E-News: August 7, 2026

CALENDAR

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Church by the Pond

2:00 p.m., Bushnell Park (near the carousel)

Celebrant:

The Rev. Claudia Scheda

Meals:

Trinity, Tariffville

Learn more about Church by the Pond

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Reminder: Each Sunday in August has only one service, at 9:30 a.m. Please see the announcement below titled “AUGUST WORSHIP AT THE CATHEDRAL” for details.

Service Bulletin

Learn more about Connecticut’s Cathedral

9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Celebrant/Preacher:

The Rev. Jill Morrison

11:00 a.m. Extraordinary Women of the Bible (Spanish; Sundays through September 6)

Church Street Eats

12:00 p.m., Sundays

Cathedral House Dining Room

Learn more about Church Street Eats

Dwelling in the Word

SUMMER HIATUS

Our weekly Dwelling in the Word Thursday Zoom meetings will return on Thursday, September 10 at 5:00 p.m. Have a restful summer!

Faith in the Public Square

ONE MORE SESSION THIS SUMMER

Please join us via Zoom on Thursday, August 27.

For more information, and to get the Zoom link and Meeting ID, please see the “Faith in the Public Square” notice four below this one.

ENGAGING THE CONGREGATION

DEAN SEARCH — UPDATE

On May 27, 2026, the transition office at The Commons began receiving names of interested candidates.

Click this link to learn about the position on the ECCT website.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The closing date is July 31, 2026.

DEAN HARLON’S SABBATICAL

Reminder: During August, Interim Dean Harlon Dalton is on sabbatical. While he is away, The Rev. Linda Spiers will oversee the Cathedral. Please direct inquiries and concerns to her at linda.spiers@cccathedral.org.

9:00 FORMATION ON SUMMER HIATUS

Our 9 a.m. Formation sessions are on hiatus for the rest of the summer. Formation will resume on Sunday, September 6 with “30 Minutes with the Preacher”.

CATHEDRAL OFFICE NEWS

The week of August 10 through August 17, Executive Assistant and Program Coordinator Gary Tomassetti, will be on vacation, returning to work on Tuesday, August 18. Covering the office in Gary’s absence will be Gilbeean Scott. We’re grateful for Gilbeean’s help!

We’re also grateful to Peggy Ornell, who will take care of sending out the e-news next Friday, August 14. Thanks, Peggy!

AUGUST WORSHIP AT THE CATHEDRAL

During the month of August, we are celebrating with Taste and See services. Each Sunday, there is only a single service, at 9:30 a.m., in the following styles:

Sunday, August 9: Worship in the 8 a.m. style, no music

Sunday, August 16: Worship in the 12:30 p.m. style, in Spanish

Sunday, August 23: Worship in Church By the Pond style

PLEASE NOTE: This service takes place in Bushnell Park, not at the Cathedral

Sunday, August 30: Bilingual worship service

FAITH IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE

For more than a year, Faith in the Public Square has created a safe space in which to discuss current events. We share our thoughts, fears, discoveries, and ideas about whatever is in the headlines. Together, we look for hope, and for the places we see God at work.

Mark your calendars and join us via Zoom (meeting link is provided below) on Thursday, August 27 from 5:00–6:00 p.m.

All are welcome. Dr. Jilda Aliotta will lead the discussion.

NOTE: This session will be entirely devoted to Faith in the Public Square.

Click here for meeting link

Meeting ID: 814 9796 1323

Passcode: 168379

CCC CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Would you like to support the CCC Children’s Choir?

THANK YOU to all who donated snacks!

We need an additional adult presence during children’s choir on Wednesdays from 5:00–6:00 p.m. The main responsibility would be supervising 2-3 kids coloring in the childcare room from 5:25–5:45 p.m.
Spread the word about our program to families with children who might be interested!

Please contact directorofmusic@cccathedral.org

CHURCH BY THE POND

August 1, 2026

The journalist/urbanist Tom Condon in his column in The Hartford Courant often would opine that without regionalism the City of Hartford would forever be an isolated island of despair and poverty in a wealthy county of abundance and prosperity.

In his letter to the Galatians Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek ; neither slave nor free; nor is there any male or female; for you are ALL one in Christ Jesus”. Living into their faith the good people of Saint John’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford , led by their ministers, their Rector, The Rev. Todd Fitzgerald, and Associate Rector, Margie Baker, lived into their Christian faith ,as opposed to the earthly vision , of community by serving today in Bushnell Park at Church by the Pond and Church Street Eats.

