News and Events: JANUARY through MAY 2009

This section gives you something of an idea of what's happening in the diocese. You'll find links to stories and articles about our churches and people in the media and notices of diocesan-wide events. You can also read news from 2008 as well on our archive page.

MAY 2009

• YOUTH CHOIR WEEK 2009

For an extraordinary week, from 26 through 30 July, young people from across the diocese sing, play, and worship together in beautiful Cape May. Singers from ages 10 to 17 are welcome — reading music is not a requirement!

Choristers stay in the historic 'Holiday House' of the Girls Friendly Society in Cape May and are supervised by adults throughout the week.

The fee is $300 and partial scholarships are available. You must send in your application by 1 June with a non-refundable fee of $100, applied to the tuition costs. For more info and an application, download the PDF brochure.

Questions? Phone the Church of the Advent 609 884-3065 weekdays (except Wednesday) between 9am and 1pm.

• ALL SAINTS, HIGHLAND PARK: sale and disbursement of furnishings
Update from Canon Lee Powers

On April 27, 2009 the Zoning Board of Highland Park approved the plans for the development of All Saints Church, Highland Park as affordable housing for homeless veterans. There is a 45 day period during which objections can be raised. Also, the final piece of financing will be completed after the 45 day period ends. It appears we should have settlement on this sale in August.

I have updated the list of items that have been taken, or requested, and provided some new photos of several items. Click here to see the updated list.

Some items can be removed prior to confirmation of the settlement date, and some, such as pews, organ, and other necessary furnishings, will have to stay in place until the settlement date is confirmed. I hope to have those items available some time in June.

If you are interested in any items not yet taken or requested, please contact Canon Lee Powers at lpowers@newjersey.anglican.org.

• FROM BISHOP COUNCELL: Diocesan staff changes

6 May 2009

Dear Friends in Christ,

I am delighted to announce that the Reverend Canon Lee Powers has accepted my appointment as Deployment Officer of the Diocese of New Jersey, effective May 16, 2009. Canon Powers will bring to this role his knowledge of New Jersey, his experience of parochial life and his understanding of clergy and lay leaders, along with his administrative ability and spiritual maturity. I am confident that, with the continuing support of Ms. Cecilia Alvarez, Lee will build on the good work of Canon Elizabeth Geitz. Under his pastoral leadership clergy and congregations will continue to receive strong, loving and wise support during interim ministries and times of transition. I pray that this expansion of his responsibilities will be a blessing to Lee and an enrichment of our diocesan mission. Right Onward!

I am also announcing today that I have accepted, with regret, the resignation of Michael Wilkes, Manager of Information Technology, effective June 6, 2009. After six and one-half years working in this office, Michael has been hired by an IT company with whom he can advance his career in this field. I am very grateful for Mike's faithful service in this office and in our diocese. His quiet professionalism, strong expertise, personal warmth and good humor will all be missed. We wish him well.

We will be evaluating how best to continue the functions that Mike has covered in his ministry here. Given our current financial constraints, I do not anticipate that we will make a new hire to replace Mike.

Please keep our diocesan staff in your prayers as we live into the changes that come in these times of transition.

God is good; all the time!

Faithfully yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend George E. Councell
Bishop of New Jersey

• DEATH NOTICE: Sister Elizabeth Mary Burke

I am saddened to report the death of Sister Elizabeth Mary Burke, a Sister of  Saint Gregory who has been active in parish life in some of our congregations in the Northern Convocation.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his servants."  (Psalm 116)

Yours in Christ,

The Reverend Lee Powers
Canon to the Ordinary
Diocese of New Jersey

From the Reverend Philip Kasey, rector of Holy Trinity Church, South River, New Jersey
Sister Elizabeth Mary Burke died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday morning, April 30, 2009. Her memorial service will be at 10am at Holy Trinity, South River on Saturday, May 16, 2009, followed by interrment in the Memorial Garden and a reception in the Parish Hall.

