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Our Mission:
Join us in following Jesus Christ
with bold acts of
justice, peace, and love.
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Our Vision:
A world transformed,
where all creation knows
God’s life-changing love.
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Download this printable PDF with highlights from The VOICE Online to share with visitors, and with parishioners who are not online.
Includes a one-page calendar for diocesan events November 4-December 19.
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Come, connect, and share at Convention
Convention is more than an annual gathering. It's an opportunity to share our stories, learn from one another, and bring the fullness of who we are as the body of Christ. Bishop Hughes invites everyone—not just deputies—to be part of the gathering.
(Time: 4:06 | Read the transcript.)
| | | Note: Guest registration is required by 12 noon Friday, Nov. 6; we cannot accommodate walk-ins. Click here and open the "Registration for Guests" tab for the registration form. | |
152nd Annual Diocesan Convention | | Watch your inboxes next Wednesday, Nov. 11 for a special pre-Convention issue of The VOICE Online. | | |
Convention Corner: It's time!
By Donna Caputo
Getting ready for Convention? We’ve got you covered! From parking and check-in to voting support and helpful tips for navigating the hotel, here’s everything you need to know to make your Convention experience smooth, enjoyable, and full of connection and fellowship.
Read the article.
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If you're attending the Saturday morning Convention Eucharist...
Clergy vesting: Clergy are invited to vest and process for the Eucharist (cassock, surplice, and green stole; alb and green stole, if they do not have a cassock and surplice). The Arrangements Committee will set up a space for vesting.
Church banners: Congregations are invited to bring your church banners AND stands and place them on the perimeter of the ballroom, as a symbol of the unity of the diocese and to make our space feel more like a worship space.
UTO In-Gathering: Congregations, please remember to bring your UTO offering to be presented during the Convention Eucharist at the UTO In-Gathering.
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Your gifts, our future
The work of our diocese belongs to all of us. Serving on a governing body or commission is a way to share your gifts, contribute your perspective, and help guide the direction of our common life.
We know everyone has full lives. But when we each offer a little of what we can, we accomplish so much together.
Will you consider standing for election at Diocesan Convention? We're particularly seeking candidates for Diocesan Council.
Click here for more detailed information about open seats and the Nominations form. Nominations close 12 noon this Friday, Nov. 6.
See also videos about Diocesan Bodies Explained and the Value of Service.
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Other Convention deadlines
FRI, NOV 6, 12 NOON
TUE, NOV 10, 5 PM
FRI, NOV 13, 12 NOON
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Blankets and blessings
By The Rev. Deacon Deborah Rucki Drake
A parishioner’s gift of handmade blankets brings warmth, love, and a beautiful spirit of collaboration between St. Peter’s, Essex Fells and Good Shepherd, Ringwood. Read the article.
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DIT Investment Returns
For the three months ending September 30, 2026, the DIT reported the following returns (before modest fees):
| | The most recent quarterly report can be found here. Members of the DIT board would be happy to meet with any existing or prospective investor. Questions should be directed to CFO Sam Reckford. | |
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2027 Annual Enrollment for active employees:
Oct. 14 – Nov. 6, 2026
Annual Enrollment is the once-a-year opportunity for eligible clergy and lay employees to review options, enroll in or change medical or dental coverage, add or remove eligible dependents, and verify contact information (even if coverage is not changing). It’s also a good time to ask any questions about plan changes or about benefits.
See 2027 Benefits: Summaries, rates and how to apply.
| | Clergy ministry transitions | | |
The Rev. Philip Zoutendam
Departure: NOV 15
Priest-in-Charge at St. James', Ridgefield
Arrival: DEC 1
Associate Priest at Grace, Madison
| | News from the Wider Church | Updates on the 82nd General Convention | |
Presiding bishop and president of the House of Deputies outline vision for 82nd General Convention
Dear beloveds in Christ in The Episcopal Church,
As we prepare for the 82nd General Convention, we invite you to join us in shaping a gathering that reflects our shared responsibility for the life and mission of The Episcopal Church. Our theme, “Rising in Hope,” expresses the spirit we bring to this work and our confidence in what God is calling this church to become. Read the full letter.
Applications open for General Convention Official Youth Presence 2027
Episcopal teens ages 16 to 19 are invited to apply to become part of the 82nd General Convention’s Official Youth Presence, a group whose members have seat and voice in the House of Deputies and can testify at hearings before and during the summer 2027 convention. Application deadline: NOV 20. Find out more.
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| What are you doing with your leftover Halloween candy? | | | | | |
The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday
Next issue: WED, NOV 18
Submission deadline: THU, NOV 12, 10 AM
Note earlier deadline due to Convention
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