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Jim Harris (synod treasurer) & Pastor Kathleen (retired), at the sudden death of Jim's sister Donna Jean Harris.
Deacon Jaime Dungey (Good Shepherd, Somerville)
Pastor Roy Riley (Retired), recovering from surgery.
Pastor Peter DeRuiter (Retired), recovering from a fall.
The congregations of...
St Paul, Ridgefield
Ascension, New Brunswick
Bethany, Palmyra
These companion synods in the ELCA and around the world...
Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
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Congratulations!
Pastor Breanna & Thomas Tessitore (Bethany, Palmyra), on the birth of their daughter, Bobbie.
Pastor Chris & Linda Mietlowski (retired) at the birth of their granddaughter, Violet Marilyn Van Batavia, on Oct 30.
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NJ Synod Youth Ministry had an incredible day of service at the Farminary in Princeton this past weekend — discovering how caring for the earth helps us learn more about God, our faith, and ourselves. Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared in the joy of giving and growing together!
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Get Ready for your End of Year Appeal
We know that 30% of annual generosity occurs November through December which is understandable for a variety of reasons. What that means is that we should be prepared to make a statement to our congregational members, friends, 'alumni' and all who frequent the services and outreach we provide about how and why they may make a donation -or additional donation- as the calendar year winds down. Remember that the most important part of the invitation is a reminder about God's faithfulness, and how we participate and share this with others through our congregational setting; that if we think about it, it is one of the few places that our giving is directly aligned with our confession of faith and ministry!
Click here if you want to explore specifics. Or email/call Rev. Dean R. Brown (dbr...@njsynod.org 732-747-1050) for further conversation.
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Nominate Students for Lutheran Summer Music
You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2026! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community. LSM 2026 takes place at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN from June 21-July 19 (Full Session) or June 21-July 3 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1. Nominate students at LSMacademy.org/nominate, and watch and share this LSM Experience Video to learn more!
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As we move toward the end of the church year, we continue to remember the saints in our lives. If you missed the NJ Synod's annual All Saints video in which we remember those who have died and reflect on what it means to be the communion of saints, you can find it here: YouTube.com/NJSynodELCA
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EMBRACE
SYNOD YOUTH RETREAT
The 2025 New Jersey Synod Youth Retreat is a weekend retreat for all youth grades 6-12, as well as their adult leaders!
- WHEN: November 21-23 2025
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WHERE: Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center (29 Pleasant Grove Road Port Murray, NJ 07865)
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REGISTRATION COST from Sept. 15th - Nov. 6th $95 per participant* -- includes cost of lodging, meals, t-shirt, and all programming
- LATE REGISTRATION COST from Nov. 7th - Nov. 17th: $120 per participant* - not guaranteed a t-shirt in your size
Registration & Information can be found at www.njsynod.org/youth-events
Registration ends on Nov 6th. Late registration begins Nov 7th.
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Creating Accessible Spaces on a Budget Webinar
Church should be a place where everyone feels welcome and included, regardless of ability. But making your facilities more accessible doesn't have to break the bank.
Join the ELCA on Monday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. Central time (8PM Eastern) for "Creating Accessible Spaces on a Budget," a practical and inspiring webinar designed specifically for churches seeking to improve their accessibility with limited resources.
We'll explore affordable strategies to enhance physical, sensory and digital accessibility in your church buildings and programs. From simple upgrades to creative adaptations, you'll gain tools and ideas that can be implemented right away, no large renovation budget required.
In this workshop, you’ll learn more about:
• Low-cost improvements that make a big impact.
• How to prioritize accessibility changes.
• Ways to engage your congregation in accessibility efforts.
To register, click here!
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WEDNESDAYS AWAY - December 3
Pause midweek and join us for Wednesdays Away, a monthly retreat at Cross Roads that invites you into a safe and supportive environment to unplug, reconnect with God and nature, and explore new faith practices. Each session features prayer, conversation, and a different spiritual theme, giving you space to rest, reflect, and grow in a faith-and-values-based community that trusts families like yours. This is a perfect opportunity to build spiritual confidence, deepen relationships, and step away from routine.
Visit our website to learn more: https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/wednesdays-away/
SHEPHERDS' GATHERING - December 4-7, 2025
Calling leaders in children’s, youth, and young-adult ministry: join us for the Shepherds’ Gathering, a specially crafted retreat at Cross Roads where you’ll rest, share ideas, and find community among peers. In a safe, supportive setting, you’ll explore topics such as family faith formation, rebuilding ministry, and peer-to-peer leadership, all while enjoying time in nature, fellowship, and good food. It's an excellent chance to grow your confidence, strengthen your ministry, deepen your values-based leadership, and reconnect with trusted colleagues.
Visit our website to learn more:
https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/shepherds-gathering/
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Spiritual Care Event - December 10th
The Transformed Listeners Initiative invites you to join Deacon Tammy Devine for an evening of spiritual practices, grounding, and prayer. Centering ourselves during the Advent season in preparation to share and shout out the Good News of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Transformed Listeners Initiative is a program from the ELCA churchwide office focusing on equipping lay and ordained leaders to be better listeners. Listening to themselves, listening to their community, and listening to God. Through listening practices, we can better proclaim and preach the Good News to a tired and weary world.
Register here... https://forms.office.com/r/BwJpWXsESg
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Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Villas, NJ
75th Anniversary
| | | A weekly publication of the New Jersey Synod, ELCA ©2025 | | | | |
