As we move toward the end of 2023, there is much to share. We are beginning a new season as a diocese, and we have new staff arriving, search processes under way, and a departure to note. It seems appropriate that as we prepare for 2024, we are getting ready to welcome some new people and to expand our support for congregations, clergy, and lay leaders.
I am seeing new beginnings in all kinds of place, not just limited to Sundays. Visits with vestries, appointments with clergy and lay leaders, and other opportunities to connect with churches and communities all hold the possibility of new beginnings. The staff and I are having a lot of conversations with vestries about new ways of engaging with clergy and mission, about serving those in need in local neighborhoods, evangelism, multicultural ministry, congregational affiliations, mission and purpose, and faithful stewardship. All this is to say that I am holding both gratitude and hope.
The world needs what we have to offer—welcoming and supportive community, beautiful worship from our beloved Book of Common Prayer, a church that truly welcomes all God’s people to serve and to lead, and so much more. We are not perfect, and we can each acknowledge the times and ways that we fall short as individuals and congregations, but, by the grace of God, what we do matters, and we can make a difference.
For me, one of the most moving moments in the service was the moment when Bishop Chip Stokes presented me with the crozier of the Diocese of New Jersey. This symbol of the bishop’s office is in the shape of a shepherd’s crook and represents the bishop’s role as chief pastor and shepherd of the diocese. The crozier of the Diocese of New Jersey is beautiful, with a silver hook depicting various Christian symbols. On receiving it, I was struck by the significance of the occasion, and the gift and weight of this calling. It was easy to receive it from Bishop Stokes because he has carried it so well. As I learn to carry this crozier and the other symbols of my role as your bishop, I begin with both joy and gratitude.
“We’re into that season where the world pauses, for just a moment, to breathe, to wonder, and to worship.”
Diocese of New Jersey – Online Sermon 19 Pentecost – Proper 22 – Year B – October 3, 2021 Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16 Preacher: The Right Reverend William H. Stokes, Bishop of New Jersey In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
How often we create obstacles for one another. How often we create obstacles to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Checking in on our own behaviors is important. Today’s reading from the Letter of James offers some guidance here—“confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). It points us to humility with one another. Too often, today, humility seems in short supply.
When we welcome and serve the marginalized: children, the oppressed, welcome and serve those without power—we might think of Afghan refugees or immigrants at our borders, for example—when we welcome those who are broken through abuse and addiction, when we welcome and serve those who know they need Christ and his love or welcome and serve those who haven’t discovered that need yet….When we welcome all in his name and love we are welcoming Christ himself. When we welcome Christ, we are welcoming God.
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A chance for the Diocese to come together to discuss current issues, share fellowship, worship, and work together on challenges facing us today. Register in advance for this meeting: https://bit.ly/LayTownHall
A chance for clergy of the Diocese to come together to discuss current issues, share fellowship, worship, and work together on challenges facing us today. Register in advance for this
“Be still and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10) Our world is complex and it can be overwhelming and our thoughts can sometimes be scattered. Where is God in
Dear Clergy Spouse Care Group or CSCG, The first meeting of the ‘Every Other Wednesday CSCG’ (Clergy Spouse Care Group) is tonight at 7 p.m. Join us tonight for the
Standing Committee on Clerical Compensation Meeting Join Zoom Meeting
Bishop’s Forum for Clergy is a chance for casual conversation, less structured and information-packed than the monthly Town Halls. Held the third Thursday of the month via Zoom.
Topic: Deans’ Meeting Time: Every month on the Third Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Confirmation is an important rite of passage for those seeking full membership in the Episcopal Church. It's important that we're able to gather as a Diocese to celebrate the commitment
Dear Clergy Spouse Care Group or CSCG, The first meeting of the ‘Every Other Wednesday CSCG’ (Clergy Spouse Care Group) is tonight at 7 p.m. Join us tonight for the
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