NE Region Newsletter - *UPDATED* Enviornmental Stewardship During Lent Plus Lots of Other Great Opportunities!🙌

NORTHEAST REGION ENEWSLETTER

*UPDATED* February 2020

Friends - Please see updated information in this newsletter; the link for the carbon tracker is included and an entire new paragraph about Simeon can be found in the article about the Icon by David Clarke. I apologize for leaving these important pieces of information out of the newsletter!

Upcoming Formation Opportunities Near You

Join Maggie Breen, NE Region Missionary, and Fr. Brett Figlewski, St. Paul's, Bantam, for 2nd Sunday at Camp on Feb 9th (click to see more details) and 4:30PM. $10 suggested donation for dinner, call 860-567-9623 to RSVP. I hope to see you there!

Join the NE Region for a Crafting As Spiritual Practice Day on Saturday, March 14, at Faith Lutheran Church in East Hartford. We will gather in the morning for a time of deep reflection on Scripture and we will have the opportunity to create a meaningful craft that can help us have a deeper experience in Lent. Space is limited to 40 people.

Please register HERE so that we have enough supplies for everyone.

Several parishes across the NE Region have come together to create a Lenten Quiet Day, which will be hosted at St. James, Glastonbury, on Saturday, March 28 from 9am to 1pm with lunch included.

Please register HERE and join with folks from across the NE Region to participate in quiet reflections during Lent.

Lenten Series: Soup, Supper & Spritiual Practices

Join folks from St. Mark's, Storrs & St. John's, Vernon, for a Lenten Series. Soup and Bread Supper, with evening prayer & spiritual practices - Wedesdays, 6:30-8PM

March 4 - St Mark's, making Prayer Beads

March 11 - St .John's, Fasting

March 18 - St. Mark's, Sabbath Time

March 25 - St. John's, Using Technology as a Spiritual Tool

April 1 - St. Mark's, Meditational Walking/Labyrinth

Lay Preaching Class

The NE Region will be hosting another Lay Preaching Class, running on Thursday evenings beginning April 23 through May 28. If you are interested in joining this class, please talk to your priest or wardens (if you have no priest) to set up a time to preach once the class is over. Questions, or ready to sign up, please contact Maggie at mbreen@episcopalct.org or 203-639-3501 x154

From Maggie, your Region Missionary

Hello Saints! There are a lot of opportunities in the coming few months for individual and community engagement. If formation is something you are interested in, there are several good events happening in Lent plus a lay Preaching Class kicking off right after Easter.

If enviormental stewardship is something you are interested in, see the article below for two ways you can, either invidiually or communally, take steps to reduce your single-use plastic consumption and your carbon footprint.

Of course, there are always plenty of opportunities to gather in fellowship and I encourage you to check out the calendar of events. As we move deeper into winter, and as our days slowly get longer, we are being invited into relationships with our changing Earth as she prepares for Spring and our changing parish communities as we prepare for Easter.

And if these cold temperatures have you down, I found a fun picture from our hiking adventures this summer! What happens when five friends get together for a lovely hike and time of fellowship, and it starts to rain? We run inside a baseball dugout and take a selfie, of course! When an opportunity presents itself to document fun + fellowship, take it.....and send it to me. :)

Photo by Maggie Breen

Ways To Practice Environmental Stewardship During Lent

Plastic Fast for Lent

Looking for a way to try-on reducing plastic in your life? Join with people across The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion for a Plastic Fast during Lent 2020. Maggie Breen, your NE Region Missionary, updated the Green Anglicans' 2019 calendar to work in 2020, which can be found HERE.

Feel free to share with everyone you know!

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Tracking Your Carbon Footprint

Another way you can try-on being kinder to the enviornment during Lent, is to join with The Episcopal Church and their Carbon Tracker initative.

The survey doesn't take long to fill out, and if you don't have your energy consumption bills while you do the survey, the system will make estimates for you. Click here for access to the carbon tracker!

Be sure to include your parish so that we can have a way of tracking our use in individual parishes and across CT and TEC.

Photo by Max Bender on Unsplash

Icon of the Month: The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple

Have you ever wondered where the term “red letter day” came from? In the calendars of old handwritten illuminated manuscripts the major Saints’ days were written in red ink. Now if you look at the 1979 BCP, you will see them in boldface instead. If we go further back to the 1928 prayerbook, they are no longer boldface because only the major feasts were shown. If you look at February in the ’28 book all you see is two and the first one, on February 2 ^nd , is the Purification of the Virgin Mary , which really doesn’t tell us much and pretty much misses the point. The current prayerbook gives it the more meaningful and commonly accepted title, the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple , called Meeting by the Orthodox.

