November 4, 2026 | Next eNews: November 18 | | ECCT's 242nd Annual Convention | | Once a year, the Episcopal Church in Connecticut gathers together for worship, prayer, listening, learning, and to conduct the business of our Diocese. What a gathering it was! Almost 500 faithful Episcopalians attended this year's Annual Convention at the Bristol Event Center on Oct. 23–24. Learn more about our adopted resolutions, election results, and submitted reports below. | | |
There's still time to give to our 2026 Annual Convention Worship Offering
Our 2026 Annual Convention Offering will be divided between local and global mission.
The American Immigrant Legal Clinic (TAILC), 45%
TAILC was built on a simple belief: that community and legal power are strongest when they work together. They provide free legal defense for detained immigrants in Connecticut—powered by volunteers, rooted in community.
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ), 45%
AFEDJ is a nonpolitical, nonsectarian, 501(c)(3) organization. Its primary focus is to mobilize financial resources for the diocese and its humanitarian institutions – its schools, hospitals, and centers for children with disabilities in Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon.
ECCT Reparations Fund, 10%
ECCT’s Reparations Fund, created by resolution of Convention in 2023, serves as a means to financially commit to the ongoing spiritual work of repairing harms resulting from chattel slavery and its enduring legacies.
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ECCT's Christmas Passport is now available
Print out your own passport and check off which Market/Fair you attended. Send a photo of your completed passport to ecctcommunications@episcopalct.org by December 30. Our top Market/Fair attenders will receive one of three ECCT Swag Bags or one of four gas gift cards.
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2026–27 ECCT Cycle of Prayer Update & Advent Resources
Due to the 2027-2029 Anglican Cycle of Prayer not yet being published, ECCT's next Cycle of Prayer will be available in our next eNews (Nov. 18) or by special eblast. Thank you for your patience and for praying for your siblings in Christ throughout the diocese and the Church.
For more information, contact Canon Sarah Woodford, ECCT's Canon for Communications & Media.
| Making plans for Advent? Find liturgical resources and more on ECCT's website. | |  | |
Zoom Conversation: Making our parish spaces more accessible and welcoming to all
Join us for an open conversation about parish accessibility on Nov. 19 at 6:30 PM on Zoom. This informal, unstructured gathering will provide space to share challenges, celebrate what has worked well, ask questions, and learn from others navigating similar concerns.
ECCT's Property Manager Jon Heflin and the Rev. Jill Morrison, Director for Congregational Development & Networking, will be present to listen, offer guidance, and join in the conversation.
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Pre-Advent Clergy Day: November 12
Gather with clergy colleagues and our Bishops on Thursday, November 12 from 9:30 AM–3 PM at Emmanuel, Weston, for a day of good food, good company, and a great opportunity to be with Professor Clifton Granby, Associate Professor of Ethics, Philosophy, and Africana Studies at Yale Divinity School.
Professor Granby recently authored The Racial Politics of Listening: Deference, Power, and Relationality and will lead us through thinking about the deep work of listening.
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Retired Clergy & Spouses Gathering: December 10
ECCT invites retired clergy and their spouses to a day of connection and worship on Thursday, December 10, from 9:30 AM-2 PM at St. Peter's, Cheshire.
The gathering will feature guest speakers Paul Luce and Laurie Kazilionis of Church Pension Group discussing, "Enriching Your Retirement." It will also include a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, time with our Bishops, a catered lunch and, of course, the occasion to connect and re-connect with colleagues and friends.
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Region Happenings
Southwest Region
Nov. 17 at 6:30 PM on Zoom
Join the SC Region for a conversation about strengthening connections among our parishes and creating new opportunities for fellowship, collaboration, and shared ministry. Learn more & register.
North Central Region
Nov. 15 from 3–5 PM at St. John’s, West Hartford
The NC Region Leadership Team invites you to an afternoon of conversation & fellowship as we explore our hopes and dreams for our region and how we can assist each other. Learn more.
South Central Region
Nov. 17 at 6:30 PM on Zoom
Join the SC Region as we consider how we might deepen relationships among our parishes, strengthen connections across the Region, and imagine opportunities to gather again this spring. Learn more & register.
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Ministry Network Happenings
The Elder Ministry Network Bi-Monthly Gathering, November 12 at 11 AM
The Elder Ministry Network gathers every other month via Zoom for conversation, connection, and community, bringing together people engaged in elder ministry in its many forms across ECCT.
Whether you are actively engaged in elder ministry or simply curious to learn more, you are warmly invited to join the conversation!
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Bishops' Corner: The Bishops' Dinner Award Recipients
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On Friday, Oct. 23, our Bishops began a new tradition of presenting three awards to an individual or community in our diocese that exemplified following Jesus by Growing in Faith, Living in Hope, and Serving in Love. The awards this year focused on the closing of ECCT's Joining Jesus in a New Missional Age initiative (JJMA). A special award was given to the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Ph.D., for his work on JJMA.
Growing in Faith Award: St. Luke's Steel Band & Liturgical Dancers, New Haven
Living in Hope Award: St. Mark's, Mystic
Serving in Love Award: Mr. Duo Dickinson, Architect
2026 Bishops' Dinner Award: The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Ph.D.
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From the Office of Advocacy, Racial Justice & Reconciliation: The Episcopal Church's Post-Election "Vote Faithfully" Call
Join the church’s public policy and witness team on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 1:30–2 PM on Zoom for a “Vote Faithfully” call following the Nov. 3 election. The call will provide a prayerful space to reflect on what has happened and what remains to be understood in light of election results.
The Rev. Heather Melton, staff officer for the The Episcopal Church's United Thank Offering, will join the call.
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Annual Convention Update: Our Bishops' Messages at Convention
"So friends, let's get out of the boat and let's try walking on water!" ~Bishop Mello
The text of the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello's address from our morning Eucharist at the 242nd Annual Convention is now available. Read the full address online.
| | | | News & Updates from Our Cathedral | |
Dean Search Update
The first and second round of candidate interviews has been completed and we are nearing the final stages of the Dean’s search process. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks.
| | | News & Updates from Our Camp | |
Evening Worship & Community Dinner
November 14, 5–7:30 PM
Begin the evening with a service of music, inspiring words, and Holy Communion, followed by a time of community, conversation, and wonderful food! Register online.
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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.
Mark your calendars!
Bishops' Call for Clergy & Lay Leaders continues on November 4.
All Warden's Call continues on November 11.
Warden's Call for Parishes without Clergy continues on November 25.
Zoom information is the same for all calls.
By video: https://episcopalct.zoom.us/j/2010776405#success
By phone: +1-646-558-8656 US; Meeting ID: 201 077 6405
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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 from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM.
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Celebration of New Ministry with the Welcoming of a New Rector
St. Paul's, Southington
| | | 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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