From JoeParrish at compuserve.com Mon Jun 1 09:57:38 2009 From: JoeParrish at compuserve.com (Joe Parrish) Date: Mon Jun 1 09:57:47 2009 Subject: [NJ Forum] Need prayers for "making New Jersey new" Message-ID: Yesterday our congregation resolved, a Pentecost experience perhaps, to begin to pray regularly for "making New Jersey new", and we have some lay leaders volunteering to help lead us. God willing we will begin this week praying for this on Monday at Noon and Wednesday at 6 PM. Since we have no previously prepared prayers for this we would appreciate any efforts you may send us. Thanks! Peace and Pentecost blessings, Joe St. John's, Elizabeth (Church's age will be 303 on June 24, 2009.) From thebarones at verizon.net Mon Jun 1 21:36:41 2009 From: thebarones at verizon.net (Andrew/Christy Barone) Date: Mon Jun 1 21:37:10 2009 Subject: [NJ Forum] Change of Home Address References: <606e76cf0901010441j434d05c9ud96a88659fd7dcf8@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: Hi Pat: I was thinking about you the other day. My dad, Bobby and I took a trip to Washington and I met a woman who reminded me of you. I wanted to check in and see how Gus was doing and how you are holding up. On this end, things are crazy. My dad just got another bone marrow transplant but so far so good. The kids are getting big and work is busy. Let me know how you are... Christy ----- Original Message ----- From: "pat eustis" To: Sent: Thursday, January 01, 2009 8:41 AM Subject: [NJ Forum] Change of Home Address > This is my new home address as of January 5, 2009 > > -- > The Rev. Patricia A. Eustis > 62 Orchardhill Road > Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 > phone 508-685-1824; email pateustis@gmail.com > _______________________________________________ > You received this email because you are subscribed to the Diocese of New > Jersey Forum mailing list, > Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org > See http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.1/1870 - Release Date: 12/31/2008 8:44 AM From pbinman at comcast.net Tue Jun 2 07:07:35 2009 From: pbinman at comcast.net (Pam Inman) Date: Tue Jun 2 07:07:39 2009 Subject: [NJ Forum] Change of Home Address In-Reply-To: References: <606e76cf0901010441j434d05c9ud96a88659fd7dcf8@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: Christy, I don't believe you intended this for me. Want you to know someone else may not have gotten your message. Pam Inman By grace, draw near! -----Original Message----- From: forum-bounces+pbinman=comcast.net@mail.newjersey.anglican.org [mailto:forum-bounces+pbinman=comcast.net@mail.newjersey.anglican.org] On Behalf Of Andrew/Christy Barone Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 9:37 PM To: Diocese of New Jersey Forum Subject: Re: [NJ Forum] Change of Home Address Hi Pat: I was thinking about you the other day. My dad, Bobby and I took a trip to Washington and I met a woman who reminded me of you. I wanted to check in and see how Gus was doing and how you are holding up. On this end, things are crazy. My dad just got another bone marrow transplant but so far so good. The kids are getting big and work is busy. Let me know how you are... Christy ----- Original Message ----- From: "pat eustis" To: Sent: Thursday, January 01, 2009 8:41 AM Subject: [NJ Forum] Change of Home Address > This is my new home address as of January 5, 2009 > > -- > The Rev. Patricia A. Eustis > 62 Orchardhill Road > Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 > phone 508-685-1824; email pateustis@gmail.com > _______________________________________________ > You received this email because you are subscribed to the Diocese of New > Jersey Forum mailing list, > Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org > See http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.1/1870 - Release Date: 12/31/2008 8:44 AM _______________________________________________ You received this email because you are subscribed to the Diocese of New Jersey Forum mailing list, Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org See http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum From bezilla at rci.rutgers.edu Wed Jun 3 21:38:53 2009 From: bezilla at rci.rutgers.edu (Gregory Bezilla, Episcopal Chaplain at Rutgers) Date: Wed Jun 3 21:39:00 2009 Subject: [NJ Forum] Young adults of color to meet at Canterbury House Message-ID: <4ad165d54b94d81e5fd879c70554549d.squirrel@webmail.rci.rutgers.edu> Please help to spread the word in your parish, and invite someone you know! Young adults of color (age 18 to 35) are invited to gather on Saturday, June 13th, 2-4 p.m., at Canterbury House, 5 Mine St., New Brunswick. Come for a time of relaxation as we dream together and imagine some next steps for the young adult movement in the Chruch: we need your voice and involvement to plan for future events around the Diocese of New Jersey. Our special guest will be the Rev. Miguelina Espinal of the Episcopal Church Center: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/49662_94436_ENG_HTM.htm Canterbury House is easily accessible by train! For more information please contact: The Reverend Gregory Bezilla, Chaplain The Episcopal Campus Ministry at Rutgers Canterbury House 5 Mine St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1111 E-mail: bezilla@rci.rutgers.edu Web: http://episcopal.rutgers.edu Facebook: http://rutgers.