Wednesday, September 14, 2022
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We are socialized that when September comes, we feel we should start thinking about beginning anew, says Bishop Hughes. And this year in particular the whole world is trying to figure out how to begin anew, due to the changes brought by the pandemic. Given all that, she encourages us to talk to one another about this time that we're in, and how we want it to reflect the priorities that, individually and collectively, we have come to know and value. (Time: 4:44.) | |
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We Begin Anew: 3 things you need to know | |
1) We are launching a 9-month, diocesan-wide Strategic Visioning Project
Beginning this month, a team of members from across the diocese will work together to understand what is happening in the diocese now, collect ideas, and develop a new vision for the diocese with priorities, goals, and recommended actions to meet those goals.
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2) There is help for talking through conflict
Knowing how to have a healthy conversation in an environment of conflict is a skill that is useful in every aspect of life. Save the date for a half-day, in-person learning event, Living Room Conversations: Healthy conversations in conflicted times, on Saturday, Oct. 22 at St. Michael's, Wayne. Find out more.
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3) Diocesan Youth Ministry resumes!
On Sunday, Sept. 25, all Middle and High School Youth are invited to an Outdoor Movie Night sponsored by the Diocesan Youth Commission at Christ Church, Short Hills. Dinner, drinks, and a roaring good time are provided at this free event as we kick off a new year of Youth Ministry. Find out more and RSVP by Sept. 23.
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Leadership meetings
Diocesan Council meeting
WED, SEP 14, 6:30 PM - ZOOM
Regional Co-conveners' meeting
MON, SEP 26, 7-8:30 PM - ZOOM
Standing Committee meeting
WED, OCT 5, 7 PM - ZOOM
Wardens' & Treasurers' meeting
THU, OCT 13, 7-8:30 PM - ZOOM
Diocesan Council retreat
SAT, OCT 15, TIME TBA - IN-PERSON
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Clergy events
The Church Pension Group’s Planning for Wellness Conference
For active clergy and spouses/partners
TUE, SEP 20 - WED, 21 - IN-PERSON
Clergy Conference at the Seaview a Dolce Hotel
MON, OCT 17 - WED, OCT 19 - IN-PERSON
Registration is closed
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Six of the seven children of the Afghan family that moved into the second house in August.
PHOTO COURTESY WESTSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, RIDGEWOOD
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"A string of miracles" - Second house renovated to host Afghan refugees
By Nina Nicholson
Last year, we shared the story of several churches that partnered to renovate an unused rectory to host a family of Afghan refugees. This year, some of those same churches have renovated a second unused church building to host a second Afghan refugee family being sponsored by a Presbyterian church – a project made possible by “a string of miracles,” according to the Rev. Michael Muller, Rector of St. Peter’s, Mountain Lakes. Read more and view the photo gallery.
Help is still needed: The father of the new family has found employment, but the family is still without a car, forcing him to ride a bicycle eight miles each way to his job. If you have or know of a used car in good condition that can be donated or purchased at a low cost, please contact the Rev. Michael Muller at [email protected].
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Creation Season begins
On Sunday, September 4, the people of St. Luke and St. Mary, Hope and Belvidere, celebrated the first Sunday of Creation Season outdoors on the banks of the Delaware River, with guitar and dulcimer, and the Rev. Fain Webb celebrating Holy Eucharist.
The Episcopal Church has resources for the Season of Creation and the Feast of St. Francis.
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Second BCEF Call of 2022: St. Peter's, Essex Fells
The Bishop’s Church Emergency Fund (BCEF) provides financial support for church buildings in the diocese needing repairs and renovation, usually with a special focus on emergency and unforeseen needs. Through the BCEF, you can support the critical needs identified by the Bishop.
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The second BCEF call of 2022 is for Hurricane Ida recovery at St. Peter's, Essex Fells. Find out more. | |
Next issue: WED, SEP 28
Deadline: 10 AM WED, SEP 21
Note earlier deadline
| | | Employment opportunities in our churches, associated organizations, and neighboring Episcopal dioceses. | | |
Cross Roads is the ecumenical camp and retreat center of our diocese and the NJ Synod of the ELCA (Lutheran Church). | |
Wednesdays Away are a time of spiritual renewal hosted by Cross Roads throughout the year. These gatherings include prayer and conversation, led by a spiritual director and focusing on a different spiritual practice or theme each month. These retreats are open to all people interested in exploring new faith practices. To learn more, visit: crossroadsretreat.com/wednesdays-away
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Rally for Cross Roads
SAT, OCT 1
| The Rally for Cross Roads is an annual run/walk fundraising event. This year, they are excited to combine a run/walk race with an afternoon of activities, including a volleyball game, to have double the fun as we raise funds to support camp! You can join on-site at Cross Roads for the run/walk and festivities or participate in the 5K or 2K races from home. To learn more, visit: crossroadsretreat.com/rally-for-cross-roads | |
Fall Women's Retreat
OCT 21-23
| Come for a relaxing time in community together this fall. The Women’s Retreat theme is “Who Do You Say That I Am?” and is led by Laurie Matarazzo and Dale Selover. There will be a virtual retreat held on Friday, Oct. 21, 10 AM - 3 PM via Zoom. To learn more, visit: crossroadsretreat.com/womens-retreat
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