Faith, Hope & Love: 2026 Clergy Conference
May 18–19, 2026 (optional Sunday, May 17)
The Heritage Hotel & Conference Center, Southbury, CT
Your Clergy Conference planning team and Bishops are looking forward to seeing you in Southbury! We are praying for you, as you prepare to join us at the Heritage Hotel & Conference Center (522 Heritage Road, Southbury, CT). Here are some things to know before you go. Please read carefully.
PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY
- Parking is available at no charge for commuters and overnight guests.
- Designated accessible parking spots are available and marked with the appropriate signage.
- A limited number of EV charging stations are available for a fee.
CONFERENCE & HOTEL CHECK-IN
- Monday morning Clergy Conference registration begins at 8 AM. Hotel check-in is at 4 PM. Participants arriving Monday may check into their hotel rooms before dinner.
- You may inquire about early check-in by contacting The Heritage Hotel directly.
- Please follow signage to Clergy Conference check-in on Monday morning. We’ll begin Monday in the Timbers Ballroom.
WHAT TO BRING
- Bring something to write with and something to write on.
- Dress in layers, you know how these venues work, temperature-wise.
- Bring a water bottle/reusable drink container.
ECCT MERCHANDISE & BOOKS
- ECCT-branded merchandise will be available (sweatshirts, t-shirts, tumblers, socks, etc.) for sale. You can pay via card and cash.
- We have a limited number of our speakers’ newest book, “Embracing the Mixed Ecology: Inherited and New Forms of Christian Community Flourishing Together,” to giveaway.
FOOD ARRANGEMENTS
- A light breakfast for commuters will be available on Monday morning beginning at 8:30 AM.
- Those staying over Sunday night may enjoy the hotel-provided breakfast. Tables will be reserved for our group.
- Lunch and dinner are provided on site on Monday.
- Tuesday’s breakfast will be available at 8 AM for those staying overnight or those who have purchased a voucher.
- Tuesday’s breakfast vouchers will be available at Conference registration for pick-up or, if you haven’t done so already and would like to do so, for purchase.
- Water will be available throughout the day.
- Heritage Hotel & Conference Center is making arrangements for dietary restrictions and food allergies.
EVENING FUN
- For those staying Sunday night, join members of the Clergy Conference planning team and our Conference presenters, Dwight Zscheile and Blair Pogue, for an informal gathering at 6 PM in the Heritage’s on-site restaurant, The Tavern. We’ll cover the cost of appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. Larger entrees and other beverages are at your expense.
- Monday evening, we’re providing dinner on site, making it easy for you to gather with colleagues from around your region. Regional seating will be marked with signage in the Garden Room. Following Dinner & Compline, “Clergy Conference After Dark” commences with karaoke, board games, and time to catch up with friends!
AGENDA
Subject to change, but meal and start times are fixed.
Sunday, May 17
6 PM: Meet at The Tavern for informal fellowship, food, conversation
8:30 PM: Compline
Monday, May 18
8 AM: Conference Check-in
8:30 AM: Breakfast
9 AM: Bishops’ Welcome & Morning Prayer
9:30 AM: Morning Sessions with Speakers, breaks included
12 PM: Lunch
1 PM: Afternoon Session with Speakers, breaks included
5 PM: Break & hotel check-in time
6 PM: Dinner
8 PM: Compline then “Clergy Conference after Dark” (games & Karaoke)
Tuesday, May 19
8 AM: Breakfast
9 AM: Worship
10:30 AM: Break & hotel check-out time
12:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Bishops’ Time
3:30 PM: Depart