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Online Edition - Wednesday, April 20, 2016
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The Bishop's Blog: Signs of God's Grace
Facing an election, and a need for reconciliationPosted by the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith on April 19, 2016
On November 9, the quadrennial presidential election marathon, which has consumed more space in the media and in the psyche than any time I can remember, will be over. A winner will be declared and a loser will concede defeat. And no matter how it turns out, millions of people will be hopping mad. Read more.
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Alleluia Story: Pathways to College
Join the celebration! Alleluia stories, profiles of lives transformed through the work of our Alleluia Fund partners, have become part of our diocese's celebration of the Easter season. Share and celebrate these stories - forward them to friends and family, include them in your congregation's newsletter, like and share them on social media, and talk about them with friends at coffee hour. Celebrate Easter's life changing abundance with a gift to the Alleluia Fund for Outreach.
 Active in Newark since 1991, Pathways to College is a national organization providing underserved students with the support they need to become the best high school students, college applicants, and college students they can be.
Saul Grullon (right) is a Pathways to College Scholar who graduated in 2008 from Newark's Barringer High School. Brought to the U.S. as an infant, Saul has been in immigration limbo for most of his life because his parents never applied for residency for him. The situation worsened when, at 16, Saul was placed in foster care. Read more.
Make a gift to the Alleluia Fund online or by check. |
Feature
Dispatches from the "Going Local" journey: Clergy Cohorts
Transforming congregations requires changing the roles of leaders. Leaders need to be like gardeners, cultivating the ground to develop rich soil in which plants will thrive and grow.
Clergy Cohorts are essential for the formation of these leaders, by providing a space where they can cultivate thought, prayer, and dialogue about what is happening in their ministry. Read more.
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Senior Moments Column
Home sweet home - let's keep it that way!
 "I have lived in this house for the past 30 years and I have no intention of moving. It's a fine home!" Many of us have heard these words uttered by our own parents, elderly friends and acquaintances, and perhaps our spouses. Or maybe we have already said these words to ourselves. But let's be real. We all may experience at least some physical limitations as time marches on. Whether they are temporary or permanent, those limitations can have serious effects on our ability to live comfortably in a safe environment.
Here is some information on home modifications that may be helpful in adjusting, tuning up, or adapting living spaces to meet the needs of people with physical limitations. Read more.
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In the News
Morristown church showing art made in solitary confinement
[Daily Record] The Church of the Redeemer is hosting an exhibit made by an artist to stay sane during a more than two-decade stint in solitary confinement in state prison.
Ojore Nuru Lutalo created his artwork while spending 22 years in the Management Control Unit of Trenton State Prison, using only the tools at his disposal: old newspapers, glue, and used paper. Read more.
Ed. Note: The exhibit concluded March 25.
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In the News
Jersey City congregations join interfaith community action group, engage local officials
Grace Church Van Vorst, St. Paul's Church in Bergen and Church of the Incarnation were among the more than 30 congregations who joined the public launch of Jersey City Together, a new interfaith community action group.
About 850 faith and community leaders attended the April 11 launch, at which Jersey City officials, including Mayor Steve Fulop, were asked about issues including schools, public safety, affordable housing and tax reform. Read the media coverage, including a video and a photo gallery.
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In the News
Children with special needs welcomed at Budd Lake church
[Mount Olive Chronicle] Nine years ago, Ray Bonker had an idea for how his daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, could participate and enjoy in Sunday services at Christ Episcopal Church in Budd Lake.
The upshot was that Bonker conceived a program that he called "All God's Children" which is designed for children of all ages, with a particular welcome for children with autism, PDD-NOS, ADHD, ADD, Downs, or any other developmental or physical challenge. Read more.
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In the News
Mennell is candidate for Bishop of Easton
 The Rev. John Mennell, Rector of St. Luke's Church in Montclair, was announced last Friday as one of four candidates in the election for the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Easton. "Humbled and honored to be on this list," Mennell posted on his Facebook page. "Please keep Kathy, Brian, San [the other three candidates] and me in your prayers." The election will take place on Saturday, June 11 at Trinity Cathedral in Easton, MD. Find out more.
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Upcoming Events in Our Diocese
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Spong Lectureship: The Rev. Dr. Bruce Chilton
Saturday, April 23
8:30 AM - 1 PM at St. Peter's, Morristown
This year's installment of the John Shelby Spong and Christine Mary Spong Lectureship will feature the Rev. Dr. Bruce Chilton on "Resurrection: The Case of Jesus." Find out more.
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Evening of Discernment: God is Calling - How will YOU Answer?
Tuesday, April 26
6 PM at Episcopal House
This conference, hosted by the Commission on Ministry, will provide an overview of the discernment process. Aspirants, their rectors and discernment committees are expected to attend. Individuals who want to attend by themselves for information and exploration are also invited. TODAY is the registration deadline. Find out more.
