Tuesday May 20, 2014
Dear Friends,
At last the weather is proclaiming the hope of spring and summer - at least for the moment! It is a good time to look ahead to upcoming events here at Mercer School.
On Saturday, June 14 our next Safe Church training is scheduled to take place here in Garden City. Registration will be opening online. In addition, we are planning to have another Racism Awareness Program workshop during the upcoming summer season.
Further out, there are already ten formation workshops and retreats scheduled for the summer and the next academic year. These will take place at Mercer School, at Little Portion Friary, or at Camp DeWolfe as indicated. Consider any or all of these for yourself or others in your parish:
Saturday, July 12, 2014 - Day of Prayer for Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Lay Eucharistic Visitors at Little Portion Friary;
Saturday, October 4, 2014 - Sunday School Symposium at Mercer School of Theology, sponsored by Youth Ministries and the Parish Resource Center;
Friday-Sunday, October 10-12, 2014 - A Retreat for Young Adults (ages 18-35) at Little Portion Friary, sponsored by Young Adult Ministries;
Saturday, January 10, 2015 - Engaging Today's Youth: A Workshop for Children's Ministers and Youth Ministers at Camp DeWolfe;
Friday-Saturday, February 6-7, 2015 - Listening to God, a retreat for adults at Camp DeWolfe;
Saturday-Monday, February 14-16, 2015 - High School Retreat at Camp DeWolfe;
Saturday, March 21, 2015 - Lectors/Readers Day of Prayer at Camp DeWolfe;
Saturday, April 18, 2015 - Choosing Confirmation and Sunday School Curriculum for Your Parish, at the Mercer School of Theology, sponsored by Youth Ministries;
Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - Parish Administrators Appreciation Day at the Mercer School of Theology;
Saturday, May 16, 2015 - 3rd Annual Faith Formation Convocation of the Diocese of Long Island at the Mercer School of Theology.
These ten events are the work of the Faith Formation Team convened by the Canon for Formation's office. I am extraordinarily grateful for their commitment and creativity. Online registration for these events will be made available over the next several weeks. In addition, stay tuned for word later this summer about Safe Church trainings over the next academic year at Garden City at Nassau County, as well as in Suffolk, Kings and Queens counties.
We will also be announcing events for Clergy Continuing Formation, as well as short theology courses scheduled throughout the year.
Blessings,
John P. McGinty+
Canon for Formation
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Monday, May 5, 2014
Faith Formation 2014 Convocation Thank You
Dear Friends,
Warm and sincere thanks to all who participated in the Diocese of Long Island's 2nd annual Faith Formation Convocation. As I said Saturday in beginning the day, in the church when you have done something more than once it becomes a tradition. And so it is!
James DeWolf Perry, executive director of the Tracing Center, provided us a profoundly engaging and thought-provoking address and discussion on the issues of race, racism, division among us, that we have carried - and do carry - as a people for our entire national history. The voices of participants of various races from around the world confirmed that we humans divide ourselves from one another all too easily. I think everyone agreed that this conversation should continue among us here in the diocese.
I hope as well that we have begun to realize that our formation in faith is more than the learning we do as children, more than our necessary engagement with the church's teachings on Scripture, the nature of God, the person of Christ, or our understanding of the church. Faith formation actively and earnestly invites us to allow our identity as disciples of Christ to interact powerfully with every aspect of what it means to live a human life. Among these, as we discovered or redicovered on Saturday, are questions of race. To rule out anything from engagement with our faith is to weaken both our faith and our experience of living life.
We were graced as well with marvelous workshop presenters from near and far. Purposefully we began to pay more attention to questions of spirituality - both its expression and its strengthening. We are enormously grateful to our presenters, to our exhibitors, to our volunteers, to the great staff of Mercer School, and to the members of our Faith Formation Team.
Be sure to check out our online calendar often through the Mercer School website (www.mercerschool.org) to see what trouble we'll be making next.
