From Rachel -
I travelled with a group in Honduras on a trip to sites assisted by Heifer International several years ago. Our phrase for living came to be “Change of Plans.” Flooded rivers, roadway accidents, people not available: we changed plans almost every day, often multiple times.
Maybe we expect that sort of life in a country other than our own, and especially when we’re the guests and travelling with people whom we don’t really know. “Change of Plans” may not be a mantra we take up as a rule of life for our normal life. (Whatever THAT is, these days!) We want things to be steady, dependable, predictable. Perhaps, especially after all these months of COVID.
I have just accepted a major “Change of Plans” in my life. I have accepted the added life of the parishes and people of the South Central Region into my role as Region Missionary. Here’s the more formal announcement. As I was discerning whether or not to accept this Change of Plans, I was also in the process of an online Evangelism course led by Jerusalem Greer.
One of the key themes of that course was the deep connection between Christian Formation and Evangelism. We cannot give what we do not have; we cannot share “Good News” of Jesus, if it is not Good News for us. Christian Formation – the lifelong process of following Jesus and being taught by him (as disciples) and following him to love others (as apostles) – well, I said it: it’s lifelong. It means constantly being ready to learn and change in order to be more faithful.
The deeper invitation is to accept changes in plan when it is not what we want. In my experience in parish life, many of us vote with our feet or pledges. We just leave when we don’t like a change. What if, instead, we embraced it as a new place, not of our choosing perhaps, but a place where God’s Spirit will bring new life and fruit we could not imagine from our previous ways of being?
As I was writing this, I received a phone call from The Rev. Kim Litsey, telling me that she has just accepted a call to a parish in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. In the next month, we as a Region will see the retirement of the Rev. Diana Rogers, and the departure of the Rev. Ranjit Mathews, to take up his new role as ECCT’s Canon for Mission Advocacy, Racial Justice, and Reconciliation.
Each of these changes in plans for the parishes where they have served so faithfully, and perhaps is not of the choosing of parishioners. And still, the kingdom of heaven comes near.
I’m thankful for having been able to walk with them, and now, to continue walking with the parishes of this region, as we discern together what the Spirit of God is inviting us into, to bear new fruit.
Rachel
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One of the gifts of my life as your Region Missionary is working with the Region Leadership Team. That work will continue, by God’s grace. Recently we had dinner together, imagining how Jesus would describe the kingdom of heaven today. Here are a few of our thoughts:
The kingdom of heaven is like a dinner party where people from many different towns and thoughts come together to listen and learn and seek to build a space that is hospitable to all.
The kingdom of heaven is like an invisible net of love, holding us together as we sift through all that comes our way in this life of faith.
The kingdom of heaven is the dance of the perichoresis (the three beings of the Trinity) with all of us, God's creatures, included in the dance of unadulterated joy.
Being in each other's presence and the presence of the Triune God, praising God in all things, and being especially thankful for each other (The Rev. Diana Rogers).
The kingdom of heaven is like mycelium, hidden within the forest floor... we tread on woodland paths without knowing the tendrils that connect all things.... (The Rev. Ron Steed)
Plans change; the kingdom of heaven remains, hidden within the forest floor, or dancing in unadulterated joy, held together in a net of love.
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Coming soon!
Practicing the Way of Love through ECCT: stories from daily life. The three Region Missionaries – Dylan Mello, Maggie Breen, and Rachel Thomas invite you to spend 2 weeks with each practice and then meet on Zoom to share stories, Tuesdays at noon: September 14, 28; October 12, 26; November 9, 30; December 14; January 4. More information coming!
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“Praying with Elephants”
Mother Anita Schell
On Saturday May 29, Steve, my husband, and I joined with 25 other members of ECCT, and led by our SE Region Missionary Rachel Thomas, on a contemplative walk in Essex and Ivoryton entitled “Praying with Elephants.” In presentation, reflection, prayer and silence we learned the story behind the ivory piano keys that were made in Ivoryton. Before May 29, I knew nothing about how pianos, such a staple in our country and my life, had their own history attached to shipbuilding, elephants, and the trade of ivory and slaves.
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That day I learned that at the height of their business in 1910, more than 90 percent of the ivory imported from East Africa into the United States was processed in Ivoryton primarily for the production of ivory piano keys in Ivoryton and Deep River. I saw the bleach houses where the cut ivory was bleached in preparation for being affixed to the wooden mechanism to create the piano keyboard.
For three and a half hours we were introduced to the history of this ivory production from representatives from the Essex Historical Society and the Deep River Historical Society at Osage Park, Ivoryton Center, Deep River Landing, Piano Works and the Stone House, and my mind changed. I had not known this story of the elephants.
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In 1976 when I was on a college choir tour in India I rode an elephant. The memory of that majestic mammal ride is still sweet but the beautiful engraved ivory bracelet souvenir I purchased afterwards is now a bitter memory of a history that included killing elephants for their tusks and then enslaving peoples to carry these 1000 pound tusks to ports of trade to be shipped to America.
