The Episcopal Church Remembers Former Presiding Bishop the Most Rev. Edmond Lee Browning
The former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Edmond Lee Browning passed away Monday, July 11 at age 87. Bishop Browning was the 24th Presiding Bishop of the
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|  | | Photo by James H. Thrall, Episcopal News Service | |
Episcopal Church. He was elected September 19, 1985 and installed the following January.
Within Bishop Browning's 12 year term, he brought to light the deepening rift within the Episcopal Church over the issues of women's ordination and ordination for persons who are openly LGBTQ.
"At his first press conference after his election as presiding bishop in September 1985, Browning was asked about a General Convention resolution that was clearly intended to prevent gay people from being ordained, the Rev. Canon Brian Grieves [former director of peace and justice ministries for the Episcopal Church, who served on the staff of three presiding bishops, including Browning] recalled. 'He responded by saying he didn't think the church should legislate against people.'" - Matthew Davies, Episcopal News Service. Read more here.
In 1989, Bishop Browning also made history by consecrating the Rev. Barbara Harris of the Diocese of Massachusetts as the first female bishop in both the Episcopal Church and in the Anglican Communion.
The former Presiding Bishops Frank Griswold and Katharine Jefferts Schori, and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry offered condolences and beautiful tributes to Bishop Browning, which can be found here.
"The Episcopal Church is faithfully seeking to truly become, 'a house of prayer for all people,' as Jesus said quoting the Hebrew prophets, and that is greatly the case because Presiding Bishop Browning taught us that the church must be a place where there are no outcasts." - Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
A formal obituary for Bishop Browning written by the Rev. Sheryl Kujawa Holbrook, author of Heart of a Pastor, A Life of Edmond Lee Browning is available here.
Other tributes and obituaries in remembrance of Bishop Browning are available here.
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Presiding Bishop Curry Asks for Prayers for Nice
On Thursday, our world was rocked by another attack on human life. During a time of celebration on Bastille Day, chaos and violence broke out on a promenade in Nice, France. Over 80 lives were taken, over 100 bodies were injured, and far too many souls were (and still are) scared. We as children of God are hurting, mourning, and attempting to make sense of this senseless violence.
In this time of terrible pain, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry asks us to turn to active prayer. He states in a video here that prayer, "is not an escape from the world, but a way of deeper engagement with it, by drawing closer to God and closer to each other."
Our human family also mourns the deaths of three Baton Rouge police officers, Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald, and Brad Garafola, and all lives lost or left in uncertainty in Turkey. Our world is in a state of confusion and fear, but we as the Body of Christ are called to be beacons of light and hope. We are called to pray tirelessly for courage and hope to all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit. We are called to pray for those families left in shock, horror, and unimaginable grief. We are called to pray for all who have died, that God's will may be fulfilled, and that all may share with all God's saints in God's eternal kingdom. We are called to be in a deep engagement with the world by drawing closer to God and closer to one another.
Lord, in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
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Are You Catching 'Em All?
PokémonGo: a New Platform for Ministry?
If you are on social media, or if you have been walking around your town lately, you may have noticed an increase in people wandering around from spot to spot with their phones out.
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| | | A Pidgey at The Commons | |
Those people are not searching for a signal like the classic Can You Hear Me Now commercial, rather they are out catching Pikachus, Jigglypuffs, or one of the other 700+ Pokémon with the latest augmented reality game, PokémonGo. Released July 6, PokémonGo allows players, or known in the game as trainers, to 'catch' Pokémon in everyday life with their iPhone or Android camera.
Churches, landmarks, parks, and other public places have been deemed PokéStops within the game, which, for those who are new to Poké-lingo, trainers are able to attain Pokéballs (what one uses to catch Pokémon), and other useful tools. These public spaces are also marked as 'Gyms," where Pokémon trainers can virtually battle their strongest Pokémon within the game.
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| | St. Peter's Monroe as a PokéStop. Photo: Kurt Huber |
Some churches have begun offering cold water bottles to players on hot summer days, offering their free WiFi, and several other #Pokévangelism efforts.
While there are several risks with the new game: not paying attention to one's surroundings, driving while playing the game, and the like, PokémonGo offers a chance for unique community building and outreach. It allows churches to step outside their doors and offer a new form of support and ministry.
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Register for the September 24 Workshop: Joining God in the Neighborhood
On September 24, clergy and lay leaders from across the Episcopal Church in Connecticut will gather for a discussion about how to discover what God's up to in our neighborhoods. Then, following an early lunch, all will head out together and try on what we've just learned, listening for what God is telling us in some of West Hartford's nearby neighborhoods.
