Fwd: Jersey Jottings

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Hi All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 6, 2021 at 1:30 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod January 6, 2021 O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Epiphany We keep in prayer... Pastor Sara Lilja (Director LEAMNJ) recovering from surgery Pastor Louisa Groce (retired) Eunyoung Kim (Morning Star, Ridgefield) recovering from shoulder surgery Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  These congregations of our Synod Advent, Wyckoff; St Paul, East Windsor; St Ambrose, Pennsville; All Saints, Piscataway These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world Northeastern Iowa Synod, ELCA; Southeastern Iowa Synod, ELCA Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources  Rostered Leader News! Pastor Louisa Groce has moved to Delaware with her daughter to recover from Covid. Cards or messages may be sent to her c/0 Yvette Jackson, 29 Stravinski Ave., Middletown, DE 19709 Take a look at this month's Living Lutheran, which features Pastor Erich Kussman and the congregation of St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church in Trenton. www.livinglutheran.org/2021/01/the-road-to-redemption/  2020 Mission Support All mission support for calendar year 2020 should be received in the synod office by January 15, 2021. Give Online Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Saturday January 16, 2021: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom. The conversation on Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion continues with action planning. Sponsored by The New Jersey Synod Anti-Racism Team. Follow this link to sign up today! Zoom 2.0: How to use Zoom and other technology to engage your congregation virtually! January 20 at 7pm. All are invited to come to a Zoom meeting hosted by members of the NJ Synod Youth Ministry Mission team to learn how to use Zoom features such as the chat, screen sharing, and break out rooms, as well as applications such as Google Docs, Jamboard, Kahoot, and Padlet to provide real time ways to engage members of your congregations in meaningful conversations. This Zoom event is open to anyone that works with congregation members in any area such as Bible study, confirmation, Sunday School, church councils, youth group, and more! Register here:  January Registration.  An invitation to Congregation Chief Lay Officers (Lay Presidents and Vice Presidents) and Treasurers We are church together for the sake of the world and invite you to join a Zoom conversation. You can choose one of two conversations (both will begin at 7:00 PM) - Tuesday, January 26 or Wednesday, January 27. To receive the access link, please email LuAnn Barnes lba...@njsynod.org  your name, congregation and leadership role and the link will be sent to you. Join Cross Roads for Weekly Virtual Sunday School Your church can still join the Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) initiative. Join us for weekly Sunday School at 11 am or 4 pm or use our curriculum on your own time. Our NEW Sunday School curriculum begins on January 10. Learn more here. Summer Staff Applications Now Open! No matter what exactly next summer looks like, we will need trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community. Applications to work on Summer Staff 2021 are now OPEN! Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website. You can read the most recent update about summer camp at Cross Roads here. Register for Youth Retreats: February and March 2021 EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at our virtual youth retreats. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. There are three EXPLORE! retreat dates and times for different age groups. Find all information including registration on our website. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources Interdependence ~ Change ~ Diversity ~ Respect ~ Generosity ~ Faithfulness www.njsynod.org

New Jersey Synod, ELCA | 1930 Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 Unsubscribe reforma...@gmail.com Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by communi...@njsynod.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Dear Friends,

here is this week's newsletter from the Synod office

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 13, 2021 at 2:48 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

January 13, 2021 Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful redeemer, for the countless blessings and benefits you give. May we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day praising you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 2 Epiphany

We keep in prayer... Pastor Sara Lilja (Director LEAMNJ) recovering from surgery Pastor Louisa Groce (retired) Eunyoung Kim (Morning Star, Ridgefield) recovering from shoulder surgery Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

St Matthew-Trinity, Hoboken; Prince of Peace, Rockaway; Good Shepherd, Florham Park

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Northwestern Ohio Synod, ELCA; German Evangelical Lutheran Church-ELCIN

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

From the Office of the Bishop Following the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol last week, Bishop Bartholomew sent a letter to the synod on Friday, January 8. You can read it here. 2021 NJ Synod Assembly Read the January 7th letter for more information on our upcoming assembly. In case you missed them, be sure to look at the video reports from this past fall sharing highlights of our synod doing ministry together - apart! SPRINGING FORTH

Living Into a Culture of Abundance January 29, 2021, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST If casting a vision of abundance and generosity within your congregation matters to you, and/or for your own spiritual development and growth click here. A free virtual 'Living into a Culture of Abundance' symposium is being offered through the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary/Region 9 (ELCA) Council for Stewardship, and in partnership with the Rev. Mike Ward. Rev. Ward's experience in the field of stewardship and leadership is vast and he recently authored a book -'Abundance: Creating a Culture of Generosity'- that many of the NJ Synod congregations have been using in their stewardship formation and planning. Rev. Ward expands one's thinking -and not in a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. He emphasizes and gives practical instruction into placing our congregational energy around stewardship in such a way that is invitational, theological and recognizes we are all on a generosity journey, and so let's encourage one another in that.

Summer Staff Applications Now Open! No matter what exactly next summer looks like, we will need trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community. Applications to work on Summer Staff 2021 are now OPEN! Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website. You can read the most recent update about summer camp at Cross Roads here. Register for Youth Retreats: February and March 2021 EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at our virtual youth retreats. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. There are three EXPLORE! retreat dates and times for different age groups. Find all information including registration on our website.

Wednesdays Away: Ash Wednesday The next Wednesdays Away gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 17, as we explore the theme "What Will We Do Without Ashes?" The retreat is from 10 am to noon on Zoom and the cost is $10. Register for this or other retreats on the website. ANNUAL CONGREGATION PAROCHIAL REPORT FORMS A & C The report forms were mailed USPS directly to congregations from the ELCA Office of the Secretary in December. Please watch for it in the mail. These reports are important, and  parish, vice, and interim pastors are constitutionally responsible for annually completing them. If you need assistance, please contact LuAnn Barnes (lba...@njsynod.org ) New IRS Mileage Rate Beginning on January 1, 2021, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 56 cents per mile driven for business use, down 1.5 cents from the rate for 2020, 16 cents per mile driven for medical, or moving purposes for qualified active duty members of the Armed Forces, down 1 cent from the rate for 2020, and 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations, the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2020.

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources Interdependence ~ Change ~ Diversity ~ Respect ~ Generosity ~ Faithfulness www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Dear Friends,

below is the newsletter from the NJ Synod for this week

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 20, 2021 at 4:50 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

January 20, 2021

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful redeemer, for the countless blessings and benefits you give. May we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day praising you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

3 Epiphany Prayer for Inauguration Day Almighty and Sovereign God: As our nation undergoes this presidential transition, we pray: “Thy Kingdom Come.” May your Holy Spirit instill in our president righteousness and the values and principles of your kingdom to exercise the sacred trust of administering the nation. Give our new president, his administration, and Congress the ability to honor you by doing what is right, fair, and just for all citizens, especially the poor, hungry, and marginalized. We ask that all the people in our nation, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, or religious faith be treated with dignity. We pray for the wholeness, health, integrity, soundness, welfare, security, prosperity, harmony, and justice of all the citizens of our nation. Help our nation develop a foreign policy that fosters peace, justice, equality, and freedoms that can advance the development, rights, and privileges of our global neighbors. Move our nation to provide international leadership in the good stewardship of all the natural resources that you have entrusted to humankind. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Prayer from Bread for the World for Inauguration Day) We keep in prayer... Pastor Louisa Groce (retired)

Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Prince of Peace, Old Tappan; King of Kings, Middletown; St Paul, Millville

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Lutheran Confession of Cuba

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

Freedom: In her January/February column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the past year and looks toward 2021. The pandemic has taught us a lot about our church and about ourselves. We are connected. We are generous. We are freed to serve. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/38FNErx and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/2N4Lcm9.  From the Ecumenical/Interfaith Team: On January 6, 2021, the world witnessed a spectrum of hate beyond belief. In the midst of it all, was anti-Semitism and hatred of Muslims. As a church and as people of faith we denounce and renounce this horrific behavior and sentiment. As a church and a people of faith, we will not let hate and fear paralyze us. As a church and a people of faith, we hold firmly to the love and hope we have through the power of Jesus' obedient death and resurrection. As a church and a people of faith, in Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism we are asked, "Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? Together, let us proclaim, "We renounce them!".  Together, through word and deed, we can proclaim love for our brothers and sisters of all faiths. Plan on attending the next Zoom meeting of t he Ecumenical/Interfaith Team so that we can join our hearts in solidarity and action.  Date will be announced soon.

Zoom 2.0: How to use Zoom and other technology to engage your congregation virtually!

TONIGHT - January 20 at 7pm. All are invited to come to a Zoom meeting hosted by members of the NJ Synod Youth Ministry Mission team to learn how to use Zoom features such as the chat, screen sharing, and break out rooms, as well as applications such as Google Docs, Jamboard, Kahoot, and Padlet to provide real time ways to engage members of your congregations in meaningful conversations. This Zoom event is open to anyone that works with congregation members in any area such as Bible study, confirmation, Sunday School, church councils, youth group, and more! Register here:  January Registration.

An invitation to Congregation Chief Lay Officers (Lay Presidents and Vice Presidents) and Treasurers We are church together for the sake of the world and invite you to join a Zoom conversation. You can choose one of two conversations (both will begin at 7:00 PM) - Tuesday, January 26 or Wednesday, January 27. To receive the access link, please email LuAnn Barnes lba...@njsynod.org  your name, congregation and leadership role and the link will be sent to you. Living Into a Culture of Abundance January 29, 2021, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST If casting a vision of abundance and generosity within your congregation matters to you, and/or for your own spiritual development and growth click here. A free virtual 'Living into a Culture of Abundance' symposium is being offered through the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary/Region 9 (ELCA) Council for Stewardship, and in partnership with the Rev. Mike Ward. Rev. Ward's experience in the field of stewardship and leadership is vast and he recently authored a book -'Abundance: Creating a Culture of Generosity'- that many of the NJ Synod congregations have been using in their stewardship formation and planning. Rev. Ward expands one's thinking -and not in a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. He emphasizes and gives practical instruction into placing our congregational energy around stewardship in such a way that is invitational, theological and recognizes we are all on a generosity journey, and so let's encourage one another in that.

Generosity in Motion - January 2021 This month's 'Generosity in Motion' focuses on how the offerings you make to your congregation are helping NJ Synod congregations thrive, minister to their communities and navigate their way into God’s new day. For more, click here.

Summer Staff Applications Now Open! No matter what exactly next summer looks like, we will need trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community. Applications to work on Summer Staff 2021 are now OPEN! Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website. You can read the most recent update about summer camp at Cross Roads here. Register for Youth Retreats: February and March 2021 EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at our virtual youth retreats. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. There are three EXPLORE! retreat dates and times for different age groups. Find all information including registration on our website. Wednesdays Away: Ash Wednesday The next Wednesdays Away gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 17, as we explore the theme "What Will We Do Without Ashes?" The retreat is from 10 am to noon on Zoom and the cost is $10. Register for this or other retreats on the website.

ANNUAL CONGREGATION PAROCHIAL REPORT FORMS A & C The report forms were mailed USPS directly to congregations from the ELCA Office of the Secretary in December. Please watch for it in the mail. These reports are important, and  parish, vice, and interim pastors are constitutionally responsible for annually completing them. If you need assistance, please contact LuAnn Barnes (lba...@njsynod.org )

PPP Loan and Form A Completion: (from the ELCA Treasurer's office) For congregations that received a PPP Loan that has NOT yet been forgiven Record the amount of the loan that was received on Line 17e as a cash receipt Record the loan as debt on Line 19.  For congregations that received a PPP Loan that has been forgiven Record the amount of the loan that was received on Line 17e as a cash receipt

2021 NJ Synod Assembly Read the January 7th letter for more information on our upcoming assembly. In case you missed them, be sure to look at the video reports from this past fall sharing highlights of our synod doing ministry together - apart! SPRINGING FORTH

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources Interdependence ~ Change ~ Diversity ~ Respect ~ Generosity ~ Faithfulness www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Dear Friends,

Here is the latest news from the NJ Synod.

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 27, 2021 at 4:14 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

January 27, 2021 Compassionate God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring wholeness to all that is broken and speak truth to us in our confusion, that all creation will see and know your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 4 Epiphany We keep in prayer... Pastor Erin Kinahan (on leave), recovering from surgery

Pastor Louisa Groce (retired) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

First, Kearny; St James, Phillipsburg; St Luke, Willingboro; Holy Trinity, East Orange

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Lutheran Church in Romania; Evangelical Lutheran Church in Suriname

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

From the Synod Office...  Lenten sermons During Lent, the Assistants to the Bishop will provide weekly sermons for download and use in your congregation. Synod Worship Service A synod-wide worship service will be provided for Sunday, April 11th, 2021. Visit the worship resources page for future links to these items.

Living Into a Culture of Abundance January 29, 2021, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST If casting a vision of abundance and generosity within your congregation matters to you, and/or for your own spiritual development and growth click here. A free virtual 'Living into a Culture of Abundance' symposium is being offered through the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary/Region 9 (ELCA) Council for Stewardship, and in partnership with the Rev. Mike Ward. Rev. Ward's experience in the field of stewardship and leadership is vast and he recently authored a book -'Abundance: Creating a Culture of Generosity'- that many of the NJ Synod congregations have been using in their stewardship formation and planning. Rev. Ward expands one's thinking -and not in a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. He emphasizes and gives practical instruction into placing our congregational energy around stewardship in such a way that is invitational, theological and recognizes we are all on a generosity journey, and so let's encourage one another in that. Generosity in Motion - January 2021 This month's 'Generosity in Motion' focuses on how the offerings you make to your congregation are helping NJ Synod congregations thrive, minister to their communities and navigate their way into God’s new day. For more, click here.

VIDEO: Greetings and Updates from Cross Roads Click here to watch an update from Cross Roads Executive Director Anthony Briggs and Program Director Kathryn Schaefer. They provide information about Summer Camp 2021, as well as other upcoming programs and events. Watch here. Register for Youth Retreats: February 13 and March 13 EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at the virtual youth retreats. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. There are multiple EXPLORE! retreat dates and times for different age groups. Find all information including registration here. NEW: BTF Podcast With our partners at Luther Crest Bible Camp in Minnesota, Cross Roads has created a weekly faith formation podcast, based on our Sunday School curriculum. Tune in to the first three episodes here. Your church can still join the Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) initiative for weekly Sunday School at 11 am or 4 pm or sign up to use our curriculum on your own time. Learn more here. Wednesdays Away: Ash Wednesday The next Wednesdays Away gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 17. The retreat is from 10 am to noon on Zoom and the cost is $10. Register for this or other retreats on the Cross Roads website. Health is on the way: If the holidays or the pandemic have you tipping the scales a little more these days, ELCA-Primary health plan members can utilize Omada, a free innovative digital program designed to help create modest changes that promote weight loss and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Omada’s specialized care programs offer eligible members individualized support to stay on track and maintain healthy habits. Learn more about Omada on myPortico.   Getting started on your taxes early? The Richard R. Hammar Clergy Tax Guide and the Federal Reporting Guide for Churches are both available on myPortico at no cost to you.   Live Well, one small step at a time. The tiniest things can combine to make a significant difference. This year, Portico invites you to check out 2021 Live Well. We’ll guide you through activities that might seem simple, but can get you on the path to feeling stronger, balanced, and more resilient. Featured this month: 3 ingredients for a healthy breakfast, tracking how much you spend on food, and how to savor your meals mindfully.  Coffee with your Portico Regional Representative:  Need to check in on your ELCA Retirement Account? Want to use the ELCA-Primary Plan's terrific stress-management and mental health support benefits? Reach out to Barbara Debski at bde...@porticobenefits.org or call her at 814.977.6189.

