October 5, 2021
Dear Clergy Colleagues:
Greetings in the name and love of Jesus Christ. I pray this letter finds you well and that you found time this past summer for times of rest, refreshment and renewal.
For the first time, this conference will be a hybrid event. From November 8-10, you can join us in-person at the Seaview in Galloway or join us on Zoom. The on-site event will begin with registration on Monday evening at 4:00 PM and will conclude Wednesday, November 10 at noon. Our focus for this event is coaching and it is being led by Canon Rob Droste and the Rev. Amy Cornell who will lead us through some of the following:
- What is coaching?
- How can coaching help form disciples?
- What ways can you use coaching in your ministry setting?
The registration deadline for this event is October 18.
Here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/ClergyConferenceNov2021
Attached is the hotel’s info and COVID measures.
Please note that all on-site participants will be required to show documentary proof of vaccine when registering at the hotel with Diocese of New Jersey Clergy Conference organizers.
The Standard Letter of Agreement in the Diocese of New Jersey states: “The Rector/Priest-in-Charge is expected and encouraged to participate in regional, diocesan (including Convocation, Convention and Clergy Conference) and National Church responsibilities as well as community endeavors. Further, time given to such work shall be understood as an integral part of his/her ministry in the parish.”
All active priests in the Diocese of New Jersey are expected and required to participate in Clergy Conference either in-person or online. Deacons who are able to take time from their regular jobs are strongly urged to attend. Clergy should be present for all presentation and small group sessions. If urgent circumstances preclude your attending, please write to me explaining the circumstances. Under the canons of The Episcopal Church, clergy are required to participate in regular continuing education. Clergy who attend Clergy Conference will receive Continuing Education credits.
Please know how grateful I am for the ministry we all share in the Diocese of New Jersey and especially for all you have done to adapt to the challenging circumstances created by the on-going pandemic.
May God continue to bless you in your lives and ministries.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend William H. Stokes
12th Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey
