SUMMER 2019
Greetings from your Region Missionary
It has been a very full summer of adventure, faith and community. On June 9th, Pentecost Sunday, I flew to Israel with a group of ECCT pilgrims to spend 10 days in the Holy Land. The following Sunday, we worshiped at Christ Church in Nazareth. The service was conducted in Arabic, English and Japanese - when we sang, we sang in all three languages simultaneously! It was a true Pentecost experience - it was beautiful and overwhelming; two words I would use to describe the entire pilgrimage experience. I Ieft Israel with a greater appreciation for the early church and the people ("the living stones") who carry our faith and tradition forward. One of the most powerful moments of the trip was standing above the foundation of St. Peter's house in Capernum. Looking down at the foundation of our Church, quite literally (see image below), I was overwhelmed with awe for how simply it all began. The Jesus Movement began here when people decided to gather together to tell the story of Jesus again, and again, and again. Staring at the tiny stone foundation, I felt great hope for the Church knowing it will continue even if it means returning to the simplest ways of being Christian.
The Rev. Erin Flinn
NC Region Missionary eflinn@episcopalct.org
Mobile: 860-966-3742
As a Region Missionary, I am constantly reminded that it is our communities and our relationship to Jesus, to each other and the world around us that make us Church. Not our buildings, or even the pageantry of our liturgy that I love so much. It's all about the people--how we connect to each other through our shared belief in Jesus, how we love each other in light of the Gospel, and what we do with our connections and our love that we might be Christ's hands and feet in the world.

As we move from summer into fall, I look forward to visiting our North Central Region parishes to spend time in community--to preach and proclaim the Gospel, to explore neighborhoods together by map and by foot, and to share our God stories. If you would like for me to schedule a Sunday visit to your parish this program year, please send me an email and I would be happy to plan a visit with you.
NC Region Leadership Goes on Retreat by the Sea
What a wonderful experience last Saturday (8/10) was! It was a God filled day for the North Central Region Leadership Team members who went on a day long retreat together at Mercy By The Sea under the guidance of Gail Lebert, our facilitator. We met to reflect and develop a strategy for moving forward in our new program year and to get to know each other better. Everyone present gave insight into their gifts: Sue does a purse ministry at Trinity, Wethersfield where she fills purses with items for homeless women. Loyda writes very beautiful icons as an act of prayer. Melien excels in digital communication and what a story she told -- breaking down the internet with picture blocks! Trish uses her talent in prayer and knitting. Steve tells stories using photos and is presently archiving the history of Church of Our Savior, Plainville and St. John’s, Bristol. Rebekah shared how music teaches her about community. Erin’s production management skills keep us moving along with creative time management. Karanne has a gift for grant writing and event planning. And Mabel has a gift for keeping tally of our monies for planning our events and gatherings, she is also training to be a Food Service Manager which will allow her to prepare food for homeless shelters in the area.

There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone (1 Cor 12:4-6).

After getting to know each other better, we reflected on our region. We noted parishes who are in transition, approaching transition, or recently out of transition – of which there are many. We need to keep all of them in our prayers, and our team is committed to praying for our entire region every time we gather. Our hope is to "pray our way into relationship" with each other and the region. We also noticed that of the 35 parishes and worshiping communities in our region only 9 participate in the leadership team. How can we gain participation and ensure that we are connecting and communicating with all our parishes? This is a question we will be focusing on this year. 

At the end of the day our team divided into sub groups to begin the task of planning our next convocation, figuring out the governance structure of our group, coming up with a communications strategy, and brainstorming ways to ensure that the breadth and diversity of the region is reflected in our team. 
- Mabel Maynard, Grace Newington
Member of NC Region Leadership Team
The North Central Region Leadership Team will continue to meet monthly at Trinity, Wethersfield through December on the first Wednesday of the month from 6 PM to 8 PM. If you are interested in joining a meeting please contact our Convener, Trish Leonard at gmakhc@cox.net or our Region Missionary at eflinn@episcopalct.org .
God's Mission in North Central Connecticut
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine:
Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church,
and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21
SCROLL TO READ:
- How Well Do You Know Your Neighborhood?
- Sacred Healing in the NC & SC Regions
- Joining God Along The River
- Letting Go of Stumbling Blocks at Pentecost
- Giving Garden Springs to Life in Middlefield
- Beaders String Prayers Together in Portland
- Walkin' & Rollin' in New Britain
- Filling Purses for Women in Need in Wethersfeild
- Our Cathedral Music Moves Hartford
- Using the Gifts You've Been Given to Serve
- Ministry Networks News
- Upcoming Events & Opportunities
- Season of Racial Healing, Justice & Reconciliation
- Communications & Closing Prayer
How Well Do You Know Your Neighborhood?
One thing that I hope parishes will focus on this year, is getting to know the neighborhood around their church better. For some of our parishes (St. Monica's, Hartford; Grace, Hartford; St. Mark's, New Britain and Christ Church Cathedral) that means participating in the Joining Jesus Spiritual Practices pilot program which began in the spring. For others it will mean finding new ways to get out into the neighborhood.