ANNUAL CONGREGATION PAROCHIAL REPORT FORMS A & C The report forms were mailed USPS directly to congregations from the ELCA Office of the Secretary in December. Please watch for it in the mail. These reports are important, and  parish, vice, and interim pastors are constitutionally responsible for annually completing them. If you need assistance, please contact LuAnn Barnes (lba...@njsynod.org ) PPP Loan and Form A Completion: (from the ELCA Treasurer's office) For congregations that received a PPP Loan that has NOT yet been forgiven Record the amount of the loan that was received on Line 17e as a cash receipt Record the loan as debt on Line 19.  For congregations that received a PPP Loan that has been forgiven Record the amount of the loan that was received on Line 17e as a cash receipt

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources Interdependence ~ Change ~ Diversity ~ Respect ~ Generosity ~ Faithfulness www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Here's this week's newsletter from NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 4:05 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

February 3, 2021 Everlasting God, you give strength to the weak and power to the faint. Make us agents of your healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 4 Epiphany

We keep in prayer... Pastor Erin Kinahan (on leave), recovering from surgery Pastor Louisa Groce (retired) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Church of the Savior, Paramus; Nativity, East Brunswick: Apostles, Turnersville

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA; Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA: Lutheran Church in Guyana

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

Mission District Meetings Northern: February 14 at 2:00 PM Delaware: February 21 at 1:00 PM Gateway: February 28 (time TBD) Shore: February 28 at 1:00 PM Western: February 28 2:00 PM Middle: March 6 at 10:00 AM 2021 Assembly- Springing Forth Black History Month During the month of February, we take time to intentionally honor and give thanks for African American and Black leaders throughout history. Some of those we honor are well-known for large acts of bravery and sacrifice; others are known only to a small few for quiet lives of steadfast faithfulness. You can find resources on our synod website to help you learn about and celebrate leaders across the spectrum of familiarity and celebrity to mark Black History Month in your congregation. The list of resources includes movies, books, magazines, podcasts, academic studies, etc. for people of all ages.  Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion Summit The conversation on Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion continues with action planning on Saturday, February 27, 10AM-noon Click here to sign up. Download the flyer From the Ecumenical/Interfaith Team: In a climate of rising Christian Nationalism, Anti-Semitism, and Anti-Muslim action, it is imperative that we come together and continue to speak out against these sentiments. At the next meeting of the Ecumenical/Interfaith Team, we will be having special guests join us to share their insights and perspectives. We will welcome Rev. Jack Johnson of The NJ Coalition of Religious Leaders and Nesrin Tatli of Peace Islands Institute NJ. We hope you can join us as well. Monday, February 22nd, at 2:00pm. Please contact Pastor Nancy Truscott at ntru...@comcast.net for the meeting Zoom link. Lenten sermons During Lent, the Assistants to the Bishop will provide weekly sermons for download and use in your congregation. (Feb 21 & 28, March 7, 14 & 21). Sermon links will be posted the Monday prior. Join the whole synod in worship... The synod staff will provide a worship service for April 11th, 2021. Cross Roads Camp will provide a worship service for May 9, 2021.

Visit the worship resources page for future links to these items.

February Keeping in Touch from the Office of the Bishop   Pastor Gladys Moore has retired as pastor of St. John, Summit. Pastor Dan Congleton has retired as pastor of St. Ambrose, Pennsville, and Pastor Andy Gordon has been appointed as transition pastor.   Seminarian Kimberly Cooper has been called by the congregation of St. Timothy, Wayne. An ordination and installation liturgy will take place on March 21. Seminarian Mary JJ Simpson-Keelan has been called by the congregation of Living Waters, Ringoes. An ordination and installation liturgy will take place on May 22.   Pastor Em Johnson has been called by the congregation of St. Matthew, Jersey City. Pastor Julie Haspel has resigned as pastor of Messiah, Oakland, and accepted a call to Grace, Mendham. Pastor Wendy Abrahamson has been appointed to serve as Vice Pastor at Messiah.   Pastor Susan Nelson-Colaneri, Holy Trinity, Hasbrouck Heights, and Meadowlands Mission Cluster Counselor, has been appointed Northern Mission District Dean. Pastor Marc Stutzel, Christ, Woodcliff Lake, has been appointed Bergen/Passaic Cluster Counselor.   The Rev. Bruce Davidson, Retired, after relocating to Philadelphia, has transferred to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.   The congregation of Our Savior’s, Edison, has closed after 152 years of ministry. The final worship was held on December 27. Mission Support is what we do!    Because of your congregational generosity, the gospel is proclaimed, lives are touched and the world is transformed.  If not already, please make your intention known as soon as possible by returning the form mailed to your congregation in the fall of 2020; or you may do so here; or, you may do so by emailing Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop! Already, forty of the NJ Synod's congregations have returned their MS intention for 2021! That is an increase from last year to this! Thanks be to God! And thanks be to God for those making plans to respond! Join in this generosity journey, the joy of giving and sharing.

VIDEO: Greetings and Updates from Cross Roads Click here to watch an update from Cross Roads Executive Director Anthony Briggs and Program Director Kathryn Schaefer. They provide information about Summer Camp 2021, as well as other upcoming programs and events. Watch here. Register for Youth Retreats: February 13 and March 13 EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at the virtual youth retreats. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. There are multiple EXPLORE! retreat dates and times for different age groups. Find all information including registration here. NEW: BTF Podcast With our partners at Luther Crest Bible Camp in Minnesota, Cross Roads has created a weekly faith formation podcast, based on our Sunday School curriculum. Tune in to the first three episodes here. Your church can still join the Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) initiative for weekly Sunday School at 11 am or 4 pm or sign up to use our curriculum on your own time. Learn more here. Wednesdays Away: Ash Wednesday The next Wednesdays Away gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 17. The retreat is from 10 am to noon on Zoom and the cost is $10. Register for this or other retreats on the Cross Roads website.

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[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

peace,

deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Feb 10, 2021 at 1:18 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

February 10, 2021 Almighty God, the resplendent light of your truth shines from the mountaintop into our hearts. Transfigure us by your beloved Son, and illumine the world with your image, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Transfiguration We keep in prayer... Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired), recovering from surgery Pastor Laura Esposito (on leave), recovering from surgery Gary Johnson, spouse of Pastor Laurie Johnson (St James, Pitman)

Pastor Erin Kinahan (on leave), recovering from surgery Pastor Louisa Groce (retired) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

Amy and Pastor Andy Englehart (Trinity, Runnemede), at the death of her mother, Barbara Solly, on Feb 3

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

St Matthew, Jersey City; St John, Summit; Christ, Bridgeton

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod, ELCA; Lutheran Tutor teaching at Union Theological College of the West Indies (Jamaica)

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

2021 Synod Assembly - Mission District Meetings

Northern: February 14 at 2:00 PM Delaware: February 21 at 1:00 PM

Shore: February 28 at 1:00 PM Western: February 28 2:00 PM

Gateway: February 28 3:00 PM

Middle: March 6 at 10:00 AM

SPRINGING FORTH From the Ecumenical/Interfaith Team:

Monday, February 22nd, at 2:00pm.

In a climate of rising Christian Nationalism, Anti-Semitism, and Anti-Muslim action, it is imperative that we come together and continue to speak out against these sentiments. At the next meeting of the Ecumenical/Interfaith Team, we will be having special guests join us to share their insights and perspectives. We will welcome Rev. Jack Johnson of The NJ Coalition of Religious Leaders and Nesrin Tatli of Peace Islands Institute NJ. We hope you can join us as well. Please contact Pastor Nancy Truscott at ntru...@comcast.net for the meeting Zoom link.

Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion Summit

Saturday, February 27, 10AM-noon The conversation on Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion continues with action planning on February 27th.

Click here to sign up.

Lenten sermons During Lent, the Assistants to the Bishop will provide weekly sermons for download and use in your congregation. (Feb 21 & 28, March 7, 14 & 21). Sermon links will be posted the Monday prior. Join the whole synod in worship... The synod staff will provide a worship service for April 11th, 2021. Cross Roads Camp will provide a worship service for May 9, 2021. Visit the worship resources page for future links to these items.

Virtual Youth Retreats: February 13 and March 13 EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at the virtual youth retreats. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. Find all information including registration here.

Wednesdays Away: Ash Wednesday The next Wednesdays Away gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 17. The retreat is from 10 am to noon on Zoom and the cost is $10. Register for this or other retreats on the Cross Roads website.

Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families opens on February 15! Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. You can also register to attend an upcoming Summer Camp Q&A Session with the Cross Roads staff, on February 16 or February 20. Now Hiring: Summer Staff Cross Roads is looking for trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website.

Mission Support is what we do!    Because of your congregational generosity, the gospel is proclaimed, lives are touched and the world is transformed.  If not already, please make your intention known as soon as possible by returning the form mailed to your congregation in the fall of 2020; or you may do so here; or, you may do so by emailing Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop! Already, forty of the NJ Synod's congregations have returned their MS intention for 2021! That is an increase from last year to this! Thanks be to God! And thanks be to God for those making plans to respond! Join in this generosity journey, the joy of giving and sharing.

Update from the Bosnia International Servant Team When the pandemic hit last spring, the 26 members of the 2020 Bosnia International Servant Team had just returned from an amazing retreat at Cross Roads. We were inspired and excited to work with the Bosnia children and teachers — and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ministry at synod assembly.  Among the many disappointments last year, our trip was put on hold, and synod assembly was canceled. We had hoped to return to Bosnia this summer, but sadly, coronavirus rages on, vaccinations are progressing slowly, and we now must look to summer 2022. Our team remains committed to spreading hope, healing and peace, at home and abroad. Look for more news at Synod Assembly, and stay tuned for information about a virtual celebration of music, games, and laughter we are planning for June, when we would normally travel. The Bosnia leadership team Carlos Cuevas, Andi Gerrard, Cindy Henry, Cliff Konnerth, Wayne Olsen, Nicole Seitz, Steve Smith, Hannah Wantula NJDOH COVID-19 Vaccination Outreach Efforts Include February Virtual Town Halls NJDOH is hosting two virtual town hall meetings this month led by New Jersey medical professionals to address facts, fears and myths about COVID-19 vaccines for communities across the state. Pre-registration is required. The first, on Feb. 11, will present information and address concerns for New Jersey's Black and Caribbean communities. Click Here To Register: https://bit.ly/3oqVXw2 A second, on Feb. 15 will provide information for New Jersey's Latinx communities. The meeting will be in English with a Spanish language version to be scheduled. Click Here To Register: https://bit.ly/3tidR7x

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources

NJ Synod Core Values

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Hi All,

Please see this week's news from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Feb 17, 2021 at 11:50 AM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

February 17, 2021 Almighty and ever-living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and honest hearts, so that, truly repenting of our sins, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Ash Wednesday Lenten Letter from the Bishop Ash Wednesday 2021   Dear Friends, Today we begin the season of Lent with the observance of Ash Wednesday. In any other year, we would be gathering in person to listen to the invitation to Lenten observances, receive ashes on our forehead and be reminded of our own mortality, share in the Lord’s supper, and leave worship ready to take on or give up something meaningful to help us keep the focus on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. In any other year, we would be stationed at bus depots, train platforms, and outside on street corners ready to mark passers-by with an ashen cross and pray with them as they rush off to their day. In any other year… ...continue reading

We keep in prayer... Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired), recovering from surgery Pastor Laura Esposito (on leave), recovering from surgery Gary Johnson, spouse of Pastor Laurie Johnson (St James, Pitman)

Pastor Louisa Groce (retired) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Grace, River Edge; Hope, Freehold; Our Savior, Haddonfield

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA; Synod of Alberta and the Territories, ELCIC; Lutheran Church in Haiti

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

Guidance for Holy Week and Easter 2021 From the ELCA Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments. This document can be found on our website - virtual church resources and worship resources A note from the Synod Office While your synod staff continues to work remotely, please note that our emails and the synod phone lines are checked daily. Messages may be left at 609-586-6800 Ext 100. www.njsynod.org/staff 2021 Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH" Upcoming District Meetings

Delaware: February 21 at 1:00 PM Shore: February 28 at 1:00 PM Western: February 28 2:00 PM Gateway: February 28 3:00 PM Middle: March 6 at 10:00 AM

Lenten sermons The February 21st Lenten Sermon and Gospel reading has been posted. You may download these videos each week for use in your weekly online worship. Visit the worship resources page for links each Monday.

Join the whole synod in worship... The synod staff will provide a worship service for April 11th, 2021. Cross Roads Camp will provide a worship service for May 9, 2021.

Mission Support is what we do!    Because of your congregational generosity, the gospel is proclaimed, lives are touched and the world is transformed.  If not already, please make your intention known as soon as possible by returning the form mailed to your congregation in the fall of 2020; or you may do so here; or, you may do so by emailing Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop!

Just since last week, seven more congregation's have done this! Thank you!  If you've been meaning to get to this, or if you're in leadership within your congregation, please confirm with the party responsible for returning your 2021 mission support intent that they have done this. Thank you for this as well! Generosity in Motion - February 2021 It’s nearly Lent, and so I suppose now is as good a time as any for public confession: I have experienced great mirth as a pastor in the season of Lent through the use of ELCA Piggy Banks, like the one pictured here. I’m sorry, but it’s true. ...continue reading

From the Ecumenical/Interfaith Team: Monday, February 22nd, at 2:00pm. In a climate of rising Christian Nationalism, Anti-Semitism, and Anti-Muslim action, it is imperative that we come together and continue to speak out against these sentiments. At the next meeting of the Ecumenical/Interfaith Team, we will be having special guests join us to share their insights and perspectives. We will welcome Rev. Jack Johnson of The NJ Coalition of Religious Leaders and Nesrin Tatli of Peace Islands Institute NJ. We hope you can join us as well. Please contact Pastor Nancy Truscott at ntru...@comcast.net for the meeting Zoom link. Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion Summit Saturday, February 27, 10AM-noon The conversation on Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion continues with action planning on February 27th.  Click here to sign up.

Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. You can also register to attend an upcoming Summer Camp Q&A Session with the Cross Roads staff to hear more about what camp will look like this summer.

Now Hiring: Summer Staff Cross Roads is looking for trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website.

Virtual Youth Retreat (Grades 6-8) March 13, 10 am - 12 pm Middle schoolers are invited to EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at the upcoming virtual youth retreat. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. Find all information including registration here. Wednesdays Away- March 3 The next Wednesdays Away gathering will be held on Wednesday, March 3. The theme is "Called to Be Water Bearers" and will be led by Wendy Abrahamson. The retreat is from 10 am to noon on Zoom and the cost is $10. Register for this or other retreats on the Cross Roads website.

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Hi All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Feb 24, 2021 at 4:30 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

February 24, 2021 O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life. Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Lent 2

We keep in prayer... Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired), recovering from surgery Pastor Laura Esposito (on leave), recovering from surgery

Pastor Louisa Groce (retired) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

Pastor Gary Steigler (who served at Redeemer, Vineland and Immanuel, Lakewood) at the death of his son, Derik, on February 18. Pastor Bill Hollar (who served at Redeemer, Succasunna before retiring to NC) at the death of his spouse, Carol on Jan 3.

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Grace, Bayonne; Abiding Peace, Budd Lake; Morning Star, Ridgefield; Zion, Ridgefield

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Montana Synod, ELCA; Bolivian Evangelical Lutheran Church

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion Summit Saturday, February 27, 10AM-noon The conversation on Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion continues with action planning on February 27th. Click here to sign up.

Lenten sermons The February 28th Lenten Sermon and Gospel reading has been posted.

You may download these videos each week for use in your weekly online worship. Visit the worship resources page for links each Monday.

Lutheran Disaster Response Looking to help those affected by winter storms in Texas? You can donate to Lutheran Disaster Response and know your contribution is going to help those in need. https://community.elca.org/us-storms...

