As is the case with most Diocesan Conventions, there was a lot of sitting. But at this just-concluded Convention, instead of sitting to listen to someone make a report or resolution, a sermon or presentation, this time the sitting was mostly in groups or in pairs. Sitting to listen - to scripture, to each other - and to the Holy Spirit. There was great emphasis on listening at the Convention - and an invitation to engage in some serious and disciplined listening in congregations and neighborhoods after Convention. Indeed, we have set up a three-month window (March, April and May) for teams in congregations to participate in a listening season - with all sorts of options as to how that might be done. Read more.

This 143rd Annual Diocesan Convention - "Joining God in Shaping Our Future" - was different from any Convention before it. All interested members of the diocese were invited to join deputies and clergy in listening deeply for God through Dwelling in the Word, sharing stories of God's presence, and exploring what might be happening in their neighborhoods. Here is what some attendees said they would tell their congregations about their experience.

Time: 2:24

This year, Bishop Beckwith gave his annual Convention address in three parts, on Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon. Read the text and watch the video.

Bishop Mark Beckwith began his tenure as the 10th Bishop of Newark when he was consecrated on January 27, 2007. On January 27, 2017 diocesan staff held a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Bishop Beckwith's episcopate during the Convention dinner. It included tributes, a gift and some surprises. Read more, and watch the video.
 

At the opening Eucharist of the 143rd Annual Diocesan Convention, two lay people - Angie Ratkowitz of St. Peter's, Livingston and Ron Garner of St. George's, Maplewood - gave sermons in which they talked about what they've experienced in the Joining God journey. Read their sermons, and watch the video.

A summary of all actions taken by deputies at the 143rd Annual Diocesan Convention, including the diocesan budget, resolutions and election results for diocesan offices and 2018 General Convention deputies. Find out more.
 

Joining Jesus on the Journey: A river-to-river pilgrimage
This Mission Minute shows the ambitious, modern-day pilgrimage undertaken by Bishop Mark Beckwith and members of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark of walking across the entire diocese from the Delaware River in Belvidere to the Hudson River in Hoboken, a journey of more than 80 miles, during six days in July 2016. Read more, and watch the video.

Reconciliation with our neighbors
This Mission Minute shows some of the ways congregations heard and responded to the pain of their neighbors, striving to understand, reconcile and heal. Read more, and watch the video.
 
Standing with our forgotten neighbors
This Mission Minute shows how several congregations sought out neighbors who otherwise might have fallen through the cracks, offering them not just support, but also the dignity of recognition. Many of their efforts are supported by diocesan grants from ACTS/VIM, the Alleluia Fund and the Marge Christie Fund. Read more, and watch the video.

Meeting our neighbors where they are
This Mission Minute shows just some of the creative ways congregations have taken their communities and their worship outside their doors and into their neighborhoods, starting conversations and building relationships. Read more, and watch the video.

When President Donald Trump issued his executive order at 4:42 PM Friday, temporarily denying entry to the country to refugees from anywhere, as well as to all people from seven majority-Muslim countries, the 143rd Annual Convention of the diocese was in full swing. It was far too late to add anything to the formal agenda.

But a group of priests and others had been working since Thursday evening to mobilize support within the diocese for refugees and immigrants. The executive order increased the sense of urgency.

As a point of privilege during the final plenary session on Saturday, the Rev. J. Brent Bates, Rector of Grace Church, Newark, rose to call on members of the diocese "to study the sanctuary church movement and engage in immigrant justice." Read more, and watch the video.

To join this effort, please contact the Rev. J. Brent Bates directly at rector@gracechurchinnewark.org or 973-623-1733.

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

The day after Donald Trump was inaugurated as president, members of the Diocese of Newark joined millions of people in women's marches around the globe. Many traveled to the nation's capital for the Women's March on Washington, while others joined "sister marches" in New York and New Jersey. Read more.

St. Elizabeth's Church, Ridgewood:

First imam speaks at MLK celebration in Ridgewood

Church of the Redeemer, Morristown:

Morris women heading to D.C. for march
With a video interview of the Rev. Cynthia Black

Holy Communion, Norwood:

North Jersey food pantries work to replenish stock

St. Paul's Church, Englewood:

North Jersey faithful seek place in society under Trump

St. Luke's Church, Montclair:

Help for day laborers hits obstacles

Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge:

Trump's executive orders worry Glen Ridge, Bloomfield churches

The Diocese of Newark Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians will celebrate the life and ministry of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first person of African descent ordained a deacon and priest in the Episcopal Church.

We believe that God is inviting us into a new way of living together. This involves listening and attending to what God is up to in our congregations, our neighborhoods and ourselves. We invite you and your congregation to say YES to a three-month period of LISTENING which will begin with a Kick-Off Gathering on Saturday, March 4 and culminate with a Reflection Gathering on Saturday, June 3. See the invitation that was shared at Convention.
 

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.
 

The Bishop strongly urges everyone preparing for Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation of their baptismal vows to attend a Confirmation Retreat.

March 3 - 4 at Cross Roads Camp
Discounted "Early Bird" registration ends TOMORROW, February 2

March 17 - 18 at Cross Roads Camp
Discounted "Early Bird" registration ends February 16

March 31 - April 1 at St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood
Discounted "Early Bird" registration ends March 2

Clergy register for Retreat with the Bishop
TODAY, FEB 1

Submissions to The VOICE Online
WED, FEB 8 for Feb. 15 issue

Register adults for Confirmation in 2017

2016 Parochial Reports due

The Gertrude Butts Fund will begin accepting applications on March 1 for scholarships for the 2017-18 post high school academic year. Applicants must be members of a congregation in the Diocese of Newark. Please email Scholarship Chair, Juli Towell for applications.

• The Rev. Deacon Nancy Hansen to the Vocational Diaconate
  JAN 7

• The Rev. Anne Bolles Beaven, Priest-in-Charge, Holy Innocents, West Orange
  MAY 31
• The Rev. Daniel Kreller, Rector, St. Bartholomew's, Ho-Ho Kus
  JUN 30
• The Rev. Susan Schink, Priest-in-Charge, St. Clement's, Hawthorne
  
  OCT 1 (correction)

See all clergy ministry transitions in 2017.

The Episcopal Public Policy Network is launching a nationwide advocacy campaign in support of refugees. Over the next two months, we're challenging Episcopalians to call their national, state, and local elected officials at least four times. Now, more than ever, people of faith must make their voices heard. We have created a 2×4 Fight for Refugees Campaign page with numbers to dial and a sample script on our website. Read more.

The Very Rev. Tracey Lind, formerly of the Diocese of Newark, is retiring from Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland after being diagnosed with frontotemporal disorder, a progressive degenerative brain disease. After 17 years at the helm of Trinity Cathedral, she will give her last sermon on Jan. 29. Read the article.

The Rev. Canon Bruce W. Woodcock has been named Episcopal Church Partnership Officer for Asia and the Pacific, a member of the Presiding Bishop's staff. In this position, Woodcock will be responsible for nurturing Episcopal Church relationships with Anglican Communion partners in the region and working with the Episcopal Church's office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations. He will serve as a resource for parishes, dioceses and institutions, and as a bridge in nurturing and promoting relationships with this region.

He is currently the Interim Pastor at St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo, Tuxedo Park, NY (Diocese of New York) and has served congregations in the Diocese of Newark. Read more.