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Online Edition - Thursday, December 19, 2013
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Acknowledging the suffering while claiming the joy
Posted by Mark Beckwith on December 19, 2013
 A random carjacking at the Short Hills mall on Sunday night resulted in the murder of a 30 year old Hoboken man. Clustered round the first anniversary of the Newtown Connecticut murders were what seemed to be copycat shootings in schools in various parts of the country. Those tragedies - of young lives taken by senseless violence, have been the underbelly of many our communities for a long time. The darkness that Isaiah talked about generations ago (Isaiah 9:2) is still with us. There is indeed a lot of darkness in the world, and a huge measure of suffering that accompanies that darkness.
And there is also joy. In a few days we will sing of that joy. It may take a little more effort than past Christmas Eves. Yet as people of faith, we dare to claim the joy. Read more.
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Online book discussion during Epiphany 2014:
People of the Way by Dwight Zscheile
Posted by Mark Beckwith on December 18, 2013
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Time: 0:43
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During the season of Epiphany I invite you to read with me the book People of the Way by Dwight Zscheile, our featured speaker at Diocesan Convention at the end of January. Together we will reflect on the missional church and how we can live into that as individuals, as congregations and as a diocese.
Please join in the discussion on my blog starting January 6, 2014.
Copies of the book can be obtained from Kitty Kawecki, Director of Resources & Training. It is also available from Church Publishing in paperback, and from Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
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Op-ed in The Star-Ledger:
N.J. congressmen have pivotal role in gun bill
By Bishop Mark Beckwith and Bishop William Stokes
As the country prepares to observe Saturday's first anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., New Jersey is poised to play what we hope will be a salutary role in thus far fruitless efforts to pass legislation that would help keep guns out of the hands of those who are not allowed to own them.... As the bishops of the two Episcopal dioceses in New Jersey, we pray that the political leaders in our state can help break a partisan deadlock that has lethal consequences. Read more.
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From the Presiding Bishop
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A Christmas message from the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah pronounces these words to a people who remember the yoke of slavery laid on their shoulders. They've been waiting for this child, whose birth transforms that yoke into a mantle of authority. They are promised that this authority will continue to grow as the peaceable commonwealth is established - with justice and righteousness for all, and for ever.
This promise is spoken anew to people in every age, to those who have lived under oppression or in dark depression, to the hungry and ill and imprisoned. The birth we celebrate offers hope, in Word made flesh, who comes among us to heal and walk this way with us. Read more.
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Feature: What is human trafficking, and how can we help its victims?
"Trafficking" is a sterile-sounding word used to describe an insidious form of modern slavery. Forced prostitution is a supremely poisonous version, and it often infects large sporting events. The Super Bowl, scheduled for February 2 at the Meadowlands - in our diocese - is just that kind of event.
Read more, including resources and ideas for what congregations can do for Human Trafficking Awareness day on January 11, and leading up to the Super Bowl.
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You gave, it helped: Please support the Alleluia Fund for Outreach!
 Since its inception in 2010, the Alleluia Fund for Outreach has helped feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the elderly and support education, enrichment and mentoring for at-risk children throughout the diocese.
Diocesan Council recently approved $100,000 in grants to 35 organizations through the Alleluia Fund (see the list of recipients).
Your gift received by December 31, 2013 will be used to increase the support given to these organizations that are committed to doing God's work in the world. If you haven't already, please consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Donate online or mail a check payable to Diocese of Newark with Alleluia Fund in the memo line to: Alleluia Fund, c/o Diocese of Newark, 31 Mulberry St., Newark, NJ 07102. Together, we can do make a difference and help those in need in our community.
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Engaging the World: In the News
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Was your congregation or organization covered by the local media? Use the Send Us Your News form to submit the link for consideration for The VOICE Online and the diocesan website. The deadline for the next issue of The VOICE Online on January 16 is Friday, January 10.
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Video: Homeless shelter charity and giving tips
ABC Local - December 9, 2013
It's the season of giving. Many people are looking to help those less fortunate. But how do you know if your donations are actually reaching those who need it most? Here is some advice when it comes to holiday giving.
The Apostle's House in Newark is a shelter where homeless families live. Down in the pantry is a huge concern because there are empty freezers and bare shelves. Read more, and watch the video.
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GTS Alumni Grow Hispanic Ministry at the Diocese of Newark
GTS News - December 10, 2013
Nearly ten years ago, efforts began in the Diocese of Newark to establish a task force recognizing the importance of outreach to the growing Hispanic population throughout communities in New Jersey. The Rev. John C. Habecker (Class of 1978) while serving as rector of St. John's, Dover before retirement, supported the committee with valuable counsel from 2008 to 2013. Read more.
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St. Mary's, Sparta program feeds the hungry
New Jersey Herald - December 11, 2013
For many people, leftovers are the norm. It's common to cook a meal and have enough to save for another day.
For Martin Steel, a congregation member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Sparta, leftovers presented an opportunity to help the community.
"We always end up with too much," Steel said of the meals he makes at home with his wife and two children. So he asked the Rev. Carol Gadsden, the rector of the church, to start a program in order to help benefit hungry members of the community. Read more.