2021 Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH"

Upcoming District Meetings

Shore: February 28 at 1:00 PM Western: February 28 2:00 PM Gateway: February 28 3:00 PM Middle: March 6 at 10:00 AM

Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. You can also register to attend an upcoming Summer Camp Q&A Session with the Cross Roads staff to hear more about what camp will look like this summer. Now Hiring: Summer Staff Cross Roads is looking for trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website.  Virtual Youth Retreat (Grades 6-8) March 13, 10 am - 12 pm Middle schoolers are invited to EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at the upcoming virtual youth retreat. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. Find all information including registration here. Wednesdays Away

March 3 The next Wednesdays Away gathering will be held on Wednesday, March 3. The theme is "Called to Be Water Bearers" and will be led by Wendy Abrahamson. The retreat is from 10 am to noon on Zoom and the cost is $10. Register by Tuesday, March 2 at 12 pm noon on the Cross Roads website.

Mission Support is what we do!    Because of your congregational generosity, the gospel is proclaimed, lives are touched and the world is transformed.  If not already, please make your intention known as soon as possible by returning the form mailed to your congregation in the fall of 2020; or you may do so here; or, you may do so by emailing Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop!

If you've been meaning to get to this, or if you're in leadership within your congregation, please confirm with the party responsible for returning your 2021 mission support intent that they have done this. Thank you for this!

Generosity in Motion - February 2021

I have experienced great mirth as a pastor in the season of Lent through the use of ELCA Piggy Banks, like the one pictured here. I’m sorry, but it’s true. ...continue reading

Greetings ! My name is Diana Anderson. I serve on the Board of the Northeast Region Thrivent Member Network Board. As some of you may know, there are two programs that can help you amplify your congregation’s income: Thrivent Choice and Thrivent Action Teams. Last year, because of COVID, many of the dollars available in these programs were left undirected. I can help you understand how to direct those dollars.  There is a deadline of March 31 to claim Thrivent Choice dollars, and a special program is being offered in the weeks leading up to Easter called “Feed Northeast” that can provide an added benefit to local food pantries. If you have any interest in finding out how Thrivent members in your congregation can claim these dollars for your church, social ministry, or other charitable causes, please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail. (732)831-4505  Di...@DianaAndersonEsquire.com.

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Afternoon All!

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Two items to highlight:

1. LEAMNJ

Are you wondering how you can live out your baptismal promise for justice and peace this Lent? Join us for “An Hour of Advocacy” each Monday at 5:30pm. We focus on one of our issue priorities that impact racial and income inequality in our state, by reviewing policy and advocacy opportunities. Go to www.leamnj.org to register to attend any or all of the zoom gatherings.

2. Parents of Middle School students: Virtual Youth Retreat (Grades 6-8)

March 13, 10 am - 12 pm

Middle schoolers are invited to EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at the upcoming virtual youth retreat. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. Find all information including registration here.

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Mar 3, 2021 at 2:30 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

March 3, 2021 Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act courageously. Keep us steadfast in your covenant of grace, and teach us the wisdom that comes only through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Lent 3 “BLESSED ARE THEY WHO DIE IN THE LORD”   THE REV. LOUISA DAVIS GROCE June 10, 1918 – March 1, 2021    The Rev. Louisa D. Groce, entered the Church Triumphant surrounded by her family, at the age of 102. A memorial service will be held when we are once again able to safely gather. continue reading

We keep in prayer... Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired), recovering from surgery Pastor Laura Esposito (on leave), recovering from surgery

Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Good Shepherd, Holmdel; Trinity, Dover; Redeemer, Vineland

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lithuania; Lutheran Church of Senegal

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

2021 Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH" Upcoming District Meeting

Middle: March 6 at 10:00 AM

Reminder!! March 8 is the deadline for resolutions and reports for the Bulletin of Reports. Please email these items to cm...@njsynod.org. Music during Synod Assembly  Do you have a recording of your choir? children's choir? ukulele group? orchestra? If so, please send us your video so we can use it during our assembly. We want to highlight the variety of music used throughout our synod in worship. Make sure you have appropriate copyright permissions if it is not in public domain or an original composition, as well as permission of those involved. Videos can be sent to drob...@njsynod.org Lenten sermons The March 7th Lenten Sermon and Gospel reading has been posted. You may download these videos each week for use in your online worship.

Visit the worship resources page for links each Monday.

LEAMNJ Are you wondering how you can live out your baptismal promise for justice and peace this Lent? Join us for “An Hour of Advocacy” each Monday at 5:30pm. We focus on one of our issue priorities that impact racial and income inequality in our state, by reviewing policy and advocacy opportunities. Go to www.leamnj.org to register to attend any or all of the zoom gatherings.

Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. You can also register to attend an upcoming Summer Camp Q&A Session with the Cross Roads staff to hear more about what camp will look like this summer. Now Hiring: Summer Staff Cross Roads is looking for trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website.  Virtual Youth Retreat (Grades 6-8) March 13, 10 am - 12 pm Middle schoolers are invited to EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at the upcoming virtual youth retreat. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. Find all information including registration here.

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

HI All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 4:04 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

March 10, 2021 O God, rich in mercy, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world and rescued us from the hopelessness of death. Lead us into your light, that all our deeds may reflect your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Lent 4 We keep in prayer... Pastor Otto Jacobson (retired) Cathie Balgowan (retired lay synod staff), in hospice care

Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired), recovering from surgery Pastor Laura Esposito (on leave), recovering from surgery Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Grace, Teaneck; Messiah, Parlin; Christus, Camden

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Alaska Synod, ELCA; Pacifica Synod, ELCA; Basel Christian Church of Malaysia

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

2021 Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH" Reminder!! Monday was the deadline for reports to be included in the Bulletin of Reports. If you still have submissions, please get these items to our synod secretary ASAP. :)

Music during Synod Assembly  Do you have a recording of your choir? children's choir? ukulele group? orchestra?

If so, please send us your video so we can use it during our assembly. We want to highlight the variety of music used throughout our synod in worship. Make sure you have appropriate copyright permissions if it is not in public domain or an original composition, as well as permission of those involved. Videos can be sent to Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org Voting Member Registration is Open! Register Now! Lenten sermons The March 14th Lenten Sermon and Gospel reading has been posted!

You may download these videos each week for use in your online worship. Visit the worship resources page for links each Monday.

Future Church: In her March column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the meaning behind “evangelical” in our name and the future of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: “I believe God will transform this church.” Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3vfnKnM and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3qrQNkb.

What Makes us Lutheran? This Lent, the ELCA invites us to reflect on our Christian and Lutheran identities by participating in the Global Survey on Being Lutheran/Encuesta Mundial Sobre lo Que Significa Ser Luteran. They also ask that we invite others in our churches to participate. The survey will be open through March 31, and responses gathered will help to shape the 13th LWF Assembly in 2023.

Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. You can also register to attend an upcoming Summer Camp Q&A Session with the Cross Roads staff to hear more about what camp will look like this summer. Now Hiring: Summer Staff Cross Roads is looking for trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website.  Virtual Youth Retreat (Grades 6-8) March 13, 10 am - 12 pm Middle schoolers are invited to EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at the upcoming virtual youth retreat. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. Find all information including registration here.

Bosnia IST Check-in Event! It's been a while since we've talked about Bosnia! With the onset of the pandemic- we had to hold off on traveling, but we are still actively engaged with our friends over there and would love to spend this time to check-in with each other! On Sunday, March 21st at 1pm (7pm Bosnia time!) We would love for you to join us virtually to chat and unwind! We can talk with our friends in Bosnia to see how they are and you can ask any questions you may have about the ministry! Here's the zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98041846269. There's a waiting room for the meeting- Please use your name so we can accept you into the meeting! Hope to see you there!  Mir, The Bosnia Leadership Team

LEAMNJ Are you wondering how you can live out your baptismal promise for justice and peace this Lent? Join us for “An Hour of Advocacy” each Monday at 5:30pm. We focus on one of our issue priorities that impact racial and income inequality in our state, by reviewing policy and advocacy opportunities. Go to www.leamnj.org to register to attend any or all of the zoom gatherings.

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Hi All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Mar 17, 2021 at 1:31 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

March 17, 2021 O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, that through life and death we may live in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Lent 5

We keep in prayer... Pastor Otto Jacobson (retired)

Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired), recovering from surgery Pastor Laura Esposito (on leave), recovering from surgery Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

The family and friends of Catherine Balgowan (retired lay synod staff), who entered the church triumphant on March 12, her 93rd birthday.

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Messiah, Oakland; Redeemer, Trenton; St James, Pitman

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Church in Central Germany

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources 

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   of KIMBERLY J. COOPER   Sunday, March 21, 2021 3:00 PM   St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Wayne, NJ In-Person Attendance Is By Invitation Only   View Livestream Here   The Service Will Also Be Recorded 2021 Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH"

Music during Synod Assembly  Do you have a recording of your choir? children's choir? ukulele group? orchestra? If so, please send us your video so we can use it during our assembly. We want to highlight the variety of music used throughout our synod in worship. Make sure you have appropriate copyright permissions if it is not in public domain or an original composition, as well as permission of those involved. Videos can be sent to Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org

Voting Member Registration is Open! Register Now!

Lenten sermons The March 21st Lenten Sermon and Gospel reading has been posted! You may download this video for use in your online worship. Visit the worship resources page.

Worship Resources for Day of Lament Against anti-Asian Racism March 21, 2021 The Asian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCA recently issued a statement, affirmed by the ELCA Conference of Bishops, calling on the church to declare a day of lament during Lent to express solidarity with, help in healing and support of Asian American victims of violence. Sunday, March 21, has been named as the common date, though worshiping communities may choose a different date as appropriate for their context. Worship resources are available from the ELCA website. MS Word | PDF Ecumenical/Interfaith Team Event Planning Meeting Monday, March 22, at 2pm, via Zoom or phone. We welcome your ideas as we create a meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable interfaith event for our synod. Contact Pastor Nancy Truscott for the link and phone information -- ntru...@comcast.net. Generosity in Motion - March In the fall and winter of 2020, our NJ Synod made an incredible stewardship ministry opportunity available to its congregations. The name we gave this endeavor was ‘Generosity Again,’ and what a success it was! An informal poll indicated that nearly every congregation reported gains in their annual stewardship appeal if not maintaining their prior year’s reported intention of giving. Given what this year has been like, this was quite a blessing. ...continue reading

Mission Support is what we do!    Because of your congregational generosity, the gospel is proclaimed, lives are touched and the world is transformed.  If not already, please make your intention known as soon as possible by returning the form mailed to your congregation in the fall of 2020; or you may do so here; or, you may do so by emailing Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop!

Stress is a pain in the neck: If you’re literally feeling the effects of too many hours staring at a computer screen, sitting in a not-so-ergonomically-correct chair, or carrying a year’s worth of pandemic worries in your shoulders, Members with ELCA-primary health benefits now have access to SWORD, a virtual therapy program for joint pain available at no out-of-pocket cost. Watch this short video for an introduction, and learn more about SWORD on myPortico .   Get the best rest. Good sleep is as much a factor of whole-person well-being as diet, exercise, and prayer. Check out the small steps you can take to set yourself up for healthy sleep on 2021 Live Well. Focusing on sleep for part of your Lent journey? ELCA-Primary members, both Being and Learn to Live offer more in-depth coaching and tracking that can help you make meaningful, lasting change.   Questions about Taxes? The Richard R. Hammar Clergy Tax Guide and the Federal Reporting Guide for Churches are both available on myPortico at no cost to you.

Bosnia IST Check-in Event! It's been a while since we've talked about Bosnia! With the onset of the pandemic- we had to hold off on traveling, but we are still actively engaged with our friends over there and would love to spend this time to check-in with each other! On Sunday, March 21st at 1pm (7pm Bosnia time!) We would love for you to join us virtually to chat and unwind! We can talk with our friends in Bosnia to see how they are and you can ask any questions you may have about the ministry! Here's the zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98041846269. There's a waiting room for the meeting- Please use your name so we can accept you into the meeting! Hope to see you there!  Mir, The Bosnia Leadership Team

Mark your calendar! Lutherans Restoring Creation is happy to present the ELCA community with another special online service. In celebration of Earth Day, this service is intended for use on April 25th (Good Shepherd Sunday) and can be downloaded for use according to a congregation's needs. We are excited to announce that Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be preaching as part of this special service of liturgy, visual journeys, musical offerings, pastoral insights, and inspiration from lay leaders. Register now to receive a special link with download instructions at least a week beforehand. Updates and more details can be found here.

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Morning!

Here is this week's news from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Mar 24, 2021 at 3:05 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

March 24, 2021 O God of mercy and might, in the mystery of the passion of your Son you offer your infinite life to the world. Gather us around the cross of Christ, and preserve us until the resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Palm Sunday We keep in prayer... Pastor Gladys Moore (retired)

Pastor Otto Jacobson (retired) Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired)

Pastor Laura Esposito (on leave), recovering from surgery Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Zion, Rahway; St Andrew, Parsippany; Christ, Whiting

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA; Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church (India); Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church (India)  Congratulations! Pastor Kimberly Schmidt-Cooper and the people of St Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne.

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources

2021 Virtual Assembly

"SPRINGING FORTH" Music during Synod Assembly  Do you have a recording of your choir? children's choir? ukulele group? orchestra? If so, please send us your video so we can use it during our assembly. We want to highlight the variety of music used throughout our synod in worship.

Make sure you have appropriate copyright permissions if it is not in public domain or an original composition, as well as permission of those involved. Videos can be sent to Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org no later than April 15th ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION

Voting Member Registration is Open!

Registration is $50.00 per person. REGISTRATION CLOSES at midnight on MAY 1st NOTE: All voting members will need an email address and their own device in order to vote. Zoom links will be sent via email the week of assembly only to registered voting members. Visitors do not need to register for the assembly. A livestream of all sessions will be available on our YouTube Channel. www.youtube.com/njsynodelca QUESTIONS? Contact Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org Synod-wide Worship Your synod staff is providing a worship service for Sunday, April 11, 2021. The service will premiere at 5:00PM Saturday on our youtube channel. A downloadable copy will be available and posted on our vimeo site by Tuesday, April 6 for use in your own setting. Active Bystander Training In this 2-hour session, you will learn how to DIRECT, DISTRACT, DELEGATE AND DOCUMENT – safely and faithfully! This is a FREE online event, offered THREE different dates/times: Saturday, March 27, 2021, 10:00 am – noon Saturday, April 17, 2021, 10:00 am – noon Thursday, April 29, 2021, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Click HERE to register! Questions? Contact: Rev. Kimberly A. Vaughn

Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. You can also register to attend an upcoming Summer Camp Q&A Session with the Cross Roads staff to hear more about what camp will look like this summer. Now Hiring: Summer Staff Cross Roads is looking for trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website.

Camp Sunday Worship: Save the Date May 9 The Cross Roads staff will provide a full Camp Sunday worship service for congregations to use on Sunday, May 9. All materials, including a full recorded worship service and order of service, will be made available ahead of time on the Cross Roads website. Wednesdays Away April 7 The next virtual Wednesdays Away retreat will be held on April 7 from 10 am to 12 pm on Zoom. The theme is "Christ is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!" Click here to register.

Mission Support is what we do!    Because of your congregational generosity, the gospel is proclaimed, lives are touched and the world is transformed.  If not already, please make your intention known as soon as possible by returning the form mailed to your congregation in the fall of 2020; or you may do so here; or, you may do so by emailing Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop! Generosity in Motion - March In the fall and winter of 2020, our NJ Synod made an incredible stewardship ministry opportunity available to its congregations. The name we gave this endeavor was ‘Generosity Again,’ and what a success it was! An informal poll indicated that nearly every congregation reported gains in their annual stewardship appeal if not maintaining their prior year’s reported intention of giving. Given what this year has been like, this was quite a blessing. ...continue reading

Lutherans Restoring Creation is happy to present the ELCA community with another special online service. In celebration of Earth Day, this service is intended for use on April 25th (Good Shepherd Sunday) and can be downloaded for use according to a congregation's needs. We are excited to announce that Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be preaching as part of this special service of liturgy, visual journeys, musical offerings, pastoral insights, and inspiration from lay leaders. Register now to receive a special link with download instructions at least a week beforehand. Updates and more details can be found here.