One of the practices I have enjoyed this summer is taking a prayer walk through the neighborhood around a church. I went on my first prayer walk with members of St. Mark's, New Britain this July. We spent an hour exploring the space around us - looking at art, walking down streets, reading plaques, and talking about the history of the town. When the Spirit moved, usually after a story was shared, we stopped and prayed for the community.

Another way to explore the neighborhood is to sit with a map for an hour. The practice is simple. After a moment of prayer folks approach a large map with three different color flags and mark places that bring them joy, places that break their heart, and places that make them curious. Then they take another flag and note the resources that are available in the community to help them engage with the neighborhood. Once the flags are on the map folks are invited to share stories about the different places they flagged. They are then invited to consider how God might be calling them to engage with the neighborhood around them. The first parish I walked through this exercise with was St. Monica's, Hartford. Below is a short reflection from one of their members:

The map was a novel idea and encouraged group engagement in a new way. It was certainly a new way of looking at our community for me. I, and perhaps we, think of neighbors and neighborhood as those on our street or block. The idea that those resources and residents in a 2 mile radius of our church are our neighbors was something to think about. The visual and discussion that followed was eye opening and mind bending for those who had ears to hear and eyes to see. Not sure how many of our folks got it, but some of us were inspired to look beyond our block and see the resources farther out. We do have the map still and bring it out frequently - Lucy Fuentes

If your parish is interested in going on a prayer walk or mapping the neighborhood in a parish forum after Sunday worship - please reach out to me at eflinn@episcopalct.org to explore what might be most helpful for your community.
- The Rev. Erin Flinn
North Central Region Missionary
Sacred Healing in the NC & SC Regions
During the summer months of July and August people from the North and South Central Regions gathered at St. Paul's, Wallingford for the Sacred Healing summer film series, hosted by the NC & SC Regions, to begin a conversation about race and racism in our country and in our communities. Over the course of three Tuesday evenings we watched three films: Blindspotting ; Do The Right Thing ; and Traces of the Trade as well as excerpts from panel discussions at Trinity Church Wall Street's conference " Scene & Unseen: Facing Racism through Film . " Inspired by David Whyte's poem "Start Close In," the planning team invited folks to enter this work with the following words: "Start close in, don't take the second step or the third, start with the first thing, close in, the step you don't want to take." The gathered body was invited to engage with the films as a lens into new perspectives, as well as a mirror to explore their own perspectives and experiences of race. Folks were engaged with the material and conversations surrounding the films were rich and could have gone on for hours. Together we reaffirmed that the work that needs to be done around racial healing is " not an option " (Kelly Brown Douglas) and we are all invited to make a choice -- " Do we want to be healed? " (Catherine Meeks). If the answer is yes, which it must be, then we have to commit to having these conversations and engaging in the justice work of ending racism. Having heard a desire to continue conversation and explore more materials from "Scene & Unseen" (as well as other materials) the planning team hopes to offer another opportunity to gather in the near future to continue the work we began in July and August. If you are interested in being part of planning the next step, please reach out to Erin Flinn, NC Region Missionary, at eflinn@episcopalct.org .

A big thank you to our host parish St. Paul's, Wallingford and our planning team: The Rev. Dee Ann Dodd and Rob Page (St. Paul's Wallingford), Karen Otte (Epiphany, Durham), Diane Kyle (Christ Church, Gilford), Trish Leonard (St. Paul's, Southington), The Rev. Erin Flinn (NC Region Missionary) and The Rev. Rachel Field (former SC Region Missionary); our facilitators: Erica Byrne (St. Paul's, Southington), Chad Reddick and Katy Forline (Epiphany, Durham); and our chaplains: The Rev. Deborah Meister (St. Luke's, South Glastonbury) and The Rev. Don Hamer.
- The Rev. Erin Flinn
North Central Region Missionary
Joining God Along The River
The last week of May, pilgrims made their way down the Connecticut River, stopping at several churches along the way. A big thank you to the NC Region Parishes--Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford; Church of St. Andrew the Apostle, Rocky Hill; and Church of the Holy Trinity, Middletown for your kindness and hospitality, and for sharing your stories with our pilgrims.

