December 18, 2024

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From the Bishop

This season, be gentle with your words


Bishop Hughes reminds us that at this moment, when so much of what we're hearing in the world is harsh and hard-hearted, the way we speak to others and the way we speak to ourselves can be an incredible gift. (Time: 5:00 | Read the transcript.)

Bishop Hughes: This season, be gentle with your words

Feature Stories

Good Shepherd, Ringwood sponsors Narcan training

By the Rev. Deacon Deborah Rucki Drake


On Sunday, Dec. 8, Good Shepherd, Ringwood sponsored a Narcan training class. Narcan is an emergency nasal spray used to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose. Read more.

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Stewardship Matters

Leveraging Property Assets for Mission and Growth

By Cynthia McChesney


Whether it’s bringing in income through tenants, developing community partnerships, or finding other creative uses for existing space, physical assets can play a key role in supporting mission. Read more.

In the news

Q&A: Bishop Carol Gallagher looks back on 35 years of service in dioceses across the church

By David Paulsen | Episcopal News Service


Bishop Carol Gallagher served as assistant bishop in Newark for two years (2005-2007). She is retiring from active ministry in early 2025. Read the article.

Diocesan Events

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Deconsecration and Farewell

for 31 Mulberry

THU, JAN 9 | 11 AM


Bishop Hughes will lead a service of Deconsecration and Farewell at 31 Mulberry to mark its transition from serving the Diocese of Newark to serving the arts in Newark as part of NJPAC. Find out more.

Wardens’ & Treasurers’ Zoom meeting with the Bishop

THU, JAN 9 | 7-8:30 PM


An email will be sent to all Church Wardens and Treasurers with sign-in instructions for this Zoom meeting.

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Youth trip to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC

SAT, JAN 11


The First-Third of Life Commission (formerly the Youth Commission) is excited about the upcoming opportunity to tour the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine together. This trip is open to all 6th-12th grade youth in the diocese, along with their chaperones from parishes. Find out more and register online by Jan. 5.

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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


Bishop Hughes invites all lay leaders to this transformative retreat. In this time of profound change within the church, this gathering is an opportunity to reflect on who you have been as a leader and discern what God is calling you to become.


Alongside guest facilitator and fellow lay leader Haley Bankey of Gathering of Leaders, we will explore how our gifts as lay leaders can meet the challenges and opportunities of our time, asking God the big questions, listening to the Holy Spirit, and finding hope as we embrace the new paths unfolding before us.


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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150th Anniversary Concert

FRI, MAY 16 | 7 PM | Christ Church, Short Hills


The 150th Anniversary Committee is accepting sign-ups for vocalists and instrumentalists. Sign up online here by Feb. 1, 2025.

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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.

Save the dates for these other 150th Anniversary events

Speaker Series


  • TUE, JAN 21 | 7 PM | Zoom - The Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler, Associate Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College
  • TUE, JAN 28 | 7 PM | Zoom - The Rt. Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Suffragan Bishop, Diocese of Canterbury (UK)
  • TUE, FEB 4 | 7 PM | Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark - The Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Canon Theologian, Washington National Cathedral
  • TUE, FEB 11 | 7 PM | St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood - Mr. Ray Suarez, Broadcast Journalist, Author, and Episcopalian

Worship Service with Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe

SAT, MAY 17 | 10:30 AM | St. Peter’s, Morristown

Community Events

Parish Events


Blue Christmas

WED, DEC 18 | 7 PM | Grace, Madison


What Star Have You Followed: Advent Series with Fr. Jim Warnke

THU, DEC 19 | 7-9 PM | Via Zoom, offered by the Augustine of Hippo Regional Ministry Network


Olivier Messiaen’s “La Nativite du Seigneur” (“The Birth of Our Lord”)

FRI, DEC 20 | 7:30-8:30 PM | St. Peter’s, Morristown


Christmas Lessons & Carols

SUN, DEC 22 | 5 PM | Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge


U2charist Fundraiser Communion Service For Mt. Olive Food Bank

FRI, JAN 17 | 7:30-9 PM | Christ Church, Budd Lake (snow date: JAN 24)

SUBMIT A COMMUNITY EVENT

Diocesan Announcements

Holiday closing


Episcopal House will be closed Christmas Day through New Year's Day. The Bishop and her staff send their warmest wishes to you and yours for a blessed Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.


Remember that when the diocesan staff return to work on January 2, most will be working remotely as we prepare for the move to Livingston.

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Registration for 2025 Confirmations opens Jan. 2


Registration for Spring 2025 Confirmation services will open 9 AM Thursday, Jan. 2, and close 5 PM Friday, March 14 or when the maximum number of Candidates is reached.


Confirmation service dates, locations (and max Candidates):


  • Saturday, April 26, 10 AM – Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark (30)
  • Saturday, May 3, 10 AM – St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood (25)
  • Saturday, May 10, 10 AM – Christ Church, Newton (30)
  • Saturday, May 31, 10 AM – Church of the Saviour, Denville (30)
  • Tuesday, June 3, 7 PM – Christ Church, Short Hills (30)
  • Saturday, June 7, 10 AM – St. Luke’s, Haworth (20)

Survey of Parish Communicators


A Survey of Parish Communicators is currently underway 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 - one of the goals of the diocesan Strategic Visioning project.


The survey deadline is this 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!

GO TO SURVEY

Clergy ministry transitions

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Arrivals


NOV 1 - The Rev. Jim Petroccione

Rector of Church of the Saviour, Denville

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Retirements


DEC 31 - The Rev. Kevin Coffey

Rector of Church of the Atonement, Fair Lawn

Job Listings

Diocesan Job Listings


Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministry - 1/2 time

SUBMIT A JOB LISTING

December Poll Results

The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday

Next issue: WED, JAN 8

Submission deadline: FRI, JAN 3, 10 AM

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