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Two parishes begin experiment with Team Ministry
By the Rev. Canon Margo Peckham Clark, Canon for Congregational Life
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A new thing has begun at the Church of the Messiah in Chester and St. Mary’s Church in Sparta. These two parishes located about 20 miles apart will be working as a Team Ministry. This collaboration between two wonderful, independent parishes is the first “living experiment” with a unique model of congregational collaboration launched after the diocese identified “Congregational Collaboration” as one of the four focus areas in our Strategic Vision. Read more.
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Catching up with Bishop Hughes | |
Did you know that Bishop Hughes has been on the road most of the past month? | |
Feb. 5-8 - Virginia: Served as faculty at the College for Bishops (AKA "Baby Bishop School"). | |
Feb. 19-22 - South Carolina: With the Sisters of the Order of St. Helena, where she serves as Bishop Visitor. | |
Feb. 24 - New York: Attended the Consecration of the Rt. Rev. Jeremiah Williamson as 10th Bishop of Albany. | |
Feb. 28-Mar. 4 - Texas: Attended the semi-annual House of Bishops meeting at Camp Allen. | |
Mar. 5-7 - New York, again: Currently with a group of our clergy at Holy Cross Monastery for the annual Clergy Retreat. | |
All this while visiting one of our parishes nearly every Sunday - AND attending the Absalom Jones service. Whew! | |
Diocesan Events - Register Now! | |
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What's next, God? Discernment for all ages and stages of life
TUE, MAR 12 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom
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In this workshop Canon Clark and Missioner Cynthia McChesney will lead a discussion about ways to see the stages of our lives, how to invite God into our decision-making, and how to cultivate discernment practices throughout all our lives.
This “talking about faith” program is suited for everyone and for all ages. Find out more and register online by 5 PM next Monday, March 11.
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Confirmation Retreats
Youth candidates are encouraged to attend the Confirmation Retreat, and adult candidates are invited to dinner and conversation with Bishop Hughes. Information is below.
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Adult candidates:
Pre-Confirmation dinner and conversation with the Bishop
TUE, MAR 19 | 7 PM
St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood
Register & pay online by 5 PM on Friday, March 15.
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Youth candidates:
Confirmation retreat
FRI, MAR 22, 7 PM - SAT, MAR 23, 3 PM Cross Roads Camp & Retreat
Center
Register & pay online by 5 PM on Monday, March 18.
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Clergy Renewal of Vows
TUE, MAR 26 | 11 AM - 2 PM | Grace, Madison
All active clergy in the diocese are required to attend; registrations must be received by 5 PM on Tuesday, March 19 so that lunches may be ordered.
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General Convention Summer Trip
SAT, JUN 22 - FRI, JUN 28
The Youth Commission is excited to open Registration for the 2024 Diocese of Newark Summer Youth Trip, for youth in grades 8-12!
This year youth will be traveling to Louisville, KY during the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. While there, youth will get to see some of the workings of our denomination, connect with other youth from across the Episcopal Church, meet with our Bishop, take part in spiritual formation, participate in justice activities/missions... and of course there will be lots of fun and food included. Find out more and register online.
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Happening at Our Congregations | |
Parish solar panel project featured by Creation Justice Ministries | |
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The Rev. Diana Wilcox of Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge was one of the presenters for Creation Justice Ministries' Feb. 29 webinar, "Tools and Resources for Climate Care." She presented an overview of her parish's solar panel installation. You can watch the webinar at right. (Time: 1:14:10.)
This webinar was the first in a six-part series, "Faithful Preparedness, Faithful Resilience," which continues through December 12. Find out more and register for future webinars.
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Lenten Organ Recital
FRI, MAR 8, 15 & 22 | 12:15 PM
Grace, Madison
Lenten Fish Fry Fridays
FRI, MAR 8, 15 & 22 | 6-8 PM
St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange
Lenten Quiet Day Retreat
SAT, MAR 16 | 10 AM - 1:30 PM
All Saints', Millington
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A Musical Feast! A Concert of Vocal Music
SUN, MAR 10 | 3 PM
Christ Church, Ridgewood
The Philadelphia Eleven Film Screening
SUN, MAR 10 | 5 PM
All Saints, Hoboken
Iftar Fast-Breaking Dinner
FRI, MAR 15 | 6:30 PM
Christ Church, Bloomfield-Glen Ridge
St. Patrick's Day Dinner
SAT, MAR 16 | 12-5 PM
St. Cyprian's, Hackensack
End of Life Series
MON, MAR 18, APR 8 & MAY 13 | 7 PM
Holy Spirit, Verona
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Resources for Congregations | |
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Stewardship Matters:
Three ideas to get you started
If getting started on Year-Round Stewardship has seemed like a good idea, but a bit overwhelming... here are three initiatives perfect for this time of year. Consider trying one or all three to kickstart your efforts. Read more.
