Instead of going to church we ARE the church
![On March 15, faced with restrictions on public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many members began worshiping online. NINA NICHOLSON PHOTO On March 15, faced with restrictions on public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many members began worshiping online. NINA NICHOLSON PHOTO](https://dioceseofnewark.org/sites/default/files/images/worship-online-home-banner.jpg)
A message from Bishop Hughes.
A message from Bishop Hughes.
In this time that we are in right now there seems to be all kinds of fear, and an abundance of anxiety. And the fears are quite real. And despite our fear and despite our anxiety God still is there and sending God's messengers to help us hear God's voice.
As a person of faith in a world of diminishing faith, what do you need? Could you use some rest?
"We're gonna have to get so good at beholding and so good at knowing our gifts and claiming them, that we're gonna have to actually be the stewards of God's church and God's ministry and our own gifts," stated Bishop Hughes in her second Convention address, given during the Saturday morning Eucharist.
"Our job is to be the person that God has created us to be, doing the ministry that God has given us to do. In order to do that we have to know who God is and know what the gifts are that God has given us, and use those gifts for God's purposes. THAT is our job," stated Bishop Hughes in her first Convention address, given during the Friday evening dinner.
Every year, at Diocesan Convention, we claim our relationship with each other. Reports are made, votes are taken, information is shared, workshops are given, and we worship God together. In short, we remember who we are as a much larger people of faith. Together we are a mighty force and an awesome sight to behold
The good news the angels shared is true for us too. Christ’s presence transforms, heals, comforts, and compels us to live a life that is expansive, hopeful, compassionate and generous.
During this Advent and Christmas, at this time, we need each other to be messengers of God's love.
Bishop Hughes is looking for people who will dream and who will pray together and who will work together and be in conversation about what the future of our church in northern New Jersey might look like.
The diocesan Technology Committee has been recommending Google accounts to churches for years, because of Google’s free resources such as Gmail and YouTube. (See Why your church needs a Google account and Why your church needs a Google account - Part 2.)