A biweekly publication for sharing our stories of this extraordinary time

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

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We are part of something bigger
Sometimes we get so caught up with our own needs being met at church that we forget that we're part of something bigger, says Bishop Hughes. And when we gather like we did at Convention this past Saturday, we remember that we are part of something bigger: God's work. (Time: 4:50.)
Last day to register!
A Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church
A Womanists Wading in the WordTM Production
THU, MAY 19 - SAT, MAY 21 AT ST. ELIZABETH'S, RIDGEWOOD
The Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney, author of A Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, will join us in person for a series of talks on her work developing this lectionary.

You can attend the entire three-day series or a single day. Find out more.
Confirmation services
The remainder of our 2022 Confirmation services will be held over the next two weeks. All services will be streamed to the diocesan YouTube channel and can be watched live or viewed later on demand.

The three remaining services are being held:
To download the bulletin for a particular service, click the service's event link above. Bulletins will be posted as soon as they become available.
25th Annual Hegg Awards
SUN, JUN 12, 3 PM
Clergy and Wardens are asked to submit honorees' information and photos as soon as they are available. This will help us create a high-quality production that honors all the award winners.
Holy Spirit, Verona & Holy Trinity, West Orange:
APR 3, 2022 | Essex News Daily
Christ Church, Newton:
APR 12, 2022 | Township Journal
APR 26, 2022 | The Braver Angels Podcast
Coverage of the 148th Annual Diocesan Convention
By the Rev. Cynthia Black

(Click here to jump directly to Bishop Hughes' sermon)


Videos shown at Convention
Malayalam choir
The choir of the Church of St. Paul's & Resurrection in Wood-Ridge, which follows both the Episcopal and Church of South India liturgies, sings "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" in Malayalam. This video was played as the Offertory Anthem at the Convention Worship Service. (Time: 3:16.)

Malayalam is one of the four primary languages spoken by members of churches in our diocese, the others being English, Spanish, and Korean.
Justice Groups presentation
In 2021, Bishop Hughes announced the formation of three new diocesan groups: the Racial History Committee, the Racial Justice and Healing Commission, and the Commission for Justice and Peace. These groups join the Anti-Racism Commission in forming a fulsome approach to justice ministry in our diocese. In this video, the co-leaders of these four justice ministry groups provide an update, describing their purpose, their plans going forward, and how you can congregations involved and support their work. (Time: 6:54.)
Clergy ministry transitions
Departures

  • April 24 - The Rev. Michael Allen, Interim Priest-in-Charge, St. Paul's, Morris Plains

See all clergy ministry transitions in 2022.
Next issue: Wednesday, May 25. Deadline: 10 AM Friday, May 20.
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).
"Opening Day" Work Day
MAY 21
Cross Roads Camp need volunteers! Help prepare camp for the summer season on Saturday, May 21. There will be projects for all skill levels and lunch will be provided. Register at: crossroadsretreat.com/opening-day-at-cross-roads
Summer Camp: July and August
Registration for Summer Camp 2022 at Cross Roads is open and they can't wait to welcome back campers! Explore all the offerings for youth in grades 2-12 as well as family camp programs at: crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs
Help Cross Roads find awesome summer staff
Cross Roads is still looking for a few more young adults to join their team this Summer. Employment runs from mid-June through August 2022. Apply, or to download a flyer to share with young adults in your community, at: crossroadsretreat.com/employment
Bishops' Cup Golf Outing
JUN 13
Registration and sponsorships are open for the annual Bishops’ Cup Golf Outing! Learn more at: crossroadsretreat.com/golf_outing
Episcopal Church statement on reports concerning Supreme Court case pertaining to abortion
MAY 3, 2022 | Office of Government Relations
Since 1967, The Episcopal Church has maintained its “unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of the national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions [about the termination of pregnancy] and to act upon them.” In light of the recent report about a pending decision in the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, The Episcopal Church reaffirms our commitment to “equitable access to women’s health care, including women’s reproductive health care,” which we view as “an integral part of a woman’s struggle to assert her dignity and worth as a human being.” The Office of Government Relations will continue to advocate at the federal level to protect reproductive rights.
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