The Voice Online of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark

Online Edition - Thursday, March 5, 2015

Episcopal House closing at 12 noon today

Due to Winter Storm Thor, Episcopal House is closing at 12 noon today. Please stay safe and warm.

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 8. Don't forget to "spring ahead" your clocks Saturday night so you get to church on time.

(And, let's hope spring itself isn't far behind!)

From the Bishop

The Bishop's Blog: Signs of God's Grace

The center is found at the edge

Posted by the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith on March 4, 2015

Over and over again, Jesus went to the edge. Immediately after his baptism, he was driven to the edge - into the wilderness, where he spent forty days and nights. While at the edge, he rediscovered the center - which for him was God.

And thereafter, throughout his three year ministry, Jesus sought out people who were likewise driven to the edge; and in many cases were cast over the edge - tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, the blind and the lame, people who were poor. He sought them out - and brought them into the center; into the beloved community. Read more.

Equipping Congregations

"Senior Moments" Column

"Caring Community" of St. Luke's, Montclair models successful inreach

By Susan Singer

Imagine that you are living alone, active, and fiercely independent. Imagine further that one fine winter day you take a bad fall on the ice, and end up with a painful injury. The long-range prognosis is good, but for the next several months you cannot drive, stoop or lift anything over ten pounds. You can't drive yourself to a medical appointment. You can't hop over to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription. You can't even pick up a grocery bag. Literally overnight you have been deprived of the social interaction that comes with your job or your charitable work. You may feel lonely or vulnerable. And, just when you most need the spiritual lift of church, you can't even get to services on your own.

It was such "real life" experiences which led a small group of parishioners at St. Luke's Church in Montclair to form a new ministry: the Caring Community. Our Caring Community aims to lend practical support, provided by volunteers within our congregation, to fellow parishioners suffering from illness or injury. Read more.

"Geeks for God" Blog

Use "If This, Then That" service to simplify
social media updates

Posted by Nina Nicholson on March 5, 2015

Keeping a church website up to date is a lot of work, and keeping your church's social media in sync with your website posts can be a tedious chore. I've recently started using a free web-based service that simplifies sharing new website content to the diocesan social media: IFTTT.com.

IFTTT (pronounced "ift") is an acronym for "If This, Then That." IFTTT users can create simple conditional statements, called "recipes," which are triggered based on changes to web services, called "channels," such as Facebook, Twitter and RSS feeds. The recipes respond to a trigger in one channel by performing a designated action in a different channel. Read more.

Electronic giving option available to congregations

At the Annual Diocesan Convention, diocesan CFO Paul Shackford announced that an ad hoc committee, chaired by Trustee Dan Austin, had concluded its research into efficient and cost-effective ways that congregations can electronically accept pledge and other donations. Based on a review a number of vendors, the diocese recommends Vanco Payment Solutions. While no congregation is required to use Vanco, the committee feels that it offers the best combination of options, reports, simplicity, technical support, and low cost to our congregations.

Vanco is offering to waive the $50 set up fee for churches who sign up before July 31, 2015.

The diocesan staff plans to use the system for donations and event registration payments. Several staff members participated in training and have begun to use the system in a test mode.

Churches interested in the electronic giving can contact Paul Shackford at pshackford@dioceseofnewark.org or 973-430-9983 for additional program information.

Lent 2015 Resources

These online Lenten resources have been gathered from some of our congregations as well as from the wider church. Included are resources from Church of the Messiah in Chester, Trinity Church in Cliffside Park, and St. John's Church in Dover, as well as Episcopal Relief & Development, the Society of St. John the Evangelist, Lent Madness and a new prayer resource from The Episcopal Church. Find out more.

Empowering People

Middle School Retreat registration ends TOMORROW

Our 2015 Middle School Retreat for youth in grades 6-8 will be held Friday, March 20 - Sunday, March 22 at Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center with the theme "Great Expectations." We'll explore the impact that the expectations of parents, coaches, teachers, friends and others have on youth. We'll also play games, enjoy time making new friends and eat great food during this fun-filled weekend!