May this pilgrimage to Ivoryton forever remind me of my responsibility never to destroy, enslave, abuse or take advantage of what God has made. God’s creation is good. May my learning cause me to deepen my desire to cherish, honor and respect all of God’s creation. “God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:21)
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Summer Arts Camp, St. Andrew’s, Madison
Becky Honan
I recently had the opportunity to assist at a summer arts camp run by St. Andrew's in Madison. This long running camp has a great reputation and a solid following. Like so many things, it had to be cancelled last year. So this year was extra special.
Using St. Andrew's beautiful grounds as the backdrop for creating art, we spent most of our time outside. The tent in the shade of their upper parking lot, the outdoor chapel in the woods, and popsicles at the end the day: each provided relief from the summer heat.
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Oh, and the art – 3D sculptures, paintings, paperchains, jewelry, t-shirts, drawings and so much more! We began each day with music led by Grant. The songs became so well known that at times the campers would just start singing them together.
A cherished memory for me is when my group out of the blue sang a particularly lovely camp song, acapella and in harmony, while working with beads.
So lovely! I hope I get invited back!
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Volunteering
Christie Hayes
St. John's, Niantic
How many of us read about a need for volunteers in our church bulletins, or get a phone call asking us to consider a certain volunteer job, or hear about other requests for help, and say ‘no’ in our heads as we think these thoughts: Someone else is way more qualified than I am; I don’t have time; I don’t think I could do it justice. Except for being a Big Sister and directing our school based mentoring program in the district where I taught, both of which were self-initiated choices, a lot of my volunteer efforts have “chosen” me - e.g. a phone call or a personal solicitation - so I’ve had many of those thoughts. I’m reminded of the church choir director coming up to me and asking if I would join the choir. Despite my excuses of can’t read music, and not a great voice, I’m still there 40 years later and so glad I took the leap!
When I first began volunteering, I was still teaching. I felt called to volunteer for the Big Brother/Big Sister program and was soon matched with Jessie. I was where God and Jessie (who at age 9 was dealing with lots of difficult family issues) needed me to be when we were matched in 1987. The joy is the gifts we continue to share with each other now, 34 years later.
My desire to ‘help’ morphed into mom care and then to fill retired time: Library Board of Trustees; Heron Society - the women’s athletic support group for my alma mater, William Smith College; Shoreline Food Pantry at my church - St. John’s, Niantic; other church ministries: preparing and serving food for the New London Community Meal Center; Gardening guild; Lector. I reread this list and yikes - how do I find the time and will to do it? God’s nudges help a lot; and I have found that it really is true that the busier I am, the more I get done. And the happier I am. I’m thinking that saying yes to a volunteer opportunity is analogous to my swimming workouts, where I don’t always want to get up in the morning to go, but I’m SO happy I did.
Being a volunteer and ministering are so connected. Often, in response to my faith, I feel called to volunteer. The opportunities for ministry then increase within each calling as I bring God and my faith along with me. Thanks be to God!
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Did you see this? As a part of the Episcopal Church’s Year in the Life series, we hear from the Rev. Kate Wesch and some folks in St. John’s, Essex about the transition process in a pandemic.
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News from the Episcopal Church Women
To all Episcopal Churches in Connecticut, if you have outreach programs or are thinking of starting one that could use some extra funding the board of the Episcopal Church Women would love to hear from you. Because we did not hold our Annual Meeting in 2020 or again this past May 2021, we have an abundance of funds that can be used for Outreach Programs. We would be interested in supporting small start-up ministries or established programs that could benefit from financial support.
Applications for the Clergy Daughters Scholarship Program are being accepted now. There is no deadline for submissions. Applications must be between the ages of 17-25 and planning to enroll or currently enrolled in an undergraduate or vocational training institution.
The board of the Episcopal Church women is in need of a secretary to serve until May 2024. As a member of the board, she will be responsible for keeping an accurate account of the meetings. There are three or four meetings a year that she will be expected to attend. A lap top computer will be available for her use in that position.
If you are interested in any these opportunities, please contact Betty Silva at ecwct@yahoo.com
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For the SE Region news,
submitted by The Archives Team
of Holy Advent, Clinton
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How do we tell the stories of our beautiful and historic churches in a meaningful way?
The project started about eight years ago with a look around our Parish Office, realizing we needed to find more space for filing paperwork … and grew into an ongoing effort to preserve the Archives of our little 148-year-old parish – The Church of the Holy Advent in Clinton.
Following guidelines provided by the Diocese we have weeded out countless boxes of unimportant paper, including many duplicate copies of reports; repurposed a corner in our parish hall where we can set up small displays to share our parish history, and are producing one long document listing, describing, and photographing the many ‘treasures’ we have accumulated over the years – stained glass windows to candlesticks – and everything in between. We even have a box full of broken glass and porcelain and a very old, rusty hitching post which was dug up while preparing our back lot to become the Food for All Garden!
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It’s been fascinating to trace the story of our formation as a parish in the Connecticut Diocese, to read of the acquisition of land and building the church, stories of the various clergy and the long string of the people --- Vestries, committees, workgroups, and the many parishioners who have led us through the years as we strive “… to become a Christ-centered community of faith, empowered to share God's love freely through worship and service to others.”
