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Bishop Hughes notes that during this complicated time, it is not unusual for someone to say to her, “I don't know how to hold on to hope right now. I’m so frustrated, I am so angry, I have had enough.” Or, “I’m exhausted, I can't bring myself to care anymore.” And when she replies, “How about we pray?” there's a sense of hope that is reborn in wanting to pray. (Time: 4:54.)

Today we celebrate the third anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Hughes as XI Bishop of Newark. Click the image to relive the day through photos, videos and media coverage.

This fall's Church Leader University will be something special! Lorenzo Lebrija, director of TryTank, a lab for church growth and innovation, will lead participants through a straightforward framework for experiments in new ministry and provide a different perspective on how to do the ongoing work of the church. In just three clear steps, this framework can have a lasting impact on any church that uses it. Find out more and register online (registration deadline is 5 PM on Thursday, October 7).

Save the date! Details will be announced soon, including online registration.

Last spring, I received an email from a member of my vestry. It was a coming out announcement. Chris (now Christina) wanted me to know that she is a transgender lesbian woman. In all honesty, I had thought nothing of the longer hair in our monthly vestry meetings on Zoom. Everyone’s hair was longer or grayer since we had not been able to visit our hairdressers in months! Read more.

In our recent Project Resource session, we learned ways to think about how our communications might differ between generational cohorts. In this article we'll outline some of those general characteristics, bearing in mind, of course, that these are generalizations. That said, considering differences in communications between generational groups can make your donor and pledge communications more relevant and effective. Some short cut ways to think about how you might communicate with different generations differently... read more.

Would you like to share and pray with others in a small group not looking to play matchmaker? Consider accepting this invitation to come together to explore and cherish our significance in the growth of our faith and God’s love and purpose for us. Meetings are starting. Please join in. Find out more.

The 2022 budget process will follow the same process adopted by Diocesan Council for use in preparing previous budgets. This process allows individuals and organizations to request funding as part of the 2022 Budget. Funding requests for 2022 are due by October 1, 2021. Find out more.

The Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) Program invites your congregation to check out our BTF Sunday School and Faith Formation programming opportunities this Fall! BTF is a ministry of Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center and Luther Crest (MN). We offer a unique lectionary-based Sunday School curriculum, children’s messages, weekly podcasts, family newsletters, and virtual Sunday School with youth and leaders from around the country. Explore all of the BTF offerings at mybtf.org.

The monthly Wednesdays Away retreats return this Fall at Cross Roads, with both in-person and virtual options for participation. Explore all the upcoming dates and themes, along with registration information, at crossroadsretreat.com/wednesdays-away.

Registration for the Fall Women's Retreat is now open! There are two weekends offered for the in-person retreat (September 24-26 and October 8-10), and one virtual option (this Friday, September 24). The theme is "The Face of God." Explore the dates and register now at crossroadsretreat.com/womens-retreat.

The annual Rally for Cross Roads fundraiser event returns on Saturday, October 2, 2021 with options for an on-site and at-home run/walk as well as an afternoon of activities! More details are coming soon, but we hope you will plan to join us!

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