A biweekly publication for telling and hearing the stories
of this extraordinary time

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

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A message from Bishop Hughes for Easter 2022
Dear Companions on the Journey,

Suddenly it is Holy Week! What a gift and blessing to observe Holy Week services in person this year. As importantly, we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a changed people. God has been generous, and we are grateful. Read more.
Scripture and Preaching – An introduction
SAT, APR 23, 9 AM - 12 PM AT GRACE, MADISON
This program is especially helpful for those lay ministers who have been preaching in their congregations or for those who are interested in doing so. Find out more.

This course is excellent preparation for the May 19-21 program with the Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney (below). Please consider attending both.
A Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church
A Womanists Wading in the WordTM Production
THU, MAY 19 - SAT, MAY 21 AT ST. ELIZABETH'S, RIDGEWOOD
The Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney, author of A Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, will join us in person for a series of talks on her work developing this lectionary.

You can attend the entire three-day series or a single day. Find out more.
Healthy Congregations
SAT, APR 30, 10 AM - 4 PM CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR, DENVILLE
Bishop Hughes has made arrangements for this in-person program by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, open to all members of the diocese and free of charge.

It is the Bishop's hope that each congregation can send 3-5 members to this important workshop.
Convention deadlines
Submit announcements from congregations and associated organizations for display on the big screens:
Wednesday, April 27 at 5 PM
Friday, April 29 at 12 noon
Submit photos of church banners (or another image representing your church) for the virtual banner display:
Friday, April 29 at 5 PM
Submit names for the Necrology (photos are also appreciated but not required):
Friday, May 6 at 12 noon
25th Annual Hegg Awards
SUN, JUN 12, 3 PM
Clergy and Wardens are asked to submit honorees' information and photos as soon as they are available. This will help us create a high-quality production that honors all the award winners. The nomination deadline of May 27 will be here before you know it!
April update from our diocesan Good News Gardens
By Julie Crawford
With the call of Spring, activities moved forward at the Garden of Hope at the Community of St. John Baptist (CSJB) in Mendham. Read more.
Media coverage
Call for lay nominees for Standing Committee
Are you seeking a way to serve the diocese? Do you have interest or expertise in property or law, or have skill and wisdom in offering guidance and weighing possibilities? The Standing Committee might be just what you are looking for! The Standing Committee is responsible for a wide-range of canonical areas, from approval of ordination candidates to offering counsel to the bishop to reviewing and approving leases and property sales. The current membership brings a variety of gifts that help us discern the direction God might have us take and to come to thoughtful decisions.

Two of our members, one ordained and one lay, have terms that end with the May 7 Convention, and at this time, we have no nominees from the lay order. This is not a clergy-driven body. The inclusion of an equal number of members from the lay and clergy orders is intentional and necessary.

The deadline to submit your name is noon on Friday, April 29. If you have questions about serving on the Standing Committee, contact the current president, the Rev. Dr. Elaine Ellis Thomas at ethomas@allsaintshoboken.com.
Application deadline for Ward J. Herbert Fund Cycle 2
The Ward J. Herbert Fund provides funds for buildings that are used for congregational functions. Top priority is given to funds for deterioration of structure, hazards, and emergencies, such as required roof repairs and inoperative boilers. The fund's second priority is interior and exterior renovation to provide for expanded mission of the congregation. Grants from the Ward J. Herbert Fund must be matched dollar for dollar.

The application deadline for Cycle 2 (late spring funding) is this Friday, April 15. Find out more.
Scholarship opportunities for the 2022-2023 academic year
The Gertrude Butts Fund provides scholarships to diocesan youth, with special emphasis on scholars who are orphaned or children of single parents who demonstrate financial need.
Application deadline: May 5, 2022.
The George E. Rath Scholarship Fund provides children of canonically resident clergy with extra financial assistance for college expenses at accredited four-year education institutions.
Application deadline: May 15, 2022.
Clergy ministry transitions
Arrivals

  • Apr. 1 - The Rev. Deacon Danielle Baker, Clergy-in-Charge, St. Paul's, Morris Plains

Retirements

  • May 1 - The Rev. Michael Gerhardt, Priest-in-Residence, Christ Church, Hackensack

See all clergy ministry transitions in 2022.
Next issue: Wednesday, April 27. Deadline: 10 AM Friday, April 22.
Employment opportunities in our churches, associated organizations, and neighboring Episcopal dioceses.
Cross Roads is the ecumenical camp and retreat center of our diocese and the NJ Synod of the ELCA (Lutheran Church).
Cross Roads Youth Retreat
APR 29 – MAY 1
Youth Retreats at Cross Roads combine fun activities, Bible study, worship, delicious food, and time spent outside to create an awesome weekend for youth and their adult leaders. Read more about the upcoming retreat and register your youth or youth group before April 21 at: crossroadsretreat.com/youth-retreats
"Opening Day" Work Day
MAY 21
We need volunteers! Help us prepare camp for the summer season on Saturday, May 21. There will be projects for all skill levels and lunch will be provided. Register at: crossroadsretreat.com/opening-day-at-cross-roads
Bishops' Cup Golf Outing
JUN 13
Registration and sponsorships are open for the annual Bishops’ Cup Golf Outing on June 13! We welcome sponsors and golfers -- foursomes and individual golfers. Congregations and individuals can sponsor a tee sign to show support for Cross Roads as 100% of a $250 tee sign donation goes toward keeping camp affordable and is recognized in the Cross Roads Annual Fund report. Learn more at: crossroadsretreat.com/golf_outing
Summer Camp: July and August
Registration for Summer Camp 2022 at Cross Roads is open and we can't wait to welcome you back to Cross Roads.! Explore all the offerings for youth in grades 2-12 as well as family camp programs at: crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs
Help Cross Roads find awesome summer staff
We are hiring young adults who would be a great fit for any of our open positions next summer. Employment runs from mid-June through August 2022. Apply or download a flyer to share with young adults in your community at: crossroadsretreat.com/employment
The Presiding Bishop's Easter message
“Easter is the celebration of the victory of God,” Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry said in his Easter 2022 message. “The earth, like an egg, has been cracked open, and Jesus has been raised alive and new, and love is victorious.”

Click here to watch the video and read the transcript in English and Spanish.
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