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How we need to support our Confirmands
Bishop Hughes notes that this year's Confirmands are giving different reasons for seeking confirmation than in previous years. Instead of saying they're doing it because it's expected, most are now saying it's because "I want to know God more" or "I want to take my place in the church." For those of us who've already found our place in the church, Bishop Hughes has some suggestions about how we can support our Confirmands as they find theirs.
(Video time 5:19; read the transcript.)
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Happening at Our Churches | |
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A story of resurrection: How The Lighthouse in Jersey City overcame challenges to become Lighthouse 2 in Union City
By Nina Nicholson
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Picture this: a young couple, both early 20s. The woman is eight months pregnant. Asylum seekers from South America, they have just been released from Immigration & Customs Enforcement detention in another state. Since the only person they know in the United States is a friend in New Jersey, ICE puts them on a plane to Newark Airport, but when they arrive, their “friend” refuses to answer their calls.
Not knowing what else to do, they get in a taxi and ask to be taken to the place most likely to find work. The taxi driver takes them to Union City and leaves them there. They begin knocking on church doors, but since it’s mid-week, no one answers. Then they see a house with a red cross on the door and knock on it. Someone opens the door.
They haven’t found a church – they’ve found something even better for their immediate needs. They’ve found The Lighthouse. Read more, and view the photo gallery.
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Confirmation season continues
SAT, APR 22 | 10 AM | St. Peter's, Essex Fells
TUE, APR 25 | 7 PM | Calvary, Summit
SAT, MAY 6 | 10 AM | St. Michael's, Wayne
TUE, MAY 9 | 7 PM | St. Paul's, Chatham
SAT, MAY 13 | 10 AM | Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral, Newark
To reduce the amount of risk for COVID-19 infection, all Confirmation services are limited to a maximum of 25 candidates each and each Candidate is limited to 6-8 guests, not including their clergy or sponsors/presenters.
All others are invited to watch the live streams of the services from home on the diocesan YouTube channel and Facebook page.
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Last night at the Confirmation service hosted by the Church of the Saviour, Denville, two adults were Confirmed and two were Received into the Episcopal Church. | |
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Sundaes@One for youth grades 6-12
SUN, APR 30 | 1-2 PM | St. Peter's, Morristown
Sundaes@One is designed to be a short "get-acquainted" event for youth and their leaders; it includes activities for that purpose, a spiritually directed activity, and of course Ice Cream Sundaes to enjoy. Cost: FREE.
This will be the last Sundaes@One in 2023 – so don't miss out! Find out more.
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Juneteenth Pilgrimage with Bishop Hughes
SAT, JUN 17 & MON, JUN 19 | Time TBA
Two half-day trips with Bishop Hughes, coordinated by the diocesan Justice groups, will visit sites in our diocese with a history linked to slavery. Each trip will have different destinations - attend one or both.
Save the date(s)! More information, and the registration form, will be posted here as soon as it is available:
June 17 | June 19
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Senior Ministries survey
Senior Ministries has two purposes: education and recognition. The first takes the form of workshops and presentations on topics of interest. The second is primarily in the Hegg Awards. In an effort to provide what our sisters and brothers want from us, we have produced a short survey. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us.
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College scholarships available for the 2023-2024 academic year | |
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Gertrude Butts Scholarship
Application deadline: MAY 8
Provides scholarships with special emphasis placed on those who are orphaned or are children of single parents, demonstrate financial need and are members of a parish in the Diocese of Newark.
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George E. Rath Scholarship
Application deadline: MAY 15
Provides children of clergy canonically resident in the Diocese of Newark with extra financial assistance for college expenses.
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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.
Exciting news! Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center has been named one of America's Best Summer Camps for 2023 by Newsweek! Find out more.
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Register for summer camp
Summer 2023 Theme: Holy Trinity - Wholly Love
Cross Roads is the ultimate destination for children looking for an exciting and enriching summer experience. We offer a range of fun activities such as hiking, swimming, and sports, as well as opportunities for spiritual growth through small group discussions, and engaging activities. With experienced and caring staff, Cross Roads ensures that every child feels welcome, safe, and supported as they make new friends and create unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on the chance to join the Cross Roads community this summer! Learn more.
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Now hiring! Apply for summer staff
Cross Roads is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our summer leadership team! As a summer staff member, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children, while gaining valuable leadership and teamwork skills. You will work alongside experienced and supportive mentors, and participate in staff training that will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a safe, fun, and memorable summer experience for all campers. Whether you are interested in teaching outdoor skills, leading worship, or organizing games and activities, there is a role for you at Cross Roads. Apply today to be part of our dynamic and rewarding summer staff community! Learn more.
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Opening day
SAT, MAY 20
Join us for “Opening Day at Cross Roads,” a fun work-day event. Individuals, youth groups, families, and congregational groups are invited to come to camp to volunteer with a few projects as we get camp ready for the summer season. There will be projects for all skill levels. If you have special skills or tools (chainsaws, leaf blowers, etc.) please bring them with you! Learn more.
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Bishops’ Cup Annual Golf Outing
MON, JUN 12
Grab your clubs, friends, and bogeys! Join us on June 12 at Copper Hill Country Club for our annual Bishops’ Cup Golf Outing. Bishop Hughes will be attending the reception. This event is a huge help in supporting the life-giving and life-changing impact that children and families get at Cross Roads. Learn more.
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Happening in the Wider Church | |
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It's All About Love:
A Festival for the Jesus Movement
SUN, JUL 9 - WED, JUL 12 | Baltimore Convention Center
Across the church and around the world, we are hungry for revival and renewal. Join us for “It’s All About Love,” a churchwide festival of worship, learning, community, and action for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.
“It’s All About Love” features three Jesus Movement festival “tents” – Evangelism, Creation Care, and Racial Reconciliation. Featured speakers, preachers, and artists to include Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris, and more!
Register by May 8 for Early Bird rate of $185. Find out more and register online.
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Support The Philadelphia Eleven documentary | |
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Next year we will celebrate 50 years of women ordained as priests. A documentary, The Philadelphia Eleven, on the 11 women who were ordained the first female Episcopal priests on July 29, 1974, is in the final stages of production. Donations are being sought to finish the documentary, and the names of donors who give over $100 by Friday, May 5 will be included in the credits.
The Diocese of Newark donated half of the offering at the most recent Diocesan Convention to the making of this documentary, along with a matching donation from The Bishop's Discretionary Fund.
Read more about the documentary, and watch the trailer, in this ENS article. To donate online, visit givebutter.com/philadelphiaeleven.
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Experiment aims to make small congregations shine on the web
TryTank, a joint project between Virginia Theological Seminary and the General Theological Seminary, is partnering with Jubilee Design Collaborative, a non-profit graphic design and communications team staffed by professionals with years of experience and hearts for service.
As part of this experiment, Jubilee Design Collaborative will select five churches to build their web presence and enhance their online visibility. Find out more and apply online here.
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| At what age were you confirmed? | | | |
Results of the previous poll: | |
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The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday.
Next issue: WED, MAY 3
Submission deadline: FRI, APR 28, 10 AM
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Follow the Episcopal Diocese of Newark at: | | | | |
