OCTOBER CLERGY NEWSLETTER
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by Allison Read
At such a time as this, 'Christianly' has become increasingly valuable in framing certain conversations and shaping discernment of God's mission of reconciliation in my "neighborhood," as our missional leadership might describe my ministerial context. To try to think, speak, and act Christianly myself and with others--or to try to think, speak, and act with Christ as the center of my personal identity and as leading my life in relationship to others--is an essential way toward, if not the essence itself of relationship with others now at too great a distance from one another.
The term 'Christianly' is one I picked up in the writing of David Kelsey, Luther A. Weigle Professor Emeritus of Theology at Yale Divinity School. Professor Kelsey is scrupulous in the extreme in crafting language about God and Christianity, and so his intentional and deliberate use of this one word was striking and seemed significant to me. What Professor Kelsey does with the term in his theological anthropology, Eccentric Existence, I will leave to my colleagues' better minds to discover and consider on their own. I can offer only my own appropriation of it for the purposes of discerning in a diverse Christian community, and in such a time as this, that God might be, where God might be in our midst, and who and how God in Christ expects us to be in relationship with God, with ourselves, with one another, and in the world. I include here the assertion or step that God might be because my ministerial context of a secular liberal arts college requires, as many other contexts do, a self-conscious awareness and thoughtful consideration of when, where, with whom, and how the reality of God is proposed and promulgated. Those spaces do exist in a liberal arts college that preserves a holistic approach to undergraduate education and that includes pluralism among its chief values.
In some of the spaces in which Christian students gather intentionally on a college campus, as elsewhere today, we find virtually every tradition and expression of Christianity present. The central question of conversation becomes, "How do we think Christianly about X issue?" From a circle of students shaped and formed in a range of Christian traditions, collective wisdom emerges. The diversity in the room challenges us to build a common Christian framework in which we see a more full picture and in which the multiple variations are not lost. Asking the simple question of how we think Christianly about the refugee crisis, racial justice, or the current political campaigns claims faith, clarifies faith, and enacts a degree of the reconciliation to which we are always called and that we urgently need in such a time of polarization.
'Christianly' proves an awkward word at first. It's not one I'm accustomed to hearing in any vernacular myself. Perhaps we might consider the term a simple, clear, direct, elegant, and theologically precise remedy to the over worn and problematic catchphrase "What Would Jesus Do?" While scripture might exhort us to have the mind of Christ, I still shudder at the presumption implicit in that phrase, namely that any of us mere human beings might do what Jesus did (or continues to do, as another theologian, Edwin Van Driel, quickly pointed out in recent conversation). The term 'Christianly,' on the other hand, invites us to consider what a follower of Jesus might do, or how a Christian might be or think or act.
A Roman Catholic order of nuns, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, taught me grammar. Adverbs were the "how" words. The nuns also demonstrated their Christianity as teachers and servant leaders in education. Sister Anna Marie Mack might very well have been tickled and intrigued with the notion that the theologically and practical best a Christian can ever live is adverbially in relationship to Christ himself. Thank you, David Kelsey, for the dense theological teaching packed into the addition of two letters, -ly, to the word 'Christian.'
May Christianly be our way forward.
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The Reverend Allison Read is College Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
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Fall Clergy Retreat, November 1-3
Bishop Douglas, Bishop Ahrens and the Planning Team for the 2016 Clergy Retreat are pleased to invite you to join them for rest, prayer, and spirit-filled recharging of mind, soul and body. The Retreat will be held at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT 06107. 
We, together, will learn about and try on the Wisdom or Perennial Tradition as taught by Richard Rohr and Cynthia Bourgeault. This year's retreat leader is the Reverend Matthew Wright. In addition to serving as a retreat leader, Matthew is an Episcopal priest and writer. Matthew serves as priest-in-charge at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church in Woodstock, NY and as a teacher for Northeast Wisdom, a non-profit dedicated to the renewal of the Christian Wisdom tradition. Matthew lives with his wife, Yanick, alongside the brothers of Holy Cross Monastery.
Lunch begins at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, followed by registration at 1:30 p.m. Our retreat concludes after Eucharist and lunch on Thursday, November 3.
Retreat participants are encouraged to bring the following: Bible, Prayer Book
You will receive a confirmation e-mail and a ticket to print out and bring with you to the event. If you have not received either of these, your registration did not go through. Please try again and be sure to fill out all the information.
