A message from your Region Missionary:

Dear friends,

Yesterday your Region Leadership Team met to continue the conversation of what connection as the SW Region looks like in this time, and what does it mean to choose a new way of connecting. We are still mulling our answers, but invite you to consider the answers next to us.

In the coming weeks we are thinking about the relationship between action and contemplation, and where that leaves our call to love and serve the world when we are unable to leave our homes. We’re also considering how this time is stirring up feelings in us that may be opening the doors to trauma and grief (Check out this article "That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief", if you haven’t already).

As we move into Palm Sunday and Holy Week we are called to meditate on the suffering and Passion of Jesus. This week I am needing to remember that God knows our suffering and has walked the path that path and the path of uncertainty before us. We are not alone. And as the life and death of Jesus reminds us—we are called into community, especially at moments that seem the most uncertain and tinged with pain—we are stronger together.

The Region Leadership Team is moving forward with hosting virtual community offerings (which you can find on our website) and our Region YouTube Channel is also up and running (which I also invite you to check out). I leave you with a question that the Region Leadership Team posed this week, that I hope you’ll take a minute to think about in the middle of a busy week: “How are you willing to open your electronic doors to your Region?”

More on this to come, but until then, peace and blessings to you all,

Erendira

IMPORTANT DATES

April 16th, 4:30pm - SW RLT Meeting, Zoom

April 30th, 4:30pm - SW RLT Meeting, Zoom

SW Region Convocation Cookout @ Sherwood Island State Park-- RESCHEDULED FOR FALL

ECCT SW Region YouTube Channel

Holy Week Resources from Around the Region:

Emmanuel, Weston:

Maundy Thursday in the Home

Good Friday from the Home

Palm Sunday from the Home

Easter Vigil in the Home

Easter Breakfast Simple Liturgy

St. Thomas', Bethel:

Personal Devotions for Easter

Food Safety guidelines from the City of New Haven:

Safety Precautions for Food Distribution

Volunteer Safety

Holy Week and Easter 2020 Resources:

Join Bishop Ian and Bishop Laura for upcoming Zoom conversations:

The Communications Team at the Commons has also been working diligently to compile lists of resources that may be helpful to parishes and individuals--from how to live-stream a Sunday service to tools to help with anxiety, Christian Formation, and community resources.

Please refer to the links below to access all the various resources that are available:

Recordings of past conversations with the Bishops can be found at the link below:

Live-streamed Services Across ECCT

O Almighty God, Ruler of all creation and Source of all life and health: we beseech our Great Physician, Jesus Christ to sustain the people of this and every nation with your presence and healing grace to drive away all sickness of body and spirit. Especially in the challenges we face in dealing with the Coronavirus, we pray that you will give us that victory of life and peace which will enable us to serve you both now and evermore. We pray for all who have become ill from this virus (especially N), and for all who have been in direct contact with them. Bless, preserve, and keep in your care all medical professionals and political leaders, and give them wisdom, courage, and clarity as they fulfill their obligations to all sorts and conditions of people. Sustain us, strengthen us, and move us by the Holy Spirit to healing and renewal of faith and the power of prayer; in the holy name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen

Due to new calls and self care calendar adjustments, we’re still looking for a few folks to join the team. Do you believe collaborative efforts among parishes and common ministry networks will continue to build the Region? If you do, p lease consider being part of the Southwest Region Leadership Team.

To learn more about what it means to be part of the team or if you would like to join, please contact Erendira [email protected]