A reflection from Rachel Thomas, Southeast Region Missionary: The last week of May I had the privilege of being a part of the canoeing and kayaking pilgrimage on the Connecticut River from Windsor to the Long Island Sound. A core group of Region Missionaries (Rachel Field, Erin Flinn, and myself), alongside a student from YDS, had been working with the staff of Kairos Earth since the first of the year to plan the trip. 
In the evenings, different parishes along the way opened their doors and floors to us. A t Christ Church Cathedral , we worshiped with the 8 o’clockers after spending a night camping in the carpeted Reception Hall: clearly a first for me, in spite of many years of experiences in our Cathedral. The people of St. Andrew’s, Rocky Hill put on a great cookout, followed by a presentation by the town historian. In Holy Trinity, Middletown we heard from the parish historian about the history of slavery in Middletown. At our stop in St. Stephen’s, East Haddam after another great cookout, we heard from those who had experienced homelessness along the river in Middletown.  

In all these stories of trading, farming, shipbuilding, the changing path of the river, slaves who were baptized in parishes and their owners, leading business people of the town in their day, racism and homelessness, we took the time to listen and respect the life that has happened and is happening as the river flows. In that listening and respecting, the presence of God as the source of the river of life was clear.  

What I ended up treasuring the most of all the privileges that I experienced in that week were the spiritual practices in which we engaged. They provided a connection to the presence of the Holy One, holding all of our experiences and reflections together.  
- The Rev. Rachel Thomas
Southeast Region Missionary
Letting Go of Stumbling Blocks at Pentecost
Plain pine blocks cut all the same length were passed out in burlap sacks to neighborhood churches, faith groups and area Episcopal Parishes.  Trinity Church – Portland, Epiphany – Durham, Holy Trinity – Middletown, St James – Higganum, Grace and Mercy – Portland, New Life Journey – Portland, and Street Fire Ministries – Middletown each invited their congregations to write on the blocks all the things that were their personal stumbling blocks – things that kept them from an more kindred relationship with God. Praying over the plain block to face all that holds me from a closer relationship with Christ was a thought-provoking experience. I became mindful of various things in my daily life beyond the sins that drain time, such as Netflix or my iPhone. Adding my blocks to the growing pile in our baptismal font I saw common topics written in different handwriting and colors. The blocks were built into a tower around a wooden human figure in the center.  As blocks were added around the figure, I was opened to additional possibilities I did not allow myself to see as stumbling blocks that kept me from Christ.  

Reading all the collective blocks of the tower of various sins reminded me no sin is greater than the other. We are all battling things that keep us from a right relationship with God. These are our stumbling blocks, but Christ is waiting with a helping hand to work past all our issues and welcome us into his warm embrace. 
As our Pentecost event arrived, we had the built tower with additional blocks to be added to the fire on the baptismal font in the church. Overnight, an anonymous individual created a display. The wooden stick figure had been freed from the center of the tower.  I was touched deeply, instantly seeing the Hope of Christ. The loose stumbling blocks were strewn on their sides marring the path to the altar causing me to think of our journey of life and the moments when Christ or others helped us through. The wooden figure was now positioned on knee praying at the steps to the altar with stumbling blocks still standing around. The vision caused me to cry reflecting how we pray to open ourselves to the glory of God.   

