E-News: May 22, 2026



Saturday, May 23, 2026

Church by the Pond

2:00 pm (Bushnell Park)


Celebrant:

The Rev. Margie Baker, St. John's West Hartford




Meals:

St. John's, West Hartford








Sunday, May 24, 2026

PENTECOST SUNDAY


NOTE: One Service at 10 AM

Combined Bilingual Worship




Bulletin





10:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist (sung)


Celebrant The Rev. Canon Harlon Dalton, Interim Cathedral Dean


Preacher: The Rev. Canon Kevin Olds, Priest Associate



Assisting

The Rev. Canon Ramon Antonio Garcia, Canon for Latino Ministry


The Ven. Bonnie Matthews, Cathedral Deacon








Church Street Eats

12:00 pm Sunday

Cathedral House Dining Room






Note: The first Sunday of every month prayers are offered for those celebrating a birthday or wedding anniversary during the month.


The second Sunday of the month, prayers for healing are offered during the service.





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Congregation Spotlight

ENGAGING THE CONGREGATION

UPDATE ON 9 AM FORMATION HOUR

The 9 am Formation hour forum will be preempted by other events for three of the five Sundays in May. So, the discussion of the letter to the Romans will be delayed. It will begin Sunday May 31 and continue the next three Sundays: June 7, 14 & 21. The Formation Program for the 2025-26 program year will conclude with a Faith and the Public Square Discussion Sunday June 28. We are looking forward to resuming the weekly 9am formation sessions Sunday May 31.

DEAN SEARCH - UPDATE

The search for a new Dean of the Cathedral has begun in earnest. Because we are a Cathedral, the process is unique. Our Constitution and Canons of the Cathedral provide as follows:


"The Dean shall be elected by the Chapter, upon nomination by the Bishop Diocesan. The Bishop Diocesan conducts his/her own search for a Dean. The Bishop then presents one or more nominees to be interviewed by a Committee of Chapter. This Committee shall be comprised of members of the Cathedral worshipping community and members of the Chapter. The Committee shall make a recommendation to the Chapter prior to the election of the Dean."


Pursuant to the Constitution and Canons, Bishop Mello has appointed an Advisory Committee. Its members are:


Jilda Aliotta

Bart Geissinger

Theresa Greaves

Becky Honan

Nancy Jacobs, Chair

Loyda Morales

Mary Oliveros

Deborah Simmons

Carlene Taylor


Information from the listening sessions has been passed along for Bishop Mello to review and that reflects what the congregation and Chapter are hoping for in a new dean. The parish profile has been completed and will be posted on the Cathedral's website.


For ongoing information, feel free to contact any member of the Advisory Committee. In addition, our website now includes a "Dean's Search" page that will be regularly updated.



The Rev. Canon Harlon L. Dalton

Interim Dean

Christ Church Cathedral - Hartford CT




A FUN VISIT FROM CAPITAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE LABORATORY SCHOOL


Christ Church Cathedral music staff entertained children from Capital Community College Laboratory School with songs, art, and instrument exploration. A very fun and engaging visit for all, including parents of the children!!

Thank you Marianne, Sarah, and Dean Harlon!!

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 5:00-6:00. The main responsibility would be supervising 2-3 kids coloring in the childcare room from 5:25-5:45pm.
  • Spread the word about our program to families with children who might be interested!

Please contact directorofmusic@cccathedral.org




Last Week at CCC

May 17, 2026


SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER


We are many members, yet one body in Christ. Somos muchos miembros, pero un solo cuerpo en Cristo.


Today, on the Seventh Sunday of Easter, our 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. liturgical celebrations were presided over by our Interim Dean, Rev. Harlon Dalton. The preaching at both celebrations was offered by The Ven. Bonnie Matthews, Cathedral Deacon, who exhorted us to live holy lives following the example of the early Christians: to go deeper into the Scriptures, to allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and to stand together in the task of bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to others.

She reminded us that the hostility the world is currently experiencing, especially the wars in the Middle East and the tensions within our society, should not prevent God’s sacred purpose from being fulfilled in the world. Rather, we are called to be examples of unconditional love for all people, reflecting the work of Jesus Christ, who with grace and humility seeks to relieve tensions, encourage empathy, and open paths toward cooperation and peace in its fullest sense.

