Hello dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

What has this week been like for you? Our strange Covid-19 times continue and many of us are engaged in conversations with our wardens, vestries, and priests about what next steps look like for in-person worship. I have seen evidence of care and caution as the sixteen parishes in the NE Region decide how best to move forward. I am seeing how one-size-fits-all is not the way of the church. Seems like every week there is a new offering available, and that is good.

I am reminded, over and over again, in our sacred stories how difficult the work of following God is. Difficult and yet also full of joy, challenging and yet full of solace. The Bible is full of stories of people who were asked to do a hard thing and then engaged, failed, dusted themselves off, failed some more, and kept on going. We can lean on the stories of the Apostles as they truly set off to engage in the work of Jesus without Jesus being with them in the flesh. It sure is one thing to be physically following behind Jesus and supporting His work (I imagine), and another thing entirely to realize that the training wheels are gone and you aren't really sure you've ever even attempted to ride a bike before.

Covid-19 has created a new environment for us to learn in. This environment includes the necessary steps of fast-tracking our technology skills, stretching our flexibility muscles, and digging deeper into our reservoirs of compassion and grace. But this environment has also brought to light those places where we are afraid, anxious, unjust, or unkind. By staying home to stay safe, likely many of us have engaged with news media more than ever. And news media can be frightening. Maybe for some of us this is the first time we've really seen racism or medical disparity or rioting. Maybe for some of us this has been a time of reawakening to what has been going on for so much longer than we are comfortable thinking about.

Whatever the case may be, I think it's clear that we don't have training wheels anymore. We have directives from Jesus about how to be followers of The Way. Now, more than ever, we are being called into those first, wobbly steps of trying on new things. So keep an eye out for what your parish might be offering that is new. Pay attention to Region events or activities that you can engage in as well as forums, webinars, or services that encompass more of The Episcopal Church in CT.

A gift of Covid-19 is that we don't have to drive anywhere to be involved - so many activities are accessible by internet or phone. Even our Netflix and Amazon Prime subscriptions offer us support in learning. I would encourage you to try something new this week. Just one thing new and see where that leads you. I am happy to be a conversation partner to you, and I would love to hear your stories.

Photo by Maggie Breen

This is the space of possibility! A space where we have time to explore what we are curious about. A space where we can figure out how to find joy when we must be apart.

So..........here are some things I've found interesting in the past week: music, projects, art, articles, etc. May they be of service to us so that we can be in service to others.

If you are looking to get involved with Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation and/or Anti-Racism work but aren't sure where to start, below are a few good resources for you to check out:

Meeting ID: 918 5445 9304

Password: 290632

Call in: +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,91854459304# US (New York)

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

PHONE: 203-639-3501 x154

EMAIL: [email protected]