October 9, 2009

Dear Friends in Christ Jesus,

A frame from a video with Bishop Councell
A video by Bishop Councell: click here to view.

I invite all Clergy and Vestries of the Diocese to view this short video at their next meeting. All members of the Diocese are encouraged to view it, as well. You may view it here on the website or download it to a laptop for your convenience.

I am asking Clergy and Vestries to fill out this response sheet (PDF) after viewing the video. This can be done right at your Vestry table. That simple response sheet means much to me and to our common life as The Church in New Jersey.

Additional materials are linked that may be informative in conjunction with the video and the discussion that follows its viewing. These include

• a one-page overview (PDF) that tells you about the relationship between the Diocese of New Jersey and your parish

and

• a chart (PDF) that shows Fair Share askings of parishes in the Diocese by aggregate amount — $10,000 or less, $20,000 or less, and so on, up to $60,000 or more — and the percentage, within each aggregate, that churches pledge.

I offer all these materials to you because I believe that every time we communicate with one another, the Church is strengthened. I not only want to speak to Clergy, Vestries, and members of the Diocese, I also want to hear from you.

I am in prayer with you and for you in Jesus' Name.

Right Onward!

Faithfully yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend George E. Councell
XI Bishop of New Jersey  

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  Last updated: 13 October 2009
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