Churchgoers want more youths in their ranks

From Connecticut

In moments of weakness, I am prone to complaining about a certain question that I am asked almost every time I meet a new person in a religious context: "Why are you in church?"

The wording may vary, but the basic query -- and the surprised tone in which it is stated -- remains the same.

Many of my fellow UConn students who grew up in the so-called "mainline" Protestant churches -- Congregational (like me) or Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, etc. -- seem to think there's something rather shocking about me attending church regularly at my age, and I am far too prone to growing defensive about it.

More here-

http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Churchgoers-want-more-youths-in-their-ranks-5737452.php

Connecticut charities stepping up for Philippines

From Connecticut-


Connecticut residents are joining in the outpouring of support for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, even as charitable organizations based in the state actively participate in relief efforts.

Donations large and small are coming from churches around the state. The three bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut have contributed $2,500 to Episcopal Relief & Development (www.episcopalrelief.org), a 73-year-old organization with a mission of responding to natural disasters.

The Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Hartford is also is organizing a special collection among its parishes to assist Catholic Relief Services (crs.org) in its response to the tragedy. Catholic Relief Services, in cooperation with its partners, is providing tens of thousands of families with shelter, essential living supplies and clean water and sanitation.


More here-


http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20131115/connecticut-charities-stepping-up-for-philippines

Conn. slave who died in 1798 called 'child of God'

From Connecticut-

A slave who died more than 200 years ago in Connecticut but was never buried was given an extraordinary funeral Thursday that included lying in state at the Capitol and calls for learning from his painful life.

The enslaved man known as Mr. Fortune was buried in a cemetery filled with prominent citizens after a service at the Waterbury church where he had been baptized. Earlier in the day, his remains lay in state in the Capitol rotunda in Hartford.

"Our brother Mr. Fortune has been remembered, and it is with restored dignity his bones shall be buried," the Rev. Amy D. Welin of St. John's Episcopal Church in Waterbury told hundreds gathered for the service. "We bury Mr. Fortune not as a slave, but as a child of God who is blessed."

More here-

http://www.theintelligencer.com/article_602a31b0-033c-53cc-87a6-1fadf446b4db.html

Connecticut Slave to Get a Long Overdue Church Funeral

From Connecticut-

The remains of an 18th-century Connecticut slave whose abuse continued long after his death will finally be given a dignified burial.

On Sept. 12, more than two centuries after his death, a slave known as Fortune will be interred at Waterbury’s Riverside Cemetery with all the trappings of a state funeral.

It will be a ceremonial end to the life of a man whose mistreatment serves as a reminder of the North’s participation in slavery.

Fortune died in 1798. His death is clouded in lore and speculation. Did he drown in the Naugatuck River? Was he fleeing and fell and broke his neck?

What is certain is that Fortune’s master, a Waterbury bone doctor by the name of Preserved Porter, stripped Fortune’s skin, boiled his bones and used his skeleton as a medical specimen. The mistreatment of the slave was recorded in a book about Waterbury’s history by Joseph Anderson.

More here-

http://www.urbanfaith.com/2013/08/connecticut-slave-to-get-a-long-overdue-church-funeral.html/

Churches celebrate 200 years together on New Haven Green

From Connecticut

Homemade chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and sugar cookies baked in the sun on the sidewalk of Temple Street Saturday morning.

The free sweets were part of an outreach to the community from three congregations celebrating 200 years of existence on the Green — United, Center and Trinity Episcopal churches.

“Instead of trying to do something very inward facing and having just sort of a solemn service inside the churches, we wanted to be outside and engage with the people of New Haven,” said the Rev. Luk de Volder, of Trinity Episcopal.

Before the cookie sharing began, the three churches joined in a procession beginning at United and ending at Trinity Episcopal. De Volder, the Rev. Sandra L. Olsen, Center, and the Rev. John MacIver Gage, United, briefly spoke about the significance of the day before offering a prayer in front of each building. The Rev. Vicki M. Davis, Trinity Episcopal, was also in attendance.

