NOVEMBER CLERGY NEWSLETTER
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A profound sense of Ubuntu
By Miguelina Howell
For an extended period in the past few months, I have been contemplating how I understand and experience the concept of Ubuntu in the context of God's mission.
Ubuntu has various, and not always compatible, interpretations and definitions. For some, it is the belief that society, not a transcendent being, gives human beings their humanity. For others, like me, Ubuntu is the epitome of our connectedness in God through our relationship with one another. It is that spiritual space where we grow and learn from each other from a place of kindness and love in the midst of our differences.
Ubuntu, a Nguni Bantu term, can be roughly translated as "human kindness". In the current societal climate, it seems as if kindness to others is an underrated virtue. One which we, God's people, are called to foster and model within our communities and in the world.
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The concept of Ubuntu can also literally mean "human-ness". In its most philosophical sense it is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all human beings.
The great living legend, Archbishop Desmond Tutu explains it best,"My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours. We belong in a bundle of life. We say, "A person is a person through other persons." And he continues, "A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were less than who they are."
Archbishop Tutu's words resonated in my soul profoundly during the civil disobedience demonstration in Standing Rock in early November. Through social media, text messages, emails and phone calls, I felt completely connected, through one cause, to all my brothers and sisters who were physically present at Standing Rock, supporting our Native American brothers and sisters as they seek to protect their sacred ground. Hundreds of Episcopalians and people from all walks of life joined in their human-ness and care for creation to make a collective statement of faith and love.
Similarly to that, was my experience in this past week as women clergy networks from around the church reached out to one another to learn and understand more about the #safetypin campaign, which started as a social media thread inviting people to wear a pin to show solidarity and support to those who are victims of hatred, discrimination and bigotry. I am aware that the pin is a symbol and much work is yet to be done to "un-do" the pain, confusion and challenges that evolved from the past presidential campaign. However, it's a symbolic act that has led me to feel connected and united with those who also seek to foster a peaceful, safe and just environment for all God's people.
Another experience of Ubuntu I cherish was to see our ECCT deacons serving a meal at our Cathedral soup kitchen just a few hours before they renewed their ordination vows.
These three instances affirmed my soul, once again, in the knowledge and assurance that we are in this journey of life together. That despite our differences and challenges, we continue to find common ground in God's love for humanity and in our call to participate in God's mission.
May we foster kindness and understanding in everything that we do and everything that we say.
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The Very Rev. Miguelina Howell serves as the tenth Dean of our Cathedral and Chaplain to the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church.
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Bishops' Ian & Laura and Presiding Bishop Curry's Messages
As followers of Jesus we know that such restoration and reconciliation is possible. Let us redouble our commitment to God's mission of unity, wholeness, and new life. Let the love of God working in us overcome the divisions in our lives, in our country, and in our world.
We therefore assert and we believe that "the Episcopal Church welcomes you" - all of you, not as merely a church slogan, but as a reflection of what we believe Jesus teaches us and at the core of the movement he began in the first century. The Episcopal Church welcomes all. All of us!
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's video message is available here, and his statement on The Episcopal Church Welcomes You (quoted above) can be found here.
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Region Based Discernment Groups
Beginning in January 2017, ECCT will be offering Region Based Discernment Groups that are open to anyone who is asking what God might be calling them to next.
If you are wondering about making a life change or a career change or just feeling called by God, this is a process for you! The groups will focus on discernment in the broadest sense drawing on resources from around The Episcopal Church, and those who might be discerning a call to Holy Orders are welcome to participate.
Learn more abour the Region Based Discernment Groups here. Contact Molly James, Dean of Formation with any questions.
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Are you ready for Advent?
Advent I is November 27, can you believe it! Our Diocesan cycle of prayer has been updated. As you prepare for this time of prayer and waiting for our Lord, here are some resources that might of interest:
ECCT will be participating in the SSJE #AdventWord, offering daily images on our social media pages, available for sharing with your communities. If your community plans to participate in a similar online Advent prayer, please tag us so we can share your posts on Twitter or Instagram.
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Annual Convention Corner, November 19 - 20 at the Hartford Convention Center
Celebration of the Spirit: Sunday of Convention
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT, you can join the wait list here. If you registered for Convention then you do not need to register again for the Celebration of the Spirit.
Ministry Network Expo: Sunday afternoon
Following worship, the Celebration of the Spirit will continue with the Ministry Network Expo, from 1-3:30 p.m. The Ministry Network Expo consists of two parts, taking place simultaneously: the Ministry Network Fair and the Ministry Network Workshops. Get more information here.
Download the Convention App today!
