You can now read the background and biographies of the men and women, lay and ordained, who comprise the Episcopal Election Committee.

This important committee will guide the search for the twelfth bishop of New Jersey. Get to know them!

Download a seven-page PDF file by clicking here.

Annual Diocesan Acolyte Festival
Saturday, 11 February 2012
Trinity Cathedral, 9.30 am to 3.30pm

The Diocesan Acolyte Festival offers acolytes of your parish an opportunity for fellowship and learning in a daylong celebration of their ministry.

Workshops and a special celebration of the Eucharist make this a day to remember.

Bring vestments, banners, processional crosses, torches, kites, and thuribles — or whatever you use in procession! Parents of acolytes and guests are welcome to join the closing service, which begins at 2 pm.

Twelve young people will have an opportunity to serve in the liturgy. Seven other young people will be given the chance to serve as ushers or readers. The training/preparation will take place during the afternoon workshop session.

For more, download the one-page brochure with registration information. Register by Monday, 6 February. (It's possible to register as a walk-in on the day of the festival, but it's NOT recommended!

Are you ready for the 228th convention of our venerable diocese?

DEADLINES APPROACHING!

That 228th Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey will held on Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

On Friday, March 2, everything begins with registration at 7 a.m. The Eucharist will occur at 10 a.m, to be followed by the business session.

You'll find a host of links and information about the 228th Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey on this page.

In that section you can:

• Write a resolution

• Nominate someone for a committee

• Register online to attend convention

• Download a lay deputy certification form

• Register online as an exhibitor

• Make a reservation at the Crowne Plaza

• and much more.

Have a look. And be sure to pay attention to deadlines: they'll come a lot quicker than we think.

You could be super-efficient and register now right online. And book your room at the Crowne Plaza. How easy is that?

A new Episcopal Church website rolled out recently and there are some Jersey faces in the 'I Am Episcopalian' series. Five are from Grace-St. Paul's Church, in Mercerville.

Grace-St. Paul's is also featured on the Vital Practices section of the Episcopal Church Foundation site. Many vestry members will know the foundation from its 'Vestry Papers' offerings.

How did all this happen? Grace-St Paul's Church is one of 20 pilot parishes across the US in a process with the Missio: Engage missional program of the Episcopal Church. The program helps parishes 're-root' in the communities they're called to serve and it also focuses on helping a church mentor new leadership and encourage a multicultural community of practice.
All the parishes in the program have committed to sharing what they learn with the larger church.

Have a look at the links — and then check out the web site of Grace-St Paul's Church!

Courses, events, and workshops: Spring 2012

It may be the beginning of the new year but the workshops, events, and activities offered by the Ministry Institute get going early in January.

You can peruse the offerings for Spring 2012 here on the website.

Find something that interests you? Register online. How simple is that?

On March 24, we're offering the popular Parish Leadership Day (was known as Clergy, Wardens, Vestry and Finance Officers Day, a mouthful). The theme is 'Who’s In Charge?' and it will address ways to live in a challenging environment where congregational leaders are regularly confronted with difficult issues. Register soon for that, for it fills up quickly.

As always, the highly-regarded workshops on sexual misconduct awareness are offered at several locations throughout the diocese during the spring.

If you'd like to check out all the Spring 2012 offerings of the Ministry Institute offline, download a PDF of the full catalogue.

Do you have your copy?

The Diocese of New Jersey has developed a booklet to help prepare children — in a fun and engaging way— for a visit to their church by Bishop Councell. It's called The Bishop is Coming!

It's an easy-to-read child's guide to an episcopal visit, filled with pictures, stories, word puzzles — and a Bishop Councell paper doll!

The booklet — a PDF — is sized for 8.5x11 paper. Although it will look especially good in color, it's still effective in black-and-white. It's ready for you to print and use both in advance of the bishop's visit and afterwards.

Download the 14-page booklet by clicking here.