August 26, 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.

Includes a one-page calendar for diocesan events August 26-October 10.

From Canon Clark

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The Age of Distraction


As summer gives way to a busy new season, Canon Margo Peckham Clark reflects on the distractions that pull us away from God — and invites us to consider what it means to find rest, peace, and quiet confidence in God.


Read the reflection.

Features

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Convention 2026: Building community through our Regional Ministry Networks

By John A. King


Convention is about connection, too. This year’s gathering will include dedicated time for clergy and lay leaders to share lunch, conversation, and ideas with others in their Regional Ministry Networks, strengthening relationships across the diocese. Read the article.

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Collaborating to support neighbors in need

By Leslie Boston


St. Mary’s, Sparta and Messiah, Chester, two congregations working together in a collaborative ministry model, combined a social event with a joint outreach project to benefit the wider community. Read the article.

September 11 Observances

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Parish observances


25th Anniversary of 9/11:

A Day of Remembrance Community Prayer Service

FRI, SEP 11 | 7 - 8 PM
St. Luke’s, Haworth


9/11 Remembrance Service

FRI, SEP 11| 7:30 - 8:30 PM

At St. Stephen's, Millburn with Christ Church, Short Hills


To add your parish's September 11 observance to this list in the September 9 issue of The VOICE Online, use this form to submit it as a Community Event.

September 11 liturgical resources


As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks approaches, the Commission on Liturgy and Music offers these resources for the use of parishes, communities, and individuals.

Diocesan Events

Bishop Hughes writes:


I hope you prayerfully consider joining me and others from across our diocese on this holy adventure. I know this trip will be a respite from the weariness so many of us carry after years of challenging times. It would be a blessing to share this time with you.


For more information and to register, please visit dioceseofnewark.org/iona-pilgrimage-2027. The deadline to lock in the current rate is August 31, 2026.

Breaking Bread with the Bishop: Florence Li Tim-Oi Region

TUE, SEP 15 | 6:30-8:30 PM | The Diocesan Center, Livingston

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Members of the Florence Li Tim-Oi Regional Ministry Network are invited to join Bishop Carlye Hughes for an evening of fellowship, conversation, and breaking bread.


Save the date! More information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Growing generosity:

Practical tools for this year's annual stewardship campaign

SAT, SEP 19 | 8:30-11 AM | The Diocesan Center, Livingston

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This one morning could change your pledge numbers.


Join us for Growing Generosity: Practical Tools for This Year's Annual Stewardship Campaign, an in-person workshop for anyone committed to strengthening generosity in their congregation: wardens, stewardship committees, and clergy alike.


Attendees will leave with practical tools for reaching more households, sparking bigger gifts, and even putting AI to work for your stewardship efforts.


This workshop is free; registration is required. Find out more and register online by 5 PM Tuesday, September 15.

Annual Diocesan Musicians’ Workshop

SAT, SEP 26 | 9 AM - 1 PM | St. George’s, Maplewood

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This year’s presenter, organ builder and technician, Jim Konzelman, answers the question: “What do you wish organists and music directors understood about the organ?” This event is open to all, but is geared toward organists and anyone who is responsible for overseeing the care and maintenance of an organ.


Find out more and register online.

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Anti-Sexism Training

SAT, SEP 26 | 9 AM - 4 PM

The Diocesan Center, Livingston


Find out more and register online.

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Anti-Racism Dialogues

SAT, OCT 17 | 8 AM - 4 PM | The Diocesan Center

TUE, OCT 27 | 6-9 PM | Zoom

Both sessions required for certification.


Find out more and register online.

Both Anti-Sexism Training and Anti-Racism Dialogues are required for all people serving in elected or appointed diocesan positions.

Clergy Events

All deadlines are at 5 PM on the date listed.


Fall 2026 Active Clergy Day

WED, SEP 16 | 9 AM - 2 PM | The Diocesan Center, Livingston

Registration Deadline: FRI, SEP 4


Black Clergy Women Retreat

THU, SEP 17 - SAT, SEP 19 | St. Marguerite’s Retreat House, Mendham

Registration Deadline: THU, SEP 3


2026 Clergy Conference

MON, OCT 12 - WED, OCT 14 | Minerals Hotel, Vernon Township

Registration Deadline: FRI, SEP 4

Community Events

Parish events

Saturday Luncheon Social

Saturdays | 12 - 1 PM

St. John’s, Boonton

Augustine of Hippo RMN – Patronal Service & Potluck

WED, AUG 26 | 6:30 PM

All Saints’, Glen Rock

NJ Greenfaith Covenant for Our Future

THU, AUG 27 | 10 AM - 5 PM

Abiding Presence Lutheran Church

Faith and Film Series

WED, SEP 2 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Holy Communion, Norwood

Prayers for our Nation

WED, SEP 9 | 7 - 7:30 PM

Holy Communion, Norwood

Second Friday Labyrinth & Healing Prayers

FRI, SEP 1 1| 4 - 7:30 PM

St. John’s, Montclair

Celebration of New Ministry: The Rev. Asa David Coulson

SAT, SEP 12 | 10 AM

Grace, Nutley

St. Peter’s Church Rummage & Collectibles Sale

SAT, SEP 12 | 9 AM - 2 PM & SUN, SEP 13| 12-3 PM

St. Peter’s, Mount Arlington

Harmony in the House: Live Jazz

SAT, SEP 12 | 4 - 6 PM

Hosted by Epiphany & Christ Church, Orange at the Diocesan Center

Healing Prayer

WED, SEP 16 | 7 - 7:30 PM

Holy Communion, Norwood

A Town-Wide Celebration of Pets in Verona

SUN, OCT 4 | 1 - 4 PM

Hosted by Holy Spirit, Verona in the Verona Town Hall Square

Events at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

Back to Camp: Alumni Weekend

FRI, OCT 2 - SUN, OCT 4


Rally for Cross Roads

SAT, OCT 3 | 10 AM - 12 PM


Women’s Retreat

FRI, OCT 9 - SUN, OCT 11


See all upcoming Cross Roads events.

Diocesan Announcements

Diocesan and state grant opportunities

Alleluia Fund grant applications accepted now through 12 noon September 15

Congregations and eligible ministry partners are invited to apply for grants of up to $15,000 to support outreach ministries that address needs in their communities and beyond. Learn more and apply.

NJ Nonprofit Security Grant Program accepting applications now through September 11

This program consists of two grant funding opportunities, one of which is up to $100K for "target hardening equipment" including items such as alarms, lighting, and fencing. Several of our churches have taken advantage of this grant program over the years.

Learn more and apply.

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Clergy ministry transitions


Departure SEP 6:
The Rev. Grant Mansfield

Rector

St. George's, Maplewood


See all clergy ministry transitions in 2026.

Diocesan office closings


Last "Summer Friday": The diocesan offices will close at 1 PM this Friday, August 28, then resume regular hours in September.


Labor Day Holiday: The diocesan offices will close Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

Job Listings

Our Churches


Organist and Music Director

Part-time

St. Mark’s, Teaneck


Sunday School Teacher & Digital Ministry Coordinator

Part-time

Parish Administrator

Part-time

Both at St. Dunstan’s, Succasunna

Ministry Partners


Center Coordinator

Part-time

North Porch Women & Infants’ Centers, Newark & Clifton


Minister of Music

Part-time

Church of the Holy Spirit, Lebanon (Diocese of New Jersey)

August Poll Results

The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday

Next issue: WED, SEP 9

Submission deadline: FRI, SEP 4, 10 AM

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