Churches

The Rev. Karen Eberhardt’s first face-to-face encounter with racial discrimination still resonates, half a century later.

She was visiting the North Carolina drug store where her aunt worked when an African-American woman entered with a boy, two years at the oldest. He made a beeline for the seats at the soda fountain and began spinning around on them.

The Vatican has invited Episcopalians who oppose their church’s liberal leanings to join the Roman Catholic fold, but so far, New Jersey congregations aren’t budging.

Pope Benedict XVI announced Jan. 1 the creation of what’s essentially a nationwide diocese to allow Episcopalian congregations to cross over while preserving some aspects of their Anglican heritage. But despite deep philosophical dissent in the Episcopal Church, church leaders and clergy said they do not expect the Vatican’s measure to spur any exodus by conservatives in New Jersey.

What does living into Christ's mission look like at Christ Church in Pompton's Shepherd's Haven? It looks like dignity and independence in a safe and structured environment.

What does living into Christ's mission look like at St. John's in Boonton? It looks like getting out from behind closed doors and building relationships.

What does living into Christ's Mission look like at the churches of District 10? It looks like several churches combining resources to hold a children's choir camp together.

What does living into Christ's mission look like at St. Andrew & Holy Communion in South Orange? It looks like a diverse community in service to others.

What does living into Christ's mission look like at Church of the Epiphany in Orange? It looks like committing to serve their brothers and sisters in need through a food pantry.

What does living into Christ's mission look like at St. Peter's in Mountain Lakes? It looks like reaching out to neighbors affected by Hurricane Irene.

What does living into Christ's mission look like at Church of the Messiah in Chester? It looks like running a senior resource center that offers information, activities and community.

What does living into Christ's mission look like at St. John's in Montclair? It looks like 13 high schoolers traveling to New Orleans to help rebuild a house destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.