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If you're lost, stand still and listen
Bishop Hughes shares a piece of advice from Catherine Meeks' book, "The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning," that Meeks gives to people who ask her, what should I do? What should my ministry look like? How should I handle this particular challenge? The answer is: Stand still and listen. (Time: 4:36; read the transcript.)
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During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) we are sharing stories of Hispanic/Latino ministry in the Diocese of Newark. | |
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How Holy Trinity, West Orange developed their Hispanic/Latino Ministry
By Nina Nicholson
Holy Trinity, West Orange is in a neighborhood where at least 20% of the residents speak Spanish. Over the last few years its clergy, the Rev. Dr. Miguel Hernandez, Priest-in-Charge, and the Rev. Deacon Peter Jackson, have built an active ministry that not only serves their Spanish-speaking neighbors, but attracts Latinos from as far away as Maryland for special services. Read more.
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Detail of an online map provided by The Episcopal Church showing the percentage of Spanish speakers in the area surrounding Holy Trinity, West Orange. | |
Happening at Our Churches | |
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Small Faith Groups at St. Mark's, Teaneck
Video by Allison Davis
As COVID ravaged communities and closed the physical houses of worship, the Diocese of Newark offered churches another way to share both the challenges and blessings faced by those struggling with the absence of community. Under the leadership of Cynthia McChesney, Missioner for Stewardship and Legacy Giving, and the Rev. Canon Margo Peckham Clark, Canon for Congregational Life, churches heard how to form Small Faith Groups led by parishioners who meet frequently to receive support, counsel and prayer. For the past two years, St. Mark’s Church in Teaneck has hosted three Small Faith Groups. Co-conveners and participants shared their experiences with this unique and very fulfilling style of worship.
(Time: 3:42; read the transcript.)
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Holy Trinity's God, Science and Art Summer Program continues in Spanish and English
By the Rev. Dr. Miguel A. Hernandez and the Rev. Deacon Peter Jackson
Holy Trinity, West Orange held its annual God, Science, and Art Summer Program for the youth of the Church and the surrounding community. The program, held in the church’s Parish Hall every Saturday afternoon from July 15 to August 19, was attended by an average of 16 to 20 students at every session. This year, because of the shift in the demographics of the community, the sessions were conducted in a bilingual (Spanish/English) format. Read more.
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Harriet Region congregations join for Creation Cares service
The Harriet Tubman Regional Ministry Network celebrated Summer Sabbath at the Community of St John Baptist with an outdoor Creation Cares evening prayer service (using resources from The Episcopal Church) and ice cream social. Approximately 45 people from 10 of our regional member congregations enjoyed prayer and fellowship. The event engaged first time visitors to the community's beautiful property and several people with fond memories of other visits. All were grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality of the Sisters.
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Leadership Essentials for Vestries, Wardens & Treasurers
THU, OCT 12 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom
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This session will focus on Church Properties: Stewarding Assets for Ministry.
Many church leaders recognize the value of their buildings and struggle with the best way to steward these assets left by previous generations. In this session, we will focus on practices to care for buildings including: find out more.
Wardens, Vestry Members, and Treasurers should have received an email with information about joining this important meeting. If you have not received it, please email Chloe Caprice.
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Anti-Racism Dialogues
SAT, NOV 4, 11 & 18 | 9 AM – 12:30 PM | Zoom
There is still time to register for the November session of the Anti-Racism Dialogues. The dialogues are presented over three consecutive Saturdays, November 4, 11 and 18 over ZOOM. Registrants must attend all three dates in order to complete the program and receive a certificate. The dialogues are open to all people in the Diocese of Newark and encouraged for those in parish leadership roles like vestry, finance committee, youth ministry and Sunday School, and greeters and ushers. Please note, if you are sitting on a board or any office of the Diocese this training is a requirement*.
Each installment runs from 9 AM - 12:30 PM on ZOOM. We meet via Zoom for large and small group discussions on the interconnected topics of racism, oppression, equity and justice.
The deadline for registration is Friday, October 27 by 5 PM. Click here to register.
Please consider members of your congregations, vestries or others who are interested in the work of our commission to consider attending these sessions. By our Baptism and promise to uphold the dignity of all, we are called to this ongoing learning of what it means to follow The Way of Love.
