Weekly News Digest
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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Our Bishop on the Web!
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Congregation & Clergy Information Online
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Our aim is to include the most updated information possible. Please check the online directories for Churches, Clergy and Organizations and send corrections to Nina Nicholson.
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Diocesan Convention Coverage
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Initial coverage of the 136th Annual Convention held January 29-30 at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. Watch the diocesan website and future issues of the Digest for additional coverage in the coming weeks.
 Bishop Beckwith's Convention Address
"Go deeper, Jesus tells Peter in 5th chapter of Luke's Gospel. Peter doesn't want to go deeper. He thought he had already gone deep enough the previous night on the water and hadn't brought back a thing. Not a minnow, not a mussel -- nothing. He figured he would hear some razzing from his colleagues and some complaining from his wife - but from Jesus? He is a carpenter now moonlighting as a rabbi; who may understand life, hope and freedom in a new and inspiring way - but doesn't know squat about fish." Read more.
 ERD President tells convention agency is in Haiti "for the long haul"
Building on its longstanding relationships with the Diocese of Haiti and supported by prayers and donations from across the Episcopal Church, the church's relief and development agency is helping Haiti's people in the aftermath of the massive Jan. 12 earthquake and is committed to assisting it in rebuilding in the years to come, Episcopal Relief & Development President Robert Radtke told Diocesan Convention on Jan. 30. Read more.
Committee Resolutions Adopted at Convention
Diocesan Convention on Jan. 30 quickly passed four resolutions addressing issues of human trafficking, clergy pay equity, the terms and responsibilities of the diocesan trustees, and prayers for use on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Read more.
See also:
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 Videos & Multi-Media Presentations
from Diocesan Convention
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You are invited to share with your congregations these presentations about missions in our diocese and issues from the 2009 General Convention.
"Mission Minute" Videos
Short videos highlighting diocesan events and ministries that live out our mission statement, "Equipping congregations... Empowering people... Engaging the world... with the hope and justice of Jesus."
- Equipping Congregations (time 6:27)
Featuring Christophany, the Acolytes Festival, and the unification of Epiphany, Allendale and Good Shepherd, Midland Park. - Empowering People (time 7:22)
Featuring Dr. Walter Brueggemann's "Becoming Disciples" workshop, Quiet Days, and St. Michael's Wayne "Faith in Action" initiative.
- Engaging the World (time 3:59)
Featuring St. John's Boonton "Light on Main" storefront mission and St. John the Divine Hasbrouck Heights "Care on the Corner."
 Reports from General ConventionOne of the responsibilities of the Diocese's deputies to General Convention is to keep congregations informed of the issues addressed and their role in them. Issues from General Convention 2009 were organized into three reports aligned with our mission statement. - Equipping Congregations (time 5:02)
Issues addressed: use of bottled water; recovery ministries; public education; veterans; the global economic crisis; Episcopal Relief & Development.
- Empowering People (time 3:58)
Issues addressed: evangelism and sharing ministry; inter-religious dialogue and cooperation; respect for diversity; supplemental liturgies; "The 80-Cent Solution for World Mission."
- Engaging the World (time 4:30)
Issues concerning Sudan, Cuba, Haiti and Israel (Note: this video was produced before the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.)
- Resource Page
Resources to assist individuals and congregations in taking action.
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Engaging the World:
Reported Haiti Donations Approach $100K
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Bishop Beckwith announced at convention that Haiti relief donations totaling $55,000 had been reported by congregations and individuals. Since then, new and updated reports have brought the total to $87,745.57. With the $10,000.00 donated by the Diocese, the total reported amount given to Haiti relief by the Diocese as a whole is now $97,745.57.
Note: Some churches are not keeping a tally but instead asking parishioners to donate directly to Episcopal Relief & Development. Therefore, the actual amount donated from our diocese is probably higher.
Bishop Beckwith recommends donating to Episcopal Relief & Development's Haiti Fund. ERD has supported the Diocese of Haiti for many years through a central Development Office and a network of 28 development agents.
Has your congregation taken a collection designated for Haiti?
Are you planning a fundraising event? Please send information to Nina Nicholson, Director of Communications.
See Also:
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Absalom Jones
- Celebrating His Life & Ministry
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The Newark Chapter of the Union Of Black Episcopalians announces that
the 2010 celebration of the life and ministry of the Rev. Absalom
Jones will take place at Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral on Sunday, February 7 at 3:00 p.m.
All diocesan churches and institutions are invited and
encouraged to participate in the festive Eucharist. Bishop Mark
Beckwith will preside, and the Rev. Darryl F. James, Priest-in-Charge at
Grace Church, Jamaica, Queens and a former National UBE President
(1996-98), will be the guest preacher. Liturgical dancers lead the entrance procession at the 2009
Absalom Jones Day celebration. Photo by Joseph Bodine.
