Dear Friends in Christ,

The 221st Convention of our Diocese more than lived up to its name: New Life, New Mission, New Jersey. I even have a new New Jersey jersey to show for it! Thanks to the Youth Council, I am happy to wear the official "bish's" baseball jersey, pictured here.

Our gathering was filled with abundant signs of new life and new mission in New Jersey.

We worshipped and prayed and sang and learned and laughed together. We were blessed by the presence and ministry of Horace Clarence Boyer, our keynote speaker, thanks to the support of the Belshaw Theological Foundation.

We welcomed the Youth Choir of the Diocesan Choir Camp.

We commissioned our Anti-Racism Commission and Team.

We wrestled together with the challenges facing the Anglican Communion.

We were graced by learning opportunities and by ministries in music, visual art and architecture.

We enjoyed a rich variety of exhibits.

We received an offering for Episcopal Relief and Development of over $5000.

At the Banquet, we laughed ourselves silly at ourselves, thanks to Mark MacGougan, "liturgical comedian." 

And, along the way, we elected officers, adopted a budget, debated resolutions, considered canonical changes and did all the other business of Convention. 

I thank God for the positive spirit with which everything was done and the warm fellowship that we enjoyed together.

I want to offer a special word of thanks and appreciation for Ann Notte and Mary Ann Rhoads, along with our entire staff, our dedicated volunteers and the Committee on Arrangements. These sisters and brothers worked very hard and very long hours as servants of our Convention and they deserve our gratitude for their ministries.

I thank God for the wondrous privilege of serving as the Bishop of this great Diocese.

May the Holy Spirit guide and lead and inspire and empower us all to seek and serve Jesus Christ our Lord in new life, new mission, New Jersey.

Why not us?