Stress is a pain in the neck: If you’re literally feeling the effects of too many hours staring at a computer screen, sitting in a not-so-ergonomically-correct chair, or carrying a year’s worth of pandemic worries in your shoulders, Members with ELCA-primary health benefits now have access to SWORD, a virtual therapy program for joint pain available at no out-of-pocket cost. Watch this short video for an introduction, and learn more about SWORD on myPortico .   Get the best rest. Good sleep is as much a factor of whole-person well-being as diet, exercise, and prayer. Check out the small steps you can take to set yourself up for healthy sleep on 2021 Live Well. Focusing on sleep for part of your Lent journey? ELCA-Primary members, both Being and Learn to Live offer more in-depth coaching and tracking that can help you make meaningful, lasting change.   Questions about Taxes? The Richard R. Hammar Clergy Tax Guide and the Federal Reporting Guide for Churches are both available on myPortico at no cost to you.

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Dear Friends,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod including a letter from the Bishop Tracie

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Mar 31, 2021 at 12:31 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

March 30, 2021 O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. We keep in prayer...

Pastor Otto Jacobson (retired) Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired) Pastor Laura Esposito (on leave), recovering from surgery Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Redeemer, Jersey City; Faith, Hillsborough; Good Shepherd, Little Egg Harbor

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, ELCA; Peruvian Evangelical Lutheran Church

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources

An Easter Letter from the Bishop... When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.  And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. (Mark 16:1-2)   Dear Friends in Christ, As I have been pondering the story of the Resurrection this year, I have taken special notice of the reality of companionship. It seems significant to me that Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went together to the tomb of their friend and teacher, Jesus. Going about the ordinary chore of anointing the body of Jesus was made lighter by doing it together. Bearing the burden of grief and sorrow over the loss of their hoped-for Messiah was a bit easier because of the companionship they shared. ...continue reading Easter Sermon An Easter Sunday Sermon and Gospel reading is available for use in your congregation. Please visit njsynod.org/worshipresources for download. Synod-wide Worship - April 11, 2021 Your synod staff is providing a worship service for Sunday, April 11. The service will premiere at 5:00PM Saturday on our youtube channel and be available anytime thereafter. A downloadable copy will be posted on our vimeo site by Tuesday, April 6 for use in your own setting or upload to your own site. Active Bystander Training In this 2-hour session, you will learn how to DIRECT, DISTRACT, DELEGATE AND DOCUMENT – safely and faithfully! This is a FREE online event and will be offered on: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 10:00 am – noon OR Thursday, April 29, 2021, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Click HERE to register! Questions? Contact: Rev. Kimberly A. Vaughn

2021 Virtual Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH" Music during Synod Assembly  Do you have a recording of your choir? children's choir? ukulele group? orchestra? If so, please send us your video so we can use it during our assembly. We want to highlight the variety of music used throughout our synod in worship. Make sure you have appropriate copyright permissions if it is not in public domain or an original composition, as well as permission of those involved. Videos can be sent to Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org no later than April 15th

ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION Voting Member Registration is Open! Registration is $50.00 per person. REGISTRATION CLOSES at midnight on MAY 1st NOTE: All voting members will need an email address and their own device in order to vote. Zoom links will be sent via email the week of assembly only to registered voting members. Visitors do not need to register for the assembly. A livestream of all sessions will be available on our YouTube Channel. www.youtube.com/njsynodelca QUESTIONS? Contact Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org

African Decent Lutheran Association 2021 Creative Writing Contest Bravely & Boldly Addressing Our American History of Racial Injustice  The African Descent Lutheran Association and the Creative Writing Contest Partners believe that in these current times we must support and encourage truth, equity, and justice for all. We invite participants to submit a creative writing based on the following:  “How does the history of injustice related to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre reflect and relate to modern day injustice in the United States of America? How can the Church recognize its historical complicity with racial injustice and be moved to respond and proclaim truth, equity, and justice for all in our nation today?”  Deadline for entries is Monday, May 10, 2021.   Entries of poetry, short story, essays, and narrative exposition from persons aged 14 and older accepted. Cash awards for top 3 entries in each division. See full submission requirements for details. Contest Flyer & Rules. Contest Entry Form. adlaelca.org

Stress is a pain in the neck: If you’re literally feeling the effects of too many hours staring at a computer screen, sitting in a not-so-ergonomically-correct chair, or carrying a year’s worth of pandemic worries in your shoulders, Members with ELCA-primary health benefits now have access to SWORD, a virtual therapy program for joint pain available at no out-of-pocket cost. Watch this short video for an introduction, and learn more about SWORD on myPortico .   Get the best rest. Good sleep is as much a factor of whole-person well-being as diet, exercise, and prayer. Check out the small steps you can take to set yourself up for healthy sleep on 2021 Live Well. Focusing on sleep for part of your Lent journey? ELCA-Primary members, both Being and Learn to Live offer more in-depth coaching and tracking that can help you make meaningful, lasting change.   Questions about Taxes? The Richard R. Hammar Clergy Tax Guide and the Federal Reporting Guide for Churches are both available on myPortico at no cost to you.

Lutherans Restoring Creation is happy to present the ELCA community with another special online service. In celebration of Earth Day, this service is intended for use on April 25th (Good Shepherd Sunday) and can be downloaded for use according to a congregation's needs. We are excited to announce that Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be preaching as part of this special service of liturgy, visual journeys, musical offerings, pastoral insights, and inspiration from lay leaders. Register now to receive a special link with download instructions at least a week beforehand. Updates and more details can be found here.

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Hi All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Parents of kids age 14 and up - take note of a writing contest on Social Justice - it looks really meaningful!

peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Apr 7, 2021 at 4:13 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

April 7, 2021 Almighty God, with joy we celebrate the day of our Lord’s resurrection. By the grace of Christ among us, enable us to show the power of the resurrection in all that we say and do, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. We keep in prayer... Pastor Michele Smith (Good Shepherd, Lindenwold) Pastor Gomes Pedro (Holy Trinity, East Orange), recovering from surgery

Pastor Otto Jacobson (retired) Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired) Pastor Laura Esposito (on leave), recovering from surgery Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

Pastor Jim McKinley (retired), at the death of his wife, Jane, on Sunday, April 4 The family and friends of Pastor Oziel Campos de Oliveira Jr., who entered the church triumphant on April 5. Pastor Oziel was a great music composer and poet of the Lutheran Church in Brazil and served at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Elizabeth.

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Trinity, Tenafly; Atonement, Asbury Park; Lord of Life, Tabernacle

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

North Carolina Synod, ELCA; Northern Great Lakes Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Croatia

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources

Synod-wide Worship - April 11, 2021

Your synod staff has provided a worship service for Sunday, April 11. The service will premiere at 5:00PM Saturday on our youtube channel and be available anytime thereafter. A downloadable copy is available on our vimeo site for use in your own setting. njsynod.org/worshipresouces

Active Bystander Training In this 2-hour session, you will learn how to DIRECT, DISTRACT, DELEGATE AND DOCUMENT – safely and faithfully! This is a FREE online event and will be offered on: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 10:00 am – noon OR Thursday, April 29, 2021, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Click HERE to register! Questions? Contact: Rev. Kimberly A. Vaughn

2021 Virtual Synod Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH"

REGISTRATION CLOSES at midnight on MAY 1st

ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION Voting Member Registration is $50.00 per person.

All voting members will need an email address and their own device in order to vote. Zoom links will be sent via email the week of assembly only to registered voting members. Visitors do not need to register for the assembly. A livestream of all sessions will be available on our YouTube Channel.

QUESTIONS? Contact Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org

Music during Assembly  Last call to send us your musical group videos. We want to highlight the variety of music used throughout our synod in worship. Make sure you have appropriate copyright permissions if it is not in public domain or an original composition, as well as permission of those involved.

Videos can be sent to Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org no later than April 15th

THANK YOU for reporting your congregation’s Mission Support intention for 2021! If you have not done this, please reply in one of three ways either by mailing your form to the synod office, by clicking here, or by emailing Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop. Ninety-seven congregations have already done this! Rev. Brown will be placing phone calls to those congregations that we either missed or whom we’ve not heard from yet. Many thanks for witnessing generous living.

Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. You can also register to attend an upcoming Summer Camp Q&A Session with the Cross Roads staff to hear more about what camp will look like this summer. Now Hiring: Summer Staff Cross Roads is looking for trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website.  Camp Sunday Worship: Save the Date May 9 The Cross Roads staff will provide a full Camp Sunday worship service for congregations to use on Sunday, May 9. All materials, including a full recorded worship service and order of service, will be made available ahead of time on the Cross Roads website.

Sunday School with Cross Roads Is your congregation looking for faith formation resources, including Sunday School curriculum and/or leaders? Reach out to the Cross Roads staff to get involved with the Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) initiative. Join us for weekly Sunday School at 11 am or 4 pm or use our curriculum on your own time. Learn more here.

African Decent Lutheran Association 2021 Creative Writing Contest Bravely & Boldly Addressing Our American History of Racial Injustice  The African Descent Lutheran Association and the Creative Writing Contest Partners believe that in these current times we must support and encourage truth, equity, and justice for all. We invite participants to submit a creative writing based on the following:  “How does the history of injustice related to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre reflect and relate to modern day injustice in the United States of America? How can the Church recognize its historical complicity with racial injustice and be moved to respond and proclaim truth, equity, and justice for all in our nation today?”  Deadline for entries is Monday, May 10, 2021.   Entries of poetry, short story, essays, and narrative exposition from persons aged 14 and older accepted. Cash awards for top 3 entries in each division. See full submission requirements for details. Contest Flyer & Rules. Contest Entry Form. adlaelca.org

Lutherans Restoring Creation is happy to present the ELCA community with another special online service. In celebration of Earth Day, this service is intended for use on April 25th (Good Shepherd Sunday) and can be downloaded for use according to a congregation's needs. We are excited to announce that Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be preaching as part of this special service of liturgy, visual journeys, musical offerings, pastoral insights, and inspiration from lay leaders. Register now to receive a special link with download instructions at least a week beforehand. Updates and more details can be found here.

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

HI All,

Here is this week's news from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Apr 14, 2021 at 4:45 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

April 14, 2021 Holy and righteous God, you are the author of life, and you adopt us to be your children. Fill us with your words of life, that we may live as witnesses to the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

We keep in prayer... Pastor Michele Smith (Good Shepherd, Lindenwold) Pastor Gomes Pedro (Holy Trinity, East Orange), recovering from surgery Pastor Otto Jacobson (retired) Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired)

Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Santa Isabel, Elizabeth; St Mark, Hamilton; St Mark, Oaklyn; First, Stewartsville

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

New England Synod, ELCA; Christian Lutheran Church of Honduras

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources

Creatureliness—Jesus and ours: In her April column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes about Easter and Earth Day, reminding us that we are redeemed, reconciled and reunited in the beauty of the Creator’s loving handiwork. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3uR9fFu and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3wXV9UA.

2021 Virtual Synod Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH" REGISTRATION CLOSES

MAY 1st @ midnight CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

Voting Member Registration is $50.00 per person.

All voting members will need to log in with their own device in order to vote.

Zoom links will be sent via email the week of assembly only to registered voting members.

Visitors do not need to register. A livestream of all sessions will be available on our YouTube Channel.

QUESTIONS? Contact Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org

Music during Assembly  Last call to send us your musical group videos to be used during assembly. We want to highlight the variety of music used throughout our synod in worship.

Videos can be sent to Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org no later than April 15th

Active Bystander Training In this 2-hour session, you will learn how to DIRECT, DISTRACT, DELEGATE AND DOCUMENT – safely and faithfully! This is a FREE online event and will be offered on: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 10:00 am – noon OR Thursday, April 29, 2021, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Click HERE to register! Questions? Contact: Rev. Kimberly A. Vaughn

Generosity in Motion - April ‘On this Good Friday, I would like to thank everyone for proclaiming the gospel and serving together during this difficult year.’  -Rev. Giselle Coutinho, Bridge of Peace Community Church   Unbeknownst to me, but probably because I’ve worshipped (virtually) and made offerings there before, I was on the Bridge of Peace email distribution list. And so out of the blue, this message arrived in my email inbox on Good Friday. It could not have shown up at a more opportune time.    Here it was: the day of the cross. At that moment and on this day, I was mindful of all the worship that would be taking place or was taking place. And while I was thinking about and preparing for that, a word of thanks and thanksgiving showed up! ...continue reading THANK YOU for reporting your congregation’s Mission Support intention for 2021! If you have not done this, please reply in one of three ways either by mailing your form to the synod office, by clicking here, or by emailing Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop. 125 congregations have already done this! Rev. Brown will be placing phone calls to those congregations that we either missed or whom we’ve not heard from yet. Many thanks for witnessing generous living.

Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website.

Now Hiring: Summer Staff Cross Roads is looking for trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website.

Camp Sunday Worship: Save the Date. May 9

The Cross Roads staff will provide a full Camp Sunday worship service for congregations to use on Sunday, May 9. All materials, including a full recorded worship service and order of service, will be made available ahead of time on the Cross Roads website.

Opening Day at Cross Roads May 15 (Rain date: May 22) The NJ Synod Youth Ministry Mission Team is teaming up with Cross Roads to host a work-day event filled with socially distanced projects, fellowship, and outdoor worship. Bring your youth group, your family, or yourself to help get Cross Roads ready for summer! More information and registration here.

Sunday School with Cross Roads

Is your congregation looking for faith formation resources, including Sunday School curriculum and/or leaders? Reach out to the Cross Roads staff to get involved with the Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) initiative. Join us for weekly Sunday School or use our curriculum on your own time. We're busy planning for the Fall and would love to have you involved! Learn more here. Lutherans Restoring Creation online service.

In celebration of Earth Day, this service is intended for use on April 25th (Good Shepherd Sunday) and can be downloaded for use according to a congregation's needs. We are excited to announce that Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be preaching as part of this special service of liturgy, visual journeys, musical offerings, pastoral insights, and inspiration from lay leaders. Register now to receive a special link with download instructions at least a week beforehand. Updates and more details can be found here.

African Descent Lutheran Association

2021 Creative Writing Contest Bravely & Boldly Addressing Our American History of Racial Injustice  The African Descent Lutheran Association and the Creative Writing Contest Partners believe that in these current times we must support and encourage truth, equity, and justice for all. We invite participants to submit a creative writing based on the following:  “How does the history of injustice related to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre reflect and relate to modern day injustice in the United States of America? How can the Church recognize its historical complicity with racial injustice and be moved to respond and proclaim truth, equity, and justice for all in our nation today?”  Deadline for entries is Monday, May 10, 2021.   Entries of poetry, short story, essays, and narrative exposition from persons aged 14 and older accepted. Cash awards for top 3 entries in each division. See full submission requirements for details. Contest Flyer & Rules. Contest Entry Form. adlaelca.org

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Dear Friends,

Here is the weekly newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Apr 21, 2021 at 3:03 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

April 21, 2021 O Lord Christ, good shepherd of the sheep, you seek the lost and guide us into your fold. Feed us, and we shall be satisfied; heal us, and we shall be whole. Make us one with you, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

We keep in prayer... Pastor Michele Smith (Good Shepherd, Lindenwold) Pastor Gomes Pedro (Holy Trinity, East Orange), recovering from surgery Pastor Otto Jacobson (retired) Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

St John, Rutherford; Gloria Dei, Chatham; Zion, Barnegat Light

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA; Protestant Christian Batak Church (Indonesia) Congratulations! Pastor Beau and Alexis Nelson (St Mark, Morristown/Good Shepherd, Florham Park) on the birth of their son, Philip David Nelson on April 14

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources

2021 Virtual Synod Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH"

The Bulletin of Reports has been posted. All voting members should read through the reports prior to the assembly. Find the downloadable file here www.njsynod.org/bulletin-of-reports

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 1 @midnight

All voting members will need to log in with their own device in order to vote. Zoom links will be sent via email the week of assembly only to registered voting members. Visitors do not need to register. A livestream of all sessions will be available on our YouTube Channel.

