September 4, 2024

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From the Bishop

That September feeling


Bishop Hughes reflects on the back-to-school season as a time for a fresh start, drawing parallels to the desire for renewal in life and in church communities.


(Time: 4:01 | Read the transcript.)

Bishop Hughes: That September feeling

Breaking Barriers: Decades of Women Priests in the Church of England & The Episcopal Church

TOMORROW, SEP 5 | 1-2 PM | Online


In 2024, the Church of England celebrates 30 years of women priests and the Episcopal Church USA celebrates 50 years. Our own Bishop Carlye Hughes is one of six women clergy - three from each side of the pond - participating in this online panel discussion to reflect on the roads they’ve traveled and the journey ahead.


Click here to read more about the panelists and register for this free online event.

Diocesan Events

Diocese of Newark 150th Celebration – Soft Kick-Off Event – BBQ at Crossroads

SAT, SEP 21 | 10 AM - 4 PM | Cross Roads Camp

What are you doing on Saturday, September 21 from 10 AM to 4 PM? Join members of the Diocese of Newark Sesquicentennial Committee, the Diocesan Staff and Crossroad Camp and Retreat Center Staff members for a great day of fun and fellowship. The event is the first in a series of events planned for the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Newark. A festive BBQ is planned with activities including arts & crafts, bouncy house, swimming pool, kickball, volleyball, archery, hiking, high ropes, as well as tours of the Cross Roads' Facilities.


Find out more.

Cost:

$20 / person, $60 max for families - kids age 5 and under are FREE!


Registration:

Register & pay online by next Monday, September 9

Church leaders: Please download and share the event flyer and bulletin inserts with your congregations.

Also, making their official debut at the 150th Kick-Off BBQ - and available for purchase there - will be our 150th Anniversary T-shirts, tote bags, caps and water bottles!


T-shirts: $15 each (available sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

Tote Bags: $35 each

Caps (tan & black): $20 each

Water bottles: $20 each

It's Pledge Campaign Season: Don't miss out!

Free Webinar: Campaign Strategies for 2024 Stewardship Campaigns

THU, SEP 12 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom

It's that time of year! Time to make sure all the pieces of your congregation's annual pledge campaign are in place. To help you and others in your church leadership, we are offering a FREE WEBINAR, Campaign Strategies for 2024 Stewardship Campaigns. Brought to you through our diocesan partnership with TENS.org, this webinar will help to hone your campaign skills and prepare your congregation for a joyful, successful, impactful fundraising effort. We’ll be covering common pitfalls and success tips to help your members make their best gifts. Register for this free webinar today.


Questions? Reach out to Cynthia McChesney, Missioner for Stewardship and Legacy Giving.

Anti-Racism Training with the Diocese of New Jersey

FRI, SEP 13, 20 & 27, OCT 4 & 11, NOV 8 | 7-9 PM | Online


Candidates standing for office at the Annual Diocesan Convention, and all clergy, must complete anti-racism and anti-sexism training. Workshops hosted by the Diocese of New Jersey fulfill our diocesan requirements. Find out more and register online.

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School for Ministry: Worship Leader Training

WED, SEP 25 | 7-9 PM | Zoom

SAT, OCT 26 | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM | In-person (location TBD)


This training will enable someone to plan and lead public worship. Training focuses on Morning Prayer and Ante-Communion (the Liturgy of the Word). Find out more and register online.

Convention information


Convention webpage: dioceseofnewark.org/convention


Contacts:



Deadlines:


Youth Convo at the 150th Convention

THU, NOV 7 - SAT, NOV 9


Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to join us for a unique experience at the 150th Convention, where they will enjoy food, fun and fellowship, and attend youth-only info sessions along with workshops and hearings.


Find out more and register online by Friday, Oct. 18.

Diocesan Announcements


CFO announces Diocese of Newark budget process for 2025

Funding requests for 2025 are due by Sept. 20, 2024.

Features

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Stewardship Matters: Walking the Walk!

By Cynthia McChesney


One of the "best practices" in pledge campaign planning is to take advantage of the power of a strong theme. A well-chosen stewardship theme can unify your messaging, make your materials more memorable, and amplify your impact, and with a little creativity, a strong theme can help get a congregation energized and excited in ways beyond a typical pledge campaign. Read more.

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Justice Ministry Spotlight: The Racial History Committee

By Melissa Bristol and the Rev. Willie Smith


The charge of the Racial History Committee is to gather, preserve, and explore the stories, experiences, perspectives, and complexities of race relations between and among Episcopalians in northern New Jersey, with a principal focus on the histories of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). Read more.

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Reading suggestions for conflicted times


We live in conflicted times and are entering the final stretch of a contentious election season. Here are some books suitable for this season gathered by Canon Clark and from suggestions around the diocese. See the list.

Happening at Our Congregations

In the News

Submit links to media coverage via email.


Morris County to Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Parsippany on September 8th

AUG 24 | TAPinto Parsippany


Grace Church in Nutley has a New Priest — Meet the Rev. Asa Coulson

SEP 1 | TAPinto Nutley

Community Events

Want to submit your church's public events to the Community Calendar? See the User Guide.


Monastery in Mendham

SAT, SEP 28 | 1-5 PM | Community of St. John Baptist, Mendham

The Convent will be open to the public for tours in celebration of their 150th Anniversary.

Job Listings

Submit job listings via email.


Office Administrator (full-time)

Calvary, Summit


Office Assistant (part-time)

St. Bartholomew’s, Ho-Ho-Kus


Parish Administrator (part-time)

Messiah, Chester

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Happening at Our Camp


Cross Roads is the ecumenical camp and retreat center of our diocese and the NJ Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

10th annual Rally for Cross Roads

OCT 5

Lace your sneakers for The Rally for Cross Roads: a powerful event dedicated to community support, unity, and positive change. Whether you're a passionate runner, a leisurely walker, or simply someone who wants to support a worthy cause, your presence and participation will make a world of difference. Rally your friends, family, and colleagues, and let's come together to champion the future of young campers at Cross Roads.


Fall Women’s Retreat

OCT 18-20

Discover the divine within at the Fall Women's Retreat, October 18-20 at Cross Roads! Immerse yourself in "The Feminine Face of God: Celebrating the Sacred Within," a transformative weekend designed for women seeking spiritual growth, deep connection, and inner peace.

Through inspiring sessions, meaningful discussions, and reflective practices, you'll explore the sacred feminine and celebrate the divine presence in your life. Join us for a retreat that promises renewal, empowerment, and community.


Wednesdays Away

OCT 2

Join us on October 2 for Wednesdays Away at Cross Roads, led by Laurie Matarazzo. In this reflective day retreat, "TURNING," we'll explore the natural shifts in our lives as the leaves turn and seasons change. Through guided sessions and personal reflection, discover where your own turning points lead you and how they shape your journey. Come embrace this time of transition and find new directions in the beauty of autumn.

August Poll Results

September Poll

How do you feel about Pumpkin Spice Season?
I love it - I want everything pumpkin spice!
I dread it - how on earth did this become a thing?
It's OK, but I don't really focus on it.

* The number responses for "I was in Paris" was surprising, and most were made anonymously, so take that into consideration, and remember that this is a fun poll, not a scientific one.

The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday

Next issue: WED, SEP 18

Submission deadline: FRI, SEP 13, 10 AM

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