April 2021
A Brief Word:
Greetings companions in Christ,
Happy Easter my friends! Are you wondering why you are seeing me instead of Rev. Erin Flinn? As you may recall, at the beginning of 2021 Rev. Erin, your former NC Region Missionary, took a call at St. Stephen's in East Haddam. While ECCT is working on hiring a few more Region Missionaries, those of us who remained on have been asked to help out our contiguous regions. That means I'll serving you as well as the NE Region, and I am delighted to have the chance to get to know you better.
 
I'm working closely with your NC Region Leadership Team, and we are working together on this Monthly Newsletter. There will be lots of opportunities for you to share and engage, and I hope that you will join us in helping to spread both the Good News and the good things that are happening around the Region.
 
So take a look at the Newsletter - it's a little different, and will likely be evolving as we live into this together. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to me at mbreen@episcopalct.org or to Steve, the convenor of the NC Region Leadership Team. I'm looking forward to deepening our relationships
Our Hearts Ache:
This week CT, and our country, were once again rocked by gun violence. Our Bishops led the clergy and wardens of ECCT in a litany to begin our Wednesday morning call, remembering all those who have been victims of gun violence.

The Hartford Courant ran this artcle today about a 3-year-old boy and a teenager who were fatally killed by guns in the north end of Hartford.

If you are looking for resources for liturgies to remember those lost by gun violence, please check out Bishops Against Gun Violence.
Happenings Around the Region:
Last Call: Bishop Transition Committee
The NC Region is seeking 1 lay and 1 ordained person to serve on the Bishop Transition Committee. If you are interested in applying, please download the application HERE (second dot-point) and then upload your completed application HERE.

Application deadline: 18 April, 3pm

Questions: feel free to reach out to Maggie at mbreen@episcopalct.org
Thank You
Praising God for everyone in the North Central Region of ECCT who generously gave hygiene products as a Lenten Discipline benefiting Capital Community College Food Pantry. Such an important endeavor. According to a 2019 study 48% of community college students are food insecure. Because SNAP vouchers do not cover hygiene products your generosity to the food pantry guests will not have to choose between food and hygiene.
Thank you to our Cathedral staff for assisting in receiving products.
Deacon Bonnie Matthews
Holy Oil Distribution
Our Cathedral has coordinated with our Region Missionaries to identify one location per region for clergy to pick-up Holy Oils. As in the past, we encourage you to returned used vials to our Cathedral.
 
North Central Region: Christ Church Cathedral
Pickup available Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please contact Kathy Frisoli if you need to arrange for a different pickup time.
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!
Ministry Network Corner:
Save The Date: Quarterly gathering of ECCT's Racial Healing, Justice & Reconciliation network will be on Saturday, 24 April, from 11-2.

Join the Food Ministry Network of ECCT on Tuesday, 20 April, at 7pm for a 75 minute zoom presentation with Q&A.

LOOKING FOR MORE RACIAL JUSTICE RESOURCES?
• Every week new resources are being shared in the ECCT Weekly eNewsletter
to receive the eNews -- Sign up here.
• JOIN the Racial Healing Justice and Reconciliation Ministry Network Here.
• To receive valuable resources from RHJR in your inbox, send an email to ecctrhjr@gmail.com.
Meet Your NC Region Leadership Team: Steve Karwowski, Convenor
Hello I am Stephen Karwowski, this my second year on the North Central Leadership Team and I am currently the convener for the Leadership Team.

I am a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Bristol, CT. I am life long Episcopalian being a member of Church of Our Saviour, Plainville for most of my life. I have served on the Vestry, as the clerk of the Vestry and Warden for Church of Our Saviour. In 2019 I served as a Warden during the merger of Church of Our Saviour, Plainville and St John’s Bristol which became Good Shepherd.

I have enjoyed my time working with various Parishes and Ministry networks in North Central Region on collaborative efforts bring God’s mission to our communities.
Opportunities to Learn & Grow:
Workshops Continue This Week and Closing Plenary This Saturday!
Register for FREE!

Tuesday, April 6 through Saturday, April 17

9th Annual Spring Training and Gathering
 
Gather with Episcopalians from across Connecticut for learning, prayer and fellowship. All are welcome-from people in the pews and vestry members to parish leaders and staff. Workshops continue today and Friday. Don't miss the closing plenary session, "Parish Life After COVID: Psychological and theological reflections as we gather in new ways," with Dr. David Olsen on Saturday, April 17, from 9-11 a.m.

Learn more and register on ECCT's Spring Training and Gathering page.
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 6-7:30 PM
Evening with Our Bishops: Clergy from Urban Parishes
 
We invite all clergy serving urban parishes to join us for a conversation about the particular challenges and opportunities of urban ministry at this time. Email Pam Sola to register.
Region Resource Reminders:
  • COMING SOON: a google document that you can add parish events and information to! Keep your eyes peeled for a link!
  • Looking for a place to try online worship? For an ongoing list of ECCT Parishes hosting livestream services click here
  • 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. For more info click here. 
  • 3-1-1 It is similar to 2-1-1 but region specific to the city of Hartford. More info here.
ECCT Resources
ECCT Resource for COVID-19 are continually being updated, including:
• Messages from our Bishops • Financial Resources • Self-Care Resources • Digital Communications Resources • Worship Opportunities • And More...
Safe Church Training 2021: Be sure to check out the ECCT calendar for training date! More info & registration here.
Communications for the North Central Region
* Subscribe to this Newsletter to have stories from the Region delivered straight to your inbox at www.episcopalct.org/enewsletters

* Join the NC 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 NC Region Facebook Page. This is where the Leadership Team will post news of upcoming Region events, gatherings, conversations, resources, etc.

* Check out the Region Calendar on the ECCT website.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Get in touch with your NC Region Leadership Team here or email Maggie Breen, NE Region Missionary & NC Region helper at mbreen@episcopalct.org