From the website of the Sisters of Saint Gregory
Elizabeth Mary, with a Master's in Social Work, was Director of Programs for a not-for-profit home care agency in New York City. She sang the choir of Holy Trinity, South River, New Jersey and was a chalice bearer in two parishes in New Jersey. She has worked several years with "Happening of New Jersey" a program for teenager to have a deeper Christian Experience.She was a member of the Order of Saint Luke and an Associate of the Community of Celebration and the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory. She completed Education for Ministry (EFM) and mentored for several years, was a member of the Board of Finger Lakes Conference, and represented the Finger Lakes Conference & the Sisters of Saint Gregory in Province II of the Episcopal Church.

She wrote: 'Being a Sister of Saint Gregory has allowed me to be a Religious while not leaving my home, work, or family. Instead of the Community supplying my needs, I give to support the Community and the ministries that we are all involved in wherever we live'.

http://www.sistersofsaintgregory.org/sisters.html

• OBITUARY: The Reverend John Albion Van Sant

The Reverend Canon John Albion Van Sant, retired priest of the Diocese of New Jersey, died on April 29, 2009, at home.

Born October 22, 1924, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, he was the son of Anna Sophia (Kessler) and Albion Jones Van Sant. He was a 1951 graduate (BA) of Rutgers University where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a 1954 graduate (Th.B. and Th.M.) of the Philadelphia Divinity School. He was ordained deacon by the Right Reverend Wallace John Gardner on May 8, 1954 and priest by the Right Reverend Alfred L. Banyard on November 27, 1954.

He married Lovey Grace MacWright on June 20, 1948 and they had three children. Two of his children also entered the Sacred Ministry: Paul A. Van Sant, rector of St. Stephen’s, Whiting; Mark R. Van Sant, rector of St. John’s, Little Silver. Another son, John, is employed by Princeton University in administrative computing. A widower, Father John married Mary Ceder on May 18, 2002.

He served as Curate of Christ Church, Woodbury, from 1954 to 1955; Rector of All Saints, Elizabeth, from 1955 to 1961; Canon Residentiary of Trinity Cathedral, Trenton, from 1961 to 1989; Vicar of Christ Church, Palmyra, 1990 to 1996; and Priest Associate at Church of the Good Shepherd, Berlin, from 1996 to 2007; and at St. Stephen’s, Whiting, from 2007 to the present.

There will be a viewing at St. Stephen’s Church in Whiting on Monday, May 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m., and on Tuesday, May 5, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The Burial Office and Holy Eucharist will follow at St. Stephen’s Church at 11 a.m., with the Right Reverend George E. Councell, Bishop of New Jersey, presiding and the Reverend Paul Van Sant as celebrant. Burial will follow immediately. Following the burial service, there will be a light luncheon served at St. Stephen’s Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a Memorial Fund for Canon Van Sant at St. Stephen’s Church.

Biographical material provided by the Archives of the Diocese of New Jersey

APRIL 2009

• RECOVERY SUNDAY: the sermon

Click here to read the sermon preached at Trinity Cathedral by the Right Reverend Mark Hollingsworth, Bishop of Ohio.

• OBITUARY: The Reverend Arthur William Matthews

The Reverend Arthur W. Matthews, one time priest in the Diocese of New Jersey, died on April 4, 2009, in Sterrett, Alabama.

The Reverend Arthur Williams Matthews

Born July 28, 1923, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Maude Benbow  and Arthur George Matthews. He was a 1948 graduate cum laude of the University of Pennsylvania, a graduate of the Philadelphia Divinity School with a ThB , in 1951 and a ThM in 1955. He was ordained Deacon by the Right Reverend William P. Remington on May 15, 1951 and Priest by the Right Reverend William B. Roberts on December 18, 1951. He was a US Army veteran and served in the Far East during WWII.

