Online Edition - Wednesday, August 15, 2018
News, events and features of interest to members and friends of the
Episcopal Diocese of Newark, the Episcopal Church in northern New Jersey.

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From the Bishop
Jesus, a challenge to ancient and modern tribalism
Jesus talks a lot about bread. References to bread fill several Gospel passages that are read on Sundays in August. But not only does Jesus talk about bread, he says he is bread: “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). “I am the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:50).

What is intriguing about bread is that, unlike manna which just appeared on the desert floor every day for 40 years during the Exodus, bread requires a partnership of actors. Read more.
From the Bishop-elect
A letter from Bishop-elect Carlye Hughes
Dear Companions on the Journey,

What a great delight it is to write to you from the Bishop’s Residence. After many weeks of handing off projects, farewell meals, packing, driving, driving, and more driving, we are finally here. We have been warmly welcomed by the Transition Committee and are settling into life here. Read more.
Features
Dispatches from the Journey:
Going Local congregations check in
On Saturday, July 21, representatives from congregations in the Joining God: Going Local initiative met for a half day of Dwelling, listening to what is happening, what we are learning, and planning next steps as we continue the journey of Joining God in the neighborhood. As one participant said, these gatherings "reframe us, refocus us and get us back on track."

Towards the end of our reflection, one participant said that what she wanted people at coffee hour tomorrow to know is that, "I see hope in the midst of hopelessness." May God's people continue to receive and offer hope and peace in a world that is broken and hurting - and yet filled with God's presence and love!

Photo: Representatives from Messiah, Chester; St. Andrew's, Harrington Park; St. Peter's, Livingston; St. Michael's, Wayne; and diocesan team leaders. Representatives from St. Mark's, Mendham not pictured. KAY LARK PHOTO
Dispatches from the Journey:
What is the Holy Spirit up to in our midst, and how do we support that evolution?
By Suzanne Willian
Action-Learning Teams (ALTs) are one of the pathways by which the diocese is continuing to discover the ways and forms of life into which the Spirit is inviting us.

ALT members have been energized by the stories of several vibrant faith communities across the Church. This article, the third in a three-part series, tells the story of Metro Community Church in Englewood, NJ, which focuses on community partnerships. Read more.
Discernment stories:
I never saw it coming
By the Rev. Deacon Jill Singleton
It’s more than fair to say, “I never saw it coming,” especially because I was not raised in the church. But God has a way of finding us, and in my case, he finally got my full attention from, of all places, a mosque in the Middle East. Read more.
YOUth and YOUng Adults Newsletter - Mid-Summer 2018
The Diocese of Newark youth presence at General Convention, summer happenings around the diocese - read about these events, other upcoming events, and more in the latest issue of the YOUth and YOUng Adults Newsletter, here.
In the News
The Rev. Diana Wilcox:
AUG 10, 2018 | Essex News Daily
Diocesan Events
Farewell Luncheon for Bishop Mark Beckwith and Marilyn Olson
SAT, SEP 8, 11 AM @ SKYLANDS EVENT & CONFERENCE CENTER
In recognition of their 11 years of service to the people of the Diocese of Newark, the Transition Committee is holding a luncheon honoring Bishop Mark Beckwith and Marilyn Olson.

The cost to attend is $40 per person and there will be a cash bar. The registration deadline is TODAY, August 15.

Find out more, including instructions on how to register and pay online.
Tribute donations to the Alleluia Fund
All are invited to honor Mark and Marilyn by making a tribute donation to the Alleluia Fund for Outreach. Your gift will be vitally important to many organizations throughout the diocese – ministries dear to the hearts of Mark and Marilyn.

Your donation is fully tax deductible. Please go to e-giving.dioceseofnewark.org, choose “Alleluia Fund – Beckwith Tribute” and make your donation of any amount. Thank you!
Consecration of the XI Bishop of Newark
SAT, SEP 22, 11AM @ NJPAC, NEWARK
All are welcome to attend the ordination and consecration of the Rev. Carlye J. Hughes as the XI Bishop of Newark. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will preside at the service. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Formal seating of the new Bishop
SUN, SEP 23, 3 PM
@ TRINITY & ST. PHILIP'S CATHEDRAL, NEWARK

