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Faith in community, working in collaboration
It truly is a gift to be a member of the family of faith, says Bishop Hughes. We grow more deeply in our faith, and our faith expands because of the people that we work with on this faith journey. And likewise, parishes need each other, as we've learned during the pandemic. That is why our upcoming Convention will focus on seeking together the vision of God for our particular church at this particular time. (Time: 3:31.)
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Christmas is about unconditional love
This piece by Bishop Hughes appeared in The Star-Ledger on Christmas Day 2022.
The celebration of Christmas has the potential to change the world. On the other hand, it can also be a crushing disappointment.
Christmas can be filled with expectations, especially when we chase the perfect celebration with family and friends on their best behavior. Unmet expectations can lead us to miss the essential spirit of Christmas. But when we lower our expectations and remember what motivates us at Christmas, then the holiday takes on a deep and special significance. It is that significance that can change the world. Read more.
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Moving Forward with Jesus:
The Gospel, the Kingdom and Getting Unstuck
5 Tuesday evenings beginning JAN 17
A study group with Bishop Hughes and Canon Clark for churches without full-time clergy.
The registration deadline is 5 PM TODAY.
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Wardens' & Treasurers' Zoom meeting with the Bishop
Thu, Jan 19 2023, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
An email will be sent to all Church Wardens and Treasurers with sign-in instructions for this Zoom meeting.
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Epiphany Engagement Boost:
Tips to Build Participation
This Epiphany, why not shake things up with fresh approaches to parishioner engagement?
Epiphany, which falls January 6 to the beginning of Lent, can be an ideal time to offer parishioners ways to get more engaged in the church. Calendars are not so jam-packed. New Year's Resolutions still retain some power. For many, "bleak midwinter" stretches ahead. So why not take advantage of a time when people want more connection and have emptier calendars to increase the level of participation and engagement in the church? Read more.
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Departures:
DEC 31 - The Rev. Jim Petroccione
Rector, Holy Communion, Norwood
Arrivals:
JAN 1 - The Rev. Jim Petroccione
Priest-in-Charge, Church of the Saviour, Denville
JAN 1 - The Rev. Lorraine Harris
Priest-in-Charge, Epiphany & Christ Church, Orange
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Episcopal House closing:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
MON, JAN 16
Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. – From Holy Women, Holy Men
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The 149th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held Friday and Saturday, February 3 and 4, 2023 at the Hilton Meadowlands in East Rutherford. Convention will also be broadcast on the diocesan YouTube channel. | |
CFO's presentation of the preliminary 2023 budget | |
This presentation of the preliminary diocesan budget for 2023 was given by diocesan CFO Sam Reckford on December 14, 2022. (Time: 34:42.) | |
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PAST DUE
Registration/Certification of Deputies
Although the deadline has passed, we still need to hear from some churches about their attendance at Convention. If you have not submitted your forms, please do immediately.
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Due 12 NOON TOMORROW
"Working Together" photos & stories
For the 2023 Convention, we are seeking photos and stories of how churches partnered with other churches or organizations (of any faith tradition, or none) to do God's work in the world together.
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Due THU, JAN 19 - Discounted hotel reservations
The Hilton Meadowlands in East Rutherford has opened its portal for reservations for our room block for Convention weekend! Be sure to reserve your rooms now and lock in our special discount rate of $114 per night. Click the button below to reserve your room through the Hilton website, or call 1-800-HILTONS and use the special code EDN02A. Don't delay – book your room soon!
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Due FRI, JAN 27, 12 NOON - Late nominations for elected offices
Elections at this Convention will include selecting the four Lay and and four Clergy Deputies, plus alternates, to represent our diocese at the 81st General Convention being held in July 2024 in Louisville, KY.
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Happening at Our Churches | |
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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
Theme: Holy Trinity - Wholly Love
Summer 2023
Summer will be here before you know it. Cross Roads offers numerous summer camp programs for all ages. Register before February 1 to receive our Early Bird Discount! Learn more.
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Elementary Youth (Grades 3-5)
FEB 10-12
Youth Retreats at Cross Roads combine fun activities, Bible study, worship, delicious food, and time spent outside to create an awesome weekend for youth and their adult leaders. Learn more.
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Middle & High School (Grades 6-12)
MAR 10-12
Gather for an amazing weekend at Cross Roads. Whether a long-time summer camper or a first time participant, attendees are guaranteed to have a wonderful weekend filled with activities, worship, and laughter. Learn more.
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Happening in the Wider Church | |
Religious Life Sunday to shine spotlight on Episcopal communities, monastic orders | |
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On Jan. 22, the third Sunday after Epiphany, Episcopalians across the church will mark Religious Life Sunday for the first time.
Read about it in this Episcopal News Service article, and watch the invitation video at right from our own Sr. Monica Clare of the Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham.
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| Christmas is over, all 12 days of it - so tell us, is your Christmas tree still up? | | | |
Results of the Dec. 21 poll: | |
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The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday.
Next issue: WED, JAN 25
Submission deadline: FRI, JAN 20, 10 AM
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Follow the Episcopal Diocese of Newark at: | | | | |