He married Frances Tennant on August 23, 1967. He served congregations in Pennsylvania before becoming Vicar of St. John-in-the-Wilderness, Gibbsboro, from 1955 to 1959; Trinity Church, Vineland, from 1967–1985; St. Mary’s, Pleasantville, as Locum Tenens from 1974-1975; and Christ Church, Millville, as Priest-in-Charge from 1976–1987. While serving at Millville he also held the position of Professor of Humanities at Cumberland College. He and Frances retired to Daphne, Alabama. He served as Priest-in-Charge of St. Peter’s Church, Jackson, Alabama, from 1989–1997. He is survived by his wife Frances, her daughter and granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held April 16, 2009, at 11 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Daphne, Alabama.

Biographical material provided by the Archives of the Diocese of New Jersey

• SPRING 2009 CLERICUS MEETINGS with BISHOP COUNCELL

The schedule is set as follows:

April 22, 2009
10 a.m.
Watchung Convocation
St. Thomas, Alexandria

April 28, 2009
10 a.m. 
Atlantic Convocation
Advent, Cape May

April 30, 2009
10 a.m. 
Monmouth  Convocation
St. James, Long Branch

May 12, 2009 
10 a.m.
Woodbury Convocation
Gia Nina’s Italian Restaurant, 312 South Evergreen Avenue, Woodbury

May 14, 2009
10 a.m.
Trenton Convocation
Trinity Cathedral

May 27, 2009    
10 a.m.
Northern Convocation
Good Shepherd, Rahway

June 4, 2009      
10 a.m.
Camden Convocation
Location to be determined

June 10, 2009
10 a.m. 
Burlington Convocation
The Evergreens, Moorestown

• GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING

Every year on Good Friday, pilgrims from all over the world gather to walk along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. Some carry a cross, to understand better the nature of the burden that Jesus bore. Others accompany them, as witnesses, as penitents, as believers. By dying on the cross at Calvary, Jesus delivered us from sin and despair.

For 150 years the Anglican Church in Jerusalem has borne the responsibility of sharing the cross of Jesus in a special way. By helping to maintain the Christian witness in the Holy Land, by serving all of God's people there in a variety of ministries, by proclaiming the gospel and promoting justice, peace and love throughout the four dioceses in that region, the church serves us all.

Since 1922, Episcopalians here have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. It is vital that we continue to share in this burden, and not let our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem carry the cross alone.

Make your check payable to Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, write Good Friday Offering on the "Memo" line of the check, and send it to:

Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society
Good Friday Offering
P.O. Box 12095
Newark, NJ 07101

Good Friday Offering contact

Brother James E. Teets, BSG
Manager of Partnership Services
212 716-6227

If you'd like to download the Presiding Bishop's Good Friday letter (in English and Spanish), the Good Friday offering order form, a poster about the offering, or service leaflet covers in English or Spanish, click here to go to the relevant page on the Episcopal Church website.

• SALE of ALL SAINTS, HIGHLAND PARK and DISBURSEMENT of FURNISHINGS

Canon Lee Powers explains the background for the sale of the church building and the disbursement of its furnishings and includes a list of furnishings and appointments that are available. Click here to read.

MARCH 2009

• HIP-HOP HOLY LAND: in SOJOURNERS

The Reverend Timothy Holder and the role of hip-hop in Christian ministry are featured on the well-known Sojourners website, in a review of Disciples of the Street: The Promise of a Hip-Hop Church, by Andrew Wilkes.

'The dominant narrative begins in 2001 when Father Holder, a priest with a syrupy Southern drawl, relocates to Trinity Episcopal Church of Morrisania in the South Bronx. The parish is in transition. Father Wendall Roberts, shepherd of Trinity for 40 years, has recently died and attendance is declining'.

Read it all here.

• OBITUARY: The Reverend Jerry Melson Doublisky, CSSS

The Reverend Jerry Melson Doublisky, retired priest of this diocese, died Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at his residence in Atco, New Jersey.