Wishing you all the blessings of this Easter season,
John McGinty+
Canon for Formation
Warm and sincere thanks to all who participated in the Diocese of Long Island's 2nd annual Faith Formation Convocation. As I said Saturday in beginning the day, in the church when you have done something more than once it becomes a tradition. And so it is!
James DeWolf Perry, executive director of the Tracing Center, provided us a profoundly engaging and thought-provoking address and discussion on the issues of race, racism, division among us, that we have carried - and do carry - as a people for our entire national history. The voices of participants of various races from around the world confirmed that we humans divide ourselves from one another all too easily. I think everyone agreed that this conversation should continue among us here in the diocese.
I hope as well that we have begun to realize that our formation in faith is more than the learning we do as children, more than our necessary engagement with the church's teachings on Scripture, the nature of God, the person of Christ, or our understanding of the church. Faith formation actively and earnestly invites us to allow our identity as disciples of Christ to interact powerfully with every aspect of what it means to live a human life. Among these, as we discovered or redicovered on Saturday, are questions of race. To rule out anything from engagement with our faith is to weaken both our faith and our experience of living life.
We were graced as well with marvelous workshop presenters from near and far. Purposefully we began to pay more attention to questions of spirituality - both its expression and its strengthening. We are enormously grateful to our presenters, to our exhibitors, to our volunteers, to the great staff of Mercer School, and to the members of our Faith Formation Team.
Be sure to check out our online calendar often through the Mercer School website (www.mercerschool.org) to see what trouble we'll be making next.
Wishing you all the blessings of this Easter season,
John McGinty+
Canon for Formation
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Faith Formation 2014 Around the Corner
May 1, 2014
Dear Friends,
Christ is risen, alleluia!
Let the celebration of God's triumph over sin and death continue!
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2nd annual Faith Formation Convocation of the Diocese of Long Island at Mercer School of Theology in Garden City NY this Saturday, May 3rd. If you missed online registration, call the Mercer School office today at 516.248.4800, extension 140.
Director of the Tracing Center on the Histories and Legacies of Slavery, James DeWolf Perry's opening address will be Let Us Be Repairers of the Breach: Addressing the Legacy of Race and Building Beloved Community. There will follow a day of amazing workshops, exhibitors, and time to connect with colleagues and friends old and new. Register now as space is limited!
We have some great workshops set up as well.
Convocation participants are invited to choose among the following excellent workshops:
Have you signed up yet? A few hours remain. Join us this Saturday for an enriching and joyful day.
Joy to you from your friends at Mercer School of Theology!
John McGinty+
Canon for Formation
Diocese of Long Island
New York
Dear Friends,
Christ is risen, alleluia!
Let the celebration of God's triumph over sin and death continue!
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2nd annual Faith Formation Convocation of the Diocese of Long Island at Mercer School of Theology in Garden City NY this Saturday, May 3rd. If you missed online registration, call the Mercer School office today at 516.248.4800, extension 140.
Director of the Tracing Center on the Histories and Legacies of Slavery, James DeWolf Perry's opening address will be Let Us Be Repairers of the Breach: Addressing the Legacy of Race and Building Beloved Community. There will follow a day of amazing workshops, exhibitors, and time to connect with colleagues and friends old and new. Register now as space is limited!
We have some great workshops set up as well.
Convocation participants are invited to choose among the following excellent workshops:
- Making Spiritual Growth Our Top Priority, and
- Discerning the Shape of the Liturgy for Alternative Services,
given by the Reverend Jay Sidebotham, Director of RenewalWorls, a new ministry of Forward Movement.
- Sweet Conversations: Practicing the Ministry of Presence,
given by Denise Tangney, a Christian contemplative and a leader in The Guild for Spiritual Guidance. Her work with the the Graymore Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Institute promotes Christian unity and interreligious dialogue in North America.
- An Introduction to Godly Play,
given by Melinda Bradley of Christ Church, Oyster Bay. Know more about Godly Play and how your children can experience it in your parish.
