May 14, 2025 | Next eNews: May 21 | | |
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| God, Gospel, and Gender: An interview with author and ECCT clergy, the Rev. Margie Baker | |
By Sarah Woodford, Canon for Communications & Media
Sarah: Margie, could you tell us about how God, Gospel, and Gender came to be?
Margie: I love the story of how this book came into existence, because it was very much an accident and not at all my plan. I was at Forma in 2023 and they were having a pre-conference worship service at Virginia Theological Seminary’s chapel. After the service, I saw Lisa Kimball, who is a professor at VTS. She’s a lay person and is all about life-long and life-wide formation. She said, “Oh, Margie, it’s so good to see you. Margie, this is Justin—Justin, Margie should write something for you.” And it turned out that Justin was one of the publishers at Church Publishing. And he turned to me and said, “Well, hi, Margie, what do you want to write?”
A few weeks before this meeting, I had been talking to a parent who is a trained catechist about how there’s not a good Bible study for children who have questions about LGBTQ issues. There are books that exist that are affirming but they’re not based in the Bible. And so, I told him that I would love to create something that was affirming and based in the Bible. He said, “Okay.”
I then created a plan for the book and ran it with my Monday night Bible study group. They were my guinea pigs over seven weeks. And that’s a group who ranges in age from 25 to 80. Over the next six months, I wrote it, and it was published in June 2024.
I did not mean to write this book. It was not my plan.
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ECCT at Pride 2025
ECCT will be marching and celebrating at Pride events across Connecticut in June and onward. Mark your calendar and join in the fun!
June 7, Middletown Pride
Gather at Holy Trinity, Middletown for song and prayer before joining ECCT as we march in the PrideFEST. More details coming soon.
June 14, Norwalk Pride in the Park
Join with other southwest region parishes at their booth in Norwalk. Contact the Rev. Daniel Simons for more information.
| Is your parish or region participating in Pride events? Let us know by submitting them on ECCT's "Submit an Event" page. Be sure to include "Pride" as the Evente Category | | | |
ECCT Pride Merchandise Now Available
The ECCT Shop has expanded to include ECCT Pride items just in time for Pride month.
From mugs to scarves, from t-shirts to hats-you'll find something for everyone on ECCT's online shop! Whether you're looking for our traditional "blue" logo or our Pride rainbow logo, we've created a variety of items including toddler and children's shirts, adult shirts and hoodies in a variety of sizes and styles.
| Looking specifically for ECCT Pride items? Check out our special ECCT Pride Shop—featuring only ECCT Pride branded merch. | | | |
Episcopal Parish Network Upcoming Webinars
Resilience and Faithfulness for the Current Moment: May 20 at 1 PM
Join a dynamic group of leaders as they share insights on courage, faithfulness, and the practical steps we can take to meet this moment with hope.
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Christian Witness in the Age of Trump: Staying Faithful in Politically Charged Times with Michael Curry: May 21 at 3 PM
This live webinar will feature Bishop Curry’s recorded reflections, followed by a dynamic panel conversation with leading voices in the Church. Together, we’ll explore how Christians can navigate political tensions while staying rooted in love, truth, and the teachings of Jesus.
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ECCT's Safe Church Training Office Hours
ECCT’s Administrator for Licensing & Training, Bernice Jackson, will be offering "Safe Church Training" online office hours via Zoom on the 2nd Friday of the month from 9-11 AM beginning June 13.
These sessions are open to anyone in ECCT who would like guidance, has questions, or needs assistance with any part of Safe Church Training, including registering for training, Praesidium Academy, Safe Church Training Zoom sessions, background checks, and more.
Assistance is always available outside of office hours by contacting Bernice via email or phone (203-639-3501 ext. 116)
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Pride Liturgical Resources Now Available | | |
ECCT has gathered a variety of resources to help individuals & congregations plan for and celebrate Pride month on our Liturgy & Music webpage; including Pride Sunday Collects, Prayers of the People, and a Service of Renaming from the Book of Occasional Services. And keep checking back as we add more resources in the days to come!
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| News & Updates from Our Cathedral | Church by the Pond is literally a church without walls and a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral, and our preachers and celebrants come from churches throughout Connecticut. | |
We're an "ecclesia ministry" in that we're a church without walls. Our services take place in an open space near the carousel in Bushnell Park, Hartford, and every Saturday afternoon at 2 PM. We proclaim the Word of God and celebrate the Holy Eucharist with whoever stops by.
The services are open to all and that often includes people who aren't comfortable worshipping in a traditional church setting. From 20-60 people typically gather for the service, regardless of the weather. Many are homeless and living in shelters. All come to hear God's Word.
After the service, a church or community group will distribute bagged lunches.
| | | News & Updates from Our Camp | |
God, Gospel & Gender—Adult Retreat
June 6-7
A retreat designed for clergy, parents, and teachers to explore topics of gender, sexuality, and scripture with the author, the Rev. Margie Baker, Associate Rector at St John's, West Hartford.
Registration required
Night (Star) Watch
May 30-31
Our first year of Youth Group on the Move wraps up with a great overnight for ages 12-17. Join friends old and new for a time of wonder, awe, calm, peace, and reflection. An overnight celebration of creation and each other-under the stars. Combined with great food, Nuke’m, friendship bracelets, games, s’mores, and more.
Registration required
Clergy and Family Day
May 31, 10 AM - 3 PM
A day of food, relaxation, games, crafts-and all the fun of Camp Washington for our clergy and clergy families. Meet and gather with clergy and old friends, or make new friends from all over the ECCT! All ages are welcome. There is no charge to attend this clergy day of gratitude from the CW community.
Registration Required
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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 Wardens' Call: May 14
Wednesday Bishops' Call for Clergy & Lay Leaders: May 21
Wardens' Without Clergy: May 28
Calls will pause for the summer after June 18.
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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The Commons closed in honor of Memorial Day
Staff will not be working in office or remotely
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203.639.3501
290 Pratt Street, Box 52
Meriden, CT 06450
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