We pray for...
Beth Peroni (Supply Coordinator), hospitalized following surgery
The congregation of Redeemer, Neptune as they continue to grieve the loss of their pastor, Randy Steinman.
These outreach ministries of our synod...
Camino de Vida, Summit
Casa Unida, Pennsauken
Tapestry Collective, Montclair
Ministry to Immigrants in Detention, Elizabeth
We pray for Bishop Christa Compton, LuAnn Barnes, Rev. Maristela Freiberg, and Rev. Moacir Weirich as they travel next week to deepen our relationship with our newest companion synod, the Amazon Synod, Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB)
We continue our prayers for...
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A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion newsletter brought to you by Judith Roberts from Human Resources of the ELCA
February 2026
Celebrating Black History Month
In 1926, U.S. historian Carter G. Woodson designated the second week of February as a time to observe the contributions of African Americans to the United States. Fifty years later, President Gerald Ford recognized February as Black History Month, a monthlong celebration of Black history. Other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
Prayer for Black History Month
As a witness to a living chronicle of a faith journey begun on African soil, let us lift up the pilgrimage of a people leaning on the Lord and trusting in God’s holy word.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, do not lay ourselves down but, by the grace of God, overcome dehumanization and oppression by knowing yourselves to be God’s children.
Overcome trials and tribulations, storms and tempests, to find joy and peace in believing. Gather us together as we worship and sing the triumph of trust in God having come this far by faith. Amen.
~Adapted from the ELCA resource This Far by Faith
ELCA Participates in the National Day of Racial Healing
In observance of the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), in partnership with Augsburg Fortress Publishers, hosted a free online evening titled “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA.” The night featured story sharing, music and poetry that reflects the diversity of the ELCA. The event was livestreamed. View the recording here.
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Celebrate Reformation Day 2026 with the NJ Synod
in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany
Reformation: Then and Now
October 26 - November 5, 2026
Click here for Bishop Compton's Invitation, Itinerary & Registration info:
www.njsynod.org/germanytrip
Travel with Synod friends, Bishop Compton and our docent, The Rev. Dr. Kit Kleinhans, recently retired Dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
Interested? germa...@njsynod.org
Pastor Carol Lindsay, Synod Trip Coordinator
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Mental Health Support During Disruptive Times
When chaos and worry seem overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. Portico members with ELCA-Primary health benefits, your EAP can help you navigate anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional strain tied to current events. Want a quick visual reminder? Print this Spring Health resource for practical ways to stay grounded and supported.
Notify Portico of Any Compensation Changes
To administer benefits accurately, Portico needs to know each member’s current compensation amount. If your congregation’s annual meeting included a salary or benefit adjustment, be sure your EmployerLink user notifies Portico within 60 days of the effective date of that change. Late notifications of compensation changes can impact your sponsored members’ retirement account contributions as well as disability and life insurance benefits. This year, note that EmployerLink users will be asked to verify FICA (for lay employees) or SECA (for most clergy) status as part of the SECURE 2.0 Roth catch-up provision.
Online Retirement Readiness Series
Winter weather got you homebound? Take a break from your Netflix queue to bolster your financial knowledge. Portico has worked with Fidelity to offer a virtual Retirement Readiness workshop series designed to help individuals think confidently about their financial future. Topics include Social Security, retirement savings strategies, health care costs in retirement, and protecting personal information online. Find videos on the Retirement Readiness series page on myPortico.
Get Ready for Tax Season
Since congregations and clergy have unique reporting requirements, Portico offers complimentary access to two important resources:
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The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar focuses on tax-related topics most relevant to ministers.
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Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.
Both tax guides are available on myPortico and the Tax Filing Information tab on EmployerLink.
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Lenten Dinner church for Pastors & Deacons
Sunday, February 22
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Led by Pastor Dale Selover
Held at the House Next Door
Register at: h...@popnj.org
Download the flyer.
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STEADFAST
Love, Mercy, and Faithfulness
April 28 - May 1
With fears, threats, and chaos on the rise, youth ministries can be safe
harbors that cultivate rest, play, curiosity, and joy. How do youth workers nurture the kinds of communities that are rooted in love, generous in mercy, and responsible with faithfulness? Join the Institute for Youth Ministry at the 2026 Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry, as we invite learning and reflection on the capacity to stand steadfast, come what may.
Download the flyer.
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From the New Jersey Organizers of The Palm Sunday Path
We are living in exilic times—when we feel separated from the country we love because people in power are denying the image of God in our neighbors and subjecting them to cruelty and violence. Our baptismal vow says we are to “renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God”. The spirit of Dietrich Bonhoeffer says this is our “Confessing Church” moment. The spirit of Martin Luther King says this is our “March on Washington” moment.
In response, a broad coalition of clergy, congregations, denominational leaders, and faith-based organizations are coming together across the country in a plan for nationwide actions. Here in New Jersey we are developing plans for a pericope group that will lead us through a sermon series for Lent. There will be a prayer vigil in Trenton on Palm Sunday afternoon, where we will join with communities of faith across the state to demand justice for those being brutalized by xenophobia and racism. And we will gather with clergy and faith leaders from across the country on July 3rd in Philadelphia.
If you are interested in learning more or in taking part as an organizer or as a participant, please contact Pastor Scott Rush (pas...@emanuelnb.org).
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A New Year a Stronger You
Coaching as a Ministry Tool
Coaching uses deep listening, powerful questions, and well thought out questions to explore with you ministry or life goals and to help you create action plans to meet those goals. Your coach will assist you in discovering and exploring the gifts you bring into the world and your ministry. Through the coaching relationship new awareness, change and transformation takes shape. You have what it takes to be the best you you can be! Find a coach to assist you in the journey. Contact Rev. Dr. Wendy Abrahamson at 201-400-2072 or momr...@gmail.com. You can explore more about coaching at www.elcacoaching.org or at the New Jersey synod website resources for Congregations/congregational vitality.
| | | | Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center | | |
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT | GRADES 6-12
March 6-8, 2026
Designed for teens in grades 6-12, this retreat at Cross Roads provides an exciting mix of high-energy activities, worship experiences, Bible study, and outdoor adventure, all while fostering confidence, leadership, faith, and friendships. Teen participants will unplug, reconnect with nature and each other, grow in values, and leave equipped for a stronger community and life skills in a trusted camp environment.
Visit our website to learn more:
https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/youth-retreats/
| | Nominate Young Musicians for Lutheran Summer Music | | |
Youth musicians from across the country are headed to St. Olaf College this year for the 2026 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM). Students in grades 8-12 will be immersed in a supportive community that nurtures their musical growth, and invites them to share their musical gifts in performance and in worship. The Standard Enrollment deadline is March 1, and spots are filling fast. Do you know young musicians who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate, or remind them to submit a free application by March 1 at LSMacademy.org/apply.
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A publication of the NJ Synod, ELCA ©2026
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