A small band filled the air with music as a few dozen worshipers moved from one building to the next, singing, dancing and basking in the sun.


More here-


http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2013/06/15/news/new_haven/doc51bd118d37582947021138.txt

‘Souls Matter’

From The Living Church-

Twenty Minutes with Robert Hendrickson

The Rev. Robert Hendrickson studied at the University of Mississippi, Cornell University, and Beijing Foreign Studies University before receiving his M.Div. from the General Theological Seminary in 2009. Fr. Hendrickson is married to Dr. Karrie Cummings Hendrickson, a nursing professor in New Haven. I met with Fr. Hendrickson recently to talk about his extensive work in a number of new initiatives based in New Haven. This is the first of a series of conversations with leaders finding creative ways to share the good news in the 21st century. —Richard J. Mammana, Jr.

You wear more hats than anyone I’ve ever met.

I am the curate at Christ Church, New Haven, so I have general preaching and liturgical responsibilities with a particular focus on young adult ministry. I organize Compline and some other outreach activities. I also serve as missioner at Christ Church, which means I am responsible for our engagement with the wider community through specific projects.

I am also the director of St. Hilda’s House, which is our young adult service program in which I plan everything from their daily schedule to theological reflection work to spiritual direction — all those sorts of things.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/souls-matter

Shocked and Overwhelmed

From Conn-

We are shocked and overwhelmed by the horrendous tragedy of the school shooting in Sandy Hook. We hold the victims, their families, and all who are affected by the shooting in our thoughts and prayers for healing and strength. We pray that those who have died will be held in the arms of our loving God whose heart aches for those affected by this tragedy.

We bishops have been in touch with the Rev. Mark Moore, the rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Sandy Hook, which is adjacent to the school were the shooting took place. We have also communicated with the leadership of Trinity Church, Newtown, and we understand that the Rev. Kathie Adams-Shepherd, rector of Trinity Church, is on the scene ministering to the bereaved.

We are departing immediately for Newtown/Sandy Hook to be of whatever assistance we can. We will be in contact when we have additional information.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/shocked-and-overwhelmed

Newtown School Vigil: 'These Parents Lost Their Hearts Today'

From Conn.-

St. Rose was one of many area churches marking the tragedy. Another memorial service was held at Trinity Episcopal Church, where at least one family of parishioners lost a child, according to Bishop Ian T. Douglas, leader of the Connecticut Episcopal diocese. Dozens more candlelight vigils and prayer services across the state are scheduled for the weekend.

The rector at Trinity, the Rev. Kathleen Adams-Shepherd, arrived early at the scene of the shooting and counseled parents as they learned of their childrens' fates, Douglas said.

"Kathy has been in many ways a rock for those families," Douglas said.

Outside St. Rose with a group of friends was Michael Eisele, 15-year-old who was holding up better than his parents.

His 10-year-old sister had hid in a gym locker during the rampage. His sister in kindergarten stayed home sick today. Their close call unleashed emotions he didn't know his parents possessed.
More here-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/15/newtown-school-vigil-_n_2305056.html

Norwalk’s Grace Episcopal Church Faces Closure

From Conn.-

Grace Episcopal Church, one of three Episcopal churches in Norwalk, is facing the possibility of closure due to mounting bills, the Rev. Lois Keen said.

Although the church won't close next week or even next month, the possibility of closing within a year to 18 months is real because the church, located at 1 Union Park, struggles to take in more money than it spends, Keen said.

Grace Episcopal has been a part of Norwalk since 1890, and the congregation has gathered at its current location since 1964.

Over the past four years, the church has been fighting a losing battle as many of its parishioners have taken financial hits of their own and cannot afford to donate as much or as often, according to Keen. She has been the pastor at the church for more than six years.

More here-

http://norwalk.dailyvoice.com/neighbors/norwalk-s-grace-episcopal-church-faces-closure

Christ Episcopal Church in Avon to Close

From Connecticut-

Christ Episcopal Church in Avon has announced it will be closing its doors for good at the end of this month.