At 11:00 a.m., we shared a beautiful time of hospitality, and at 12:30 p.m., we celebrated the Eucharist in Spanish, presided over by the Canon for Latino Ministry, Rev. Ramon Garcia. In his reflection on the priestly prayer of Jesus, he reminded us that the glory of God manifests the truth of the Divine Being, whose nature is the eternal fullness of absolute Truth.

He emphasized that human beings are called to participate in the divine life that embraces eternity: “This is eternal life,” Jesus says, “that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).

This is our reason for praising Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to participate in the very glory of God. As St. Irenaeus affirmed, “The glory of God is the living human being,” and likewise, “the life of the human being consists in the vision of God.”


Photos courtesy of: Samuel Hernandez, Anne Bartholomew and Carlene Taylor









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


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 AT THE CATHEDRAL

ENGAGING THE ARTS AT THE CATHEDRAL

SAVE THE DATE

ENGAGING THE CITY

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.


SUBSCRIBE


It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold and the weather is just right for exploring our Capital City, especially on foot. If you’re looking to get your steps in while discovering something new, here are five walks we recommend.


Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch Tours

Thursdays, 12 - 1:30 pm 

The Arch is open for FREE tours on Thursdays from 12–1:30 pm, May through October. Volunteer Arch Guides share the fascinating history behind the design and construction of the monument, along with the meaning behind its symbolic carvings and statuary. Tours last approximately 15–30 minutes, and no pre-registration is required. Only have a few minutes? Skip the tour and climb the 96 steps to the top for beautiful views of Bushnell Park and the State Capitol.

 

Cedar Hill Cemetary Bird Walk

Saturday, May 30, 7 - 9 am

Join Jay Kaplan from Roaring Brook Nature Center for his annual bird walk through Cedar Hill Cemetery. Participants will explore the ornamental grounds in search of resident and migratory birds. Appropriate walking shoes and binoculars are strongly recommended. The walk begins near the bridge along the entrance drive. Free; reservations requested.


CAPFEST

Saturday, May 30, 12 - 4 pm

Get ready for a day of fun, community, and celebration at Capfest! Join us in the parking lot at the corner of Broad Street and Capitol Avenue for a festival that celebrates the people and cultures that make Hartford vibrant. From music and food to art and community pride, CapFest reflects the heart of the city.


Hartford Taste

June 5 - June 7

Hartford Taste is FREE to attend and packed with music, art, entertainment, and some of the city’s favorite food vendors. Food and drinks are purchased using Taste Tickets, available onsite.


Historic Main Street Hartford

Sunday, June 7, 10 am - 12 pm

Join an easy 1.5-mile walking tour along Hartford’s historic Main Street, from the Butler-McCook House & Garden to the G. Fox Building, and explore the city’s colonial roots and evolving history. This walk also includes a portion of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route. This program is offered free as part of Connecticut Trails Day.

 

Find Your Own Path

Connecticut Trailfinder has hundreds of trail listings across the state, and plenty to explore in our city. Let us know which trail you took. 



CHURCH BY THE POND

May 16, 2026


Bushnell Park was alive with people enjoying a perfectly lovely Saturday afternoon. People were talking with friends, riding scooters, relaxing by the water and playing Pokeman Go. Forty-four of us were blessed to share the Church by the Pond service in a beautiful park setting. There were old friends, new friends and some of our steadiest congregants present today.

  The Rt. Rev. Andrew Smith was the celebrant and preacher this afternoon. Bishop Smith led us in prayer and reflected on John's Gospel which serves as a sort of goodbye message as our celebration of Easter is nearing its end. Jesus is speaking of the glorification which God has bestowed on Jesus, Jesus as bestowed on God and on God's people, and our continued glorification of God.

   We were blessed that our lay leader Carlos has rejoined us and is healing after surgery. We offered prayers for those with us and asked for God to help our nation's leaders provide justice and fairness.

   St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Rocky Hill provided bagged lunches and toiletry items to forty-three guests after the service.  


Submitted by Lay coordinator Nancy Jacobs




ENGAGING ECCT

CW Summer Camps for Grown-ups!


