News, events and features of interest to members and friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, the Episcopal Church in northern New Jersey.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019
From Our Bishop
A different way of looking at generosity
When we are generous, it reminds us of who we are and who we were created to be: creatures who are made in God's image, and God is a generous God.

Click on the video at right to watch (time: 4:15), or read the transcript here.
To honor Atatiana Jefferson, Fort Worth must tackle its long history of segregation
Bishop Hughes wrote this opinion piece published by her hometown paper, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, on October 18. Atatiana Jefferson is the Fort Worth woman who was shot in her own home, through the window, by a police officer responding to a non-emergency call for a wellness check.
Features
Hegg Awards sing a song of the saints of God in northern New Jersey
A hymn often sung for All Saints’ Sunday opens with the words, “I sing a song of the saints of God...” and numbers among the saints doctors, soldiers, sailors, teachers and even shepherdesses and queens. But to this list should also be added those members of our congregations who have served for years with distinction and commitment.

The David P. Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Awards, offered annually in late May or early June, is a wonderful opportunity to honor these saints among us. Read more.
Parish budgets as acts of visioning, stewardship and hope: Some concrete ideas
Budget season can be rough on parish vestries. Canon Margo Peckham Clark describes some concrete ways to think about parish budgets and to use them to open up places of prayer and discernment. Read more.
Stories from Our Congregations
PHOTO: DAN FREEL/NEW JERSEY HERALD. USED WITH PERMISSION.
Christ Church, Newton starts 250th anniversary celebration with reenactment
Christ Church in Newton, founded in 1769 as a Church of England parish by charter of King George III, kicked off its month-long 250th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Nov. 3 with a reenactment of their founding at the Sussex County Court House. Their rector, the Rev. Canon Robert Griner, played the role of the priest who traveled 50 miles from Elizabeth to organize the first vestry. Griner donned period vestments and a colonial-style powdered wig and rode to the court house on horseback to meet his assembled congregation.

Sunday's events received extensive local media coverage, including a photo gallery of the reenactment at the courthouse, and a special 16-page section devoted entirely to Christ Church's anniversary, both published by the New Jersey Herald.

Christ Church is holding several anniversary events this month, culminating in a gala on November 24 to be attended by Bishop Carlye Hughes and Archbishop Julio Murray of Central America.
We love to share stories of what our congregations are doing! The deadline to submit stories, photos and links to media coverage for the November 20 issue of The VOICE Online is Wednesday, November 13 . Go to the submission guidelines .
Diocesan Events
Pop Up Youth Event: Focus on Gratitude
SUN, NOV 17, 3:30-6:30 PM @ CHRIST CHURCH, BLOOMFIELD/GLEN RIDGE
All youth in grades 6-12 from throughout the diocese are invited to participate in this year-long experiment in regional youth ministry. Our November event will focus on gratitude and include a service project. We ask for a small $5 donation from each attendee to cover the cost of dinner. Find out more and register online.

Click here to learn more about Pop Up Youth Ministry and upcoming youth events.
Celebration of new ministry
SAT, NOV 23, 10 AM
The Rev. David Andrew "Andy" Olivo as Rector of St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood.
See also Upcoming Community Events , posted by our congregations and associated organizations.
News & Events at Cross Roads
Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center is a welcoming, ecumenical retreat center and camp of our diocese and the NJ Synod of the ELCA. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com .
Now Hiring: Summer Staff 2020
The application to join the Cross Roads Summer Staff next summer is now open! Encourage young adults you know to consider spending their summer making a difference while having fun. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/employment.
Wednesdays Away
DEC 4
Wednesdays Away are a time of spiritual renewal on the first Wednesday of the month, from 9 AM to 3 PM in the Christ Center. The cost is $50 per gathering and includes a delicious lunch. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/wednesdays-away.
Shepherds' Gathering
DEC 5-8
This retreat is designed for all leaders who work with children, youth, and young adults. There will be time for rest and renewal beginning Dec. 5, as well as time to connect with others and discuss the best ways to support our young people. This year, we are offering a very important Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on Saturday, Dec. 7. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/event/shepherds-gathering.
Diocesan Announcements
Seeking 2019 Advent Meditations: Stories from the Laity
For this year's Advent Meditations the Empowering Action Team of your Diocesan Council invites you, members of the laity, to think about the gifts God has given you; how you discovered them, how you have used them, and how they impact your spiritual life. Send us a short story about this by Friday, Nov. 15. Find out more.
Open enrollment deadline extended
The deadline for active clergy and qualifying lay employees to enroll in 2020 health insurance plans has been extended from Oct. 25 to Friday, Nov. 15 due to login issues affecting some members.

Questions? Please contact Leslie Thomas, Diocesan Benefits Administrator, at lthomas@dioceseofnewark.org or 973-430-9981.
Butts Fund accepting applications for seed money grants
The Gertrude Butts Fund, a non-profit corporation organized in 1929, provides “seed money” for programs within the diocese which are educationally driven and benefit youngsters with diocesan affiliations. Application deadline: Friday, Nov. 15. Find out more.
Next Convention deadline
Friday, Nov. 15 is the deadline for:

  • Resolutions
  • Canonical Amendments
  • Constitutional Amendments
  • Items of business to be proposed at Convention

Please direct any questions to John A. King, Secretary of Convention, 973-430-9119 or jking@dioceseofnewark.org.
Check out our other diocesan publications
Leadership News - Key information from Episcopal House for church leaders, including - but not restricted to - clergy, staff, wardens, vestry and committee chairs. Emailed monthly on the last Wednesday. Click here to subscribe to future issues and read archived issues.

The VOICE Digest - A new, printable publication, published quarterly. Click here to download the first issue covering Fall 2019.
The VOICE Online is published twice a month September-May (1st and 3rd Wednesday) and monthly June-August (3rd Wednesday only).