According to Marge Griffin, senior warden at Christ Church, 35 members in good standing of the church voted at a special meeting on Nov. 18 to dissolve the parish. Years of declining membership, financial issues and changing demographics were given as the reasons for the closure.

David Paye, Christ Church assistant treasurer, said that in the beginning of 2012, membership totaled 110 people. That number has dropped throughout the year to below 100 people, he said. Griffin said 64 members left in 2010-2011 – many of them with children in search of a church with more young families. At one point in the church’s history, said Karin Hamilton, director of communications for the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, membership was as high as 223 families.

More here-

http://avon.patch.com/articles/christ-episcopal-church-in-avon-to-close

New Canaan Food Pantry Stocked For Christmas Giving

From Conn.-

Families in New Canaan in need of food for Christmas will find plenty available at the New Canaan Food Pantry.

Thanks to generous donations from residents and organizations, the food pantry will be able to feed the community’s neediest through at least the end of January, said Carol Harvey, a co-director of the pantry that operates out of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The pantry operates through the New Canaan Office of Health and Human Services and residents in need of food should apply for the pantry services.

“People are thankful themselves, and they think everyone should have a good Thanksgiving meal. And then it gets to Christmas, and they want everyone to eat good at Christmas,” Harvey said. “People are in a very generous time, and it’s just in the minds of people to help the poor at the holidays.”

More here-

http://newcanaan.dailyvoice.com/neighbors/new-canaan-food-pantry-stocked-christmas-giving

Emotional Norwalk ceremony honors veterans

From Connecticut-

David Cole sat proudly in his Army uniform at the front of the congregation at Christ Episcopal Church Sunday services. Turning his wheelchair to face the congregation squarely, Cole's dignity and pride in his service was evident as he introduced himself to the congregation at the Church's annual Veterans Day tribute mass.

"I was in the United States Army from 1953 to 1973," said Cole. "I was a lieutenant colonel and served in the special forces. I very proudly wear my green beret. I loved every minute of being in the military."

Cole was one of invited veterans from all branches of military service at the mass conducted by church vicar Reverand Colonel Frank Wismer, a recently retired senior Army reserve Episcopal chaplain. Wismer, as a veteran of Desert Storm, Operation Joint Force in Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Camp Arifjian in Kuwait feels a strong affinity for, and appreciation of the military.

More here-

http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/emotional-norwalk-ceremony-honors-veterans/article_92ea6c5e-7533-529c-9dca-076e6132bac3.html

New Haven church without walls serves homeless

From Connecticut-

Don Coviello makes the trip in from Milford every Sunday to worship in the Chapel on the Green.

The outdoor service aimed at the city’s homeless, where they can get something to eat and enjoy the camaraderie of a church community in addition to an Episcopal service, is what spirituality is all about, he said.

“This is a real church,” said Coviello, as he and his grandson, David Rivera, 15, participated in an art project, a special feature offered by Sarah Hovick and Evie Lindemann before the service this week.

The Chapel on the Green was celebrating four years in existence, and hasn’t missed a single Sunday except when Tropical Storm Irene came through last year.

It is part of the programs sponsored by the Trinity Episcopal Church.

“They are ministering to these people who would not have the experience of the Eucharist right outside. Some people feel strange about coming into church,” Coviello said.

More here-

http://nhregister.com/articles/2012/11/04/news/new_haven/doc5097440eaf659840324341.txt

Tiffany baptismal font in transit from Pomfret to New York City

From Norwich CT-

When representatives from New York City’s Museum of Biblical Art visited Christ Church in Pomfret last year, it was expressly to view the chapel’s six Tiffany stained glass windows.

But soon after entering the church, they spied something more exciting and quickly moved to the rear of the sanctuary, said Linda Goodwin, a member of the congregation’s historic preservation committee.

“They went to the font like bees to honey,” she said.

