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Online Edition - Thursday, January 30, 2014
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Op-ed in The Star-Ledger
Be aware of what else Super Bowl 2014 brings to NJ
January 26, 2014
 We've had years to plan for New Jersey's Super Bowl, which will be played in the Meadowlands a week from today. The Meadowlands sit squarely in the heart of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, comprising more than 100 congregations in the northern third of the state - and like everyone else in the area, we have been preparing for months.
Some people who live near MetLife Stadium have been surprised by the astronomical offers to rent their homes for the 10 days surrounding the big game. Law enforcement throughout northern New Jersey doesn't want to be surprised by any public safety challenges, so extraordinary security measures have been put in place. And as braced as we are for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of people, most of us will probably be surprised by clogged roadways and packed restaurants.
The biggest surprise, for me, was learning that the Super Bowl has historically been a magnet for a highly developed underground economy: human trafficking. I hadn't known that. And I have to confess that, deep down, I do not want to know about the extent of this human evil, and how it will be present, in a big way, in New Jersey's backyard during these next few weeks. Read more.
See also:
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Online book discussion
The importance of community to discipleship
Posted by Mark Beckwith on January 30, 2014
"Jesus leaves as his legacy a community that embodies God's promises and reconciliation to the world." (Page 52 People of the Way by Dwight Zscheile.) Dwight's whole book emphasizes the communal dimension of the Christian witness. He contends that whatever personal revelation we experience through the Resurrection needs to be connected with community. Read more.
Go to the Bishop's blog, Signs of God's Grace, to see readers' comments and join the discussion.
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"Daring to be disciples of Jesus"
Bishop Beckwith's Convention address
Here am I. Send me.
So there I was, a week before my ordination to the diaconate - in June, 1979. I was 27 years old. The Rector of the church where I had just started serving as an Assistant, sent me to go and get my picture taken professionally so my ordination and position could be announced in the local paper. His was a reasonable, and expected, request. I had my new clergy shirts, and buttons and clerical collars - but I had never put them on before. You would think that after all the preparation and formation - and final approvals, with a process that had some bumps along the way, I would be excited about assuming my new identify; but all I could feel was ambivalence. I did have a deep sense of what God was doing in me - but I wasn't sure what I was doing - or what would happen to me once I put the collar on. Or what was expected of me once I had Reverend in front of my name. All of this roiled in me as I got dressed And even though it was a hot and muggy day, I put on my overcoat - and turned the coat collar up so that my impending ecclesiastical identity could not be seen. Read more, or watch the video:
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Click on image to watch video (Time: 27:37)
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"What does holy ground look like to you?"
Dwight Zscheile's sermon at Convention
"What does holy ground look like to you?" asks Dwight Zscheile, keynoter at the 140th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and author of People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity. He suggests that holy ground is in fact our our neighborhoods, because "that's where God goes, that's where God meets us and that's where God calls us."
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Click on image to watch video (Time: 19:44)
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Dwight Zscheile's comments at the Saturday lunch
Keynoter Dwight Zscheile shares some of his personal story during lunch on Saturday at Convention.  | |
Click on image to watch video (Time: 15:59)
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Actions of Convention
Diocesan Resolution 2014_AC140_01: Developmental Centers in Northern New Jersey
Diocesan Resolution 2014_AC140_02: State Health Exchanges
Diocesan Resolution 2014_AC140_03: Dignity at Work
Congregation ministry transitions approved by the 140th Annual Convention
One important responsibility of Convention deputies is to vote upon resolutions consolidating two congregations into one, as well as the N.J. State-required "extinct mission resolution" for congregations whose ministry has concluded.
At the 140th Annual Convention, deputies adopted resolutions approving the consolidation of Church of the Transfiguration, Towaco and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Lincoln Park, New Jersey into Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Montville/Lincoln Park, and officially closing Christ Church, Belleville and St. John's, Union City.
Before the votes, the Rev. Canon Gregory A. Jacobs, Canon to the Ordinary, spoke celebrating the new ministry of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Montville/Lincoln Park, and paying tribute to the ministries of Christ Church and St. John's. Here is what he said. Read more.
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Surrounded by members of his newly consolidated congragation, the Rev. David Cabush of the new Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Montville/Lincoln Park clasps hands with Bishop Beckwith, after the vote approving the consolidation. STEVEN BOSTON PHOTO
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Convention workshops
We are collecting materials from the many Convention workshops, and will post them on the dicoesan website as soon as they become available. |
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Convention photo album
 Check out the online album of 149 Convention photos. (Taken by Steven Boston.)
(Right: At the conclusion of Convention, Bishop Mark Beckwith presented the new Secretary of Convention, John King, with a hat proclaiming him "King of Konvention." STEVEN BOSTON PHOTO)
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Mission Minutes videos
A feature of Annual Convention is the "Mission Minutes" videos, sharing stories about some of the mission work going on in our congregations. For the 2014 Convention, the Mission Minutes were framed by theme of discipleship. (Produced by John Rollins and Jan Paxton.)
The Needs of Children: Cross Roads Day Camps & St. Stephen's, Millburn Drumming Program
Daring to be disciples of Jesus involves listening to and being changed by the stories of one's communities. Of particular concern are the needs of children. In this Mission Minute, we see how Cross Roads Day Camps and St. Stephen's Drumming Program seek to respond to those needs.