The formal seating of our new Bishop will take place the day following her consecration, within the context of Evening Prayer. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
Save the date:
Vestry University 2018
SAT, OCT 6, 9 AM - 3:15 PM
@ ST. ELIZABETH'S, RIDGEWOOD
Vestry University is day for all wardens, vestry members, treasurers, clergy and other congregational leaders to learn, network and celebrate your ministry. More information, including a list of workshops, will be posted here as it becomes available.
Last chance!
"Just in Time" Stewardship Workshop
SAT, AUG 18 @ EPISCOPAL HOUSE
All set for your Fall Stewardship Campaign? Or could you use a little help, structure or motivation? At this workshop, hosted by the Fund Development Council, you and your team will get proven techniques, resources and best practices... just in time! Find out more.
Join our new Stewardship Matters Facebook group
Interested in sharing ideas about stewardship in the Diocese of Newark? Join our new (private) Facebook group: Stewardship Matters! Join and help us build a community of stewardship-minded folks across the diocese, where we share ideas and support for all things stewardship in the Diocese of Newark.
Community Events
See the Community Calendar for other public events hosted by our congregations and associated organizations, and find out how to submit your own events.
SAT, AUG 18 @ CALVARY, SUMMIT
SAT, SEP 29 @ THE CHANDELIER, BELLEVILLE
Cross Roads Camp Events
Accredited with the American Camp Association, Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center is a welcoming, ecumenical retreat center and camp of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and the NJ Synod of the ELCA.

Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com .
Giant Church Picnic
SUN, AUG 19
Our annual end-of-season bash brings out the kid in everyone! Experience camp fun one last time with great activities: archery, swimming, high ropes, and more, plus great fellowship and walks in the woods. Church groups, families, and individuals are welcome. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/summer-programs/giant-church-picnic.
Women's Retreat
SEP 28-30 or OCT 12-14
Join other women for a weekend of relaxation, connection, and prayer, all while enjoying the peaceful setting of Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center. This year's discussions will focus on Anne Lamott's book Help, Thanks, Wow and ways to enrich our prayer lives. The same retreat is offered two different weekends so pick the one that works for you! Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/year-round-programs/womens-retreat.
Music That Makes Community Workshop
OCT 15-17
Join a dynamic gathering of musicians, clergy, and lay people to recharge and renew your congregational song leading skills. 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/year-round-programs/music-that-makes-community.
Diocesan Announcements
New diocesan map available
An updated map of the diocese is available on the diocesan website here. (You can also find it in the main menu under Who We Are / Map of Diocese.)

The printable version is a color 11x17 PDF. If you would like to get the larger 16x20 JPG file, please email Nina Nicholson.
Clergy ministry transitions
Arrivals:

  • The Rev. Ellen Kohn-Perry, Associate Rector, St. Paul's, Chatham - July 29
  • The Rev. Lynne Grifo, Interim Priest, St. Peter's, Mountain Lakes - August 1
  • The Rev. Pierce Klemmt, Interim Priest, St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood - Sept. 1

Departures:

  • The Rev. Gary Commins, Priest-in-Charge, Incarnation, Jersey City - June 30
  • The Rev. Ellen Kohn-Perry, Priest-in-Charge, Christ Church, Budd Lake - June 30
  • The Venerable Chris McCloud, Archdeacon for Administration and Formation, and Deacon, Holy Innocents, West Orange - September 9

Retirements:

  • The Rev. Keith Gentry - July 1

See all clergy ministry transitions in 2018 .
We’d love your input on spiritual formation for adults
A small group of diocesan volunteers has been meeting recently to discuss spiritual formation for adults across the diocese. Our particular interest is in ways the diocesan office might be able to make spiritual formation/enrichment available to a larger number of people.

To inform these conversations, it would be so helpful to have input from across the diocese about what congregations are doing (or, as important, what they’d like to do!) to provide adult spiritual formation/enrichment activities outside of the regular worship service. Please take a minute and jot down your thoughts and experiences and send to Cynthia McChesney at cmcchesney@dioceseofnewark.org – or give her a call at 973-430-9909.
The VOICE Online to resume regular publication schedule
In September The VOICE Online will resume publication on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The deadline to submit items for consideration is the Wednesday prior to publication. Next issue: September 5. Deadline: August 29.
News from The Episcopal Church
Episcopalians dive into voter mobilization efforts leading up to November elections
AUG 9, 2018 | Episcopal News Service
How can't Episcopalians “vote faithfully”? The Office of Government Relations offers links to voter registration information, states’ voting policies and poling locations, as well as guidance on individual action and how to mobilize communities in ways guided by faith. Read more.
New Central America primate sets out mission and justice manifesto at installation service
AUG 13, 2018 | Anglican Communion News Service
Archbishop Julio Murray is bishop of our companion diocese of Panama.

Archbishop Julio Murray urged his province to “embrace the project” of the Kingdom of God as he was installed at the sixth primate of the Anglican Church of Central America (IARCA) on Aug. 11. He was elected by the provincial synod in April. Hundreds of people included guests from around the world packed into St. Luke’s Cathedral in Panama City for a vibrant, colourful service which reflected elements from the five nations which make up the province – Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Read more.
A photo gallery is here.
The VOICE Online is published on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays September through May,
and on the 3rd Wednesdays only in June, July and August.
The deadline to submit items for consideration is one week prior to publication.
Questions? Please contact Nina Nicholson, Director of Communications.