23 June 2009: A letter from Bishop Councell to everyone in the diocese

Dear Friends: This comes to catch you on the way out the door to your Summer — before life's pace in households and parishes changes for a while. It comes with a simple message and heartfelt intent . . . {Read it all}

Estimados Amigos: Esta carta les llega en el momenta preciso cuando estan a punto de salir para disfrutar el veranodonde los pasos de la vida en el hogar y en las parroquias cambiaran por unos meses. Les llega esta carta con un mensaje muy simple y con el intento muy sincero . . . {Lea la letra aquí}

General Convention 2009
8 – 17 July 2009
Anaheim, California

There's no shortage of information about General Convention on the web — including the official Episcopal Church site — but now you can turn to a website created by the Diocese of New Jersey's own deputation.

You'll find a photo of the men and women representing the diocese, an overview of key issues, and a dedicated page for resolutions sponsored by the diocese or individual deputies. A page of links gives you access to key web pages and there is 'a place where you can voice your comments and concerns'. Have a look and bookmark the page.

Credit to Alicia Graham, of Christ Church, New Brunswick, for the site design.

Make your voice heard!
The Episcopal Church Strategic Planning Survey

The new Episcopal Church Strategic Planning Committee, established in January 2009, wants to know what you think.

Charged with developing a strategic plan for the Episcopal Church Center and the Executive Council, the group will tackle the critical areas of mission and ministry, growth, and finance, along with a host of other challenges and opportunities.

Take a few minutes to respond to some key questions. It won't be the same without the point of view of Jersey Episcopalians. Click here to go to the survey in a separate browser window.

New Jersey’s Ministry to the Imprisoned
Bishop Councell has convened a committee of lay people and clergy to address the needs of the men and women incarcerated in prisons located within the diocese.

The Ministry to the Imprisoned will assist any parish in the Diocese of New Jersey with how to begin a prison ministry, suggestions of activities to consider, whom to contact, and contact information for each of the 13 prisons.

The needs of the least, the lost, and the forgotten are immense. Please help.

Contact Deacon Johnine Byrer by email deaconjb@gmail.com or phone her at 908 399-4170 for more information.

New Jersey in Washington DC
Washington National Cathedral
26 July 2009 and the rest of the week

New Jersey will be the State of the Week beginning 26 July 2009 at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (often called the National Cathedral') in Washington DC. On Sunday, will be prayers offered for the people of New Jersey and invitations to New Jersey legislators to worship at the Cathedral.

If you're in Washington on the 26th or during that week, make sure you stop in and identify yourself as a Jersey Episcopalian!

The Diocese of New Jersey on Facebook

If you're on Facebook, friend us! Check out the page and join other Jersey Episcopalians already there.

Thanks to the Reverend Greg Bezilla for starting it and for Greg and Canon Kep Short for serving as our admins.