If you have any questions, you may contact either of the Anti-Racism Commission co-conveners: the Rev. William Cruse bill.cruse@stjohnsramsey.org or Michele Simon simon765me@gmail.com.
*No person shall be eligible for election to any office at Convention, nor shall any person elected by Districts, or appointed to serve on Diocesan Council or other Diocesan Standing Committees, Commissions or Boards accede to that office, unless that person shall have first completed or arranged for the completion of anti-racism dialogues and anti-sexism training as approved by the Bishop after consultation with the Diocesan bodies responsible for each training. (Diocesan Canon 2.6)
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Anti-Sexism Training
SAT, NOV 4 | 8:30 AM - 3 PM | St. Stephen's, Millburn
Like the Anti-Racism Dialogues, Anti-Sexism Training is also required for diocesan office holders by Canon 2.6.
The training includes thoughtful discussion, interactive exercises, videos, and presentations. The format has been changed to work virtually, with pre-work in the form of readings and surveys that will be mailed to each registrant.
Cost: $25 per person, to cover the cost of food and materials.
The registration deadline is Monday, OCT 30 by 5 PM. Click here to register.
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Registration for 2024 Confirmation services
WED, NOV 1
Registration for our 2024 Confirmation services opens on Wednesday, November 1. Clergy and wardens are asked to mark your calendars and be ready to register your Candidates.
The schedule for the six Confirmation services being held in 2024 is posted on the Confirmation webpage, along with the maximum number of Candidates for each service. Registration for each service will close automatically once the maximum number of Candidates is reached, or on March 1, 2024, whichever comes first.
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Youth events
Diocese of Newark Youth Rally
SAT, OCT 21 | 2:30-6:30 PM | St. Stephen's, Millburn
A time of worship, formation, and fun "get to know you" activities for youth in grades 6-12 from across our diocese, with a dinner of pizza and s'mores.
Applications open for General Convention 2024 Official Youth Presence
Episcopal teens ages 16 to 19 are invited to apply to become part of the 81st General Convention’s Official Youth Presence, a group whose members have seat and voice in the House of Deputies and can testify at hearings before and during the summer 2024 convention. The deadline to apply is Nov. 17.
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Volunteers needed to help with diocesan archives | |
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Are you interested in volunteering some time from your own home to assist the Diocese of Newark in maintaining our historical archives?
As we prepare to move to our new headquarters, John King is organizing and digitizing archival materials. This includes The Newark Churchman, the predecessor to The VOICE and The VOICE Online, with over 400 issues published from 1905 - 1977. We are attempting to create an online library of The Newark Churchman that will be accessible to the entire diocese.
We need individuals who are interested in reviewing the issues online and cataloguing the churches, committees and individuals mentioned in the articles. This will help us create an index of articles so we can locate information when the need arises.
We are also missing a few issues of The Newark Churchman and asking any individuals or churches who have copies to let us know.
Find out more.
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Church website audit checklist
In this short video, Nina Nicholson, diocesan Director of Communications & Technology, gives a checklist you can use to audit your church website and make sure that potential visitors can find everything they need.
(Time: 2:51; read the transcript.)
You can find more diocesan resources in the Learning Center.
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Rally for Cross Roads
SAT, OCT 7
Join us to take part in this incredible event. Whether you're a passionate runner, a leisurely walker, or simply someone who wants to support a worthy cause, your presence and participation will make a world of difference. Rally your friends, family, and colleagues, and let's come together to champion the future of young campers at Cross Roads. Register for the Rally for Cross Roads today and be a part of a community dedicated to transforming lives, one step at a time. Together, we can create a brighter future for all with your participation in this fundraiser! Learn more.
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Women’s Retreat: "Breathe"
OCT 20-22
Take time to catch your breath this fall at the annual Women's Retreat. Using the spiritual gifts of prayer, scripture, song, conversation, and silence, we will be invited to breathe in the Spirit of the Living God. This is a great opportunity to rest and reconnect with God and our community. This year's theme is BREATHE and will be led by Led by Laurie Matarazzo and Dale Selover. Learn more and register online.
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Happening in the Wider Church | |
Results of the September 20 poll: | |
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The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday
Next issue: WED, OCT 18
Submission deadline: FRI, OCT 13, 10 AM
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Follow the Episcopal Diocese of Newark at: | | | | |
