This election season, congregations across the Episcopal Diocese of Newark are "Electing to Pray" – and they are inviting their neighbors who wish to join in community prayer for our country, or who simply seek a safe place for quiet, individual reflection, to join them.
Churches that are holding special services, or opening their doors for reflection, on Election Eve, November 7, Election Day, November 8 or one of the preceding days, are listed alphabetically by county and then town. (Any additional election-related events a congregations may be having are also noted.)
On Wednesday, November 9 at 12:30 PM, Bishop Mark Beckwith will lead an Interfaith Service of Post-Election Reconciliation at Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark.
To add your church to this listing, please contact Nina Nicholson, Director of Communications, at nnicholson@dioceseofnewark.org.
Thursday, November 3
Passaic County
Wayne – St. Michael's Church (1219 Ratzer Road)
9 AM - 3 PM – Church open for those who wish to pray for our nation and the election
973-694-1026, stmichaelswayne.org
Election Eve – Monday, November 7
Bergen County
Englewood – St. Paul’s Church (113 Engle Street)
7 PM – Prayer Vigil
201-568-3276, stpaulsenglewood.org
Harrington Park – St. Andrew’s Church (31 Lynn Street)
7 - 9 PM – Church will be open for private prayer
201-768-0819, standrewsharringtonpark.org
Essex County
Short Hills – Christ Church
7:30 PM – Participating in an Interfaith Election Prayer Vigil at St. Rose of Lima Church (50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills) with other Millburn-Short Hills houses of worship. All are welcome as we pray for our community, our country, and the election.
973-379-2898, christchurchshorthills.org
Morris County
Chester – Church of the Messiah (50 Route 24)
1:30 - 2:30 PM & 5:30 - 6:30 PM – Church will be open for private prayer. Candles will be available for those who wish to light them. The Rev. Margaret Otterburn, Rector, will be available to lead public prayer if anyone wishes.
908-879-7208, messiahchester.org
Morristown – St. Peter's Church (121 South Street)
7 PM – Service of Prayer for the Nation, with Holy Communion
973-538-0555, stpetersmorristown.org
Election Day – Tuesday, November 8
Bergen County
Cliffside Park – Trinity Church (555 Palisade Avenue)
9 AM - 7 PM – Will be open for prayer, with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service
201-943-1034, trinitycliffsidepark.org
Harrington Park – St. Andrew’s Church (31 Lynn Street)
9 AM - 7 PM – Church will be open for private prayer
5:30 - 7:30 PM – Annual Fish & Chips Election Day Dinner – a church tradition for more than 50 years. Eat-in or take-out. Must call church to order meals. Neighbors are invited to write their dreams for the Harrington Park community on St. Andrew’s Dream Board.
201-768-0819, standrewsharringtonpark.org
Essex County
Montclair – St. Luke's Church (73. S. Fullerton Avenue)
6 AM - 8 PM – "Elect to Pray": When the polls open, the church will be open. Stop by to pray that the outcome of this election will be filled with God’s grace and healing.
There will also be three services: 7 AM Morning Prayer, 12 noon Noonday Prayer and 6 PM Evening Prayer.
973-744-6220, slechurch.org
Short Hills – Christ Church (66 Highland Avenue)
8 AM - 4 PM – Church will be open for prayer and meditation
973-379-2898, christchurchshorthills.org
South Orange – St. Andrew & Holy Communion (160 West South Orange Avenue)
9 AM – Church open all day for prayers and meditation
8 PM – Potluck party to watch election returns
973-763-2355, sahchurch.org
Hudson County
Jersey City – St. Paul's Church in Bergen (38 Duncan Avenue)
5:30 PM – Service of Holy Eucharist with prayers for healing, peace, and unity
201-433-4922, stpaulsjc.org
Morris County
Chester – Church of the Messiah (50 Route 24)
11 - 12 AM & 2 - 3 PM – Church will be open for private prayer. Candles will be available for those who wish to light them. The Rev. Margaret Otterburn, Rector, will be available to lead public prayer if anyone wishes.
908-879-7208, messiahchester.org
Millington – All Saints' Church (15 Basking Ridge Road)
12 noon - "Election Day Prayer & Peace," a service of Noonday Prayer for our country and the common good;
afterwards the church will remain open until 8 PM for personal prayer and reflection (printed prayer resources available)
908-647-0067, allsaintsmillington.org
All Saints' is a polling place and will be offering food for sale at a nominal price in front of the Parish House (hot dogs, coffee, baked goods)
Morristown – Church of the Redeemer (36 South Street)
12 - 1:30 PM & 6 - 8 PM – The church is open for prayer, for silent reflection, to light a candle for peace
Includes Tuesdays leading up to Election Day
973-539-0703, redeemermorristown.org
Sussex County
Sparta – St. Mary's, (85 Conestoga Trail)
6 AM - 8 PM – Church will be open for prayer
973-729-3136, stmaryssparta.org