He was born in Burlington, New Jersey, on April 29, 1937, the son of Thomas Raymond and Evelyn Elizabeth Doublisky. He was a 1969 graduate of The College of New Jersey and a 1972 graduate of the Philadelphia Divinity School. He was ordained Deacon by the Right Reverend Alfred L. Banyard, VII Bishop of New Jersey, on April 22, 1972, and Priest on October 28, 1972, by Bishop Banyard.

He served as Vicar of St. Peter’s, Woodbury Heights; as Vicar of Church of the Atonement, Laurel Springs; Rector of Christ Church, South Amboy; Interim of St. Luke’s. Woodstown; Vicar of Christ the King, Willingboro; Interim at Holy Trinity, Collingswood; as Minister of Evangelism at St. Stephen’s, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; and Priest in Charge of St. Mark’s-at-the-Crossing, Williamstown.

He was Deputy Director of the Episcopal World Mission in NYC for two years. Most recently, he was the chaplain of the retired clergy of the Diocese. He was a member of the Congregation of the Companions of the Holy Saviour (CSSS), a well-established order for celibate men in Holy Orders.

Funeral arrangements are made by the Bradley Funeral Home and will be held at Christ Church, 130 Prince Street, Bordentown, on Saturday, March 21, 2009. There will be visitation from 10 am to 11 am, followed by the Holy Eucharist and Commendation. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Biographical material provided by the Archives of the Diocese of New Jersey

• SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM for DISCERNING A CALL

I am pleased to share that our Diocesan Committee on Priesthood will continue to support the Summer Internship Program this summer. It is again that time of year in which rectors / vicars / and other clergy are invited to share this wonderful program with college aged students in their churches who may feel called to priesthood within the Episcopal Church.

Please have your college student contact me soon for an application. My e-mail address is frronpollock1@verizon.net or my phone number is 908-722-1250. Application deadline is April 1st.

Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your prayerful support.

Faithfully,

Fr. Ron Pollock
Committee on Priesthood, Summer Internship Coordinator

• PASSION & PURPOSE SUNDAY

Passion & Purpose Sunday — 26 April 2009 — is about renewing a sense of vocation for all Christians. A new website has been launched to support the diocesan observance: http://passionandpurpose.info/

Passion & Purpose Sunday is an intentional day for preaching, teaching, testimony, and theological reflection about vocation: claiming and expressing a passion and purpose for our lives as friends and followers of Jesus Christ.

For more, have a look at the Ministry Institute description of P&P Sunday.

FEBRUARY 2009

• FROM THE REVEREND CANON ELIZABETH GEITZ

February 12, 2009

Dear Friends,

For the past eight and a half years, I have been blessed to serve as your Assistant Deployment Officer, then Canon for Ministry Development and Deployment. How much I have learned in that time and how rich my ministry has been. Now the time has come for me to practice what I have been preaching about clergy transitions. My husband retired after a thirty year career in June of 2008. Concurrently, I have been hearing the sometimes still and not so still voice of God nudging me toward a new ministry. As a result after much prayer, on May 15, 2009 I will complete my tenure as one of your diocesan canons and move to Pennsylvania.

As your Deployment Officer, I am deeply grateful to have been with you and your congregations during times of transition in clergy leadership. You are an example to me, as I now undertake my own transition. In addition, it has been a joy to redevelop and develop programs that I pray have contributed to both the growth and healing of our diocese. Much of that ministry is now complete – restructuring of the Commission on Ministry and School for Deacons; development of the Ministry Institute; institution of clergy days; growth of the Fresh Start program, interim support group, and transition consultants. Each of these endeavors was undertaken with the commitment and hard work of so many of you! Our creative partnership has made this possible and I thank you.