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Little Falls School No. 2 community
bands together to help needy
Passaic Valley Today - December 12, 2013
School No. 2 in Little Falls is spreading some holiday cheer for needy families of the township. In joining Partners for Health, a community foundation of Montclair, the school has created its own food pantry. The donated food being collected will be delivered to the food pantries at St. Agnes Episcopal Church, located at 65 Union Ave., and First Reformed Church, located at 61 Main St. Read more.
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Upcoming youth events - register early and save!
 Happening - A Christian Experience is a fabulous program for youth in grades 9-12 to make new friends, relax and have lots of fun in a safe environment while exploring their own spirituality. It will be held at Church of the Atonement in Tenafly from 7 p.m. on Friday, February 7 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2014. The fee for youth registrations received by the January 10 "early bird" deadline is $69. There is no cost for adult chaperones. Find out more or register online.
The Middle School Retreat for youth in grades 6-8 will take place at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center in Port Murray, NJ from 7 p.m. on Friday, February 28 to 12 noon on Sunday, March 2, 2014. The fee for registrations received by the "early-bird" deadline of January 17 is $120. Find out more or register online.
Scholarships for both these events are available upon request for those who need financial assistance.
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Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry and Day of Discovery
Facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle, February 7 & 8, 2014
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The Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle
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In February, the Committee on Laity, the Empowering Action Team of Diocesan Council and the Mission Strategy Committee are sponsoring two workshops facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle on the Appreciative Way, a transformational way of "being and seeing" that leads to a life-giving way of "doing" in the world.
Participants may attend either or both of these day-long workshops; those who attend both will be prepared to lead a "Day of Discovery" in their own congregation.
More information and registration forms will be available after January 1.
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Offerings at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center
January 2-5: Young Adult Retreat
What are your resolutions? How will this year look different? The start of a new year is often a time to challenge ourselves to change our lives for the better, to challenge what we were doing before and to see hope and opportunity in the days, weeks and months to come. Cost: $65. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com.
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Free Web Conferences from the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF)
As part of ECF's on-going efforts to assist congregations in developing their leadership and financial resources, they are offering a wide range of web conferences for clergy and lay parish leaders this winter. There is no cost to participate in ECF's web conferences and all lay and clergy leaders are welcome to participate.
Topics include planned giving, capital campaigns, vestry leadership, vision and planning, parish finances, stewardship, endowments, communications, and leading change. Find out more, including schedule. |
News from Episcopal House
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Episcopal House holiday closing
In observance of Christmas and New Year's, Episcopal House will be closed from 12 noon on Tuesday, December 24 through Wednesday, January 1, 2014. It will re-open on Thursday, January 2, 2014.
The next issue of Leadership News will be published on Tuesday, January 7, and the next issue of The VOICE Online will be published on Thursday, January 16.
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Clergy ministry transitions
Ordinations
Allyson Brundige to the Transitional Diaconate
Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m. at Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark
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United Thank Offering (UTO)
Sue Bennett, treasurer of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Newark, would like to remind congregations that United Thank Offering (UTO) checks should be mailed to her at:
Sue Bennett, Treasurer
ECW, Diocese of Newark
48 Mount Arlington Road
Ledgewood, NJ 07853
If you have questions, please contact Sue directly at [email protected].
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Mark your calendar for the Pre-Convention Meetings Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 7 p.m. at Christ Church in East Orange
Thursday, January 9, 2014, 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth's in Ridgewood
Saturday, January 11, 2014, 9:30 a.m. at Church of the Saviour in Denville
CFO announces proposed 2014 budget adopted by Diocesan Council The Proposed 2014 Budget was presented to Diocesan Council at its December 11, 2013 meeting, was accepted as submitted, and is available online. Read more.
District youth deputies for Diocesan Convention
Do you know of a young person age 14-20 who is interested in how the diocese functions? Would they be excited by the opportunity to debate and vote on resolutions, meet other youth & young adults in the diocese, and stay at the hotel overnight with their new friends? Then please encourage them to serve as a District Youth Deputy. Each of our 10 districts elects a deputy and an alternate to represent its youth. Please contact John King, Secretary of Convention, or Kaileen Alston, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries for more information.
Offices & Candidates for Election at Convention
Late nominations for elected offices to be voted upon at Convention must be submitted to the Secretary of Convention no later than noon on Friday, January 17, 2014. Go to the nomination form.
For a list of diocesan committees seeking qualified candidates, and the current list of candidates, see Offices & Candidates for Election.
While we will try to include nominations received after the November 29 deadline in the pre-Convention packets, depending on time restraints they may not be included.
Submit your announcements for the Convention PowerPoint slideshow Once again, Diocesan Convention will feature a PowerPoint display of announcements from congregations and affiliated organizations. The display will run during breaks, as well as before and after sessions. You can have your announcement included! Email your announcement information to Jan Paxton at [email protected] before Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Find out more.
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The VOICE Online is a bi-weekly publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark with news, events and feature articles of interest to members and friends of our diocese.
Questions? Please contact Nina Nicholson, Director of Communications & Technology, 973-430-9907.   
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