Initially responses to the display were mixed. Some saw it as an art piece, some felt someone was acting out and sending a message to the church. How could one take it upon themselves to do something counter to what the congregations were doing together? How is the spirit speaking to each of us? was an additional conversation brought to our parish. We kept the display in place, and it became an integral part of our church service the following day when we gathered together to eat and then burn our tower of stumbling blocks. That afternoon the circle of people from many different locations became one body in Christ as the flames started. Seeing the beauty of the orange and yellow and the smoke rising to God was such a powerful moment; the smell of smoke, the dancing flames, holding the hand of those by me, embraced the moment and the vivid connection of the Spirit.  
- Sean Donadio
Jr. Warden at Trinity, Portland
Giving Garden Springs to Life in Middlefield
Two years ago, The Giving Garden of Durham/Middlefield (GG) 405 Main St., Middlefield was a vision. Now it is reality: a bountiful, beautiful grassroots project, located in Middlefield. It is a “common good garden,” meaning it raises produce which is provided free to people who could benefit from access to healthy, fresh food. I learned about this concept at the ECCT Convention a few years ago, where I heard a presentation by gardeners from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Southington and Church of the Holy Advent in Clinton. I got excited about creating a common good garden in my area, in connection with the Church of the Epiphany in Durham, my home church. When I told a group of environmentally-conscious folks in our area called Coginchaug Area Transition (CAT) about this vision they jumped right in. It turns out CAT had been talking about creating a community garden in Middlefield or Durham for several years. 

During the summer 2018, Heather Moeller (a member of Epiphany) and I, along with members of CAT, looked at several common good gardens located on the grounds of St. Paul’s (Southington); Church of the Holy Advent (Clinton); Grace Church (Old Saybrook) and St. John’s (Vernon). Each garden had a unique story of church and community engagement. 

These gardens are truly a community effort and would not exist without the support of local organizations such as school groups, vo-ag programs, scouting programs, service organizations, municipalities, garden clubs, local non-profits and agencies and, of course, churches. Support often comes in the form of “people power” as well as grants, cash and donations of time. From the start, the First Selectmen of Middlefield and Durham have supported this project, as have members of Girl and Boy Scout troops. Church of the Epiphany is in there, too. 

Since May, we have delivered fresh veggies regularly to the social services departments in Durham and Middlefield, and, when supplies are ample, to Amazing Grace food pantry in Middletown. The Garden exemplifies The Prayers of the People, Form IV (pg. 388, The Book of Common Prayer, 1979), which says: “Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.”

People gather at the GG to weed, seed and harvest on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, 9 to 12 noon (more hands are always welcome!). Or just drop by to enjoy the Garden’s beauty. The Giving Garden of Durham/Middlefield is located at 405 Main St., Middlefield. It is also on Facebook. For more information on common good gardens, get Harvesting Abundance: Local Initiatives of Food and Faith by Brian Sellers-Petersen, from Church Publishing.
- Judy Moeckel
Epiphany, Durham
Beaders String Prayers Together in Portland
This past spring, Trinity Church in Portland was searching for a Lenten workshop theme that would enhance their collective prayer practice in a tangible and accessible way. The solution? Anglican Prayer Beads, inspired by the book, A Bead and a Prayer by Kirsten E. Vincent. About twenty people arrived that Saturday in March learning the basics of beading and the process of creating prayer beads. There has been no stopping them since. 

Thursdays at 5:30, Fridays during the knitting circle, and often after church on Sundays beaders from Trinity, Portland and members of the Follow Me Home community gather their plastic boxes filled with a variety of beads and turn them into circles of prayer beads. There are now thirty five beaders who enjoy each other’s company while creating prayer beads infused with laughter, love and prayers for the person that chooses the beads.
Following simple directions, beautiful combinations of beads and crosses come together. Prayer beads are made up of 28 beads divided into four groups of seven called “weeks”. Between each week is a single bead called a cruciform bead and those four cruciform form a cross. There is also an invitatory bead and a cross that hangs below the circle of beads bringing the total to thirty three beads, the number of years in Jesus’ earthly life. Like a Rosary, Anglican Prayer Beads are used to enrich contemplative prayer, to provide focus and concentration, allowing the one who prays to move more swiftly into the Presence of God. For some, the beads in their pockets are a tactile reminder to take a moment out of a busy schedule to lift a prayer.

Dozens of prayer beads have been made with no two alike. The beads are on display and available in the parish hall and the meeting rooms where we provide space for many meeting during the week for the community - business group, AA, FA, NA, youth suicide prevention. Many people who attend these meetings take the beads with a pamphlet explaining them and the prayers that go with them. There is no charge; the beads and booklets are a free offering to all who enter Trinity’s doors. They are going as fast as we can make them.