The workshop will focus on questions such as: - How do we recognize God's effect on the world around us?
- How do we confidently step in and help God with the work?
- How do we become a force of goodness that reckons with a world hungry for hope?
Please see an invitation from the Rev. Tim Hodapp, Canon for Mission Collaboration,
Together, we'll learn and practice what living local and joining God is all about.
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Convention Corner:
The Episcopal Church in Connecticut's 232nd Annual Convention will be Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20, 2016 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT.
Elected Positions Open at Convention
We will be electing a number of positions at this year's Annual Convention, including the deputation to General Convention, Provincial Synod Reps, and members of Standing Committee.
If you are interested in being nominated for one of these positions, please visit the Elections page on the Convention section of the ECCT website for more information and a simple, electronic nomination form.
Register for the Convention's Celebration of the Spirit
On the Sunday of Annual Convention this year, we will be having a Celebration of the Spirit that will include a massive gathered Eucharist with a sermon by the Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, and followed by a Ministry Network Expo and several engaging workshops.
The Celebration of the Spirit is free and open to all Episcopalians in Connecticut, and because space is limited, all attendees must register here* in advance. Learn more about the Celebration of the Spirit and register today. Even better, invite a few people from your congregation so that you can carpool and explore this exciting event together!
If you have any questions, please contact Adam Yates, Secretary of Convention.
*If you have already registered for Convention then you do not need to register again for the Celebration of the Spirit.
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Jerusalem Peacebuilders to Host Interfaith Program for Teens in New Haven
Jerusalem Peacebuilders (JPB), an interfaith nonprofit organization that brings together Christian, Jewish, and Muslim teens from Jerusalem, Massachusetts and Connecticut. JPB offers various intensive, co-ed, residential summer camp programs that focus on developing cross-cultural interfaith friendships, service, and leadership.
From July 25 - August 2, teens ages 14 - 17 will gather in New Haven. Teens will stay at Christ Episcopal Church, New Haven. For the first week, they will volunteer at IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services). In the mornings they will help the agency with various tasks and in the afternoons, they will be joined by IRIS youth from Syria and Iraq for joint programming on interfaith citizenship, intercultural communication, peace-building, and environmental stewardship. They will also be joined by interns from the Voices of September 11th, based in New Canaan, and together they will explore trauma, resiliency and change-agency. Please see a full media release on the blog here.
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LGBTQ: Bible & Church Workshop Saturday, July 30
Join the Rev'ds Sara Ofner-Seals from Park Congregational Church, Norwich and Hugh James from Christ Episcopal Church, on July 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christ Church, Norwich for a study workshop on LGBTQ references in the Bible, and the Church's place in the LGBTQ debate in society.
Join in on an open discussion focused on verses in the Bible that have been used in connection with homosexuality in our society and culture. Admission is free, however donations would be greatly appreciated to cover food costs. Please RSVP to the Christ Episcopal Church Office at (860)-887-4249 or email Hugh at hughjames1784@att.net.
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Register for Summer Camp!
Spots are filling up for 2016 summer camp! To register for one of the sessions below, head over to Camp Washington's website. While you're there, sign up for their newsletters, simply enter your email address in a signup box in the lower section of their home page. |
| | Children's Camp from Camp Washington's Facebook |
Mark your calendars for Camp Washington's Youth Festival happening September 10-11! Registration opens July 15th.
Spots still available in:
Children's Camp, Ages 7-12: August 14-19
Teen Camp, Ages 12-16: July 31-August 5, August 7-12
Mini Camp (three days, two nights), Ages 5-8: July 24-26; Ages 9-12: July 27-29
Wilderness Adventure Camp, Ages 7-12: July 24-29
Girl Power, Ages 12-16: July 24-29
Service Leadership Camp, Ages 13-16: August 14-19
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Announcements & Reminders
Register for the "Evangelism Matters" conference Nov. 18-19. The Episcopal Church is hosting an Evangelism Matters conference in Texas this November 18-19 ( details and registration here). The bishops and canons of ECCT would like to identify and support one or possibly two lay people to attend the full conference. (Note that the second day of the conference is the day of the Annual Convention). Expectations of the attendee(s) include use of social media to share images and ideas both during and after the conference, and work with Karin Hamilton or Alli Huggins in ECCT's office of Mission Communication & Media, on ways to share what you've learned with ECCT, post-conference. If the Spirit moves and you believe you're called to explore this opportunity as ECCT's "delegate," email your name, contact info, and how this inspires you to khamilton@episcopalct.org, no later than September 15, 2016.
