May 1, 2024

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From the Bishop

Two things everyone can do to grow the church


If you want to grow the church, says Bishop Hughes, start by growing your own faith in fellowship with other faithful Christians, which will empower you to talk about faith with others who need to hear the good news that they are loved by God. (Time: 5:31 | Read the transcript.)

Two things everyone can do to grow the church

Diocesan Events

Diocese of Newark School for Ministry inaugural events

Learn more about the Diocese of Newark School for Ministry.

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Pastoral Leader training

WED, MAY 15 | 7 PM


Pastoral Leader training is for lay ministers who are called to assist their clergy in providing pastoral and spiritual leadership in their congregation. This training includes Worship Leader training and Preacher training so that they can step into those roles. Find out more, and register online by 5 PM on May 13.

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Worship Leader training

WED, MAY 15 | 7 PM


Worship Leader training will be held in two parts: on May 15 online and June 8 in person. 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 by 5 PM on May 13.

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Leadership Essentials for Vestries, Wardens & Treasurers

THU, MAY 9 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom


Zoom credentials have been emailed to Wardens, Vestry members and Treasurers. If you did not receive them, or have questions, please contact Chloe Caprice at ccaprice@dioceseofnewark.org.

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Confirmation services in May


  • SUN, MAY 5, 2 PM at Messiah, Chester
  • SAT, MAY 11, 10 AM at Calvary, Summit
  • TUE, MAY 14, 7 PM at St. Paul's, Englewood
  • SAT, MAY 18, 10 AM at Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark


All services will be live streamed on the diocesan YouTube channel and Facebook page. Find out more.

2024 Hegg Awards

SUN, JUN 9 | 3 PM | St. Peter's, Morristown


The Hegg Awards are given annually to members of our diocese who are:


  • Age 60+.
  • A long-standing, active member of your congregation.
  • Made or makes contributions to the congregation and/or the diocese.


Each church may honor up to two individuals.


Clergy and wardens should have received communications about this year's Hegg Awards from Randy Johnson, including the names of your church's past honorees.


Please submit information for your 2024 honorees no later than 5 PM Friday, May 24 using this online form.

May is AAPI Month

A reflection on AAPI Episcopal experience

By the Rev. Dr. Paul Rajan


I am Father Paul Rajan, originally from south India, but I have served as a missionary priest among the Pacific Island communities in New Zealand for a long time. So, I included myself in the AAPI list. How did the AAPI community get to this place and phase in history to celebrate this month? Read more.

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Suggested Asian American/Pacific Islander Authors


Church Publishing recommends these 10 books for AAPI month.

Happening at Our Congregations

Grace, Madison teen selected for General Convention Official Youth Presence

By Nina Nicholson

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Meredith McKeever is one busy 17-year-old. In the fall she plays on her school soccer team. In the winter she’s on the swimming team – and in the 2024-25 school year, her senior year, she’ll be team captain. In the spring, she runs track. At Grace Church in Madison, she sings soprano in the choir. And this June, she’ll be one of just 18 young people selected to have seat and voice at the 81st General Convention as part of the Official Youth Presence. Read more.

In the news

Send links to media coverage via email.

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Newark diocese’s leaders rally with advocates for homeless people as Supreme Court hears case outlawing camping on public property

APR 22, 2024 | Episcopal News Service


The Diocese of Newark’s bishop and archdeacon rallied alongside other advocates for homeless people on April 22 in the city’s Harriet Tubman Square. Read more.

Community events

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

Music & Worship Events


The Westside Chamber Players

FRI, MAY 3 | 7 PM | All Saints, Hoboken


Service of Evensong

SAT, MAY 4 | 5 PM | St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood


Choral Evensong

SUN, MAY 5 | 4 PM | Christ Church, Ridgewood


Hear My Prayer: A service of worship tracing salvation history through the music of Black composers

SUN, MAY 5 | 5 PM | St. George's, Maplewood, joined by Calvary, Summit and St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange


Ascension Day Evensong

THU, MAY 9 | 7:30 PM | All Saints', Millington

Other Community Events


Screening of "The Philadelphia Eleven"

SUN, MAY 5 | 12:15 PM | St. James, Upper Montclair


Arts at St. Bart's Wine Tasting

FRI, MAY 10 | 7 PM | St. Bartholomew's, Ho-Ho-Kus


End of Life Series - Spiritual: What Happens After Death?

MON, MAY 13 | 7 PM | Holy Spirit, Verona


Fabulous Fish or Chicken Fry **To-Go**

FRI, MAY 17 | 5:30-7 PM | Holy Spirit, Verona


Argyle Fish & Chips

THU, MAY 23 | 5:30-7PM | All Saints', Millington

Job listings

Submit job listings via email.


