August 12, 2026

View as a webpage

Our Mission:

Join us in following Jesus Christ

with bold acts of

justice, peace, and love.

Our Vision:

A world transformed,

where all creation knows

God’s life-changing love.

Download this printable PDF with highlights from The VOICE Online to share with visitors, and with parishioners who are not online.

Includes a one-page calendar for diocesan events August 12-October 3.

From Canon Wright

Learning to serve our Latino communities more fully


From Sewanee, Tennessee, Canon Andrew Wright shares his experience taking a course in Latino Ministry Cultural Competency and reflects on how deeper cultural understanding can strengthen ministry across the Diocese of Newark.


(Time: 3:35 | Read the transcript.)

Learning to serve our Latino communities more fully

Bishop Hughes is away July 20-August 20, taking the final month of her sabbatical.

Features

Convention-2026-logo-400x400-1 image

Preview of the 152nd Annual Diocesan Convention

By John A. King


The Diocese of Newark is getting ready to gather for its 152nd Annual Diocesan Convention, November 13–14 at the Hilton Parsippany. With worship, workshops, fellowship, a keynote, and the business of the diocese ahead, this year’s Convention will explore what it means to be Known by God’s Love, Mercy, & Justice. Read the article.

vonecia-carswell-0aMMMUjiiEQ-unsplash image

Stewardship Matters:
Stewardship in community

By Cynthia McChesney


The Church reminds us that we’re not meant to live as isolated individuals. Stewardship is one way we live out the truth that we belong to one another. Read the article.

In the news


Neurodivergent Church Leaders Welcome Mullally’s Remarks

AUG 2 | The Living Church

Diocesan Events

MICAH-6-8 image

Happening tonight!

Doing Justice

WED, AUG 12 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom


An online workshop sponsored by the Commission of Justice, Peace and Racial Reconciliation exploring opportunities for “Doing Justice” in three main areas: Immigration, Voting Rights and the Environment.


Find out more and register online.

Parish-Communicators-Logo image

Parish Communicators Meeting

MON, AUG 17 | 12:30-1 PM | Zoom


Cynthia McChesney, diocesan Missioner for Stewardship and Legacy Giving, will join us to answer your questions about communications for Annual Giving campaigns. Find out more.

Prayer vigil at Delaney Hall

SUN, AUG 23 | 3 PM


On the fourth Sunday of each month, members of our diocese gather for a brief prayer vigil outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility. If you are unable to join us in person, we will do our best to livestream the vigil on the diocesan Facebook page. Find out more, and read the updated guidelines for attendees.

2027 Iona Pilgrimage


Join Bishop Hughes on a diocesan pilgrimage rooted in prayer, fellowship, and reflection. She writes:


I hope you prayerfully consider joining me and others from across our diocese on this holy adventure. I know this trip will be a respite from the weariness so many of us carry after years of challenging times. It would be a blessing to share this time with you.


For more information and to register, please visit dioceseofnewark.org/iona-pilgrimage-2027. The deadline to lock in the current rate is August 31, 2026.

Breaking Bread with the Bishop: Florence Li Tim-Oi Region

TUE, SEP 15 | 6:30-8:30 PM | The Diocesan Center, Livingston

BreakingBreadwithBishop2026-04-Evelyn image

Members of the Florence Li Tim-Oi Regional Ministry Network are invited to join Bishop Carlye Hughes for an evening of fellowship, conversation, and breaking bread.


Save the date! More information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Growing generosity:

Practical tools for this year's annual stewardship campaign

SAT, SEP 19 | 8:30-11 AM | The Diocesan Center, Livingston

iStock-1348123466 image
  • How can we encourage more households to participate in this year's pledge campaign?
  • What stewardship practices are making the biggest difference in congregations today?
  • Can AI become a useful tool for parish stewardship?
  • How can visioning conversations uncover opportunities for special and transformational gifts?

 

These are just a few of the questions we'll explore during this free in-person, hands-on stewardship workshop for clergy, wardens, stewardship committees, and anyone committed to strengthening generosity in their congregation. Find out more.

Annual Diocesan Musicians’ Workshop

SAT, SEP 26 | 9 AM - 1 PM | St. George’s, Maplewood

2026-09-26-Music-Ministry-event image

This year’s presenter, organ builder and technician, Jim Konzelman, answers the question: “What do you wish organists and music directors understood about the organ?” This event is open to all, but is geared toward organists and anyone who is responsible for overseeing the care and maintenance of an organ.


Find out more and register online.