Work is underway to determine if Holy Advent, founded and consecrated in 1873, has any historical connection to the New England slave trade in response to the 2020 ECCT Annual Convention Resolution #7 requiring all worshiping communities to do this research. We have found that our best sources have been Greg Farr, Archivist for ECCT, the local historical societies, town records, and local authors. Holy Advent is happy to talk with other parishes who want to begin this important work.
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Do you have questions about your faith?
Most people do, and most find it challenging to get answers. Education for Ministry (EfM) was developed by the School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee, to provide a mechanism for people to work through those questions. This four-year course of study (with fees and commitment of one year at a time) provides the framework for the group to connect faith to their daily lives through reading and discussion.
Meeting once a week in small groups with people from local churches, led by a mentor trained to facilitate the experience, you will begin to think theologically, reflect faithfully, and speak civilly when confronted by beliefs and principles in opposition to your own. And that’s something we can all appreciate in today’s world.
By being an EfM participant, you will learn how to articulate your faith. You will learn how to shape your faith into action. You may become involved in ministries in your community and you will make a difference.
Since its inception in 1975, more than 100,000 people have participated in this vital program. EfM groups meet regionally in nearly every diocese of The Episcopal Church, in six provinces of the Anglican Communion, and some in virtual classrooms with participants from across the globe. We would love to have you join us!
If you are interested in being a part of an Education for Ministry Program, please contact Eric Branson of St. David’s, Gales Ferry for additional information and details.
The full year’s fee is paid at the time of enrollment. Participants in groups under institutional sponsorship like ours pay a discounted fee of $375 plus a $5 processing fee. Enrollment in a seminar group is done through the mentor who will provide a link for online registration. Since groups generally begin their year in either September or January, participants enroll in the month or two prior to the start date. The fees are required by, and sent to, the School of Theology at the University of the South and are not charged by the mentor or by Saint David’s.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL THOMAS 8/5/2021!!!! |
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Update Your Parish on the Episcopal Asset Map
As ECCT's new website continues in development, we encourage you this summer to ensure your parish's information is up-to-date on the Episcopal Asset Map. Our new website will utilize the information contained in the Asset Map to help direct people in search of a parish in Connecticut. You can search for your parish and update the information online. For more information or assistance in updating your parish's information contact Jasree Peralta, Canon for Mission Communications & Media
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This Week's Message from the ECCT Reparations Task Force
Did you know? Black entrepreneurs and other racial minorities historically have had limited access to traditional sources of financing for start-up ventures and business expansion? There is now a way to identify and support small Black-owned businesses in your area. Check out shopblackct.com for a listing of Black-owned businesses in your area.
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· Reviews for the Budget of Convention, September 28 or October 14
· Annual Convention, October 22 – 23
· The Region Entrepreneurial Fund Grants – seed grants and impact grants
· United Thank Offering (UTO) Grants
· ConnECCT parish cloud-based file share
· Grace & Hope: A weekend of Episcopal Evangelism
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Fed by Word and Sacraments:
Here's a list of webpages for the parishes
of the SE Region
so that you can find current worship information
The best way to keep up to date: subscribe to each parish's newsletter, and/or visit their website for zoom connections and links to worship, learn, and act.
Parish Websites for the SE Region
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God of All Things New, I believe that through You I can achieve change in my life because You are doing a new thing! Now it springs up; I pray that I perceive it, I pray that I acknowledge that You are the source of my change. Thank You, Father, for making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland! Lord, I thank You for the changes that have occurred in my life and the changes that are about to happen, Amen. Isaiah 43:19
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Contact for Retired Clergy
The Reverend Diana Rogers
Clinton Church of the Holy Advent
81 East Main Street
P.O. Box 536
Clinton, CT 06413-0536
Email: holyadvent@sbcglobal.net
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Almighty God, Creator and Redeemer, in the midst of the noisy din of the world and these changing times:
We lift our prayers to you for your Church, especially for the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, and for this, its Southeast Region.
Surround us with the clear assurance of your loving presence,
That we may grow confident in our faith and trust in your will;
Guide and teach each one of us to live in your word and walk in your ways,
That we may be a light of the living Word;
Expand the space in our hearts and in our lives,
That this region may be filled with your love and mercy for all;
inspire us; send your Holy Spirit upon us to fire up enthusiasm,
Create in us willing hearts and hands to serve you.
We pray for our Missionary, Rachel Thomas, that you give her the ears to hear
and the heart to discern your will for the Region.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for the Leadership Teams to aid in your mission.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for the priests and deacons in each of the churches in our Region and Diocese.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for each vestry and the leadership of every church in the Region.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for the Bishops and Diocesan leadership of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.
Hear our prayer.
Almighty God, we pray that we may proclaim your kingdom in this this Region and beyond, and become ambassadors for your dream of reconciliation and healing, the gift and calling you have given us through your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, in whose name we offer these prayers. Amen
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Editorial Staff
Beverly Olsen
Eileen Perron
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STAY CONNECTED WITH SE REGION |
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Click here if you would like to subscribe to enews
from the SE Region (and other newsletters from ECCT)
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