The Rev. Bill Cruse, Priest-in-Charge at St John’s, Ramsey and co-convener of the Anti-Racism Commission, reflects on his six-year tenure on Diocesan Council, sharing how his service has deepened his understanding of himself, the diocese, and the value of his gifts in ministry. He encourages others to stand for election to a diocesan governing body, commission, or board, emphasizing the benefits of connection and growth both personally and for the diocese, and highlighting the importance of new leadership and talents in continuing the diocese’s mission. (Time: 2:39.)
Video Transcript
Hi, my name is Bill Cruse. I currently serve as Priest-in-Charge at St John’s in Ramsey, New Jersey, and I’m also co-convener, or co-chair, of the Anti-Racism Commission, which sponsors and leads the dialogues for our racial awareness and racial justice.
Six years ago, at a Convention – after Convention when all the seats weren’t filled – I inquired about one of the empty seats that was particularly from our region, and I was invited to join Council. I had a little fear about what I was getting into, but I also knew that it was part of my responsibility as a member of the Episcopal Church, a part of this church and an ordained minister, to take counsel in the committees and processes of the church. What I discovered was, I learned a lot about myself and the diocese and how my gifts that God has given me, the skills, the the facilities that I have, can be of value, both in the parish and also in the Diocesan Council.
I’m particularly interested in empowering all people into ministry, and I hope you’ll accept an invitation that you may be hearing God tapping on your shoulder, or a friend inviting you to serve on one of the councils of the church here in this diocese.
It has helped me over these six years, feel way more connected than I did when I first came to the diocese – up here in the one of the northern stretches, reaches, of the diocese in Ramsey, can feel pretty disconnected at times. But I know more people now, and I’m connected with more ministries because of my time on Diocesan Council and also meeting many of you through the Anti-Racism Commission and the dialogues we run.
I hope you will consider serving as I did. Six years is a full term for a person on Council, and it’s time for others to bring their gifts and talents, both to Council, to Standing Committee, to the Trustees, to any number of commissions and ministries – Anti-Racism Commission, any of the Social Justice ministries. Help with the the follow through on our strategic vision plan. There are so many ways you are invited to be part of this and get to know other people and grow yourself, as well as growing the ministries of the diocese.
Be well, and see you at Convention.
See the offices, candidates, and nomination form for the 151st Convention at: dioceseofnewark.org/convention/elections