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High School Getaway: "Having Our Say"
Friday, April 29 - Sunday, May 1
At Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center
Teens have opinions and questions about today's important issues. The influence of social media, politics, gender issues and terrorism - our young people have views on all these things. During this weekend getaway, 9th-12 graders will examine topics like these in a safe and healthy environment. They'll also have lots of time to have fun in the outdoors and create lasting memories and friendships. The final registration deadline is TOMORROW, Thursday, April 21. Find out more.
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Final Affairs: Planning is a good thing
Saturday, April 30
9-11 AM at Holy Spirit, Verona
Conversations about aging and preparing for the end of life are often the most difficult. This program, sponsored by Senior Ministries, will help you learn more about the steps you can take against aging and dying unprepared. Find out more.
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Senior Ministries Evensong & Hegg Awards
Sunday, June 12
3 PM Reception, 4 PM Evensong
At St. Peter's, Morristown
All are invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 David P. Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 19th Annual Senior Ministries Evensong. Bishop Beckwith will preach. Find out more.
The deadline for submitting Honoree information is Friday, June 3. Go to the information form.
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Joining Jesus on the Journey
A river-to-river pilgrimage across New Jersey, July 25-30
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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Upcoming Events at Cross Roads
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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), accredited with the American Camp Association.
Subscribe to Cross Roads' mailing list: crossroadsretreat.com/newsletters
Cross Roads' Open Houses - April 23, May 21 & June 4: Learn all about Cross Roads' summer and year-round opportunities, tour their facilities, ask questions and finish with lunch in the Dining Hall. Register online: crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs/open-house
Summer Camp - weeks available in July and August: Don't you want to give your kid(s) the best summer experience possible? Well summer is fast approaching, so sign them up for summer camp today before it's too late! July is Bring-A-Friend-Month, so bring a friend who has never been to Cross Roads Summer Camp before and you'll both get $25 OFF! crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs/Classic-Summer-Camp
Adaptive Leadership for Young Adults - June 17-19: This workshop/retreat for young adults 18 and up will help enhance gifts for leadership, and introduce the Adaptive Leadership framework, a model of leadership that is poignant and necessary in society today. crossroadsretreat.com/year-round-programs/adaptive-leadership-for-young-adults
Annual Bishop's Cup Golf Outing - Monday, June 20: Cross Roads' annual golf outing fundraiser at the Copper Hill Country Club in Ringoes, NJ subsidizes the cost of camp for everyone, and provides camperships for those families who need a little extra help affording our modest prices. Golfers of all ages and skill levels welcome! crossroadsretreat.com/golf
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Upcoming Events in the Wider Church
& Community
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A Public Conference on Mass Incarceration & Mental Illness
Saturday, April 30, 8:30 AM - 3 PM at Trinity Cathedral, Trenton
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Trenton (Diocese of New Jersey), The Campaign to End the New Jim Crow and the Urban Mental Health Alliance, are jointly presenting a public conference highlighting the critical issue of mentally ill persons in the prison system and how it effects our families and communities. Find out more.
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Anti-racism training by the Diocese of New York
Friday May 6 - Saturday, May 7 in Briarcliff Manor, NY
Workshops hosted by the Dioceses of New York and New Jersey fulfill our diocesan requirements for anti-racism training. Find out more.
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Newark 350 Founders Weekend Festival
Friday, May 13 - Sunday, May 15 at Military Park in Newark
This free and open to the public Festival celebrating Newark's 350th anniversary will take over Military Park and its surrounding areas with two stages of daytime and nightly music concerts, featuring international recording stars, some of Newark's top local music artists and multiple activities and events highlighting the best of Newark's arts and entertainment, culture and community. Find out more.
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#YouthTakeover - Province II Youth Event
July 7-10 in Lakewood, NY
At the request of the kids who attended EYE last summer, Province II is planning a big youth event at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. Youth, young adults, and adults interested in serving on the design team should contact Canon Myra Garnes at youth@dioceseli.org. See the flyer.
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News from
Episcopal House
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Clockwise from top left: Deborah Drake (stepping down), Peter Jackson (continuing), Chris McCloud and Diane Riley (starting Pentecost 2016).
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Bishop Beckwith announces changes to deacon leadership
After eight years of serving as Archdeacon for Administration, Deborah Drake has decided to step down. She has alerted both Peter Jackson and me of her intention. I can't thank her enough for her commitment, skill and faith during this time. I know that you join me in that sentiment.
On April 1, Deborah met with me, Peter Jackson and Deacons Chris McCloud and Diane Riley at my invitation. We expressed our gratitude to Deborah, and began to sort through how best to configure the leadership of the diaconal community going forward. With Deborah's input, along with Peter's experience and Diane's and Chris' perspective - we slightly reconfigured how the leadership of the diaconate will be organized. Read more.
