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How can we be a witness to Christ's light?
Bishop Hughes says, "I want to invite you this Advent to think about where you need light, and also to think about where you are asked to witness to the light.... How can we share the light that we know? How do we share the hope that is within us, the hope of God's love and mercy and compassion that we know exist even in a world that is deeply, deeply fractured and troubled?" (Time: 4:20 | Read the transcript.)
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2024 Diocesan Budget presentation
TODAY | 7:30 PM | Zoom
Diocesan CFO Sam Reckford will be presenting a proposed 2024 diocesan budget to Diocesan Council on TODAY at 7:30 PM. That portion of the meeting will be open to the public and all are invited to join via Zoom. Following the presentation, there will be time for questions.
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Ordination to the Priesthood:
The Rev. Deacon Paul Keene
SAT, DEC 16 | 10 AM | Christ Church, Short Hills
God willing, and the People of God consenting, the Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, XI Bishop of Newark, on behalf of the Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, XVI Bishop of Massachusetts, will ordain Paul James Keene to the Priesthood. Reception following. Find out more and RSVP.
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This is My Story: Learning to see, talk, and share stories of faith
Bishop's Study Group 2024
TUE, JAN 9 & 16 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom
TUE, JAN 23 & 30 | 7-8:30 PM | In-person, location TBA
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Bishop Hughes' 2024 Study Group will focus on learning how to talk about faith and developing an ease with using language of faith both inside and outside of our faith communities. Find out more.
Register online by 5 PM Monday, Jan. 8.
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(W)holy Work: Seeing Our Daily Work as Ministry
A Lay Retreat with Bishop Hughes
FRI, FEB 2 - SUN, FEB 4 | Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center
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Lay members of the diocese are invited to (W)holy Work: Seeing Our Daily Work as Ministry, a weekend retreat with Bishop Hughes.
How would our approach to work change if we thought of our work as a holy calling? What if our most precious offering to God is to see ourselves as serving God’s people in the workplace? Join us as spiritual guide Kathleen Henderson Staudt (right) leads a retreat focused on exploring the way we see our work. Find out more.
Register and pay online by 5 PM Wednesday, Jan. 10.
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General Convention Summer Trip
JUN 21-28, 2024 | Louisville, KY
Organized by the Diocesan Youth Commission for youth in grades 8-12 to attend the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church. This will be an especially exciting Convention as it includes the election of our next Presiding Bishop.
More information will be coming in January. For questions, contact the Rev. Asa Coulson at acoulson@gracemadison.org. To download the flyer, click here.
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Happening at Our Congregations | |
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St. Stephen's, Millburn receives Lilly Endowment grant
St. Stephen’s, Millburn has received a grant of $48,666.00 to enable its rector, the Rev. Paula J. Toland (right), to participate in the 2023 National Clergy Renewal Program. St. Stephen’s is one of 177 congregations across the United States selected to participate in this competitive grant program, which is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Established by the Endowment in 2000, the program’s grants allow Christian congregations to support their clergy with the gift of extended time away from their ministerial duties and responsibilities. Read more.
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Living With Intractable Wars While Waiting for the Prince of Peace
WED, DEC 13 & 20 | 7:30 PM
Zoom, hosted by St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange
Advent Series with Fr. Jim Warnke
THU, DEC 14 & 21 | 7-8 PM
Zoom, hosted by Christ Church, Hackensack & St. Mark's, Teaneck
Celebration of new ministry:
The Rev. Christopher Cole
THU, DEC 14 | 7 PM
Calvary, Summit
Cookies with Santa
SAT, DEC 16 | 2 PM
Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge
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Advent Evensong in Madison
SUN, DEC 17 | 4 PM
Grace, Madison
A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
SUN, DEC 17 | 5 PM
St. George's, Maplewood
Christmas Lessons & Carols
SUN, DEC 17 | 5 PM
Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge
Christmas Caroling
THU, DEC 21 | 7 PM
St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange
Hackensack EfM Winter Reading Event: Beyond a Binary God
WED, JAN 3 | 7 PM
St. Mark's, Teaneck
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Episcopal House holiday closing
Episcopal House will be closed for the holidays from Monday, Dec. 25 through Monday, Jan. 1. Because of this, the next issue of The VOICE Online will be published Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Bishop Hughes and her staff send their warmest wishes for a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.
