Christ Church Cathedral congregations sent out to Trinity, Lime Rock as apostles;
"Liturgical Experiment" starts series of missional experiments by Cathedral
On Sunday, April 17 at 8:00 a.m. the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral and 40 members of its congregations filled a 40-person passenger bus and departed as apostles - sent out as ambassadors for Christ - to Trinity, Lime Rock where they shared worship and talked with Trinity parishioners to discover with them, "Who are our Latino neighbors in Lime Rock?"
Musicians, singers, choirs, and liturgical assistants from both communities shared in leading God's people in worship. The service, including the sermon, was fully bilingual.
Dean Howell said the trip provided a greater sense of connection with the wider ECCT community as well as an opportunity to reaffirm the Cathedral's new role as a resource for apostleship and model for ministry. She hopes ECCT parishes will explore ways to connect with one another in the context of worship.
This is the first in a series of experiments by Christ Church Cathedral this year. Others, in various stages of planning and development, include: conversations about the intersection of spirituality and the arts; a series about reaching out to our Muslim brothers and sisters; listening sessions on opposition to expansion of casinos in Connecticut; a tutorial on legislation and advocating on issues; and, in partnership with Camp Washington, a day of training for acolytes and others involved in parish worship. Some of these experiments will be hosted at the Cathedral, others at local parishes, one at an art gallery, and one partly at Camp Washington.
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Presiding Bishop calls for prayers for Ecuador
Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry has called for prayers for the people and Dioceses of Ecuador following a devastating earthquake on April 17. Two dioceses of the Episcopal Church are located in Ecuador: Litoral Ecuador led by Bishop Alfredo Morante and Central Ecuador led by Bishop Victor Scantlebury.
A magnitude-7.8 earthquake hit the South American country on Sunday, April 17. News reports indicate the death toll is over 200 people with 2500 injured.
The following is the message Presiding Bishop Curry sent to the bishops and people:
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Please know that your brothers and sisters throughout the Episcopal Church are praying for you. We will be with you during this time and in the days ahead. You are not alone. May the love of God embrace and strengthen you. Your brother in Christ, +Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
Mis estimados hermanos y hermanas en Cristo:
Sea de su conocimiento que sus hermanos y hermanas en toda la Iglesia Episcopal están orando por ustedes. Estaremos con ustedes en este tiempo y en los días que han de venir. Ustedes no están solos. Que el amor de Dios los abrace y los fortalezca.
Su hermano en Cristo,
+Michael B. Curry
Obispo Presidente y Primado
La Iglesia Episcopal
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This week the Church remembers St. Anselm
Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, April 21, 1109
Anselm was born in Italy about 1033, and took monastic vows in 1060 at the Abbey of Bec in Normandy. He succeeded his teacher Lanfranc as Prior of Bec in 1063, and as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093. His episcopate was stormy, in continual conflict with the crown over the rights and freedom of the Church. His greatest talent lay in theology and spiritual direction.
Undergirding Anselm's theology is a profound piety. His spirituality is best summarized in the phrase, "faith seeking understanding." He writes, "I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order that I may understand. For this, too, I believe, that unless I first believe, I shall not understand."
Collect
Almighty God, you raised up your servant Anselm to teach the Church of his day to understand its faith in your eternal Being, perfect justice, and saving mercy: Provide your Church in every age with devout and learned scholars and teachers, that we may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Learn up-to-date fundraising practices
"Stewardship of God's Mission" conference at Camp Washington April 21-23
Bishop Ian T. Douglas and Bishop Laura J. Ahrens invite all clergy and lay persons in ECCT to a learning opportunity called, "Stewardship of God's Mission!" taking place from dinner on Thursday, April 21 through noon on Saturday, April 23 at Camp Washington in Morris. The ECCT bishops are hosting the event and Ms. Erin Weber - Johnson and Mr. Donald Romanik of the Episcopal Church Foundation will lead the conference. This resource promises to raise up of clergy and lay leaders within dioceses who are skilled in and knowledgeable about up-to-date fundraising practices. Please email Suzanne DeMerchant if you would like to participate. (sdemerchant@episcopalct.org). Space is limited - sign up immediately!
An anonymous donor has covered the cost of registration. Overnight lodging and meals are $91 per night for a single room and $60 per night per person for a shared room.
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Join in the conversation with Muslim neighbors
Over the past year, the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding, The Muslim Coalition of Connecticut, and Hartford Seminary has offered programs designed for a diverse audience throughout the state.
"Honest conversations with Muslim neighbors," the next event which is scheduled for April 28, is intended especially for "faith leaders." This includes all those who are involved in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and all other forms of ministry.
