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

Wednesday, October 2, 2019
From the Bishop
The unstated role of the Vestry
Vestries are people who are committed not only to running a church, but who are deeply committed to God.

Click on the video at right to watch (time: 3:30), or click here to read the transcript.
Stories from Our Congregations
Calvary, Summit hosts South Korean theological students
In late September, Calvary Church, Summit was filled with the laughter and liveliness of nine theological students from The Anglican University (Sungkonghoe) in Seoul, South Korea. They were here for a two-week Spiritual Formation course led by the Rev. Robert Corin Morris, Founder of Interweave. Read more.
We love to share stories of what our congregations are doing! The deadline to submit stories, photos and links to media coverage for the October 16 issue of The VOICE Online is Wednesday, October 9 . Go to the submission guidelines .
Youth & Young Adult News & Events
First Pop Up Youth event: Goofy games, tacos, s’mores and lots of enthusiasm
The afternoon of Sunday, September 22 was sunny and unseasonably warm – even for the final official day of summer. In the spacious, tree-lined parking lot of St. Alban’s Church in Oakland/Franklin Lakes, a group of young people from across the diocese had gathered, enjoying the fine weather as they took part in icebreaker activities led by Pop Up Youth Ministry Fellows Matt Porowski and Shannon Molnar. Read more.
Next Pop Up Youth event:
5th Annual Rally for Cross Roads & Intergenerational Retreat
FRI, OCT 4, 7 PM - SUN, OCT 6, 9 AM @ @ CROSS ROADS CAMP & RETREAT CENTER
This year, we are especially excited for the Pop Up Youth Ministry to join us for the weekend.
Click here to learn more about Pop Up Youth Ministry and upcoming youth events.

For more ways to support the Cross Roads Rally, see Events at Cross Roads below.
Other Diocesan Events
Sign up for Breaking Bread with the Bishop!
Continuing the very popular series from this past spring, we are pleased to invite you to come meet Bishop Hughes for a meal and conversation at one of these four events this fall. Bishop Hughes would love to greet you and discuss the vision, hopes and dreams for the diocese. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
Continental breakfast 9 AM, program 9:30-11:30 AM - RSVP by FRI, OCT 18

Light supper 7 PM, program 7:30-9:30 PM - RSVP by TUE, OCT 22

Continental breakfast 9 AM, program 9:30-11:30 AM - RSVP by FRI, OCT 25

Light supper 6:30 PM, program 7-9 PM - RSVP by TUE, OCT 29
*This gathering is designed specifically for churches currently engaged in clergy transition. Others are welcome to attend but the program will be geared toward support and best practices.
Community Events
Spong Lecture Series: The Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera
SAT, OCT 26, 9 AM - 12:30 PM @ ST. PETER'S, MORRISTOWN
The guest lecturer for the 2019 John Shelby Spong and Christine Mary Spong Lecture Series will be the Rev. Dr. Javier Viera of Drew University, speaking on the topic "Does the Christian Church have to die in order to be resurrected?" Gather at 9 AM for a continental breakfast, followed by the lecture at 9:30 AM and ending at 12:30 PM. Find out more.

See more Upcoming Community Events , posted by our congregations and associated organizations.
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 .
Rally for Cross Roads this weekend!
You can support Cross Roads in one of three ways: 1) Play in this weekend's Volleyball Marathon Fundraiser! Register to attend the Rally here. 2) Donate! To celebrate the FIFTH annual event, we are challenging supporters to donate "on the fives." You can mail a check or donate directly online. 3) Share! Tell others why you love Cross Roads and think it is an important ministry to support.
Music that Makes Community Workshop
OCT 14-16
Recharge and renew your congregational song leading skills! At this three-day workshop, a lively team of Music That Makes Community presenters will lead worship, workshops, and conversation to help you add the valuable tool of paperless song leading to your community’s singing practice. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/music-that-makes-community.
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
Send us your Blessing of the Animals photos!
We would love for you to send us photos from your congregation's Blessing of the Animals service, for possible display in the rotating banner at the top of the diocesan website, or as the cover image on the diocesan Facebook page.

Please submit original, unedited .JPG files in horizontal (not vertical) format, and include the church name and town, the photographer's name, and a brief photo caption. If any minors are pictured, please affirm that you have parent or guardian permission.

Email photos to Nina Nicholson, Director of Communications, at nnicholson@dioceseofnewark.org.
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: NOV 15. Find out more.
The VOICE Digest Fall 2019
Click here to download and read or print the Fall 2019 issue of this printable diocesan publication (published on Sept. 17 and current through Dec. 17).
News from the Wider Church
Episcopal Church statement on the White House decision to reduce the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program
In response to the president’s decision to drastically reduce refugee resettlement in Fiscal Year 2020 and permit states and localities to veto refugee resettlement, The Episcopal Church issued the following statement:

The Episcopal Church condemns the administration’s decision to reduce the number of refugees and further dismantle the refugee resettlement program. We also strongly condemn the decision to allow states and localities to reject refugees. The historic average for annual refugee admissions has been 95,000. The FY2020 determination of 18,000 refugees is the lowest in the forty year history of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Read more.
The VOICE Online is published twice a month September-May (1st and 3rd Wednesday) and monthly June-August (3rd Wednesday only).