Director, International Seafarers’ Center (full-time) - Seamen’s Church Institute

Resources for Congregations

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Stewardship Webinar Series starts tomorrow


In partnership with The Episcopal Network for Stewardship www.TENS.org), we are excited to announce a brand new Stewardship Webinar series beginning this May. Sign up today and make sure to mark your calendar - you won't want to miss any of these! (Important: you must sign up to get the link - registration goes through Eventbrite).

Year-Round Stewardship Formation

THU, MAY 2 | 7-8:30 PM

 

Creating Budgets that Meet Ministry Goals

THU, MAY 16 | 7-8:30 PM

Time & Talent – the “other T’s” of Stewardship

THU, JUN 6 | 7-8:30 PM

 

Recruiting & Training a Stewardship Committee

THU, JUN 20 | 7-8:30 PM

Campaign Strategies for 2024 Stewardship Campaigns

THU, SEP 12 | 7-8:30 PM

Diocesan Announcements

Their ministry begins: Candidates who were Confirmed, Received or Reaffirmed in April


Candidates who were Confirmed or Received April 27 at St. David's, Kinnelon:

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Candidates who were Confirmed, Received or Reaffirmed April 30 at Trinity, Allendale:

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Clergy ministry transitions


Departures


  • APR 30 - The Rev. Sheelagh Clarke Priest-in-Residence, Holy Innocents, West Orange


See all clergy ministry transitions in 2024.

Convention Corner

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New Convention schedule this year


The 150th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held on November 8 and 9 of this year. While this is a departure from our familiar timing, it is a decision by the Bishop to better integrate the Convention with our program year. Accordingly, the timing of Convention announcements and registration also needs to be adjusted. While doing so, we are keeping in mind that the summer months will be a time of vacations and relaxation for many of us. Find out more.

Don't miss out on the 150th Convention Banner Parade!

Is your church's banner ready for the 150th Convention Banner Parade? Watch the video invitation, right. (Time: 1:58 | Read the transcript.)


If you need assistance preparing your church's banner (or acquiring a new one), contact Jane Jubilee at 973-430-9902 or jjubilee@dioceseofnewark.org.

Is your church's banner ready for the 150th Convention Banner Parade?

Convention reference information

Convention webpage: dioceseofnewark.org/convention


Contacts:


Dates & deadlines:


  • 191 days until the 150th Convention!
  • Registration deadline for Youth Convo: TBA
  • Nominations deadlines: SEP 13 (late Nominees NOV 1)
  • Registration dates for Deputations and all canonically resident Clergy: SEP 16, 12 NOON (forms to be sent May/June)
  • Hotel reservations deadline at group rate: OCT 8
  • Registration for Guests: OCT 18

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.

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Upcoming events at Cross Roads


Opening Day

SAT, MAY 18 | 9 AM – 3 PM

“Opening Day at Cross Roads” is a fun work-day event. Individuals, youth groups, families, and congregational groups are invited to come to camp to volunteer with a few projects as we get camp ready for the summer season. It will be a day of fun, fellowship, and giving back to camp. There will be projects for all skill levels. If you have special skills or tools (chainsaws, leaf blowers, etc.) please bring them with you! Work begins at 9 AM with a free lunch provided at noon. The day is expected to wrap up around 3 PM. Register online.


Wednesdays Away

JUN 5

A time of spiritual renewal hosted by Cross Roads throughout the year. Includes prayer and conversation led by a spiritual director and focusing on a different spiritual practice or theme each month. These retreats are open to all people interested in exploring new faith practices. Attend one or attend all — and be sure to invite friends to join you. Learn more and register online.


Open House

SAT, JUN 8

Come and visit Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center for one of their open houses this spring! Learn all about their summer and year-round opportunities. Take a tour of camp, hear stories about summer camp, ask questions of their staff, and finish with a delicious lunch in the dining hall. These are especially great opportunities for families interested in sending their children to camp for the first time (or attending Family Camp together) or for retreat leaders interested in one of our many buildings that are open year-round. These tours start at 10:30 AM from the Lodge and conclude after lunch at noon. Please register by the Monday before the date attending. Learn more and register online.


Bishop’s Cup

MON, JUN 24

Support Cross Roads’ ministry by raising money and playing golf at the annual Bishop’s Cup fundraiser, being held at the Copper Hill Country Club. You can participate by registering for the event or by becoming a sponsor! There are plenty of options and levels for sponsorship so there’s a path for everyone to support Cross Roads’ ministry. Learn more and register online.

May Poll

April showers bring May flowers. Which is your favorite spring bloom?
Azaleas
Cherry blossoms
Daffodils
Dogwoods
Forsythias
Magnolias
Tulips
It's too hard to choose - I love them all!

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