Our annual stewardship season and pledge campaign is nearly upon us. We will begin our campaign on Sunday, October 13, and conclude on Sunday, November 10. We will again this year use the stewardship program provided by The Episcopal Network on Stewardship (TENS).

VOTE FAITHFULLY ELECTION ENGAGEMENT . . . The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations has provided resources which can be found by clicking here:

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/election-engagement/#h-vote-faithfully-election-engagement
 

“It is a Christian obligation to vote, and more than that,
it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls.”
 -Presiding Bishop Michael Curry 

October 1, 2024

Dear People of God,

As most of you know Hurricane Helene left death and destruction from Florida’s Gulf Coast to Tennessee. The size and impact of the storm is staggering. The recovery period will be long and require months and years of support. Bishops in dioceses harmed by the hurricane’s ravages are working closely with Episcopal Relief and Development (ER&D) to provide much needed help to their communities of faith.

As a reminder, ER&D is a well-established Episcopal organization providing support to communities affected by injustice, poverty, disaster, and climate change. Their disaster support is robust, proactive, and quick to respond. In times of disaster, ER&D is able to support churches financially, spiritually, and emotionally. Further, due to their connections with diocesan bishops, their response is typically fast and a welcome help in the midst of catastrophic trouble.

Their focus is providing support to bishops, clergy, and their congregations on the ground. They do not wait for their representatives to set up support in a disaster; instead, they are in immediate contact with bishops to collaboratively determine an effective and helpful response. 

I have also been impressed by their preparedness. Before Hurricane Ida arrived in our diocese, ER&D had already been in touch with dioceses in the potential pathway to help us prepare for a possible disaster.

I urge all Episcopalians to donate now to ER&D’s disaster fund, and to do so again at Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can do this individually or as a parish. You can donate directly on the ER&D website. While you are on the site take a look at the many ways how Episcopal Relief and Development follows Jesus’ instructions to take care of the least among us. 

Please join me in praying daily for those who have lost life, livelihood, and/or their homes. Pray also for emergency responders and disaster response teams. 

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering,
pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen. (BCP p. 134)

Grace and Peace,

The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes

XI Bishop of Newark

THE FALL FESTIVAL LUNCHEON . . . this past Sunday at Holy Trinity Church was a great success. Approximately 60 parishioners from Annunciation, Grace and Holy Trinity attended the luncheon. It was good to see so many come together in such a festive occasion.

Thanks to everyone who helped organize and provide food for the event. Your participation was greatly appreciated.If anyone took any pictures please contact Patty Bradley who will add them to Facebook.

Bill Ferara

ADULT CONFIRMATION, RECEPTION AND REAFFIRMATION . . . In the spring of 2025, adult parishioners who have not yet been confirmed will have the opportunity to receive the Sacramental Rite of Confirmation.  Confirmation is for those who feel called to "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860). Adult parishioners will also have the opportunity to be formally received into the Episcopal Church or to reaffirm one's baptismal vows. Reception is for those who have already been confirmed in another church but are now active in the Episcopal Church and would like to officially become an Episcopalian.  Reaffirmation is for those who have already been confirmed and received into the Episcopal Church and now feel called to publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows and to be presented to a bishop for a blessing. 

Classes will be offered in the fall of 2024 and winter 2025 to learn about Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation and the history, spirituality, and structure of the Episcopal Church.  Please contact Fr. Anthony if you are interested in exploring Confirmation or Reception.