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Online Edition - Wednesday, September 7, 2016
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The Bishop's Blog: Signs of God's Grace
Our vocation of claiming blessedness and passing on belovedness
Posted by the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith on September 7, 2016
I had a seminary classmate who, when asked why he was going into the ordained ministry, replied that he couldn't do anything else. Now some would (and did) interpret that to mean that he didn't have the chops for medicine or law, the patience for teaching or the acumen for business. That becoming a priest was a default career path. But what my friend really meant was that he had a clear resolve to serve God, which meant he couldn't do anything else but that. It was his vocation - and as such allowed him to kindle his passion, exercise his imagination - and live into freedom with the living Christ. To claim his blessing, and pass on his belovedness. Read more.
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Church News
St. Alban's supports local police with Christmas in July
Christmas decorations seem to show up earlier every year, but... July?
Well, yes, but it wasn't in a shopping mall. St. Alban's Church in Oakland / Franklin Lakes wanted to find a fun way to show support for the men and women of the police departments in the two towns. They decided to borrow an idea from a church in the "other" New Jersey diocese - Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, which holds an annual Christmas in July celebration to provide cookies and gifts to local charities. Read more.
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In the News
The Rev. Elizabeth Edman:
The Queerness of Christian Ethics
Religion Dispatches, University of Southern California, July 25
The Rev. Jerry Racioppi of Holy Spirit, Verona:
Reverend Appreciates Openness Between Denominations And Service With Outdoor Mass
Cedar Grove/Verona News, August 23
The Rev. Melissa Hall of St. James, Upper Montclair:
Upper Montclair church restoring landmark 'peace memorial'
The Star-Ledger, August 27
St. Thomas, Vernon:
St. Thomas in Vernon prepares for end of their time after 169 years
NorthJersey.com, September 2
Christ Church, Newton:
Newton nurse helps patients through faith and support
New Jersey Herald, September 4
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 Senior Moments Column
Alzheimer's and behavior changes - helping caregivers cope
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other form of dementia, it can be life-changing for the entire family. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disease that destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living. It is the most common cause of dementia and impacts over 500,000 New Jerseyans. Read more.
Related event
Senior Ministries is hosting a free program presented by Alzheimer's New Jersey entitled Coping with Behavior Changes in Alzheimer's Disease, on Saturday, September 17 from 10 to 11:30 AM at the Church of the Epiphany and Christ Church in Orange. This program is designed for family caregivers to learn why people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia experience behavior changes, what those behaviors mean, and how to cope when behaviors are challenging. Find out more.
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Upcoming Events in Our Diocese
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Listening Tables start tomorrow!
Registrations for September 13 & 17 accepted through Friday
We're inviting all lay people and clergy from every congregation to attend one of three gatherings, so we can update you on the journey thus far of Joining God in Shaping Our Future, and listen to your feedback and ideas. These gatherings are being held:
- Tomorrow, Thursday, September 8, 6:30-8:30 PM at St. Elizabeth's Church in Ridgewood - At capacity, registrations no longer accepted
- Tuesday, September 13, 6:30-8:30 PM at Episcopal House in Newark
Register online by 5 PM this Friday, September 9
- Saturday, September 17, 9:30-11:30 AM at Church of the Saviour in Denville
Register online by 5 PM next Wednesday, September 14
God is up to something. Let's find out together!
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15th anniversary of 9/11
As you think about what your 9/11 commemoration might look like this Sunday, please note the liturgical resources on the diocesan website. Afterwards, submit your photos and stories by Friday, September 16 for possible inclusion in the September 21 issue of The VOICE Online.
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Cross Roads' Volleyball Marathon & Intergenerational Retreat
The weekend of October 7-9
Young people - and the young at heart - are invited to play volleyball all night long to raise money for Cross Roads and keep it affordable for all. When you're not playing, you can enjoy music, games, and even a campfire. Volleyballers are welcome to spend the whole weekend, free of charge, at an intergenerational retreat full of fun, fellowship, and faith in support of Cross Roads. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/year-round-programs/volleyball-marathon.