The evening's conversation is intended to focus on the concerns and insights the panelists and individuals gathered to inspire the work of interfaith dialogue and relationship-building.
Details
Thursday April 28, 7:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Cathedral Green Apartments, 809 Asylum Avenue, Hartford.
Panelists include
Imam & Attorney Refai Arefin, the Islamic Association of Greater Hartford/Berlin Mosque;
Professor Feryal Salem, Assistant Professor of Islamic Scriptures & Law, and Co-Director of the Islamic Chaplaincy, Hartford Seminary;
Professor Timur Yuskaev, Associate Professor of Contemporary Islam, Co-Director of the Islamic Chaplaincy Program, and Director, Imam & Muslim Community Leadership Program, Harford Seminary.
For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Lisa Hahneman, ECCT Interreligious Network Facilitator holyspiritwh@snet.net
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Message from the ECCT Young Adult Retreat Design Team
"Young adults of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, now is the time to gather in faith, grace, and love! On Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11- we are calling for young adults of the ECCT between the ages of 21- 35 to attend an all expense paid (meals and lodgings) retreat in Camp Washington. Let this retreat be a space to foster the growth and the sustainability of our common discipleship as we participate in God's mission. Spend a few days with us- meet new friends, share your testimonies, enjoy the beauty of God's creation, and abide in Christ and his Church."
ECCT Young Adult Retreat Design Team
Shancia Jarrett, Director St. Hilda's House
Tokunbo Green, St. John's Bridgeport
The Rev'd Carlos de la Torre, ECCT Missional Curate
The Rev'd Amity Carrubba, Guest Retreat Leader & Former ESC Executive Director
Here is the link for the schedule
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Ministry Networks Corner
Interfaith/Interreligious Ministry Network
This area of ministry already has a national network of resources through the Episcopal Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Officers. The ECCT Interreligious Network Facilitator, the Rev. Dr. Lisa Hahneman, is interested in strengthening our local, Connecticut conversation. If you would like to be connected, please complete this brief (only three questions) online survey so group facilitators know to reach out to you. Click here for Interfaith/Interreligious Ministries Survey. The group plans to gather face-to-face in May/early June and discern interests, resources, and collaborative opportunities. For more information, contact Rev. Hahneman at holyspiritwh@snet.net.
Racial Reconciliation/ Racial Justice Ministry
The next meeting of the emerging Racial Reconciliation/Racial Justice Ministry Network (initially formed by participants of Trinity Institute 2016, all others welcome) will be at The Commons in Meriden on Thursday, April 21 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. RSVP here
Environmental Ministry Network (new info!)
Bishop Laura Ahrens, the Revs. Sandra Stayner, Stephanie Johnson and Virginia Army, and Professor Letty Naigles invite all who are interested to a gathering on
April 24 from 4-6 p.m. at St. Peter's, Cheshire, to share passion and energy about what they're doing locally to make a difference in their communities and change people's hearts and minds about climate change and environmental justice, and, to discuss what resources, ideas, connections and commitments people have for undertaking an Environmental Ministry Network over the next 12-18 months. RSVP to stjohnsvernonct@gmail.com
Christian Formation
The ECCT Christian Formation Ministry Network will meet on Thursday, April 28 from 1 - 3 p.m. at The Commons. For more information, join the ECCT Christian Formation Ministry Network google group where an agenda and more details are posted here. This network and gathering is for those who are interested in children's, youth, and/or adult formation on the parish level.
Ministry Network Convocation
The Ministry Network Convocation called for in last year's ECCT transition plan will be held Wednesday, June 1 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Commons. All members of Ministry Networks, both existing and emerging, as well as anyone who wants to learn more and explore possibilities, are invited. There will be plenary work and breakouts sessions. More details to come.
To announce your Ministry Network gathering, sponsored event, or resource, email
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Announcements & Reminders
- Middle School students are invited to a very special retreat at Camp Washington from Friday, April 22, 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, April 24, 2:00 PM. Students in grades 6-8 are invited to gather with new and old friends at the Middle School Retreat
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Region Convocations 
Locations and details are being worked out by Transition team members with people within each region. A Region map is here.
Northeast: April 22-23,
J.N. Webster Scout Reservation, Ashcroft. Details and online registration here. Southeast: May 20-21
My Father's Place, Moodus. Initial info here; more to come.
North Central: June 10-11
Trinity, Tariffville (Friday); Cathedral (Saturday).
Initial info here; more to come.
