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

Bishop Hughes urges us all to pray for our nation daily, reminds us why we are called to pray, and shares her favorite prayer.

Click on the video to watch (time: 4:34), or click here to read the transcript.

If you have not already, please read Bishop Hughes' Pastoral Letter issued Feb. 25, 2021. PDF downloads are available in both English and Spanish to share with your congregation.

Carta Pastoral de Obispa Hughes en español.

The story about Redeemer, Morristown’s origins suggests that at the time its members split from St. Peter’s, Morristown in 1852, they held a strong abolitionist position. Was this true? Were we being honest about our roots?

A 200-year-old advertisement (right) and a 100-year-old letter suggest that Redeemer's story may be more complicated. Read more.

Visit the new Pursuing Racial Reconciliation page for stories and resources that focus on building a spiritual and theological response to racial injustice. If your congregation has a story to share, you're invited to submit it for consideration.

This spring Bishop Hughes is inviting all members of the diocese to join her at one of eight Zoom meetings, organized by the eight Regional Ministry Networks.

The meetings are scheduled for 6:30-8:30 PM on the dates listed below (please note that the first meeting is tomorrow). Zoom information will be sent to clergy and wardens to share with their congregations.

Please save your church's date and make plans to attend.

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

Registration closes at 5 PM TODAY.

Check out the workshops and register online.

To mark one year of living in pandemic, the Diocese of Newark will gather for an online service broadcast on the diocesan YouTube channel. We will honor the memories of those we lost to death and celebrate the many ways the parishes and people of our diocese have rallied to care for each other and our neighbors.

The Pop Up Youth Ministry invites youth in grades 6-8 to join them in participating in Cross Roads Camp's virtual retreat on Saturday morning, March 13. Click here to find out more and register online.

The next issue of The VOICE Online will be published Wednesday, Mar. 17.

Submit items for consideration by 10 AM Friday, Mar. 12 at: dioceseofnewark.org/VOICE-submissions

Motivated by January 29 diocesan presentation on small faith groups and following the lead of the Holy Spirit, a group of individuals from throughout the diocese has begun forming a faith group of families of one. Find out more.

These diocesan scholarship funds are now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 academic year:

It’s that time of the year where winter feels unrelenting. Many of us are prone to the winter blues (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which results from darker winter days. Add in the stress of the pandemic and this year may be particularly overwhelming. To learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder, click here.

You’re not alone! Visit our website NJMindSpirit.org for Spiritual & Mental Health resources, as well as Hotlines & Helplines, including the Warm Line for clergy (see website for hours & details). Call, people are here to help!

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.

Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. You can also register to attend an upcoming Summer Camp Q&A Session with the Cross Roads staff to hear more about what camp will look like this summer.

Cross Roads is looking for trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website.

Middle schoolers are invited to EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at the upcoming virtual youth retreat. 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. Find all information including registration here.

The Cross Roads staff will provide a full Camp Sunday worship service for congregations to use on Sunday, May 9. All materials, including a full recorded worship service and order of service, will be made available ahead of time on the Cross Roads website.

The National Altar Guild Association (NAGA) is a significant organization that strengthens this ministry, and its website, nationalaltarguildassociation.org, provides information to meet altar guild needs and shares news of altar guilds throughout the Church. Membership in NAGA includes a subscription to its quarterly newsletter, the Epistle. You can download the latest issue here.