The vision of the New Jersey District of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod is 
to enable mission and outreach so that congregations will motivate, educate and equip members 
to build relationships with the lost for the purpose of connecting people to Jesus.

The Grapevine
A weekly e-Newsletter from the LCMS New Jersey District

Does your congregation have a story of mission & ministry to share? Want to promote an event within the district? The deadline for submissions to The Grapevine is each Monday at 5pmSubmit stories and photos via email here.


Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew, with Dr. Jeff Gibbs - June 16-17 for Pastors, June 18 for Lay Leaders

Jesus Sermon Mount
All NJ District pastors are encouraged to attend this two-day learning opportunity with Dr. Jeff Gibbs.

WHEN: Thursday & Friday, June 16-17
WHERE: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Somerset, NJ)
TOPIC: Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew, with Dr. Jeff Gibbs

Registration is only $20 per person, which will cover the cost of lunch each day. Register online here. 

Contact the NJ District Office with any questions.

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Day With the Presidents - June 18

Congregational presidents and lay leaders are invited to a special "Day With the Presidents" on Saturday, June 18.

Dr. Jeff Gibbs will be the guest speaker, and will continue his teaching on Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew.

WHEN: Saturday, June 18 - 8:30am to 1:30pm
WHERE: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Somerset, NJ)
TOPIC: Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew, with Dr. Jeff Gibbs

Contact Dave Hildebrandt with any questions.
Follow the NJ District Youth at the National LCMS Youth Gathering
King Cake Winner
The winning King Cake, from St. John's, Bridgeton

Youth and adults from around the NJ District who are traveling to the 2016 National LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans attended a special pre-NYG event on Saturday, June 4.

St. John's Lutheran Church in Bridgeton won the King Cake bake-off, with a multi-layered cake. Thanks to all of the groups that brought King Cakes to share -- they were delicious!

The youth created a series of short video "commercials" encouraging NYG attendees to use the hashtags #NJDtoNOLA, #NYG2016, and #NJDNYG50 throughout the Gathering -- and inviting those of us not attending to follow along with their adventures from home!

Hashtag Commercial
Hashtag Commercial
You can watch all four commercials at the NJ District Youth Facebook Page.

NJ District Event at the NYG
Registration is ongoing for the District Event at the NYG: dinner, live music and more at Ducote Designs, a Mardi Gras float den. 

The $45 registration fee includes a catered dinner, District T-shirt, and music for all those who attend. 

Participants from the LCMS Eastern District (encompassing parts of New York, Pennsylvania and the panhandle of Maryland) will be joining us at the event, as well.

The NJ District t-shirt will resemble Bruce Springsteen's classic "Greetings from Asbury Park" album cover.

Please download and complete this registration form and return it with a single check for your group for the whole amount (made payable to New Jersey District - LCMS) Alicia De Sena (District NYG Coordinator) before June 20.
Free Training for Schools by NJ Homeland Security - School Bomb Incidents - June 15 & 23

learning_enter_key.jpg
The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and the New Jersey Department of Education will sponsor an eight-hour training program titled: "Understanding and Planning for School Bomb Incidents (AWR- 132)." 

The program will be delivered by the New Mexico Tech (NMT), Energetic Materials Research & Testing Center (EMRTC), a member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC). Training is provided at no cost.

Description
This awareness level course provides participants with the language and tools required to effectively assess school bomb incident response plans and guide recommendations. The course identifies the factors involved in school bomb threats; critical response actions based on scenario types; the primary components of an improvised explosive device; and critical components of a school bomb related response plan.

Audience
School Administration, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, Governmental Administrative, Law Enforcement, Health Care, Public Health, Public Safety Communications, Citizen/Community Volunteer, Security and Safety.