The 4-foot, 900-pound marble baptismal font was quickly identified as another piece designed by artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. And on Tuesday, after months of discussion and planning, the 104-year-old font was broken down into two sections, packed and shipped to New York City for display in an upcoming exhibit titled, “Louis C. Tiffany and the Art of Devotion.”

“The point of the show is to let visitors experience Tiffany pieces they might never see, like the font,” said Tricia Pongracz, co-curator of the show. “This is the first time it’s leaving the church and we’re very grateful the church wants to share it with us.”

Although Tiffany is best known today for his glass pieces, Pongracz said he also produced hundreds of ecclesiastical decorations and memorials. She said his output dovetailed with an “explosion” in church construction in the late 1800s.

More here-

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/newsnow/x887148527/Tiffany-baptismal-font-in-transit-from-Pomfret-to-New-York-City#axzz26udDDUfZ

Grace in Built Form

From The Living Church-

Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, Connecticut, grew out of a late 19th-century “fresh air” ministry of the Church of the Incarnation, Manhattan. From its beginnings in the summer of 1886 in a rented farmhouse on Mohegan Lake, New York, it served the children of recent immigrants, affording them an opportunity to experience rural American life. Incarnation moved to Ivoryton in 1929 and its ministry has now flourished through three centuries.

Today, Incarnation Center offers conference facilities all year long, a traditional summer camp supported by the Diocese of New York and parishes in the Diocese of Connecticut, Elderhostel activities, and a wide range of year-round nature programs on a wooded property close to the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound.

The most recent chapter in the life of Incarnation Center began with the consecration on June 9 of a new chapel, designed in its architect’s words to be “large enough to create a place for everyone at camp and visiting groups to assemble, sing, and perform in a variety of expressions.” It seats up to 320 children or 240 adults, and embraces an impressive 2,300 square feet on the shore of Lake Mohegan.

The construction phase, from groundbreaking to consecration, took just three months in early 2012, allowing for use of the chapel throughout this year’s peak camping season. All engineering and design services were donated.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/grace-built-form

‘Want Prayer?’ Progressive lay evangelists take church to the streets

From ENS-

Progressive lay evangelist Adrian Dannhauser has been known to stand on a busy Stamford, Connecticut street at lunchtime with a sign: “Want Prayer?”

Sometimes she’d add a verbal invitation to those who approached. Others sometimes passed her by, slowed, turned around and returned.

“You’d hear about the loss of a loved one just the day before,” she recalled during a recent telephone interview. “Or, ‘my wife is having trouble getting pregnant.’

“It’s a beautiful form of evangelism,” she said, her voice breaking. “To bear witness to people’s souls is such a privilege. You’re looking to share an experience. You try to facilitate an encounter with God.

“Progressive evangelism is connecting my story, your story and the great story.”

The former Wall Street bankruptcy and restructuring attorney now attends Berkeley Divinity School at Yale and, along with her “partners in evangelism” Otis Gaddis III and Matthew Lukens, is among a growing number of progressive evangelists in the Episcopal Church who are taking church to the streets and the people.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/08/30/want-prayer-progressive-lay-evangelists-take-church-to-the-streets/

Clergy To Consider Future of Bishop Seabury Church

From Connecticut


The Bishop of the Connecticut Episcopal Diocese said Tuesday he would meet with area clergy next week to discuss the future of the Bishop Seabury Church in Groton.

The building has functioned as a church since it as built more than 30 years ago, and was the subject of a lengthy court battle.

The congregation of 750 members, called Bishop Seabury Anglican Church, split with the Episcopal Church in 2007, then wound up in court over whether it could continue to use the building.

The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled in favor of the diocese, and the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear the case in June.

Connecticut Diocese Bishop Ian T. Douglas said the plan now is to meet with local clergy to discuss how the building might best be used in the future. He said everything is on the table.

“What I want to do is begin the conversation with those clergy of the region, to pray together and take counsel together, and begin to say, ‘What is it that God would have us do with this resource for God’s mission in Groton?’” he said.

