It's not a New Year's resolution, but rather a renewed commitment. To see beyond what I have been trained to see, to see beyond what prejudice has limited me to see, to see beyond a market-driven media that presents instant gratification as hope.

To see beyond all that in order to see the luminous presence that shines in everyone. Read more.

At our 2016 Diocesan Convention I named a reality that seems to have resonance across the diocese. I said that business as usual is no longer an option.

In that address I identified a core question: How do we go on a journey together, to discern what God is up to in our neighborhoods, and then join God there in that work?

I believe - we believe - that God is inviting us into a new way of living together and this core question guide us on the journey.

We've been on this journey for several years, but in the last year the journey has speeded up, and more and more people have been engaged.

An important next step in our journey will happen at our Diocesan Convention later this month on January 27 and 28 - and all interested diocesan members, not just deputies, are invited to join us. Watch the video below to find out what will be different and what we hope will come out of Convention.

Time: 4:19

Diocesan members who are not Deputies and wish to take part in Shaping our Future must register online by this Friday, January 6.

All Deputy registration fees and payment for guest dinners are due by this Friday, January 6. You can pay online or by check. Please make checks payable to Diocese of Newark and mail to: Diocese of Newark, Convention Registration, 31 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102.

The Pre-Convention Meeting scheduled for January 12 is cancelled. In recent years attendance has continued to decline, and this year, we do not have any business regarding the Rules of Order, the Constitution and Canons, or Resolutions.

The Proposed 2017 Budget was approved as submitted by Diocesan Council at its December 14 meeting. (The budget is posted online here.) Diocesan CFO Paul Shackford will present the Proposed 2017 Budget in an online video and will respond online to questions received via email.
 
Finally, you're invited to come to the Parsippany Hilton at 9 PM the Friday of Convention (January 27) to dance and sing along with Walkin' The Boulevard. You don't have to be part of a business meeting to come on out and have a good time!

For all Convention news and resources, see dioceseofnewark.org/convention.

Please mark your calendars for an Open House Farewell Reception to be held in honor of Kai Alston on Thursday, January 12, 6 - 8 PM, on the second floor of Episcopal House, 31 Mulberry Street in Newark.

Kai announced in December that she has accepted a position as Vice President of Partnership Programs for MBE Capital Partners, a boutique financial firm in Manhattan, with responsibility for event planning and relationship management. Kai's last day on the diocesan staff will be Friday, January 13.

Marking nearly 13 years of service (and tiara-topped fun!), we hope you will join diocesan staff (past and present) for wine, cheese and light refreshments. Anyone of any age whose life has been touched by Kai's joyous, life-giving spirit is invited!* Find out more.

* Tiaras optional, but encouraged.

Nancy Hansen to the Vocational Diaconate

Candidates standing for office at the Annual Diocesan Convention must complete anti-racism training. Workshops hosted by the Dioceses of NJ and NY fulfill our diocesan requirements. Find out more.

This conference will feature speakers and discussions on poverty, racism and gun violence, contextual Bible study, education and advocacy workshops and a prayerful procession to sites of gun violence on Chicago's South Side. It is open to everyone who is committed to exploring the intersection of racism, poverty and gun violence as people of faith. Find out more.

Bishop Mark Beckwith is a co-convener of Bishops United Against Gun Violence.

This is a part-time position (25 hours/week). Applications must be received by March 15, 2017. Find out more.
 

Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/employment.
 

Episcopal House will be closed