Trinity beaders welcome newcomers, but watch out, this is an addictive ministry. Those wishing to aid the ministry may donate gift cards for Michael’s, or Joann Fabrics.
- Jackie Keech
Trinity, Portland
Walkin' & Rollin' in New Britain
St. Mark’s, New Britain has moved from 147 West Main St to its new home at 90 Main St in the South Church building. Now its location matches its mission to be part of the “heart of the city.” On July 24th, New Britain celebrated the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with its annual Walk & Roll Ability Awareness Day. The event began with a one-mile walk/roll around Walnut Hill Park and continued at the Darius Miller Band Shell. There were free T-shirts, raffles, refreshments and information booths displaying all sorts of city services. The band “Timmy Maia Experience” kept spirits high with music perfect for dancing or relaxing in a lawn chair on a warm summer evening.

St. Mark’s booth, topped by a banner with our signature lion, was in the middle of the fun celebration. We scooped free vanilla ice cream for a steady stream of sundae lovers and collected 36 prayer requests. Those prayers were faithfully offered to God the following Sunday and continue in our prayer chain. We were rewarded with lots of thankful happy smiles.
We have been involved with the Walk & Roll for more than 10 years. Part of our reason for wanting to participate this year was to let people know that we are still here and active. And, doing things like this puts me in the midst of the real community made up of people with all sorts of backgrounds, problems, happy moments, desires, goals, etc. I learn so much from the community about myself, my weaknesses and strengths. I hope events like these allow me to connect human being to human being, to see others just as God sees us and cares unconditionally.

We owe many thanks to our dedicated volunteers (Father Shaw, Sue, Norm, Dave, Paula, Phil, Michael, Justina, Allison and Cheryl). We sincerely thank June O’Leary, City of New Britain Disabilities Service Advocate, for inviting St. Mark’s to participate and providing event T-shirts! We received so much more than we gave, and we are grateful.
- Allison Penick
St. Mark's, New Britain
Filling Purses for Women in Need in Wethersfield
Homelessness doesn’t come around just during the winter and holidays, when you hear more about it. It’s an everyday thing that some people have to deal with. I was originally inspired to this ministry when I received an email about this and felt that God called me to serve Him by trying to bring a smile to women and those who have children by filling purses with small items.

With the help of the Trinity, Wethersfield community approximately 40 purses have been filled already! Each purse includes combs/brushes, packs of wipes for personal use, Kleenex, toothpaste/brushes, soap, etc. Larger purses are filled for women who also have children. Toys such as small books and puzzles, My Little Pony, etc. small dolls (i.e. Frozen) are included as well as food items like crackers, meals like Bumble Bee that include a spoon or fork, beef jerky, small juices, etc.
There are five women’s shelters in Hartford: South Park Inn, Mercy Housing and Shelter, Salvation Army, YWCA, and Immaculate Conception. My Sister’s Place in Hartford, as well as Mercy Housing, deals with battered women and will be included in this rotation. The first round of purses will go to South Park, which Trinity already supports. After we have delivered purses to all of these agencies, we will start at the top of the list and keep the rotation going.

If you wish to donate items for this ministry, a couple favors, please: no clothing for the mother or things designed specifically for babies. This includes socks and underwear. Also, book bags without closure (i.e. zipper or button) cannot be used. They will be tossed or given to Savers. For those who would like to help fill purses, please let me know by emailing me at skraf622@gmail.com. Thank you. 

- Sue Krupenevich-Rafala, Trinity, Wethersfield
Member of the NC Region Leadership Team
Our Cathedral’s Music Moves Hartford
Music Moves Hartford is a joint collaboration between our Cathedral and Cuatro Puntos. Our Cathedral Music director, Marianne Vogel, serves as an accompanist to the MMH Choir as part of her role in our Cathedral's commitment of engaging the arts in the Greater Hartford Area. Our goal is to provide a safe and joyful space for our soup kitchen guests and those who feel called to serve in our street choir. The Choir has performed in various locations throughout the city. We hold ongoing music making meetings at Mother Rose's Boutique, located in our Cathedral's basement, on Wednesdays and at a transitional shelter in the city, as well as holding pop-up events and performances around downtown. MMH was featured on the front page of the Hartford Courant on August 9.
Use the gifts you’ve been given to serve
In July, Jennie Dixon member of St. Monica's, Hartford was featured in ECCT Stories in an interview by Alli Huggins. Alli writes, "I had the pleasure of having coffee with Jennie Dixon at a Dunkin Donuts in Windsor, CT. We sat down and immediately dove into a conversation about empowering women. Jennie is a Professional Chartered Financial Consultant, published author, public speaker, and past president of the St. Monica’s Daughter of the King (DOK) chapter. Right away I could tell Jennie is living her call as a woman of God." To read the full article visit ECCT Stories at episcopalct.blog .
Ministry Network News
Let My People Go: A Ministry of Active Compassion
Over the past few weeks, our attention has been riveted by the specter of “kids in cages”: children who hoped to find safety and a future in the United States, only to be ripped away from their families, and held in crowded wire pens, denied the most basic requirements of human health and dignity. 