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2327143316 Phone: 732-932-1278 From JoeParrish at compuserve.com Wed Jun 10 09:56:32 2009 From: JoeParrish at compuserve.com (Joe Parrish) Date: Wed Jun 10 09:56:41 2009 Subject: [NJ Forum] Volunteers at General Convention Message-ID: <12B0AA43929544AE83A656FEDD9600EE@YOUR264F1833C5> If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the General Convention in Anaheim July 8-17, please go here to complete the Volunteer form: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/gc2009_11715_ENG_HTM.htm?menu=menu91932 Peace and blessings, Joe St. John's, Elizabeth, NJ From music at trinitynj.com Thu Jun 11 10:19:34 2009 From: music at trinitynj.com (Diane D. Caruso) Date: Thu Jun 11 10:20:02 2009 Subject: [NJ Forum] Children's Cassocks needed - black Message-ID: Dear friends, Trinity, Asbury Park's Chorister Program is growing, and we're trying to keep up! We draw mostly from the communities of Asbury Park and Neptune, and serve a group of children without many resources. We saw a huge leap in numbers this year, and I need to find vestments for them all, without overtaxing our already stretched budget. Does your church have any black cassocks hiding away in a closet somewhere that you are not using and would be willing to donate to us? All sizes appreciated, but we have a number of second and third graders that have joined this year, and I'm at the end of my supply of smaller sizes, especially. For more information about the Choristers, visit http://trinitynj.com/5chorister.html . Thank you all so much for any leads or help you can give us! Sincerely, Diane Caruso -- Diane D. Caruso Director of Music Trinity Church 503 Asbury Avenue Asbury Park, NJ 07712 732-775-5084 www.trinitynj.com From junetipton at comcast.net Thu Jun 11 10:49:17 2009 From: junetipton at comcast.net (junetipton@comcast.net) Date: Thu Jun 11 10:49:23 2009 Subject: [NJ Forum] Children's Cassocks needed - black In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <1938356968.3517371244731757753.JavaMail.root@sz0088a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net> Dear Diane, We unfortunately do not have any cassocks to donate. However, I have a question. The growth of your children's program is most impressive, particularly at a time when many church have had to discontinue children's choirs. What would you say you have done to inspire the response in numbers? When do you rehearse, and what music does the choir sing? I am unfamiliar with Trinity Church is Asbury Park. Thank you, June Tipton Organist/Choir Director St. Matthias Church, Hamilton, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Diane D. Caruso" To: "Diocese of New Jersey Forum" Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:19:34 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [NJ Forum] Children's Cassocks needed - black Dear friends, Trinity, Asbury Park's Chorister Program is growing, and we're trying to keep up! We draw mostly from the communities of Asbury Park and Neptune, and serve a group of children without many resources. We saw a huge leap in numbers this year, and I need to find vestments for them all, without overtaxing our already stretched budget. Does your church have any black cassocks hiding away in a closet somewhere that you are not using and would be willing to donate to us? All sizes appreciated, but we have a number of second and third graders that have joined this year, and I'm at the end of my supply of smaller sizes, especially. For more information about the Choristers, visit http://trinitynj.com/5chorister.html . Thank you all so much for any leads or help you can give us! Sincerely, Diane Caruso -- Diane D. Caruso Director of Music Trinity Church 503 Asbury Avenue Asbury Park, NJ 07712 732-775-5084 www.trinitynj.com _______________________________________________ You received this email because you are subscribed to the Diocese of New Jersey Forum mailing list, Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org See http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum