September 10, 2025

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The power of a spirit-to-spirit invitation

The most common reason people visit a church for the first time is someone invites them. But instead of “selling” church like a product, Bishop Hughes recommends we speak from our hearts and spirits about the peace, comfort, and joy we find in our faith. (Time: 4:13| Read the transcript.)

Christ Church, Short Hills’ Choir Residency at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh

By Cynthia McChesney

Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the most beautiful cities in the world – stone streets winding through the medieval Old Town, elegant Georgian squares in the New Town, and above it all, the dramatic rise of Edinburgh Castle. Against this skyline, another landmark soars: the 295-foot spire of St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, the tallest building in Edinburgh.

This July, under the direction of Dr. Andrew Moore, our 28-member Christ Church Choir had the honor of serving as resident choir at St. Mary’s. Dr. Brian Harlow accompanied us on the organ, allowing Dr. Moore to lead us in preparing for the daily services. Friends, family, and choir “alumni” rounded out our traveling group to nearly 40. Read more.

Regional Ministry Network celebrates patron saint

Members of the Augustine of Hippo Regional Ministry Network gathered for prayer and fellowship on their patronal feast day, August 28.

CHRISTIAN PAOLINO PHOTO

Convention Corner:

Important deadlines approaching

By Donna Caputo

The Bishop’s staff is hard at work preparing for the 151st Annual Convention, and excitement is spreading throughout the diocese. As the date approaches, several important deadlines are coming up for deputies, clergy, and congregations. Read more.

Convention Election handouts

The Nominations Committee of the 151st Annual Diocesan Convention seeks assistance in identifying nominees for membership of various diocesan boards, committees and councils. The flyer and bulletin insert linked below are designed to get the word out to everyone in the pews who may be interested in these opportunities. We are looking for anyone who feels called to join with others in collaborative Christ-centered endeavors, especially those who may be new to diocesan service. Click here to download the handouts.

The Children and Families Ministry Team introduces a new pilot program and fall morning retreat

By Donna Caputo

Fall brings a season of change and reflection, with the start of a new school year, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air, and trees displaying their vibrant autumn colors. While many see this season as a time of endings, the Children and Families Ministry Team views it as an opportunity for new beginnings, renewal, and rest. To support this, the team is excited to announce two upcoming events. Read more.

Learning in Faith (pilot program)

SUN, OCT 19 | 1:30 PM | St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood

Fall Retreat for Sunday School Staff

SAT, OCT 25 | 9 AM | Grace, Nutley

Youth Day of Service

SAT, SEP 20 | 8:30 AM | Liberty State Park

Youth will help with easy planting, general cleanup, and other activities to help beautify this space.

Registration is required by TODAY, Wednesday, Sept. 10 (space for our group is limited by the parks system). Find out more.

National Acolyte Festival

FRI, OCT 10 - SUN, OCT 12

Children, Youth, and Young Adults will travel (with chaperones) to Washington, DC for the weekend of celebration, learning, and fun. In addition to the Acolyte Festival at the Washington National Cathedral and visiting a few monuments on Saturday, on Sunday we will also plan to worship with a local congregation in DC and then visit the National Museum of African American History.

Registration is required by Wednesday, Sept. 17. Find out more.

Collaborating for Ministry:

From Our Gifts to God’s Welcome

SAT, SEP 20 | 9 AM - 1 PM

St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood

This half-day workshop is designed to bring together congregations in the diocese to explore intentional practices of Invite, Welcome, Connect (IWC) and to identify tangible opportunities for collaborative ministry.

Don't miss out - deadline is this Friday, Sept. 12! Find out more and register online.

Anti-Sexism Training

SAT, SEP 27 | 8:30 AM - 3 PM | In-person, location TBD

Anti-Sexism Training is required for all people serving in elected or appointed diocesan positions.

Cost: $25 per person, to cover food and materials.

Find out more and register online by 5 PM Monday, Sept. 22.

Anti-Racism Dialogues Fall 2025

Three consecutive Saturdays | 9 AM - 12:30 PM

SAT, OCT 25 | St. Stephen’s, Millburn

SAT, NOV 1 & 8 | Zoom

This training is required for all clergy and those elected or appointed to diocesan offices. A participant must attend all three sessions in order to meet the requirements of completing anti-racism training.

Find out more and register online by 5 PM Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Parish Communicators Meeting

MON, SEP 15 | 12:30-1 PM | Zoom

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.

Churches without Clergy Meeting

MON, SEP 15 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom

An online gathering for Wardens (and other church leaders) from churches, of whatever size, which only have supply clergy. Find out more.

RMN Co-conveners Meeting

MON, SEP 22 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom

A quarterly meeting for Regional Ministry Network co-conveners appointed by the Bishop. Find out more.

2025 Clergy Conference

MON, OCT 13 - WED, OCT 15

A gathering of Active and Retired Clergy in the Diocese of Newark for education, conversation, and rest! Find out more.

Diocesan 2026 Budget presentation online

WED, OCT 1 | 7 PM | Zoom

Diocesan CFO Sam Reckford will be presenting a proposed 2026 diocesan budget to Diocesan Council at a special meeting open to the public. All are invited to join via this Zoom link. Following the presentation, there will be time for questions.

The presentation will be recorded and shared in the Oct. 8 issue of The VOICE Online.

Upcoming grant application deadlines

SEP 15: Alleluia Fund for Outreach

(annual funding)

OCT 1: Ward J. Herbert Fund (early winter funding)

OCT 15: Small Church Grant Program (Invite Welcome Connect ministries)

Learn about ALL the diocesan grant and loan opportunities on the Funding page.

The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday

Next issue: WED, SEP 24

Submission deadline: FRI, SEP 19, 10 AM

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