Absalom Jones was the first African American ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church. Born into slavery in 1746, Jones was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Pennsylvania in 1804 and became the rector of the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia. Diocesan clergy are invited to vest and walk in the procession (white stoles) and choirs and musicians from around the Diocese are encouraged to participate in the massed choir that will form for the event. For more information contact the Rev. Joseph A. Harmon, liturgical coordinator for the celebration. |
Equipping Congregations:
Workshops & Classes |
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For more information about diocesan-sponsored workshops and classes, please contact Kitty Kawecki, Director of Resources & Training, 973-430-9902.
 Beyond the Baptismal Covenant:
Effective Lay Leadership for the
21st Century
Presented by Donald Romanik, president of Episcopal Church Foundation
This series will deal with issues, challenges and opportunities of identifying, developing and empowering lay leaders as full partners in the mission and ministry of a congregation. Held three Thursday during Lent, from 6 - 9 pm, at Grace Church in Madison. - March 4 - Leadership Now
- March 11 - Lay Leaders are Called not Made
- March 18 - Leadership for What?
While we encourage participants to attend all three sessions, each will be a stand alone topic and presentation.
 Eternal Life: A New Vision: Beyond Religion, Beyond Theism, Beyond Heaven and Hell
Presented by The Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong, former Bishop of Newark, based on his new book
Saturday, March 13, at St. Peter's Church
in Morristown.
- 9:30 am - Registration
- 10 am-12 pm - Lecture and Q & A
- 12-1 pm - Lunch
- 1-3 pm - Lecture and Q & A
Anti-Racism Dialogues will be held in March and June. Cost is $15 and registration is required; please contact Kitty Kawecki
- March Sessions - at St. Agnes', Little Falls
Part 1: Wednesday, March 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Part 2: Wednesday, March 10, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - June Sessions - at Episcopal House
Part 1: Saturday, June 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Part 2: Sunday, June 27, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
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Confirmation Retreats for Youth & Adults
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For more information about confirmation retreats, please contact Kaileen Alston, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, 973-430-9991. Please Register for the Confirmation RetreatsOur Bishop strongly urges youth and adults who are preparing for Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation of their baptismal vows this spring to participate in the Confirmation Retreats designed by the Christian Formation Commission. ( Download flyer.) The first retreat will be February 19-20 at The Church of the Epiphany in Orange for Districts 3, 7 & 10. The adult portion will be bilingual with Spanish! The registration deadline is TOMORROW, February 5. Registration forms are available online in English and Spanish / en Español. The schedule for the remaining Confirmation Retreats is:
- March 5-6: Districts 1, 5 & 9
at St. Paul's, Morris Plains
(registration form - deadline February 19)
- March 26-27: Districts 2, 4, 6 & 8
at St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange
(registration form - deadline March 12)
Share Your Ministry with Young People!Are you involved in a music, outreach, altar guild, hospitality, Eucharistic or other ministry in your congregation or on a diocesan level? Then the Christian Formation Commission ("CFC") would love to have you share that experience with our youth at a confirmation retreat this winter! The CFC wants to impress upon our youth that confirmation is not graduation, but an opportunity to affirm your faith and claim your ministry as a Christian. If you would like to participate and help youth find their ministries in their own congregations, please contact Kaileen Alston.
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Equipping Congregations & Empowering People:
News for Youth |
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 Happening #24 is almost here! It will be held February 12-14 at St. Paul's Church in Paterson. Happening is a great retreat where teens in grades 9-12 have a fabulous time getting to know each other and exploring their faith! The cost is $66 and scholarships are available upon request. Registration forms were due January 29; for more information, please contact Kaileen Alston, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, 973-430-9991.The Middle School Retreat is a fun-filled weekend for youth in grades 6-8. It will take place March 12-14 at Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries. This year's topic is "T.I.M. - The Influential Media." The retreat will address how youth are affected by different media including the internet, magazines, etc. We'll talk about the ways in which our self-image (including feelings of imperfection) are affected and the consequences of putting different things about yourself out on the Internet. The registration deadline is February 26. The retreat costs $99 and scholarships are available upon request. The flyer and registration form for the Middle School Retreat will be available online shortly, but if you need them immediately, please contact Kaileen Alston, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, 973-430-9991. |
| Empowering People: News for Clergy |
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IMPORTANT - Clergy Retreat final Planning: An email was sent to participants this afternoon outlining all Clergy Retreat details. For questions, please contact Kay Lark, 973-430-9976.
