July 29, 2026 | Next eNews: August 12 | | |
Connections across the Pond: ECCT and Aberdeen and Orkney
By Bishop Laura Ahrens
| | Pictured L-to-R: Dr. Louisa Baker, Bishop Laura Ahrens, Bishop Anne Dyer, the Rev. Canon Jenny Holden | | |
At the end of June, Bishop Laura Ahrens and Dr. Louisa Baker, ECCT's Director for Training & Clergy Support, spent two weeks in Scotland connecting with the people of the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney and with their bishop, the Rt. Rev. Anne Dyer, as part of our ongoing relationship with Aberdeen. ECCT’s relationship with Scotland began in the 1700s with the consecration of Samuel Seabury, the first bishop of The Episcopal Church and the first bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, in Aberdeen. Since then, ECCT’s relationship with the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney has evolved and strengthened. For example, in 1928, the then bishops of Connecticut and Aberdeen and Orkney began a reciprocal canons program designating canons from each diocese as canons to each other’s cathedrals. Through the years, Connecticut bishops have traveled to Aberdeen prior to Lambeth conferences to connect with the bishops and diocese. Occasional trips of ECCT clergy, parishes, and other diocesan leadership have continued to strengthen our bond with this important sibling in the Anglican Communion.
Bishop Laura and Dr. Baker met with clergy and lay leaders in Aberdeen and on Shetland to explore ideas of congregational vitality, resilience, and healing. It was a time of profound connection at this moment in time. In addition to offering teachings around the diocese, they had a chance to connect with lay leaders and clergy through informal conversations at dinners and in visits around the diocese. Bishop Laura had the opportunity to preach at Saint James in Aberdeen on Sunday, June 28. In the sermon, which you can read on our website, she shared some of the Gospel witness she and Dr. Baker saw and experienced in Aberdeen.
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Tickets Now Available: ECCT's Bishops’ Dinner on Friday, October 23, at Bristol Event Center’s Century Ballroom!
The Bishops' Dinner is open to everyone in ECCT, regardless of whether you're attending Annual Convention or not.
Guests will be welcomed beginning at 6:30 PM for hors d’œuvres, followed by dinner and a special presentation marking the conclusion of the Joining Jesus in a Missional Age initiative*. This special evening promises to be a memorable night of fellowship, gratitude, and celebration.
Please note: Annual Convention registration is separate from Bishops’ Dinner tickets
| *In response to the question, "How do we follow Jesus in this new missional age?," ECCT launched Joining Jesus in a Missional Age (JJMA), a diocesan-wide initiative designed to inspire deeper engagement in God’s mission with greater creativity, confidence, and collaboration. More than a fundraising effort, JJMA became a defining moment for the diocese. | |  | |
The Episcopal Church in Connecticut's 242nd Annual Convention, October 23–24, 2026
Once a year, ECCT gathers together for worship, prayer, listening, learning, and to conduct the business of our Diocese. Two lay delegates from each worshipping community and all canonically resident clergy are entitled to voice and vote at Convention.
Register by September 1 and get 20% off your Convention registration—no code needed!
Clergy serving quarter-time or less who are not retired, including those serving on our supply list, are invited to register at a reduced rate using the code Clergy25.
| It is our hope that cost will never be a barrier for anyone attending any ECCT event, including Annual Convention. Contact the Rev. Stacey Kohl, Secretary of Convention & the Diocese if your parish is struggling to manage the cost of Annual Convention for clergy or delegates. | | | |
Full and Equal: 50 Years in Pursuit of a Promise Conference, Sept. 3–5 in Minneapolis, MN
In 1976, at the 65th General Convention in Minneapolis, The Episcopal Church adopted a resolution affirming that homosexual people are children of God with a full and equal claim upon the church’s love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care. Fifty years later, we return to commemorate that milestone and reflect on the church’s ongoing journey toward LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Join us Sept. 3–5 for “Full & Equal: 50 Years in Pursuit of a Promise,” a three-day gathering of worship, learning, storytelling, and fellowship. Together, we will celebrate the progress of the last half-century and renew our commitment to the work that remains.