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Is your church's banner ready for the 150th Convention Banner Parade?
The bishop’s staff in conjunction with the convention Arrangements Committee and the Commission on Liturgy and Music invite you to start thinking about our 150th Convention Banner Parade. Watch the invitation below. (Time: 1:58 | Read the transcript.)
If you need assistance preparing your church's banner (or acquiring a new one), contact Jane Jubilee at 973-430-9902 or jjubilee@dioceseofnewark.org.
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Fourth BCEF Call of 2023:
Community of St. John Baptist
The Bishop’s Church Emergency Fund (BCEF) provides financial support for church buildings in the diocese needing repairs and renovation, usually with a special focus on emergency and unforeseen needs. Through the BCEF, you can support the critical needs identified by the Bishop.
The fourth BCEF call of 2024 is for Garden of Hope accessibility renovations at Community of St. John Baptist. Find out more.
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Stewardship Matters:
'Twas 3 Weeks Before Christmas
Hello Friends,
Last week's newsletter was all about the need to do follow up with folks who hadn't gotten their pledges in yet. While I wouldn't normally send out another newsletter just a week later, I have to share the creative way Saint James in Upper Montclair is handling their follow up. Martha Boughner, Stewardship Chair and Vestry member (and poet!) shared this poem, which is sent out as an email and read aloud during Announcements... Read more.
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Cross Roads is the ecumenical camp and retreat center of our diocese and the NJ Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. | |
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Wednesdays Away
A time of spiritual renewal hosted by Cross Roads throughout the year. Includes prayer and conversation led by a spiritual director and focusing on a different spiritual practice or theme each month. These retreats are open to all people interested in exploring new faith practices.
Young Adult Retreat
JAN 5-7, 2024
Take time to fellowship, worship, and renew your mental, physical, and spiritual health as we begin a new year. This retreat is open to all young adults. Cost: $65.
Elementary School Retreat (grades 3-5)
FEB 9-11, 2024
Combines fun activities, Bible study, worship, delicious food, and time spent outside to create an awesome weekend for youth and their adult leaders. Cost: $95.
Middle and High School Retreat (grades 6-12)
MAR 8-10, 2024
Attendees are guaranteed to have a wonderful weekend filled with activities, worship, and laughter. Cost: $95.
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Happening in the Wider Church | |
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Michigan bishop appointed by governor to state LGBTQ+ commission
[Episcopal News Service] The Rt. Rev. Bonnie Perry, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to serve on Michigan’s first-ever statewide LGBTQ+ Commission. Read more.
Perry began her ordained ministry here in the Diocese of Newark, serving at Christ Church, Hackensack, Christ Church, Ridgewood, and St. Peter’s, Clifton before moving to the Diocese of Chicago in 1992. She was elected Bishop of Michigan in 2020.
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Documentary inspired by presiding bishop’s teachings on love due for nationwide theatrical premiere Jan. 23
[Episcopal News Service] A nonprofit movie company led by Episcopalians is about to unveil its biggest project yet. Its feature-length documentary inspired by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s message of unselfish love is headed for a nationwide theatrical release on Jan. 23. Read more.
Watch the trailer:
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As this is the only issue of The Voice Online in December, poll results will be posted on the diocesan Facebook and Instagram on Friday, December 22. | |
| Which gift in the song The 12 Days of Christmas do you think is LEAST useful? | | | |
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The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday (usually)
Next issue: WED, JAN 10
Submission deadline: FRI, JAN 5, 10 AM
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Follow the Episcopal Diocese of Newark at: | | | | |
