We believe that God is inviting us into a new way of living together. This involves listening and attending to what God is up to in our congregations, our neighborhoods and ourselves. We invite you and your congregation to say YES to a three-month period of LISTENING which will begin with a Kick-Off Gathering on Saturday, March 4 and culminate with a Reflection Gathering on Saturday, June 3. Register online by Friday, Feb. 24. Find out more.

The Women's Commission of the Diocese of Newark is being re-birthed! Please bring your ideas, your passions, and your interests. There is nothing pre-determined - we will see where the Spirit leads us. Find out more and RSVP.

A day for all wardens, vestry members, treasurers, clergy and other congregational leaders to learn, network and celebrate your ministry.

The workshop listings and registration form will be available by the end of the week here.

Co-sponsored by the Diocese of New Jersey and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General - Division of Criminal Justice Human Trafficking Task, this full-day symposium will provide an overview of human trafficking in NJ with an emphasis on the role of the faith-based community in devising and implementing a comprehensive, sustainable anti-trafficking strategy. Keynote speaker: the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms. Find out more.

This conference will feature speakers and discussions on poverty, racism and gun violence, contextual Bible study, education and advocacy workshops and a prayerful procession to sites of gun violence on Chicago's South Side. It is open to everyone who is committed to exploring the intersection of racism, poverty and gun violence as people of faith. Find out more.

Bishop Mark Beckwith is a co-convener of Bishops United Against Gun Violence.

Episcopal House staff opening
This is a part-time position (25 hours/week). Applications must be received by March 15, 2017. Find out more.

Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/employment.

"Ashes to Go" listings due TOMORROW

If you'd like your church to be included in the diocesan press release to local media about all the "Ashes to Go" offerings in our diocese, please send your church's town, name, office phone number, and the time(s) and location(s) you will be offering Ashes to Go to Nina Nicholson no later than TOMORROW, Feb. 23. Please follow the preferred format:

If your church was included in the 2016 press release and the info hasn't changed, you can simply give your church name and town and say "same as 2016."

Also, don't forget to submit your "Ashes to Go" photos by March 8 for the March 15 issue of The VOICE Online.

2016 Parochial Reports due March 1

The filing of current parochial reports is a diocesan compliance requirement for the allocation of grants and other funds. Find out more.

Confirmation deadlines

The Bishop strongly urges everyone preparing for Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation of their baptismal vows to attend a Confirmation Retreat. Youth attend an overnight retreat; adults attend a Saturday lunch with Bishop Beckwith. Find out more.

• March 17 - 18 at Cross Roads Camp
  Final registration ends March 7
• March 31 - April 1 at St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood
  Discounted "Early Bird" registration ends March 2

Please also remember that the deadline to register adults to be Confirmed, Received or Reaffirmed is March 1. Go to the registration form.

Deadlines for The VOICE Online March issues  

TODAY for Mar. 1 issue  

New deadline for Ward J. Herbert Fund applications

In order to better facilitate disbursement of checks for grants prior to the summer break, Diocesan Council has moved the Ward J. Herbert Grant application deadline for the 2nd cycle (late spring funding) to April 15. Because that date falls on a weekend this year, applications may submitted before 12 noon on Monday, April 17. Find out more.

• The Rev. Mark Collins, Rector, All Saints, Glen Rock
  
  FEB 1
•   The Rev. Marjorie Lindstrom, Priest-in-Residence, St. Matthew's, Paramus
  FEB 1

See all clergy ministry transitions in 2017.

Time is 10 AM to 12 noon. Please bring a lunch for afterward if your schedule allows. See the full schedule.

New Start

Standing Committee
Diocesan Council