News, events and features of interest to members and friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, the Episcopal Church in northern New Jersey.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020
From Our Bishop
Instead of going to church we ARE the church
On Sunday, March 15, in order to lower the risk of COVID-19 infections, 91 of our 97 parishes left their buildings for virtual church.

While we typically practice a private faith, in this time of great duress, we seemed to realize it was not just enough to get our worship needs met, but we had to share our worship with others. Read more.
The Bishop's messages on COVID-19, plus resources for churches
During this time of rapid change and uncertainty, Bishop Hughes is sending email messages to the diocese near the end of each week with guidelines and updates. These messages, plus other news and resources related to the pandemic, are collected online at dioceseofnewark.org/covid-19.
From Our Canons
We are together in Christ
By Canon Clark
As I write this in mid-March, many of us have had a new experience – church by livestream, Facebook Live or some other “remote” mechanism. In coming days, the reality of not being able to physically gather in the same way will likely become even more strange, and it is easy to worry about being disconnected. However, I am convinced that strange, difficult times and unusual experiences can offer gifts of insight and inspiration. Read more.
Ways to practice faith at home
Canon Clark gives some ideas for spiritual practices, for both children and adults, that can easily be done at home. Read more.
Upcoming Events
Due to the CDC guidelines to avoid large public gatherings, all diocesan events in March have been canceled or postponed.

While we still have events on the calendar for April, May and June, this could change at any time. Please see dioceseofnewark.org/events for the latest information on diocesan events.
Features
Stewardship Matters
Stewardship in the time of COVID-19
This is being written on March 11. The news is full of scary medical predictions, the store shelves are empty of toilet paper, and we’re all trying to figure out what “social distancing” means. What does any of that have to do with Stewardship? Read more.
In the news
St. Luke's, Montclair:
MAR 5, 2020 | Montclair Local
St. Peter's, Morristown:
MAR 12, 2020 | MorristownGreen.com
We love to share stories of what our congregations are doing! Wednesday, Mar. 25 is the deadline to submit stories, photos and links to media coverage for the next issue of The VOICE Online on April 1 . Go to the submission guidelines .
For Youth & Young Adults
Cross Roads Camp is hiring Summer Staff 2020
The application to join the Cross Roads Summer Staff next summer is now open! Encourage young adults you know to consider spending their summer making a difference while having fun. Find out more at crossroadsretreat.com/employment.
Scholarship funds accepting applications for 2020-21 academic year
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 an Episcopal Congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. Application deadline: FRI, APR 3, 2020.

The Gertrude Butts Fund, a non-profit corporation organized in 1929, and closely affiliated with the Diocese of Newark, seeks applicants for the 2020-2021 academic year. Application deadline: MON, MAY 4, 2020.

Applications are also being accepted for educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church. A scholarship applicant must be an Episcopalian and must have the endorsement of his/her bishop. Application deadline: WED, APR 8, 2020.
Diocesan Announcements
Where can I find worship online?
As we refrain and fast from public worship during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are churches that are worshiping and posting sermons online. Read more.

Please email changes to this list to Nina Nicholson at nnicholson@dioceseofnewark.org .
First BCEF Call of 2020: All Saints Parish, Hoboken
The Bishop’s Church Emergency Fund (BCEF) provides financial support for church buildings in the diocese needing repairs and renovation, usually with a special focus on emergency and unforeseen needs. Through the BCEF, you can support the critical needs identified by the Bishop.

The first BCEF call of 2020 is for school sprinkler system upgrades at All Saints Parish, Hoboken. Read more.
Sign up for Lenten email meditations
Lenten email meditations currently are being published through and including Holy Saturday, April 11.

To subscribe to the meditations, please visit dioceseofnewark.org/publications.
The VOICE Digest now available for Spring 2020
The Spring 2020 issue of The VOICE Digest, a quarterly printable publication, can now be downloaded here, to share with congregations and visitors through June 16, when the Summer 2020 issue becomes available.

Also, check out our other diocesan e-newsletter, Leadership News. Emailed monthly on the last Wednesday, it contains key information from Episcopal House for church leaders, including - but not restricted to - clergy, staff, wardens, vestry and committee chairs. Click here to subscribe to future issues and read archived issues.
From The Episcopal Church
Habits of Grace: An invitation for you, from Presiding Bishop Curry
The Presiding Bishop writes: "As we learn how to adjust our lives given the reality of the coronavirus and the request to do our part to slow its spread by practicing social distancing, I invite you to join me each week to take a moment to cultivate a ‘habit of grace.’ A new meditation will be posted on Mondays through May." Find out more.
The VOICE Online is published twice a month September-May (1st and 3rd Wednesday) and monthly June-August (3rd Wednesday only).