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Christophany #17
Friday, October 14 - Sunday, October 16
At Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge
Christophany is a fun, faith-filled weekend away for youth in grades 6-8. Older teens lead them in songs, games and conversations about how faith fits into their everyday lives. What could be better than that?! Discounted early-bird registration by Thursday, September 15. As always, scholarships are available. Find out more.
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Mission in our own backyard
Thursday, November 10 - Saturday, November 12
At Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center
We're looking for youth in grades 8-12 (and their chaperones) and young adults to join us in making a difference for their neighbors here in northern NJ. This is an amazing & affordable opportunity for young people to engage in fun, interactive community service and explore how caring for our neighbors helps us live out our faith. Find out more.
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For the complete list of events planned for diocesan youth and young adults in the 2016-2017 program year, please visit dioceseofnewark.org/youth.
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Vestry University moved to March 2017
You spoke and we listened! Since most congregations elect their vestries early in the year, Vestry University has been moved from October to March to better accommodate new vestry members. Our next day for wardens, vestry members, treasurers, clergy and other congregational leaders to learn, network and celebrate your ministry will be held Saturday, March 25, 2017. Mark your calendars now!
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News from
Episcopal House
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2016 Alleluia Fund Grants
Grant applications are being accepted until
Friday, Sept. 30 at 12 noon.
Find out more.
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Anti-Racism Dialogues
 The Anti-Racism Dialogues being offered by the Diocese of Newark in September and November are both booked to capacity. Those who wish to fulfill their certification requirement in 2016 can attend the Anti-Racism Dialogues hosted by the Diocese of New York on Saturday, October 1 and Saturday, October 8. Find out more.
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Clergy ministry transitions
Arrivals
- The Rev. Nathan Huddleston, Assistant Rector for Youth Ministry & Outreach, Calvary, Summit - June 1
- The Rev. Robert Morris, Interim Rector, St. Peter's, Essex Fells - September 4
Departures
- The Rev. Deacon Erik Soldwedel, Program Director of NEWARK ACTS - August 31
Ordinations
- The Rev. Deacon Richard Hogue to the Priesthood - Saturday, September 24, 4 PM at All Saints', Hoboken
See all clergy ministry transitions in
2016.
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Clergy Conference 2016
October 24-26 at the Shawnee Inn
Clergy are reminded to register online no later than 5 PM on Friday, September 16. Find out more.
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Deadline for July issue of The VOICE Online
Friday, September 16 is the deadline to
submit items for the next issue of
The VOICE Online, to be published
Wednesday, September 21.
The October issue of
Leadership News - key information for clergy and lay leaders from Episcopal House - will be published
Wednesday, September 28.
Manage your diocesan e-newsletter subscriptions at
dioceseofnewark.org/e-news.
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News from
The Episcopal Church
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Presiding Bishop offers video election message, encourages voting as "a Christian obligation"
Election Toolkit provides resources for congregations, individuals
The Presiding Bishop's video is ideal for conversation, adult forums and group gatherings, Sunday School, youth groups, conventions, and meetings, etc. The online toolkit outlines how individual Episcopalians and congregations can participate in the electoral process through nonpartisan activities. Find out more.
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Resources for the new church program year
Welcoming Sunday. Homecoming Sunday. Back To Church Sunday. Welcome Home Sunday. Registration Sunday. Gathering Sunday. The names vary, but the purpose is the same - events and activities slated for that one Sunday in each congregation which marks the conclusion of summer and the beginning of the new program year. Find out more about resources and ideas from The Episcopal Church to consider for use in congregations, ministry, discussion groups, etc.
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Episcopal Church webcast to discuss refugee resettlement
On Wednesday, September 14, Episcopal Migration Ministries will host a live webcast discussion, One United People: A Dialogue on Refugee Resettlement and Faithful Welcome. A panel of refugee resettlement practitioners, congregational leaders, and recently arrived refugees will discuss ways in which Episcopalians and faith communities around the United States welcome refugees. Find out more.
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