This handy tool is available on all your devices and contains the schedule of convention, resolutions, reports, election nominee bios, and other useful information. We encourage you to download the app before coming to convention so that you are ready to go before you arrive on Saturday, November 19. Details available here.
Livestreaming
Convention worship on Sunday will be livestreamed, as will part of Saturday morning - including Bible study and the Bishop's Address. The video will be embedded on that page, so be sure to save it in your bookmarks. Details available here.
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 and Opportunities:
Free Webcast of the Evangelism Matters conference, Friday and Saturday. The churchwide event is co-sponsored by Forward Movement and the Presiding Bishop's Office, and is hosted by the Diocese of Dallas and Church of the Transfiguration, Dallas, TX where the activities will be held. The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. Friday. Watch it here on Friday.
Applications accepted for the conference planning team for 2017 Young Adult & Campus Ministry Leadership Conference slated for June 25-28 in Austin, TX. " The goal of the conference is for Episcopal leaders in ministry with young adults on and off college campuses to meet and connect with one another and to be nourished and nurtured in their ministry." Learn more here. Deadline for applications is December 9 at 5:00 p.m.
Embracing Gender Complexity Conference, December 16 - 17 at Barbara T. Harris Conference Center in Greenfield, NH. Transgender and gender-non-binary people have long been and are increasingly part of congregations throughout Province 1. Many of our communities are exploring ways to better equip themselves to support and to embrace the gifts of this wide ranging community. Learn more and register here. Transgender Day of Remembrance is November 20.
Latino Leaders of New England Conference, December 16-17. Lutherans and Episcopalians United in One Mission at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Inspiring, equipping, and empowering Latino Ministry Leaders for the 21st Century Church! Join leaders from all over New England to explore new opportunities for learning, faith formation and service. Questions? Contact Rev. Santiago Rodriguez.
Register today for the Church Leadership Conference, February 17-19 at Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center in Hendersonville, NC. Discussion will include reasons people find their way to our churches, how to make them feel appreciated and effective courses for personal growth. Workshops will be presented by leaders from Episcopal Church Foundation, Episcopal Relief & Development, Forward Movement, Center for Religion and Environment, Bexley Seabury Seminary, and more. Register by November 17 to save 10%.
Add this to your calendar: Spring Training is April 1! (and that is no joke).
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Important Dates on the Calendar:
- Fresh Start Meeting, November 17, The Commons
- Annual Convention, November 19-20, Convention Center, Hartford
- PIC Consultant Meeting, November 29, The Commons
- Deacons' Council Meeting, November 30, St. James', West Hartford
- ROC Meeting, December 1, The Commons
- Leadership Gathering, December 3, The Commons
- COM Training, December 7, The Commons
- Formation Retreat (Diaconate process), December 9-11, Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford
Clericus Meetings:
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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
Do you have clergy friends who might like to work in ECCT?
We are currently receiving names for:
- St. Mary's, Manchester, FT rector, deadline Nov. 20
- St. Mark's, Storrs, FT rector/college chaplain, deadline Nov. 20
- Old St. Andrew's, Bloomfield, FT rector, deadline Nov. 30
- St. Peter's, South Windsor, 3/4T rector, deadline Dec. 15
- St. James, New London, FT rector, deadline Dec. 31
The Rev. Pamela Strobel is now Missional Priest at the Church of Christ the Healer in Stamford.
The Rev. Stephanie Johnson has accepted a call as Rector of St. Paul's Church in Riverside, beginning December 1, 2016. She has been serving as Associate Rector at St. Paul's Church in Fairfield.
The Rev. Alon White has accepted a call as Interim Rector of St. Matthew's Church in Wilton, beginning December 1, 2016.
The Rev. Canon John Betit (Diocese of Long Island) has accepted a call as Priest in Charge at Christ and the Holy Trinity Church, Westport, beginning January 1, 2017. He has been serving as Canon to the Ordinary in Long Island.
Parishes in Transition
Christ Church, Bethany.........................................................................Negotiating
Epiphany Church, Durham...........................................Using Supply Priests
Grace Church, Old Saybrook.....................Interim in place: Ellendale Hoffman
Old St. Andrew's, Bloomfield...........................................Receiving Names
St. James, New London..................................................Receiving Names
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........................................Interim in Place: Alon White
St. Paul's, Fairfield............................................Interim in place: Amy Welin
St. Peter's, Milford..............................................................Interviewing
St. Peter's, South Windsor..................................................Receiving Names
St. Timothy's, Fairfield............................................................Negotiating
Trinity Church, Seymour.......................................Interim in place: Steve Ling
Trinity Church, Tariffville....................................................Seeking Interim
Trinity Church, Trumbull.....................................Interim in place: Paul Carling
Trinity Church, Wethersfield............................................Using Supply Priests
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