Online Edition - Wednesday, June 20, 2018
News, events and features of interest to members and friends of the
Episcopal Diocese of Newark, the Episcopal Church in northern New Jersey.
From the Bishop
In-between time
For the past year and a half, I have been living in a state of in-between. Since the announcement of my retirement in February of last year and the consecration of Caryle Hughes on September 22, I have been on a journey that has been both wonderful and weird. I can sense that many people across the diocese are on a similar journey. So many join with me in the excitement of Caryle’s arrival, and yet wonder what it all will be like.

What I have discovered in earlier in-between times in my life is that while there is anxiety – sometimes anticipatory, sometimes crippling, it can also be a very spiritually rich time. Read more.
A statement on the current immigration policy of separating children from parents
By the Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey
Bishop Mark Beckwith is president of the Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey.

The Coalition of Religious Leaders here in New Jersey expresses our deep concern and opposition over the immigration policies that are being implemented by the Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, and affirmed by President Donald Trump. These policies negate the very core values of the faith traditions which we represent. Read more.

Bishop Beckwith was quoted from this statement in today's "Faith Matters" column in the Jersey Journal, N.J. religious leaders condemn treatment of children at borders.
Features
Newark deputies aim to shape policy at General Convention
By Kirk Petersen
At the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, July 5-13 in Austin, TX, the Newark deputation will attempt to shape policy on multiple issues. A group of 13 high school students from around the diocese and five chaperones will also experience a portion of the nine-day event. Read more.
Presiding Bishop's royal wedding sermon inspires church sign
By the Rev. Elaine Ellis Thomas
It was an evangelism moment that captured the imagination of 11.5 million people on this planet who tuned in to watch and untold others who listened or read or heard Presiding Bishop Curry preach. We cannot let this moment pass. Read more.
Welcoming Verona's new Muslim neighbors
By the Rev. Jerry Racioppi
In March I learned that a former synagogue in town would be turned into an Islamic Center. Shortly after, I gathered the other local clergy members to see how we might welcome this new congregation of faith. Read more.
My experience of the Reclaiming Jesus march in D.C.
By the Rev. Diana Wilcox
The Presiding Bishop's Royal Wedding sermon provided the perfect set up for a previously planned event in our nation’s capital – The Reclaiming Jesus service, procession, and vigil. Read more.
The 2018 Hegg Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees
Photos by Russ Worthington
On June 10, 2018, 67 members of the diocese were honored with the David P. Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Award at the 22nd annual Senior Ministries Evensong, held at St. Peter's Church in Morristown. Go to the photo gallery by Russ Worthington.
Dispatches from the Journey
Clergy Intensive Retreat: Building a collective of transformational leaders for the Church
By the Rev. Ginny Dinsmore
Developing relationships. Building trust. Improving leadership skills. The bonding that happens when you spend 2½ days together. This is how participants describe the Clergy Intensive held May 15-17, 2018. Read more.
What is the Holy Spirit up to in our midst, and how do we support that evolution?
By Suzanne Willian
Action-Learning Teams (ALTs) are one of the pathways by which the diocese is continuing to discover the ways and forms of life into which the Spirit is inviting us.
ALT members have been energized by the stories of several vibrant faith communities across the Church. This article, the first in a three-part series, tells the story of St. Isidore Episcopal Church, which has no walls and no single gathering place, but does have The Abundant Harvest food truck. Read more.
Youth & Young Adult News
Last month, diocesan youth and young adults were involved in the election of the next bishop. This month, a group is preparing to attend General Convention in Austin, TX. Read about these events, other upcoming events, and more in the two latest issues of the YOUTH NOTES Newsletter, below.
Congregations in the News
St. Agnes', Little Falls:
MAY 22, 2018 | NorthJersey.com
Redeemer, Morristown:
JUN 11, 2018 | MorristownGreen.com
Christ Church, Newton:
JUN 18, 2018 | New Jersey Herald
Diocesan Events
See also the Community Calendar for other public events hosted by our congregations and associated organizations, and find out how to submit your own events.
Save the date for this summer workshop:
Liturgy - The Work of the People
WED, JUL 25, 6:30 PM @ ST. AGNES, LITTLE FALLS
The Empowering Action Team of your Diocesan Council invites you to join them for their 2018 Summer Workshop. Watch this space for more information, including a flyer and how to register.
"Just in Time" Stewardship Workshop
STA, AUG 18 @ EPISCOPAL HOUSE
All set for your Fall Stewardship Campaign? Or could you use a little help, structure or motivation? At this workshop, hosted by the Fund Development Council, you and your team will get proven techniques, resources and best practices... just in time! Find out more.
A Celebration of Ministry:
The Rt. Rev. Mark M. Beckwith and Marilyn Olson
SAT, SEP 8, 11 AM @ SKYLANDS EVENT & CONFERENCE CENTER
In recognition of their 11 years of service to the people of the Diocese of Newark, the Transition Committee is holding a luncheon honoring the Rt. Rev. Mark M. Beckwith and Marilyn Olson on September 8, 2018 at the Skylands Event & Conference Center in Randolph.