The final registration deadline is TOMORROW, Friday, March 6. Find out more or register online.

Applications due March 11 for youth participation in the 78th General Convention

This is an opportunity for youth (who completed grades 9-12 this year) and their adult chaperones (age at least 21) to experience the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, June 28-July 2, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Approximate Cost: $810 (actual value is approximately $1,400). Scholarships are available. Cost includes airfare, ground transportation in Salt Lake City, hotel, General Convention registration fee, fun excursions and meals.

Application deadline: March 11, 2015. Find out more.

Last chance for Confirmation Retreats

One opportunity remains for youth and adults being Confirmed, Received or Reaffirmed this spring to register for a Confirmation Retreats. Youth go on an overnight mini-pilgrimage, while adults meet with the Bishop as a group over lunch on the Saturday of the retreat.

Registration for the third and final retreat, at St. James', Upper Montclair ends Friday, March 20. Online registration and payment is available, as well as registration via paper form and check. Find out more.

Scholarships available for 2015

Applications are currently being accepted for these diocesan-related scholarship funds for the 2015-2016 academic year. Click the scholarship name link for eligibility guidelines and application procedures.

Mary Rankin Scholarship: For diocesan youth who are involved in church, and school and/or community activities.
Application deadline: April 15.

UBE Scholarship: For all high school seniors actively engaged in the life, work and ministry of a congregation in the Diocese of Newark. Application deadline: April 15 at 12 noon.

Gertrude Butts Scholarship: For youth in need in the Diocese of Newark.
Application deadline: April 20.

George E. Rath Scholarship: For children of canonically resident clergy.
Application deadline: May 15.

Final Affairs: Planning is a Good Thing

It can be difficult to start conversations about preparing for the end of life. But these conversations, along with thoughtful planning, can become the greatest gift for your loved ones, your caregivers, and yourself. Senior Ministries will be sponsoring a program entitled Final Affairs: Planning is a Good Thing on March 14, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Luke's, Montclair.

The program will include presentations on elder law, hospice and bereavement, and other end-of-life issues. The program is free and there is no pre-registration. Find out more.

Spong Lectureship: Sister Joan D. Chittister

Save the date for this year's installment of the John Shelby Spong and Christine Mary Spong Lectureship, which will feature Sister Joan D. Chittister on "Who is God in an Evolutionary World?" Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m. at St. Peter's Church in Morristown.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Find out more.

Lay Conversation with the Bishop (rescheduled)

The Lay Conversation with the Bishop planned for March 3, which had to be postponed due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 12. As planned before, it will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Grace Church in Rutherford.

This location has been selected to be convenient for congregations in Districts 5, 6 and 7. However all registered attendees from any district are welcome.

Find out more or RSVP online.

Upcoming events at Cross Roads Camp

& Retreat Center

Wednesdays Away - April 1, May 6 & June 3
Join us for a time of rest and renewal on the first Wednesday of the month, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Christ Center.

Thursday Sabbath - May 14
As we make our way through the seasons of the church year, rostered leaders are invited to experience Sabbath at CrossRoads. Join Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader, Pastor Dale Selover, who will guide your personal retreat time.

Middle School Retreat - April 24 - 26
Join us for our Middle School Retreat at Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center. A fun filled program, where we will learn about God and strengthening our Faith.

Open House - April 25, May 16, June 6
Wondering what Cross Roads is about? Come visit us and see!

Work Day - May 2
Spend the day in fellowship with other friends of Cross Roads as we get camp ready for the summer. Light handyman jobs, painting, landscaping, and mulching are just a few of the things to be completed this day. Take a break for lunch on us and end the day with our closing worship after dinner. This is a great opportunity for a one day Mission project for any age group.

Engaging the World

Opportunity to join second cycle of Going Local

One way to discover what God is up to in our communities is to join with others in Going Local. Going Local is a process through which we learn new habits, practices, attitudes and values that help us discern, name and test out what God is up to. During Convention we heard stories from five participants and how their lives, congregations, and ministries are being transformed through the process.

