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How to fortify ourselves against the emotional toll of today's world
Bishop Hughes addresses the emotional toll of hate and injustice in today's world, acknowledging the pain many feel while emphasizing that responding to hate with hate leads to spiritual emptiness. Instead, she recommends three simple daily practices which will fortify us for the demanding ministry needed today.
(Time: 6:06 | Read the transcript.)
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Pride Resources from The Episcopal Church
In 2026, The Episcopal Church will celebrate the 50th anniversary of our church affirming that LGBTQ+ people have a full and equal claim to the love, acceptance, and pastoral care of the church. The journey to make that promise a reality continues today, as we remember the struggles, celebrate the joy, and give thanks for love and for lives that refuse to be erased.
Here are some offerings from The Episcopal Church to help individuals, congregations, and dioceses honor LGBTQ+ people during Pride month:
- On June 1, join a livestream service with Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe in the Episcopal Church Center chapel, during which he will bless all upcoming Episcopal Pride events and participants. The service will air at 6 PM ET on The Episcopal Church’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, with a recording available afterward.
- Find special resources, including a downloadable Pride shield (pictured above), customizable 30- and 60-second videos highlighting the church’s LGBTQ+ advocacy and support, social media graphics, and more. Check listings for available languages.
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Pentecost PRIDE Mass
SUN, JUN 8 | 6-8 PM | Grace, Nutley
The Episcopal Diocese of Newark LGBTQ+ Action Group / Taskforce invites members of the LGBTQ+ Community and allies throughout the diocese to a special service of Holy Eucharist with reception and fellowship to follow. Find out more.
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Pilgrims prepare
Last night, those who will accompany Bishop Hughes on the Pilgrimage to the American South June 18-22 gathered at Christ Church, Pompton - both in-person and online - to begin preparing themselves for their upcoming journey.
The diocese will be able to follow and pray along with the Pilgrims through online updates. More details will be shared in the June 11 issue of The VOICE Online.
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Strategic Vision update:
New Parish Communicators group
By Nina Nicholson
The development of this new Parish Communicators group is one of the initiatives in the Strategic Vision that will move us toward our goal of “placing communications and technology on an equal level to other areas of ministry and congregational life and offering opportunities for professional development in every congregation and faith community across the diocese.” Read more.
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ACTS/VIM surpasses $7.5 million in grants
By John A. King
For 45 years, the ACTS/VIM Fund has provided funding for many varied projects and ministries among our congregations and diocesan-wide initiatives. Read more.
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Confirmation Services
Our final two Confirmation Services of 2025 will be:
Click the links above for livestream information. Downloadable bulletins will be added closer to the services.
For the full schedule of upcoming Confirmation Services, as well as access to the photo albums and livestream recordings for the previous three services, please visit dioceseofnewark.org/confirmation.
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The Hegg Lifetime Achievement Awards
SUN, JUN 1 | 3 PM | Church of the Saviour, Denville - New location!
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You are invited to join Bishop Hughes and the Commission on Aging of the Diocese of Newark for the 27th annual David P. Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Awards. This event begins with a reception at 3 PM, followed by the awards service. Find out more.
The deadline to submit honorees has passed, and we are unable to accept more names.
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Parish Communicators Zoom Meeting
MON, JUN 2 | 6:30-8 PM
Everyone in the diocese responsible for parish communications is welcome to participate in meetings of the diocesan Parish Communicators group, formed for sharing resources, developing skills and mutual support. Find out more.
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Ring Unto the Lord: Handbells for the Choral Musician
SAT, JUN 14 | 10 AM - 3 PM | All Saints’, Millington
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This event with handbell expert and respected educator Kathy Ebling Shaw, sponsored by the Commission on Liturgy & Music, is for church musicians in leadership roles who may or may not have experience ringing handbells, but who direct, or desire to direct, a handbell choir as part of their ministry.
The cost of $25 per attendee includes lunch. Find out more, and register and pay online by June 9.
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Parish Events
Staying Connected and Protected – Government Imposter Scams & Your ID
THU, MAY 29 | 10:45-11:45 AM | Messiah, Chester
Messiaen’s “L’Ascension”
THU, MAY 29 | 6-7:15 PM | St. Peter’s, Morristown
Awesome Amble
SUN, JUN 1 | 11 AM | Evergreen Park in Green Township
Hosted by St. James’, Hackettstown
Red Cross training in CPR/AED
SAT, JUN 7 | 9 AM - 2 PM | St. Paul’s, Morris Plains
Brass Quintet Concert by Distilled Brass
SAT, JUN 7 | 7-9 PM | Trinity, Allendale
| | | Diocesan and parish communications win awards | | |
At the Episcopal Communicators Conference two weeks ago in Oklahoma City, the Communications Offices of both the diocese and of Christ Church, Short Hills received Polly Bond Awards for Excellence in Episcopal Communications.
Named after a founding member of Episcopal Communicators, these awards are given annually across a variety of categories.
Our new diocesan logo (upper right), a collaboration between diocesan Communications Director Nina Nicholson and graphic designer Libby Clarke of Christ Church, Short Hills, received a Polly Bond Award in the category of graphic design.
Chris Whitaker, Communications Director at Christ Church, Short Hills received three Polly Bond Awards in the categories of short-form video, digital newsletter, and layout. Chris was also elected to a three-year term on the Episcopal Communicators Board of Directors.
| | Looking for the May Poll results? | | |
Oops! We forgot to include our usual fun poll in the first May issue of The VOICE Online, so instead of poll results, here is a fun chart breaking down the names used by the churches in our diocese.
It turns out that more than 60% of our churches carry one of just 15 names, each of which is used by anywhere from two to eight churches. And, fully one third of our churches carry one of just five names: Christ, Grace, All Saints, St. John, or St. Peter. Now you see why we always ask you to give your church's name AND town!
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The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday
Next issue: WED, JUN 11
Submission deadline: FRI, JUN 6, 10 AM
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