Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church
Beach Haven, Long Beach Island, NJ

October 21, 2011

Dear Friends in Christ,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I write to inform you that, after prayer and consultation with family, friends and advisors, I intend to resign the office of Bishop of New Jersey and retire in the fall of 2013.

Please be assured that no crisis or sudden deterioration in my health has driven me to this decision. By the grace of our God I plan to continue to serve as your Bishop for at least the next two years -that is, until I complete ten years in this ministry and reach the age of sixty-four. Since the process leading to the call and consecration of a new bishop usually takes eighteen to twenty-four months, I hereby call for the election of the Twelfth Bishop of New Jersey. Note that this call is for the election of a diocesan bishop to succeed me immediately upon her or his consecration and not for a coadjutor bishop.

I have informed our Presiding Bishop of these plans and the Standing Committee and I have recently consulted with the Rt Rev. F. Clayton Matthews, Bishop for Pastoral Development Guided by our Constitution and Canons and with such help and consultation as the Standing Committee may seek from the Office of Pastoral Development, we are beginning an orderly transition to a new chapter in the history of our Diocese under the care of a new chief shepherd. Information about next steps in the episcopal election process will soon be forthcoming from the Standing Committee.

My heart is filled with gratitude to God and to the Church for calling me to be your Bishop eight years ago. It has been both more challenging and more blessed than I could have ever imagined. I look forward to these next two years with you all as we love and follow Jesus Christ together and continue "Right Onward" in mission for His sake.

Lord, in your mercy, make New Jersey new. Amen.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell, D.O.

Bishop of New Jersey


LET YOUR MONEY  HELP US RAISE MONEY

AFFINITY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Holy Innocents is teaming up with TD Bank in an effort to create more funds for our parish!

If we have 50 Checking accounts can earn 1/2 of 1% and Savings Accounts or CDs contribute 1/4 of 1% based on the annual average balances of all participants. The minimum TD Bank will contribute to Holy Innocents is $500 annually as long as we achieve and maintain a 50 household participation!

We have a chance to raise hundreds of dollars effortlessly!

All you have to do is let TD Bank know that you want to register your accounts with the So please consider following Father Frank’s lead and enroll with TD Bank and Holy Innocents’ Affinity Membership Program! Just ask him, or anyone else in the Parish who's moved to TD, and let them tell you why they did it.

If you have any questions or already have a TD account and wish to sign-up today (just your name & address), please see Jeanne Cashel (609 492-3505, or email jcashel@comcast.net ~ or you may call TD directly at 492-8060 and tell them you want to have your accounts linked to the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Affinity Program!

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Affinity Program! New accounts and existing customers may enroll! Ask your family and friends to enroll! The church is not supplied any information...no names, no account numbers, no balances... just a count of enrollees! households participating we are eligible to receive an annual contribution to Holy Innocents based on the average balance of our members’ accounts which include Checking, Savings, Money Market, CDs, and Retirement!



Progress