QUESTIONS? Contact Dawn at asse...@njsynod.org

The conversation and work on Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion continues! Come and join as work groups share their plans and progress for: -Starting a Congregational Racial Justice Team -Being A Public Witness: Practicing Advocacy and Justice -Creating Resources & Educational Materials for Congregations Saturday April 24, 2021. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom Click here to register! (After you register, you will receive a Zoom link by email.)

Sponsored by The New Jersey Synod Anti-Racism Team

Awareness - Grants Available: ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant for application information: www.elca.org/domestichungergrants ELCA Our Daily Bread Grants for info go to:  https://support.elca.org/site/TR?fr_id=1422&pg=entry summer of 2021. ELCA Open Door Grants for more info go to: https://elca.org/opendoors NJ Synod Fund for Mission Grants: for more information go to: www.njsynod.org/ffm State of NJ Office of Faith Based Initiatives for information go to: www.state.nj.us/state/ofbi-grant-opportunities.shtml Special Project Guidelines State of NJ Child Nutrition Fund, administered by Reinvestment Fund and supported by Robert Wood Johnson, has a new round of funding to support summer and after school meal service in select New Jersey communities. Equipment and innovation grants are also available. Visit NJCNF website and view the NJCNF Equipment Grant FAQ for more information.

Lutherans Restoring Creation online service.  In celebration of Earth Day, this service is intended for use on April 25th (Good Shepherd Sunday) and can be downloaded for use according to a congregation's needs. We are excited to announce that Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be preaching as part of this special service of liturgy, visual journeys, musical offerings, pastoral insights, and inspiration from lay leaders. Register now to receive a special link with download instructions at least a week beforehand. Updates and more details can be found here.

Generosity in Motion - April ‘On this Good Friday, I would like to thank everyone for proclaiming the gospel and serving together during this difficult year.’  -Rev. Giselle Coutinho, Bridge of Peace Community Church   Unbeknownst to me, but probably because I’ve worshipped (virtually) and made offerings there before, I was on the Bridge of Peace email distribution list. And so out of the blue, this message arrived in my email inbox on Good Friday. It could not have shown up at a more opportune time.    Here it was: the day of the cross. At that moment and on this day, I was mindful of all the worship that would be taking place or was taking place. And while I was thinking about and preparing for that, a word of thanks and thanksgiving showed up! ...continue reading

African Descent Lutheran Association 2021 Creative Writing Contest Bravely & Boldly Addressing Our American History of Racial Injustice  The African Descent Lutheran Association and the Creative Writing Contest Partners believe that in these current times we must support and encourage truth, equity, and justice for all. We invite participants to submit a creative writing based on the following:  “How does the history of injustice related to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre reflect and relate to modern day injustice in the United States of America? How can the Church recognize its historical complicity with racial injustice and be moved to respond and proclaim truth, equity, and justice for all in our nation today?”  Deadline for entries is Monday, May 10, 2021.   Entries of poetry, short story, essays, and narrative exposition from persons aged 14 and older accepted. Cash awards for top 3 entries in each division. See full submission requirements for details. Contest Flyer & Rules. Contest Entry Form. adlaelca.org

Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website.

Camp Sunday Worship: May 9

The Cross Roads staff will provide a full Camp Sunday worship service for congregations to use on Sunday, May 9. All materials, including a full recorded worship service and order of service, will be made available ahead of time on the Cross Roads website. Opening Day at Cross Roads May 15 (Rain date: May 22) The NJ Synod Youth Ministry Mission Team is teaming up with Cross Roads to host a work-day event filled with socially distanced projects, fellowship, and outdoor worship. Bring your youth group, your family, or yourself to help get Cross Roads ready for summer! More information and registration here.

Save the Date: Bishops' Cup Golf Outing Monday, June 14 Golfer registration for the annual Bishops’ Cup Golf Outing, supporting the Cross Roads Annual Fund, will open soon! The planning team is working hard to make this a safe and fun event for all. Information on registration and sponsorships will be posted to the website in the coming weeks.

Sunday School with Cross Roads Is your congregation looking for faith formation resources, including Sunday School curriculum and/or leaders? Reach out to the Cross Roads staff to get involved with the Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) initiative. Join us for weekly Sunday School or use our curriculum on your own time. We're busy planning for the Fall and would love to have you involved! Learn more here.

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

HI All,

Please see the NJ Synod newsletter for this week below.

peace,

deb 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Apr 28, 2021 at 7:25 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

April 28, 2021 O God, you give us your Son as the vine apart from whom we cannot live. Nourish our life in his resurrection, that we may bear the fruit of love and know the fullness of your joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

We keep in prayer... Pastor Michele Smith (Good Shepherd, Lindenwold) Pastor Gomes Pedro (Holy Trinity, East Orange), recovering from surgery

Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

Good Shepherd, Weehawken; St Paul, Edison; St Matthew, Moorestown

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA; Northwest Intermountain Synod, ELCA; Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala

2021 Virtual Synod Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH"

Pre-Assembly Workshops Open to all! Friday, May 7 2:00 PM & 3:30 PM Visit njsynod.org//pre-assembly-workshops for descriptions and links. VOTING MEMBERS Join your synod staff for "ZOOMAPALOOZA" on Wednesday, May 5th at 7 PM. A quick half hour zoom practice to test your settings, practice in our voting polls, and learn how we will utilize the features of zoom to do the work of the assembly together-apart!! #NJSA2021 #SpringingForth #TogetherApart A test email will follow later today to each voting member's email! If you cannot find it check your promotions or spam folder. Then be sure to add asse...@njsynod.org to your safe sender list. Whoops!!!  Worship booklets have arrived and we ask that pandemic rules apply... extra grace required!!! Assembly MAY 7 & 8 Registration closes this Saturday, May 1st at midnight! Click here to REGISTER! Active Bystander Training We are at full capacity for the April 29th event! Zoom links have been emailed and we want to say THANK YOU for your participation in all three of these events!

Awareness - Grants Available: ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant for application information: www.elca.org/domestichungergrants ELCA Our Daily Bread Grants for info go to:  https://support.elca.org/site/TR?fr_id=1422&pg=entry summer of 2021. ELCA Open Door Grants for more info go to: https://elca.org/opendoors NJ Synod Fund for Mission Grants: for more information go to: www.njsynod.org/ffm State of NJ Office of Faith Based Initiatives for information go to: www.state.nj.us/state/ofbi-grant-opportunities.shtml Special Project Guidelines State of NJ Child Nutrition Fund, administered by Reinvestment Fund and supported by Robert Wood Johnson, has a new round of funding to support summer and after school meal service in select New Jersey communities. Equipment and innovation grants are also available. Visit NJCNF website and view the NJCNF Equipment Grant FAQ for more information.

African Descent Lutheran Association 2021 Creative Writing Contest Bravely & Boldly Addressing Our American History of Racial Injustice  The African Descent Lutheran Association and the Creative Writing Contest Partners believe that in these current times we must support and encourage truth, equity, and justice for all. We invite participants to submit a creative writing based on the following:  “How does the history of injustice related to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre reflect and relate to modern day injustice in the United States of America? How can the Church recognize its historical complicity with racial injustice and be moved to respond and proclaim truth, equity, and justice for all in our nation today?”  Deadline for entries is Monday, May 10, 2021.   Entries of poetry, short story, essays, and narrative exposition from persons aged 14 and older accepted. Cash awards for top 3 entries in each division. See full submission requirements for details. Contest Flyer & Rules. Contest Entry Form. adlaelca.org

Pray with the whole church each day at noon! www.facebook.com/njsynodelca www.njsynod.org/virtual-church-resources

Give Online Contact Us! Synod Calender Congregational Resources NJ Synod Core Values ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ www.njsynod.org

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Hi All,

Here is this week's news from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, May 5, 2021 at 3:54 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the New Jersey Synod.

Jersey Jottings News from around the synod

May 5, 2021 O God, you have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

We keep in prayer... Pastor Michele Smith (Good Shepherd, Lindenwold) Pastor Gomes Pedro (Holy Trinity, East Orange), recovering from surgery Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

Pastor Kimberly Vaughn (Synod staff) at the recent death of her brother, Victor Vaughn.

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

These congregations of our Synod

First, Clifton; Shepherd of the Hills, Sparta; Messiah, Cape May Courthouse Our ELCA Sister Synod and Companion Synods around the world Northwest Minnesota Synod, ELCA Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN); Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN)

2021 Virtual Synod Assembly "SPRINGING FORTH" Pre-Assembly Workshops Open to all! Friday, May 7 2:00 PM & 3:30 PM Visit njsynod.org//pre-assembly-workshops for descriptions and links.

VOTING MEMBERS Assembly Zoom Links have been sent via email. Check your promotions or spam folder today!!!! Join your synod staff TONIGHT at 7:00 PM for "ZOOMAPALOOZA" A quick zoom practice to test your settings, practice in our voting polls, and learn how we will utilize the features of zoom to do the work of the assembly. Links are in your email. #NJSA2021 #SpringingForth Need zoom help? Watch this helpful video before the assembly.

Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs for youth and families is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. Camp Sunday Worship May 9

The Cross Roads staff will provide a full Camp Sunday worship service for congregations to use on Sunday, May 9. All materials, including a full recorded worship service and order of service are available on the Cross Roads website.

Opening Day at Cross Roads May 15 (Rain date: May 22) The NJ Synod Youth Ministry Mission Team is teaming up with Cross Roads to host a work-day event filled with socially distanced projects, fellowship, and outdoor worship. Bring your youth group, your family, or yourself to help get Cross Roads ready for summer! More information and registration here.

Bishops' Cup Golf Outing Monday, June 14

Information on the 2021 Bishops' Cup Golf Outing, supporting the Cross Roads Annual Fund, is now available on the Cross Roads' website. Register as a golfer or sign up as a sponsor!  ELCA Vital Congregations Training This is an invitation to existing congregation leaders interested in tools and ideas for revitalizing our ministries together. Teams of 3, 4 or more are invited to come with their pastor to reignite mission. This course will offer best practices and strong foundations for congregations who have historically been identified as being in the important times of redevelopment, transformation, and renewal. This is an opportunity to discern, kickstart efforts, or begin to reimagine in the hopes of growth in vitality, sustainability, and reaching new people. The first online webinar will begin on May 27th at 12:30-2:00 CST. This is a four-part training. Additional Dates are June 10, June 24, and July 8th at 12:30-2:00 CST. This series is also free of charge for congregations and leaders. Download the Invitation here.  Please register by May 24th using the link below: Free Registration Link: https://forms.gle/rutFSdwYxijkRmZu8   For more information and if your congregation is planning to participate please contact Pastor Maristela Freiberg, our synod's Director for Evangelical Mission, at maristela...@elca.org or cell (201) 407-6000.

Awareness - Grants Available: ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant for application information: www.elca.org/domestichungergrants ELCA Our Daily Bread Grants for info go to:  https://support.elca.org/site/TR?fr_id=1422&pg=entry summer of 2021. ELCA Open Door Grants for more info go to: https://elca.org/opendoors NJ Synod Fund for Mission Grants: for more information go to: www.njsynod.org/ffm State of NJ Office of Faith Based Initiatives for information go to: www.state.nj.us/state/ofbi-grant-opportunities.shtml Special Project Guidelines State of NJ Child Nutrition Fund, administered by Reinvestment Fund and supported by Robert Wood Johnson, has a new round of funding to support summer and after school meal service in select New Jersey communities. Equipment and innovation grants are also available. Visit NJCNF website and view the NJCNF Equipment Grant FAQ for more information.

Unsubscribe reforma...@gmail.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

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[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

HI All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Thu, May 13, 2021 at 11:30 AM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings May 13, 2021 Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved world, that we may find our joy in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

We keep in prayer...

Pastor Michele Smith (Good Shepherd, Lindenwold) Pastor Gomes Pedro (Holy Trinity, East Orange), recovering from surgery Pastor Penny Stechmann (retired) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  These congregations of our Synod

Holy Trinity, Nutley; Holy Trinity, Red Bank; St John, Williamstown

Our ELCA Sister Synod and Companion Synods around the world

Arkansas/Oklahoma Synod, ELCA; Lutheran Church in Great Britain A letter from the Bishop Dear NJ Synod family, What a great time we had last Friday and Saturday gathered in assembly. Our pre-assembly workshops were well attended by folks from across the synod – thank you to those who led them. Our assembly attendance stayed strong throughout, including for our closing prayer and sending for mission. We observed our theme, Springing Forth, with a variety of stories and reports about the new things God is doing in our midst. It was a joy to be together with you, even as I anticipate being together in person next May.  I am writing to recap some of the assembly highlights, address our current COVID19 situation in regard to re-gathering in person, and to invite you to celebrate the ministry of Pastor Kimberly Vaughn as she leaves the staff. ...continue reading Bishop Eaton's May Column “How can I keep from singing?” In her May column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton notes that music, like God’s love, is at the same time deeply personal, sounding deep within an individual’s soul, and universal, ringing out to an entire community. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3uBnRJy and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3ty0oYb.

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

MARY “JJ” SIMPSON-KEELAN Saturday, May 22, 2021 2:00 PM Rain date 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 23, 2021 Bishop Tracie L. Bartholomew, Presiding The Rev. James R. Egan, Preaching Living Waters Lutheran Church, Ringoes, New Jersey 08551

In-Person Attendance Is By Invitation Only

Face Mask and Social Distance Protocols Will Be Honored  The Service Will Be Live Streamed and Recorded Karl, John & Elizabeth Wurffel Fund Application packages for the Wurffel Fund College Loans/Scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year have been emailed out to all parish pastors.   Applications with pastor recommendations are due back no later than July 1st.

ELCA Vital Congregations Training This is an invitation to existing congregation leaders interested in tools and ideas for revitalizing our ministries together. Teams of 3, 4 or more are invited to come with their pastor to reignite mission. This course will offer best practices and strong foundations for congregations who have historically been identified as being in the important times of redevelopment, transformation, and renewal. This is an opportunity to discern, kickstart efforts, or begin to reimagine in the hopes of growth in vitality, sustainability, and reaching new people. The first online webinar will begin on May 27th at 12:30-2:00 CST. This is a four-part training. Additional Dates are June 10, June 24, and July 8th at 12:30-2:00 CST. This series is also free of charge for congregations and leaders. Download the Invitation here. Please register by May 24th using the link below: Free Registration Link: https://forms.gle/rutFSdwYxijkRmZu8   For more information and if your congregation is planning to participate please contact Pastor Maristela Freiberg, our synod's Director for Evangelical Mission, at maristela...@elca.org or cell (201) 407-6000.

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

Opening Day at Cross Roads

Saturday, May 15 The NJ Synod Youth Ministry Mission Team is co-hosting this fun work-day event on Saturday. Come to Cross Roads to help with socially distanced projects, and to enjoy fellowship and outdoor worship. All are welcome! More information and registration can be found here. Wednesdays Away June 2 The final Wednesdays Away gathering of the season is on June 2 from 10 am to 12 pm on Zoom. Register for this retreat on the website. The cost is $10. The gathering is titled "Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith" all will be led by the Rev. Dale Selover.

