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Saturday, October 31, 2026
Church by the Pond
2:00 p.m., Bushnell Park (near the carousel)
Celebrant:
The Rev. Claudia Scheda
Meals:
Trinity Episcopal, Collinsville
Learn more about Church by the Pond
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Service Bulletin
Learn more about Connecticut’s Cathedral
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (spoken)
Celebrant/Preacher:
The Rev. Melina Dezhbod
9:00 a.m. Formation Series: Plenty Good Room (please see item below for more information)
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (sung)
Celebrant:
The Rev. Canon Harlon Dalton
Preacher:
The Rev. Melina Dezhbod
12:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Spanish)
Celebrant/Preacher:
The Rev. Canon Ramon Antonio Garcia
1:30 p.m. Formation in Spanish
Bible Study (Spanish)
7:00 p.m., first and fourth Thursdays
The Spanish Bible Study group meets in parishioners’ homes on a rotating basis.
For more information, please contact Canon Tony via email or phone at (860) 324-3357.
Church Street Eats
12:00 p.m., Sundays
Cathedral House Dining Room
Learn more about Church Street Eats
Dwelling in the Word
5:00 p.m., Thursdays
Via Zoom:
Click here for meeting link
Meeting ID: 814 9796 1323
Passcode: 168379
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ENGAGING THE CONGREGATION | | We are nearing the final stages of the Dean’s search process. Look forward to details being shared over the next couple of weeks. | | | | |
STEWARDSHIP FORMATION SERIES | | |
Plenty Good Room Formation Series
This Stewardship season, the Stewardship Team and the Formation Team are collaborating to offer a four-session Bible study around the 2026 stewardship theme, “Plenty Good Room”. The sessions will take place Sunday mornings during the Formation period Sunday morning from 9:00–9:45 a.m. in the Childcare Room. The series continues this Sunday, November 1. The second session, “Radical Welcome”, will be led by The Rev. Melina Dezhbod.
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STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN 2026:
WEEKLY REFLECTION
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There’s Always Room for One More
In our household when I was growing up, and it is still true today, there was always room for one more in our home and at our table. It was not uncommon to awaken and find someone asleep on our sofa – whether an old friend of the family who just happened by or a family acquaintance who was experiencing a challenging time in their life. It could even have been the children of one of our upstairs neighbors who were experiencing conflict in the family. My parents opened our home to our schoolmates to keep them from going to a shelter while things were resolved with their parents. We shared our room and a space at our table to accommodate three additional guests. No matter the season there was always room at the Bennett Inn, there were loaves and fishes, and there was always plenty good room at our table.
Praying shapes believing and practice not only gets you to Carnegie Hall, it also makes perfect. “You give them something to eat.” Jesus’ words – an admonition to some an invitation to others – we get to embody in table fellowship where all are treated equally and all are fed. This way of being, this way of discipleship, this spirit of generosity and compassion was modeled for us by our family, in our church, and at our babysitter’s home where no child was a stranger and tables were set in the eat-in kitchen and railroad length hallway and Sunday morning we were all given our envelopes with a dollar enclosed for the collection plate (if we didn’t already have one). There was always room for one more and enough to share. There was plenty good room. Even now at our family gatherings we prepare for the unknown guest who may be invited to share our table.
A spirit of generosity and abundance finds its root in the beatitudes, in the story of the walk to Emmaus, in the wedding feast at Cana, and in the commandment to” love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus made space for the vulnerable, the marginalized, the poor, and the list could go on ending with all of us. There was plenty good room at his table. When we respond to God’s generosity in kind, there will always be enough, there will always be loaves and fishes, and there will always be plenty good room.
Questions for Reflection:
So who’s missing from your table? Is there space at your table or do you need to add another in response to God’s generosity and abundance?
The Rev. Debra Q. Bennett is rector of the Church of our Saviour, Akron, and is past-president of the board of TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship).
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Invitación: siempre habrá lugar para uno más
En nuestro hogar cuando era niña siempre había lugar para uno más en nuestra casa y en nuestra mesa, y aún hoy sigue siendo igual. No era raro despertarse y encontrar a alguien durmiendo en el sofá: ya fuera un viejo amigo de la familia que estaba de paso o un conocido que estaba atravesando un momento difícil en su vida. También podían ser los hijos de algún vecino de arriba, si tenían problemas familiares. Mis padres les abrían las puertas de nuestro hogar a nuestros compañeros de la escuela para evitar que tuvieran que ir a un refugio mientras se resolvían las situaciones con sus padres. Compartíamos nuestra habitación y hacíamos lugar en la mesa para recibir a tres invitados más. Sin importar la época del año, siempre había lugar en el “Bennett Inn”; había panes y peces, y siempre todos estaban invitados a la mesa.
