We pray for...
We pray for all who suffer in places of war and violence—especially Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and Iran.
These congregations of our synod...
First, Clifton
Holy Trinity, Red Bank
St John, Williamstown
These companion synods in the ELCA and around the world...
Arkansas/Oklahoma Synod, ELCA
Lutheran Church in Great Britain
We continue our prayers for...
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Sunday of the Amazon Companion Synod Relationship – May 17, 2026
On the Third Sunday of May (May 17), congregations across the synod are invited to observe the Sunday of the Companion Synod Relationship, celebrating our partnership with the Amazon Synod of the Evangelical Church of Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB).
A prayer resource has been prepared to help communities give thanks for this shared journey and to lift up our call to walk together as one body in Christ across cultures, languages, and lands. The prayers may be used in worship, small groups, or personal devotion.
We invite you to incorporate these prayers into your worship and join us in accompanying our companions in faith.
“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:4–5)
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Thank YOU! Of our one hundred forty-three congregations and three ‘new start’ ministries in the NJ Synod, 138 responded to our 2026 Mission Support outreach. That is nearly a 95% response! Together, and due to your congregation’s ‘first fruits giving,’ we are optimistic that we will be able to fulfill the mission and ministry we committed ourselves to at our last synod assembly! Wonderful!! Many thanks to all of you for learning, teaching and witnessing God’s abundance in everyday ways through worship, service and giving. And thanks be to the Author of this redemptive life we observe together, that is, God Who has made such a life possible for each of us through faith in the Risen One: Christ our Lord!
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Synod Assembly News
ALL ARE WELCOME!
MAY 21 - PRE-ASSEMBLY BIBLE STUDY (Zoom)
MAY 26 - PRE-ASSEMBLY WORKSHOPS (Zoom)
6:30 - 9 PM - 2 sessions
Late registration will be open until Monday, May 18 @midnight
www.njsynod.org/assembly
If you have questions about your registration please contact Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org or 609-586-6800 x107
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Honoring LuAnn!
At Synod Assembly we will be honoring LuAnn Barnes’ many years of service to our synod in her role as Executive Administrator to the Bishop. LuAnn will be retiring after Synod Assembly, and we want to make sure we express our thanks to her for all that she has done in support of our shared mission and ministry. If you or your congregation would like to share a note of thanks, please bring it to Synod Assembly or mail it to the Synod Office ahead of time at 1930 Hwy 33, Hamilton Sq NJ 08690. We also invite you to make a donation to the Synod in LuAnn’s honor, which we will distribute to two organizations chosen by LuAnn: Global Refuge and the Amazon Synod. You can make these gifts online here or via a check made out to the NJ Synod. Thank you for helping us celebrate LuAnn!
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2026 Summer Program Grants
The summer provides us with increased opportunities to reach out in the public square with the Good News of God’s love in Jesus. The New Jersey Synod wants to be in partnership with you as you plan creatively and strategically to maximize your evangelism efforts in the communities you serve. There is a limited amount of funding available this year for Summer Program Grants and we are inviting you to apply.
There is a letter with a full description and criteria for these grants at www.njsynod.org/summer-program-grants. The grant application is now online here. Applications should be completed as soon as possible, but no later than June 5, 2026. You will be informed of your grant status by June 15, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Lois Parrett, lpar...@njsynod.org.
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Congregational Debt Reduction Grant
In March of 2025, the Synod Council approved the establishment of a congregational debt reduction fund using the net proceeds from the sale of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairview with the goal of alleviating financial burdens of congregations who allocate a substantial amount of their income to paying mortgage debt.
The New Jersey Synod is pleased to announce a partnership with our congregations to assist them in lowering their capital debt. Beginning in April of 2026, the NJ Synod is implementing a matching capital grant program which may provide matching funds up to $2 for every $1 raised by a congregation. Capital amounts will be matched after the congregation’s raised funds are paid to the mortgage lender and proof of such payment is submitted to the Matching Grant Committee. Matching payments will be made to the congregation for their payment to the mortgage company.
Applications for the mortgage capital matching grants should be submitted no later than September 30, 2026 by sending completed applications to the synod office at New Jersey Synod, 1930 Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 or email to lpar...@njsynod.org.