Bishops' Cup Golf Outing Monday, June 14 Information on the 2021 Bishops' Cup Golf Outing, supporting the Cross Roads Annual Fund, is now available on the Cross Roads' website. Register as a golfer or sign up as a sponsor!

Register for Summer Camp 2021

Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs, including 4 weeks of youth camp and 3 weeks of family camp, is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. Work at Camp Cross Roads is looking for a few more trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Find more information and the application on the Cross Roads website. Share with young adults in your communities! 500 Gifts in May Challenge A generous legacy gift from Zion Lutheran Church in Garfield makes possible a challenge for all Cross Roads donors in the month of May. Our goal is to receive at least 500 gifts of any size by May 31. Thanks to Zion's support, every gift made this month will receive an additional $200 added to it, up to a total of $100,000! Learn more in this video and visit our website to pledge your support today. Thank you! Synod Assembly 2022 Thank you to all who attended the 2021 Virtual Assembly through zoom and YouTube. We give special thanks to our entire tech team for keeping us connected with one another in a new and different way this year. Assembly 2022 dates have been announced. May 7 & 8, 2022 at the Westin in Princeton Forestal Village. Visit our Website

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Hi All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

peace,

deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, May 19, 2021 at 12:03 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings May 19, 2021 Mighty God, you breathe life into our bones, and your Spirit brings truth to the world. Send us this Spirit, transform us by your truth, and give us language to proclaim your gospel, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Pentecost

We keep in prayer...

Pastor John Mack Jr (Holy Trinity, Red Bank), recovering from surgery Pastor Michele Smith (Good Shepherd, Lindenwold)

Pastor Gomes Pedro (Holy Trinity, East Orange), recovering from surgery

Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired)

Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.

For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls.

These congregations of our Synod

Trinity, Bogota; St John, Phillipsburg; Faith, Lavallette

Our ELCA Sister Synod and Companion Synods around the world

Delaware-Maryland Synod, ELCA; Saskatchewan Synod, ELCIC; Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, Tampere Diocese Help us bid Farewell to Pastor Kimberly Vaughn as she leaves the synod staff. Wednesday, May 26 at 7:00pm via zoom (the link will be posted on the synod website 24 hours before)  All are welcome to share a laugh, say thank you, and celebrate Pastor Vaughn's 5 years as an Assistant to the Bishop.  From the Office of the Bishop Returning to in person, indoor worship As the CDC relaxes the guidelines for gathering, congregations are making decisions about how and when to return to in person and indoor worship. Remember, the safer option is to remain outdoors, for which the governor has removed the mask mandate, though congregations may keep that requirement in place if people feel safer.  When you move indoors, please keep the following considerations in mind: masks are still required for all, when that changes, you will need to decide whether to allow unmasked worshipers in the sanctuary or keep everyone masked for the sake of the most vulnerable (especially children); singing is still designated a higher risk activity for which masks make a positive difference; air flow and HVAC capacities may need to be bolstered.  The Center for Congregational Song has two documents which you may find helpful: one which suggests a 75-80% national vaccination rate before indoor singing happens and one which shares the results of a study on singing and wind instruments. As always, our care for one another takes precedence over our individual wishes.

Register for Summer Camp 2021

Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs, including 4 weeks of youth camp and 3 weeks of family camp, is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website.

Still Hiring - Please Share

Cross Roads is looking for a few more trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Find more information and the application on the Cross Roads website. Share with young adults in your communities! 500 Gifts in May Challenge

A generous legacy gift from Zion Lutheran Church in Garfield makes possible a challenge for all Cross Roads donors in the month of May. Our goal is to receive at least 500 gifts of any size by May 31 and we are halfway there! Thanks to Zion's support, every gift made this month will receive an additional $200 added to it, up to a total of $100,000! Learn more in this video and visit our website to pledge your support today. Thank you!

Wednesdays Away June 2 The final Wednesdays Away gathering of the season is on June 2 from 10 am to 12 pm on Zoom. Register for this retreat on the website. The cost is $10. The gathering is titled "Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith" all will be led by the Rev. Dale Selover. Bishops' Cup Golf Outing Monday, June 14 Information on the 2021 Bishops' Cup Golf Outing, supporting the Cross Roads Annual Fund, is now available on the Cross Roads' website. Register as a golfer or sign up as a sponsor!

Bosnia IST Anniversary Concert We can’t sing together in Bosnia this year, but vaccination has made it possible for us to gather here at home. Come join Larry Olson of Dakota Road — Live! In Person! — for an outdoor concert and storytelling to celebrate more than 20 years of the Bosnia International Servant Trip.  When: 3 p.m. Saturday, June 12 (rain date 3 p.m. Sunday, June 13) Where: outdoor worship area, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 61 Route 70 East, Marlton, NJ 08053 Invite friends and family. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. An offering will be taken to benefit Joy of Life and Leptir, our special needs partners in Bosnia. Questions? Contact Cindy at bos...@njsynod.org Ecumenical/Interfaith Team Urgent Need!  Please contact your government representatives as soon as possible to ask them to call for U.S. support of a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This conflict is causing massive destruction as well as loss of life, including the lives of children. We need to call for a ceasefire, a peaceful diplomatic resolution, and a just solution for all. "We call on people of all faiths to stand up in support of human rights for both Palestinians and Israelis, including the right to self-determination." From November 14, 2018 statement from Presiding Bishop Eaton and Christian Leaders on U.S. policy toward Israel and Palestine.  Thank you! Pastor Nancy Truscott, NJ Synod Ecumenical/Interfaith Representative.

Visit our Website

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Morning!

I was off yesterday so here is yesterday's news from the NJ Synod

Peace,

deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, May 26, 2021 at 11:50 AM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings May 26, 2021 God of heaven and earth, before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time you are the triune God: Author of creation, eternal Word of salvation, life-giving Spirit of wisdom. Guide us to all truth by your Spirit, that we may proclaim all that Christ has revealed and rejoice in the glory he shares with us. Glory and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

We keep in prayer...

Pastor John Mack Jr (Holy Trinity, Red Bank), recovering from surgery

Pastor Gomes Pedro (Holy Trinity, East Orange), recovering from surgery

Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

The family and friends of Pastor Michele Smith, (Good Shepherd, Lindenwold) who entered the church triumphant on May 25. More information will follow soon.

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

St Paul, Jersey City; Prince of Peace, Princeton Junction; Holy Trinity, Burlington; Holy Trinity, Wildwood These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world Western North Dakota Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic; Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone

TONIGHT at 7:00 PM

via Zoom

Help us bid Farewell to Pastor Kimberly Vaughn as she leaves the synod staff.



All are welcome to share a laugh, say thank you, and celebrate Pastor Vaughn's 5 years as an Assistant to the Bishop.

From the Bishop Dear Synod family,  We rejoice that we are now in the season of Pentecost as protocols for COVID19 are changing. The Spirit is breathing new life into our communities as more people are being vaccinated, new cases of COVID19 are decreasing, and gathering restrictions are loosening. Of course, this means that congregational leaders will need to continue to make decisions for the community that mitigate risk and keep the most vulnerable as safe as possible. What follows are some considerations that may help in your decision making. ...continue reading SAVE THE DATE! Intro to Building a Culture of Generosity fall stewardship opportunity (see below). Orientation for this fall opportunity will be held on June 7 at 1:00 pm. Register here. You will receive a zoom link prior to the meeting. Questions? Contact Rev. Dean Brown (dbr...@njsynod.org or 732-747-1050). Building a Culture of Generosity BUILDING A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY is a stewardship program that guides congregations through their fall stewardship appeals. It deepens and expands a congregation’s current stewardship outreach and communication.  Who is presenting? This is an opportunity offered through the NJ Synod and in partnership with Rev. Mike Ward, author of ‘Abundance: Creating a Culture of Generosity.’ This is an enhanced version of the same fall seminar that was so successful and offered last fall. How does it work? Six zoom sessions of your own choosing (i.e., morning, noon or night) held at convenient times from late August through November along with customizable stewardship templates, electronic platform for access and mtgs with Rev. Mike Ward form the core of the content. For more information click here. How good is it? Twenty-two NJ Synod congregations participated last fall reporting stabilized if not increased giving. Many congregations had donors who helped with a challenge gift adding energy to their appeal. For one testimony go to https://youtu.be/KQ2PaZbuIog. Registration? Registration will begin in July and into August. Look for announcements in Jersey Jottings or reach out to Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop (dbr...@njsynod.org ~ 732-747-1050) Cost? Registration fee for congregation’s and their stewardship team is $450. www.njsynod.org/stewardshipevents

Bosnia IST Anniversary Concert We can’t sing together in Bosnia this year, but vaccination has made it possible for us to gather here at home. Come join Larry Olson of Dakota Road — Live! In Person! — for an outdoor concert and storytelling to celebrate more than 20 years of the Bosnia International Servant Trip.  When: 3 p.m. Saturday, June 12 (rain date 3 p.m. Sunday, June 13) Where: outdoor worship area, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 61 Route 70 East, Marlton, NJ 08053 Invite friends and family. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. An offering will be taken to benefit Joy of Life and Leptir, our special needs partners in Bosnia. Questions? Contact Cindy at bos...@njsynod.org

Karl, John & Elizabeth Wurffel Fund Application packages for the Wurffel Fund College Loans/Scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year have been emailed out to all parish pastors.   Applications with pastor recommendations are due back no later than July 1st.

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center Register for Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs, including 4 weeks of youth camp and 3 weeks of family camp, is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. Still Hiring - Please Share Cross Roads is looking for a few more trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve our Cross Roads community this summer as counselors and support staff members. Find more information and the application on the Cross Roads website. Share with young adults in your communities! 500 Gifts in May Challenge A generous legacy gift from Zion Lutheran Church in Garfield makes possible a challenge for all Cross Roads donors in the month of May. Our goal is to receive at least 500 gifts of any size by May 31 and we are halfway there! Thanks to Zion's support, every gift made this month will receive an additional $200 added to it, up to a total of $100,000! Learn more in this video and visit our website to pledge your support today. Thank you! Wednesdays Away June 2 The final Wednesdays Away gathering of the season is on June 2 from 10 am to 12 pm on Zoom. Register for this retreat on the website. The cost is $10. The gathering is titled "Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith" all will be led by the Rev. Dale Selover. Bishops' Cup Golf Outing Monday, June 14 Information on the 2021 Bishops' Cup Golf Outing, supporting the Cross Roads Annual Fund, is now available on the Cross Roads' website. Register as a golfer or sign up as a sponsor!

Visit our Website

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Dear Friends,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jun 2, 2021 at 1:56 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings June 2, 2021 All-powerful God, in Jesus Christ you turned death into life and defeat into victory. Increase our faith and trust in him, that we may triumph over all evil in the strength of the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

We keep in prayer...

John Xavier Jacob, brother of Pastor Erin Kinahan (On leave)

Pastor John Mack Jr (Holy Trinity, Red Bank), recovering from surgery Pastor Gomes Pedro (Holy Trinity, East Orange), recovering from surgery Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

Redeemer, Ramsey; St Mark, Morristown; Grace, Somers Point

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Caribbean Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland Congratulations! Pastor Gladys Moore (retired), who received an honorary doctorate from United Lutheran Seminary Bishop's Challenge Why is it important for the NJ Synod to take up the Bishop's Challenge at this time? We need to hear/learn the history in order to change/ move forward ~Jane Synod Office Protocols The synod staff will continue to have the option of working remotely or coming into the office. All staff will meet in person on Wednesdays, during which time the office will be open. Phones will be monitored Monday-Thursday; please leave a message and your call will be returned. An after-hours and weekend emergency phone number is provided in the outgoing message on the 609-586-5995 line. Committees and teams may meet at the synod office as requested and with appropriate staff present. If you need to come to the office other than on a Wednesday, please call to be sure someone is on site. As we live into this new chapter, we ask for your continued patience. Register Now!

Intro to Building a Culture of Generosity fall stewardship opportunity (see below). Orientation for this fall opportunity will be held on June 7 at 1:00 pm. Register here. You will receive a zoom link prior to the meeting. Questions? Contact Rev. Dean Brown (dbr...@njsynod.org or 732-747-1050). Building a Culture of Generosity

BUILDING A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY is a stewardship program that guides congregations through their fall stewardship appeals. It deepens and expands a congregation’s current stewardship outreach and communication.  Who is presenting? This is an opportunity offered through the NJ Synod and in partnership with Rev. Mike Ward, author of ‘Abundance: Creating a Culture of Generosity.’ This is an enhanced version of the same fall seminar that was so successful and offered last fall. How does it work? Six zoom sessions of your own choosing (i.e., morning, noon or night) held at convenient times from late August through November along with customizable stewardship templates, electronic platform for access and mtgs with Rev. Mike Ward form the core of the content. For more information click here. How good is it? Twenty-two NJ Synod congregations participated last fall reporting stabilized if not increased giving. Many congregations had donors who helped with a challenge gift adding energy to their appeal. For one testimony go to https://youtu.be/KQ2PaZbuIog. Registration? Registration will begin in July and into August. Look for announcements in Jersey Jottings or reach out to Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop (dbr...@njsynod.org ~ 732-747-1050)

Cost? Registration fee for congregations and their stewardship team is $450. www.njsynod.org/stewardshipevents

Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion

The conversation and work on Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion continues!  All are welcome to come and join as work groups share their plans and progress for: Starting a Congregations Racial Justice Team Being a Public Witness: Practicing Advocacy and Justice Creating Resources and Educational Materials for Congregations Saturday, June 19, 2021 (10:00 AM to Noon) via Zoom

Click  here to register! (After you register, you will receive a Zoom link by email.)

Bosnia IST Anniversary Concert We can’t sing together in Bosnia this year, but vaccination has made it possible for us to gather here at home. Come join Larry Olson of Dakota Road — Live! In Person! — for an outdoor concert and storytelling to celebrate more than 20 years of the Bosnia International Servant Trip.  When: 3 p.m. Saturday, June 12 (rain date 3 p.m. Sunday, June 13) Where: outdoor worship area, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 61 Route 70 East, Marlton, NJ 08053 Invite friends and family. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. An offering will be taken to benefit Joy of Life and Leptir, our special needs partners in Bosnia. Questions? Contact Cindy at bos...@njsynod.org

Save the Date Ecumenical Interfaith Team Join us for Multi-faith Fun Fest! Sunday, October 17, 2:00pm - 4:30pm (Rain Date -- Sunday, October 24) Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 177 Princeton-Hightstown Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550   Multi-faith Fun Fest is a celebration of the gift of being people of many faiths! We will come together for an afternoon of great music and sharing the spiritual joy and richness of our traditions. Save the dates! Please share with your interfaith communities. More information to come! Pastor Nancy Truscott, 856-745-0080. ntru...@comcast.net 2021-22 ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship Do you (or someone you know) have the drive to help build ELCA World Hunger capacity to end hunger by deepening and expanding Lutheran advocacy efforts in synods, coalitions and networks? Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Hunger Advocacy Fellowships are a great opportunity! Apply yourself and/or share widely. Start date for the 12-month position is September 2021. Placements available with state public policy offices in Arizona (bit.ly/ELCAHAF-AZ), Minnesota (bit.ly/ELCAHAF-MN) and Texas (bit.ly/ELCAHAF-TX); and with a communications focus in Washington, D.C. (bit.ly/ELCAHAF-DC).

Karl, John & Elizabeth Wurffel Fund Application packages for the Wurffel Fund College Loans/Scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year have been emailed out to all parish pastors.   Applications with pastor recommendations are due back no later than July 1st.

Visit our Website

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

HI All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

peace,

deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jun 9, 2021 at 5:48 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings June 9, 2021 O God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

We keep in prayer...