- Guided Meditation: Making a Space for God to Find You,
given by Brother Mark D'Alessio, SSF of Little Portion Friary, Mt Sinai NY
- Building Beloved Community in Multicultural Contexts: a panel conversation with diverse leaders, moderated by the Reverend Canon Stephanie Spellers of the Diocese of Long Island
- Smells Like Teen Spirit: Stories and Strategies to Keep Youth Connected,
given by Kristen Ochtera of the Cathedral of the Incarnation staff, Garden City NY
- EfM: Education for Ministry & New Programs,
given by Karen Meridith, Executive Director of Education for Ministry
- Creating a Retreat for Your Parish,
given by the Reverend Kassinda Ellis, Priest-in-Charge at Saint Paul's Church. Roosevelt NY
- LGBTQ Spirituality, given by Brother Mark D'Alessio of Little Portion Friary, Mt Sinai NY
- Strategies for Becoming a Missional Church, presented by the Reverend Canon Stephanie Spellers of the Diocese of Long Island
- Using Our Faith as a Tool in the Fight for Immigration Justice in our Parishes and Communities, given by Ravi Ragbir of the New Sanctuary Coalition - NYC
There will be two workshop sessions presented.
And finally, a number of fine exhibitors will be available in the Mercer corridors to talk with participants and to offer quality books and information. Make sure to visit these fine exhibitors in the corridor between the Mercer Library and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
And finally, a number of fine exhibitors will be available in the Mercer corridors to talk with participants and to offer quality books and information. Make sure to visit these fine exhibitors in the corridor between the Mercer Library and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
Camp DeWolfe, Wading River NY
Twenty-Third Publications, serving the Church for more than 40 years
Have you signed up yet? A few hours remain. Join us this Saturday for an enriching and joyful day.
John McGinty+
Canon for Formation
Diocese of Long Island
New York
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
May 3 Faith Formation Event - Last Word!
May 1, 2014
Dear Friends,
Christ is risen, alleluia!
Let the celebration of God's triumph over sin and death continue!
Firstly, registration is available online through today (April 30th) for the 2nd annual Faith Formation Convocation in Garden City this Saturday, May 3. Navigate to this web address and register now: http://tinyurl.com/FFCLI2014
Director of the Tracing Center on the Histories and Legacies of Slavery, James DeWolf Perry's opening address will be Let Us Be Repairers of the Breach: Addressing the Legacy of Race and Building Beloved Community. There will follow a day of amazing workshops, exhibitors, and time to connect with colleagues and friends old and new. Register now as space is limited!
We have some great workshops set up as well.
Convocation participants are invited to choose among the following excellent workshops:
Have you signed up yet? A few hours remain. Join us this Saturday for an enriching and joyful day.
Joy to you from your friends at Mercer School of Theology!
John McGinty+
Canon for Formation
Diocese of Long Island
New York
Dear Friends,
Christ is risen, alleluia!
Let the celebration of God's triumph over sin and death continue!
Firstly, registration is available online through today (April 30th) for the 2nd annual Faith Formation Convocation in Garden City this Saturday, May 3. Navigate to this web address and register now: http://tinyurl.com/FFCLI2014
Director of the Tracing Center on the Histories and Legacies of Slavery, James DeWolf Perry's opening address will be Let Us Be Repairers of the Breach: Addressing the Legacy of Race and Building Beloved Community. There will follow a day of amazing workshops, exhibitors, and time to connect with colleagues and friends old and new. Register now as space is limited!
We have some great workshops set up as well.
Convocation participants are invited to choose among the following excellent workshops:
- Making Spiritual Growth Our Top Priority, and
- Discerning the Shape of the Liturgy for Alternative Services,
given by the Reverend Jay Sidebotham, Director of RenewalWorls, a new ministry of Forward Movement.
- Sweet Conversations: Practicing the Ministry of Presence,
given by Denise Tangney, a Christian contemplative and a leader in The Guild for Spiritual Guidance. Her work with the the Graymore Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Institute promotes Christian unity and interreligious dialogue in North America.
- An Introduction to Godly Play,
given by Melinda Bradley of Christ Church, Oyster Bay. Know more about Godly Play and how your children can experience it in your parish.
