Bishop Hughes goes to Washington | |
This week Bishop Hughes is in Washington, D.C. with Bishops United Against Gun Violence for a gathering of advocates working against the twin epidemics of gun violence and racism. She writes:
“It was a gift to join Bishop Beckwith to visit the offices of Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congressman Tom Kean (R-NJ). We met with staffers who listened with great interest to our requests for assistance with legislation to reduce gun violence. They were also grateful to hear of the church’s desire to help with conversation across differences. The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations was a great support as we prepared for these meetings.
“One thing I heard over and over today from those working here is the important impact of letters and calls to elected officials. As one person said, ‘do not be discouraged, sometimes winning change takes a long time, but it is worth the effort to keep pressing for it.’”
Bishop Mark Beckwith, retired 10th Bishop of Newark, is one of the co-founders of BUAGV.
Photos by David Smedley
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Youth Minister "Get Acquainted" Summit
THU, MAY 18 | 7-9 PM
This event is open to people in the diocese who are actively leading a youth ministry for grades 6-12 whether they are vocational or volunteer (also known as Youth Ministers, Youth Pastors, etc). Meeting over dinner and dessert, this will be a time for RMN collaboration and connection, as well as development ideas for future Diocesan Youth Commission programming. Find out more and register online.
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Worship Leader Training
TUE, MAY 30, Jun 6, JUN 13 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom
TUE, JUN 27 | 7-8:30 PM | In-person at Grace, Nutley
Training for congregation members to plan and lead the Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayer) and Ante-Communion (the Liturgy of the Word). This four-session training is required to be licensed as a Worship Leader. This may be especially helpful for churches currently without clergy. Find out more and register online.
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Registration now open for the
Juneteenth Pilgrimage with Bishop Hughes
SAT, JUN 17 & MON, JUN 19 | 9 AM
You are invited to join Bishop Hughes on one of two half-day pilgrimages to sites in our diocese with a history linked to slavery. Both pilgrimages will follow the same itinerary of sites in Bergen County. Find out more and download the updated flyer.
Register online by 5 PM on Friday, June 9.
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Happening at Our Churches
& Associated Organizations
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In the news: Christ Church, Hackensack's DIY organ project | |
Check out our new Learning Center
Whatever your leadership or volunteer role in your church, this is the place on the diocesan website to find support for your ministry, from brief tutorials to written materials to full recordings of online workshops. Upcoming learning events are also included.
Check it out at dioceseofnewark.org/learning-center (also found under "For Congregations & Clergy" in the main menu).
We are still collecting and posting existing resources and are also planning new resources to add. If you have suggestions for resources that would help you and your church, please email them to Nina Nicholson.
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Resources for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Building Faith, a ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary, has shared a list of resources to help parishes amplify AANHPI voices in American and church history this month and throughout the year. Find out more.
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First BCEF call of 2023
The Bishop’s Church Emergency Fund (BCEF) provides financial support for church buildings in the diocese needing repairs and renovation, usually with a special focus on emergency and unforeseen needs. Through the BCEF, you can support the critical needs identified by the Bishop.
The first BCEF call of 2023 is for a stove exhaust hood for St. Anthony of Padua in Hackensack. Read more.
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Hegg Awards on hiatus until 2024
The David Paul Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Awards will not be awarded in 2023. Senior Ministries decided to have a one-year hiatus during which we are reevaluating the awards. Please be assured that we remain committed to recognizing all those whose ministries further the work of the Church. Our plan is to hold the awards again in June 2024.
Peace,
Scott Bennett
Chair, Senior Ministries, Diocese of Newark
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Episcopal House holiday closings this summer
MON, MAY 29 - Memorial Day
MON, JUN 19 - Juneteenth
TUE, JUL 4 - Independence Day
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Complete coverage of the 2023 Confirmation season
Congratulations to the 121 people who were Confirmed, the 13 who were Received, and the 25 who were Reaffirmed during the 2023 Confirmation season. That's a total of 159 new or reaffirmed Episcopalians in the Diocese of Newark – 11 more than last year!
Group photos from the Confirmation services are below – click on the photo to go to the live stream of that service.
April 18 at Church of the Saviour, Denville:
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April 22 at St. Peter's, Essex Fells: | |
April 25 at Calvary, Summit: | |
April 30 at St. Luke's, Montclair (no video available): | May 6 at St. Michael's, Wayne: | May 9 at St. Paul's, Chatham: | |
May 13 at Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral, Newark: | |
Cross Roads is the ecumenical camp and retreat center of our diocese and the NJ Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Register for summer camp
Summer 2023 Theme: Holy Trinity - Wholly Love
Cross Roads is the ultimate destination for children looking for an exciting and enriching summer experience. We offer a range of fun activities such as hiking, swimming, and sports, as well as opportunities for spiritual growth through small group discussions, and engaging activities. With experienced and caring staff, Cross Roads ensures that every child feels welcome, safe, and supported as they make new friends and create unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on the chance to join the Cross Roads community this summer! Learn more.
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Now hiring! Apply for summer staff
Cross Roads is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our summer leadership team! As a summer staff member, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children, while gaining valuable leadership and teamwork skills. You will work alongside experienced and supportive mentors, and participate in staff training that will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a safe, fun, and memorable summer experience for all campers. Whether you are interested in teaching outdoor skills, leading worship, or organizing games and activities, there is a role for you at Cross Roads. Apply today to be part of our dynamic and rewarding summer staff community! Learn more.
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Opening day
SAT, MAY 20
Join us for “Opening Day at Cross Roads,” 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. There will be projects for all skill levels. If you have special skills or tools (chainsaws, leaf blowers, etc.) please bring them with you! Learn more.
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Bishops’ Cup Annual Golf Outing
MON, JUN 12
Grab your clubs, friends, and bogeys! Join us on June 12 at Copper Hill Country Club for our annual Bishops’ Cup Golf Outing. Bishop Hughes will be attending the reception. This event is a huge help in supporting the life-giving and life-changing impact that children and families get at Cross Roads. Learn more.
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Happening in the Wider Church | |
As Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s term winds down, committee calls for nominees to succeed him
[Episcopal News Service] The committee tasked with producing a slate of candidates for The Episcopal Church’s next presiding bishop issued a call for nominations on May 15 based on what it identified as the central challenges facing the church in the coming decade: the need to foster evangelism, discipleship and formation while responding to a changing world filled with environmental crises, violence, war, inequality and division. Read more.
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It's All About Love:
A Festival for the Jesus Movement
SUN, JUL 9 - WED, JUL 12 | Baltimore Convention Center
Across the church and around the world, we are hungry for revival and renewal. Join us for “It’s All About Love,” a churchwide festival of worship, learning, community, and action for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.
“It’s All About Love” features three Jesus Movement festival “tents” – Evangelism, Creation Care, and Racial Reconciliation. Featured speakers, preachers, and artists to include Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris, and more!
Register by June 1 for Early Bird rate of $185. Find out more and register online.
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While on vacation, do you like to visit other Episcopal Churches? | | | |
The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday.
Next issue: WED, MAY 31
Submission deadline: FRI, May 26, 10 AM
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