We pray for...
Magda Lopez and Pastor Jose Escalera (Good Shepherd, Weehawken/St John, Passaic), at the death of Magda's mother.
Beth Peroni (Supply Coordinator), hospitalized following surgery
The congregation of Redeemer, Neptune as they continue to grieve the loss of their pastor, Randy Steinman.
These congregations in our synod...
St Matthew-Trinity, Hoboken
St James, Phillipsburg
St Luke, Willingboro
These companion synods in the ELCA and around the world...
Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Romania
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Suriname
We continue our prayers for...
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A Letter from the Bishop...
Dear Siblings in Christ of the New Jersey Synod,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, who is our light and our salvation.
My heart cannot keep pace with the news. Each day I feel the whiplash turns from hope to grief to anger to resolve. I often find myself holding all of these feelings at once. Perhaps you do too.
This Sunday in the Revised Common Lectionary we hear Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). You’ll notice that the word “righteousness” appears more than once: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled… Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” As I consider what is happening in Minnesota, in Maine, and throughout our own state, I wonder: What might righteousness look like in this moment?
...continue reading
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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
Watch this space...info coming soon.
Travel with Synod friends, Bishop Compton and our docent, The Rev. Dr. Kit Kleinhans.
Interested? germa...@njsynod.org
Pastor Carol Lindsay, Synod Trip Coordinator
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From the New Jersey Organizers of The Palm Sunday Path
We are living in exilic times—when we feel separated from the country we love because people in power are denying the image of God in our neighbors and subjecting them to cruelty and violence. Our baptismal vow says we are to “renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God”. The spirit of Dietrich Bonhoeffer says this is our “Confessing Church” moment. The spirit of Martin Luther King says this is our “March on Washington” moment.
In response, a broad coalition of clergy, congregations, denominational leaders, and faith-based organizations are coming together across the country in a plan for nationwide actions. Here in New Jersey we are developing plans for a pericope group that will lead us through a sermon series for Lent. There will be a prayer vigil in Trenton on Palm Sunday afternoon, where we will join with communities of faith across the state to demand justice for those being brutalized by xenophobia and racism. And we will gather with clergy and faith leaders from across the country on July 3rd in Philadelphia.
If you are interested in learning more or in taking part as an organizer or as a participant, please contact Pastor Scott Rush (pas...@emanuelnb.org).
| | Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center | | |
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RETREAT | GRADES 3-5
February 6-8, 2026
For younger campers finishing grades 3-5, the Elementary Youth Retreat at Cross Roads blends fun activities, Bible study, worship, delicious food, and outdoor time. Kids get to build confidence, make friends, explore nature, grow in faith, and try new things. It’s an ideal introduction to camp life, trustworthy, welcoming, and designed to help families relax and kids thrive.
Visit our website to learn more:
https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/youth-retreats/
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT | GRADES 6-12
March 6-8, 2026
Designed for teens in grades 6-12, this retreat at Cross Roads provides an exciting mix of high-energy activities, worship experiences, Bible study, and outdoor adventure, all while fostering confidence, leadership, faith, and friendships. Teen participants will unplug, reconnect with nature and each other, grow in values, and leave equipped for a stronger community and life skills in a trusted camp environment.
Visit our website to learn more:
https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/youth-retreats/
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NJ WELCA Invites you to a workshop.
Today, January 28, 2026, at 7pm
Join us for an Interfaith study on Esther, as prepare for our Fall Gathering in September. As we explore the story of Esther, how our differences in perspective and the courage and responsibility that Esther exhibited in the face of adversity.
Leader: Rabbi Debra Smith
Rabbi Debra Smith is the Founder and Spiritual Leader of Or ha Lev Jewish Renewal Community, formerly in New Jersey and now a virtual full community. Rabbi Deb is a clinical social worker and marriage and family therapist with 20 years clinical experience in private practice. She is also the author and editor of five Jewish themed books .
Join the Zoom meeting here.
| | Nominate Young Musicians for Lutheran Summer Music | | |
Youth musicians from across the country are headed to St. Olaf College this year for the 2026 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM). Students in grades 8-12 will be immersed in a supportive community that nurtures their musical growth, and invites them to share their musical gifts in performance and in worship. The Standard Enrollment deadline is March 1, and spots are filling fast. Do you know young musicians who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate, or remind them to submit a free application by March 1 at LSMacademy.org/apply.
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A publication of the NJ Synod, ELCA ©2026
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