The Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut

Bible Studies, Guided Material and other Downloadable Resources

Bulletin Inserts

Monthly offerings from the Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network to help parishes stay engaged in the Season. Various contributors; may include updates on resources, events, and more. Double-sized half-sheet size. Posted here and included fourth week of the month in weekly ECCT eNewsletters. Scroll down to see past bulletins.

 Mar. 2020 -  PDF Version MS Word Version

 

Guided Material

Please find resources for bible studies and guided material below from Sharon Pearson:                                             

    • Process for Opening Up about Racism (MS Word) or (PDFS). Pearson. Adapted for use by congregations and groups to further their own understandings and experiences of racism.
    • Dwelling in the Word (S.Pearson) link to PDF
    • Gathering Prayer (Call to Worship) (S.Pearson) link to PDF
    • Litany Bookmark (S.Pearson) link to PDF
    • The Episcopal Church two-page list of resources (annotated) for racial reconciliation and justice, including websites, videos, bibliographies, and study resources; books and articles; formation and training organizations; 
    • Resources (S. Pearson) below (or link here to PDF) Annotated. First section: books; second section: websites, films, and downloadable resources.
A Recommended Session Plan: “Begin a Conversation”
(A 45-minute adult forum or Sunday morning education presentation)
 
Supplies:
  • copies of documents downloaded from the internet listed below
  • computer with LCD projector, screen, and internet connection (test your connection in advance)
Advance preparation: test your internet and connections; queue the video
Directions: (adapt to fit your context and audience as appropriate)
1.     Open with an opening prayer (See the suggested liturgical resources here). (3 minutes)
2.     Read the ECCT Resolution creating the Season of Racial Justice, Healing, and Reconciliation and/or the January 3, 2019 Letter from the Bishops. (5 minutes)
3.     Present the TEConversation with Dr. Catherine Meeks (10 minutes). Dr. Meeks is the Founding Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta, Georgia and author of Living into God's Dream: Dismantling Racism in America. This is a recording of her presentation to the Joint Session of the House of Bishops and House of Deputies that occurred on at the 2018 General Convention in Austin, Texas.
4.     Following the video, use the TEConversation Discussion Guide to facilitate small group (4-6 people per group) discussion. (25+ minutes) Here are the questions (adapted):
  • Question 1 (in pairs): What word, image, or theme stands out for you from the talks and offerings you just heard? What is Jesus saying and calling you to do or to be, with regard to racial reconciliation, healing, and justice?
  • Question 2 (in small groups): Given what you just shared in pairs about what Jesus is calling you toward personally, how might our churches and institutions respond to this call collectively?
  • Question 3 (whole group): Given what your small group said about how we could respond to God’s call as churches and institutions, what would help you or your church to take the next steps around racial reconciliation, healing, and justice? What do you need? What do you want to share or create?
5.     End with prayer and a promise of more opportunities to come. (2 minutes)
     
Liturgical Resources

The Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network liturgy group has developed a variety of suggested options (collects, hymns, Prayers of the People, Confession, litanies, and a Eucharistic Prayer for use on the Second Sunday in February 2019, The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. Download a pdf [link here] or Word [link here] document for use in your worship bulletins and planning.

Suggested bulletin text 

Suggested bulletin and/or newsletter text for promoting the Day of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation, recommended by ECCT's Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network:

Anti-Racism Forum (adjust as needed)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Last year, the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut approved a resolution setting aside the second Sunday in February (Feb. 10 this year) as a Day of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation, "during which parishes are asked to begin a conversation about the sin of racism in our lives and in the world by hosting a forum on racial healing, justice, and reconciliation." In response to the resolution, we’ll watch a brief video of Dr. Catherine Meeks, the Founding Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta, Georgia and author of Living into God's Dream: Dismantling Racism in America. This is a recording of her presentation to the Joint Session of the House of Bishops and House of Deputies that occurred on at the 2018 General Convention in Austin, Texas. This will be followed a discussion of the same questions last year’s Convention deputies used to reflect on what Jesus is calling us toward personally, and how our churches and institutions might respond to this call collectively.

The Episcopal Church two-page list of resources (annotated) for racial reconciliation and justice, including websites, videos, bibliographies, and study resources; books and articles; formation and training organizations; 

 

Episcopal Church (Racial Reconciliation)

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/racial-reconciliation

 

Code Switch: Race and Identity Remixed (NPR)

A podcast series from NPR: “Ever find yourself in a conversation about race and identity where you just get...stuck? Code Switch can help. We're all journalists of color, and this isn't just the work we do. It's the lives we lead. Sometimes, we'll make you laugh. Other times, you'll get uncomfortable. But we'll always be unflinchingly honest and empathetic. Come mix it up with us.”

Downloadable Resources

  • Bishop Laura Ahrens' Sermon from Holy Spirit, West Haven on June 7, 2020 (PDF)
  • Letter from the Bishops about the Season of Reconciliation (Jan. 4, 2019) Link here
  • Podcast with the Rev. Rowena Kemp about the Season (Episode 28, Dec. 14, 2018) Link here
  • Recorded webinar, Province I, with Suzy Burke and the Rev. Rowena Kemp, on ECCT's "Season"  (Jan. 15, 2019) Link here
  • Resources for the Feb. 10, 2019 (Jan 18, 2019) Day:  Link here (includes suggested bulletin text for 2/10)
  • Blog post: "Owning My White Privilege" by Suzy Burke - Link here
  • Podcast, "Voices from the Black Diaspora" with prayers from the Rev. Rowena Kemp; poems chosen from African American literature and read by Dr. Eleanor Q. Tignor; poems by, and read by, Marc-Yves Regis, and an interview with Enola Aird, founder and president of Community Healing Network (Episode 34, Feb. 1, 2019) Link here
  • Podcast, "Talking about the Rev. Absalom Jones and the Union of Black Episcopalians" with the Hon Steven Mullins (Episode 35, Feb. 8, 2019) Link here
  • Podcast, The Gift of Multiplicity of Expression," with Bishop Carol Gallagher (Cherokee) (Episode 41, March 29, 2019) Link here
  • Podcast, "Be Not Conformed," interview/introduction to ECCT Racial Justice Coordination Kelli R. Gibson (Episode 48, May 31, 2019) Link here
  • Letter from the Rev. Don Hamer of the Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network inviting congregations seeking related programming to contact the Network. Link here (PDF) 
Bulletin inserts.

Monthly offerings from the Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation Ministry Network to help parishes stay engaged in the Season. Various contributors; may include updates on resources, events, and more. Double-sized half-sheet size. Posted here and included fourth week of the month in weekly ECCT eNewsletters.

     Dec. 2019 -  PDF Version   MS Word Version

February 2020: Feb Bulletin (DOC) Feb Bulletin (PDF)