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May 3, 2023

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From the Bishop

Stay together, pray together, and listen for the Holy Spirit


Noting that Jesus' instructions to his disciples after his resurrection were to stay together, pray together, and wait for the Holy Spirit, Bishop Hughes reflects on how this is also good advice for us now, as we become the church that God needs us to be at this time. (Video time: 3:46; read the transcript.)

Stay together, pray together, and listen for the Holy Spirit

Diocesan Events

Confirmation season concludes

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, these services are limited to a maximum of 25 candidates each. While candidates may bring any number of guests with them, 6-8 is a recommended maximum, not including their clergy or sponsors/presenters. Guests may or may not be able to be seated with their candidate, depending on the church and the total number present.


All are invited to watch the live streams of the services from home on the diocesan YouTube channel and Facebook page. The videos of all streamed Confirmation services are archived on the Confirmation Service playlist.

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Above: April 22 Confirmation service at St. Peter's, Essex Fells


Below: April 25 Confirmation service at Calvary, Summit

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Youth Minister "Get Acquainted" Summit

THU, MAY 18 | 7-9 PM


This event is open to people in the diocese who are actively leading a youth ministry for grades 6-12 whether they are vocational or volunteer (also known as Youth Ministers, Youth Pastors, etc). Meeting over dinner and dessert, this event will be a time for RMN collaboration and connection, as well as development ideas for future Diocesan Youth Commission programming. Find out more and register online.

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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

Happening at Our Congregations

Grammy Award-Winning Organist Paul Jacobs to Perform

SUN, MAY 21 | 4 PM | Christ Church, Short Hills


Want to submit your church's public events to the Community Calendar? See the User Guide.

Cook (full-time) - St. Marguerite's Retreat House

Community of St. John Baptist, Mendham


Email submissions for the Job Listings page to Nina Nicholson.

Diocesan Announcements

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Diocesan members receive awards for communications work


Several members of the Diocese of Newark received professional recognition for their communications work at the annual Episcopal Communicators Conference held last week at Camp Allen in the Diocese of Texas.


Read more, and see their winning work.

April update from the Strategic Visioning Team

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The four working teams – Children, Families, Youth and Young Adults, Communications and Technology, Congregational Collaboration and Justice for People and Planet – are off and running. Each team has met to address some strategic questions and are now forming goals and coming up with potential initiatives to meet the goals. Working team members are expressing their appreciation for these conversations and figuring out how to work together. Read more.

College scholarships available for the 2023-2024 academic year


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.


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.

Happening at Our Camp

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Happening in the Wider Church

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.

Results of the April 19 poll

Watch for a new poll in the May 17 issue of The VOICE Online.

The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday.

Next issue: WED, MAY 17

Submission deadline: FRI, May 12, 10 AM

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