Still working on locations:
South Central May 6-7 Southwest May 13-14 Northwest June 24-25
Think you'd like to swap Regions? The Mission Council will develop a process. Being in one Region doesn't mean breaking partnerships across Regions. Parish collaboration and Ministry Networks can be both within and across Regions.
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Positions Open
- St. Barnabas, Greenwich, is seeking a full time associate rector, details here.
- Camp Washington is seeking a part-time housekeeper.
- St. John's, West Hartford has an openiing for a part-time financial administrator.
- St. Peter's, Cheshire is seeking a part-time communications coordinator, and a part time parish office administrator.
- St. Stephen's, Ridgefield is seeking a full time associate rector for youth and family ministry.
- St. Andrew's, Milford (Devon) is seeking a part-time associate for parish communications.
- St. Mark's, New Canaan is seeking a part-time director of children's ministries, and a full-time associate for digital and family ministry.
- St. Ann's, Old Lyme is seeking a half-time organist and choir director.
- Saint Luke's, Darien, is seeking a full- or part-time associate rector.
To submit a job opening to be included here, please fill out this form. Jobs will be reviewed and then posted in the weekly enews and posted on the website.
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Coming up soon
REGIONAL & DIOCESAN OFFERINGS, APRIL
The ECCT calendar is located here. It allows you to filter events by category and includes a subscribe link at the bottom of the page. Specific details including locations, times, etc. will also be found there.
- April 20, COM Monthly Meeting
- April 21, Fresh Start
- April 21-23, Project Resource at Camp Washington
- April 21, Trinity Institute Follow Up Meeting
- April 22-24, Middle School Retreat, Camp Washington
- April 24, Environmental Ministry Network Exploration
- April 25-26, "Getting Things Done" Parish Admins
- April 28, Standing Committee
- April 28, ConnECA
- April 29-30, Postulants and Candidates Retreat
- April 30, Visions Training
BISHOPS' SUNDAY SCHEDULE
- April 24, Bishop Douglas, Grace, Windsor
complete list of events is available on the website, for your consideration.
Please review event details on this calendar, or the individual parish/worshiping community, for more specific locations and times. Please reach out to the specific parish for event updates and further details.
April 19, ARTWorks Gallery on the Green, St. Paul's-on-the-Green, Norwalk
April 20, Mid-Day Music, St. Paul's-on-the-Green, Norwalk April 23, Earth Day Celebration, St. Paul's-on-the-Green, Norwalk April 23, Spring Piano Recital, St. George's, Bolton April 23, 275 Anniversary Community Celebration, St. Paul's, Wallingford April 23, St. James Got Talent, St. James Parish, Farmington April 23, Rhythms of the World, St. Mary's, Manchester April 23, Italian/American Concert, Trinity, Wethersfield April 24, Jazz Quintet Coffee Hour Concert, St. John's, Waterbury April 24, Fashion Show, Christ & The Epiphany, East Haven
2016 SPRING CLERICUS MEETINGS
Clergy are invited to attend whichever of these meetings that best fits their schedule and location. Each line provides a link to the respective Eventbrite page. From there, you can find more details and register for the event. Each event is scheduled from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., and you are invited to bring your own lunch.
SAFE CHURCH RECERTIFICATION FOR CLERGY IN 2016 (Link here)
SAFE CHURCH TRAINING FOR LAITY
- Apr. 30, 2016, 9 a.m., St. Peter's, Cheshire
- May 7, 2016, 9 a.m., St. John's, Vernon
- May 14, 2016, 9 a.m, St. Paul's, Brookfield
- June 4, 2016, 9 a.m., Christ Church, East Norwalk
- June 25, 2016, 9 a.m , St. John's, Niantic
Safe Church Recertification - for Laity
- May 21, 2016, 9 a.m., St. Paul's, Shelton
REGIONAL CONFIRMATIONS
- Tuesday, May 3 Bishops and Confirmands Dinner at The Commons Register here
- Thursday May 5, at St. John's Vernon at 7pm (Bishop Ahrens)
- Saturday, May 7, at St. Luke's, Darien at 10am (Bishop Douglas) (currently participating St. Luke's 40C; Christ Church Redding)
- Saturday, May 14, at Christ Church, Greenwich at 10am (Bishop Ahrens) (currently participating Christ Church Greenwich; St. Paul's Norwalk 12C)
- Saturday, June 4, 2016 at St. John's, Essex at 10am (Retired Bishop Folts of West Texas) (currently participating: St. John's Essex; Christ Church Guilford 9C)
- Saturday, June 11, 2016 at St. Michael's, Litchfield at 10am (Bishop Ahrens)
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