(Right: Marilyn Olson and Bishop Mark Beckwith with their first grandchild in February 2017.)

The gathering begins at 11 AM. At 11:30 AM there will be a short liturgy, followed by the luncheon.

The cost to attend is $50 per person. The choice of meals are:

  • Beef filet with mushroom gravy
  • Stuffed chicken with vegetables
  • Eggplant parmesan

The luncheon will include a cash bar.
How to sign up:

  • Go to e-payment.dioceseofnewark.org and look for Luncheon honoring Bishop Mark Beckwith & Marilyn Olson.
  • Enter number of attendees in the "Quantity" field.
  • Click the "Continue" button at the bottom of the page.
  • On the second page, enter up to four attendee names and meal choices.
  • If paying for more than four attendees, or if an attendee has dietary restrictions, check the appropriate box(es) and then email this information to bishopparty@aol.com.

Sign-up deadline: Wednesday, August 15.
Mark your calendar for Diocesan Convention 2019
The 145th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2, 2019. The Convention venue is to be determined.

Questions? Contact John King, Secretary of Convention, at jking@dioceseofnewark.org .
Cross Roads Camp News & Events
Accredited with the American Camp Association, Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center is a welcoming, ecumenical retreat center and camp of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and the NJ Synod of the ELCA.

Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com .
Summer 2018: "This Changes Everything"
This summer at Cross Roads we will explore how God's grace turns our world upside down. Through worship, small-group devotions, Bible study, and prayer, campers will grow in their faith as part of their Cross Roads experience.

Cross Roads offers five weeks of on-site programs for youth who have completed grades 2-8, in addition to programs for high school-age campers and for families. There is something for everyone, so learn more and register on the website at crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs.
You're Invited! Giant Church Picnic
SUN, AUG 19
Our annual end-of-season bash brings out the kid in everyone! Experience camp fun one last time with great activities: archery, swimming, high ropes, and more, plus great fellowship and walks in the woods. Church groups, families, and individuals are welcome. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs/giant-church-picnic.
Diocesan Announcements
We've elected a new bishop - now what?

On May 19 we had an exciting and historic bishop election which resulted in the Rev. Carlye J. Hughes being chosen as the XI Bishop of Newark on the first ballot. What happens next? Read more.
The newest priest in the Diocese of Newark

Bishop Mark Beckwith presents the Rev. Dave Jones and his husband Bob Dannhauser at Dave's priesthood ordination on Saturday, June 9 at St. Paul's, Chatham.
CYNTHIA BLACK PHOTO
Other clergy ministry transitions
Departures:

  • The Rev. Joyce McGirr, Priest-in-Residence, House of Prayer, Newark - June 10
  • The Rev. Bernie Poppe, Rector, St. George's, Maplewood - July 15
  • The Rev. Fain Webb, Priest-in-Charge, St. Dunstan’s, Succasunna - September 9
We’d love your input on spiritual formation for adults
A small group of diocesan volunteers has been meeting recently to discuss spiritual formation for adults across the diocese. Our particular interest is in ways the diocesan office might be able to make spiritual formation/enrichment available to a larger number of people.

To inform these conversations, it would be so helpful to have input from across the diocese about what congregations are doing (or, as important, what they’d like to do!) to provide adult spiritual formation/enrichment activities outside of the regular worship service. Please take a minute and jot down your thoughts and experiences and send to Cynthia McChesney at cmcchesney@dioceseofnewark.org – or give her a call at 973-430-9909.
The VOICE Online summer schedule
During June, July and August The VOICE Online will be published once a month on the third Wednesday. The deadline to submit items for consideration is the Wednesday prior.
July issue
Publication: July 18
Deadline: July 11
August issue
Publication: August 15
Deadline: August 8
New from The Episcopal Church
Presiding Bishop Curry’s message for World Refugee Day
On World Refugee Day, held each year on June 20, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of refugees worldwide. Refugees bring gifts, skills, and talents to our communities, enhancing the very fabric of our nation.

Presiding Bishop Curry on MSNBC
In the past week, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has appeared twice on MSNBC with other faith leaders discussing the current immigration policy of separating children from parents.

In the first video below, he appears on AM Joy with Joy Reid (June 16). In the second video, he appears on The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell (June 18).
How you can take action in response to the separation of immigrant families
The Episcopal Church 's Office of Government Relations offers this web page of resources for advocacy and action to support you as a champion for immigration, as well as educational resources for further learning on current policies and proposed legislation.
The VOICE Online is published on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays September through May,
and on the 3rd Wednesdays only in June, July and August.
The deadline to submit items for consideration is one week prior to publication.
Questions? Please contact Nina Nicholson, Director of Communications.