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 5pm. Submit stories and photos via email here.
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Fall Pastors Conference - October 24-26
The topic for the conference is, "The Pastor As Teacher" with presenter Marv Bergman.
IMPORTANT: Please phone the hotel ASAP at 1-800-200-2978, to make your reservations for the conference. Ask for the "New Jersey Lutheran Pastors" room rate. Standard rooms are $109 per night, meals included.
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Reformation 500th Anniversary History Exhibit
The New Jersey District has a 15-panel traveling display highlighting important developments in the history of the Protestant Reformation.
The display is available without charge for one week at a time. The exhibit is currently available for locations within 100 miles of New York City, and must be picked up and dropped off at the District Office in Mountainside, NJ.
The themes of the Reformation 500 Exhibit include:
- Luther's Biography - birth, education, marriage, excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church
- Luther's World - Renaissance, social changes, nation-state politics, technology, religious attitudes
- Luther's Theology - Justification by Faith, Sola Scriptura, Theology of the Cross, Luther's spirituality
- Luther's Legacy - worship, education, Inter-Christian relationships, impact of the Reformation in the world
We also have a number of pastors and history educators available, who can lead a presentation or discussion with your students or community.
Reformation Anniversary Events - Coming in October
Join us for this series of special events commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
2016 Reformation Seminar
The Reformation: A Time of Revolutionary Changes?
With Dr. Christopher Bellitto (Kean University), Dr. Christopher Boyd Brown (Boston University School of Theology), and the Rev. Dr. David Lose (Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia).
DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 22 - 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Princeton University ~ McCosh Hall, Room 50
PARKING INFORMATION: It is recommended that seminar attendees park in either the North Garage or in the West Garage. From there, you can walk or take Princeton's Tiger Transit shuttle to McCosh Hall (Stop #23). North Garage is the closest to McCosh Hall.
2016 Reformation Concert - Festival Celebration with Hymns
Featuring the Princeton Theological Seminary Choir, NJ Lutheran Regional Choir, The King of Kings Ringers Handbell Choir, Luther's Inspirational Hymns, Selections from the Deutsche Mass, and More!
DATE & TIME: Sunday, October 30 at 3:45 PM
LOCATION: Princeton University Chapel
Download promotional posters and a bulletin insert for these special Reformation Anniversary events here:
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NJ District Disaster Response - Flood Buckets Needed to Stock Supply Trailer
The District Disaster Response Team (DDRT) has received an LWML grant for a disaster response supply trailer. The trailer will be used to respond to emergencies within our district, as well as neighboring districts.
The DDRT is asking each congregation in the District to donate the following supplies for three (3) flood buckets.
Each bucket needs to contain:
- Latex gloves - 3 pairs
- Cloths
- Scrub brush
- Scrub sponges
- Chlorine bleach - 1 gallon
- Ajax cleanser
- Mr Clean Antibacterial - 24 oz
- Windex - 32 oz
- Paper towels
- Heavy duty trash bags - 2 bags
The DDRT will supply the buckets and a devotional booklet for each bucket. We are asking each congregation to have their pastor bring these supplies to their next circuit meeting and pick up will be arranged. Please call the Rev. Mike Dunne at 973-334-0547 with any questions. The DDRT appreciates your help as we prepare to serve our neighbors during times of emergency & disaster.
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Mentors Needed - Afterschool Program at The Waterfront in Newark
A new pilot program mentoring 20 children ages 6-13 will run for six weeks, beginning the week of October 2, at The Waterfront in Newark.
Mentors are needed to help the kids with their next day's homework; give them some snacks; monitor the sites they visit in the computer lab and help with simple arts and crafts (all supplies are provided).
People are needed to help on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm.
Snacks for each day are also needed.
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Calvary Lutheran and Caldwell University Partner in Service
Calvary Lutheran Church, in Verona, recently partnered with students from Caldwell University in assembling 150 Health Kits to be used as an outreach opportunity to people in need in Newark and the surrounding communities.
These Health Kits contained a wash cloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, socks, soap, lotion, cleansing wipes, hand warmer, devotional booklet, and a pocket cross all of which will be distributed through the ministries of Midnight Run and Milagro's Angels.
The six Caldwell students also assisted the Calvary personnel in assembling 55 water bottle kits and 50 ladies' beauty kits which contained pocket crosses. These kits be distributed at a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Sunday, October 16th.
