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NORTHEAST REGION MISSIVE
May 2021
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O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (BCP Collect for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, page 225)
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Region Missionary Musings:
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Hello dear siblings in Christ,
Easter greetings and may the slowly warming of our days and increased sunshine help us remember the beauty of God's creation and the renewal of Spirit that Easter brings. Along with the increased warmth and sunshine, I've been feeling motivated to do some "spring cleaning". You will notice that the NE Region Missive looks a bit different!
I want to point out that right below these introductory remarks are links to the NE Region social media pages, which I would encourage you to follow if you are on Facebook or Instagram. It's a great place to connect with the Region. Some other new things you will notice are that this Missive will be broken up in the "chunks" that align with ECCT's definition of a parish. Together we can explore what is happening across the Region and the wider church of CT and, perhaps, incorporate some new learnings into our own communities.
Many things will remain the same - I'm not so inclined to throw the baby out with the bathwater. :) Upcoming Region events will be featured towards the top of each Missive, along with ECCT-wide events and opportunities. I'll continue to provide resources for you under the various headings, but content will be reduced and emphasis will be placed on readers signing up for various newsletters - because it's always better to get information straight from the source, right?
I hope that you enjoy the new look! If you ever wnt to contribute anything, please reach to me at mbreen@episcopalct.org!
Photo by Maggie Breen
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STAY CONNECTED WITH NE REGION
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You can reach Maggie Breen, NE Region Missionary, the following ways:
PHONE: 203-639-3501 x154
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Upcoming NE Region Events:
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Contact Maggie if you want/need the zoom links!
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SAVE THE DATE: Members of ECCT have begun partnering with Connecticut River Conservancy and with Hartford Riverfront Recapture to plan and bring to you a two-part event. First, on Tuesday, 15 June there will be an Evening Prayer service on the CT River along with a talk about how the river has changed. This will be limited in-person and available via zoom. Second, on Saturday, 26 June, there will be an outdoor multi-faceted event at Hartford Riverfront Recapture where you can paddle, hike, walk, plant trees, and generally steep yourself in God and the care of Creation. More details coming soon!
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ECCT Offerings & Opporutnities:
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Safe Church Training Information available HERE
ECCT COVID-19 Resources HERE
More detailed calendar information HERE
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Becoming Disciples & Apostles:
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Get Involved with the Racial Healing, Justice & Reconciliation Ministry Network
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Many of the resources I've been putting in previous NE Region Missives have come directly from content curated by the Racial Healing, Justice & Reconciliation Ministry Network. I encourage you to visit their website and email them to get their wonderful weekly emails!
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Each and every one of us has a story to tell about how God has intersected with our life. Won't you share yours with the Region? You can tell us your story, or share your favorite Bible verse, or read a poem that speaks to you about God.
You can see previous "testimonies" here.
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"An Embodied Spring" Women's Retreat Weekend @ Camp
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Welcome to a joyful sister weekend filled with nourishment and rest for your “COVID-tired” body, mind and spirit. Three inspiring sessions, five beautiful, nutrient rich meals with vegetarian options, including Sunday Brunch. All rooms are single with shared baths, following state COVID safety guidelines.
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We Are Communities of Theological Imagination:
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St. George's, Bolton, sent out Holy Week Kits to every parish family and person who has joined them via Zoom - the kits included a palm cross for every member of the household, a letter from Rev. Chris, information on the Holy Days, and a pretty prayer card that can be used for the Easter Dinner (and beyond)!
Many thanks to Phil Hovey who shared this photo and information with us!
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The Rev. Anne Fraley, of St. Peter's in South Windsor, has been putting together beautiful videos for worship services with the help of the congregation! Check out this video of the change from lightness to darkness, used during the Tenebrae service in Holy Week.
Many thanks to Rev. Anne for sharing this with us!
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Spiritual Practice of the Month: Listening
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My Way of Love: A Personal Guide for Your Spiritual Journey
Personalized suggestions for spiritual growth
The Episcopal Church, in partnership with RenewalWorks, a ministry of Forward Movement, is offering My Way of Love, a free, eight-week email series that provides personalized suggestions for spiritual growth based on the seven practices of the Way of Love.
Introduced at the online FORMA gathering in January, My Way of Love is produced by experts in The Episcopal Church on spiritual formation, the Way of Love, and spiritual growth. Each email in the series includes ideas on how to pray, engage with scripture, and practice the Way of Love regularly. Learn more and begin your journey online.
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ECCT has been promoting 5 Spiritual Practices. They are:
Listening
Discerning
Trying On
Reflecting
Deciding
Each month, the NE Region Missive will feature one practice and provide a way for you to incorporate that into your Christian practices.
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Supported by Word & Sacrament:
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While we are still being careful because of COVID-19, consider this an opportunity to explore other worshiping communities across ECCT! You can access a list of available online services HERE.
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Featured Worshiping Community: St. Mark's, Storrs
St. Mark's has been offering Drive-In services during good weather! They have ample parking, and it's a pretty drive through the UCONN Storrs campus. On the 3rd Sunday of every month they are using the 2006 Evangelical Lutheran Worship Book at 9am via FaceBook Live!
I would encourage you to check out St. Mark's webpage to learn more about the services they are offering.
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Connected to the Wider Body of Christ:
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Camp is Back!
If you have kids or grandkids, or know any kids, then you need to know that there will be Camp this year! You can find more information about Camp HERE.
OR, if you're too old to go to Camp but still love to BE at Camp and work with kiddos, Camp Washington is hiring! CLICK HERE for more information.
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Young Adult Task Force Wants to Hear from You!
The YATF is doing research on young adult ministry and wants to learn how to best engage with young adults within The Episcopal Church. If you are interested in helping, please reach out to Heather Burtman for more information.
Also, HERE is a survey specifically made for young adults - please fill it out and help us learn!
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Save The Date: Pentecost, Monday, 24 May
The Order of St. Luke New England invites you to celebrate Pentecost on Zoom, officiated by the Rev. Josh Action, National Director of OSL.
There will be praise and worship, healing prayer minsitry, and fellowship time.
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Ministry Network Corner: Companions in Mission
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Come hear about the hope being brought through local mission during these challenging times.
Hear Carrie Amos, President, Jericho Partnership share the hope that strengthens the organization's plans for the future.
Jericho Partnership is an affiliation of laypeople and church groups which follow Jesus in word and deed to serve the at-risk community in Danbury, Connecticut.
Join us on Tuesday, May 11 at 7 P.M.
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