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Click on image to watch video (Time: 9:35)
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Taking the Altar into the World: Ashes to Go Daring to be disciples of Jesus challenges us to listen to and be changed by the stories in your communities. In this Mission Minute we see three congregations - Christ Church, Bloomfield-Glen Ridge, St. John's, Ramsey, and Calvary Church, Summit - take the Altar into the World with Ashes to Go.
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Click on image to watch video (Time: 5:02)
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Listening to Scripture Daring to be disciples of Jesus encourages listening to and being changed by Scripture. In this Mission Minute, we can see how programs such as the Bible Challenge, Education for Ministry (EfM) and Redeemer Church's "Season of Sacred Story" present exciting opportunities. (Time: 7:01)
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Click on image to watch video (Time: 7:01)
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The Needs of Children: Back Pack Program & Cameroon Ministry Daring to be disciples of Jesus entails listening to and being changed by the stories of one's communities. We hear often of the needs of children. In this Mission Minute we see how St. James' in Hackettstown (with their Summer Backpack Food Program) and the Community of St. John Baptist and Church of the Redeemer in Morristown (through their support of the Good Shepherd Home in Cameroon) offer response to the needs of children here and abroad.
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Click on image to watch video (Time: 9:13)
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Taking the Altar into the World: Worship without Walls, Labyrinth Daring to be disciples of Jesus encourages us to listen to and be changed by the stories of one's communities. In this Mission Minute we see how two congregations take the Altar into the World through St. Luke's in Montclair's Worship Without Walls, and the outdoor Labyrinth of Trinity Church in Cliffside Park.  | |
Click on image to watch video (Time: 6;17)
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Images from 2013 video
More than 80 images of members engaged in discipleship and bringing the altar into the world, as well as scenes from congregational and diocesan life, taken throughout 2013 in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. (Produced by Diana Wilcox and Nina Nicholson.)
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Click on image to watch video (Time: 5:29)
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Video: The Incarnation, Jersey City choir
rocks the house at Convention!
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Click on image to watch video (Time: 5:09)
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Applications accepted for 3 funds
ACTS/VIM, Ward J. Herbert and Marge Christie Congregational Growth & Vitality
Applications are due Monday, February 17 at 12 noon for the three following funds: Marge Christie (supports congregational growth and vitality); ACTS/VIM (supports program proposals) and Ward J. Herbert (supports buildings that are used for congregational functions). This will be the only funding cycle in 2014 for the ACTS/VIM and Marge Christie Funds. Find out more, including applications and instructions.
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Save the date
Province II Stewardship Web Conference
There will be a stewardship web conference on Saturday, April 5 from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sponsored by the diocesan Fund Development Committee, and working together with others in Province II, this conference will be held in one or two locations in the Diocese of Newark as well as in seven or eight other dioceses at the same time. Find out more.
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Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry and Day of Discovery
Facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle, February 7 & 8, 2014
 | | The Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle |
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.
The fee to attend BOTH events is $25; the fee to attend only one is $15. Find out more and download the registration form.
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Young adult pilgrimage to Taizé with the Bishop
 This is a rare opportunity to visit the joy-filled community in France that welcomes Christians of all denominations for 9 days with our Bishop this summer, July 19 - 27.
This is for young adults age 18-27 (with some room for older adults). Significant financial assistance is available. Don't let money be the reason you don't apply for this wonderful pilgrimage!
Participants will be selected from a group of applicants. Applications must be received by Friday, February 28. Find out more.
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Sponsored by Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center
February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7 and June 4 - Wednesday Away
Jesus said to them, "Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while." - Mark 6.31
February 21 - 23 - Elementary School Retreat
Join Cross Roads for our Elementary School Retreat! Look forward to meeting new friends, exploring your faith, enjoying great food, and having TONS OF FUN!!!
April 25 - 27 - Middle School Retreat
Join us for our Middle School Retreat! A fun filled program, where we will learn about God and strengthening our Faith!
Summer registration is now open!
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EYE14 registration now open
Registration is now open for the popular Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) scheduled for July 9-13 at Villanova University in suburban Philadelphia, PA. EYE 2014 is geared for youth in grades 9-12 during the 2013-2014 academic year and their adult leaders. Find out more.
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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 February 13 is Friday, February 7.
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End of Extended Benefits Makes Hard Times Even Harder for Jobless in NJ
NJSpotlight - January 16, 2014
 The Rev. Diane Riley, a deacon in the Diocese of Newark, is quoted in this article.
Kathy Vanco of Rahway has been out of work for six months. She has been surviving on a biweekly unemployment check of about $700. That came to an end this week, however, and now she may have to dip into her savings to make ends meet. Read more.
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Mayor promises clergy he will review Morristown police gun purchases
Morristown Green - January 17, 2014
Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty has pledged to review police gun purchases, to ensure the town is buying from manufacturers who are committed to gun safety technology and sales practices that keep guns from falling into the wrong hands. Read more.
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Standing in the need of prayer for missing reporter David Bird
Neighbors turn to 'community hospitality' parish when friend vanishes
Episcopal News Service - January 24, 2014
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David Bird
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Residents of Millington, New Jersey, have turned to the local All Saints Episcopal Church as a prayerful gathering place as they await word on the fate of a missing Wall Street Journal reporter who lives with his family near the church.
Local residents seeking out the comfort of All Saints is an outgrowth of the parish's sense of call to what its rector describes as "community hospitality." The nearly 110-year-old church about 38 miles from Midtown Manhattan follows "the old village church model" whose sense of caring for a parish extends beyond members of the church to all residents of the area, according to the Rev. Victoria Geer McGrath. Read 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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