hatch was chaperone, along with the Rev. Curtis Farr, for ECCT’s four-member Youth Team to General Convention 2018. For the other 51 weeks of the year, she works as rector of St. Alban’s, Simsbury; parents two children, plays the piano when she forces herself to sit down, tries mightily to keep up life-giving friendships, reads, and otherwise makes her way through this world as a child of God the best she can.
Recap on General Convention

Karin Hamilton, Canon for Mission Communication and Media released a recap eNewsletter each morning reflecting on the day prior. She covered everything from resolution progress, speeches or presentations, what's happening with ECCT folks, and more. Thanks Karin for all your hard work keeping us all up to date!
Transitional Ministries Conference, September 24 - 27

The  Transition Ministries Conference is a regional meeting of diocesan transition ministers from about 40 dioceses, mostly in the northeastern quadrant of the US (from Missouri east and North Carolina north), specifically to share information about congregations that are searching for clergy and clergy who are looking for new congregations. Diocesan transition ministers present summaries of congregational profiles and pertinent information about potential clergy candidates in search of the best match between talent and need.

The conference occurs twice a year, and the next meeting is September 24 - 27. If you are exploring another call, or are in the early stages of the discernment process, this is an excellent opportunity.

The first step is to fill out the TMC Confidential Information form  here . Please also take the time to update your OTM Portfolio, which can be done online. The deadline for submitting your material is Monday, September 17 .

Knowing that the decision to explore new ministry possibilities is a sensitive one, please rest assured that the names shared at the TMC are kept in strictest confidence; only Lee Ann Tolzmann will know who has asked to be presented. There is a high trust level between TMC transitions ministers, and all honor the delicate nature of this sort of discernment.

The Transition Ministries Conference also maintains a website listing of congregations in search of new leadership at  here . This is in addition to the information you can find at  www.otmportfolio.org . 

Please contact Lee Ann Tolzmann with any questions about the TMC or the process.
Save the Date & Get your Tickets Now for Clergy Retreat, October 9 - 11

Why wait? Purchase your tickets for the 2018 Clergy Retreat now and check one thing off your to-do list.

The theme for this year's Clergy Retreat is Once Upon a Time. It is an invitation into that tender space of telling personal stories, of listening to one another, and of looking at personal faith through the lens of scripture in order to hear new insight and reclaim our foundation.With author and clergywoman the Rev. Rachel G. Hackenberg, all will reflect on God's story within their personal stories, in five sessions:

  1. Story as Truth
  2. Story as Location
  3. Story as Metaphor
  4. Story as Prophecy
  5. Story as Re-Creation

More information and tickets can be found here . And while you're at it, why not nudge one of your colleagues to sign up now too! Because productivity is nice.
Position open for Region Retired Clergy Chaplain:

Bishop Laura Ahrens and the Rev. Susan Davidson encourage individuals or couples to apply for this Region Retired Clergy Chaplain position. This is a volunteer position with mileage and nominal expense reimbursement. Training is available with the expectation of attending a training annually. The Church Pension Group offers training to all chaplains, and CPG covers all expenses related to the training. 

Applications will be reviewed by the Retired Clergy Steering Committee. Please apply by August 10.
Click the image above to see the three events on the ECCT calendar to find out more information.
Upcoming Grant Deadline:

The Jack Spaeth Care for Creation Environmental Grant deadline is August 15 . The mission of the Jack Spaeth Care for Creation Environmental Grant is to encourage innovation and to empower members of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut to educate, witness and invite change in our congregations and communities with the goal of embracing a global vision of climate justice and preserving and celebrating God's creation.

Convention Corner!
Call to Convention
The Rev. Adam Yates, Secretary of Convention, mailed out a paper and electronic version of this year's Call to Convention . It includes information regarding changes to this year's convention, resolution guidelines, how to submit a question to convention, and more.

Annual Convention: Something New
 Something new is coming to Annual Convention this year, and we want you to be a part of it! Learn about why we’re making these changes in this first video in a series .
Register for Convention
Registration is now open for the 2018 Annual Convention , on October 26 & 27 at the Mystic Marriott in Groton, CT! Register before June 15 to get the early bird discount rate of $65.