Clergy Conversation Schedule
NOTE: Time is 10 am-noon. Please bring a lunch for afterward if your schedule allows.- Feb. 16 - District 3 - Bishop Beckwith - Millington
- Feb. 16 - District 5 - Canon Jacobs - St. John's, Montclair
- Feb. 23 - District 7 - Bishop Beckwith - Passaic
- Feb. 23 - District 6 - Canon Jacobs - Grace, Union City
- Mar. 2 - District 9 - Bishop Beckwith - Haworth
- Mar. 2 - District 10 - Canon Jacobs - Hawthorne
- Mar. 9 - District 8 - Bishop Beckwith - Leonia
- Mar. 16 - District 1 - Bishop Beckwith - Hackettstown
- Mar. 16 - District 2 - Canon Jacobs - Pompton Lakes
The Commission on Ministry Website:
Clergy who have a parishioner interested in seeking ordination to the priesthood or the diaconate should refer to the website and must contact Paul R. Shackford, Chair of the Commission on Ministry, or the Rev. Paul Olsson, Chair of the Committee on the Diaconate, as appropriate, prior to establishing a Parish Discernment Committee.
Licenses to Officiate in the Diocese of Newark:
Any clergy not canonically resident in the Diocese of Newark MUST have a current license to officiate. This requirement applies to assistant and associate
priests as well. Please download the Application to Renew and/or contact Patty Leonard,
973-430-9906. |
Empowering People: News for Lay Persons
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| Lay persons who are interested in discerning a possible call to ordained ministry should read the guidelines on the Commission on Ministry's website, and discuss with the clergy of their congregation the possibility of establishing a Parish Discernment Committee. The clergy must contact the Commission on Ministry prior to establishing such a committee. |
Diocesan Scholarship Funds
Now Accepting Applications
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The Mary G. Rankin Scholarship Fund is for diocesan youth graduating from high school in 2010. The number of awards and amount of scholarships varies yearly depending upon contributions to the fund. The application deadline is April 1. To obtain an application form, or for more information, please visit the diocesan website or contact Sue Bennett.
The George E. Rath Scholarship Fund supports the undergraduate studies of children of clergy canonically resident in the Diocese of Newark. The application deadline is May 15. For more information or to obtain an application form, please visit the diocesan website or contact Kay Lark, 973-430-9976.
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| Communications Changes |
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From the Voice Editor: Moving On
Soon after Diocesan Convention, I will be leaving my position as editor of The Voice.
It has been a privilege to edit our diocesan newspaper over the past three years, and a wonderful opportunity to learn about the many creative and welcoming ministries in our diverse congregations. I wish to thank everyone who contributed articles, photographs, letters, ideas, translations, advertisements and commentaries to help our newspaper build community and give voice to the many voices of our diocese.
Sharon SheridanFrom the Communications Director: Going Forward In light of Sharon's transition and the need to exercise
careful stewardship of the diocese's resources, print publications are
being put on hold for the time being. The lively features, news and commentary that had been published in The Voice will continue to be published on the diocesan website, www.dioceseofnewark.org, and promoted through the Digest - available weeks earlier than possible with a print publication. Discernment
around the diocese's communications needs, which began last fall, will
continue - including discussions on how to meet the needs of those who
rely on print communications. Whatever the outcome, the Communications
Office is committed to continuing to tell the unique story of the
Diocese of Newark, to its members and to the world. Your story ideas and photos are welcome and can be sent to me at nnicholson@dioceseofnewark.org. Nina NicholsonDirector of Communications & Technology
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Diocesan Calendar at a Glance
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February
March
Wednesdays, March 3 & 10Anti-Racism DialoguesThursdays, March 4, 11 & 18"Beyond the Baptismal Covenant" Series by Donald Romanik Friday & Saturday, March 5 & 6Confirmation Retreat for Districts 1, 5, 9 Saturday, March 13"Eternal Life" Book Lecture by Bishop Spong Friday & Saturday, March 26 & 27Confirmation Retreat for Districts 2, 4, 6, 8
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About the Weekly News Digest: We publish diocesan event and meeting information in the Digest every Thursday (with the exception of holidays).
While the Digest will publish any relevant information regarding
district events and meetings, prior notification emailed to the Newark
List will preclude a mention in the Digest unless special circumstances
warrant. We do not publish information about parish-related
events.
The Digest is sent to all subscribers of the Newark List and to all Clergy and Wardens. To change your email information, please visit the sign-up page on the diocesan website.
To suggest information that might be included in the Digest, please email a brief description (no more than 100 words). Be sure to include contact information for your meeting or event. PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLYERS! The deadline for receipt of information to be included in the Digest is 5:00 pm on the Monday prior to publication; thus, the deadline for the next Weekly News Digest is Monday, February 8, 2010.
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