The 164 independent parishes, organized missions, and incorporated missions that make up the diocese are worthy of an entire publication to themselves. Below you’ll find examples of some of the ministries occurring within our churches. The parish profiles on this web site will give you another glimpse.
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Annual
Twilight Concerts
St George’s-by-the-River, Rumson, hosts these concerts
to raise funds that support the aids Resource Foundation for Children
programs in Monmouth County, a non-profit, community-based agency
providing services to children and adults coping with hiv/aids. The
concerts include performances by talented local artists followed by
a gala reception. Since 1997, nearly $100,000 has been raised.
Bradley
Food Pantry
St James’s
Church, Bradley Beach was one of the founding churches of the food
pantry in 1982. From the first, the goal has been to serve neighbors
in need with food for three days, “with kindness and respect
for the dignity of everyone who calls on us,” according to the
volunteer director. Open five days a week, 80 volunteers served nearly
14,000 people in 2000. The pantry has applied for Jubilee Center status.
Christ
Church Community Center
In Trenton, Cristo Rey (Christ Church) offers a host of programs,
including the Hispanic Senior Program (Los Viejitos Unidos), a food
bank, a learning center, and ASTEP (After-School Tutoring Enrichment
Program), an after-school program for teenagers, and an immigration
center. Volunteer tutors at ASTEP offer help with homework, reading
and writing in both Spanish and English, and educate children about
good citizenship. ASTEP is keeping children off the street, preventing
dropouts, helping stop youth violence, alcohol and drug use. Cristo
Rey is actively pursuing its vision and mission: “a new way
to be an inner-city church.”
Summer
Festival-Kermesse
Every June the parish of St Andrew Apostle and Martyr reaches
out to Camden families with origins in Cuba, Costa Rica, Dominica,
Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and Salvador, by hosting a full-day
block party with the foods, music and traditional dance of these countries.
Everyone in the community enjoys a full day of fellowship that helps
the parish raise funds and brings the people of the Camden community
together.
Trinity
Episcopal Academy
This 35-year-old day school, under the auspices of Trinity Cathedral,
is undergoing a renaissance. With growing support from across the
diocese and a stronger sense of its mission, the academy is providing
a high-quality education to a diverse urban student body. In addition
to solid academic instruction, there are weekly chapel services, instruction
in ethics, and community service opportunities for all students.
Camp
Faith
From mid-July to mid-August every year, the parishes of St Paul’s
and St Andrew’s in Camden sponsor this special Vacation Bible
School for inner-city children. Days begin with breakfast at St Paul’s,
followed by a Bible lesson and songs of praise and prayer, all woven
into the fabric of daily activity. On Wednesdays, Bible skits by the
children are a highlight, as are Friday field trips. In 2001, more
than 100 children registered. The teen staff is supervised by young
adult directors in their twenties. Parishes across the diocese support
Camp Faith, along with the Girls Friendly Society and other organizations.
Next: Connections with the national church, ecumenical activities