- Guided Meditation: Making a Space for God to Find You,
given by Brother Mark D'Alessio, SSF of Little Portion Friary, Mt Sinai NY
- Building Beloved Community in Multicultural Contexts: a panel conversation with diverse leaders, moderated by the Reverend Canon Stephanie Spellers of the Diocese of Long Island
- Smells Like Teen Spirit: Stories and Strategies to Keep Youth Connected,
given by Kristen Ochtera of the Cathedral of the Incarnation staff, Garden City NY
- EfM: Education for Ministry & New Programs,
given by Karen Meridith, Executive Director of Education for Ministry
- Creating a Retreat for Your Parish,
given by the Reverend Kassinda Ellis, Priest-in-Charge at Saint Paul's Church. Roosevelt NY
- LGBTQ Spirituality, given by Brother Mark D'Alessio of Little Portion Friary, Mt Sinai NY
- Strategies for Becoming a Missional Church, presented by the Reverend Canon Stephanie Spellers of the Diocese of Long Island
- Using Our Faith as a Tool in the Fight for Immigration Justice in our Parishes and Communities, given by Ravi Ragbir of the New Sanctuary Coalition - NYC
There will be two workshop sessions presented.
And finally, a number of fine exhibitors will be available in the Mercer corridors to talk with participants and to offer quality books and information. Make sure to visit these fine exhibitors in the corridor between the Mercer Library and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
And finally, a number of fine exhibitors will be available in the Mercer corridors to talk with participants and to offer quality books and information. Make sure to visit these fine exhibitors in the corridor between the Mercer Library and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
Camp DeWolfe, Wading River NY
Twenty-Third Publications, serving the Church for more than 40 years
Have you signed up yet? A few hours remain. Join us this Saturday for an enriching and joyful day.
John McGinty+
Canon for Formation
Diocese of Long Island
New York
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Easter Tidings and an Ongoing Invitation for May 3
Dear Friends,
Firstly, registration is available online for the 2nd annual Faith Formation Convocation in Garden City on Saturday, May 3. Navigate to this web address and register now: http://tinyurl.com/FFCLI2014
Director of the Tracing Center on the Histories and Legacies of Slavery, James DeWolf Perry's opening address will be Let Us Be Repairers of the Breach: Addressing the Legacy of Race and Building Beloved Community. There will follow a day of amazing workshops, exhibitors, and time to connect with colleagues and friends old and new. Register now as space is limited!
Secondly, I am delighted to announce that Charles Egleston, Mercer School Librarian and Archivist of the Diocese of Long Island will move from part-time to full-time with us next Tuesday, April 15 at my invitation. Charles is a skilled and dedicated librarian and has considerably strengthened the Mercer Library while present here three days a week. Further, he has professionalized the administration of the Archives of the Diocese to an extraordinary degree. His bywords are: faithful progress. Charles will now be present here Tuesday through Saturday each week. I am very pleased to make this announcement.
If you have not done so recently, or perhaps ever, please do plan to visit Mercer Library during its new extended hours Tuesday through Saturday. Any member of a congregation of the Diocese can apply for a library card, research our holdings online, and borrow books for personal enrichment or for a course in progress. Do take advantage of this great resource.
Finally, but certainly not incidentally. warm and sincere wishes from the staff of Mercer School of Theology to all of our friends near and far for a continuing and ever-more-joyful celebration of the Lord's Resurrection throughout this season of Easter!
Wishing you Easter peace,
John McGinty+
Dean, Mercer School
Canon for Formation
Diocese of Long Island
Friday, April 11, 2014
Two Big (and One Small) Announcement(s) from Mercer School
Dear Friends,
Firstly, registration is available online for the 2nd annual Faith Formation Convocation in Garden City on Saturday, May 3. Navigate to this web address and register now: http://tinyurl.com/FFCLI2014
Director of the Tracing Center on the Histories and Legacies of Slavery, James DeWolf Perry's opening address will be Let Us Be Repairers of the Breach: Addressing the Legacy of Race and Building Beloved Community. There will follow a day of amazing workshops, exhibitors, and time to connect with colleagues and friends old and new. Register now as space is limited!