The conditions in which these people are being held are not a political matter, but a moral and spiritual one. There is no politics compatible with our faith which allows us to condone the conditions which have already led to several deaths. Episcopalians are reminded of this each time we renew our baptismal covenant, when we are reminded to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”

A group of clergy from ECCT have formed a ministry network called Let My People Go to call attention to this issue and to help free these people by raising funds for bail payments, to be administered through RAICES, a well-respected immigration organization. This action is completely legal. We are calling on parishes across ECCT to take up a collection for this work in the near future, or to find other ways to raise funds for this purpose.

To join, e-mail The Rev. Deborah Meister at glastonburyrector@gmail.com and The Rev. Ranjit Mathews at rector@stjamesnl.org. You are also invited to attend a meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29th, at The Commons in Meriden.
"New Life Ministry" Connects to NC Region
New Life Ministry primarily serves the Southeast Region of Connecticut. However, one of the leaders of this ministry, The Rev. Ann Perrott is now serving as Priest-in-Charge at Christ Church, Middle Haddam and she is looking to expand knowledge of this program in the NC Region and would love to discuss this ministry with individuals and parishes.
New Life Ministry is a program that helps recently released female inmates to function independently and successfully in the community by offering them transitional housing and the supports needed to meet the unique needs of each participant. The Department of Corrections studies have shown that without immediate access to these support services, most will return to a self-destructive life cycle and eventually return to prison where the cycle starts again. Most women directly released from York have no opportunity to locate suitable housing, seek employment or build a small “nest egg” to help get them started. With New Life’s transitional housing support and immediate needs (food, clothing, etc), women coming out of prison have a place to stay while working on gaining their independence.

New Life Ministry has two three bedroom apartments and we support 10-12 women a year. Six mentors provide the women with emotional support, assist with job applications, financial management and model good nutrition and wellness. We will be successful if the women can focus on long term goals instead of survival.