In the days ahead, my ministries will be varied. Following my visit to Africa last summer I began writing, Into the Heart of Cameroon, and will serve as Co-Chair of the newly developed Good Shepherd Home for Orphans Advisory Board. My heart and eyes have been opened by what I witnessed there and I yearn to do more. I am also honored to serve on the Board of Trustees of General Theological Seminary and as Adjunct Professor of Evangelism; and my speaking engagements and work as CREDO spirituality faculty will continue. In addition, I am delighted to be part of a growing, vibrant parish in the Diocese of Bethlehem, Good Shepherd and St. John’s, Milford, Pennsylvania. None of this would have been possible without the mentoring I have received in the Diocese of New Jersey. Numerous clergy, laity, and diocesan staff have supported me throughout my thirty years here, but one I must mention – Bishop George Councell.

Reflecting on the state of our diocese six years ago, I still marvel that we possessed the wisdom to elect George as our next bishop – proof of the leading of the Holy Spirit! I have been privileged beyond measure to work closely with one of the best bishops in the Episcopal Church. From George I am learning that true leadership comes from a place of deep humility and the ability to see Christ in every person, regardless of the situation. I have experienced what it means to be supported and affirmed; I am truly grateful for all of this and more.

For these reasons, my decision has been difficult. Nonetheless, when we are true to our calling as clergy or laity, we know that we must go where God is leading us and that it is usually not to the place of our most comfort or where we can simply maintain that which we have already begun. Instead, we are led out into the unknown; we are challenged to hear God’s call anew and then to answer that call with each and every gift our Creator has so graciously given us.

As I leave my position as diocesan canon, my steadfast prayers are with each of you. I have no doubt, that a bright and glowing future awaits you as you move Right Onward together!

Your Sister in Christ,
The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Geitz

• OBITUARY: The Reverend Jarrette Cortez Atkins, Sr

The Reverend Jarrette Cortez Atkins, Sr., Priest Associate of St. Mark’s, Plainfield, died on February 7, 2009, in Plainfield, New Jersey.

Born September 24, 1925, in Orlando, Florida, he was the son of James and Keron Atkins. He was a 1950 graduate of Dillard University of New Orleans and a 1955 graduate of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. He was ordained Deacon by the Right Reverend Henry I. Louttit on June 24, 1955, and Priest by the Right Reverend William F. Moses on February 24, 1958.

He married Betty Louise Alston on February 23, 1963, and they had three children. He served  a number of churches in Florida and Tennessee before coming to the Diocese of New Jersey as Rector of St. Augustine, Asbury Park, from 1990 to 1995, and as Associate at St. Mark’s, Plainfield from 1995 to the present.

A wake will be held on Thursday, February 12, from 4 to 9 pm. The funeral will be Friday, February 13, at 11 am at St. Mark’s Church, 1430 Park Avenue, Plainfield, New Jersey.

Biographical material provided by the Archives of the Diocese of New Jersey

• COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE

Our national church office recently notified our diocesan office about a resource available to help churches with technology issues. The below-listed website offers discount prices for computer equipment for churches and other non-profits.

Visit www.CharityAdvantage.com/Computer.asp to learn more and see our full inventory with system upgrades.

For a free consultation or to place an order, contact our PC Tech Team: Computers@CharityAdvantage.com or 800-677-4180 Ext. 315

Eligibility Requirements for Purchase : All employees, board members, and volunteers of a nonprofit, church, or ministry organization are eligible to purchase for business, home, and family. Your organization does not have to be a 501(c)(3).

• DISCIPLES OF CHRIST IN COMMUNITY CANCELLED

A training for facilitators and presenters for the DOCC program (Disciples of Christ in Community) is scheduled for April 24-26, 2009. This program has its roots in the Episcopal Church in Louisiana, has developed and grown, and was most recently run out of the Washington National Cathedral. The main premise is that by providing safe spaces for small groups to discuss and learn about the Christian faith, people deepen and grow in faith and become true disciples of Christ.

