Grounded & Growing
Engaging Ministry in a Secular Age
May 19—May 20
Bristol Event Center, Bristol, CT
Your Clergy Conference planning team and bishops can’t wait to welcome you to this year’s Mandatory Clergy Professional Development & Clergy Conference at the Bristol Events Center (BEC) in Bristol, CT. We are praying for you, as you prepare to join us. Here are some things to know before you go!
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION(S) IN ADVANCE
In order to make the best use of our time together, please consider submitting any questions for Dr. Louisa Baker, Director of Safe Church Training & Clergy Wellness; or our bishops, the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Mello and the Rt. Rev. Laura Ahrens, in advance via the below link.
PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY
If you are staying in either “on site” hotel, the Home2 Suites or DoubleTree, parking is free for and available in their respective above ground lots. You can access the BEC directly via the walkways between the connected hotels.
If you are driving in for the day please park at the BEC utilizing their ample above ground free parking, which includes accessible parking. EV charging stations are also available. Parking in the underground lot, with elevator access to the BEC, is available for a fee.
BEC is a fully accessible facility for wheelchair & walker use. ASL interpretation will be available throughout the conference.
CONFERENCE/MCPD CHECK-IN
Please check-in with ECCT staff in the BEC Lobby at the check-in desk upon your arrival to ensure your attendance is recorded. You only need to check-in once.
ECCT MERCHANDISE & BOOK SALES
We will have a limited number and selection of ECCT and ECCT Pride items for sale (apparel, tumblers, etc.), as well as books related to Dr. Jennings’ presentation. Credit or debit cards are preferred, checks and cash will be accepted; small bills only please. Dr. Jennings will also be signing books on Tuesday only.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR FOOD
Breakfast and lunch:
Breakfast and lunch will be served in the lobby of the BEC both days. On-site hotels may also offer breakfast, however, please enjoy your breakfast with us in the BEC.
Monday night dinner:
Join your Regional Dean and regional colleagues for dinner offsite, at your own expense. Plan to drive to an area restaurant or consider carpooling.
Water and snacks:
Water is available at all times from the filling stations located near the restrooms in the BEC. Snacks will be available at some breaks..
Please note: BEC does not allow outside food to be brought into the facility.
WHAT TO BRING
- A journal and something to write with or a digital note-taking device
- A refillable water bottle
- Casual attire including layers in case the meeting rooms are cool/warm
- Extra funds for merch/book purchases (credit/debit card preferred)
- Extra funds for Monday night dinner
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS WITH CHILDREN
- A nursing room is available on the second floor of the BEC
- A “soft” space, which will include a few toys and activities, a blanket for floor activity, a “play yard” gate, and a Pack-n-Play will be available in the main meeting room.
- If you incur additional expenses for childcare in order to attend, limited scholarship funds are still available. Contact Canon Rebekah Hatch for more information.
FUN FACTS!
- As this information was going to press, approximately 175 canonically resident clergy were registered.
- 7 deacons are registered.
- 5 bishops will be present.
- Bristol, CT is home to the OTIS elevator company. We reached out to them for a tour of their test skyscraper building, which you can see from the BEC. As it turns out, they don’t offer the chance to plummet 23 floors in a test elevator to the public. We tried.
AGENDA*
Breaks and worship will be offered throughout both days
Sunday, May 18
OPTIONAL: Gather with friends and members of the Clergy Conference planning team in the DoubleTree at the TimeOut Sports & Pizza Bar at 5:30 PM. Appetizers are on us, and dinner is on your own budget.
Monday, May 19
8-9 AM: Check-in
8-9:30 AM: Breakfast in the Main Lobby of the BEC
9 AM-12:30 PM: Morning program with Dr. Louisa Baker, Director for Safe Church Training & Clergy Wellness
12:30-1:30 PM: Lunch in the Main Lobby of the BEC
1:30-6 PM: Afternoon program with Dr. Louisa Baker, Director for Safe Church Training & Clergy Wellness, followed by time with our Bishops
6 PM: Regional dinners with colleague, offsite
9 PM: Compline
Tuesday, May 20
8:30-9:30 AM: Breakfast in the Main Lobby of the BEC
10 AM-12 PM: Morning program: “Holy Grounding: Thinking Through a Salvation of Place” with Dr. Willie James Jennings, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale Divinity School
12-1 PM: Lunch in the Main Lobby of the BEC
1:30-3 PM: Afternoon program with Dr. Willie Jennings
3 PM: Closing Eucharist, Dr. Willie Jennings, preacher (Sermon: “City Planning”)
*Draft agenda, subject to change