What you need to know for
December 2019
Diocesan Announcements
Episcopal House holiday closings
In observance of Thanksgiving, Episcopal House will close at 12 noon today and reopen next Monday, December 2. The Bishop and her staff wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving and beginning of Advent.

In observance of Christmas and New Year's, Episcopal House will close at 1 PM on Tuesday, December 24 and reopen on Thursday, January 2.
Dec. 13 deadline for Mission Minutes
Mission Minutes are short videos (usually about 5 minutes) shown at Diocesan Convention to share stories from our congregations about how they are engaging in God's ministry. The theme for our 2020 Convention is Behold God's Gifts, Become God's Steward, which lends itself to several opportunities to be part of Mission Minutes. The submission deadline is Friday, Dec. 13. Find out more.
Other Convention deadlines in December
Kid-friendly ideas for churches for Advent and Christmas
Planning for Advent and Christmas can be stressful, and like so many things it can be something we keep “meaning to work on”, and then, suddenly, the Season(s) are upon us. In smaller churches, churches in transition and/or without regular clergy this effect can be magnified. In all churches it can be hard to know how to truly welcome visitors and invite them to connect more deeply with the parish. Canon Clark suggests some ideas for Advent and Christmas. Read more.
Clergy ministry transitions
Departures
  • The Rev. Peter Savastano, Priest Associate, Christ Church, Short Hills - NOV 17
  • The Rev. Sylvester Ekunwe, Priest-in-Residence, Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral, Newark - NOV 24

Arrivals
  • The Rev. Peter Savastano, Priest Associate, St. Luke's, Montclair - DEC 1
  • The Rev. Sharon Sheridan Hausman, Priest Associate, Christ Church, Newton - DEC 8

See all clergy ministry transitions in 2019 .
Check out our other diocesan publications
The VOICE Digest - A new, printable publication, published quarterly. Click here to download the first issue covering Fall 2019 and share it with your congregations through Dec. 17, when the Winter 2019-20 issue will become available.

The VOICE Online - News, events and features of interest to members and friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, emailed twice a month September-May and monthly June-August. Click here to subscribe to future issues and read archived issues.

We love to share stories from our congregations in The VOICE Online! Click here for submission guidelines. Deadlines for December issues:

  • December 4 issue - TODAY, NOV 27
  • December 18 issue - WED, DEC 11
Upcoming Events
Preaching Advent and Christmas: A lunchtime clergy conversation
THU, DEC 5 12-1:30PM @ EPISCOPAL HOUSE
Clergy are invited to participate in a conversation about “Preaching Advent and Christmas” with the respected author and presenter on homiletics, the Rev. Dr. Raewynne J. Whiteley.

Bring questions, ideas and a brown bag lunch. Beverages and light refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP by emailing Canon Clark at mapclark@dioceseofnewark.org. Find out more.
Ordination to the Traditional Diaconate: Raul Ausa
SAT, DEC 7, 10 AM @ TRINITY & ST. PHILIP'S CATHEDRAL
Reception following at Episcopal House, 31 Mulberry Street.
Pop Up Youth Event: Christmas Party!
SAT, DEC 14 (TIME TBA) @ ST. ALBAN'S, OAKLAND/FRANKLIN LAKES
All youth in grades 6-12 from throughout the diocese are invited to wear their fun ugly Christmas sweaters to our afternoon Christmas party! Save the date, and watch this space and future e-newsletters for the time and other details.

For questions, please email popupym@dioceseofnewark.org.

Learn more about Pop Up Youth Ministry at dioceseofnewark.org/youth.
News & Events at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center
Cross Roads is a welcoming, ecumenical retreat center and camp of our diocese and the NJ Synod of the ELCA (Lutheran Church).

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, 9 AM - 3 PM
Begin your Advent season with a retreat at Cross Roads. Wednesdays Away are a time of spiritual renewal on the first Wednesday of each month in Cross Roads' 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.

Young Adult Retreat
JAN 3-5, 2020
Are you between the ages of 18-30ish? Join us for relaxation, contemplation, good food (a.k.a., lots of snacks), and awesome fellowship at the 2020 Young Adult Retreat at Cross Roads. And be sure to invite your friends, family, neighbors, and other young adults you know who would enjoy this time away. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/young-adult-retreat.
See also upcoming Community Events , posted by our congregations and associated organizations.
For Clergy
Clergy openings
At Step 1: Separation & Planning
  • St. John's Church, Boonton
  • St. Paul's Church, Montvale
  • Church of the Epiphany and Christ Church, Orange
  • St. Matthew's Church, Paramus

At Step 2: Self Study
  • St. Peter's Church, Morristown - Rector

At Step 3: Discernment / Receiving Names
  • St. Luke's Church, Haworth - Priest-in-Charge (part-time)
  • St. Bartholomew's Church, Ho-Ho-Kus - Rector / Priest-in-Charge
  • Grace Church, Rutherford - Priest-in-Charge (part-time)
  • Church of the Holy Innocents, West Orange - Priest-in-Charge (part-time)
Leadership News is published monthly on the last Wednesday.