August 12, 2026 | Next eNews: August 26 | | You're Invited to "The Idea Lab" on Sept. 19 at The Commons | | |
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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Join the Implementation Prayer Team
As a part of the Implementation Team's work, a Prayer Team is being established to hold this process in prayer and faith. As a member, you will receive updates from the Implementation Team and be asked to pray for various tasks that they are working on. Complete the form below by August 15 to be included in this special ministry of prayer.
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UPDATE! Eucharistic Visitor Training: TWO dates, 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 AM–noon at St. Mark's, Mystic or Sept. 26 from 10 AM–noon at The Commons, Meriden, 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.
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Lay Preacher Gathering: Sept. 20 from 3–5 PM
Gather with Bishop Laura Ahrens, the Rev. Rebekah Hatch, ECCT's Canon for Lay & Ordained Vocations, Marsha McCurdy Adell, ECCT's Director for Lay Vocations & Ministry, and lay preachers from across ECCT on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 3–5 PM at St. Peter's, Cheshire, for a chance to worship and spend time together.
Please bring a “bite” to share for a Coffee Hour-style reception following our worship.
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An Episcopal Path to Creation Care Fall Cohort
An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice is recruiting a small cohort of parishes for a concentrated version of The Path. This two-module program is designed to walk parishes through creating a vision for Creation Justice ministry through an intensive and prayerful set of conversations with a trained Companion. Rather than the full 9 month program, parishes will commit to meeting with a companion for a 3-hour retreat once in the fall, and then a follow-up conversation in the spring of 2027.
These conversations will outline the strengths of the parish for creation justice ministry and recommend specific actions by the parish that could be taken in subsequent years to build or deepen their commitment
Contact the Rev. Rachel Field at episcopalcreationpath@gmail.com for more information and to enroll.
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New Season of Creation Daily Devotions beginning Sept. 1
Most of us know very little about the great web of life that surrounds us. Beginning on Sept. 1 and going through Oct. 4, the Province One EcoRegion will be offering daily devotions throughout the "Season of Creation" designed to open our eyes to some of the “created ones” with whom we share common ground. These devotions will highlight a different keystone species in our Province One EcoRegion each day, including a photo, a brief description, and thoughts on how the species reflects our image of God followed by a closing prayer. The devotions will be prepared by Episcopalians from around Province One.
Sign up to receive the devotions beginning on Sept. 1 via the link below.
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The devotions will also be available on on An Episcopal
Path to Creation Justice website
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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.
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Alienations & Encumbrances Webinar: Sept. 24 from 7–8 PM
Is your parish considering new ways of utilizing your parish buildings or property? Are you stuck wondering what the difference is between an encumbrance and an alienation? Unsure how the application process work?
Whether your parish is ready to take the next step or just wondering about the process, join the Rev. Ranjit K. Mathews, ECCT's Canon to the Ordinary, Rosanna Rosado, ECCT's Canon for Finance and Operations, and the Rev. Derek Stefanovsky, President of the Standing Committee, on Sept. 24 from 7–8 PM on Zoom to review the alienations & encumbrances process and answer any questions you may have.
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Bishops' Corner: Join us at The Bishops' Dinner: Friday, Oct. 23 | | |
Join us for an joyful evening at our first Bishops’ Dinner on Friday, October 23, at Bristol Event Center’s Century Ballroom. 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.
Tickets are $50 per person and include a plated dinner featuring salad, your choice of entree, and dessert:
- Herb Marinated Grilled Beef Filet Cognac Sauce and Roasted Shallot Confit (GF/DF)
- Seared Faroe Island Salmon served with a Sauce Vierge
- Sweet Potato Lasagna Layered with Roasted Root Vegetables (V)
The Bishops' Dinner is open to everyone in ECCT, regardless of whether you're attending Annual Convention or not.
Childcare is available and includes a special "kids dinner."
| | 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. | | |
From the Office of Advocacy, Racial Justice & Reconciliation: Resource Round-up
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.
Resources on ECCT's website
Find resources on topics including Immigration, Combatting White Christian Nationalism, and LGBTQIA+, plus Statements, Proclamations & Prayers from ECCT and Beyond on ECCT's Advocacy, Racial Justice & Reconciliation webpage.
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Annual Convention Update: Hotel Reservations
ECCT has negotiated discounted room rates with three hotels this year. Two are on-site at the Bristol Event Center and one is located approximately 8 miles away by car.
Reservations must be done independently by September 23 and are not included in your Annual Convention registration.
Please note: Rooms are filling quickly at both on-site locations! Make your reservations soon if you plan to stay at the Doubletree or Home2.
| | | | News & Updates from Our Cathedral | |
Retiro Espiritual: Esperanza en tiempos de Crisis
29 Agosto, 9 AM–3 PM
Tópico: Como logar ver el accioner de Dios en medio de las adversidades.
Contact the Rev. Canon Ramon Antonio Garcia at canongarcia@CCCathedral.org or 860-324-3357 for more information.
| | | News & Updates from Our Camp | |
Starry, Starr Night: An Early Autumn Evening in the Litchfield Hills to Benefit Camp Washington
Saturday, October 3 beginning at 5 PM
Featuring music, a wonderful Farm to Table dinner, a Silent/Live Auction, Cabaret Entertainment, and Festive Desserts.
More Information and registration details coming soon.
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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.
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ECCT's Leadership Gathering & Mission Council
The Commons, Meriden
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Northwest Region Convocation
Camp Washington
Learn more
| | | 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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