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Other clergy ministry transitions
Departure: The Rev. Julian Eibin, Rector, St. John's Memorial Church, Ramsey - May 31
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Clergy Day 2016
Clergy are reminded to RSVP no later than 5 PM next Tuesday, April 26 for Clergy Day, featuring Valerie Batts, Ph.D., founder of VISIONS, Inc., a training and consulting organization devoted to "taking diversity and inclusion to the next level." Clergy Day will be held Tuesday, May 10 from 9 AM to 3 PM at Grace Church in Madison. Find out more.
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June 2016 Ward J. Herbert Fund grants announced;
September funding deadline is May 16
The Ward J Herbert Board has recommended, and the Diocesan Council has ratified the following awards for the first cycle of 2016 for June funding:
- St. Stephen's, Millburn - $2,099.50 for church roof repair
- St. Mary's, Belvidere - $4,037.50 for church roof repair
- St. Peter's, Mt. Arlington - $3,640.88 for church roof repair
- Church of the Saviour, Denville - $7,832.28 for church furnace replacement
- St. Peter's, Morristown - $27,500.00 for church boiler replacement
- St. John's, Boonton - $2,066.25 for masonry repairs to rector steps
- St. James, Upper Montclair - $8,295.50 for church masonry repairs
- St. Agnes' & St. Paul's, East Orange - $3,000.00 for church chimney repairs
- St. David's, Kinnelon - $8,500.00 for rectory roof repair
The Ward J Herbert Fund was set up to assist our congregations with funding - up to 50% of a project's cost - for various church maintenance repair issues for Churches, Parish Halls and Rectories. The Board meets for three cycles a year and reviews applications, awarding approximately $200,000.00 per year. Liaisons from the Board will make visits to the Church sites to review the project in question and also provide guidance on various maintenance techniques and the best practices available for church upkeep.
The deadline for the second cycle for September funding is May 16, and the third cycle deadline for December funding is October 1. Find out more.
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Job listings in the diocese
- St. Andrew's Church in Harrington Park is seeking a part-time Parish Secretary (application deadline: April 22)
- Good Shepherd Episcopal Church of Lincoln Park & Montville is seeking a part-time Parish Administrator (application deadline: May 2)
Find out more at dioceseofnewark.org/job-listings.
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Diocesan scholarships
Applications are still being accepted for the academic year 2016-2017 by the Gertrude Butts Scholarship Fund (for youth in need, deadline May 2) and the George E. Rath Scholarship Fund (for children of canonically resident clergy, deadline May 15). Visit dioceseofnewark.org/funding/scholarships for the descriptions of the scholarship funds, along with requirements, deadline dates and contact information.
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Deadline for next issue of The VOICE Online
The deadline to submit items to be considered for the next issue of The VOICE Online on Wednesday, May 4 is Friday, April 29.
The May issue of Leadership News - key information for clergy and lay leaders from Episcopal House - will be published next Wednesday, April 27. If you'd like to add Leadership News to your subscription, you can do so at dioceseofnewark.org/e-news.
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News from
The Episcopal Church
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Get a free issue of Episcopal Journal
 For a limited time Episcopal Journal, an award-winning national publication, is offering a free trial copy upon request, no strings attached. To get your free copy, send an email to lmbrooks@earthlink.net with the subject line "Free Copy." You can also subscribe plus get a free copy by clicking here or calling 1-800-691-9846.
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Resources to observe and honor Earth Day, April 22
Online resources, lesson plans for children, and bulletin inserts are among the items assembled by The Episcopal Church for understanding and honoring Earth Day, April 22 by congregations and individuals. Find out more.
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Nominations accepted for lay member on Executive Council
Nominations to serve as a lay member on the Episcopal Church Executive Council are now being accepted through May 1. The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church is an elected body representing the whole Church. Find out more.
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Episcopal Church team reports warm welcome, inclusion at Anglican Consultative Council meeting
The three-member Episcopal Church team attending the 16th meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council in Lukasa, Zambia, has written a letter to the church reporting:
Because this ACC meeting was held in the shadow of the January Primates Gathering and Meeting that sought to restrict our participation as members from The Episcopal Church, we want to assure you that we participated fully in this meeting and that we were warmly welcomed and included by other ACC members. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby did report to the ACC on the Primates Gathering and Meeting on the first day of the meeting. Beyond that report, ACC members seemed to have little energy for answering the primates' call for consequences, for discussing disagreements over human sexuality, or for taking up the call of Anglican Communion Secretary-General Josiah Idowu-Fearon to pursue the Anglican Covenant.
Read the entire letter.
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