Weekly Check-In 04/30/2020
Letter from your Region Missionary
Dear Friends in Christ,

This week instead of offering a written reflection of tumbling thoughts, I thought I might invite us to be still together, just for a moment.

Below is a 2 minute video meditation compiled by the Rev. Rachel Thomas , SE Region Missionary, with a view of the river near her house and the voices of the first Region Missionary cohort.

The chant is simple, Be Still and Know that I am God.  May it bring you peace.
The Rev. Erin Flinn
 NC Region Missionary eflinn@episcopalct.org
Mobile: 860-966-3742
Resources from the North Central Region
EXTENDED Through FRIDAY, MAY 8
 For Hartford & Tolland Counties Foodshare will distribute free food at Rentschler Field, East Hartford from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm. More info click here.
Consider posting 2-1-1 information on your parish door. 2-1-1 is a one-stop connection to the local services folks in your community may need, from utility assistance, food, housing, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more. It is especially helpful for folks in need of shelter. For more info click here. For a flyer you can post click here .
During the COVID-19 crisis one of the greatest needs is Food Security.
 
As many people are experiencing a lack of income they are finding themselves in need of assistance to feed their families. CT is in an unprecedented need for food.  You may be asking what can I do?   The NC Region is serviced by 2 Food Banks; Foodshare for the northern tier and CT Food Bank in the southern Tier. 

Foodshare : In the last month Foodshare has distributed food to 69 Food Pantries and locations and has spent over $225,000.00 dollars of food to 69 locations. Click here www.foodshare.org/coronavirus to learn more about locations or to donate. You may advise people who are in need to text FOODSHARE to 85511 to identify locations where food is being distributed near them. 
 
CT Food Bank: Connecticut Food Bank works through a network of community-based programs, such as soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters to provide nutritious food to people in need, but we know we need to do more. Last year Connecticut Food Bank distributed enough food to prepare nearly 22.5 million meals to people in need in six counties Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham. The need is greater now. Visit ctfoodbank.org to learn more about locations or to donate. 
As part of our Cathedral's ongoing efforts of engaging the arts, the Ensemble-in-Residence, Cuatro Puntos, is hosting Cross- Atlantic Quarantine Sessions from April-June 29th. Next Session is May 4th. Sessions are being live-streamed on Facebook. You may also register via zoom in order to interact with the artists.
Wednesday pop-up instrumental recitals, 12:15 p.m. Various musicians will present short musical programs from their own homes, benefitting local charities helping our most vulnerable neighbors affected by COVID-19. Recitals are posted on Music at the Red Door and Facebook for viewing live or afterward
NC Region Clergy are invited to a virtual coffee hour Every Tuesday @ 3 PM. This is an informal space for clergy colleagues from across our Region to connect with each other, pray and converse. For Zoom info please email me, Erin Flinn, at eflinn@episcopalct.org.
Ministry with People who lack Housing & Food Security -  Monday, May 4 at 7 PM join Deacon Bonnie Matthews and leaders from around the NC Region to share and discuss Food Pantry Ministries, Soup Kitchens, Feeding Programs and Sheltering needs in our area. For Zoom info - email Bonnie at bmatthews228@comcast.net.
New Each Week . The Rev. Margie Baker, Curate who oversees the children's ministry at St. John's, West Hartford is making videos for Children’s Chapel. You can find them on YouTube each Sunday . To view last week's Children's Chapel click here and sing along.
Priscilla Hooper of St. James, West Hartford is offering  virtual KFC (Kids for Christ) program for young children, Sundays at 9 AM. If your family would like to join, email Priscilla for the zoom link and coloring pages to print at education@stjameswh.org. Best suited for ages 3 to 10.
The NC Region Leadership Team seeks to create opportunities to unite parishes in the NC Region, find new ways to seek and serve Christ, see God in all persons, and love our neighbor as ourselves. If you would like to learn more, visit a RLT meeting, FIRST WEDS of the month (5/6, 6/3, 7/1) on Zoom. To connect please email Trish Leonard, our convener at  gmakhc@cox.net
Looking for a place to try online worship? For an ongoing list of ECCT Parishes hosting livestream services click here and look for "Parish Livestream Services" in the menu bar on the left. Don't see your community? Send an email to ecctcommunications@episcopalct.org
Resources from ECCT
Covid-19, Health Disparities and Systemic Racism -
A Call to Action! Friday, May 8 @ 10:30 AM
Join us for a robust conversation on the prevalence of racism and its many manifestations around health disparities, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. We will also address the history of white supremacy and civic involvement opportunities. Speakers will participate in a moderated panel discussion led by ECCT’s Racial Justice Resource Coordinator Kelli Ray Gibson.
Panelists include: Marquita Taylor, Ph.D., Odia Kane, the Rev. Tracy Johnson Russell, Anthony Ryan Hatch, Ph.D, Faith Crittenden, MPH, and Kirk Wesley. Kelli Ray Gibson, ECCT's Racial Justice Resource Coordinator will moderate. Space is limited and registration is required. A question and answer session with the panel will follow. Pre-submitted questions may be sent by Thursday, May 7 to kgibson@episcopalct.org . REGISTER HERE . 
Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Request Form: Even in the midst of COVID-19, ECCT remains committed to the Season of Racial Healing, Justice, & Reconciliation. If you would like assistance in moving forward with this work in your parish please be in contact with our Racial Justice Resource Coordinator Kelli Gibson. For more information please fill out this form.
ECCT Digital Communications Office Hours! Thursdays , 1 PM - 2 PM. Beginning this Thursday (4/30), Jasree & Alli will offer online office hours via Zoom as physical distancing and quarantine continue due to COVID-19. Registration is required, you may sign up for multiple. This is informal, bring your specific questions regarding communications and media.
Self-Care: Here are some resources for you and your family to care for yourselves through this uncertain time. Some resources include: links to free virtual museum tours, yoga and other movement practices, online AA meetings, Facebook baking group, breathing exercises, online singing, worship at home, and more. Click here.
COVID-19 Financial Resources:  Resources from ECCT regarding parish financial relief, as well as resources from the Church Pension Group (CPG), various Government resources like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and information on the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, are available on the ECCT webpage.
ZOOM Call for Clergy & Wardens with the Bishops Every Wednesday at 8:30 AM. Clergy and wardens are welcome to join a conversation with our Bishops to discuss resources during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom info on ECCT Home Page. Can't make morning meetings? Recordings are available on the ECCT webpage.
See all updates, event statuses, and resources involving ECCT and the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) virus here:

 https://www.episcopalct.org/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/ This page will be continually updated as new information becomes available.
---- A prayer by Deacon Felix Rivera ---
Communications for the North Central Region
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* Like and follow the NC 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, follow her Facebook Page .

 * Check out the Region Calendar on the ECCT website.