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God's grace and generosity at Convention
Bishop Hughes describes how she experienced God's grace and generosity at the 150th Convention, remembering how we are united, not by political party or election outcomes, but because we follow Jesus Christ, and how she saw that manifest. (Time: 4:46 | Read the transcript.)
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Covenant of Safety
The 150th Convention began two days after the 2024 presidential election was decided. Before calling Convention to order, Bishop Hughes asked all Convention attendees to enter into the following Covenant of Safety, based on the Baptismal Covenant. Read the Covenant of Safety.
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Videos: Convention Speakers | |
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Bishop Beckwith’s greeting
The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, 10th Bishop of Newark (2007-2018), attended the 150th Diocesan Convention as a guest. At the Friday dinner he spoke briefly reminding us that while the country is in a challenging place, we have the “via media,” or middle way, in our DNA. (time: 2:46 | Read the transcript.)
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Jim Wallis’ keynote
During the Friday evening dinner at Convention, we heard a keynote address by Jim Wallis, the New York Times bestselling author, public theologian, renowned preacher and commentator on ethics and public life. His latest book is The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy. (Time: 43:07 | Read the transcript.)
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Bishop Hughes' sermon
Three days after the 2024 presidential election was decided, Bishop Hughes gave her sermon at Convention on Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Time: 32:39 | Read the transcript.)
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In her sermon, Bishop Hughes identified seven areas about which she believes the diocese should be proactive:
- Climate
- Immigration and asylum seekers
- Racial justice and racial history
- LGBTQ support
- Libraries and literacy
- Women’s reproductive health and women’s leadership
- Youth
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Videos: Celebrating 150 years | |
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Bold Faith in Action:
The Diocese of Newark’s 150-year history
This video tells the story of the Diocese of Newark’s 150-year history through historical photos and modern footage, showing how parishes across northern New Jersey have grown together and supported one another since 1874. (Time: 6:47.)
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Now Is the Time:
150th Anniversary Hymn
The Diocese of Newark commissioned this new hymn for our 150th anniversary, in thanksgiving for 150 years of mission and ministry in northern New Jersey. It was composed by David Bjorlin (words) and Mark Miller (music), and debuted during the Eucharist at the 150th Convention. (Time: 4:28.)
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Note: Sheet music for this hymn will be available soon. | |
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A record-breaking Convention Offering
At the Offering at the Convention Eucharist, attendees gave $9,782, the most generous Convention Offering in current memory, with more than half of it given online. The Offering will be split evenly between Episcopal Relief & Development for Hurricane Recovery Efforts and The American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
It's not too late to contribute - we've left open the online Convention Offering for anyone who would like to join in supporting these worthy causes.
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Survey of Parish Communicators underway
The diocesan Strategic Visioning project identified Communications as one of its four focus areas. A primary Communications goal is to offer opportunities for professional development in every parish across the diocese.
To this end, diocesan Director of Communcations Nina Nicholson announced at Convention the launch of a Survey of Parish Communicators to identify everyone in the diocese responsible for parish communications. This information will be used to form a diocesan parish communicators group for sharing resources, developing skills and mutual support.
The survey deadline is Friday, Dec. 20 so that the parish communicators group can be formed early in the new year. Don't let your parish be left out!
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Convention approved the request of two Jersey City congregations, Church of the Incarnation and St. Paul’s Church in Bergen, to become one congregation, the Church of St. Paul and Incarnation. Members of the congregation then processed to the dais, wearing red and waving streamers, to celebrate the history of the two original congregations and their future together as one.
Other actions of Convention:
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Photos from Convention
Check out our Flickr album with 228 photos taken at Convention by Cynthia Black and Nina Nicholson. Maybe you're in one?
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Justice Ministry Spotlight: Prison Ministry
By the Rev. Pamela Bakal and Katie Ong
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The Prison Ministry of the Diocese of Newark has been active in the diocese for almost 25 years, led by Brenda Beavers Simpson, chair, the Rev. Pamela Bakal, president, and the Rev. Audrey Hasselbrook, secretary. It advocates for restorative justice, interfaith programs, and personal healing for prisoners, their families, and communities. Read more.
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First Third of Life Survey Results
By Katie Ong
In the late summer, the Diocesan Youth Commission issued a congregational survey about ministry to children, families, youth, and young adults. The main purpose of the survey was to learn who was doing these ministries in our congregations and identify people to invite to an expanded First Third of Life Commission, one of the initiatives in the Strategic Vision. Read more.