Registration
Spaces are limited and preregistration is required no later than three days prior to each delivery.
  • South New Jersey - Thursday, June 15 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Stockton University Campus Center Theatre,101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205
  • North New Jersey - Thursday, June 23 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1001 Fire Academy Drive, Sayreville, NJ 08872
Pioneer Camp 2016
Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center's "New Creation" Satellite Camp: July 10-15

Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center's East Coast friends looking for a short ride will love this satellite Pioneer Camp at Central PA's Refreshing Mountain Camp. 

Dates: July 10-15, 2016
Ages: 9-14
Location: Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center

Have your best week of summer, picking from zipline, high ropes course, swimming pool, gagaball, basketball, volleyball, Ultimate, archery, talent show and Eagle's Nest, and more! All this, while growing your faith and making new Christian friends.

Scholarships are available for NJ District youth to help with the cost of camp.

Download a summer camp brochure with more information about the New Creation satellite program, as well as Pioneer Camp's regular on-site programs at their camp facility on the shores of Lake Erie, in Angola, NY.
LWML Convention - August 5-7
LWML Logo


Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2016 LWML NJ District Convention on Aug. 5-7 at the Hyatt in Morristown, NJ.

Our Mid-Eastern Zone is serving as host for this convention.  We have many exciting things planned for you. Download a registration packet with more information here.   

We are honored to have Patti Ross, the National President of LWML, joining Rev. Dr. Tony Steinbronn, President of the LCMS New Jersey District, as a keynote speaker for our Saturday evening banquet which will honor the service of our pastors.  

We also have a Mission Prayer Walk planned for Saturday afternoon on the historic Green in downtown Morristown.  Early bird registration is due by May 14 and our final registration deadline is July 1.
Date
Calendar Event
Friday, August 5 to Sunday, August 7
LWML NJ District Convention at the Hyatt Morristown in Morristown, NJ - "Keep Calm and Soldier On" based on Eph. 6:11-18
Sunday, Oct. 16 at 3pm
Fall Rally at SHLC, Basking Ridge, NJ - Program TBA
Sat, Nov. 5, 9am to 3pm
LWML District Fall Retreat at Crane's Mill, Caldwell, NJ - Program TBA
LEA Convocation 2016
2016 LEA Convocation: Grow!

GROW: Just a single word that captures what educators in Lutheran agencies do, professionally and personally! 

We grow in Christ, in the Word, in grace, in knowledge, in skills, and in other ways too. And, of course, we nurture our students to grow. 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. ~2 Peter 3:18

The 2016 LEA Convocation will take place October 13-15 at DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.



Holy Land Tour
Dr. Tony Steinnbronn, our New Jersey District president, just announced that next year a group of New Jersey Lutherans and friends will tour the Holy Land of Israel February 13-23, 2017.  

More comprehensive than most tours, this pilgrimage will include the Mediterranean coast; Nazareth and the region of Galilee; the Judean desert, the Dead Sea and Masada; and, of course, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. With excellent local guides it will highlight more than 4000 years of history, restored archeological sites, ancient cities and impressive terrain. It will be physically manageable for most able-bodied persons.

Dr. Steinbronn asked the Rev. Dan and Connie Schmalz, frequent travelers to this region, to design and coordinate the tour with Educational Opportunities, a large and experienced Christian tour company. The cost is $3188.00 which includes all travel from Newark except lunches, tips and shopping. Color brochures including the detailed itinerary will be available soon after Easter. You are invited to contact Pastor Dan and Connie via email.

Church Office Staff: Please include the above text in your congregation's weekly bulletins and/or monthly newsletters. 


LCMS Camps & Campgrounds - Plan your summer travel!
NLOMA

As your family travels this summer, remember there are lodgings available at Lutheran camps around the country.  

Visit the NLOMA website to find a camp near your destination. Contact camps to see if there are cabins, campgrounds, or hotel rooms available!

Items Available

Prince of Peace in Howell, NJ has 48 copies of "Joyful Sounds The New Children's Hymnal" to anyone who would like them.

