April 15, 2026

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Our Mission:

Join us in following Jesus Christ

with bold acts of

justice, peace, and love.

Our Vision:

A world transformed,

where all creation knows

God’s life-changing love.

Download this printable PDF with highlights from The VOICE Online to share with visitors, and with parishioners who are not online.

From the Bishop

The future of the church – and the world


What if Confirmation isn’t just about the church’s future, but the world’s? Bishop Hughes reflects on how young people’s faith offers hope for future leaders and decision-makers – and how engaging them in conversations about faith can renew our own faith right now. (Time: 4:38 | Read the transcript.)

Bishop Hughes: The future of the church - and the world

Features

Easter Sunday witness


The afternoon of Easter Sunday, a small group led by the Rev. Dr. Miguel Hernandez braved the chilly rain to minister to families waiting to visit loved ones detained at Delaney Hall in Newark.


Because it is often the family’s main wage earner who is detained, many of these families are struggling. The group distributed grocery store gift cards to help meet their needs.

In the news


Faith Leaders, Congregants Walk 10 Miles to Newark ICE Facility in Good Friday Pilgrimage

APR 4 | Essex Local


Uncertainty among immigrants about the future of TPS (video)

APR 14 | Telemundo 47

Diocesan Events

Time is running out: Don’t miss “Seasons of Generosity”

There are just a few days left to register for our upcoming in-person, hands-on legacy giving event, Seasons of Generosity: Finding Joy in Legacy: A Pathway to Faithful Sustainability. This inspiring half-day gathering is designed to help parishes take practical steps toward building and strengthening legacy giving programs, while also inviting individuals to reflect on their own lasting impact.


Have you ever wondered: Are planned gifts really worth it? What do we need to know from a legal standpoint? What exactly is an endowment, and how might we establish one in our parish? What are the most effective ways to invite parishioners into legacy giving, and where do we begin? These are just some of the important questions we’ll explore together.


Who should attend? Church leaders (lay and clergy) interested in establishing or enhancing legacy giving. The event is also well suited for anyone discerning their own charitable legacy and seeking practical guidance.


Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 1 PM at the Diocesan Center (94 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ) for a morning of learning, reflection, and practical next steps. Whether just getting started or looking to deepen an existing effort, you’ll leave with tools and insights to support long-term stewardship in your parish.


The cost is $25 and includes refreshments and a light lunch.

Registration deadline: Monday, April 20 at 5:00 PM.

Space is limited, so don’t wait!

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Hegg Awards

SUN, JUN 7 | 3 PM | St. Peter’s, Morristown


You are invited to join Bishop Hughes and the Commission on Aging for the 28th annual David P. Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Awards. This event begins with a reception at 3 PM, followed by the awards service.


The Hegg Awards are given annually to members of our diocese who are age 60+, a long-standing, active member of one of our congregations, and made or makes contributions to their congregation and/or the diocese.


The deadline to submit honoree information is: FRI, MAY 8, 5 PM.


To see a list of past Hegg recipients by parish, click here.

School for Ministry 2026-2027


The Diocese of Newark School for Ministry is launching its third year with training for lay people to become licensed Worship Leaders, Preachers, or Pastoral Leaders.

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Pastoral Leader Training

Twelve sessions: MAY 13, 2026 - MAY 15, 2027

Designed for lay people who are called to assist their clergy person in providing pastoral and spiritual leadership in their congregation. Includes Worship Leader and Preacher training.

Register and pay online by MON, MAY 4, 5 PM.

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Worship Leader Training

Two sessions: WED, MAY 20 & SAT, JUN 20, 2026

Enables a lay person to plan and lead public worship, focusing on Morning Prayer and Ante-Communion (the Liturgy of the Word).

Register and pay online by MON, MAY 4, 5 PM.

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Preacher Training

Six sessions: AUG 22, 2026 - FEB 20, 2027

Designed for lay people who are invited by their clergy person (or if no clergy, the Wardens and Vestry) to preach in public worship on an occasional or regular basis.

Register and pay online by FRI, AUG 3, 5 PM.

Sign up now!

2027 Pilgrimage to Iona with Bishop Hughes

MAY 29 - JUN 6, 2027

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The sacred isle of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, is the symbolic center of Scottish Christianity. Through 1400 years of history, it has been revered as a holy place and a center for pilgrimage.


Prices from £3,600 (approximately $4,860 USD). Prices are valid against increase for bookings made by May 31, 2026.


Click here to learn more, including the full itinerary and room options, and to reserve your spot.


You can also download this one-page flyer and four-page brochure to share with your parishes.

Evelyn Underhill Region: Breaking Bread with the Bishop

TUE, APR 28 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Grace, Madison


Members of the Evelyn Underhill Regional Ministry Network are invited to join Bishop Carlye Hughes for an evening of fellowship, conversation, and breaking bread. Please RSVP online by Friday, April 24.