From norbavon at yahoo.com Fri Jun 19 08:45:23 2009 From: norbavon at yahoo.com (Norb Timpko) Date: Fri Jun 19 08:45:31 2009 Subject: [DioNJ Forum] What is the Church's Position Message-ID: <124452.11111.qm@web59202.mail.re1.yahoo.com> Hello, I'm a first time poster. I've been looking for somewhere to ask this question and found this list and it seemed that it might be the right place. I am a member of an Episcopal Church in New Jersey. At an adult Sunday School Class a few weeks back a question came up from one of the parishoners. What happens to those people that do not believe in Jesus? I cannot direct quote the answers, but my summary would be this: Priest: The Bible is not definite on this topic. It is a matter for discussion. Deacon: I would more worry about those with no faith at all. People with any type of faith or religion are probably ok. I am a reader of the Bible, as that is the entire basis of my family attending church on Sundays. I felt that the Bible was very clear on this subject. Jesus, Paul, and Peter, for example, answered this question very directly. Do the opinions of our Church leadership represent the teachings of the Episcopal Church? What is the Church's teaching on this question? Regards, Bob T. From DBJoslin871 at aol.com Fri Jun 19 12:56:18 2009 From: DBJoslin871 at aol.com (DBJoslin871@aol.com) Date: Fri Jun 19 12:56:41 2009 Subject: [DioNJ Forum] What is the Church's Position Message-ID: Hello, I will try to give you an answer that is faithful to the Bible (that is the whole scriptures bearing in mind the channel markers of interpretation given by the creeds and tradition of Bible scholars down through the centuries). First it is clear that Jesus Christ, the incarnation of the divine Logos and agent of the Father is the savior of the world. That said several things are to be kept in mind. First, as Christians our mandate is more in the area of sharing the good news than in making harsh judgements about others. As some have put it our job is in sales not accounting. Billy Graham has also said something about ultimately only God knows the depths of our hearts and what decisions are to be made about us. Secondly, in the Bible there are references that suggest that the sphere of salvation that is centered and based on Christ may extend beyond the visible markers that we humans can see. The first chapter of John is one such passage. The "Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world," suggests this as do some of the remarks by St. Paul about those who have not had the opportunity to really hear the Gospel. In the Bible there are also references to people outside the covenant who love God in their own way. The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are addressed to Theophilus, presumably a gentile non Christian God Lover, (Theophilus means God Lover). There are other references to like people scattered throughout the Bible. One way of thinking about this has been put this way, those who respond to the light that they have (possibly very dim or refracted in unusual ways by very different cultures or circumstances) are indeed saying yes to God in a way that God may see while we do not. In C.S Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan says something about accepting the offerings of sincere people at other altars. In other words Christ is the means of salvation but sincere persons responding to the light that they have may be saying yes to God in Christ in an intensely holy way. Thirdly, there are people who believe that, yes Christ is the way, the truth and the life but that in terms of mission strategy in particular circumstances the Christian witness may be more effectively made by witnessing to the love of God in Christ and not appearing to be judgmental toward others. We live in a pluralistic society where we have to interact with Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, etc. etc. If our speech is perceived as "judgmental" and inquisition like, we are easily caricatured and dismissed. There is a special case in regard to Jewish people in the light of the holocaust and centuries of terrible persecution and forced conversions. If you read Romans carefully as well as other parts of the New Testament one has to deal with at least the possibility that faithful Jews are already part of God's covenant. That fact plus the fact that our language, unintentionally can conjure up fears of inquisitions and terrible bigotry. Using tact and discretion in our language is not heresy but faithful witnessing to the blessed Lord Jesus in a way that shows forth the Divine Light. I understand the concern that sometimes people may seem to dilute our conviction that