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Online Edition - Thursday, March 3, 2016
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The Bishop's Blog: Signs of God's Grace
Blessedness and blamePosted by the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith on March 3, 2016
 I had a B alliteration going on in my Convention address a little over a month ago. I began with blessedness and belovedness - and how God wants, indeed expects, us to embrace them. And then there are the burdens - what I have referred to over the years as the killer B's - buildings, budgets, boilers and burn-out. Those killer B's can take over the life of a congregation - because they are real, and most of the time they are urgent (especially to vestries). I added another killer B - blame. I now hear and see blame more than anytime I can remember. Our culture is awash in blame. Some presidential candidates have staked their whole campaigns on leveling blame. Vote for the better blamer. Read more.
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Discounted early-bird registration for final Confirmation Retreat ends TODAY
Discounted early-bird registration ends TODAY for the third and final Confirmation retreat on April 1-2 at Cross Roads; general (full-price) registration for this Retreat ends March 24. Meanwhile, general registration for the second Confirmation Retreat on March 18-19 ends next week on March 10, and registration for the first Retreat has closed. Don't miss out - register now! Find out more.
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Friday, March 11 - Sunday, March 13
Middle School Retreat: Register by March 6
At Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center
Registrations are due by this Sunday, March 6 for our 2016 Middle School Retreat for youth in grades 6-8. This year's theme is Acceptance of Diversity. We'll explore ways young people can appreciate their differences and celebrate that we're all beautiful images of God's love. We'll also play games, enjoy time making new friends and eat great food during this fun-filled weekend! Find out more.
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Tuesday, March 22
Clergy Renewal of Vows: RSVP by March 8
At Grace, Madison
This annual clergy gathering on the Tuesday of Holy Week begins at 11 AM with a Eucharist (Bishop Beckwith will preach and celebrate) and a Blessing of Oils. After the service, clergy will pose together for a photo, then all will share a noonday meal. Find out more and RSVP online.
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Thursday, April 7 - Saturday, April 9
"Undoing Racism" Workshop Retreat
Hosted by the Diocese of New Jersey
Workshops hosted by the Dioceses of NJ and NY fulfill our diocesan requirements for anti-racism training. This 2-1/2 day residential retreat hosted by the Diocese of New Jersey runs from 6 PM on Thursday, April 7 to 4 PM on Saturday, April 9. Register by March 20 (commuters by April 1). Find out more.
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July 25-30
Joining Jesus on the Journey
A river-to-river pilgrimage across NJ
Walk with Bishop Beckwith across the diocese from the Delaware River to the Hudson River the week of July 25-30. This is an opportunity to be part of a prayerful pilgrimage in which we look for how we can join God in shaping the future of our diocese. You can participate for an hour of worship, a day of walking, a meal, or the whole pilgrimage.
Find out more, including daily schedules, nightly host sites, a Facebook page to start following now and a registration form.
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In the News
Episcopal volunteers enrich Hudson County institutions
[Jersey Journal] I recently stopped by the Hoboken Shelter and was greeted by a nice, young man in the reception office. I since have run into him on the streets of Hoboken and just assumed he worked there, which he does.
But Spike Enzweiler, 24, is a volunteer with a relatively new program called Newark Acts, run by the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. This year, he and three other young adults are spending at least one year, and perhaps two, in a Hudson County institution. Read more.
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Church News
Jersey City Men's Group serves as role models for boys - in the kitchen
A little more than a year ago, men from Church of the Incarnation and St. Paul's Church in Bergen, neighboring Jersey City congregations located just a few blocks apart, formed a monthly Men's Group. Getting to know one another as they prayed and socialized together, they began to take stock of the gifts they possess that they might share with others.
Early on, they realized that there are several outstanding chefs in the group, including St. Paul's member (and head verger) Eric Petersen, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America who has worked in professional kitchens for many years, and Conroy Edwards, a professional chef from Incarnation. Recognizing these talents, after much discussion the men formed a plan: to teach a basic kitchen skills class for boys. Read more.
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Diocesan scholarships now receiving applications
Diocesan scholarships for the academic year 2016-2017 are now accepting applications from young members of our congregations seeking higher education. Visit dioceseofnewark.org/funding/scholarships for the descriptions of the four scholarship funds, along with requirements, application deadlines and contact information.
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Support the Mary Rankin Scholarship Fund - inscribe a name in the Book of Remembrance
The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Newark invite you to support the Mary Rankin Scholarship Fund and honor the women who have gone before us by inscribing a name in the Book of Remembrance, with a contribution of $10 per name. All baptized women of the Episcopal Church are eligible to be remembered in this way. Names are due by March 15. Find out more.
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Lenten email meditations
The popular Lenten email meditations are currently being published through and including Holy Saturday, March 26. You can read the meditations published thus far, or subscribe to receive the meditations via email, at dioceseofnewark.org/meditations.
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Applications due March 15 for Marge Christie Congregational Growth and Vitality Fund grants
Provides funds for the support, strengthening, development and renewal of our congregations' mission and ministry. There is one funding cycle each year. Find out more, and download the Marge Christie Fund grant application.
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News from
Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center
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 Cross Roads is a welcoming, ecumenical retreat center and camp of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and the NJ Synod of the ELCA (the Lutheran Church). Their mission: Joyfully experience God and Creation through faith, fellowship and fun! Cross Roads is accredited with the American Camp Association.
Summer will be here before we know it! Check out these opportunities to learn about and engage with Cross Roads.
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Help Cross Roads - complete and share this short survey
Cross Roads is planning for their future and needs feedbackfrom the congregations, dioceses and synods they serve, as well as their long-time You are asked to complete a short survey, and send it to anyone whom you feel would have valuable input. The survey will be open until March 31 at
surveymonkey.com/r/CrossRoadsCampandRetreatCenter.
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April 23, May 21 & June 4
Cross Roads' Open Houses
Come and visit Cross Roads during one of their upcoming Open Houses. Learn all about their summer and year-round opportunities. Take a tour of their facilities, hear stories about summer camp, ask questions and finish with a delicious lunch in the Dining Hall. Register online at crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs/open-house.
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Join Cross Roads' mailing list
You can also stay connected with Cross Roads by joining their mailing list. With newsletters going out multiple times a year, you can stay up to date on everything happening at Cross Roads! Subscribe now at crossroadsretreat.com/newsletters.
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News from
The Episcopal Church
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Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says he's "reasonably back to normal"
[Episcopal News Service] The Episcopal Church Executive Council began its Feb. 26-28 meeting by hearing some good news about the health of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
Curry, who had surgery for a subdural hematoma and spent six days in the hospital in early December, told council members that he is now "reasonably back to normal ... I think I am back about 90 percent." Read more.
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News from
Episcopal House
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Episcopal House Staff Opening:
Hispanic/Latino Missioner
This part-time position (25 hours/week) is responsible for advocacy and for oversight of Hispanic/Latino ministry in the Diocese of Newark. Applications must be received by March 15. Find out more.
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Submit your media coverage to The VOICE Online
The next issue of The VOICE Online will be published on Thursday, March 17. If you have a link to media coverage of your church, please submit it for consideration by Friday, March 11.
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