Rev. Fitzgerald’s homily emphasizing that EVERYONE alive is “welcome, worthy, and wanted” in God’s kingdom regardless of geography, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or geographic location, speaks to the universality of God’s love and the often artificial human barriers (like town lines) that prevent us from living into the word.

Twenty-seven parishioners were present to hear this important and uplifting message. Afterwards, thirty-four people were served lunch by the aforementioned congregants of Saint John’s, West Hartford.

Submitted by: CBTP Lay Leader Andrew May

LAST WEEK AT CCC

August 2, 2026

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

We are many members, yet one body in Christ.

Somos muchos miembros, pero un solo cuerpo en Cristo.

Today, on the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, we gathered for the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m., presided over by The Rev. Dana Campbell. In her sermon, she exhorted us to face the struggles of our present lives with courage, recognizing that our greatest battles are often fought within our own conscience. She encouraged us to seek only the blessings that God has prepared for us, without attempting to obtain the blessings of our brothers and sisters through deception or selfish ambition.

She reminded us that, despite our imperfections, God lovingly embraces us and continually seeks to draw us closer to Himself. As disciples of Christ, we are called to live each day according to the values of God’s Kingdom, faithfully facing life’s challenges with integrity, humility, and hope. She also invited us to remember that a life of faith is not always marked by quiet tranquility; often, the sacred path is found in faithfully persevering through struggle, trusting in God’s abiding presence.

At 11:00 a.m., we gathered for our hospitality time, sharing fellowship and strengthening the bonds of our community. This was followed by our Spanish Bible study, “Extraordinary Women of the Bible,” led by Mrs. Iris Mercedes, where we continued growing together in faith through the witness and example of the women whose lives are recorded in Holy Scripture.

Photos courtesy of: Carlene Taylor and Samuel Hernandez.

HOSPITALITY

The Hospitality Team invites you to enhance our time together after the 10:00 a.m. service by bringing a food/refreshment offering to share.

PLEASE NOTE: During the month of August, there is only one service each Sunday, at 9:30 a.m.

A sign-up sheet will be available every Sunday in the Cathedral House Auditorium on which you may sign up for a specific Sunday and goody offering.

Thank you for your past and on-going support, it is very much appreciated and enjoyed by all!

Lilibeth Warner - Co-Convener

John Decker - Co-Convener

Hospitality Ministry Team

ENGAGING THE ARTS

HARTFORD STAGE

We’re thrilled to introduce our 2026–2027 season!

This season brings together a dynamic mix of bold new works, fresh perspectives, and revisited classics. Whether you’re drawn to gripping drama, inventive storytelling, or pure entertainment, there’s something for everyone.

Come for what you love. Discover something new.

DOLORES HOWARD RETROSPECTIVE

The Bloomfield Public Library Presents

What I See, How I Feel

A Retrospective of Artist Dolores Howard

Dolores is an active member of Christ Church Cathedral and a gifted artist. The retrospective is taking place in Bloomfield’s Prosser Library through October.

1 Tunxis Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002

860-243-9721

Please click here for more information.

ENGAGING THE CITY

Hartford Activities this Weekend

Another one for the books — this week’s lineup includes cat videos, reggae nights, a Caribbean carnival, qigong in the park, farmers markets, stand-up comedy, jazz in the park, baseball, and more. See below for a week’s worth of things to do in Hartford!

1. CatVideoFest 2026

Friday–Sunday, August 7–9, Cinestudio

The world’s fluffiest film festival returns with a feel-good compilation of the internet’s best cat videos, streaming across every genre from clumsy to chaotic. $7-$10.

2. Pratt Street Sessions: Reggae Night

Friday, August 7, 6–8 p.m., Pratt Street

Don Minott & High Voltage Reggae Band kick off West Indian Independence weekend with a night of live reggae on Pratt Street. Grab takeout from a local favorite and follow the music. Free.

3. 64th Annual West Indian Independence Celebration

Saturday, August 8, 12 p.m., Bushnell Park

One of the largest Caribbean culture celebrations in the Northeast, featuring a carnival parade into Bushnell Park followed by a live concert with top Caribbean entertainers. Free.

4. Valley Qigong at Bushnell Park

Saturday, August 8, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Bushnell Park (meet at the Carousel)

Join instructor Kapil Taneja for an in-person hour of qigong in community — gentle movements, breathwork, and focused awareness drawn from this 2,000-year-old Chinese healing practice. Bring water and, if you’d like, a lawn chair. Free.

