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

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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Sharing stories of gratitude and hope
Bishop Hughes describes how, when she has met with congregations during these years of pandemic, despite all the challenges people face, the word she hears most often is "blessed." She hears stories of gratitude and hope – and she urges us to share those stories. (Time: 4:57.)
The Hidden Black History of the Diocese of Newark
Even in the Diocese of Newark, there was a time when Black worshipers were not welcomed by white congregations, and so they formed their own. In these videos, members of some of these historically Black churches share their personal memories and some of the history of their congregations.

Interviews by Jane Jubilee. Video editing by Nina Nicholson.
Carol Harrison-Arnold, a member of Episcopal congregations in Jersey City since the early 1990s, describes her experience of Church of the Incarnation in Jersey City and the challenges it has faced. (Time: 23:33.)
Robert Cottingham's great-grandmother brought his family into Church of the Epiphany in Orange. Now he shares their experience of this congregation, which survived and thrived when the neighboring white congregations that turned away Black worshipers did not. (Time: 22:24.)
Video of the public celebration of the Feast of Absalom Jones
Unfortunately, technical difficulties prevented the live streaming of the annual Absalom Jones service last Sunday, but the Cathedral tech team was able to capture a video recording which is now available for viewing on demand. (Time: 1:28:25.)

To jump to the sermon of the guest preacher, the Reverend Melvin Wilson of St. Matthew AME Church in Orange, click here.
Register now for the March 2022 Anti-Racism Dialogues
The next Anti-Racism Dialogues will be online and is scheduled for three consecutive Saturdays: March 5, 12 and 19.

Registration is open on the diocesan website until 5 PM on Feb. 28. Find out more and access the registration form.
Staff movie picks for Black History Month
These 16 movies are recommended by Bishop Hughes and her staff. How many of them have you watched?
Flight school with ties to legendary Tuskegee Airmen trains next generation of Black pilots
Anne Palmer, a parishioner of Grace Church in Westwood, is interviewed in this CBS Mornings feature on the RedTail Flight Academy, which trains Black men and women for careers in aviation. Anne, the daughter of a Tuskegee Airman, serves on the RedTail Flight Academy board of directors.

Watch the video, right (time: 4:39; preceded by an ad).
The Rev. Deacon Deborah Drake:
FEB 14, 2022 | Patch.com
St. Luke's, Montclair:
FEB 4, 2022 | Essex News Daily
Stewardship Matters: Yearlong Stewardship? A birds-eye view
In last month's Stewardship Matters, we discussed Stewardship activities that made the most sense for January, specifically focusing on what you can learn from the results of your most recent Annual Pledge Campaign. This month let's start to plan out an annual Stewardship teaching plan. You can take advantage of learnings from last month’s campaign analysis, and you have the benefit of both time and a bit of perspective. Read more.
2022 Confirmation Services
Confirmation services for 2022 are filling up fast!

These two services have reached capacity and closed registrations:

  • Sunday, May 1, 3 PM - Church of the Saviour, Denville
  • Tuesday, May 10, 7 PM - Christ Church, Short Hills
These four services are still accepting registrations:

  • Saturday, April 30, 10 AM - St. Michael's, Wayne
  • Saturday, May 14, 10 AM - All Saints', Hoboken
  • Sunday, May 22, 3 PM - Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral, Newark
  • Wednesday, May 25, 7 PM - Christ Church, Ridgewood
Clergy & Wardens: Please register your Candidates before 5 PM on Thursday, March 31. Thank you!
25th Annual Hegg Awards
SUN, JUN 12, 3 PM
You are invited to join Bishop Hughes and Senior Ministries of the Diocese of Newark for the 25th annual David P. Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The service will be pre-recorded and broadcast on the diocesan YouTube channel, with the honorees presented in a photo slideshow. Find out more.
Clergy & Wardens: Even though this event is several months away, you are asked to submit honorees' information and photos as soon as they are available.

Submitting your materials early will help us create a high-quality production that honors all the award winners. Thank you!
Presidents' Day holiday
Episcopal House will be closed next Monday, Feb. 21, in observance of Presidents' Day.
2021 Alleluia Fund grant recipients
This year the Alleluia Fund was able to make grants totaling $155,000 to 30 nonprofits across northern New Jersey and internationally. Read more.
Scholarship opportunities for the 2022-2023 academic year
The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) scholarship program is open to all high school seniors who are actively engaged in the life, work and ministry of a congregation in the Diocese of Newark.
Application deadline: April 9, 2022.

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
Departures

  • Feb. 17 - The Rev. Shawn Carty, Chaplain at House of the Good Shepherd, Hackettstown

See all clergy ministry transitions in 2022.
Next issue: Wednesday, March 2. Deadline: 10 AM Friday, Feb. 25.
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).
Youth Retreats 2022
Middle & High School Retreat (Grades 6-12): APR 29 - MAY 1, 2022
Elementary School Retreat (Grades 3-5): MAY 13 - 15, 2022

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 retreats and register your youth group at: crossroadsretreat.com/youth-retreats.
Work at camp this summer!
Applications for the Cross Roads Summer Staff 2022 are LIVE! We are hiring awesome young adults who would be a great fit for any of our open positions next summer. Employment runs from mid-June through August 2022. To apply or to download a flyer to share with young adults in your community, please visit crossroadsretreat.com/employment.
Summer camp registration is open
Registration for Summer Camp 2022 at Cross Roads is now open! Explore all the offerings for youth in grades 2-12 as well as family camp programs at: crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs.
Partner with Cross Roads for Faith Formation
Connect with Cross Roads' Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) Program and enhance your faith programming for youth in your congregation. BTF offers interactive Sunday School lessons, a weekly podcast and family newsletter, and so many more resources to enhance the faith life of your family and congregation. Learn more at: mybtf.org.
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