Download The VOICE Digest printable PDF with highlights from this issue.

The past 11 months of pandemic seems like one incredibly long Lent, Bishop Hughes notes -- but one that also has had much restoration, with prayer, contemplation, self-evaluation and turning to God. This Ash Wednesday, she reframes the invitation to a holy Lent as an invitation to take even deeper what we have been experiencing in our spiritual lives during this time.

Click on the video to watch (time: 4:24), or click here to read the transcript.

Following Bishop Hughes' popular study group on Pursuing Racial Reconciliation, a new section of the diocesan website has been created for those desiring continued study. We will be posting stories and resources that focus on building a spiritual and theological response to racial injustice. Visit it now to see the Bishop's suggestions for continued study, as well as the complete list of all the materials discussed in the study group (both in the Resources sidebar). Meanwhile, our first story is below.

The death of a beloved member, Sidney King, has inspired Jersey City congregations to delve into and record their history. They are seeking to learn how racism has shaped their story, as well as simply get a sense of what life was like for Jersey City Episcopalians in the past. Read more.

All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to participate. Registration is required. Find out more and register online.

Watch the video at right (time: 2:33) to meet the Pop Up Fellows and learn more about Pop Up events.

Workshops relevant to this extraordinary time for ALL congregational leaders! Stay at home and join us online via computer, tablet or smart phone.

Check out the workshops and register online. Registration deadline: 5 PM on Wednesday, Mar. 3.

On Saturday, March 13, we will observe one year of living in this challenging, extraordinary time with a special, diocesan-wide online service. Please save the date; more details will be announced.

The next issue of The VOICE Online will be published Wednesday, Mar. 3.

Submit items for consideration by 10 AM Friday, Feb. 26 at: dioceseofnewark.org/VOICE-submissions

Welcome to the (soft) launch of our new diocesan "school"! Check out this new learning management system that will provide leaders in the diocese with helpful educational content, all for free, and all available 24/7 at your convenience! Read more.

Praying with beads as a form of contemplative prayer dates back to ancient times. However, it was not until the 1980s that the Anglican Rosary was created. Read more.

These went into effect Dec. 14, 2020. All counties in the diocese are currently at a critical risk level, limiting in-person worship to those required to be present to lead worship or provide recording/live streaming support.

Please send changes to Nina Nicholson at nnicholson@dioceseofnewark.org.

A holy place in virtual space for mourning and memory.

Prayers can be sent to Canon Wright at awright@dioceseofnewark.org for posting.

Wednesdays Away is a time of spiritual renewal one Wednesday a month, hosted by Cross Roads. On March 3, the theme is "Called to be Water Bearers." Wendy Abrahamson will lead a Lenten retreat focused on exploring the call of our baptismal waters. Find out more and register online.

Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. We will play games, read stories from the Bible, get moving, worship together, and have fun! Find out more and register online to get the Zoom link.

Cross Roads and its outdoor ministry partner, Luther Crest, has created a weekly faith formation podcast, based on their Sunday School curriculum. Tune in to the first three episodes here. Your church can still join the Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) initiative for weekly Sunday School at 11 am or 4 pm or sign up to use the curriculum on your own time. Learn more here.

This Lenten discipline is a fun way to learn more about the saints - and because it has always been a virtual event ever since its debut in 2010, it is pandemic-safe!

Click on the image at right for a printable bracket, and visit LentMadness.org to find out more.