For more information visit http://www.newlifeministryct.org/main.html and contact The Rev. Ann Perrot at amp@larcompress.com.
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
09/05 Faithful Futures: Stewardship: As parishes are starting to meet to discuss plans for their annual stewardship appeals, ECCT staff will provide some ideas and suggestions at The Commons in Meriden from 6 PM to 8 PM. The evening will feature a panel of clergy and lay leaders from four parishes that have had outstanding stewardship results. In addition to their summary of what they have found to be successful in their parishes, panel members will answer questions from participants. Space is limited (no more than two individuals from each parish). Light refreshments will be served. Register Here .
09/07 DOK Annual Quiet Day. The Order of the Daughters of the King is hosting a Quiet Day at St. Monica's, Hartford from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The theme "Stay the Course, Walking the Jesus Way" includes a Days for Girls presentation. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 2:00 PM. Registration is $15 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Please RSVP by Aug. 30 to Nora Brown at nmbrown74@sbcglobal.net
09/15 Back to School Hip Hop Mass at 3 PM at Our Cathedral. This fresh expression of worship began as a Mass in the streets of the Bronx. “From the time of our earliest working-group meetings, our goals remained simple and straightforward: It was to sing the new song of Jesus Christ in the vernacular – the language of the people – especially our younger generations,” said Timothy Holder, Creator and Founder. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt in the ’hood!” This Hip Hop Mass is a Cathedral Centennial celebration offered to all young people (and young at heart) from ECCT and beyond. Click here to register on eventbrite.com 
9/12 Event Commission hosted by Trinity, Tariffville:   Welcome September! We are still in Pentecost for another two months allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and to TRY OUT NEW THINGS. Everyone is back at school and suddenly church is busy with events to plan and eager volunteers to help! Join members from Trinity, Tariffville to learn how to promote your event at the Event Commission (an emerging network) on Thurs, Sept 12 from 12-1:30 pm at Trinity Church, Tariffville. Bring your smart phone and a friend! Everyone is welcome! For more information email Melien at mel@pluginmatter.com .  
10/05 NC Region Parish Communication Workshop:   Join Alli Gannett, Digital Storyteller for the Episcopal Church in Connecticut for a free day long workshop all about parish communication. In the morning session (9:00 – 11:30 am) learn how to set up a basic website on Weebly.com. The afternoon session (1:00 – 3:30 pm) learn how to utilize social media to showcase your parish and share the Good News. Space is limited to 10 parishes total, and no more than 2 people per parish. To register click here .
10/26 & 10/27 ECCT's 235th Annual Convention at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. Saturday will consist of working groups on submitted questions, resolutions, and reports. The business will wrap up in time for an Evensong and celebration at our Cathedral. C onvention continues Sunday with a gathered worship service for Episcopalians all over our state at 11:00 a.m. Worship with your sisters and brothers across Connecticut at the Connecticut Convention Center, and hear the Good News as proclaimed by the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, the first woman to be consecrated a bishop in the Anglican Communion. Registration for Sunday is free but requires separate registration! For more info click here.
High school age youth from across the Episcopal Church in Connecticut are invited to be a part of the youth presence at our Annual Convention this year! Come participate in the work of ECCT, learn how our church runs, and spend time in fellowship and prayer with other high school students from churches all over our state. Most of our time will be spent at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, with a visit to Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford for Evensong, and an overnight lock-in at St. Monica’s, Hartford. For more information and to register click here . For a flyer you can print and post click here .
Season of Racial Healing, Justice & Reconciliation:
08/25 -- RING CHURCH BELLS AT 3 PM , for one minute, to remember and honor the first enslaved Africans who landed in North America in 1619. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia Bishop James B. Magness invite Episcopal churches to take part in a national action to remember and honor the first enslaved Africans who landed in English North America in 1619 by tolling their bells for one minute. For more information click here .
11/16 - 11/17 -- Pilgrimage to Museum of African American History & 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  .  
BECOMING BELOVED COMMUNITY GRANTS . Allocated by the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church ( GC 2018 Resolution D002 ), the intent for this funding is to build capacity and increase Episcopal engagement in four primary fields: telling the truth about our churches and race, proclaiming the dream of Beloved Community, practicing Jesus’ way of healing and reconciliation, and repairing the breach in institutions and society. Applications open on August 13, 2019. Deadline for submitting grant application is September 13, 2019 - CLICK FOR INFORMATION
Opportunity in the SC Region: Undoing Racism Workshops - New Haven:  The  People's Institute for Survival and Beyond  has been offering workshops for the dismantling of racism in the United States since its founding in 1980. They are "a national and international collective anti-racist, multicultural community organizers and educators dedicated to building an effective movement for social transformation."

This year there will be a series of opportunities through the  Elm City Undoing Racism Organizing Collective  , which is a collaborator with the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, to participate in these three day workshops. All community leaders are invited to participate (if you're reading this you are a community leader!). Workshops will be offered on:  September 12-14  and  November 8-10 . These workshops provide one opportunity to lean into the two year focus of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation...and there are many others being offered across ECCT! Please contact The Rev. Kyle Pedersen  (  kyle.pedersen@yale.edu  )  with questions about the workshops through Elm City UROC and check out their  website  for more information and for an application.
Communications for the North Central Region
* Join the North Central Region Facebook Group , a community bulletin board for the region. This is your place to share parish/community events, photos, videos and more.

* Like and follow the North Central Region Facebook Page . This is where the Leadership Team will post news of upcoming Region events, gatherings, conversations, resources, etc.

* If you want to know what your Region Missionary is up to, like and follow her Facebook Page .
* Subscribe to this Quarterly to have stories from the Region delivered straight to your inbox

* Reach out to your North Central Region Leadership Team members

* Check out the Region Calendar on the ECCT website. Submit your parish events to the Region Calendar here and they will be added to the ECCT Weekly eNews . Be sure to select 'North Central Region' under category.
Please note that all of these links can also be found on the ECCT North Central Region webpage.
Almighty God,
We pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

Excerpt from The General Thanksgiving, BCP p. 101
Would you like your community or event to be included in the next North Central Region Announcements/Quarterly? Contact me , your North Central Region Missionary, and let's set up a time to chat so that I might hear your story and be a witness to God's work in your community. The next Quarterly will be sent out in November.