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From the Office of Advocacy, Racial Justice & Reconciliation
Resources for Engaging Congress During Recess
During their August recess, members of Congress return to their districts, where they often host town halls and meet with constituents. This offers you an in-person opportunity to raise issues of importance with your elected federal officials. The Episcopal Public Policy Network offers ideas and resources to help you engage with your elected official.
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Vote Faithfully Zoom Call
As we move toward mid-term elections in November, The Episcopal Church’s Public Policy and Witness team is hosting a series of “Vote Faithfully” calls to support voter engagement in ways consistent with Episcopal values. The next call will be on Thursday, August 6 at 1:30 PM. Register to receive the Zoom link.
| Questions? Email ECCT's Office of Advocacy, Racial Justice & Reconciliation at ARJR@episcopalct.org. | | | |
Eucharistic Visitor Training: One date, two locations!
Eucharistic Visitors play a pivotal role in the church community, serving as a bridge between the Church and the World, serving those who are shut-in, sick, or unable to be inside the church to worship.
Join two of our Archdeacons on Sept. 19 from 10–noon at one of two locations in ECCT as they introduce the many aspects of this sacramental ministry as well as offer a guide, using a standardized order of service for taking the Church (Body of Christ) to such members. One location will be in the Southeast region and the other in the central regions. Watch for more details, including final locations, and registation coming soon!
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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 August 8 at Christ Church, Roxbury.
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Bishops' Corner: Youth & Young Adult Ministry Update | | |
You're Invited to an Idea Lab
Our work with Ministry Architects and our Youth & Young Adult Implementation Team continues! If you are excited about and invested in how these ministries continue to unfold across ECCT, you’re invited to “The Idea Lab” on Saturday, September 19 from 9 AM–3 PM at The Commons in Meriden.
Our partners from Ministry Architects will lead us through an idea development process intended to harness the collective creativity of the gathered group. This is for members of parishes of any size, members of parishes with large youth groups, members of parishes of any age, members of parishes with few youth and young adults…if YOU have a heart for nurturing youth and young adults, and are ready to contribute to creative conversation, this invitation is for you!
If you have questions about this process or this event, contact Kat Bair from our Ministry Architects team at kat.bair@ministryarchitects.com.
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Youth & Young Adult Ministry in ECCT Report from Ministry Architects
Our ongoing work in discerning next steps with Youth and Young Adult Ministry across ECCT continues under the guidance of Ministry Architects. After holding listening sessions across ECCT earlier this year, Ministry Architects compiled a report summarizing the current landscape of these ministry interests in ECCT, and hopes for next steps. If you have questions about the final report, contact the Rev. Canon Rebekah Hatch at rhatch@episcopalct.org.
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Annual Convention Update: Submitting Resolutions
A central part of our work at Annual Convention is to consider resolutions from our ECCT community. In addition, The 82nd General Convention of The Episcopal Church (GC82) will be taking place in Phoenix, Arizona in July 2027—meaning any resolutions or memorials from our diocese intended for The General Convention must first be submitted and approved by our Annual Convention prior to being forwarded on to GC82.
Resolutions must be submitted by five members of Convention, in writing, along with explanatory comments of no more than 100 words, no later than September 25. Any resolutions submitted after this deadline will be considered only at the discretion of the Convention. A “Guidelines for Submitting Resolutions” handbook is available for download and will help you ensure your resolution follows ECCT content and formatting standards.
If you have additional questions about resolutions, or need assistance with the process, please contact the Rev. Stacey Kohl, Secretary of Convention & the Diocese.
| | | | News & Updates from Our Cathedral | |
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 on Thursday, August 27 from 5–6 PM for our final session this summer, led by Dr. Jilda Aliotta will lead the discussion.
| | | News & Updates from Our Camp | |
Camp Washington Tag & Bake Sale Fundraiser
Saturday, August 1 from 9 AM–3 PM
Something for Everyone:
Furniture, Antiques, Glassware, China, Rugs, Prints, Holiday, Books, Records, Toys, Clothing, Vintage, Collectibles and SO MUCH MORE!
Plus, Homemade Baked Goods, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and more!
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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.
| | 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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