These hymnals have been properly stored and are in good condition.
Each hymnal includes worship resources geared toward children ages 9-14, but will appeal to all ages. These hymnals contain:
  • Orders of Worship, The Apostles' Creed and other prayers
  • Hymns and Spiritual Songs (indexed by season)
If interested, please call Maria at 732-363-0732 to arrange a convenient time for pick up.

Everest VBS
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Good Shepherd, Old Bridge has "Everest" VBS materials available. 

In addition to the kit, there are posters, puzzles, and more. 

Witness-Mercy-LifeTogether
Calling Congregations - Website for Call Documents Has Changed

The website and log in information for accessing call documents has been changed.  

Any congregations in the call process who need access to official call documents, please contact Elaine in the district office at 908-233-8111.
Prayer Focus
Durer - Praying Hands

Circuit 6 (Raritan Valley) of the New Jersey District, including their Circuit Visitor, the Rev. Christian Schonberg (Good Shepherd, Point Pleasant), and the congregations and school ministries of:
  • Faith - Dayton
  • Christ Memorial - East Brunswick
  • Our Redeemer - Fords
  • Prince of Peace - Howell
  • St. Thomas - Manalapan
  • Good Shepherd - Old Bridge
  • Good Shepherd - Point Pleasant
  • Luther Memorial - Tinton Falls
All Vacant & Calling Congregations of the New Jersey District, that God would direct their search for a pastor and provide for faithful ministry of Word & Sacrament during their time of waiting, especially:
  • Somerset Hills, Basking Ridge - developing a call list
  • Good Shepherd, Blairstown
  • Trinity, Carney's Point
  • St. JohnClifton - shared pastoral ministry relationship with Bloomfield
  • Prince of Peace, Howell - being served by vacancy pastor, Rev. Ken Fosse
  • Holy Cross, Mahwah - being served by SMP Vicar Matt Hass
  • St. Thomas, Manalapan
  • Bethlehem, Ridgewood - being served by intentional interim pastor, Rev. Phillip Tesch; developing a call list
  • Our Savior, Stanhope - pastoral candidate, Daniel Merz, has been assigned to the congregation from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and will be installed on June 18
  • Luther Memorial, Tinton Falls - being served by intentional interim pastor; developing a call list
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O God, in mercy You have called us by the Gospel, and by Your grace You keep us and Your whole Christian Church united in Christ Jesus in the one true faith. So guard and keep us by the preaching of this faith, and preserve Your Church in the unity of Your Spirit, that the blessing of Abraham may extend to the nations through Your Son. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

From Let Us Pray: Prayer of the Church, Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, 12 June 2016
Upcoming Events
Add the NJ District event calendar to your Google Calendar!  Our public calendar ID is: google [at] njdistrict [dot] org

JUNE 2016
Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew with Dr. Jeff Gibbs
Thursday to Friday, June 16-17
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Somerset, NJ

Day With the Presidents
Saturday, June 18
8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Somerset, NJ

JULY 2016
LCMS Synodical Convention
July 9-14
Milwaukie, WI 

National LCMS Youth Gathering
July 16-20
New Orleans, LA 
Use the hashtags #NJDtoNOLA and #NYG2016 to follow our youth on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

AUGUST 2016
Youth Workers Meeting
Saturday, August 6
9 AM to 12 PM
NJ District Office - Mountainside,  NJ

2016 Prayer Jubilee
Saturday, August 27
More information to come.

SEPTEMBER 2016
Pastors' Wives Retreat
Friday, September 30 to Saturday, October 1
More information to come.

OCTOBER 2016
NJ District Youth Ministry Sunday: SOLA
Sunday, October 23
Resources for worship & prayer coming soon!

Reformation Lectures
Saturday, October 22
Princeton University - Princeton, NJ
More information to come.

Fall Pastors Conference: The Pastor As Teacher
October 24-26
More information to come.

Reformation Concert: The Hymns of Martin Luther
Sunday, October 30
Princeton University Chapel - Princeton, NJ
More information to come.

LCMS New Jersey District  | 1-908-233-8111 | Email | Website
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