5. Pratt Street Sunday Market

Sunday, August 9, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Pratt Street

A new monthly tradition brings fresh produce, vinyl, and home finds to Hartford’s favorite brick-lined block, plus free morning yoga and live music. Free.

6. Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes

Sunday, August 9, 7 p.m., PeoplesBank Arena

“The Nicest Man in Stand-Up” brings his record-breaking tour to Hartford for a night of laid-back, family-friendly comedy. $63+.

7. Monday Night Jazz in the Park

Monday, August 10, 6–9 p.m., Bushnell Park

The Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series returns for its sixth decade, bringing world-class musicians and hometown favorites to the park lawn. Free.

8. Goats vs Seawolves

Tuesday, August 11, 7:10 p.m., Dunkin’ Park

Baby goats, donut vs. coffee races, free T-shirts, and somehow a full baseball game squeezed in between it all. Go Goats! $13+. (Can’t make it Tuesday? Don’t worry, they play again Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. too.)

9. North End Farmers Market

Wednesday, August 12, 9 a.m.–12 noon, North End Senior Center

Fresh fruits, veggies, and homemade goodies from local growers and makers. Free.

ENGAGING ECCT

Safe Church Training: Registration for Fall Semester Now Open

As followers of Christ, we all share responsibility for creating safe spaces in our worshipping communities. ECCT’s Safe Church policies & training are grounded in our baptismal call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons and respect the dignity of every human being.”

Safe Church Training is required by The Episcopal Church for all ordained persons and lay leaders who work with children, youth, or vulnerable adults.

Zoom and in-person dates are available, including in-person on Saturday, August 8 (TOMORROW) at Christ Church, Roxbury.

To register for a training, please click here.

To learn more about Safe Church Training, please click here.

Invite • Welcome • Connect OnDemand now available!

ECCT holds an annual subscription to Invite•Welcome•Connect On Demand and is making these online training materials and resources — which equip and empower individuals and congregations to practice evangelism, hospitality, and connectedness — available to all of ECCT.

Resources include video workshops, checklists, downloadable documents and transcripts, quick quizzes to check your progress, tools to help generate ideas, and more.

Access Invite Welcome Connect OnDemand

“Sunday School Doesn’t End in June” at Spring Training

Did you miss the virtual session, “Sunday School Doesn’t End in June“ at this year’s Spring Training & Gathering?

The Rev. Kate McKey-Dunbar, from Trinity, Trumbull, and James Williams, from Camp Washington, shared about a full approach to youth in the church, including what summer camp has to offer to congregational youth programming, and what congregational youth programming has to offer for camp!

This class and many other Spring Training & Gathering 2026 Virtual Classes are now available on ECCT’s YouTube channel.

Class descriptions are still available on ECCT’s Spring Training & Gathering webpage as well.

Watch “Sunday School Doesn’t End in June”

CW Summer Camps Continue

Teen Camp (ages 12–16): August 9–14

Camp Washington continues to offer a variety of summer camps, as well as programs and activities for all ages.

Please click here to learn more.

ENGAGING THE WORLD

Bexley Seabury Seminary launches climate justice and spiritual resilience program

Earlier this year, Bexley Seabury Seminary launched a virtual Climate Justice & Spiritual Resilience certification program, with the goal of helping Christians develop practical and theologically grounded knowledge and skills to carry out eco-spiritual and justice ministries effectively…

For the full text of this article, click here.

Public Policy and witness Weekly Prayers - The Episcopal Church

We invite you to join us as we share new prayers each week for the vulnerable among us facing challenges, fears, and threats. We will name many of the harms unfolding around us and acknowledge what is being erased, lost, and threatened.

Please join us in prayer and share these prayers with your dioceses and parishes.

click for weekly prayer

Únanse a nosotros en estas oraciones semanales mientras buscamos la orientación de Dios para fundamentarnós y discernir cómo cada uno de nosotros puede responder. Somos una sola Iglesia unida en óración; enunciamos La verdad en presencia de las mentiras; creamos un espacio para la aflicción frente al rechazo; y hacemos lugar en nuestras almas para la esperanza.

Únanse en oración y compartan estas plegarias con sus diócesis y parroquias.

Haga clic aquí para acceder a la oración semanal

Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, CT | cccathedral.org