We pray for...
Pastor Janet Gasbarro (retired), recovering from knee surgery
Joe Psomas-Jackloski, spouse of Pastor Psomi (St Andrew, Parsippany), recovering from surgery.
All who suffer in places of war and violence—especially Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and Iran.
These congregations of our synod...
St Paul, Jersey City
Prince of Peace, Princeton Junction
Holy Trinity, Burlington
These companion synods in the ELCA and around the world...
Western North Dakota Synod, ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone
We continue our prayers for...
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In May the NJ Synod celebrates our RIC Anniversary
Let us pray,
O God of compassion and liberation, guide our feet as we strive to walk the good road with Jesus, a road towards justice. We ask You to strengthen our hands as we use them to build Your Blessed Community with space at the table for all of God’s beloveds. We ask You to support our voices as we speak words of welcome and compassion. We ask Your Spirit to inspire and sustain us when our hearts grow weary, when our steps falter, when our boats feel so small on an endless ocean of pain and suffering. Be with us in and out of every day and night.
And as God’s children we say: Amen!
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Registration is now closed!
The Bulletin of Reports has been posted.
All voting members should read through this prior to assembly.
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Join us tomorrow
THURSDAY, MAY 21
for BIBLE STUDY
6:30 - 8:00 PM
(Zoom link)
Join us next
TUESDAY, MAY 26
for PRE-ASSEMBLY WORKSHOPS
6:30 - 9:00 PM - 2 sessions
(Zoom link)
Workshop details and zoom links can be found on the Assembly page.
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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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THE NEW JERSEY SYNOD COUNCIL
and
THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
On behalf of
THE NEW JERSEY SYNOD
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
announce the
SERVICE OF
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION
To the ministry of
WORD AND SACRAMENT
for
DANIEL F. MARRONE
Saturday, June 13, 2026
2:00 PM
The Rev. Dr. Christa M. Compton, Presider and Preacher
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit
333 North Main Street
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
The service will be live-streamed.
Rostered Ministers are invited to vest and process.
The color is red.
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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
As of late May 2026 - you are welcome to register online or by mail. Please be aware, however, that we are reaching our maximum numbers and registering is not a guarantee of travel until you receive confirmation from Pastor Carol Lindsay, Synod trip coordinator.
Registration will CLOSE on May 31st.
https://www.njsynod.org/germanytrip
Questions: germa...@njsynod.org. Pastor Carol Lindsay, Synod Trip Coordinator
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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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Lutheran Men in Mission
Our Spring 2026 LMM Ambassador-Gram has just been released! Read it 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: www.crossroadsretreat.com/golf_outing/
FAMILY CAMP WEEK August 9-14, 2026
Spend a full week at Cross Roads surrounded by nature, community, and joy. Family Camp Week gives families the chance to slow down, unplug, and grow together through worship, adventure activities, campfires, and shared meals. With age-specific programming for kids, youth, and adults, everyone can enjoy the right mix of fun and faith formation. It’s the perfect summer getaway to reconnect with God and each other while creating lasting memories.
FAMILY CAMP WEEKEND August 14-16, 2026
If you’re short on time but ready for big memories, Family Camp Weekend at Cross Roads offers a mini-getaway packed with connection, laughter, and renewal. Families of all ages can join in outdoor adventures, worship, and fellowship. Come rest, play, and rediscover what it means to unplug and be together, the way camp was meant to be.
Visit our website to learn more: www.crossroadsretreat.com/family-camps/
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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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Synod Office News!
The synod office will be closed on Monday, June 1, 2026.
The next edition of Jersey Jottings will be sent on June 3rd.
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@NJSynodELCA
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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