Christ is the Savior. And yes, I am sure that you can find those whose statements may reflect loose thinking and the silly things we sometimes say when we speak off the cuff. But I also want to witness to you that there are sincere, orthodox, Christians who take the Bible with utmost seriousness who believe we need to show humility as well as quiet certainty in giving witness to the hope that is in us. I hope this is helpful to you as you seek to love Christ more dearly and serve him more nearly. In a message dated 6/19/2009 8:45:59 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, norbavon@yahoo.com writes: Hello, I'm a first time poster. I've been looking for somewhere to ask this question and found this list and it seemed that it might be the right place. I am a member of an Episcopal Church in New Jersey. At an adult Sunday School Class a few weeks back a question came up from one of the parishioners. What happens to those people that do not believe in Jesus? I cannot direct quote the answers, but my summary would be this: Priest: The Bible is not definite on this topic. It is a matter for discussion. Deacon: I would more worry about those with no faith at all. People with any type of faith or religion are probably ok. I am a reader of the Bible, as that is the entire basis of my family attending church on Sundays. I felt that the Bible was very clear on this subject. Jesus, Paul, and Peter, for example, answered this question very directly. Do the opinions of our Church leadership represent the teachings of the Episcopal Church? What is the Church's teaching on this question? Regards, Bob T. _______________________________________________ You received this email because you are subscribed to the Diocese of New Jersey Forum mailing list, Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org See http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum From JoeParrish at compuserve.com Sat Jun 20 13:53:47 2009 From: JoeParrish at compuserve.com (Joe Parrish) Date: Sat Jun 20 13:53:57 2009 Subject: [DioNJ Forum] YouTube notable site - the shift Message-ID: <8EEB3E1F878E4F2B8A1CE552737F30F8@YOUR264F1833C5> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U From norbavon at yahoo.com Sat Jun 20 18:34:04 2009 From: norbavon at yahoo.com (R. N. Timpko) Date: Sat Jun 20 18:34:11 2009 Subject: [DioNJ Forum] What is the Church's Position Message-ID: <337155.17547.qm@web59208.mail.re1.yahoo.com> Thank you for your answer. I appreciate knowing the Episcopal Church's view on this issue. I research many sources, including reading the original, to help form my own opinion on the matter. Another CS Lewis situation that I first read as a child is from "The Last Battle". The young man had been a soldier in the enemy's army, but Aslan told him something like no good could be done in the name of the bad guy. So that person was allowed to "accept" Aslan at the end and continue on to "Heaven." It's an interpretation that gives much to think about. I cannot say that I agree completely with your thoughts on judgement, as I have no problem with judgement. The Bible is full of judgement, and too much today we shy away from it in order to not offend anyone or scare anyone away. IMHO the problem is that too much judgement is done without the accompanying love that is absolutely necessary. When exercised without love, it can easily fall into the categories that you describe. If we could follow the example of the Lord and truly love and serve those that we feel compelled to teach, then I do not believe that it would be the issue that it is today. Thank you for your time and I really appreciate your response, Bob T. --- On Fri, 6/19/09, DBJoslin871@aol.com wrote: > From: DBJoslin871@aol.com > Subject: Re: [DioNJ Forum] What is the Church's Position > To: forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org > Date: Friday, June 19, 2009, 12:56 PM > Hello, > > I will try to give you an answer that is faithful to the > Bible (that is the > whole scriptures bearing in mind the channel markers of > interpretation > given by? the creeds and tradition of Bible scholars > down through the > centuries). > > First it is clear that Jesus Christ, the incarnation of the > divine Logos? > and agent of the Father is the savior of the world. That > said several things > are? to be kept in mind. > > First, as Christians our mandate is more in the area of > sharing the good? > news than in making harsh judgements about others. As some > have put it our > job? is in sales not accounting. Billy Graham has also > said something about? > ultimately only God knows the depths of our hearts and what > decisions are to > be? made about us. > > Secondly, in the Bible there are references