St. Paul's Brookfield and Fr. Joseph Shepley Leading Two Pilgrimages to Holy Land New Year's Break, 2016 - 2017. The first trip, the "Best of Israel," leaving on December 26 will be primarily for "first timers" where we will walk in the footsteps of Jesus, visiting Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. The second trip, "In-Depth Israel plus Petra," leaves on January 2nd and will overlap the first trip on the travel days. It will be of interest to the "return visitors" to Israel, spending more time in Jerusalem, visiting additional areas in Israel, and including a special swing through Jordan. You can combine both trips. Please see full detailed program here or here for more information, prices, and registration.
The ECCT database upgrade project is moving ahead. The parish survey portion will be piloted in July. Your ECCT team working on the project include Canon Karin Hamilton, Canon Louis Fuertes, and Office Manager Matt Handi. Right now, we're asking parishes to send in their mailing lists if they didn't last year. You can send them now to mhandi@episcopalct.org. The lists are used to mail CRUX, the annual magazine, and are not shared outside ECCT.
The Jack Spaeth Care for Creation Environmental Grant now accepting applications through Monday, August 15. The mission of the Jack Spaeth Care for Creation Environmental Grant is to encourage innovation and to empower members of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut to educate, witness and invite change in our congregations and communities with the goal of embracing a global vision of climate justice and preserving and celebrating God's creation. Click here to read more and submit an application.
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Ministry Networks Corner
Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Network to host meeting July 21
The Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Network is hosting a meeting of healthcare chaplains on Thursday, July 21, 10 a.m. - noon, at Norwalk Hospital. Hosts include the Rev. Debra Slade, the Rev. Judy Holding and Bishop Laura Ahrens. RSVP to sdemerchant@episcopalct.org.
Environmental Ministry Network to host meeting July 24
The Environmental Ministry Network will host its 2nd meeting on Sunday, July 24, from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., at St. Peter's Church, Cheshire. This network's focus is on protecting and caring for the environment by building awareness and taking meaningful actions. RSVP to sdemerchant@episcopalct.org.
New Liturgy, Music, and the Arts Ministry Network to host meeting July 26
An emerging ECCT Ministry Network dedicated to those interested in Liturgy, Music, and the Arts will host a gathering in fellowship and engage in a discussion at Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. Please register here for the meeting. Please see the formal invitation here.
To announce your Ministry Network gathering, sponsored event, or resource, email Alli Huggins at ahuggins@episcopalct.org.
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Positions Open
Job openings may be found here on the website
NOTE: Applicants will be able to submit their resume and cover letter to the contact person directly from the ECCT website, if that option is chosen by the person submitting the position for posting.
- Interim Director of Music Ministries, Trinity Church, Hartford
- Music Director, Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford
- Director of Children's Ministries, Trinity Episcopal Church, Southport
- Nursery School Director, Zion Episcopal Church, North Branford
- Interim Director of Music for Trinity Episcopal Church, Newtown
- Church School Director, St. Michael's, Litchfield
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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REGIONAL & DIOCESAN OFFERINGS
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.
- July 19, Donations & Bequests Board of Trustees Meeting
- July 20, COM & Standing Committee Summer Meeting
- July 21, Safe Church Advisory Group Meeting
- July 28, Standing Committee Meeting
- July 29, Retired Steering Committee Meeting
See Ministry Network Corner, above, for known MN meetings and sponsored events
BISHOPS' SUNDAY VISITS (Bishop Douglas is on sabbatical through September 2016)
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July 24, Pequot Chapel (Bishop Ahrens)
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.
- July 20, Carillon Concert Series, St. James, Danbury
- July 22, Annual Chicken Barbecue at Church of the Epiphany, Durham
- July 22 & 23, St. Peter's Drama Camp Performance, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, St. Peter's, Chesire
- July 23, Barbecue, Music, and Casablanca on the Lawn at Trinity, Portland
SAFE CHURCH RECERTIFICATION FOR CLERGY IN 2016 (Link here)
Mandatory for clergy. The final two times it will be offered are in October.
SAFE CHURCH TRAINING and SAFE CHURCH RECERTIFICATION FOR LAITY
Safe Church training sessions for laity ended June 25 and will resume in the fall. They will be included online and in the eNews when locations and dates are confirmed and online registration is set up. Link here for basic information about Safe Church training for laity.
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