Spring Wardens & Treasurers Meetings

THU, MAY 14 & MON, MAY 18 | 7-9 PM | The Diocesan Center


Wardens and Treasurers are invited to their final meeting of the ’26-’27 program year. In order to accommodate the number of attendees, we’ll host two meetings, both covering the same topic: Vestry responsibilities for property and related issues, with John Garde, President of the Trustees, as the primary presenter. Find out more and RSVP.


Community Events

Parish Events

Saturday Luncheon Social

Saturdays | 12-1 PM | St. John’s, Boonton

Stained Glass Window Tour

SUN, APR 19 | 1-3 PM | St. Mary's, Sparta

Arts at St. Bart’s presents Jeff Lake and Cellophane Flowers

SUN, APR 19 | 4-6 PM | St. Bartholomew’s, Ho-Ho-Kus

Ring Out for Earth and Rogation Day Resources

SUN, APR 19 - SUN, APR 26

LGBTQ+ Coffee Social

SAT, APR 25 | 4:30-6:30 PM | Van Gogh's Ear Cafe, Union

Organ Recital Series 2026

SUN, APR 26 | 4-5 PM | St. Stephen's, Millburn

Messiah’s Maker’s Market

SAT, MAY 2 | 1-5 PM | Messiah, Chester

Chamber Music Concert

SUN, MAY 3 | 4-5:15 PM | St. James, Upper Montclair

Chelsea Chen Organ Concert

SUN, MAY 3 | 4 PM | Christ Church, Short Hills

Faith and Film Series

WED, MAY 6 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Holy Communion, Norwood

Prayers for our Nation

WED, MAY 13 | 7-7:30 PM | Holy Communion, Norwood

Walking the Appalachian Trail in NJ Presentation

SAT, MAY 16 | 1-3 PM | St. Paul’s, Morris Plains

Love Unfolding: A service celebrating God’s Unending Love

SUN, MAY 17 | 5-6:30 PM | St. George’s, Maplewood

Healing Prayer

WED, MAY 20 | 7-7:30 PM | Holy Communion, Norwood

Events at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

The Bishops’ Cup - Cross Roads' Annual Fundraiser


MON, JUN 15

9:30 AM - 5 PM
Copper Hill Country Club,
Ringoes, NJ

Wednesdays Away: Color & Calm

WED, MAY 6 | 9:30 AM - 3 PM


Opening Day at Cross Roads

SAT, MAY 16 | 9 AM - 12 PM


Open House at Cross Roads

SAT, MAY 23 | 10:30 AM

Register for summer camp now!

"Early Bird" and "Bring a Friend" discounts available.

Joint Cross Roads' summer staff

Make an impact. Live the adventure. Build community.

Diocesan Announcements

Last chance to register!

2026 Confirmation Services in May & June


Registration will remain open for each service until it reaches capacity or until this Friday, April 17, whichever comes first.


Visit the Confirmation page for more information and to register candidates for Confirmation, Reception, or to Reaffirm their Baptismal Vows. Questions? Please email Canon Wright.

Diocesan loan & scholarship opportunities

Snow Removal Relief Loans

To assist our churches with the enormous and unexpected cost of snow removal this winter, Bishop Hughes recommended and the Trustees approved this emergency loan program.


Gertrude Butts Scholarship - Application deadline: APR 17

Open to youth who are members of a parish in this diocese and demonstrate financial need.


George E. Rath Scholarship - Application Deadline: MAY 15

Open to children of canonically resident clergy.

Clergy ministry transitions

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Arrival JAN 27:

The Rev. Asa Coulson

Rector of Grace, Nutley

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Arrival FEB 21:

The Rev. Sharon Hausman

Transitional Assistant Priest

at St. James, Upper Montclair

See all transitions in 2026

Job listings

Children & Youth Minister

10-12 hrs/week

St. Stephen's, Millburn

Center Coordinator

Part-Time

North Porch Women & Infants’ Centers

News from The Episcopal Church

Easter message 2026 from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe

APR 4 | Office of Public Affairs


Read it here; available in both English and Spanish.

Applications open for Episcopal Church 2026–2027 educational scholarships


The Episcopal Church offers a variety of educational scholarships. All applicants must be Episcopalians. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 15. Find out more.

Spanish prayer vigil

TUE, APR 21 | 7PM | Zoom


All are invited to attend a churchwide Spanish prayer vigil hosted by the Latino Ministries office. The evening vigil on Zoom offers a chance to pray with our migrant siblings and stand in solidarity with our Latino neighbors. English interpretation will be available.

Speakers: Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and Bishop-elect Miguelina Howell of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts (formerly of the Diocese of Newark).


To get the Zoom link, register here.

April Poll Results

The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday

Next issue: WED, APR 29

Submission deadline: FRI, APR 24, 10 AM

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