July 1, 2026 | Next eNews: July 15 | | A Letter of Gratitude from the Rt. Rev. Miguelina Howell, Bishop Diocesan of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts | | |
Dear Bishops, Clergy, and People of God of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As I write these words, nearly two months have passed since my consecration as Bishop Diocesan of Western Massachusetts. In the fullness of these first weeks of episcopal ministry, one thing has remained firmly in my heart: gratitude.
I write today to thank you for the extraordinary gift you bestowed upon me through the beautiful white vestments presented at the time of my consecration. This gift is both practical and symbolic. It is a reminder of the ministry to which God has called me and of the community that helped form, support, and send me into that ministry.
Each time I wear the vestments, I am reminded of the love, prayers, encouragement, and friendship that I received during my years in Connecticut. I carry those memories with me every day....
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Did you miss the 2027 Draft Budget Listening Session?
ECCT's finance department presented a deep dive into the composition and intricacies of the draft budget process for the 242nd Budget of Convention, aka the 2027 diocesan budget, and a recording is now available on ECCT's YouTube channel.
The team presented a preliminary budget outline, including how ECCT calculates minimum clergy salary, COLA increases, and expected medical premiums.
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The Living Village Tour, August 5
Join leaders and members from across ECCT for a guided tour of The Living Village, an innovative residential and educational community located on the campus of Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut, on August 5 at 2 PM. Please note, registration is required.
The Living Village is a sustainability-focused community designed to foster connection, environmental stewardship, and shared life.
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North Central Region VBS, July 26–30
Join the North Central Region for an intergenerational VBS exploring & celebrating God's Creation. VBS will be held at St. John's, West Hartford, July 26–30, from 5:30–7:30 PM. Cost is $20 per person or $60 per family and includes nightly dinner.
Join us for...
- Crafts
- Science
- Service
- Worship
- and more...
Email northcentralregionecct@gmail.com for more information and to register.
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Next "Vote Faithfully" Zoom Call on July 2
Join the church’s public policy and witness team on the first Thursday of each month at 1:30 PM through November for “Vote Faithfully” calls to support voter engagement in ways consistent with Episcopal values. Hosts share resources and ideas to help congregations promote voting and civic participation while remaining nonpartisan (avoiding support for specific political parties, candidates, or platforms). The July 2 call will feature practical tips and a discussion about what congregations can do to support voter engagement.
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Canon Ranjit representing The Episcopal Church at the Anglican Consultative Council
From Canon Ranjit: Maybe not the best photo? 🤔 But on our first official day of #acc19*, we gathered in Bible Study and studied Acts 15, which will be our text for this coming week. My table mates include, Archbishop Sammy Shehada from the Province of Alexandria, “Fr. Bob” from the Province of Central Africa, the Rev. Joseph Bilal from the Province of South Sudan, the Rev. Natasha Huntsley from the Province of Southern Africa, Dr. Heather Payne from the Church of Wales, Bishop Jeremiah from the Province of Alexandria, Fr. Martin Browne from the Dicastery of Christian Unity - Roman Catholic Church). It was a joy filled and constructive Bible study.
*Anglican Consultative Council
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Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course, August 10–15
Diocesan staff, clergy, lay leaders, and seminarians seeking tools for effective Latino ministry are invited to the Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course. The next in-person session of this course will be held August 10–15 at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Registration is open through July 15.
Offered by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Latino Ministries, this course provides practical tools and background for Latino ministry. Through classroom presentations and workshops, participants explore the history and demographics of Latinos in the United States, different models of Latino ministry, liturgical celebrations and resources, immigration issues, and more.
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Bishops' Corner: Reflections on the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence | | |
As parishes, communities, and towns across Connecticut prepare to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we offer you these thoughts and reflections on this moment.
There is much to celebrate on this occasion. The crafters of the Declaration of Independence had a dream of something new and something bold. For them, the moment was filled with expectation and possibility.
The Declaration of Independence document, which formed the cornerstone for the building of the United States, declared, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all [men] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” We celebrate that this declaration laid the foundation for the development of what has been called by some the American Dream and by others the great experiment of America. At the same time, we acknowledge that on July 4, 1776, many of the signers were enslavers, and that their vision of “all men” only saw the personhood of white men.
In the 250 years since, the limited vision of “all men” has greatly expanded. Religious communities have been a key part in broadening, and living into, this expanded vision. And yet, we are still aspiring to live fully as a beacon of hope, freedom, and justice...
| | News & Updates from Our Cathedral | |
Barnstormers Concert and Reception
Saturday, July 11 at 7:30 PM
One of the most sought after male groups in the Northeast, The Barnstormers have been thrilling audiences for more than seventy-five years with their repertoire of oldies, pop, show, and patriotic tunes.
Come and enjoy a wondeful evening of music, with free admission!
| | | News & Updates from Our Camp | |
We always hear “I wish I wasn’t too old to go to Camp Washington”—now you’re not!
Young Adult Camp, July 26–30
Come connect with others, experience the outdoors, reconnect with friends, all while having intentional, joyful moments at camp.
Cost is only $200 thanks to a generous grant from ECCT. Need-based financial aid is still available!
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Join our Bishops, clergy, and lay leaders around the diocese for a time of discussion and connection Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30 AM.
All Calls have paused for the summer. We'll resume on Sept. 2.
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Gather with lay preachers from across the diocese for a time of reflection and conversation as you prepare to preach on Sunday.
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Hours at The Commons
The Commons is open Monday through Friday 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM. During the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day), The Commons closes at noon on Fridays.
NOTE: The Commons will be close at noon on Thursday, July 2 and remain closed on Friday, July 3 in honor of Independence Day. ECCT staff will not be working remotely during the holiday.
| | It has come to our attention some in ECCT have received emails and/or texts claiming to be from our Bishops or ECCT staff requesting the recipient to do things like purchase gift/phone cards, run errands, or send funds to the bishop/staff person directly. All such texts, emails, or phone calls are scams. No one at ECCT, including our Bishops, will ever text or email you to request you purchase gift cards or send them funds directly. If you do receive one of these texts or emails, please do not respond to it. If you are able, report the message as "spam" and then delete it. And remember, never purchase gift cards or send funds directly when requested to do so via text or email. | | | |
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203.639.3501
290 Pratt Street, Box 52
Meriden, CT 06450
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