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Banners that don’t break the budget
By the Rev. Diana Wilcox
If your congregation is in need of a church banner, don’t let your budget keep you from letting the world see you as well as hear your voice in the community and at the next diocesan event. Read more.
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Listening for God – A Spiritual Practice
THU, DEC 12 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom
As we begin Advent, we will be pausing to focus on the essential Christian practice of discernment. What does a faithful life marked by discernment look like?
This online discernment event will be led by Dr. Kathleen “Kathy” Henderson Staudt, SCHC. Zoom info will be posted at the following link closer to the event. Find out more.
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Being Bold about Our Faith:
A Lay Retreat with Bishop Hughes
FRI, FEB 28, 6 PM - SUN, MAR 2, 12 PM
St. Marguerite’s Retreat House, Mendham
At our second annual lay retreat with Bishop Hughes, noted lay leader Haley Bankey will expand on our theme of following Jesus Christ with bold acts of justice, peace, and love.
This retreat is limited to 24 attendees. All rooms are single occupancy, and meals are included in the registration fee of $275.
Registration deadline: Feb. 14. No refunds after Jan. 31. Find out more and register online.
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Our 150th Anniversary celebration continues into 2025 - save the date for these exciting events! | |
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Speaker Series
The Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler
Associate Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College
TUE, JAN 21 | 7 PM | Zoom
The Rt. Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin
Suffragan Bishop, Diocese of Canterbury (UK)
TUE, JAN 28 | 7 PM | Zoom
The Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas
Canon Theologian, Washington National Cathedral
TUE, FEB 4 | 7 PM | Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark
Mr. Ray Suarez
Broadcast Journalist, Author, and Episcopalian
TUE, FEB 11 | 7 PM | St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood
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Pilgrimage to the American South
WED, JUN 18 - SUN, JUN 22
For the culminating event of the Diocese of Newark’s 150th Anniversary, join Bishop Hughes on a powerful pilgrimage through Alabama, retracing the footsteps of history and the brave souls who fought for civil rights.
The cost for this five-day, four-night trip is $1995 for single occupancy or $1645 for double occupancy.
As announced at Convention, registration is now open. Registration must be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of $250, and both must be received by Jan. 10, 2025. Find out more.
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Parish Events
Fish and Chips Dinner
THU, NOV 21 | 5:30-7:30 PM | Annunciation, Oradell
50th Annual Holly Fair
FRI, NOV 22 | 6-9 PM
SAT, NOV 23 | 9 AM – 4 PM
Grace, Rutherford
What Star Have You Followed: Advent Series with Fr. Jim Warnke
WED, DEC 5, 12 & 19 | 7-9 PM | Via Zoom, offered by the Augustine of Hippo Regional Ministry Network
Advent Concert
SUN, DEC 8 | 4 PM | St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood
Mid-Week Recharge: A Wellness Speaker Series
WED, DEC 11 | 12:30-2:30 PM St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood
Holiday Cookie Walk
SAT, DEC 14 | 10 AM - 2 PM | St. Paul’s, Morris Plains
A Festival of Lessons and Carols
SAT, DEC 14 | 5-9 PM | Trinity, Allendale
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
SUN, DEC 15 | 5 PM | St. George’s, Maplewood
Christmas Lessons & Carols
SUN, DEC 22 | 5 PM | Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge
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Note: Community Events are reviewed and posted to the diocesan website as soon as possible after they are submitted. However, to guarantee inclusion in the next issue of The VOICE Online, they must be submitted by its regular deadline: 10 AM the Friday before publication. See The VOICE Online publication schedule. | |
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Thanksgiving Holiday
Episcopal House will be closed both Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 & 29.
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Resources for Native American Heritage Month
The Diocese of Newark, which inhabits the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramapo* Munsee Lenape Nation, provides these educational resources for Native American Heritage Month, observed in November.
*Can also be spelled Ramapough.
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Note: Job Listings are reviewed and posted to the diocesan website as soon as possible after they are submitted. However, to guarantee inclusion in the next issue of The VOICE Online, they must be submitted by its regular deadline: 10 AM the Friday before publication. See The VOICE Online publication schedule. | |
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The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday
Next issue: WED, DEC 4
Submission deadline: FRI, NOV 29, 10 AM
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