The review committee will notify congregations of matching funds by November 1, 2026.
Application and Frequently Asked Questions can be found at: www.njsynod.org/grants
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Join the NJ Synod Anti-Racism Team
for a zoom workshop
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS: CONFRONTING THE SIN OF CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026
7:00 - 8:45 PM
An interactive workshop explaining & exploring the misapplication of Christian scripture, symbols, and language to justify a policy agenda that runs counter to the teachings of Christ.
Presenters: Pastor Serena Rice & Pastor Sara Lilja
Download the flyer here.
To register: Click here
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Join the Youth Ministry Mission Team at the Somerset Patriots Game on June 13th!
Come at 6:00 pm on Saturday, June 13 for a picture on the field, watch the 7:05pm game, and then stay for the fireworks. Tickets are a special price of only $10.50 each, AND you will receive a $10 gift voucher towards your food that night, just see Debra Porowski at the park for your gift card.
Purchase your own tickets at the link below, and email us at yout...@njsynod.org with any questions!
All families and ages are welcome!!!! Please invite your congregations!
Get more information and purchase your tickets here!
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THE BISHOPS' CUP GOLF OUTING - June 15, 2026
Join us at Cross Roads for the Bishops’ Cup Golf Outing, a day of friendly competition, fellowship, and support for camp ministry. Open to players and supporters alike, this fun yet meaningful event helps fund scholarships and programs so children and families can experience the safe, values-based, nature-rich environment of Cross Roads. Easy registration and sponsorship make it a trusted way to invest in camp leadership, community, and life-changing faith experiences.
Visit our website to learn more:
https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/golf_outing/
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Lutheran Social Ministries
of New Jersey
The LSMNJ 2026 Golf Classic
– A Drive to Do Good
will take place on Thursday, June 11 at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, NJ.
Download the flyer with all the details.
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Celebrate Reformation Day 2026 with the NJ Synod
in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany
Reformation: Then and Now
October 26 - November 5, 2026
FAITH ACTIVE IN LOVE. Did you know that our Lutheran social ministry organizations today have roots going all the way back to the 16th century Reformation? In the Middle Ages, much of the care for the sick and needy was provided by men and women in religious orders. As membership in religious orders declined in areas where the Reformation took root, church and community leaders worked together to organize new ways to respond to human need. God’s Work, Our Hands — and your feet as a participant in the New Jersey Synod trip to rediscover our reformation roots, October 25 to November 5, 2026.
REGISTER FOR THE TRIP, READ THE FULL ITINERARY, AND LEARN MORE AT
https://www.njsynod.org/germanytrip
Please help us by advertising this. Click here to add this to your publications
Questions: germa...@njsynod.org. Pastor Carol Lindsay, Synod Trip Coordinator
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ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering
July 6-9, 2026
The Rostered Ministers Gathering will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana at the JW Marriot Indianapolis. It begins Monday, July 6 with opening Worship at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. The gathering will conclude by noon Eastern time on Thursday, July 9.
Registration closes June 5.
Learn more and register at: www.elca.org/event/070626-rostered-ministers-gathering
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The Women of the ELCA - 13th Triennial Gathering
July 16 - 19, 2026
At the Iowa Event Center Des Moines Convention Center, Des Moines Iowa Iowa Event Center
The Triennial Gathering gathers 1500-3000 women leaders, participants, and newcomers for four days of worship, inspiring speakers, workshops, service projects, and more!
We invite you to join with our ministry as we seek to nourish women's faith and love and to inspire women to proclaim their identity, intent, and actions.
The theme for the 2026 Triennial Gathering is "I am Worthy" focusing on Psalm 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14
Registration and more info can be found at: womenoftheelca.org
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You are invited to join fellow singers for a day of inspiring, community-centered music-making at the LSM Choral Gathering. Led by Dr. David Cherwien, LSM faculty member and former Artistic Director of the National Lutheran Choir, this event offers a welcoming introduction to the music, people, and artistic life of Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College.
Invite your choir members and join us! Register today: LSMacademy.org/choral-gathering
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Pray with us every day at noon on Facebook
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A publication of the New Jersey Synod, ELCA ©2026
Weekly submission deadline: Tuesday mornings to communi...@njsynod.org
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