FROM FATHER ANTHONY . . .

Friends,
 
Every Friday in this e-blast, we provide a variety of resources from the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Newark. Over time, these blurbs can become such a familiar part of this newsletter that they might be overlooked. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight again these resources for those seeking deeper opportunities for prayer, study, and social action. 
 
The Right Reverend Caryle J. Hughes, XI Bishop of the Diocese of Newark, is the chief priest and pastor of our diocese which is why we share her message in this e-blast every week. When our presiding bishop, The Most Reverend Sean W. Rowe, issues letters to the church, we share those as well. They have both issued messages in response to the incidents in Minneapolis and immigration enforcement tactics that are being implemented throughout our country. You can find their statements below. I am deeply grateful for their testimony and witness to Jesus Christ and for the leadership they provide.
 
As rector of Grace Church, I believe it is my responsibility to provide you with  church resources so you may discern how you are called to respond as a follower of Jesus. I am always here for council, prayer, and support. The links for Episcopal Public Policy Network, Episcopal Migration Ministries and Episcopal Relief and Development are provided below and I encourage you to become familiar with all of these good and holy ministries of the Episcopal Church.
 
The highest governing body of our church is the General Convention, a bicameral legislature that meets every three years to discern our collective mission. If you want to know where the Episcopal Church stands on nearly any issue, you can explore the Acts of Convention database to search by topic.
 
While peaceful protest is one powerful way to bear witness to Jesus in the face of injustice, it is not the only way to respond faithfully. Please take some time to review the guidance and resources offered by the wider church and our diocese.
 
Finally, at the conclusion of our online service this past Sunday, Leslie Bisdale asked if she could offer a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (pg. 815). I give thanks for her faithful response and I share that prayer with all of you:
 
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Peace,
Father Anthony+

LETTERS FROM PRESIDING BISHOP SEAN ROWE . . . 
 

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/publicaffairs/from-presiding-bishop-sean-rowe-death-and-despair-do-not-have-the-last-word/

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/publicaffairs/presiding-bishop-sean-rowe-support-emergency-migration-ministry/

A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP HUGHES . . . Minneapolis and a moment of reckoning as Christians.

In the wake of the shootings of Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pettri by Federal immigration officers, Bishop Hughes sends a message about the moral call of the Gospel that supersedes politics, and our way forward as Christians in this time.

In her message, she urges us to read the January 24th Facebook message from Bishop Craig Loya of Minnesota and to support the Diocese of Minnesota's Casa Maria ministry which is providing support to Minnesota's immigrants.

GRACE CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 15.