La oración es lo que fortifica la fe, y la práctica no solo te puede hacer llegar al Carnegie Hall, sino que también te puede hacer lograr la perfección. “Denles ustedes de comer”, eran las palabras de Jesús, una exhortación para algunos, una invitación para otros, palabras que podemos encarnar en la comunión de la mesa, donde se trata y se alimenta a todos por igual. Esta forma de ser, esta manera de ejercer el discipulado, este espíritu de generosidad y compasión lo aprendimos en nuestra familia, en nuestra iglesia y en la casa de nuestra niñera, donde ningún niño era extraño y la mesa se ponía tanto en el comedor como en un pasillo largo, y los domingos por la mañana todos recibíamos nuestros sobres con un dólar dentro para la colecta (si no teníamos dinero). Siempre había lugar para uno más y suficiente para compartir. Siempre estábamos todos invitados. Incluso hoy, en las reuniones familiares, estamos preparados para ese invitado inesperado que pueda visitarnos y compartir la mesa.
El espíritu de generosidad y abundancia tiene sus raíces en las bienaventuranzas, en el relato del camino a Emaús, en las bodas de Caná y en el mandamiento de “ámense unos a otros como yo los he amado”. Jesús hizo lugar para los vulnerables, los marginados, los pobres, y la lista podría continuar hasta incluirnos a todos. En su mesa estábamos todos invitados. Cuando respondemos a la generosidad de Dios de la misma manera, siempre habrá suficiente, siempre habrá panes y peces, y siempre habrá lugar para todos.
Para reflexionar:
¿Quién falta en tu mesa? ¿Hay espacio en tu mesa o tienes que hacer lugar para alguien más como respuesta a la generosidad y abundancia de Dios?
La Rev. Debra Q. Bennett es rectora de la Iglesia de Nuestro Salvador en Akron y expresidenta de la junta de TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship).
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UConn Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program
A free screening will take place at the Cathedral:
Date: This coming Sunday, November 1
Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: The Boutique
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DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS | | Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m. EST this coming Sunday, November 1. Please remember to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on October 31! | | | | |
Would you like to support the CCC Children’s Choir?
Our children's choir meets on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. Please contact directorofmusic@cccathedral.org for more information, or if you would like to volunteer to help! You can also call 860-527-7231, ext. 108.
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October 24, 2026
Please stop me if you have heard this one before: “A Lutheran Pastor, with an Episcopalian congregation, and Methodist volunteers, performs a service and provides lunch in Bushnell Park…”
Actually, This is NOT a set-up for a one-liner (although a person more clever than I could probably conjure a joke from it). This is a broad demographic reality of today’s beautiful service at Church By the Pond and Church Street Eats; as Pastor Mark Lingle — an Episcopal priest who works with the New England Synod of ELCA (the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) — officiated at today’s service while using Episcopalian liturgy with lunch provided by generous folks from Trinity United Methodist of Windsor. As the hymn proclaims, “In Christ there is no east or west…”
In his thoughtful homily, Pastor Mark eloquently condensed Christ’s teaching as “Seeing the reality that EVERYONE is a child of God and that we demonstrate our love for God by loving each other.” Thirty-five brothers and sisters were present to hear this encouragement and challenge.
Afterwards, the aforementioned congregants of Trinity Methodist Church in Windsor demonstrated love by providing 47 lunches to hungry people. Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford also provided socks, which were provided by other friends of Church by the Pond.
Submitted by Lay leader Andrew May
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October 25, 2026,
The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
Our Sunday worship began with the 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, celebrated and preached by our Interim Dean, The Rev. Canon Harlon Dalton. At 10:00 a.m., The Rev. Melina Dezhbod presided, and Dean Harlon Dalton preached on God’s sovereignty and the justice of His plans for humanity.
Reflecting on Moses and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he reminded us of the vision of a promised land where all God’s children, regardless of race, nationality, or background, could live together in harmony and be judged not by the color of their skin or the circumstances of their birth, but by the content of their character. He encouraged us to persevere in God’s purpose, reaching beyond differences in faith, culture, and worldview to build a world of peace, justice, and harmony with all people and creation, even amid today’s chaos and uncertainty.
At 9:00 a.m., we gathered for Christian formation, followed by our 11:30 a.m. fellowship and hospitality time.
At 12:30 p.m., our Spanish-language Holy Eucharist was celebrated and preached by The Rev. Canon Ramón García. Drawing on Matthew 22:37, he invited us to examine the quality of our love for God, reminding us that authentic love involves directing our hearts, wills, and actions toward the common good. Loving God means responding through communion, service, and dedication, engaging our whole being — heart, soul, and mind — with truth, self-awareness, and reason, beyond legalism and religious conformity.
May we continue to live as one body, united in God’s love, committed to justice, and dedicated to serving one another and all creation.
Photos courtesy of Samuel Hernandez and Canon Antonio Garcia
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Spooky tunes and glowing lanterns were the themes of the day at our October 24 Piano Party! | | | | |
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The Hospitality Team invites you to enhance our time together after the 10:00 a.m. service by bringing a food/refreshment offering to share.
A sign-up sheet will be available every Sunday in the Cathedral House Auditorium on which you may sign up for a specific Sunday and goody offering.
Thank you for your past and on-going support; it is very much appreciated and enjoyed by all!
Lilibeth Warner - Co-Convener
John Decker - Co-Convener
Hospitality Ministry Team
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(The image above is a clickable link.)
Fall in love with theater with a 4-Play Subscription!
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Make memories, discover new favorites, and enjoy the thrill of live theater all season long — all at a price worth swooning for.
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The Hartt School of the University of Hartford will present their Choirs Fall Concert at Christ Church Cathedral next Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. | | | | |
Our next Church Street Lounge sessions, in the Reception Room from 10:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. will take place on Tuesday, November 17, and Tuesday, December 1. Stay tuned for further information about this new opportunity for fellowship! | | | | | |
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Tricks, Treats & Everything Between!
Whether you’re looking for a good scare, some sweet treats, or a reason to dress up, Hartford has plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit! Grab your friends, plan your costumes, and get ready for a frightfully fun time around the city!
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1) City Hall-O-Ween Trunk or Treat
Trick or treat yourself to some Halloween fun at City Hall! Bring the family out for an evening filled with candy, decorated cars, trick-or-treat tables, and festive activities right in the heart of downtown Hartford. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the season!
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free admission.
Location: Hartford City Hall, 550 Main Street, Hartford
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2) Ghost Tours of the Mark Twain House
Think you know everything about Hartford’s famous literary landmark? Think again! Explore the spookier side of the Mark Twain House as ghostly tales, Victorian spiritualism, and mysterious stories bring the historic home to life. History has never been quite this haunting!
Date: Friday, October 30 & Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: Tours at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Ticket prices available through the event website. Reservations required.
Location: Mark Twain House & Museum, 351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford
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3) Hallowed History Lantern Tour
Who says history has to be boring? Take a walk through Hartford’s past with a lantern-lit tour of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Discover fascinating stories about some of the cemetery's most notable residents, brought to life by costumed actors. It’s the perfect mix of history and Halloween chills! Each tour lasts approximately 60–75 minutes.
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: Tour departures from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person. Reservations required.
Location: Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford
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INTERGENERATIONAL SAINT FEST | |
| All are invited to attend an Intergenerational Saint Fest, taking place at St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, from 1:30–4:00 p.m. this coming Sunday, November 1. For further information or to RSVP, please email NCR.ECCT@Gmail.com. | | |
New Season of Creation
Daily Devotions
Most of us know very little about the great web of life that surrounds us. Through Oct. 4, the Province One EcoRegion will be offering daily devotions throughout the “Season of Creation” designed to open our eyes to some of the “created ones” with whom we share common ground. These devotions will highlight a different keystone species in our Province One EcoRegion each day, including a photo, a brief description, and thoughts on how the species reflects our image of God followed by a closing prayer. The devotions will be prepared by Episcopalians from around Province One.
Sign up to receive the devotions via the link below.
Sign up for Daily Devotions
The devotions will also be available on An Episcopal
Path to Creation Justice website: Click here.
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Camp Washington Community Dinner
On Saturday, November 14, CW will host a community dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Please join us at 5 p.m. for a service of beautiful music, inspiring words, and Holy Communion in the language of the Celtic Christian tradition, led by the Rev. Tuesday Rupp, and accompanied by Pete Miserendino on guitar, our friends from St Paul’s, Woodbury. Contemporary and contemplative, a beautiful offering to God.
Following worship, join us at 6:15 p.m. for dinner — a time of community, conversation, and wonderful food!
Come for worship and stay for dinner, or just come for dinner; your choice. All are welcome!
In lieu of a ticket price for dinner, we welcome your generous donation at the table. All proceeds will go the CW Campership Fund, offering need-based financial assistance to our campers and retreatants.
Gather your family, organize a parish carpool, or extend an invitation to a neighbor and make plans to join us at camp.
Registration is required; please click here to register.
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Bexley Seabury Seminary launches climate justice and spiritual resilience program
Earlier this year, Bexley Seabury Seminary launched a virtual Climate Justice & Spiritual Resilience certification program, with the goal of helping Christians develop practical and theologically grounded knowledge and skills to carry out eco-spiritual and justice ministries effectively…
For the full text of this article, click here.
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Public Policy and witness Weekly Prayers - The Episcopal Church
We invite you to join us as we share new prayers each week for the vulnerable among us facing challenges, fears, and threats. We will name many of the harms unfolding around us and acknowledge what is being erased, lost, and threatened.
Please join us in prayer and share these prayers with your dioceses and parishes.
click for weekly prayer
Únanse a nosotros en estas oraciones semanales mientras buscamos la orientación de Dios para fundamentarnós y discernir cómo cada uno de nosotros puede responder. Somos una sola Iglesia unida en óración; enunciamos La verdad en presencia de las mentiras; creamos un espacio para la aflicción frente al rechazo; y hacemos lugar en nuestras almas para la esperanza.
Únanse en oración y compartan estas plegarias con sus diócesis y parroquias.
Haga clic aquí para acceder a la oración semanal
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Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, CT | cccathedral.org | | | | | |
