Sermons from Bishop Hughes | |
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Leadership Essentials
for Vestries, Wardens & Treasurers
THU, APR 20 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom
What does it mean to be a leader in changing times? Congregations in our diocese have faced and continue to face new opportunities and challenges in ministry. Bishop Hughes invites our parish leaders to this special learning session. Find out more.
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Some space still available for
Episcopal Youth Event 2023
TUE, JUL 4 - SUN, JUL 9
The Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) is a tri-annual gathering of youth from across The Episcopal Church - this year, in the Baltimore-Washington Metro Area - for worship, for mission, and for fun! Registration closes Tuesday, March 28 or when last slots are filled. Find out more and register online.
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Confirmation Retreat
SAT, MAR 25 | 9 AM - 3:30 PM | Grace, Madison
Registration is now closed, and we are pleased to announce that we have 60 youth and adult Candidates for Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation registered for this Saturday's retreat - triple the number of retreat attendees last year!
Confirmation services begin on April 18 - click here to find out more.
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Happening at Our Churches | |
Two phone calls transform church’s fading food pantry into thriving community partnership | |
In 2021 Twelve Baskets Food Pantry, a ministry run for six years solely by All Saints’, Millington, was on the brink of closing – until two unexpected phone calls led to it becoming a thriving community partnership with local government, other houses of worship, and neighborhood volunteers. Read more. | |
Grace, Rutherford's clothing drive gives away 1,000 dresses to outfit teens for prom | |
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A congregation in the Diocese of Newark made a big difference for hundreds of teenagers on March 11 when its growing clothing ministry distributed more than 1,000 free prom dresses to families from its northern New Jersey community and the neighboring New York region.
The ministry is called Grace’s Closet, and this is its second year at Grace Episcopal Church in Rutherford, a community of about 20,000 people just north of Newark and just west of Manhattan. After giving away about 100 prom dresses last year, organizers got an early jump on planning and promoting the clothing drive this year – and were happily overwhelmed by its newfound success. Read more, and see the media coverage.
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An easy way to keep up with your Regional Ministry Network! | |
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New functionality has been added to the Regional Ministry Network pages on the diocesan website, making it easier than ever to stay up to date with what's happening in your Region.
Get started on the main Regional Ministry Networks page, which has a directory of all churches and their Regions, and a menu of all Region pages in the right sidebar.
When you visit your Region's page, you will find information about your Region's email list at the top. If your Region has a presence on Facebook, you will find a link to it there too.
Scroll down to see all articles about churches in your Region. Then look in the right sidebar to see all upcoming events hosted by churches in your Region, pulled from both the diocesan and Community calendars.
You can help everyone in your Region follow what your church is doing by submitting your congregation's stories to The VOICE Online and submitting your public events to the Community Calendar.
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Wardens: Two days remain to submit online Church Info survey
A friendly reminder that all Wardens have received an online survey from John King requesting the names and contact information of the various Lay leadership in your congregation.
This Church Info survey is built on the Survey Monkey platform and is three pages in length. This replaces the previous paper form. It will help us gather important data and ensure that our internal records are up-to-date and as accurate as possible.
The survey will remain open for two more days, until Friday, March 24.
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An opportunity to participate in the Strategic Visioning Project | |
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It’s not too late to sign up for one of the four Working Teams that will meet during this next phase of the visioning process to create goals around the four priorities:
- Children, Families, Youth and Young Adults
- Communications and Technology
- Congregational Collaboration
- Justice for People and Planet
Find out more.
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College scholarships available for the 2023-2024 academic year | |
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UBE Scholarship
Application deadline: APR 8
The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) scholarship program is open to all high school seniors who are actively engaged in the life, work and ministry of a parish in the Diocese of Newark.
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Episcopal Church Scholarships
Application deadline: APR 12
Applications are being accepted for a wide variety of educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church. All applicants must be Episcopalian and have the endorsement of their Bishop.
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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.
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. 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 | |
Female bishops at the House of Bishops | |
Bishop Hughes was one of 35 female Bishops who attended the House of Bishops meeting earlier this month at Camp MacDowell in Alabama. Read more. | |
| Are you participating in Lent Madness? | | | |
Results of the previous poll: | |
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The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday.
Next issue: WED, APR 5
Submission deadline: FRI, MAR 31, 10 AM
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Follow the Episcopal Diocese of Newark at: | | | | |
