A Lenten practice that will give us peace
Bishop Hughes suggests a simple Lenten practice, based on Jesus' actions in Mark 1:31, that is particularly suited to the times in which we're currently living. (Time: 4:17 | Read the transcript.)
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Black History Month book recommendations
For Black History Month here are five book recommendations, for both youth and adults, from Bishop Hughes and her staff. Read more.
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Public celebration of the Feast of Absalom Jones
SUN, FEB 11 | 3 PM
Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral, Newark
Celebrant: Bishop Hughes.
Guest Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson, Rector of Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights.
In-person and live streamed. Find out more.
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Photos wanted of Black History Month observances
We would love to see photo of how parishes are observing Black History Month!
Email Nina Nicholson for information on how to submit your photo and caption, and you may see it on the diocesan Facebook page or Instagram feed some time this month.
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Diocesan Events - Register Now! | |
Upcoming training
Candidates standing for office at the Annual Diocesan Convention, and all clergy, must complete anti-racism and anti-sexism training.
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Anti-Racism Dialogues
SAT, FEB 24, MAR 2 & MAR 9 | 9 AM - 12:30 PM | Zoom
Register online by 5 PM on Friday, Feb. 16.
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Anti-Sexism Training
SAT, MAR 2 | 8:30 AM - 3 PM | Grace, Madison
Register online by 5 PM on Monday, Feb. 26.
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Confirmation services
Of the six Confirmation services being held this April & May, two have already reached maximum capacity. Registration for each of the four remaining services will close automatically once its maximum number of Candidates is reached, or on March 1, whichever comes first.
Clergy and Wardens - to see the open services and register your parish's candidates, visit the Confirmation webpage.
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Confirmation retreats
Youth candidates are encouraged to attend the Confirmation Retreat, and adult candidates are invited to dinner and conversation with Bishop Hughes. Information is below.
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Pre-Confirmation dinner and conversation with the Bishop (adult candidates)
TUE, MAR 19 | 7 PM | St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood
Register & pay online by 5 PM on Friday, March 15.
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Confirmation retreat for youth candidates
FRI, MAR 22, 7 PM - SAT, MAR 23, 3 PM Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center
Register & pay online by 5 PM on Monday, March 18.
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General Convention Summer Trip
SAT, JUN 22 - FRI, JUN 28
The Youth Commission is excited to open Registration for the 2024 Diocese of Newark Summer Youth Trip, for youth in grades 8-12!
This year youth will be traveling to Louisville, KY during the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. While there, youth will get to see some of the workings of our denomination, connect with other youth from across the Episcopal Church, meet with our Bishop, take part in spiritual formation, participate in justice activities/missions... and of course there will be lots of fun and food included. Find out more and register online.
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Happening at Our Congregations | |
Serving God and country
Among the 1,500 members of the New Jersey National Guard who were deployed to the Middle East last month was the Rev. Aaron Oliver, Priest-in-Residence at St. Gregory's, Parsippany. Fr. Aaron, a Guardsman with the 44th Infantry Brigade, will be serving in Operation Inherent Resolve, which supports the international war against ISIS in Iraq, Libya and Syria. Read more.
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Screening of "Slavery in the Age of Revolution" with conversation to follow
SAT, FEB 10 | 3 PM | St. Peter's, Morristown
Prepare for a Holy Lent Series with Fr. Jim Warnke
THU, FEB 15, 22, 29 & MAR 7, 14, 21 | 7 PM | Zoom
Offered by St. Mark's, Teaneck; Christ Church, Hackensack; and St. John the Divine, Hasbrouck Heights.
Lenten Retreat
SAT, FEB 17 | 9 AM - 3PM | Calvary, Summit
A Talk about George Washington
SUN, FEB 18 | 11:30 AM | St. Michael's, Wayne
Registration For Free ESL Classes
THU, FEB 29 | 6:30 PM | St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange
The Philadelphia Eleven Film Screening
SUN, MAR 10 | 5 PM | All Saints, Hoboken
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Justice webinar: Affordable housing in New Jersey
This webinar, presented by the Diocese of Newark’s Commission for Justice and Peace on Jan 26, includes a brief history of the journey to dismantle the exclusionary practices that have limited housing opportunities; the recent activities that have overcome the challenges; and the current and important legislation that is before our legislature that that will have a major impact on the creation of affordable housing for the next ten years. Click here for the webinar video and downloadable resources.
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The diocese will turn 150 in November – join in a year-long celebration!
By Nerissa Boccino & Jerry Racioppi
On November 12, 2024, the Diocese will turn 150 years old having previously been a part of the Diocese of New Jersey. Bishop Hughes has started a Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee which has been meeting since December. Read more to find out some of their initial plans!
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Clergy ministry transitions
See all clergy ministry transitions in 2023 and 2024.
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Departures
JAN 7 - The Rev. Asa Coulson
Associate Rector at Grace, Madison
FEB 11 - The Rev. Elizabeth Ivell
Associate Rector at St. Peter's, Morristown
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Arrivals
JAN 15 - The Rev. Asa Coulson
Priest-in-Charge at Grace, Nutley
FEB 22 - The Rev. Elizabeth Ivell
Priest-in-Charge at the Ministry Team of St. Mary's Sparta and Messiah Chester
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Youth deputies leading us into the future!
Did you know that youth can vote at Convention? Article II of the Diocesan Constitution provides for representation of one youth Deputy and one youth alternate over the age of 14 to have full voice and vote at Convention. The Regional Ministry Networks should work to elect these youth to serve. Giving youth a voice is so important not just for their own faith journey but also for our diocese. Read more.
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Volunteer opportunities at Convention
The Arrangements Committee is looking for talented people to help at the Convention. Read more for some examples of what we are currently looking for. Please share the details with your congregations - we never know who feels God is calling them to greater things.
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Convention reference information
Convention webpage: dioceseofnewark.org/convention
Contacts
Dates & deadlines
- 275 days until the 150th Convention!
- Arrangement Committee Volunteer sign up: FEB 29
- 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 date for Guests: OCT 18
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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. | |
Upcoming events at Cross Roads
Middle and High School Retreat (grades 6-12)
FRI, MAR 8 - SUN, MAR 10
Attendees are guaranteed to have a wonderful weekend filled with activities, worship, and laughter. Cost: $95.
Wednesdays Away
WED, FEB 14
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.
Opening Day
SAT, MAY 18 | 9 AM - 1 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! The event includes a free lunch.
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Happening in the Wider Church | |
Episcopal Relief & Development Lenten Meditations
Episcopal Relief & Development invites you to subscribe to their daily Lenten meditation emails, written by Miguel Escobar, on living an authentic life as followers of Christ. Click here to subscribe.
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This year, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentines Day. Will you give up chocolate for Lent? | | | |
The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday
Next issue: WED, FEB 21
Submission deadline: FRI, FEB 16, 10 AM
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