Anti-Sexism-600x400-1 image

Anti-Sexism Training

SAT, SEP 26 | 9 AM - 4 PM

The Diocesan Center, Livingston


Find out more and register online.

Anti-Racism-600x400-1 image

Anti-Racism Dialogues

SAT, OCT 17 | 8 AM - 4 PM | The Diocesan Center

TUE, OCT 27 | 6-9 PM | Zoom

Both sessions required for certification.


Find out more and register online.

Both Anti-Racism Training and Anti-Racism Dialogues are required for all people serving in elected or appointed diocesan positions.

Community Events

Saturday Luncheon Social

Saturdays | 12-1 PM

St. John’s, Boonton

Giant Church Picnic

SUN, AUG 16 | 2-6:30 PM

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

Kids on the Corner Summer Theater Workshop

MON, AUG 17 - WED, AUG 19 | 9:30 AM - 3 PM
Christ Church & St. John the Divine, Hackensack

St. James Wind Ensemble Concert

WED, AUG 19 | 7:30-9 PM

St. James, Upper Montclair

A Nun Walks into a Bar

THU, AUG 20 | 6-8 PM

Hosted by St. James’, Ridgefield at Sedona Taphouse in Cliffside Park

Augustine of Hippo RMN – Patronal Service & Potluck

WED, AUG 26 | 6:30 PM

All Saints’, Glen Rock

Faith and Film Series

WED, SEP 2 | 6:30-8:30 PM

Holy Communion, Norwood

Prayers for our Nation

WED, SEP 9 | 7-7:30 PM

Holy Communion, Norwood

Harmony in the House: Live Jazz

SAT, SEP 12 | 4-6 PM

Hosted by Epiphany & Christ Church, Orange at the Diocesan Center

Diocesan Announcements

Staff change: Full-time role for Ken Boccino

K-Boccino-2025-300x300 image

The Rev. Deacon Ken Boccino, who joined the diocesan staff in July as part-time Interim Property Administrator, is taking on additional responsibilities on the diocesan staff, moving him into a full-time position as Operations & Property Administrator.


In addition to administering properties for which the Trustees have direct responsibility, part of restructuring the position that Jim Caputo filled for many years before his May retirement, Ken will also take on some of the duties Randy Johnson has performed faithfully, in preparation for Randy’s retirement later this month. These include managing our diocesan database, clergy and lay licensing, tracking the various training requirements for ministry in the Diocese of Newark, and supporting Communications Director Nina Nicholson in administering the diocesan website.


Thankfully, Ken will have the opportunity to work alongside Randy before his departure, allowing for a smoother transition.

Diocesan and state grant opportunities

Alleluia Fund grant applications accepted August 15 through noon September 15

Congregations and eligible ministry partners are invited to apply for grants of up to $15,000 to support outreach ministries that address needs in their communities and beyond. Learn more and apply.

NJ Nonprofit Security Grant Program accepting applications now through September 11

This program consists of two grant funding opportunities, one of which is up to $100K for "target hardening equipment" including items such as alarms, lighting, and fencing. Several of our churches have taken advantage of this grant program over the years.

Learn more and apply.

DIT Investment Returns


For the three months ending June 30, 2026, the DIT reported the following returns (before modest fees):

Fund

2nd Quarter

YTD

2025

Equity

14.5%

13.22%

19.73%

Growth

11.32%

10.37%

16.6%

Balanced

8.6%

7.98%

13.91%

Fixed Income

1.23%

1.15%

7.38%

The most recent quarterly report can be found here. Members of the DIT board would be happy to meet with any existing or prospective investor. Questions should be directed to CFO Sam Reckford.

Diocesan offices - summer Fridays


The diocesan offices will close at 1 PM on Fridays through Friday, August 28.

Job Listings

Diocesan Staff


Administrative Assistant

Part-time

Our Churches


Organist and Music Director

Part-time

St. Mark's, Teaneck


Sunday School Teacher & Digital Ministry Coordinator

Part-time

Parish Administrator

Part-time

Both at St Dunstan's, Succasunna

Ministry Partners


Center Coordinator

Part-time

North Porch Women & Infants’ Centers, Newark & Clifton


Minister of Music

Part-time

Church of the Holy Spirit, Lebanon (Diocese of New Jersey)

August Poll

Which summer pie gets your vote?

The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday

Next issue: WED, AUG 26

Submission deadline: FRI, AUG 21, 10 AM

Follow the Diocese of Newark at:

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube  LinkedIn