Zion Episcopal Church・North Branford, CT
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September 9, 2026
It's a Hit!!
What a fantastic time was had at Wednesday's Tea and Mahjong! Thank you to Pat Lovelace and her friend Donna who patiently walked us through the intricacies of the game. They made it so special that it was decided that October's tea will also feature Mahjong.
So, mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 14, at 1:00 p.m. and plan on joining us for another afternoon of great fun and fellowship. All are welcome!
August 12, 2026
What a Lovely Tea!!
What a lovely tea we had this past Wednesday. Terrific teas, tasty treats and fantastic fellowship was all on the menu. We even took a peak outside to check out the partial solar eclipse (thanks to Kelly for bringing the viewing glass!).
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for September's tea on Wednesday, September 9th at 1:00 p.m. - we'll be learning/playing Mahjongg!
Wednesday afternoon teas are open to ALL - women, men, kids, family, friends, and strangers - so spread the word and plan on joining us for a spectacular afternoon!
July 22, 2026
What a Lovely Tea!!
It was a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, on July 22nd, to enjoy a cup of tea and tasty treats here at Zion. It was a time for diverse conversation and sharing summer plans, knitting projects, the newest books read, and of course, tasting a variety of savory and sweet treats. Most of all, we just enjoyed each other's company!
We are planning another tea for Wednesday, August 12th; we'll be featuring a movie (TBD) along with tea and tasty bites. So mark your calendars!
July 2026
Many, many thanks to everyone who came out and moved wood chips to make room for the new playground equipment that will be going into the two year old play area in the next two weeks. Special thanks to Phil Bujalski who moved an amazing amount - you made it easy for the rest of us!
Saturday, June 26.
Zion hosted a day full of food, prayer, and camaraderie.
- 9:00am Community Breakfast
- 10:30am Holy Eucharist with Fr. Jose Martinez
- 12:00pm Parish Picnic
Community Breakfast
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who came our monthly Saturday breakfast. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and to everyone who came joined in the fellowship. It was an amazing morning of good food, lively conversation, and great fellowship.
One member of the North Branford community who attended, gave thanks for Zion's generous hospitality - and that's what Saturday morning breakfasts are all about. We're not just providing nutritional nourishment; we're alos providing a space for people to come and feel, accepted, seen, and loved - no questions asked, no judgments made. This is such a rare and needed ministry for everyone!
Our next breakfast will be Saturday, June 27 and will continue through the summer months.
We welcome our new Priest-in-Charge:
The Rev. José Martínez+, MDiv., is an Anglican/Episcopal priest born and raised in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America. He is married to Herminia Martínez, and together they have shared more than 44 years of marriage. They are blessed with three children and eight grandchildren.
Fr. Martínez earned an Accountant’s Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree, and an Associate Degree in Computer Science in Guatemala City. He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from New York University and a Master of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary in New York City.
He currently serves the Church on a quarter-time basis at San Lucas y San Pablo Episcopal Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and half-time at Zion Episcopal Church in Branford, Connecticut.
Fr. Martínez and his wife travel annually to Guatemala City and Texas to visit their children and his mother. Their trips to Guatemala also serve as mission journeys, during which they bring school supplies, clothing, and other needed items to support family members and the wider community.
On Sunday, May 7th, we had a prayer hike with Eucharist with the Rt. Rev. Laura Ahrens in Guilford. It was a beautiful day and we were blessed with participants from other area churches.
Swords into Plowshares
Retired CT Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Jim Curry came to Zion on Sunday, April 23rd to preach and to bring his forge to make garden tools from gun parts.
Retired CT Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Jim Curry came to Zion on Sunday, April 23rd to preach and to make garden tools from gun parts. We were joined by our neighbors from St. Andrew's, Northford. We gave thanks for a break in the rain which allowed participants to hammer gun parts into trowels and gun barrels into heart necklaces.
Our worship service can still be seen on our Facebook page. Bishop Curry's powerful sermon can be heard at 15:02. Video of the forging can also be seen on Zion's Facebook page.
"The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more."
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Donations of clothing
Zion brings donated clothing to Loaves and Fishes in New Haven. Donations of seasonal clothes may be brought to Zion any Sunday.
Donations of deposit bottles
Faithful Zion parishioners Hugh Morris and Ralph Colter started graciously accepting donations of deposit bottles and cans in 1980 when the program began in Connecticut. This fundraising program continues, even after the passing of these two wonderful stewards of Zion. We ask that you please leave the RINSED deposit bottles and cans in the space under the back stairs before any go upstairs in the recycling can on the deck.
These funds have been used for many repairs for our 200+ year old building over the years. Replacing all the windows and doors (other than the stained glass and the original red church doors).
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