The second cycle of Going Local is scheduled to begin after Easter (date to be announced). The deadline to apply for funding for congregational or clergy participation in Going Local has been extended to March 15 and will be funded from gifts given to support the ministry of the Bishop.

Questions? Please contact the Rev. Ginny Dinsmore, Coordinator for Missional Church Strategy, at 973-430-9912 or gdinsmore@dioceseofnewark.org.

News from
Our Congregations
& Associated Organizations

Was your congregation or organization covered by the local media, or do you have a feature article to share? Use the Send Us Your News form to submit items for consideration for The VOICE Online and the diocesan website.

The deadline for the next issue of The VOICE Online on March 19 is Friday, March 13.

Photos of Ashes to Go 2015

The Rev. Edward M. Hasse, III of St. Paul's, Montvale giving Ashes to Go at the Montvale Train Station.

At least one third of our congregation participated in Ashes to Go on February 18, covering all eight northern New Jersey counties comprising our diocese. Click on the photo above to view a gallery of 24 photos submitted by our congregations.

Sandye Wilson recognized by New Jersey General Assembly

Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey presents the Rev. Dr. Canon Sandye A. Wilson with an Assembly Resolution recognizing her work in the South Orange community, as Elaine Doar of St. Andrew and Holy Communion looks on.

On February 23, 2015, the Rev. Dr. Canon Sandye A. Wilson of St. Andrew and Holy Communion in South Orange was recognized by the New Jersey General Assembly, along with the Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson of the First Baptist Church of South Orange. Read more.

Names for the 2015 ECW Book of Remembrance due March 31

The Book of Remembrance is a memorial book in which the names of deceased women in the Diocese are inscribed. All baptized women of the Episcopal Church are eligible to be remembered in this way. The memorial book is presented at the World of Women Luncheon in May. The inscription in the Book of Remembrance costs $10.00 per name.

It is customary whenever a name is inscribed in this book to make an additional contribution to the Mary G. Rankin Scholarship Fund in the name of the deceased person. The fund was established in 1980 in memory of this former ECW treasurer. Please be generous in helping the youth of our diocese going to college.

Please use this form and submit names by March 31, 2015.

News from
Episcopal House

Clergy ministry transitions

See Clergy ministry transitions in 2015.

Receiving names

St. Mary's, Belvidere & St. Luke's, Hope - shared part-time Priest-in-Charge
Find out more

News from
The Episcopal Church

Program, Budget and Finance prepares to listen to the church

Budget committee is 'in a receptive mode' as it turns towards convention

By Mary Frances Schjonberg - February 25, 2015

[Episcopal News Service - Linthicum Heights, Maryland] The Episcopal Church's Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance (PB&F) left its three day meeting here ready to listen to the church's opinions about which work ought to be done on a church-wide level in the next three years and how to pay for that work.

That listening will inform the General Convention budget committee's preparation of a budget to propose to the June 25-July 3 meeting of General Convention in Salt Lake City. Read more.

2015 Domestic Poverty Grants

The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society will award a series of ministry grants to fund new or revitalized efforts to engage Episcopalians in ministry among the economically impoverished in the United States, provide opportunity to the marginalized to overcome chronic adversities, challenge unjust structures that perpetuate the cycle of poverty, unleash creativity in ministry, inspire the wider church to more deeply engage with the poor, and experience the living Christ, incarnate and moving among the children of God.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, April 30, 2015. Find out more.

UTO Young Adult Grants

In October, an additional United Thank Offering (UTO) grant opportunity for young adults (ages 21-30) was announced in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the United Thank Offering. Due to this special grant category, UTO has decided to make these grants more flexible, including extending the application deadline to Friday March 27, 2015. Find out more.

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.

Contact Episcopal House: 31 Mulberry Street, Newark NJ 07102 | 973-430-9900 | Staff Directory | Calendar