that suggest > that? the? sphere > of salvation that is centered and based on Christ may > extend beyond? the > visible markers that we humans can see. The first chapter > of John is? one such > passage. The "Light that lighteth every man that cometh > into the? world," > suggests this as do some of the remarks by St. Paul about > those who? have not > had the opportunity to really hear the Gospel. In the Bible > there are? also > references to people outside the covenant who love God in > their own way.? > The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are > addressed to Theophilus,? > presumably a gentile non Christian God Lover, (Theophilus > means God? Lover). > There are other references to like people scattered > throughout the? Bible. > > One way of thinking about this has been put this way, those > who respond to? > the light that they have (possibly very dim or refracted in > unusual ways by > very? different cultures or circumstances) are indeed > saying yes to God in > a way that? God may see while we do not. In C.S > Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, > and the? Wardrobe, Aslan says something about > accepting the offerings of > sincere people? at other altars. In other words Christ > is the means of > salvation but sincere? persons responding to the light > that they have may be saying > yes to God in? Christ in an intensely holy way. > > Thirdly, there are people who believe that, yes Christ is > the way, the? > truth and the life but that in terms of mission strategy in > particular? > circumstances the Christian witness may be more effectively > made by witnessing? to > the love of God in Christ and not appearing to be > judgmental toward? others. > We live in a pluralistic society where we have to interact > with Jews,? > Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, etc. etc. If our speech is > perceived as? > "judgmental" and inquisition like, we are easily > caricatured and dismissed.? There is > a special case in regard to Jewish people in the light of > the holocaust? > and centuries of terrible persecution and forced > conversions.? If you read? > Romans carefully as well as other parts of the New > Testament one has to deal? > with at least the possibility that faithful Jews are > already part of God's? > covenant. That fact plus the fact that our language, > unintentionally can > conjure? up fears of inquisitions and terrible > bigotry. Using tact and > discretion in our? language is not heresy but faithful > witnessing to the blessed > Lord Jesus in a? way that shows forth the Divine > Light. > > I understand the concern that sometimes people may seem to > dilute our? > conviction that Christ is the Savior. And yes, I am sure > that you can find those > whose statements may reflect loose thinking and the silly > things we > sometimes? say when we speak off the cuff. > > But I also want to witness to you that there are sincere, > orthodox,? > Christians who take the Bible with utmost seriousness who > believe we need to? show > humility as well as quiet certainty in giving witness to > the hope that is? > in us. > > > I hope this is helpful to you as you seek to love Christ > more dearly and? > serve him more nearly. > > > > In a message dated 6/19/2009 8:45:59 A.M. Eastern Daylight > Time,? > norbavon@yahoo.com > writes: > > > Hello, > > I'm a first time poster.? I've been looking for? > somewhere to ask this > question and found this list and it seemed that it > might? be the right place. > > I am a member of an Episcopal Church in New? Jersey. > > At an adult Sunday School Class a few weeks back a > question? came up from > one of the parishioners.? > > What happens to those? people that do not believe in > Jesus? > > I cannot direct quote the answers,? but my summary > would be this: > > Priest: The Bible is not definite on this? > topic.? It is a matter for > discussion. > > Deacon: I would more worry? about those with no faith > at all.? People with > any type of faith or? religion are probably ok. > > I am a reader of the Bible, as that is the? entire > basis of my family > attending church on Sundays.? I felt that the? > Bible was very clear on this > subject.? Jesus, Paul, and Peter, for? example, > answered this question very > directly. > > Do the opinions of our? Church leadership represent > the teachings of the > Episcopal Church?? What? is the Church's teaching > on this question? > > Regards, > Bob? T. > _______________________________________________ > You received this? email because you are subscribed to > the Diocese of New > Jersey Forum mailing? list, > Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org > See? http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum > > > _______________________________________________ > You received this email because you are subscribed to the > Diocese of New Jersey Forum mailing list, > Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org > See http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum > From DBJoslin871 at aol.com Sat Jun 20 20:27:50 2009 From: DBJoslin871 at aol.com (DBJoslin871@aol.com) Date: Sat Jun 20 20:28:18 2009 Subject: [DioNJ Forum] What is the Church's Position Message-ID: Thanks for the reply. I didn't mean to dismiss judgement (especially when it is part of divine love) my point was meant more to fit the current situation of soundbite communication in which the first 3 syllables of what you say is all that is heard and if the person or persons to whom you are talking are already talking have a caricature into which they are jamming Christianity you may wisely decide to pace your communication. Often when a bishop of church leader says something in a public forum that soundbite can be badly misused out of context. In any event I admire your concern. In a message dated 6/20/2009 6:34:41 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, norbavon@yahoo.com writes: Thank you for your answer. I appreciate knowing the Episcopal Church's view on this issue. I research many sources, including reading the original, to help form my own opinion on the matter. Another CS Lewis situation that I first read as a child is from "The Last Battle". The young man had been a soldier in the enemy's army, but Aslan told him something like no good could be done in the name of the bad guy. So that person was allowed to "accept" Aslan at the end and continue on to "Heaven." It's an interpretation that gives much to think about. I cannot say that I agree completely with your thoughts on judgement, as I have no problem with judgement. The Bible is full of judgement, and too much today we shy away from it in order to not offend anyone or scare anyone away. IMHO the problem is that too much judgement is done without the accompanying love that is absolutely necessary. When exercised without love, it can easily fall into the categories that you describe. If we could follow the example of the Lord and truly love and serve those that we feel compelled to teach, then I do not believe that it would be the issue that it is today. Thank you for your time and I really appreciate your response, Bob T. --- On Fri, 6/19/09, DBJoslin871@aol.com wrote: > From: DBJoslin871@aol.com > Subject: Re: [DioNJ Forum] What is the Church's Position > To: forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org > Date: Friday, June 19, 2009, 12:56 PM > Hello, > > I will try to give you an answer that is faithful to the > Bible (that is the > whole scriptures bearing in mind the channel markers of > interpretation > given by the creeds and tradition of Bible scholars > down through the > centuries). > > First it is clear that Jesus Christ, the incarnation of the > divine Logos > and agent of the Father is the savior of the world. That > said several things > are to be kept in mind. > > First, as Christians our mandate is more in the area of > sharing the good > news than in making harsh judgements about others. As some > have put it our > job is in sales not accounting. Billy Graham has also > said something about > ultimately only God knows the depths of our hearts and what > decisions are to > be made about us. > > Secondly, in the Bible there are references that suggest > that the sphere > of salvation that is centered and based on Christ may > extend beyond the > visible markers that we humans can see. The first chapter > of John is one such > passage. The "Light that lighteth every man that cometh > into the world," > suggests this as do some of the remarks by St. Paul about > those who have not > had the opportunity to really hear the Gospel. In the Bible > there are also > references to people outside the covenant who love God in > their own way. > The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are > addressed to Theophilus, > presumably a gentile non Christian God Lover, (Theophilus > means God Lover). > There are other references to like people scattered > throughout the Bible. > > One way of thinking about this has been put this way, those > who respond to > the light that they have (possibly very dim or refracted in > unusual ways by > very different cultures or circumstances) are indeed > saying yes to God in > a way that God may see while we do not. In C.S > Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, > and the Wardrobe, Aslan says something about > accepting the offerings of > sincere people at other altars. In other words Christ > is the means of > salvation but sincere persons responding to the light > that they have may be saying > yes to God in Christ in an intensely holy way. > > Thirdly, there are people who believe that, yes Christ is > the way, the > truth and the life but that in terms of mission strategy in > particular > circumstances the Christian witness may be more effectively > made by witnessing to > the love of God in Christ and not appearing to be > judgmental toward others. > We live in a pluralistic society where we have to interact > with Jews, > Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, etc. etc. If our speech is > perceived as > "judgmental" and inquisition like, we are easily > caricatured and dismissed. There is > a special case in regard to Jewish people in the light of > the holocaust > and centuries of terrible persecution and forced > conversions. If you read > Romans carefully as well as other parts of the New > Testament one has to deal > with at least the possibility that faithful Jews are > already part of God's > covenant. That fact plus the fact that our language, > unintentionally can > conjure up fears of inquisitions and terrible > bigotry. Using tact and > discretion in our language is not heresy but faithful > witnessing to the blessed > Lord Jesus in a way that shows forth the Divine > Light. > > I understand the concern that sometimes people may seem to > dilute our > conviction that Christ is the Savior. And yes, I am sure > that you can find those > whose statements may reflect loose thinking and the silly > things we > sometimes say when we speak off the cuff. > > But I also want to witness to you that there are sincere, > orthodox, > Christians who take the Bible with utmost seriousness who > believe we need to show > humility as well as quiet certainty in giving witness to > the hope that is > in us. > > > I hope this is helpful to you as you seek to love Christ > more dearly and > serve him more nearly. > > > > In a message dated 6/19/2009 8:45:59 A.M. Eastern Daylight > Time, > norbavon@yahoo.com > writes: > > > Hello, > > I'm a first time poster. I've been looking for > somewhere to ask this > question and found this list and it seemed that it > might be the right place. > > I am a member of an Episcopal Church in New Jersey. > > At an adult Sunday School Class a few weeks back a > question came up from > one of the parishioners. > > What happens to those people that do not believe in > Jesus? > > I cannot direct quote the answers, but my summary > would be this: > > Priest: The Bible is not definite on this > topic. It is a matter for > discussion. > > Deacon: I would more worry about those with no faith > at all. People with > any type of faith or religion are probably ok. > > I am a reader of the Bible, as that is the entire > basis of my family > attending church on Sundays. I felt that the > Bible was very clear on this > subject. Jesus, Paul, and Peter, for example, > answered this question very > directly. > > Do the opinions of our Church leadership represent > the teachings of the > Episcopal Church? What is the Church's teaching > on this question? > > Regards, > Bob T. > _______________________________________________ > You received this email because you are subscribed to > the Diocese of New > Jersey Forum mailing list, > Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org > See http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum > > > _______________________________________________ > You received this email because you are subscribed to the > Diocese of New Jersey Forum mailing list, > Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org > See http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum > _______________________________________________ You received this email because you are subscribed to the Diocese of New Jersey Forum mailing list, Forum@mail.newjersey.anglican.org See http://newjersey.anglican.org/mailman/listinfo/forum From bezilla at rci.rutgers.edu Thu Jun 25 13:43:44 2009 From: bezilla at rci.rutgers.edu (Gregory Bezilla, Episcopal Chaplain at Rutgers) Date: Thu Jun 25 13:43:52 2009 Subject: [DioNJ Forum] NPR story: Episcopal parish responds to the economic crisis Message-ID: Visit this link for an inspiring story about St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Ridgewood, NJ: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105870172 The Reverend Gregory Bezilla, Chaplain The Episcopal Campus Ministry at Rutgers Canterbury House 5 Mine St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1111 E-mail: bezilla@rci.rutgers.edu Web: http://episcopal.rutgers.edu Facebook: http://rutgers.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2327143316 Phone: 732-932-1278