Diocesan Convention 234

All clergy and deputies are invited to attend one or more of the pre-convention hearings to learn more about the budget, resolutions, and canons being presented at convention. Meetings will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated as 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A block of rooms has been secured through the Crowne Plaza, Cherry Hill for members who wish to remain in the area for the early start on Friday and Saturday. To receive the convention rate, please call 1-888-233-9527 by February 10, 2018 and mention The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey when making reservations. Or you can register online:

Clergy, deputies, visitors, and guests attending convention are expected to register online: http://tinyurl.com/ybdtnutx or request a form to complete that can be faxed to 609 394-8015 or mailed to 808 West State St., Trenton, NJ 08618-5326. Deadline to register and order meals for convention is February 21, 2018.

Space for exhibitors is on a first come, first served basis. If you plan to exhibit at convention, please register promptly here: http://tinyurl.com/yatt8q8p or request a form to complete that can be faxed to 609 394-8015 or mailed to 808 West State St., Trenton NJ 08618. The deadline to register by is February 19, 2018.

Delegates attending Diocesan Convention March 2 -3 at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill can look forward to a completely modified convention format. There will be no keynote speaker; no sermon; there will be fewer reports; there will be Dwelling in the Word and there be will blocks of time given over to delegates to engage in conversation about mission and ministry. Here are some of the highlights:

During the Convention Eucharist, in place of a traditional sermon, delegates and guests will be invited to participate in Dwelling in the Word. This is a process of biblical reflection using a Lectio Divina approach to engaging scripture. The passage (Acts 11:19-30) will be read twice in English and Spanish and each person will be afforded an opportunity to share with others in small groups what they are hearing in the biblical reading. This assumes that the Holy Spirit has a word to speak to each person and to the church gathered.

Marks of Mission Conversation Blocks – Built into the Convention agenda are five blocks for reflection, presentations and conversations about the Five Anglican Marks of Mission. The intention of this is to help everyone in the diocese to become more familiar with them; to tell stories through speakers and videos of how they are being lived out in the diocese already; to consider ways they might be more completely lived out; and to discern how our deeper understanding of them might sharpen our sense of diocesan mission and ministry. At the start of each block, I will offer a reflection on the particular Mark of Mission being considered. This will constitute my “Bishop’s Address to Convention.”

Consent Calendar – For the first time at Diocesan Convention, assuming delegates approve it with the Rules of Order, we will use a Consent Calendar. This is a tool which will allow us to address noncontroversial items, resolutions and reports in a block without having to take a vote on each. Use of the Consent Calendar will help the convention be more efficient in its handling of business.

Chaplains – The Reverend Allen Wakabayashi and The Reverend Diane Mumma-Wakabayashi will be our Convention Chaplains. Allen and Diane are at St. Luke’s, Gladstone, where Allen serves as Curate. They will pray at the opening and closing of each business session. For the Saturday morning Eucharist, Allen will be the celebrant and Diane will preach.

Please keep Convention and all clergy and lay delegates in your prayers.

Blessings and peace,

The Rt. Rev. William H. Stokes, D.D. Bishop of New Jersey

Friday, March 2, in the Riverside Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. The program

will consist of introductions to the Ordination Process and People in the Process, School for Deacons, Newly ordained Clergy, New Clergy in the Diocese and in New Cures, and New Interim positions; Retired Clergy will be acknowledged, and the Bishop’s Cup will be presented.

The WC/ECW Annual Breakfast is offered on Saturday, March 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in the Riverside Pavilion at the Crowne Plaza, Cherry Hill. Seating is limited so be sure to purchase your tickets early. Click here for more information.

Please fax or mail all names of deputies and alternates to Diocesan House on the form titled “Lay Deputy Certification.” The deadline was January 15, 2018 or within three days of your annual meeting. If your deputies and alternates are not on our certified master list, their convention packet will not include voting materials. Please remember to call Diocesan House with any changes after submitting names.

Holy Eucharist: Friday, March 2 at 10:00am in the Grand Ballroom. Clergy in the procession may vest in the Crystal II Room.

Holy Eucharist: Saturday, March 3 at 7:00am in the Grand Ballroom ECW Presenter: Liza Minno Bloom. For more information, please click here.

Banners: There will not be a banner procession this year. Please do not bring your banners.

Ushers: Volunteers for ushering are needed at the Crowne Plaza during Friday morning at convention. If you are willing and able to help, please email or call Ann Notte at anotte@dioceseofnj.org or 609 394-5281 ext. 41.

Registered volunteers who have been contacted to work registration must attend an orientation on Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza. Meeting Room number TBD.

Registered Ushers must meet at the Crowne Plaza at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 2, for instruction on duties for the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist and other areas of convention.

We look forward to seeing you on March 2 at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, beginning with sign-in at 7:30 a.m. followed by the Holy Eucharist at 10:00 a.m. The Crowne is located at 2349 Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. For questions, contact: Ann Notte at

Deadline for accommodations: February 10, 2018 https://aws.passkey.com/e/49143340

Deadline for registrations: February 21, 2018 http://tinyurl.com/ybdtnutx

Deadline for exhibitor registration: February 19, 2018 http://tinyurl.com/yatt8q8p