More here-

http://groton.patch.com/articles/clergy-to-consider-future-of-bishop-seabury-church#photo-8004040

Blessings & Weddings in Conn.

From Connecticut-

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Ordained Ministry:

We are writing as a follow-up to our May 2012 “Episcopal Epistle” and Clergy Conference “indaba” with respect to the pastoral needs of gay and lesbian couples seeking to be married in The Episcopal Church in Connecticut.

As expected, the 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church engaged deeply with questions related to the blessing for same-sex couples. Holy listening and a generosity of spirit characterized the discussions and decisions of the Convention related to such blessings. In Resolutions A049 and A050 the General Convention provided for a rite of blessing for same-sex couples and called the church to study canonical and liturgical limitations related to marriage equality. Resolution A049 states in part:

Resolved, That the 77th General Convention authorize for provisional use “The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant” from “Liturgical Resources I: I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing” beginning the First Sunday of Advent 2012, under the direction and subject to the permission of the bishop exercising ecclesiastical authority; and be it further

Resolved, That bishops, particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-sex marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this Church; and be it further

Resolved, That bishops may authorize adaptation of these materials to meet the needs of members of this Church …

As your bishops we commend the entire report of The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music known as “Liturgical Resources I: I Will Bless You and You will be a Blessing,” which can be found on our diocesan website. In the resource you will find both the rite as adopted by the General Convention as well as valuable theological, and legal and canonical discussions related to the blessing of same-sex relationships. We particularly commend the pastoral resources for preparing same-sex couples for a liturgy of blessing.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/blessings-weddings-conn

Episcopal Parish Holds Last Service In Church

From Hartford CT-

The Rev. Ronald Gauss was preparing in his office moments before the last service inside the church the Bishop Seabury Episcopal congregation has always called home.

"All of a sudden it might hit me," said Gauss, 73, putting on the traditional dressings for the 10 a.m. service Sunday. Gauss, who has been with the 137-year-old church for 37 years, wasn't sure what exactly would happen that morning, or how big a part emotions — his and his congregation's — would play.

Gauss' parish parted ways with the Episcopal Church of the United States in 2007 after the church ordained an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire and then chose a woman as presiding bishop. The state Supreme Court in 2011 ruled that Bishop Seabury Church was to return everything — the 6.5-acre church site, the sanctuary and its contents — to the Episcopal diocese. The church appealed the decision to theU.S. Supreme Court, which in June declined to hear the case.

Gauss described the mixed feelings among the parishioners – confusion, anger and sadness – but he was planning to express a different and greater understanding on Sunday.

"I don't have any animosity," Gauss said. "I don't have time to be angry. I have too many people to take care of."

To Gauss, having to leave the church at 256 North Road is simply another act of God, another challenge thrown at his parish, and he believes there must be a reason for it.

"For some reason we are going out," said Gauss. "There's some importance in what [is happening]."

More here-

http://articles.courant.com/2012-08-05/news/hc-groton-church-last-service-20120805_1_gauss-bishop-seabury-church-episcopal-church

Episcopal Diocese Wooing Breakaway Groton Church Back Into The Fold

From Connecticut


Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision this week not to hear the case of a conservative Episocopal parish in Groton that split from the larger church, Connecticut's Episcopal bishop said Wednesday that the diocese is trying to reconcile with the breakaway congregation.

The high court said Monday that it would not hear arguments about whether the Bishop Seabury Church in Groton should have to return property to the Episcopal diocese, which it left in 2007. The state Supreme Court ruled last year that the 136-year-old parish had to return the property — the 6.5-acre church site, the sanctuary and its contents.


Bishop Seabury Church was one of six parishes in Connecticut that split from the Episcopal Church of the United States after it ordained an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire in 2003 and elected a woman as presiding bishop in 2006.

More here-

http://www.courant.com/community/groton/hc-groton-episcopal-church-0621-20120620,0,3082343.story