Annual Convention Banquet: Trivia Night
It's a battle of wits and useless knowledge at Convention on Friday night! Over dinner, compete with your team for unique prizes by answering trivia questions from church history to popular culture--from the arcane to the downright silly. Get together your friends from around the church and register today .
Clergy Events
Upcoming :
  • August: vacation? maybe? sleep? maybe?
  • September 3: THE COMMONS IS CLOSED
  • September 6: Faithful Futures: Stewardship
  • September 8: Leadership Gathering
  • September 14 - 16: Deacon Formation Retreat, Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford
  • September 15: South Central Region Convocation
  • September 15: Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Curtis Farr, St. Paul's, Fairfield
  • September 18: Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Deborah Meister, St. Luke's, Glastonbury
  • September 23: St. John's, Bridgeport's 270th Anniversary
  • September 27: Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Sandra Cosman, St. John's, Pine Meadow

Save the Date:
  • October 9: Fall Clergy Retreat, Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, West Hartford
  • October 16: Northwest & Southwest Region Clericus Gathering
  • October 26-27: Annual Convention, Mystic
  • November 27: North Central & South Central Region Clericus Gathering
  • January 22: Northeast & Southeast Region Clericus Gathering
Clergy in Transition
Please help spread the word about the following: 

St. David’s, Gales Ferry continues to seek a full-time rector.

Christ Church, Stratford has re-opened their process, and is now accepting applications for a ¾ time rector.

Applications are still being accepted for FULL TIME CHAPLAIN POSITION at Seabury Lifecare Community in Bloomfield: 
  • The Chaplaincy’s purpose is to support the mission and philosophy of Seabury, Inc. and its current programs and practices focusing additional attention and resources on a systematic and holistic approach to the spiritual and overall health needs of residents, members, staff and the broader community. 
  • This is a full-time exempt position with full participation in CPG, and the expectation that the Chaplain will fully participate as clergy in ECCT activities such as Clergy Conference, etc. 
  • Full job description available here. 
  • Deadline is July 31, 2018 

Clergy in Transition 

The Rev. Mark Byers has accepted an appointment as Provisional Priest in Charge at St. Andrew’s Church, Meriden.

The Rev. Nathan Ives has accepted a position as Priest in Charge of St. Peter’s/San Pedro Church in Salem, Massachusetts, beginning August 1. He has resigned from his ministry as Missional Priest in Charge at Grace Church, Stafford Springs.

The Rev. Patricia Leonard-Pasley has accepted a call as Rector of Trinity Church in Seymour and will be leaving her current position as Rector of St. Andrew’s in Devon.

The Rev. Tuesday Rupp has accepted a call as Rector of St. Paul’s in Woodbury, beginning August 1.

The Rev. Betty Long has been appointed Conditional Priest in Charge of St. John the Evangelist in Yalesville, effective July 1.

The Rev. Dr. Victoria Miller has been appointed Missional Priest in Charge of St. John’s, East Windsor, beginning September 1.

Parishes in Transition

Calvary Church, Stonington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim PIC in place: Ajung Sojwal
Christ Church, East Norwalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
Christ Church, Greenwich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interviewing
Christ Church, Middle Haddam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking CPIC
Christ Church, Redding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim PIC in place: Alon White
Christ Church, Sharon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
Christ Church, Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receiving Names ¾ time rector
Christ Church, Tashua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking part time PIC
Epiphany, Durham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking MPIC
Good Shepherd, Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transition Team at work
Good Shepherd, Orange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking PT PIC
Grace Church, Newington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
Grace Church, Stafford Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
Grace Church, Yantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interviewing
Holy Advent, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Negotiating
Holy Spirit, West Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Conditional PIC
Holy Trinity, Enfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking half-time PPIC
Holy Trinity, Middletown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In process
Middlesex Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim PIC in place: Jim Bradley
St. Andrew’s Stamford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking PT PIC
St. David’s, Gale’s Ferry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receiving Names FT Rector
St. Gabriel’s, East Berlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
St. James’ Danbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Interim PIC
St. James Poquetanuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interviewing
St. John’s, New Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
St. John’s, Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pending
St. Luke’s New Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking PT PIC
St. Martin’s, Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC
St. Paul’s, Bantam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In process
Trinity Church, Milton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In process
Trinity Church, Wethersfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seeking Missional PIC

Please contact me ( latolzmann@episcopalct.org ) with any questions about the TMC or the process. I look forward to working with you.
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