John Xavier Jacob, brother of Pastor Erin Kinahan (On leave) Pastor John Mack Jr (Holy Trinity, Red Bank), recovering from surgery

Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired)

Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

Bethany, Bellville; St Stephen, South Plainfield; Our Saviour, Pompton Plains

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA; Oregon Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Slovenia

Bishop's Challenge Why is it important for the NJ Synod to take up the Bishop's Challenge at this time?

"It is what Christ is calling us to." ~Dean Resources may be found at www.njsynod.org/bishopschallenge

Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion The conversation and work on Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion continues!  All are welcome to come and join as work groups share their plans and progress for: Starting a Congregations Racial Justice Team Being a Public Witness: Practicing Advocacy and Justice Creating Resources and Educational Materials for Congregations Saturday, June 19, 2021 (10:00 AM to Noon) via Zoom Click  here to register! (After you register, you will receive a Zoom link by email.)

Bosnia IST Anniversary Concert We can’t sing together in Bosnia this year, but vaccination has made it possible for us to gather here at home. Come join Larry Olson of Dakota Road — Live! In Person! — for an outdoor concert and storytelling to celebrate more than 20 years of the Bosnia International Servant Trip.  When: 3 p.m. Saturday, June 12 (rain date 3 p.m. Sunday, June 13) Where: outdoor worship area, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 61 Route 70 East, Marlton, NJ 08053 Invite friends and family. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. An offering will be taken to benefit Joy of Life and Leptir, our special needs partners in Bosnia. Questions? Contact Cindy at bos...@njsynod.org

Building a Culture of Generosity

A stewardship program that guides congregations through their fall stewardship appeals. It deepens and expands a congregation’s current stewardship outreach and communication.  Learn more here www.njsynod.org/stewardshipevents Registration? Registration will run through August 15. Register here. (dbr...@njsynod.org ~ 732-747-1050) Cost? $450 per congregational team. Make checks payable to ‘GSB.’ Mail the check to NJ Synod, ELCA, 1930 State Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690. Announcement: If you missed the info session for Building a Culture of Generosity -a fall stewardship seminar designed to assist and enhance a congregation's annual appeal- you may see the recording here. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Dean Brown (dbrown@njsynod or 732-747-1050).

Karl, John & Elizabeth Wurffel Fund Application packages for the Wurffel Fund College Loans/Scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year have been emailed out to all parish pastors.   Applications with pastor recommendations are due back no later than July 1st.

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center Register for Summer Camp 2021

Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs, including 4 weeks of youth camp and 2 weeks of family camp, is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website.

Bishops' Cup Golf Outing Monday, June 14 Information on the 2021 Bishops' Cup Golf Outing, supporting the Cross Roads Annual Fund, is now available on the Cross Roads' website. Register as a golfer or sign up as a sponsor!

Bold Transformational Faith Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) is a project of Cross Roads and Luther Crest Bible Camp in Minnesota that provides distinct faith formation experiences to inspire an active faith in a rapidly changing world. Learn about how your congregation can partner with BTF for Sunday School and other youth and family programs on the new BTF website.

2021-22 ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship Do you (or someone you know) have the drive to help build ELCA World Hunger capacity to end hunger by deepening and expanding Lutheran advocacy efforts in synods, coalitions and networks? Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Hunger Advocacy Fellowships are a great opportunity! Apply yourself and/or share widely. Start date for the 12-month position is September 2021. Placements available with state public policy offices in Arizona (bit.ly/ELCAHAF-AZ), Minnesota (bit.ly/ELCAHAF-MN) and Texas (bit.ly/ELCAHAF-TX); and with a communications focus in Washington, D.C. (bit.ly/ELCAHAF-DC).

Ecumenical Interfaith Team

Join us for Multi-faith Fun Fest! Sunday, October 17, 2:00pm - 4:30pm (Rain Date -- Sunday, October 24) Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 177 Princeton-Hightstown Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550   Multi-faith Fun Fest is a celebration of the gift of being people of many faiths! We will come together for an afternoon of great music and sharing the spiritual joy and richness of our traditions. Save the dates! Please share with your interfaith communities. More information to come! Pastor Nancy Truscott, 856-745-0080

Visit our Website

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

HI All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jun 16, 2021 at 1:53 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings June 16, 2021 O God of creation, eternal majesty, you preside over land and sea, sunshine and storm. By your strength pilot us, by your power preserve us, by your wisdom instruct us, and by your hand protect us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. “BLESSED ARE THEY WHO DIE IN THE LORD”   THE REV. MICHELE MARY SMITH January 1, 1953 – May 25, 2021 As earlier shared, The Rev. Michele M. Smith, who served as pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lindenwold, entered the Church Triumphant on May 25th while recovering from COVID 19 and following lung surgery. An outdoor memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (61 Rt. 70 East Marlton, NJ 08053.) Visitation time will take place beginning at 9:30 AM and the memorial liturgy will begin at 11:00 AM. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own chair.  Pastor Smith was born in Valley Forge, PA, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Elementary Education from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA. For many years, Michele served as an office manager for a medical practice and then relocated to southern New Jersey. It was then that Michele continued her education at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia (ULS), receiving a Master of Divinity in 1998.  After accepting a call to serve as pastor of Good Shepherd, Lindenwold, Michele was ordained at St. John’s, Summit, on November 19, 2000. In her bio for the ordination worship folder, Michele gave thanks for fellow seminarians “and to the other New Jersey Reds . . . who never wearied in friendship, encouragement, and fun.” Love and prayers surround her husband of 46 years, Steve, and their sons Greg (Julie) and Dan, and two granddaughters Viola and Rosalind. Click here to read more.

We keep in prayer...

Trish Confer, spouse of Pastor David Confer (retired)

John Xavier Jacob, brother of Pastor Erin Kinahan (On leave) Pastor John Mack Jr (Holy Trinity, Red Bank), recovering from surgery Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

St Matthew, Secaucus; Grace, Mendham; Holy Trinity, Brant Beach

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA; Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi June 17, 2021 Watch the synod prayer service from 2020 Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine June 19, 2021 History of Juneteenth Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, however, slavery continued in Texas and Louisiana until June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth). Even in the face of resistance and threat, formerly enslaved African people found ways to give voice to the wide range of thoughts and emotions at the announcement of the end of legalized slavery in the United States of America.   To learn more about the importance of this holiday, please visit: This Year's Juneteenth Serves as Teaching Moment (pbs.org)

Bishop's Challenge Why is it important for the NJ Synod to take up the Bishop's Challenge at this time?

"Because it's the right thing to do." ~Gary

Resources may be found at www.njsynod.org/bishopschallenge

Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion The conversation and work on Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion continues!  All are welcome to come and join as work groups share their plans and progress for: Starting a Congregations Racial Justice Team Being a Public Witness: Practicing Advocacy and Justice Creating Resources and Educational Materials for Congregations Saturday, June 19, 2021 (10:00 AM to Noon) via Zoom Click  here to register! (After you register, you will receive a Zoom link by email.)

Stewardship: In her June/July column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on what we’ve learned from the Apostle Paul about the deeply spiritual act of stewardship. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3gBIYFR and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3xqt8ER.  June Keeping in Touch from the Office of the Bishop   Pastor Laurie Johnson has retired as pastor of St. James, Pitman, and Pastor Andy Engelhart has been appointed as vice pastor. Pastor Paul Rorem will retire this month as the Benjamin B. Warfield Professor of Medieval Church History, Princeton Seminary. Later this summer, Pastor Christine Regan will retire as pastor of St. Stephen, Woodbury. Pastor Peggy Marks has been appointed to serve as vice pastor at Bethany, Palmyra.   Pastor Chuck Romanowski, retired and serving as interim pastor at Holy Spirit, Manahawkin, has transferred from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.   Pastor Mary JJ Simpson-Keelan was ordained and installed as pastor of Living Waters, Ringoes. Recent installations took place for Pastor Christopher Halverson, Spruce Run, Glen Gardner, and Pastor Jill Collict, Faith, Hillsborough. Upcoming summer installations are scheduled for Pastor Julia Haspel, Grace, Mendham, and Pastor John Mack, Holy Trinity, Red Bank.   Pastor José Escalera has resigned as pastor of Epiphany, Pleasantville, and was called by the Synod Council to serve in Pennsauken as pastor of Temple and mission developer of Misión Luterana Reconciliación, a newly approved ELCA Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community. Pastor Heidi Link is appointed vice pastor of Epiphany. Pastor Kimberly Vaughn resigned as Assistant to the Bishop and accepted a call from the ELCA to serve as Senior Director of Christian Community and Leadership. Pastor Kristin Engstrom has also accepted a call from the ELCA to serve as Facilitator for Leadership Development and Capacity Building with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa)   Pastor Marc Stutzel, Christ, Woodcliff Lake, has been elected the Burlington/Camden Mission Cluster Counselor.   After 68 years of ministry, closing worship for the congregation of Gloria Dei, New Milford, was held in early April.

Karl, John & Elizabeth Wurffel Fund Application packages for the Wurffel Fund College Loans/Scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year have been emailed out to all parish pastors.   Applications with pastor recommendations are due back no later than July 1st.   Building a Culture of Generosity A stewardship program that guides congregations through their fall stewardship appeals. It deepens and expands a congregation’s current stewardship outreach and communication.  Learn more here www.njsynod.org/stewardshipevents Registration? Registration will run through August 15. Register here. (dbr...@njsynod.org ~ 732-747-1050) Cost? $450 per congregational team. Make checks payable to ‘GSB.’ Mail the check to NJ Synod, ELCA, 1930 State Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690. Announcement: If you missed the info session for Building a Culture of Generosity -a fall stewardship seminar designed to assist and enhance a congregation's annual appeal- you may see the recording here. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Dean Brown (dbrown@njsynod or 732-747-1050).

Visit our Website

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

HI All,

Here is this week's NJ Synod Newsletter

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jun 23, 2021 at 12:41 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings June 23, 2021 Almighty and merciful God, we implore you to hear the prayers of your people. Be our strong defense against all harm and danger, that we may live and grow in faith and hope, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. We have received word that a memorial service for Pastor Henry Ireland will take place on Wednesday, July 7 at 11 am at Messiah Lutheran Church in Ocean View, 2298 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ. Pastor Ireland entered the church triumphant on August 16, 2020. We keep in prayer... Matt Adams, grandson of Pastor Peter Hartney (St Paul, Beachwood) Elfriede Kiesling, spouse of Pastor Richard Kiesling (DE-MD Synod), recovering from surgery

Trish Confer, spouse of Pastor David Confer (retired) John Xavier Jacob, brother of Pastor Erin Kinahan (On leave)

Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired)

Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

St John, Jersey City; Cross of Glory, Aberdeen; St Paul, Hainesport

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Allegheny Synod, ELCA; British Columbia Synod, ELCIC; Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church

Bishop's Challenge Why is it important for the NJ Synod to take up the Bishop's Challenge at this time?

"It's part of our caring for the world." ~Marilyn

Resources may be found at www.njsynod.org/bishopschallenge

Karl, John & Elizabeth Wurffel Fund Application packages for the Wurffel Fund College Loans/Scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year have been emailed out to all parish pastors.   Applications with pastor recommendations are due back no later than July 1st.

Questions? Contact Lois Parrett Keeping in Touch Have you seen the phrase "Mission Clusters and Mission Districts" and wondered what it means? The Mission Cluster is a geographical grouping of congregations; and a Mission District is an intentional combination of Mission Clusters for mission, organization, and work. We have 6 mission districts each with a Dean and 13 mission clusters each with Cluster Counselors . Click here for a helpful resource.

Building a Culture of Generosity A stewardship program that guides congregations through their fall stewardship appeals. It deepens and expands a congregation’s current stewardship outreach and communication.  Learn more here www.njsynod.org/stewardshipevents Registration? Registration will run through August 15. Register here. (dbr...@njsynod.org ~ 732-747-1050) Cost? $450 per congregational team. Make checks payable to ‘GSB.’ Mail the check to NJ Synod, ELCA, 1930 State Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690. Announcement: If you missed the info session for Building a Culture of Generosity -a fall stewardship seminar designed to assist and enhance a congregation's annual appeal- you may see the recording here. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Dean Brown (dbrown@njsynod or 732-747-1050).

Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center

Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs, including 4 weeks of youth camp and 2 weeks of family camp, is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website.

Bold Transformational Faith Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) is a project of Cross Roads and Luther Crest Bible Camp in Minnesota that provides distinct faith formation experiences to inspire an active faith in a rapidly changing world. Learn about how your congregation can partner with BTF for Sunday School and other youth and family programs on the new BTF website.

Visit our Website

New Jersey Synod, ELCA | 1930 Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690

Unsubscribe reforma...@gmail.com Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by communi...@njsynod.org in collaboration with

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Hi All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jun 30, 2021 at 11:13 AM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings June 30, 2021 God of the covenant, in our baptism you call us to proclaim the coming of your kingdom. Give us the courage you gave the apostles, that we may faithfully witness to your love and peace in every circumstance of life, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. We keep in prayer...

Matt Adams, grandson of Pastor Peter Hartney (St Paul, Beachwood) Elfriede Kiesling, spouse of Pastor Richard Kiesling (DE-MD Synod), recovering from surgery Trish Confer, spouse of Pastor David Confer (retired) John Xavier Jacob, brother of Pastor Erin Kinahan (On leave) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

Calvary, Allendale; Spruce Run, Glen Gardner; Reformation, Absecon; Holy Spirit, Villas

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

North/West Lower Michigan Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia

Bishop's Challenge Why is it important for the NJ Synod to take up the Bishop's Challenge at this time?

"The Church has both a responsibility and the calling to love every neighbor and to engage in conversation and action for the sake of justice and healing." ~ Jill

Resources may be found at www.njsynod.org/bishopschallenge

Karl, John & Elizabeth Wurffel Fund Application packages for the Wurffel Fund College Loans/Scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year have been emailed out to all parish pastors.   Applications with pastor recommendations are due back no later than July 1st.   Questions? Contact Lois Parrett Keeping in Touch Have you seen the phrase "Mission Clusters and Mission Districts" and wondered what it means? The Mission Cluster is a geographical grouping of congregations; and a Mission District is an intentional combination of Mission Clusters for mission, organization, and work. We have 6 mission districts each with a Dean and 13 mission clusters each with Cluster Counselors . Click here for a helpful resource.

Building a Culture of Generosity A stewardship program that guides congregations through their fall stewardship appeals. It deepens and expands a congregation’s current stewardship outreach and communication.  Learn more here www.njsynod.org/stewardshipevents

Registration? Registration will run through August 15. REGISTER HERE. (dbr...@njsynod.org ~ 732-747-1050)

Cost? $450 per congregational team. Make checks payable to ‘GSB.’ Mail the check to NJ Synod, ELCA, 1930 State Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690. Announcement: If you missed the info session for Building a Culture of Generosity -a fall stewardship seminar designed to assist and enhance a congregation's annual appeal- you may see the recording here. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Dean Brown (dbrown@njsynod or 732-747-1050).

Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center Summer Camp 2021 Registration for all Cross Roads summer camp programs, including 4 weeks of youth camp and 2 weeks of family camp, is now OPEN. Find the schedule, program descriptions, and more information on the website. Bold Transformational Faith Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) is a project of Cross Roads and Luther Crest Bible Camp in Minnesota that provides distinct faith formation experiences to inspire an active faith in a rapidly changing world. Learn about how your congregation can partner with BTF for Sunday School and other youth and family programs on the new BTF website. Visit our Website

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Morning,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jul 7, 2021 at 5:14 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings July 7, 2021 O God, from you come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works. Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

We keep in prayer...

Matt Adams, grandson of Pastor Peter Hartney (St Paul, Beachwood) Elfriede Kiesling, spouse of Pastor Richard Kiesling (DE-MD Synod), recovering from surgery Trish Confer, spouse of Pastor David Confer (retired) John Xavier Jacob, brother of Pastor Erin Kinahan (On leave) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

First, Montclair; Resurrection, Hamilton Square; Holy Trinity, Magnolia

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Northwest Washington Synod, ELCA; Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA; Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia; Lutheran Church in Singapore

Bishop's Challenge Why is it important for the NJ Synod to take up the Bishop's Challenge at this time?