WOMENS CAMP | AGES 21+ July 6-8

Focus on building intentional relationships while having moments to rest, explore, and have fun! This program is for women of all walks in life: younger or older, first time to camp or 100th. Plus, if you have little ones aged 5–10, they can attend Mini Camp at the same time, and you’ll be right next door! Meals will happen in the same space, so you’ll get to peek in on the joy of camp while having your own camp experience.


“YOUNG” ADULT CAMP

AGES 21-30

July 26-30

We always hear “I wish I could come back to Camp”— now you can! Join our Young Adult Camp program to experience the fun, connection, transformation, and newness that makes camp so special. We will have traditional camp activities like Nuke’em, arts and crafts, zip line, archery, solving mysteries, and more. We will also offer off camp excursions, hikes, yoga, and other special activities! Come back to Camp as an adult, or come away to camp

for the first time!

Learn more about "Grown-up" Camps

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"





__________________________


ARE YOU READY FOR CAMP SEASON?


Check out some social media highlights on Camp Washington's Instagram and ECCT's Instagram.


Are you ready to register for Summer Camp 2026?

Registration is open!


Are you called to be one of our awesome Summer Camp staff?

Apply now!


We are busy planning another impactful, transformational, FUN summer –with three new sessions, off-site excursions planned, international staff (and food), and so much more! Camp means so much to so many people; our campers make lifelong friends, build self-confidence, build resiliency and deepen their faith. 

If you’re wondering if camp is for your child or teen– I promise it is! We invite you to visit us before the summer- Come to Open House: Sunday, May 17th at 3pm. REGISTER HERE and join us for food, conversation about what happens at camp, see where your youth will sleep, and more. 

If you have questions, don’t be afraid to reach out! Lastly, please keep in mind that we do have need-based financial aid for those who need it– we believe that everyone is welcome at CW, and if you need financial support, it is available.

We hope to see you at camp this summer! 



Engaging TEC & the World

LAYAN NASIR RELEASED FROM ISRAELI PRISON


Layan Nasir, an Anglican Palestinian woman, has been released from Damon Prison at Daliyat al-Karmel, Israel, eight months after an Israeli court convicted her on unclear charges.

“Joyful news today for the release of Layan Nasir,” Archbishop Hosam Naoum, bishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem and primate of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, said in a May 15 Facebook post.

Nasir is a member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Birzeit in the occupied West Bank.

“Typical of Layan’s personality, her primary concern was not for herself but for the prisoners remaining, with whom she had shared a cramped cell, and others held in Damon Prison near Haifa,” the Very Rev. Richard Sewell, dean of St. George’s College in Jerusalem, said in an interview with the U.K.-based Church Times. 

Sewell said said he was at Nasir’s home when she arrived. She described Damon Prison’s conditions to him as “a cemetery for the living” and expressed concern for other incarcerated Palestinians.


For the full text of the 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.


click for weekly prayer


Recurring Offerings

Children's Music Program

Every Wednesday, 5:00pm


All children from ages 5-12 will have the opportunity to learn songs, explore their voices, create rhythms, and try instruments while having fun and making friends. There is no cost for this program; free garage parking on Church Street is provided.


Please contact Marianne Vogel, Director of Music for more information: directorofmusic@CCCathedral.org



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Dwelling in the Word

Every Thursday on Zoom, 5:00pm-6:00 p.m.


Join us for a service of Evening Prayer featuring meditation on the upcoming Sunday's readings.


Zoom link: Https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81497961323?pwd=pZVZdES4Icj0ndxHsXKSYdapMBTeNb.1 


Meeting ID: 814 9796 1323

Passcode: 168379

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Bible Study (Spanish)

First & last Thursdays in person, 7:00


The Spanish Bible Study group meets in parishioners' homes on a rotating basis. For more information, please contact Canon Tony at canongarcia@cccathedral.org or (860) 324-3357.

Church by the Pond

Every Saturday at 2:00pm


Church by the Pond takes place in an open space near the carousel in Bushnell Park, Hartford. We proclaim the Word of God and celebrate the Holy Eucharist with whomever stops by. Clergy and congregations from around Connecticut provide liturgical leadership and a bagged lunch following the service.


Learn More

Church Street Eats

Every Sunday at 12:00pm


Church Street Eats provides food and fellowship to our neighbors every week in the Parish House downstairs dining room. To volunteer, please contact churchstreeteats@cccathedral.org.


Learn More

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