According to the Law of Moses (Lev. 12:2-8), a woman who gave birth to a male child was forbidden to enter the Temple for forty days. At the end of this time the mother was expected to come to the Temple with the child, to offer a young lamb and a pigeon to the Lord as purification sacrifices. If the mother could not afford a lamb, she could bring two turtledoves or two pigeons. Obviously the latter was the case for the Holy Family as shown in the icon, her husband is carrying the two turtledoves in a cage. The Most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God, had no need of purification, since she had given birth without ‘defilement’, however, she humbly fulfilled the requirements of the Law.

At this time the righteous Elder, Simeon the God-Receiver was living in Jerusalem. He had been one of the seventy scholars who in the 3rd century BCE went to Alexandria to translate the Holy Scriptures from Hebrew into Greek. He was translating the Prophet Isaiah when he read the words: “Behold, a “virgin” (עַלְמָ֗ה) shall conceive in the womb, and shall bring forth a Son” (Is 7:14). He thought that “παρθένος” (virgin) was an inaccurate translation, and he wanted to change it to read “γυνή” (woman). An angel appeared and told him, “You shall see these words fulfilled. You shall not die until you behold Christ the Lord born of a pure and spotless Virgin.” One day many, many years later, Simeon received a revelation from the Holy Spirit, and came to the Temple. It was on the very day when the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph came to the Temple in order to perform the ritual prescribed by Jewish Law. When Saint Simeon beheld their arrival, the Holy Spirit revealed to him that the divine Child held by the Virgin Mary was the Promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. The Elder took the Child in his arms and said, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32). Saint Simeon said to the Most Holy Virgin: “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35).

Also at the Temple was the 84-year-old widow Anna the Prophetess, “who did not leave the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day”. She arrived just when Saint Simeon met the divine Child. She also gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:37-38). She holds a scroll which reads: “This Child has established Heaven and Earth. (ילד זה הקים שמים וארץ)” however in my icon it is partially concealed. The Righteous Simeon and the Prophetess Anna, the last righteous people of the Old Testament, were deemed worthy to meet the Savior in the Temple.

Meanwhile, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his hole and wondered why no one seemed interested in his shadow or lack thereof.

Article and icons provided by David Clarke, a member of St. John's, Vernon

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Collect for The Presentation of Our Lord, Revised Common Lectionary

The Mystery of St. Matthias: Feasting in Love

My brother’s birthday is on the Feast of St. Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. Acts 1:21-22 speaks of the criteria necessary for Matthias’ selection as an apostle – “Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which He was taken up from us, become with us a witness to His resurrection.”

Two men met that criteria - Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. The assembly cast lots, and Matthias is selected.

And we never hear of Matthias again.

What to make of a Feast Day where you don’t know what the person did, only that they met the requirements?

Well – I make huevos rancheros, which is my brother’s favorite meal. Part of this is, of course, to honor him on his birthday. But the other part, for me, is in remembering that I live with Christ, in the now – not the past. So what that I don’t know what Matthias did? I know he followed Jesus. I know he willingly answered the call to serve. I know that my work and prayer and praise of God will likely never be written down and honored by the next generations, but also that the undocumented work and prayer and praise of myself and my brothers and sisters in Christ, like Matthias’, are part of the glorious fabric of God’s creation.

I don’t know what Matthias would have wanted me to eat on his Feast Day. I can’t find any traditions of what others ate on his Feast Day. But I know that Matthias, as an Apostle of Christ, would rejoice in my love for my brother…who loves heuvos rancheros.

What is your sibling’s or good friend’s favorite meal? Try making it in their honor and sending them love. It’s a wonderful tradition to build.

If you’ve never made heuvos rancheros and want to wish my brother a happy birthday by giving it a try, this recipe (link = https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/huevos-rancheros-recipe-1972971 ) from Food Network is a pretty good template to get a sense of things – then you can make it your own.

(image from linked recipe on foodnetwork.com)

Erika Hagan is a member of St. Stephens, Ridgefield. She share her musings and liturgical meal planning on Eating Liturgically ( www.eatingliturgically.com , @eatingliturgically). Unknown statue photo: by Zac Farmer on Unsplash

Peace By Piece Quilting Ministry: St. Mary's, Manchester

On the first Saturday of January, I joined with several lovely ladies in the greater Manchester area, at St. Mary's, for a meeting of the Peace By Piece Quilters . This is a group of wonderfully generous women who gather for fellowship and quilting; and the results of their tremendous efforts are spread across CT (and beyond) as the quilts are sent to people in need of comfort. The following people were there with me: Marilyn, Jane, Loretta, Dee, Delaney, Valerie, and their fearless leader Nancy. Not all women are in this photo, which was taken by me, Maggie Breen.

Gems Across the NE Region

Grace in Stafford Springs donated 202 pounds of groceries to Safe Net Ministries as a result of doing a Reverse Advent Calendar in December!

St. Peter's in South Windsor has committed to only buying recycable items to be used in their kitchen!