Secondly, I am delighted to announce that Charles Egleston, Mercer School Librarian and Archivist of the Diocese of Long Island will move from part-time to full-time with us next Tuesday, April 15 at my invitation. Charles is a skilled and dedicated librarian and has considerably strengthened the Mercer Library while present here three days a week. Further, he has professionalized the administration of the Archives of the Diocese to an extraordinary degree. His bywords are: faithful progress. Charles will now be present here Tuesday through Saturday each week. I am very pleased to make this announcement.
If you have not done so recently, or perhaps ever, please do plan to visit Mercer Library during its new extended hours Tuesday through Saturday. Any member of a congregation of the Diocese can apply for a library card, research our holdings online, and borrow books for personal enrichment or for a course in progress. Do take advantage of this great resource.
Thirdly, we enter together now into the mystery and depth of the celebrations of Holy Week. We here at Mercer School are joined with you in prayer and contemplation over these approaching holiest days. Do note that Mercer School offices will close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, April 16th and re-open on Wednesday, April 23rd at 9:00 am.
From the proper Preface for Holy Week . . .
For our sins Jesus Christ was lifted high
upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to
himself; and, by his suffering and death, he became the
source of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him.
Sincerely in Christ,
John P. McGinty+
Canon for Formation
Firstly, registration is available online for the 2nd annual Faith Formation Convocation in Garden City on Saturday, May 3. Navigate to this web address and register now: http://tinyurl.com/FFCLI2014
Director of the Tracing Center on the Histories and Legacies of Slavery, James DeWolf Perry's opening address will be Let Us Be Repairers of the Breach: Addressing the Legacy of Race and Building Beloved Community. There will follow a day of amazing workshops, exhibitors, and time to connect with colleagues and friends old and new. Register now as space is limited!
Secondly, I am delighted to announce that Charles Egleston, Mercer School Librarian and Archivist of the Diocese of Long Island will move from part-time to full-time with us next Tuesday, April 15 at my invitation. Charles is a skilled and dedicated librarian and has considerably strengthened the Mercer Library while present here three days a week. Further, he has professionalized the administration of the Archives of the Diocese to an extraordinary degree. His bywords are: faithful progress. Charles will now be present here Tuesday through Saturday each week. I am very pleased to make this announcement.
If you have not done so recently, or perhaps ever, please do plan to visit Mercer Library during its new extended hours Tuesday through Saturday. Any member of a congregation of the Diocese can apply for a library card, research our holdings online, and borrow books for personal enrichment or for a course in progress. Do take advantage of this great resource.
Thirdly, we enter together now into the mystery and depth of the celebrations of Holy Week. We here at Mercer School are joined with you in prayer and contemplation over these approaching holiest days. Do note that Mercer School offices will close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, April 16th and re-open on Wednesday, April 23rd at 9:00 am.
From the proper Preface for Holy Week . . .
For our sins Jesus Christ was lifted high
upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to
himself; and, by his suffering and death, he became the
source of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him.
Sincerely in Christ,
John P. McGinty+
Canon for Formation
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
A New Month: Looking Ahead
4th Week of Lent
April 1, 2014
Dear Friends,
Later today we will be sending out from Mercer our monthly email sharing upcoming events. Featured in the outgoing issue are ongoing Lenten season events, the next Safe Church training at Mercer, as well as registration information for the May 3 Faith Formation Convocation described below. Do share the news with three friends and colleagues, and lan to visit us soon.
The Diocese of Long Island's second annual Faith Formation Convocation is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd. Much more information will be coming soon, including posters about the event for our parish communities, and a finalized list of workshop presenters and themes.
The overall theme for this second gathering of those in our diocese who share the faith with children, deepen the faith with adults, and sustain the faith of all, will focus on the vital issues around race, racism, appreciating diversity and building up one community embracing us all.