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Vote Faithfully Election Engagement Toolkit
The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations has updated their Vote Faithfully Election Engagement Toolkit for 2024 and made PDF downloads available in both English and Spanish.
Along with non-partisan activities congregations can use to "get souls to the polls," there are liturgical resources for "Vote Faithfully Sunday" (Nov. 3) and information about the Episcopal Election Activators program.
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Relocation of diocesan headquarters: Staus update March 2024
We have an update about the planned move of diocesan headquarters, as well as NJPAC’s plans for 31 Mulberry. Read more.
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Scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year | |
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Union of Black Episcopalians Scholarship
Application deadline: MAR 22
Open to all high school seniors who are actively engaged in a parish in the Diocese of Newark.
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Gertrude Butts Scholarship
Application deadline: APR 22
Open to students who demonstrate financial need and who are members of a parish in the Diocese of Newark, with a special emphasis on orphans or children of single parents.
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George E. Rath Scholarship
Application Deadline: MAY 15
Provides children of canonically resident clergy with extra financial assistance for college expenses at accredited four-year education institutions.
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Clergy ministry transitions
See all clergy ministry transitions in 2024.
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Arrivals
FEB 22 - The Rev. Deacon Gail Kertland
Deacon, Ministry Team at St. Mary's Sparta and Messiah, Chester
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Retirements
MAR 31 - The Rev. Candace Sandfort
Rector of St. John's, Montclair
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Is there talent in your congregation ready to shine?
Do you have a member of your congregation that is great with technology? What about that person that is a rockstar in retail sales? God has blessed us each with amazing talents and many times we miss letting them shine. Now is the time to find those talented people in your congregations and let them know how they can shine at the diocesan level. Read more.
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Convention reference information
Convention webpage: dioceseofnewark.org/convention
Contacts
Dates & deadlines
- 247 days until the 150th Convention!
- Registration deadline for Youth Convo: TBA
- Nominations deadlines: SEP 13 (late Nominees NOV 1)
- Registration dates for Deputations and all canonically resident Clergy: SEP 16, 12 NOON (forms to be sent May/June)
- Hotel reservations deadline at group rate: OCT 8
- Registration date for Guests: OCT 18
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Cross Roads is the ecumenical camp and retreat center of our diocese and the NJ Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. | |
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Upcoming events at Cross Roads
Wednesdays Away
A time of spiritual renewal hosted by Cross Roads throughout the year. Includes prayer and conversation led by a spiritual director and focusing on a different spiritual practice or theme each month. These retreats are open to all people interested in exploring new faith practices. Learn more and register online.
Rostered Leaders Retreat
TUE, APR 23, 4 PM - THU, APR 25, 11 AM
Cross Roads is proud to be hosting the New Life for Weary Souls: An Easter Retreat for Rostered Leaders, led by Dr. Audrey West and Pastor Dale Selover. Dr. West currently serves as the Project Administrator for Thriving in Ministry: Moravian Clergy Connection. She is a retreat leader, author, and wandering seminary professor in ELCA and Moravian contexts. Pastor Selover currently serves as a spiritual companion, retreat leader, and director of the House Next Door. Register online.
Open Houses
SAT, MAY 4 & SAT, JUN 8
Come and visit Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center for one of their open houses this spring! Learn all about their summer and year-round opportunities. Take a tour of camp, hear stories about summer camp, ask questions of their staff, and finish with a delicious lunch in the dining hall. These are especially great opportunities for families interested in sending their children to camp for the first time (or attending Family Camp together) or for retreat leaders interested in one of our many buildings that are open year-round. These tours start at 10:30 AM from the Lodge and conclude after lunch at noon. Please register by the Monday before the date attending. Learn more and register online.
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The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday
Next issue: WED, MAR 20
Submission deadline: FRI, MAR 15, 10 AM
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