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Our Mission:
Join us in following Jesus Christ
with bold acts of
justice, peace, and love.
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Our Vision:
A world transformed,
where all creation knows
God’s life-changing love.
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| | | | Download this printable PDF with highlights from The VOICE Online to share with visitors, and with parishioners who are not online. | | | |
Learning to talk across differences
In a time of deep division, many people are asking, "How do we talk across differences?" Bishop Hughes shares how faith groups can help us grow in faith, strengthen relationships, and practice communicating across differences.
(Time: 6:32 | Read the transcript.)
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Reframing the Story: Growth, Hope, and Stewardship in Our Churches
By Cynthia McChesney
Did you know that, last year, the majority of churches in this diocese reported that their attendance was growing?
The Bishop regularly shares this information during her visitations, drawing from the 2025 parochial report data. And when she does, people are often surprised. Read more.
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2027 Pilgrimage to Iona
with Bishop Hughes
MAY 29 - JUN 6, 2027
The sacred isle of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, is the symbolic center of Scottish Christianity. Through 1400 years of history, it has been revered as a holy place and a center for pilgrimage.
Prices from £3,600 (approximately $4,860 USD). Prices are valid against increase for bookings made by May 31, 2026.
Click here to learn more, including the full itinerary and room options, and to reserve your spot.
You can also download this one-page flyer and four-page brochure to share with your parishes.
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Hegg Awards
SUN, JUN 7 | 3 PM
St. Peter’s, Morristown
You are invited to join Bishop Hughes and the Commission on Aging for the 28th 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.
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Spring Wardens & Treasurers Meetings
THU, MAY 14 & MON, MAY 18 | 7-9 PM
The Diocesan Center, Livingston
Wardens and Treasurers are invited to their final meeting of the ’26-’27 program year. In order to accommodate the number of attendees, we’ll host two meetings, both covering the same topic: Vestry responsibilities for property and related issues, with John Garde, President of the Trustees, as the primary presenter. Find out more and RSVP.
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Parish Communicators Meeting
MON, MAY 18 | 6:30-8 PM | Zoom
At this meeting Chris Whitaker, Director of Communications for Christ Church, Short Hills, will give a presentation on self-auditing your church communications.
Everyone in the diocese responsible for parish communications is welcome to participate in these monthly meetings. Find out more.
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School for Ministry: Preacher Training
Six sessions: AUG 22, 2026 - FEB 20, 2027
Designed for lay people who are invited by their clergy person (or if no clergy, the Wardens and Vestry) to preach in public worship on an occasional or regular basis.
Register and pay online by FRI, AUG 3, 5 PM.
| | Confirmation services continue | | May 2 Confirmation Service at St. James, Upper Montclair | | May 9 Confirmation Service at St. Mary's, Sparta | | |
Trivia Night
FRI, MAY 15 | 6:30 PM | St. Andrew’s, Harrington Park
| | Events at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center | | |
New interim staff member
Welcome to Catherine Outten Olivo as the Interim Executive Assistant to the Bishop. Catherine began her work with the diocesan staff on May 5, training with Chloe Caprice before her departure, and will continue in this role until the end of June.
Catherine is a graduate of the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, and has worked in a variety of Episcopal Church settings since 2007. She and her husband Andy live in Ridgewood with their three children. Welcome, Catherine!
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Seminary graduation
Congratulations to Luke Andersen of Grace, Newark, who graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity degree on May 7, 2026.
Luke is in the discernment process for the Priesthood and will be ordained as a Deacon on May 27, 2026, at Grace Church in Newark.
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Clergy ministry transitions
Departure JUN 30:
The Rev. Nate Darville
Rector of St. Peter's, Essex Fells
See all transitions in 2026.
| | May marks the return of outdoor life across our region, with summer activities beginning to ramp up. As the days grow warmer and longer, we’d love to know: | |
| What are you most looking forward to this month? | | | | |
The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday
Next issue: WED, MAY 27
Submission deadline: FRI, MAY 22, 10 AM
| | Follow the Diocese of Newark at: | | | | |
