February 19, 2021
Christ Church Cathedral
Our Cathedral staff and clergy continue serving from their virtual offices.
If you have any questions, please contact the office at office@cccathedral.org.

All Cathedral Events are hosted virtually. Our Church Street Eats and Church by the Pond continues to serve in-person with appropriate safety protocols during this time of pandemic.
COMMUNITY MEDITATIONS
ASH WEDNESDAY MEANDERINGS : 
 
As I write this on Ash Wednesday during a deadly pandemic my thoughts naturally turn toward death & dying and our attitude toward this inevitable eventuality. Specifically, I will concentrate on possible last words under the hope that while we can not choose how and when we die we can choose our attitude toward our eventual demise and therefore maybe grasp a better appreciation of our current life. As I walk by a statue of Nathan Hale almost everyday, I am reminded that his final thoughts were reportedly , " I only regret that I have but one life to give my country" . While I am an army veteran and proud American I think that sole devotion to country is ultimately misplaced as such blind patriotism can easily be manipulated for nefarious immoral ends. More helpful is the last words muttered by Senator Robert Kennedy as he laid dying in the arms of a Mexican busboy. According to that young man, a gentleman by the name of Juan Romero, RFK's last words were, " Is everybody OK?" Going forward some forty years , Ringo Star the drummer for The Beatles recounted his last conversation with his friend and bandmate George Harrison . According to Ringo, he knew that Harrison was VERY sick and most probably dying; yet, because his own daughter was in the hospital he had to cut his visit short. As Ringo got up to leave his abbreviated visit , Harrison's last words to him as he reached for the door were, " Do you want me to come along?" While I admire both RFK & George Harrison, I KNOW that the ultimate answer must come from Christ. Alternatively, from the Cross Christ implored God, " Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.." or he compassionately looked at his mother and beloved disciple mourning and said, " Mother behold your son; son behold your mother"
 
What I take away from ALL this is: Always ask- is Everyone OK? ( Spoiler Alert: They are not..) ; Always ask- Do you want me to walk with you ; Always take care of every Mother & son ( Father's & daughters too!!) ; and Always forgive, both yourself and others

Andrew May
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
             
Sunday, February 21st
First Sunday in Lent
10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer

Officiant
Marcia Barnett

Meditation
The Rev. Jay Cooke,

Representing God's people
Celeste Scott

Lector
Anne Bartholomew

Ministry of Ceremony
The Rev. Canon Jorge Pallares, Cathedral Canon

Topic: Cathedral Virtual Sunday Worship
Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting by clicking here.

Meeting ID: 478 518 873
Passcode: CTCCC

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11:15 a.m. Morning Prayer in Spanish- Servicio Virtual de la Catedral

Officiant
Nagda Echevarria

Sermon
The Rt. Rev. Moises Quezada Mota, Bishop of the Dominican Republic

Representing God's people
Patricia Pezzat

Lector
Nelson Mena

Minister of Ceremony
The Rev. Canon Jorge Pallares, Cathedral Canon

Topic: Servicio Virtual de la Catedral
Time: 11:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting by clicking here.

Meeting ID: 917 6241 3171
Passcode: CTCatedral

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Meeting ID: 223 295 220

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Engaging the Arts!
Cuatro Puntos News
Celebrate the cultural fabric of our Greater Hartford, Connecticut region with Cuatro Puntos Ensemble, the RapOet (Self Suffice), and 38 local creatives
When long-time Hartford resident and composer David Mcbride wrote his monumental soundscape of the city of Hartford for Cuatro Puntos Ensemble, no one knew it would become his final work. Coming Home is a 28 minute sound journey though Hartford’s parks, rivers, cafes, and neighborhoods. It has been set to a collage of work by creatives from all around the city. At this event you will witness the video premiere followed by a discussion among the participating artists, hosted by the Rapoet (Self Suffice). This is a partnership with the Greater Hartford Arts Council, Cuatro Puntos and the Autorino Center for the Arts.
 
Sign up for access to our digital concert hall. We hope you'll join us to experience the irreplaceable energy of a live premiere and discussion on February 21 at 2:00pm EST. However registration will allow you to access the replay of the event at any time

Registration is free, however we most appreciate a "door donation" of any amount to help us continue to provide public programming and musician employment during the COVID-19 crisis. 
FROM THE DESK OF OUR CANON
Our 2021 Lenten Book Study Series starts February 24th!
Join the Zoom Lenten Book Series by clicking here.

Meeting ID: 994 9985 8036
Passcode: LOVE

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VIRTUAL POETRY NIGHT SERIES IS BACK!
Join our virtual Poetry Night by clicking here.

Meeting ID: 839 7009 5763
Passcode: Poetry

COLLABORATION WITH NORTH CENTRAL REGION
COORDINATED BY DEACON BONNIE MATTHEWS
A Message from Deacon Matthews regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Access

As a healthcare employee of 45 years and a deacon in the Church, I am always attentive to the needs of the world.  Currently, COVID-19 is at the forefront of our lives and ministries.
Each Wednesday morning, our ECCT Bishops meet with Clergy and Wardens. At one of our meetings, it was brought to our attention that calling the Vaccine Appointment Assist Line may be the easiest way to schedule your vaccine. Be prepared to wait on hold for a considerable amount of time. However, those who shared their experiences indicated that appointments were given for the next day. We understand this is a personal decision.  This information is shared with the intention of providing pastoral support to you, particularly to our Cathedral members 75 years and older.