Nationally and within the church we are often reticent to face issues around racial divisions head-on. Yet if we are to be truly one in Christ; if we are to be able to pass on one faith with one effective voice, we must talk together about race, racism, and diversity among us.
So, we are delighted to be able to welcome as our keynote speaker on May 3 the Executive Director of the Tracing Center on the Histories and Legacies of Slavery, James DeWolf Perry.
The Center expresses their mission in these few words:
Our mission is to educate the public about the history and legacy of race and other forms of discrimination, in order to change hearts and minds, foster dialogue, and encourage healing and justice.
To carry out that mission, the Center engages with corporations, municipalities, churches and non-profits to educate and to encourage dialogue. Traces of the Trade: a story from the deep north (http://www.tracesofthetrade.org/) is the Center's 2008 Emmy-nominated documentary film on the slave trade history of one family, the DeWolf family of Bristol, Rhode Island, and how that trade's effects reach from that one point in space and time to affect so many and so much. We will be screening the film at the Mercer Library during the week prior to the Convocation on May 3rd.
The title of James DeWolf Perry's opening address will be Let Us Be Repairers of the Breach: Addressing the Legacy of Race and Building Beloved Community.
You can learn more about the work of the Tracing Center at their website - www.tracingcenter.org.
I hope that a great number of faith formation workers in our diocese will plan to be here at Mercer on May 3rd. It will be a day to be remembered.
April 1, 2014
Dear Friends,
Later today we will be sending out from Mercer our monthly email sharing upcoming events. Featured in the outgoing issue are ongoing Lenten season events, the next Safe Church training at Mercer, as well as registration information for the May 3 Faith Formation Convocation described below. Do share the news with three friends and colleagues, and lan to visit us soon.
The Diocese of Long Island's second annual Faith Formation Convocation is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd. Much more information will be coming soon, including posters about the event for our parish communities, and a finalized list of workshop presenters and themes.
The overall theme for this second gathering of those in our diocese who share the faith with children, deepen the faith with adults, and sustain the faith of all, will focus on the vital issues around race, racism, appreciating diversity and building up one community embracing us all.
Nationally and within the church we are often reticent to face issues around racial divisions head-on. Yet if we are to be truly one in Christ; if we are to be able to pass on one faith with one effective voice, we must talk together about race, racism, and diversity among us.
So, we are delighted to be able to welcome as our keynote speaker on May 3 the Executive Director of the Tracing Center on the Histories and Legacies of Slavery, James DeWolf Perry.
The Center expresses their mission in these few words:
Our mission is to educate the public about the history and legacy of race and other forms of discrimination, in order to change hearts and minds, foster dialogue, and encourage healing and justice.
To carry out that mission, the Center engages with corporations, municipalities, churches and non-profits to educate and to encourage dialogue. Traces of the Trade: a story from the deep north (http://www.tracesofthetrade.org/) is the Center's 2008 Emmy-nominated documentary film on the slave trade history of one family, the DeWolf family of Bristol, Rhode Island, and how that trade's effects reach from that one point in space and time to affect so many and so much. We will be screening the film at the Mercer Library during the week prior to the Convocation on May 3rd.
The title of James DeWolf Perry's opening address will be Let Us Be Repairers of the Breach: Addressing the Legacy of Race and Building Beloved Community.
You can learn more about the work of the Tracing Center at their website - www.tracingcenter.org.
I hope that a great number of faith formation workers in our diocese will plan to be here at Mercer on May 3rd. It will be a day to be remembered.
Wishing you and yours all the blessings of this season,
John McGinty+
Mercer: providing space & time for worthwhile conversation
Canon for Formation
Diocese of Long Island
PS. If you are on Twitter, so are we @MercerTheology. Throughout Lent we are sharing a daily word intended to help us keep focused on the matter at hand: living in Christ together. Pax!
PS. If you are on Twitter, so are we @MercerTheology. Throughout Lent we are sharing a daily word intended to help us keep focused on the matter at hand: living in Christ together. Pax!
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