While this is an extraordinary program for faith and spiritual development, hosting the training program is costly. Please respond to Sarah Paige at paige@newjersey.anglican.org  by February 16 if your church is planning on sending people to the training. If we do not have enough persons interested in the training, we will have to cancel the event.

Thank you for your assistance as we work to honor the people of our diocese by providing training events, while remaining fiscally responsible.

Your servant in Christ,
Debbie Crall

Click here for news, events, and announcements from January 2009.

JANUARY 2009

• TEEN AND FAMILY SKI TRIP to STOWE, VERMONT

Program sponsored by Church of the Holy Spirit, Lebanon (not a fund raiser!) Staying at Northern Lights Lodge (heated indoor pool) minutes from East Coast's best ski destination. Special worship for youth:  Midnight Vespers in local Episcopal Church;  Holy Eucharist at Slope-side Chapel Sunday Morning

Depart Friday, February 20, 2009 by motor coach at 3 pm
Return 10:30 pm Sunday, February 22, 2009
Cost: $275.00 per person, travel, meals, lodging, lift tickets, included
Contact:  admin@churchholyspirit.org, The Rev. Phillip Carr-Jones: 908 894-0090

• LENTEN QUIET DAY at THE EVERGREENS

Saturday, March 28, 2009  10 am to 3 pm

To What Must We Give Our Hearts? A program by Sister Barbara Jean Brown at The Evergreens, 309 Bridgeboro Road, Moorestown

The program will include meditations by Sister Barbara Jean on avoiding burnout, finding what God's will is for us, and to say “no” without guilt. The Labyrinth from Trinity Church, Moorestown will also be available for use during the day.

Requested donation $10 per person (includes lunch) Or $25 per parish for groups of three or more. Pre-registration is requested: The Rev. Martha McKee 856 439-2019 or mmckee@evergreens.org. Registration at 9:30 AM

Sister Barbara Jean is the abbess of Anamchara Fellowship, an ecumenical monastic community founded within the Episcopal Church. Sister BJ entered the Religious Life in 1973 in a traditional Episcopal Order and recently was led to start a new form of monastic community. For well over 25 years, Sister BJ has had a "peripatetic" ministry... traveling from parish to parish, diocese to diocese, conducting retreats, quiet days, conferences and workshops. Her primary loves are the mystical tradition and Celtic spirituality. She received her degree in Theology from Marian College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and is working on a Master's degree in Celtic spirituality.

• ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM

You are cordially invited to attend, and bring a friend to, our Annual Black History Program.This is a presentation to the community by the community for the community to celebrate “Black History Month” and to showcase our talents in vocal, dance, and visual arts. We hope and pray that you will enjoy this presentation as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.

See you on Sunday , February 8, at 4:00 pm at St. Augustine's Church, Prospect and Atlantic Avenue in Asbury Park. See you there!!

• PRE-CONVENTION HEARINGS

All are invited to the pre-convention hearings. The hearings offer a time for deputies to ask questions and discuss the issues. Representation will be present from the Finance and Budget, Resolutions, Constitution and Canons, and Board of Missions Committees. Four hearings will be offered from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in February 2009. Download the dates and directions, plus representatives and agenda.

• February 3 – St. James' Church, Long Branch
• February 5 – Grace Church, Haddonfield
• February 9 – Church of the Holy Spirit, Tuckerton
• February 11 – St. John's Church, Somerville

• OBITUARY: PHYLLIS A. FITHEN, wife of former Diocesan Staff member Roy Fithen

Phyllis A. Fithen, 68, of Mansfield passed away Thursday at the Lutheran Home in Moorestown. Phyllis was born in Hoboken and lived in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, before moving to Mansfield, where she resided for the past eight years. After raising her children, she earned her bachelor's degree in education from Trenton State College. Phyllis went on to touch many lives of children in her 25 years as an elementary school teacher for the Ewing school district, where she retired in 2000. She was an advocate for the students she taught and she loved her role in making a difference in their lives.