Overnight fee includes a single room/common lavatory, meals, and program. Commuter fee includes meals & program only. Fees cannot be pro-rated for a shortened stay. **The refund amount for cancellations received prior to 12 noon on 10/30/2016 is $100. For Questions or concerns, please contact Bonni McKenney.
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Deacons Renewal of Vows, Sunday November 6
Bishop Laura Ahrens and the Deacons Council enthusiastically invite you, partners and spouses to the Annual Deacons Renewal of Vows on Sunday, November 6, at Christ Church Cathedral.
This is the 30th anniversary of the diaconate in Connecticut.
This year we will begin the day as deacons out in the community, serving those in need through setting up, se  rving and enjoying lunch at Church Street Eats in the Cathedral House. Set up for Church Street Eats will begin at 11:30 a.m. Deacons will first serve lunch to others at 12:00, then enjoy their meal with members of the community along with conversation and gratitude. Please note that baked goods are needed for dessert at Church Street Eats. Clean-up of the event will follow. You may also work in the clothing room to assist those in need.
We understand that many of you may have liturgical responsibilities on Sunday mornings. We invite you to take this Sunday away from your parish in the morning so that you can join us on November 6. This is a time for us as the deacons community to recall the examination question directed to us at the time of our ordinations to the sacred order of deacons: "Will you look for Christ in all others, being ready to help and serve those in need?" We pray that you will make arrangements to respond by attending the Church Street Eats manna program at the Cathedral as close to 11:30 a.m. as possible.
The Renewal of Vows will begin at 3:00 p.m. Deacons are requested to vest. Our service offering for this day will benefit Edrice's mission (in St. Kitts and Nevis) and Church Street Eats.
Parking is available across the street at the parking garage located next to Hartford Stage.
A request from Church Street Eats....they are looking for men's gently used clothing. Clear your closets of clothes you no longer wear and help someone in need. Your gently used clothing is graciously accepted!
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Annual Convention Corner, November 19 - 20 at the Hartford Convention Center
Room Block Deadline October 21
If you would like to get a room as a part of the Episcopal Church Room Block for this year's annual convention, please be advised that the block expires on October 21. For information on how to reserve a room, either online or over the phone, can be found here.
Meet the Nominees for Election
Learn about your sisters and brothers who are standing for election at this year's annual convention. The deadline for nominations has passed and now you can read the nominee bios on the Convention webpage.
Saturday, Legislative Session
Our time together on Saturday will consist primarily of legislative business as we hear reports and take action on resolutions put before us for our common work. The business will wrap up in time for a reception for all attendees, followed by an optional banquet dinner for an additional fee. (More information below)
All Convention delegates and guests are required to register online using Eventbrite. Parish offices can register a group and make a single payment or individuals may register and pay on their own.- $85 Regular Registration - ends November 15
- $100 Walk-in Registration - during Convention
When you register, you will be presented with a choice for lunch on Saturday (included in the cost of registration). Your choices will be: a) Pork Prime Rib b) North Atlantic Salmon c) Food Allergy Option*. All meal choices are gluten free.
Interested in going to the Saturday evening Banquet? Buy tickets here.
Celebration of the Spirit: Sunday of Convention*
ECCT is doing something wonderful and different on the Sunday of Convention this year - a massive worship service in the Convention Center, open to all, with the Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, preaching. Interest in this free event is gathering steam in parishes, so be sure to share the information with your church so that they have a chance to register here before all the seats are filled.
Want to know more about the Celebration of the Spirit event? Click here to learn how you can get involved and information on the Ministry Network Expo.
Participating via Social Media
In preparation for our Convention, we invite you to like ECCT on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and utilize our diocesan hashtag, #ECCT. We will be live on social media platforms throughout the weekend of Convention.
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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Upcoming Events:
TODAY IS THE Clergy Professional Development & Safe Church Recertification
Attendance at Safe Church Recertification Training for Clergy is required for all clergy canonically resident or licensed in The Episcopal Church in CT (ECCT). Christ Church, Greenwich from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Retired Clergy, Spouses & Partners Gathering, October 25
The Autumn Retired Clergy, Spouses & Partners Gathering will be held on Tuesday, October 25 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at St. James's, West Hartford, 1018 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT. Please register here.
Preaching Symposium with the Rev. David Bartlett, November 5
The  Bishops and Commission on Ministry invite any lay or ordained person to attend a Preaching Symposium at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford on Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 9am to 3pm. The Rev. David Bartlett, professor emeritus at Yale Divinity School, will be the plenary speaker for the morning and workshops will be offered
in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided. If you have any questions about the day, please contact the Dean of Formation, Molly James. The cost to attend is $20 and scholarship funds are available. Please register via Eventbrite here.
Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Network Meeting November 15
The Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Network invites you to attend a meeting of Hospital Healthcare Chaplains on Tuesday, November 15, at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at Norwalk Hospital and will be hosted by the Rev. Debra Slade, the Rev. Judy Holding, and Bishop Laura Ahrens. This gathering is expected to last 2 hours. We welcome you to attend this informative and rewarding event. Please RSVP via Eventbrite.
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Important Dates on the Calendar:
- Today, Fresh Start Meeting, October 20, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- **Clergy Recertification, October 20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Christ Church, Greenwich**
- Retired Clergy, Spouses & Partners Luncheon, October 25, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Fall Clergy Retreat, November 1 - 3, Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, West Hartford
- Deacon Renewal of Vows, November 6, Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford
- Recently Ordained Clergy (ROC) Meeting, November 8, The Commons
- Interim Rector Meeting, November 15, The Commons
- Fresh Start Meeting, November 17, The Commons
- Annual Convention, November 19-20, Convention Center, Hartford
- PIC Consultant Meeting, November 22, The Commons
Clericus Meetings:
- October 27: Southwest Region, Emmanuel Church, Weston
- October 27: Southeast Region, St. James', New London
- November 8: Northwest Region, Trinity-St. Peter's, Thomaston
- November 10: Northeast Region, St. Mary's, Manchester
- December 6, North Central Region, Church of the Good Shepherd, Hartford
- December 8, South Central Region, Christ & The Epiphany, East Haven
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Formation Corner
Important Dates
For postulants & candidates:
Conversation with COM and Standing Committee: January 14, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Resource Pages
If you have any questions about the ordination process or know someone who might be called to Holy Orders, please contact Molly James, Dean of Formation.
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Transition Reminders
- All ECCT Letters of Agreement state that parish clergy, whether full-time or part-time, shall not charge fees for performing any rites of the church (for example, baptisms, marriages, funerals) for members of the parish.
- If a Letter of Agreement is modified to reduce clergy salary or benefits, it must be approved by the Canon for Mission Leadership and the Bishop.
Transitions Update
We are currently receiving names for full time rectors for St. Peter's, Milford, St. Mary's, Manchester, St. Mark's, Storrs, and Old St. Andrew's, Bloomfield. More information is available here.
The Rev. George Kovoor began his ministry as Rector of St. Paul's Church, Darien, on October 1. The Celebration of New Ministry will be held on Tuesday evening, November 2 at 7pm.
The Rev. Richard "Max" Maxwell has accepted a call as Interim Rector of Grace Church, Madison, New Jersey (Diocese of Newark). His last Sunday at St. Timothy's Fairfield, where he has served as Interim, will be October 23.
The Rev. Kathie Adams-Shepherd, Rector of Trinity Church, Newtown, has accepted a call as Provost of Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis, Missouri (Diocese of Missouri), beginning January 1, 2017. You can read the announcement of her call here.
Parishes in Transition
Christ Church, Bethany............................................................Negotiating
Christ the Healer, Stamford...................................................... Negotiating
Christ and the Holy Trinity, Westport...........................................Interviewing
Epiphany Church, Durham..............................................Using Supply Priests
Old St. Andrew's, Bloomfield..............................................Receiving Names
St. James, New London........................................Interim in place: Bob Miner
St. John's, New Haven..................................................Using Supply Priests
St. John's, North Haven.........................................................Interviewing
St. Luke's, New Haven.............................................Seeking Priest in Charge
St. Luke's, South Glastonbury...........................................Seeking PT Interim
St. Mark's, Storrs............................................................Receiving Names
St. Mary's, Manchester......................................................Receiving Names
St. Martin's, Hartford................................................Seeking Missional Priest
St. Matthew's, Wilton.............................................................Negotiating
St. Paul's, Fairfield............................................Interim in place: Amy Welin
St. Paul's, Riverside..............................................................Interviewing
St. Peter's, Milford.................................Interim in place: Christopher Leighton
St. Peter's, South Windsor..................................Interim in place: Shaw Mudge
St. Timothy's, Fairfield..........................................................Interviewing
Trinity Church, Seymour.......................................Interim in place: Steve Ling
Trinity Church, Tarriffville...................................................Seeking Interim
Trinity Church, Trumbull....................................Interim in place: Paul Carling
Trinity Church, Wethersfield...........................................Using Supply Priests
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