REMINDER: Bishop Hughes and her staff are working remotely until the new offices in Livingston are ready, which we anticipate will around the end of March. You can continue to reach them using their regular work emails and phone numbers, however all mail to diocesan offices should be sent to: PO Box 386, Livingston, NJ 07039. | | | |
We've learned how to face hard things
Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Hughes reflects on the challenges we overcame together, and how that experience prepared us for the new challenges we face today. (Time: 5:00 | Read the transcript.)
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Strategic Vision Update: Congregational Collaboration and our Small and Mid-sized Churches
By the Rev. Canon Margo Peckham Clark & Cynthia McChesney
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On February 10, 2025, we gathered the lay and clergy leadership of our small and mid-sized congregations for their fourth meeting of the program year. This time the presentation focused on three areas: defining committees and teams, tools to discern priorities, and the importance of focusing on mission. Mission is also key to collaboration, because we want to ask the question: how can collaborating with other congregations help us better to meet our mission? Read more.
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Priest returns from Middle East deployment
By Bonnie Keith
After a one-year deployment with the Army National Guard to the Middle East, Fr. Aaron Oliver is back with his congregation at St. Gregory’s, Parsippany. Read more.
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Strengthen Your Church’s Future:
Join Us on April 5!
By Cynthia McChesney
Every church wants to grow, thrive, and truly connect with those who walk through its doors. But how do we make that happen in a way that is both meaningful and lasting? Read more.
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Events with Mary Foster Parmer
of Invite Welcome Connect
Each of these three events offers different material. Consider participating in all three!
Diocesan Learning Event
SAT, APR 5 | 9 AM | St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood
Registration is now open for this half-day, in-person learning event with Mary Foster Parmer, creator and founder of Invite Welcome Connect, a transformational ministry of evangelism, hospitality and belonging, and author of the award-winning book, Invite Welcome Connect: Stories & Tools to Transform your Church.
Cost: $25. Find out more and register online by FRI, MAR 28.
Guest Preacher
SUN, APR 6 | 10 AM | Christ Church, Short Hills
The following day, Mary Foster Parmer will be the guest preacher at Christ Church, Short Hills. The service will be livestreamed, and available for later viewing, here.
Vestry Leadership Essentials
THU, APR 10 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom
Save the date for Vestry Leadership Essentials on Zoom with Mary Foster Parmer.
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Advocating for Effective Action:
Making Your Voices Heard
WED, MAR 26 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom
The Commission for Justice & Peace is offering an online training session to learn how to effectively advocate for justice. This training will provide essential resources for legislative outreach and direct actions, without focusing on specific issues. Find out more and register online.
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Celebrating Trans Day
of Visibility & Joy
MON, MAR 31 | 7:30 PM | Grace, Madison
A service of Holy Eucharist, hosted by the Diocese of Newark’s LGBTQ+ Action Group.
Reception following. All are welcome!
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Family Day at Red Bull Arena
SAT, APR 26 | 4:30 PM
Join other families from across the Diocese in Newark for an afternoon of Major League Soccer featuring the New York Red Bulls vs. CF Montréal.
Cost: $10 for children, youth, and college students (financial aid is available); $30 for parents and chaperones; $75 max per family.
Find out more and register online by WED, APR 9.
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Hegg Lifetime Achievement Awards
SUN, JUN 1 | 3 PM | Church of the Saviour, Denville - New location!
The Hegg Awards are given annually to members of our diocese who are:
- Age 60+
- A long-standing, active member of your congregation
- Made or makes contributions to the congregation and/or the diocese.
All churches are encouraged to submit honorees. Each church may honor up to two individuals or couples based on these guidelines.
The submission deadline is FRI, MAY 16. Click here to submit honoree information.
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Civil Rights Youth Pilgrimage
JUN 26 - JUL 2
Diocesan youth (grades 8-12) are invited to embark on a transformative journey through the Southern United States, exploring the role of The Episcopal Church in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Walk in the footsteps of history!
Cost: $1500 (scholarships available).
Space is limited! Find out more and register online by TODAY, MAR 19.
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Youth Confirmation Retreat
Youth Confirmation Retreat
Fri, MAR 28 - SAT, MAR 29 | Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center
All youth candidates are strongly urged to attend our Confirmation Retreat. The event usually includes group-building games and activities, worship, and an opportunity to meet in small groups with Bishop Hughes.
Cost: $50 per participant (includes all lodging and food).
Find out more and register online by FRI, MAR 21.
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150th Anniversary Concert
FRI, MAY 16 | 7 PM
Christ Church, Short Hills
An array of music, plus information about the diocese’s past, present and future.
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SAT, MAY 17 | 10:30 AM
St. Peter's, Morristown
The Most Rev. Sean Rowe, 28th Presiding Bishop, will be the celebrant and preacher.
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Pilgrimage to the American South
JUN 18-22
Led by Bishop Hughes
This pilgrimage is fully booked. To be added to the waitlist, please contact Canon Clark.
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Parish Lenten Events
Our parishes are offering a wide variety of Lenten Events, from Stations of the Cross, to retreats, book groups, organ recitals and Evensongs, both in-person and online. See all upcoming Lenten events.
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Ecumenical celebrations of the 1700th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed
Christian Unity Roundtable
Two more Sundays, 4-6 PM
MAR 23 | St. Peter the Apostle, Parsippany
MAR 30 | Our Lady of the Lake, Sparta
Hosted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson. Speakers include the Rev. Susan R. Ironside, Rector of Grace, Madison and the Rev. Elizabeth Ivell, Rector of Messiah, Chester and St. Mary's, Sparta.
"We Believe in One God" Service
MAY 3 | 11 AM | Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold
Hosted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.
"Jubilee of Christian Unity" Prayer Celebration
SUN, JUN 22 | 3-4 PM | Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Paterson
Hosted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson.
| | | Immigration Task Force launches podcast | | |
The diocesan Immigration Task Force is excited to introduce a new podcast designed to share the stories of asylum-seekers who have made their way to The Lighthouse.
The Crossing: Voices from The Lighthouse brings you the deeply personal stories of asylum seekers on their journey to safety in the U.S. Each episode reveals the hardships they face, the resilience they embody, and the hope they find through The Lighthouse, a sanctuary for those seeking asylum.
Discover their voices and learn how you can support their path forward at podcast.lighthousenj.org.
| | College scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year | | Exactly 50% of those who responded are most looking forward to... tomorrow! | | |
The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday
Next issue: WED, APR 2
Submission deadline: FRI, Mar 28, 10 AM
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