In the hope of a faithful response to God the Search/Nominating and Transition committees began their work together June 9 at St. Luke’s in Montclair. The task ahead is to identify candidates for the election of the 11th Bishop in the Diocese of Newark.
The work of the retreat weekend was grounded in prayer and Bible study. Bishop Beckwith joined the two committees and the Standing committee on Friday evening for a service to commission the two groups. The work of the weekend was led by the Rev. Thad Bennett and the Rev. Kim Jackson, consultants from The Episcopal Church.
Both Committees work as sub-committees of the Standing Committee, which has the canonical responsibility of overseeing the episcopal transition process. The Standing Committee solicited input from the districts to help form committees that represent the church God is calling us to be. The committees represent each of the 10 districts in the diocese, are balanced in gender and between members of large and small congregations, and embody the diversity that is considered a strength – and growing edge – of the diocese. (For a full list of the members of each committee, click here.)
The work ahead will include developing a diocesan profile, selecting candidates to stand for election and holding a special electing convention (tentatively scheduled for May 19, 2018). This should lead to the ordination and consecration of the 11th bishop on September 22, 2018.
The immediate work of the committees is to finalize a timeline and budget for their work. Please keep them, and the process, in your prayers.
Gracious God, we, your people in the Diocese of Newark, give you thanks and praise for your work among us and through us, generation to generation. Lead us in the months ahead as we prayerfully search for our next Bishop. Raise up for us a steadfast steward who will embrace our broad and blessed diversity and uphold the apostolic heritage of your Church. Guide us to a faithful witness who speaks the Gospel truth in love and joy, and intimately knows your Word and world. Direct us, your disciples, in our discernment so our faith may increase and our works glorify your Name. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