Phyllis was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend who will be deeply missed by all. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Mount Holly. She was predeceased by her son, Kevin, and her brother, Robert Basile. Phyllis is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Roy Fithen; her loving son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Kimberly Fithen of Burlington; her loving daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Kenneth Corso of Ridgefield, CT, and daughter, Edna Fithen of Red Hill, PA.

Phyllis especially cherished times with her grandchildren, Julia Rose and Rebecca Ann Corso and Kelsey Rose Fithen. Phyllis is also survived by her loving brothers, George Ruiz and Ron Basile; her loving sisters, Vickie Hickman and Fran Cirone; by her beloved family members, Patti Monti, Vern Ruiz and her nephew, Robbie Basile.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Church, High Street and Bartram Street, Mount Holly. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Phyllis's wishes were to have no flowers sent, only contributions to either the St. Jude Children's Hospital, 8460 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Florissant, MO 63031 or to the Special Olympics, 3 Princess Rd., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Arrangements made with the Lee Funeral Home, Mount Holly.

• TEEN AND FAMILY SKI TRIP to STOWE, VERMONT

Program sponsored by Church of the Holy Spirit, Lebanon (not a fund raiser!) Staying at Northern Lights Lodge (heated indoor pool) minutes from East Coast's best ski destination. Special worship for youth:  Midnight Vespers in local Episcopal Church;  Holy Eucharist at Slope-side Chapel Sunday Morning

Depart motor coach Friday 3 pm February 20, 2009
Return 10:30 pm Sunday February 22, 2009
Cost: $275.00 per person, travel, meals, lodging, lift tickets, included
Contact:  admin@churchholyspirit.org, The Rev. Phillip Carr-Jones: 908-894-0090

• OBITUARY: ELOISE PURDY, Wife of the Reverend Canon James E. Purdy

We commend to Our Lord and announce the death of Eloise Purdy who died  today.  She is the wife of The Rev. Canon James E. Purdy. Please keep Canon Purdy and his family in your prayers.  

The funeral will be on Monday, January 12, 2009 at 11 a.m. at The Evergreens in Moorestown, New Jersey.

May her soul and all the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.

• GRACE CHURCH, HADDONFIELD LECTURE SERIES

Hope for The Future: Medical Outreach in Camden
Dr. Vincent McDermott, Jr., Medical Director, Project H.O.P.E.
Medical Director, Community Health Practice; and Peggy McDermott, Nursing Coordinator, Community Health Practice; and Michael Dixon, Coordinator, Community Health Practice

Where: Grace Church Parish Hall 19 Kings Highway East Haddonfield, NJ When: Friday, January 16, 2009 at 7:30 pm Download the flyer

• VISION VESPERS

Here is a flyer evangelizing the Right Onward Worship dedicated for January 31, 2009 at 3 PM as being offered at Trinity Cathedral.

The Right Onward Visioning Committee is entering the second year of their Right Onward experience. For the previous twelve months, they have shared ideas and experiences of welcoming and including ministries. They are applying these experiences and insights as they move forward to celebrating a common vision as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

More information on this special service and the Committee's work is available here.

• CIGNA: "Make the Choice to Be Healthy"

CIGNA is hosting a telephone seminar on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 2pm ET/11am PT - "Make the Choice to Be Healthy".  This seminar is available to administrators and employees alike.  Please share and/or post this notification as appropriate.  CIGNA recommends that everyone pre-register at least 48 hours in advance to ensure that there are enough phone lines to accommodate the call. 

• LIVING THE VISION: A Diocesan-wide service of celebration

3 pm, January 31, 2009
Trinity Cathedral, Trenton

Preacher: The Right Reverend Eugene T. Sutton, Bishop of Maryland

At the heart of all that we do as Christians is gather in worship to the living God. As a Diocese, this January we are invited to gather as ‘one body’ for a celebration of our common life and mission through music, liturgy, dance and proclamation. The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, the 14th Bishop of Maryland and a renowned speaker and preacher, will be our guest for this event. Let us join together and live the vision.