Save The Date

NE Region Convocation

Please save the date: Saturday, May 2, 2020 - the NE Region Convocation is coming to a parish near you! Details coming soon...

You don't want to miss this great opportunity!

Food + Fellowship + Jesus + Engaging in important work and conversation = a great time

Calendar of Events

February 2020:

02/04 - Last Green Valley & Beyond Conversation, St. Mark's, Storrs - 4PM

02/04 - Parochial Reports 101 with Karolyn Nicolaides, The Commons, 6PM - call 203-639-3501 x134 to register

02/05 - Community Coffee, St. Peter's, Hebron, 10AM

02/06 - NE Region Leadership Team Meeting, The Commons, 5:30PM

02/06 - Faithful Futures: Resource Our Regions & Minsitry Networks, The Commons, 6:00PM - register here

02/07 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

02/07 - 02/09 - "Happening" A High School, youth lead, retreat @ Camp Washington! - reigster here

02/09 - 2nd Sunday @ Camp, hosted by NE Region Missionary Maggie!, 4:30PM - call 860-567-9623 to RSVP

02/12 - Community Coffee, St. Peter's, Hebron, 10AM

02/12 - Evening Prayer, St. Mark's, Storrs, 7PM

02/14 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

02/17 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

02/19 - Community Coffee, St. Peter's, Hebron, 10AM

02/21 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

02/22 - Clergy Day, St. John's, West Hartford, 8:30AM - register here

02/23 - Healing Service, Trinity, Brooklyn, 2PM

02/23 - The Last Green Valley: "Snow Bound" Walk, poetry reading and walk, Hmpton - register here

02/25 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner, Holy Trinity, Enfield, 5:30PM or St. Peter's, Hebron, 5:30PM

02/26 - Community Coffee, St. Peter's, Hebron, 10AM

02/26 - Evening Prayer, St. Mark's, Storrs, 7PM

02/27 - Vibes & Vibrations: An exploration into spiritual wellness for clergywomen, Camp Washington - register here

02/28 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

02/29 - The Last Green Valley: Nine6teen performs at The Vanilla Bean - the band from Christ Church, Pomfret, 7:30PM

March 2020:

03/05 - NE Region Leadership Team Meeting, St. John's, Vernon, 6PM

03/06 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

03/07 - Companions In Mission Conference, St. Paul's, Riverside, 8:30am, $10 - register here

03/11 - Evening Prayer, St. Mark's, Storrs, 7PM

03/13 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

03/14 - NE Region Crafting As Spiritual Practice Day, Faith Lutheran Church, East Hartford - register here

03/14 - Polish Community Dinner to benefit AHM, St. Peter's, Hebron, 4:30PM

03/18 - The Last Green Valley: Stew & Story - dinner and adventure at The Inn at Woodstock Hill, 6PM - register here

03/20 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

03/21 - Leadership Gathering, The Commons, 8:30am

03/21 - Maplefest! with AHM/St. Peter's, Hebron Nature Day - 25 Pendleton Drive, Hebron, 9AM

03/22 - Healing Service, Trinity, Brooklyn, 2PM

03/25 - Evening Prayer, St. Mark's, Storrs, 7PM

03/27 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

03/28 - NE Region Lenten Quiet Day, St. James, Glastonbury - register here

03/29 - Community Sedar Meal hosted by United Brethren Synagogue and area churches - St. Peter's, Hebron, 4:30PM - call for reservations 860-228-3244

April 2020:

04/02 - Faithful Futures: Unconscious Bias, The Commons, 6PM

04/03 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

04/08 - Evening Prayer, St. Mark's, Storrs, 7PM

04/10 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

04/17 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

04/18 - Save the date: Spring Training, Berlin High School

04/22 - Evening Prayer, St. Mark's, Storrs, 7PM

04/24 - Balance Class, St. Peter's, Hebron, 9AM, $5

04/25 - Racial Healing, Justice & Reconcilition Ministry Network meeting, Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, 9am

04/26 - Healing Service, Trinity, Brooklyn, 2PM

04/28 - Evening with the Bishops: Individuals thinking about ordination to the Diaconate, and their clergy, The Commons, 6PM

You can reach Maggie Breen, NE Region Missionary, the following ways:

MAIL:

Maggie Breen, NE Region Missionary, St. John's Episcopal Church, 523 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066

PHONE: 203-639-3501 x154

EMAIL: mbreen@episcopalct.org

From Occupare Faenum Farm:

Did you know that wool is a renewable resource, fire and water resistant, and comes in a million colors and levels of softness? If you want to do something great for the enviornment and for your body, help support local sheep farmers: buy yarn to create something for yourself, or buy premade items and enjoy for years and years. And, in case you are wondering - sheep must be shorn in order to maintain their health. A good shearer can take a fleece off a sheep in just a few minutes with no harm done. And the sheep are much releaved not to have their heavy winter coats on in the Summer!

Photo by: Maggie Breen