All persons 75 and over are eligible to make appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations. You can do so three ways:

·        Call the CT.gov COVID Vaccine Access Line
  • CT COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224 
  • Mondays through Fridays from 8am - 4:30pm
·        Schedule through the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS)
Visit CT.gov/covidvaccine website (https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccinations---VAMS-Support )  VAMS is the Vaccine  Administration Management System – an online scheduling portal that allows individuals with an email address to create an account, log-in, and search for a vaccine clinic near them
Many providers can be accessed through the VAMS scheduling system
·        Schedule directly through a participating provider.
Over 100 healthcare providers across the State are currently offering direct scheduling:

UConn Health: Clinic locations in Farmington, CT 
Hartford Healthcare: Several locations across the state
Yale New Haven Health: Several locations across the state
Walgreens: Several locations across the state

CDC recommends we continue to follow safe practice guidelines.
Wearing a mask and social distancing.
COVID-19 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Looking for up to date Covid-19 information for Hartford? The City of Hartford's E-news is a wonderful source. Check it out by clicking here. We encourage you to sign up for weekly updates from them. Topics range from Covid-19 information for the City of Hartford and general Hartford happenings.
From the ECCT e-NEWS
ECCT Stories: Joining Jesus: Cathedral Redevelopment Project
Written by The Very Rev. Miguelina Howell, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.

The Cathedral Redevelopment Project is a venture whose seeds were planted seven years ago, bearing fruit of creativity, innovation, and hope for our collective participation in God’s mission at the corner of Church and Main street in Hartford and beyond. Read the full blog post here.
Rooted in Hope in a Time of Anxiety: A Day for Laity
Saturday, February 27 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Are you growing weary of life in “COVID-time?” Would you benefit from a Lenten Retreat?

Join our bishops and laity from across ECCT for a day of spiritual refreshment and learning. Living in the midst of chronic anxiety impacts all of us; our relationships with our children, spouses/partners, family, friends, colleagues, and faith communities. Together we will learn about the predictable ways humans react to chronic anxiety from Dr. David Olsen, a nationally recognized expert on the impact of anxiety on families and churches. We will also explore patterns of behavior that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Interspersed throughout the day our chaplains from the Bethany House of Prayer will offer opportunities for reflection, meditation, and prayer. 

Note: This is a free event open to all laity in ECCT; preregistration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.
WIDER EPISCOPAL CHURCH NEWS


Episcopalians prepare for second COVID-19-restricted Lent with mix of fatigue and perseverance
By David Paulsen

PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEKS SERVICES
Church by the Pond In Person Gathering

Saturday, January 30th - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Officiant: Rev. Dee Littlepage

Join us for next weeks virtual offerings via zoom:

  • Sunday, February 21st - 10:00 am - Virtual Sunday Morning Prayer
  • Sunday, February 21st - 11:15 am - Servicio Virtual de la Catedral
  • Tuesday, February 23rd - 6:30 pm - Happy Hour in Spanish
  • Thursday, February 25th - 6:00 pm - Bible Study in English
CHURCH STREET EATS
By Theresa Greaves, CSE Co-Convener
February 14, 2021

Church Street Eats prepared lunch for 40 guests. Each week we give the option of taking their lunch bags right at the door or coming in to make use of our dining area and facilities while maintaining social distance practices. This week we had Angie and Stefan Pearson come in to help prepare the meal. Lunches this week had two sandwiches, bow tie-chicken and vegetable soup, orange slices, cookies, a juice, and a cup of Hot Chocolate. We also were able to give out hand and feet warmers along with some valentines day treats.
CHURCH BY THE POND
By Nancy Jacobs, Lay Coordinator
February 13, 2021
Rev. Taylor Albright led our congregation today as we gathered for prayer in Bushnell Park. Father Taylor provided a meditation on today's Gospel reading. Peter, James, and John were presented with a glorious image of Jesus. Father Taylor asked us to consider our image of Jesus and to consider how that image has changed. He also noted that although the disciples wished to relish in that glorious vision, Jesus chose to leave the mountaintop and serve God and God's people.

Fourteen of us shared the prayers and peace. We asked for God's prayers for Carol, one of our congregants, who has recently died. We gave thanks for healing, for vaccinations, and for our community of faith.

Trinity Episcopal Church, Tariffville, provided bagged lunches for all 15 guests today. All guests also received a new surgical mask and cloth mask following new guidance that double masking provides greater protection for all.
We thank you for your ongoing support to God's Mission. Your pledge may be send via snail mail to our Cathedral ( Cathedral at 45 Church Street Hartford, CT 06103). You may also visit our website to make your pledge or donations or simply click below.
JOIN US!
ÚNETE A NOSOTROS!
Let us join in fellowship each Tuesday via zoom for our Alternating Spanish Language Bible Study/Happy Hour!
Thursday 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

Meeting ID: 988 1527 1032
Passcode: Salmo

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JOIN US!
Let us join in fellowship each Thursday via zoom!
Thursday 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm.
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Meeting ID: 924 6350 2804
Passcode: HAPPY

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Meeting ID: 924 6350 2804
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Christ Church Cathedral serves the entire Episcopal Church in Connecticut community for the good of the whole, and is the seat of the bishops. It is "our cathedral." Our Cathedral hosts four congregations in one worshiping community. It's not a parish, as its role is unique in the diocese (see 2015 task force report & resolution). In this its centennial year, Cathedral leaders and Centennial Committee members wish to remind all Episcopalians in CT that by virtue of their membership in a parish, they are members of our Cathedral. All are welcome at any time, and in particular, invited to these events .