We pray for...
Pastor Mona Fitch-Elliott (retired), recovering from an ankle injury
Bill Kauffman (spouse of Pastor Patt Kauffman, St Paul, Ridgefield), recovering from hip surgery
We pray for all who suffer in places of war and violence—especially Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and Iran.
These congregations of our synod...
St John, Rutherford
Gloria Dei, Chatham
Messiah, Oakland
These companion synods in the ELCA and around the world...
Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA
Northwest Intermountain Synod, ELCA
Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala
We continue our prayers for...
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Synod Assembly News
Late registration will be open until Monday, May 18 @midnight
Late fees apply.
www.njsynod.org/assembly
SAVE THESE DATES...
MAY 21 - PRE-ASSEMBLY BIBLE STUDY (Zoom)
May 26 - PRE-ASSEMBLY WORKSHOPS (Zoom)
More info coming soon. All are Welcome!
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We have a great opportunity for the youth and young adults attending Synod Assembly this year! The Youth Ministry Mission Team has secured a room for us all to share our lunch together! We will meet in the Parlor - room 166- located on the first floor, same as the ballroom, just a short walk from the ballroom. Folks can get their lunches in the ballroom and bring them to the parlor to gather to eat together. We will enjoy lunch and fellowship together, we can answer questions you have about the assembly, and we can fill you in on some of our exciting upcoming events!
Every congregation in the synod should send a young person to Synod Assembly, in addition to your 2 voting members. Talk to your youth, pastors, council, and parents to invite a young person today!
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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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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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2025 FSA Claims Submission Reminder
Tying up receipts and loose ends? ELCA Health Plan members have until April 30 to submit 2025 claims for reimbursement from your health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). Submit 2025 claims to Further (and 2026 claims to HealthEquity). Not sure what qualifies as an eligible health care expense? This guide can help.
Quantum Health – Better Search. Better Care.
Starting April 1, ELCA Health Plan members may notice a refreshed experience on the Quantum Health Care Coordinators website and app — including an enhanced provider search designed to make finding high-quality care easier. Contact a Care Coordinator for help navigating care, resolving claims and billing issues, and confirming your provider or clinic are in-network.
I Spy Something Blooming …
Spring is a great time to get active, try something new, and build habits that support your well-being. Breathing fresh air, looking for signs of growth, and praying for our planet is a great way to give thanks for creation. Want to go the extra mile? ELCA-Primary health benefit members can explore Burnalong classes designed to help your wellness goals bloom. Check out the April calendar.
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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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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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@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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