A message from your Region Missionary:

Dear friends,

We are finding ourselves in the middle of new and uncertain times. Over the last few weeks your clergy and lay leaders have acted fast and gotten virtual Sunday mornings and virtual weekday prayer (some have even managed Bible studies and formation classes!) up and running in a matter of days. We give thanks for our leaders who have moved quickly and decisively at this time.

As we now find ourselves at home, keeping ourselves and others safe with physical distance, we may find many different emotions arising—fear, anger, disappointment, courage, hope. As we continue to move through this season of Lent, I’d like to remind us that we believe in a God of Sabbath, a God of rest, a God of stillness and invitation. In these moments where we have slowed down, maybe even stopped entirely, I invite you to wonder where and how God might be calling you to do less, to rest in the Spirit, and to cultivate your relationship with God.

Your RM and Region Leadership Team have been brainstorming ideas for connecting us as a Region. Over the next few weeks we will be offering ways to join folks from other parishes in virtual community while also exploring some possible new spiritual practices.

We invite you to join in real-time via Zoom (links will be posted on our website ) or to watch a recording on our new Region YouTube Channel when you have time. If you have an idea for a conversation/gathering you would like to invite others to, please email Erendira at  [email protected]  to brainstorm and schedule!

I am always here as a resource and support, in the easy times and the challenging times.

Faithfully,

Erendira

IMPORTANT DATES

April 2nd, 4:30pm - SW RLT Meeting, Zoom

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

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:

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]