The Right Reverend Eugene Taylor Sutton was elected the 14th Bishop of Maryland on March 29, 2008, at St. James' Episcopal Church, Baltimore, and consecrated at Washington National Cathedral on June 28, 2008. He was officially seated at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Baltimore, on June 29, 2008.

Prior to his election, Bishop Sutton was canon pastor of Washington National Cathedral, and director of the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. A frequent leader of retreats and conferences on prayer, preaching, spirituality and mission, he directed the cathedral’s national and local programs in building spiritual community through pilgrimages, gatherings and courses.

• The Princeton Conference on Emerging Adulthood: May 14-16, 2009 at the Princeton Theological Seminary

What: The conference will include four lectures by distinguished scholars,
a choice of three electives taught by experienced and innovative pastors,
a panel discussion, and small groups with peers.

Where: This conference will take place on the campus of Princeton
Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey.

When: The conference begins at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 (registration
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.), and concludes at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.

Fees: The fee of $165 includes tuition, materials, coffee breaks, and most
meals (Thursday dinner, Friday lunch and dinner, and Saturday lunch.) If
you are staying on campus, breakfast is included in your lodging fee. A
deposit of $50 is required at registration.

Lodging: Limited lodging is available in Erdman Hall at a nightly rate of
$65 per person, single occupancy.

For details, please visit this link:
http://www2.ptsem.edu/iym/conferences/

Consider coming with lay leaders from your parish. Please help spread the word!

The Reverend Gregory Bezilla, Chaplain
The Episcopal Campus Ministry at Rutgers
Canterbury House
5 Mine St.
New Brunswick, NJ  08901-1111
E-mail: bezilla@rci.rutgers.edu
Web: http://episcopal.rutgers.edu
Facebook: http://rutgers.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2327143316
Phone: 732-932-1278

• PRE-CONVENTION HEARINGS

All are invited to the pre-convention hearings. The hearings offer a time for deputies to ask questions and discuss the issues. Representation will be present from the Finance and Budget, Resolutions, Constitution and Canons, and Board of Missions Committees. Four hearings will be offered from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in February 2009:

• February 3 – St. James' Church, Long Branch
• February 5 – Grace Church, Haddonfield
• February 9 – Church of the Holy Spirit, Tuckerton
• February 11 – St. John's Church, Somerville

• RESOLUTIONS INVITED

The Diocese of New Jersey Committee on Resolutions invites submission of proposed resolutions for consideration at next February's Diocesan Convention. The Committee asks that proposals be submitted on white 8-1/2 x 11 paper, typed and double-spaced, and contain at least two sections: the RESOLVED paragraph naming the desired action, and a FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph, as appropriate, providing for the implementation of the resolution if adopted. No "whereas" or other prefatory language can be used, so the proposals should begin with "Be it RESOLVED, That . . . ." Each resolution should be accompanied by a short explanatory statement by the proponent(s).

Resolutions may be proposed by any communicant of any congregation in the diocese, whether or not a Convention delegate, or by any member of the clergy serving or residing in the diocese, whether or not eligible to vote at Convention. We appreciate it if the proponents' identifying parish affiliations are included.

Proposals should be forwarded to the Chair of the Committee,

Paul Ambos
c/o Paul Ambos, P.C.
110 Wall Street, 23rd Floor
New York, New York 10005-3836
(facsimile (212) 514-5222) or by email (pambos@amboslaw.com)

so as to be received before the deadline of January 15, 2009. Formal hearings will be held on resolution proposals at Diocesan House, 808 West State Street, Trenton, on February 21, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., and further hearings may be scheduled during the Convention itself. Additional informal discussions may take place at preconvention meetings, subject to availability of members of the Committee on Resolutions.