"I don't think I'm alone in feeling unsure about how to be anti racist. This challenge will be a concrete step in moving toward justice." ~Laura

Resources may be found at www.njsynod.org/bishopschallenge

2022 ELCA Youth Gathering We are now just 12 months away from the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis!! Is your congregation getting excited? Are you still not sure if you are even going? Come join us for a Zoom meeting to talk about all things Gathering related! This Zoom is for everyone in the NJ Synod, from those who know they are definitely going, to those who aren't even really sure what all of this entails, and everyone in between! Tuesday, July 13 at 7pm via zoom. Email yout...@njsynod.org for the zoom link. Fund for Mission Every year the New Jersey Synod Fund for Mission (FFM) provides investment income as resources for special mission needs. In order to determine grant recipients, the FFM Management Committee receives proposals and then recommendations made to the Synod Council for funding.  Are you thinking of a new ministry in your congregation or new outreach to the community? Are you wishing to expand an existing one? Looking for possible financial assistance? Click for Criteria, FFM Music Grant, or the FFM General Grant applications. Still wondering what Fund for Mission is all about? Read below a note received in early February from Faith Kitchen, a ministry in Dover that received a 2020 grant.   “As Dover’s “soup kitchen”, we currently serve approximately 75-100 people daily (Mon. through Sat.) It is only through donations of food and monetary contributions that we can feed as many as we do. Each year we serve approximately 30,000 meals to those in need. We will continue, with God’s help, to provide these nutritious meals. Your support of Faith Kitchen is very much appreciated.”

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Dear Friends,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jul 14, 2021 at 3:25 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings July 14, 2021 O God, powerful and compassionate, you shepherd your people, faithfully feeding and protecting us. Heal each of us, and make us a whole people, that we may embody the justice and peace of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

We keep in prayer...

Matt Adams, grandson of Pastor Peter Hartney (St Paul, Beachwood)

John Xavier Jacob, brother of Pastor Erin Kinahan (On leave)

Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired)

For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. Presiding Bishop Nambala (ELCIN) has asked for people to intentionally be in prayer this week for the churches in Namibia. "...We call upon God to shield all of us with His Holy Spirit of courage, audacity and fearlessness for us to swallow all challenges we may meet. Death is not the end of human life. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has prepared life everlasting for all." ~ Presiding Bishop Dr. Shekutaamba V. V. Nambala

All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

Bethany, Jersey City; Calvary, Cranford; Holy Cross, Toms River

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Southeastern Synod, ELCA; Lutheran Church in Malaysia

Bishop's Challenge Why is it important for the NJ Synod to take up the Bishop's Challenge at this time?

"To ensure everyone is seen, heard, and loved" ~Cassandra

Resources may be found at www.njsynod.org/bishopschallenge

Youth Gathering 2022 Thank you to everyone who came out last night for our NJ Synod Gathering Zoom meeting! We are excited to see so many adults who are eager and willing to take our youth to Minneapolis next summer! If you were unable to attend the meeting last night, you can view it here. We will also upload the google presentation on FB. You can always email Debra Porowski at yout...@njsynod.org with any questions! Register at www.leamnj.org Congregations Lead Initiative The Congregations Lead Initiative is a new, two-year program that will gather a cohort of 50 congregations from across the ELCA to unleash and harness their collective genius and discover new and useful ministry innovations. Your congregation is invited to apply today to join the Congregations Lead Initiative. Learn more at ELCA.org/CongregationsLead. Fund for Mission Every year the New Jersey Synod Fund for Mission (FFM) provides investment income as resources for special mission needs. In order to determine grant recipients, the FFM Management Committee receives proposals and then recommendations are made to the Synod Council for funding.

Are you thinking of a new ministry in your congregation or new outreach to the community? Are you wishing to expand an existing one? Looking for possible financial assistance? Click for Criteria, FFM Music Grant, or the FFM General Grant applications. Still wondering what Fund for Mission is all about? Read below a note received in early February from Faith Kitchen, a ministry in Dover that received a 2020 grant.   “As Dover’s “soup kitchen”, we currently serve approximately 75-100 people daily (Mon. through Sat.) It is only through donations of food and monetary contributions that we can feed as many as we do. Each year we serve approximately 30,000 meals to those in need. We will continue, with God’s help, to provide these nutritious meals. Your support of Faith Kitchen is very much appreciated.”

Building a Culture of Generosity A stewardship program that guides congregations through their fall stewardship appeals. It deepens and expands a congregation’s current stewardship outreach and communication.  Learn more here www.njsynod.org/stewardshipevents Registration? Registration will run through August 15. REGISTER HERE. (dbr...@njsynod.org ~ 732-747-1050) Cost? $450 per congregational team. Make checks payable to ‘GSB.’ Mail the check to NJ Synod, ELCA, 1930 State Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690. Announcement: If you missed the info session for Building a Culture of Generosity -a fall stewardship seminar designed to assist and enhance a congregation's annual appeal- you may see the recording here. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Dean Brown (dbrown@njsynod or 732-747-1050).

Visit our Website

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

Hi All,

Here is the newsletter for this week from the NJ Synod

Peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jul 21, 2021 at 12:25 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings July 21, 2021 Gracious God, you have placed within the hearts of all your children a longing for your word and a hunger for your truth. Grant that we may know your Son to be the true bread of heaven and share this bread with all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

We keep in prayer...

Matt Adams, grandson of Pastor Peter Hartney (St Paul, Beachwood) John Xavier Jacob, brother of Pastor Erin Kinahan (On leave) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia.

All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

Good Shepherd, Lindenwold; Grace, Perth Amboy; Zion, Riverside

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Southwest California Synod, ELCA; Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA; Salvadoran Lutheran Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong

Bishop's Challenge Why is it important for the NJ Synod to take up the Bishop's Challenge at this time?

''We are called in our baptism to be ambassadors of Reconciliation and this work is essential for life together" ~Brett

Resources may be found at www.njsynod.org/bishopschallenge

Stewardship Ministries Here are three opportunities to strengthen your own Stewardship Ministries and Practices: 1) 'Building a Culture of Generosity' - a four month/six-session workshop for congregations' use in their annual appeal. 2) Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference 2021 - This is organized by the PCUSA and with its ecumenical partners; a conference that may be attended online or in person. 3) Need a plan? Here is an 'Outline and Timeline for a Stewardship Appeal' with helpful notes on putting together a 4-week 'commitment Sunday' appeal. 4) 'Where Does My Offering Go' is a great resource to circulate regarding the NJ Synod Mission Support and how it is allocated. For more information, go to the links provided above. You may also contact Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop (dbr...@njsynod.org or 732-747-1050) THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP AND GENEROSITY! ELCA Evangelism Video and Resources Evangelism is the simple act of sharing the good news of God’s love in Jesus and inviting others to trust in this love and join in God’s work. A free video and discussion guide entitled “Unleashed: Evangelism in the Digital Mission Field,” is now available for individual and congregational use. Fill out this form for a link to the materials and opportunity to join a growing evangelism network. Sign up now for this growing movement of leaders yearning for new ways to share the good news of Christ’s love. You can find additional resources to equip disciples in their call to invite others to know God’s love in Jesus at the new evangelism website: www.elca.org/evangelism. The resources include books, videos, other sites and documents like: Building a Culture of Evangelism, Disciples to Apostles, Evangelical Leaders, Faith Stories - Creating Opportunities to Share Your Faith, Finding Your Voice, Hospitality Matters, and Welcome the Children.

Fund for Mission Every year the New Jersey Synod Fund for Mission (FFM) provides investment income as resources for special mission needs. In order to determine grant recipients, the FFM Management Committee receives proposals and then recommendations are made to the Synod Council for funding.

Are you thinking of a new ministry in your congregation or new outreach to the community? Are you wishing to expand an existing one? Looking for possible financial assistance? Click for Criteria, FFM Music Grant, or the FFM General Grant applications. Visit www.njsynod.org/ffm for more information.

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

Summer Camp Is Happening! Youth camp at Cross Roads is officially in full swing. Find information about upcoming sessions, including two weeks of Family camp, and more information on the Cross Roads website. And please keep all Cross Roads staff members and campers in your prayers. Bold Transformational Faith Bold Transformational Faith (BTF) is a project of Cross Roads and Luther Crest Bible Camp in Minnesota that provides distinct faith formation experiences to inspire an active faith in a rapidly changing world. This summer, new theme and activity videos will be shared weekly on the BTF YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram pages for families to enjoy. Learn more about BTF, including the fall Sunday School curriculum, on the new BTF website. Wednesdays Away Return This Fall The monthly Wednesdays Away retreats return this Fall at Cross Roads, with both in-person and virtual options for participation. Explore all the upcoming dates and themes, along with registration information, on the Cross Roads website. Cross Roads Women's Retreat Registration for the Fall Women's Retreat is now open! There are two weekends offered for the in-person retreat, and one virtual option. The theme is "The Face of God." Explore the dates and register now here.

Congregations Lead Initiative The Congregations Lead Initiative is a new, two-year program that will gather a cohort of 50 congregations from across the ELCA to unleash and harness their collective genius and discover new and useful ministry innovations. Your congregation is invited to apply today to join the Congregations Lead Initiative. Learn more at ELCA.org/CongregationsLead.

Visit our Website

[Lutheran Church Of The Reformation West Long Branch]

HI All,

Here is this week's newsletter from the NJ Synod

peace,

Deb

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New Jersey Synod, ELCA <communi...@njsynod.org>
Date: Wed, Jul 28, 2021 at 2:45 PM
Subject: Jersey Jottings
To: <reforma...@gmail.com>

News from around the synod.

Jersey Jottings July 28, 2021 O God, eternal goodness, immeasurable love, you place your gifts before us; we eat and are satisfied. Fill us and this world in all its need with the life that comes only from you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

We keep in prayer...

Matt Adams, grandson of Pastor Peter Hartney (St Paul, Beachwood) John Xavier Jacob, brother of Pastor Erin Kinahan (On leave) Pastor Bruce Ewen (retired) Pastor Bob Hughes (retired) Nancy Sweet, spouse of Pastor Steven Sweet (Grace, River Edge) Bonnie Summer, spouse of Pastor Mark Summer (retired) For all who are afflicted with or recovering from COVID19, especially those in our congregations, our neighborhoods, and in our Companion Synods in Namibia. All those who work to eradicate racism and reform unjust systems.  For the people of Palestine and Israel living in the midst of increased violence. Resources for supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land can be found at elca.org/peacenotwalls. These congregations of our Synod

Christ, Paramus; Holy Counselor, Sussex; Bethlehem, Dorothy

These ELCA and Companion Synods around the world

Slovak Zion Synod, ELCA; Slovak Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Serbia; Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in the Slovak Republic

Bishop's Challenge Why is it important for the NJ Synod to take up the Bishop's Challenge at this time?

"To help right the wrongs of the past and promote healing and justice" ~Glenn

Resources may be found at www.njsynod.org/bishopschallenge

From the Office of the Bishop As COVID19 cases rise in NJ, it is important to continue making decisions about gathering indoors and masking based on the numbers of new cases in your area. The CDC issued new guidance on July 27 that suggests all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask indoors when in an area of substantial or high transmission. Every county in NJ, except Warren and Cape May, have daily new cases above 5/100,000 with some above 10/100,000 -- this is considered high. As you gather indoors for worship and other activities, especially if you are singing, please consider asking everyone to wear a mask. Only by working together can we end this pandemic.  www.covidactnow.org The American Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association is calling on ELCA congregations to remember the unnamed indigenous children whose graves are being discovered in Canada and the US related to religious boarding schools. We are not immune from the atrocities committed in the name of Christianity. The AIAN Lutheran Association is asking for congregations to hang an orange banner for 225 days as a visible symbol of our concern. Read their letter of request here.  Shredding Event at the New Jersey Synod All congregations are welcome to participate in the Synod wide shredding event.  The shredding truck will be at the Synod office to shred documents on Thursday, August 26. Please bring items for shredding in boxes or paper bags to the Synod office no later than Wednesday, August 25 at 4:00 pm. Please call the Synod office to arrange a time for dropping off items. 609-586-6800.  The IRS in recent years has changed the record retention recommendations – with guidelines now suggesting records of revenue and expenses, including payroll records be kept for four years, for example. (Please note: Insurance policies should always be kept and not destroyed.) IRS Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations ELCA Records Retention Schedule for Congregations

Stewardship Ministries Here are three opportunities to strengthen your own Stewardship Ministries and Practices: 1) 'Building a Culture of Generosity' - a four month/six-session workshop for congregations' use in their annual appeal. 2) Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference 2021 - This is organized by the PCUSA and with its ecumenical partners; a conference that may be attended online or in person. 3) Need a plan? Here is an 'Outline and Timeline for a Stewardship Appeal' with helpful notes on putting together a 4-week 'commitment Sunday' appeal. 4) 'Where Does My Offering Go' is a great resource to circulate regarding the NJ Synod Mission Support and how it is allocated. For more information, go to the links provided above. You may also contact Rev. Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop (dbr...@njsynod.org or 732-747-1050) THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP AND GENEROSITY!

Mission Investment Fund MIF invites you to read the Mission Investment Fund’s 2020 Annual Report, “Deeply Connected.” You’ll also read how MIF met some important needs for their customers and delivered strong financial performance. Please view the digital version of the Annual Report directly on their website here:  www.mif.elca.org/2020annualreport   Thanks to Pastor John Mack, (Holy Trinity, Red Bank) who serves on the board. Fund for Mission Every year the New Jersey Synod Fund for Mission (FFM) provides investment income as resources for special mission needs. The following is part of a letter received from Pastor Moacir Weirich of St. Stephan’s Grace:   "We are indeed very thankful to the Fund for Mission for the award received in 2020. During the pandemic St. Stephan’s Grace Community continued to be a lifeline for many in our community. This generous grant funded a vital part of our ministry... We would not have been able to do it without the substantial grant received from Fund for Mission. St. Stephan’s Grace Community is a vital congregation spreading the love of God through words and deeds, serving all residents through its ministry in the Ironbound section of Newark, NJ. During the pandemic, we have been feeding hundreds of families on a weekly basis. Distributing grocery bags or fresh fruit and vegetables, some from our own community garden, St. Stephan’s Grace Community continues to be a beacon of light providing for those in need. We also offered free COVID testing and vaccination, free clean water, community meetings and work safety trainings. To this end, our ministry depends on the work of members and volunteers and the support of its members, friends, partners, and the local community."

Are you thinking of a new ministry in your congregation or new outreach to the community? Are you wishing to expand an existing one? Looking for possible financial assistance? Click for Criteria, FFM Music Grant, or the FFM General Grant applications. Visit www.njsynod.org/ffm for more information.

Applications are due August 31st.

ELCA Evangelism Video and Resources Evangelism is the simple act of sharing the good news of God’s love in Jesus and inviting others to trust in this love and join in God’s work. A free video and discussion guide entitled “Unleashed: Evangelism in the Digital Mission Field,” is now available for individual and congregational use. Fill out this form for a link to the materials and opportunity to join a growing evangelism network. Sign up now for this growing movement of leaders yearning for new ways to share the good news of Christ’s love. You can find additional resources to equip disciples in their call to invite others to know God’s love in Jesus at the new evangelism website: www.elca.org/evangelism. The resources include books, videos, other sites and documents like: Building a Culture of Evangelism, Disciples to Apostles, Evangelical Leaders, Faith Stories - Creating Opportunities to Share Your Faith, Finding Your Voice, Hospitality Matters, and Welcome the Children.