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Photos from the joint service project between Calvary Lutheran Church in Verona, and Caldwell University students. |
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Watoto Children's Choir Concert - October 14 at Calvary, Verona
The Watoto Children's Choir, on tour from Uganda, Africa will be in concert at Calvary Lutheran Church on Friday, October 14 at 7:30pm.
The original Watoto Children's Choir began in 1994 as a response to the overwhelming number of orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda as a result of AIDS, war, poverty, and human trafficking and has performed at the White House and before royalty at Buckingham Palace in the past.
Now the Children's Choir is coming to our area, and is using their gifts and talents to make an impact in their homeland by restoring hope and building lives. How many times have we seen a news headline and wondered how we can help? Here is our opportunity. By supporting their efforts, we can also be part of this amazing ministry. Please join us. A free will offering will be taken.
More information about the Choir, their history and current concert locations, can be found at their website.
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TREND: Post College Adults in the NJ District - Oct 14
TREND is a social group for those who are post-college age through their 30's and 40's. We would love to invite all who are interested to join us as we gather as brothers and sisters in faith.
Look for your planners at the entrance at 6:00p.
Please buy tickets online before your arrival!
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Trunk or Treat - Sunday, October 23 at Christ Memorial, East Brunswick
All are invited to Christ Memorial Lutheran Church's annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 23 from 3pm to 5pm.
Children will be able to trick or treat in a safe environment -- the church/school parking lot will have car trunks decorated and full of candy!
Sign up to reserve a parking space and decorate your auto's trunk to pass out candy to our young Halloween visitors, or simply get your kids costumes on and come out for a fun afternoon with treats, a costume parade, games, and more! Download a promotional poster here.
For more information, call 732-251-5454.
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NJ District LWML Fall Retreat - Nov 5
The NJ District LWML invites all women to their Fall Retreat on Saturday, November 5 at Crane's Mill in West Caldwell, NJ.
The theme for the retreat is "Bloom! Living Joyfully in Times of Trial," and all are invited to join us for fun, fellowship, Bible study, and gardening! The "Gift of the Heart" collection will be gift cards to CVS/Caremark or Walgreen's for Lutheran Social Ministries.
The registration fee is $25 per person, with a registration deadline of October 31.
Upcoming LWML Event Calendar:
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Date
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Time
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Event
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Oct. 8, 2016
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11:30am - 1:00pm
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Viewing of "The First Rosa" movie at Our Savior, Stanhope, NJ
Lunch hosted by The Ladies Guild of Stanhope
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Oct. 16, 2016
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3:00pm
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Lakeland Zone Fall Rally at Somerset Hills in Basking Ridge, NJ
Program: Highlights of the District Convention
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Oct. 16, 2016
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3:00pm
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Northeastern Zone Fall Rally at Zion Lutheran Church in Westwood, NJ
Program: Highlights of District Convention and planning for "Christians in Peril" Service
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Nov. 5, 2016
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8:30am - 4:00pm
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NJ District Fall Retreat at Crane's Mill in West Caldwell
Theme: "Bloom! Living Joyfully in Times of Trial" - Jeremiah 29:5-7
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June 22-25, 2017
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National LWML Convention
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Theme: Jesus Christ Above All - Phil 2:9
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Why I Am an LFCU Member
As I think about the history of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), I see a tradition of innovation.
On October 2, 1930, for example, the first Lutheran HourŪ radio program was aired, spreading the Gospel message using the young technology of broadcast radio. The program continues today and is broadcast across the world in more than 80 languages.
As another example, in 1952 the International Lutheran Layman's League ventured into television with "This Is the Life." This 36-year television series featured dramatizations of contemporary problems and how they were resolved using a Christian solution.
These are but two examples of a history of innovation in the LCMS, a tradition that continues today in the Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LFCU). Read more...
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Prayer Focus
Circuit 4 (Central Jersey) of the New Jersey District, including their Circuit Visitor, the Rev. David Behm (Trinity, Morris Plains), and the congregations and school ministries of: - Somerset Hills - Basking Ridge
- St. Paul - Flemington
- Holy Spirit - Montville
- Trinity - Morris Plains
- King of Kings - Mountain Lakes
- Good Shepherd - Randolph
- Holy Trinity - Somerset
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 - interviewing candidates
- Good Shepherd, Blairstown
- Trinity, Carney's Point
- St. John, Clifton - shared pastoral ministry relationship with Bloomfield
- Prince of Peace, Howell - being served by vacancy pastor, Rev. Ken Fosse
- Village, Lanoka Harbor
- Holy Cross, Mahwah - being served by SMP Vicar Matt Hass
- St. Thomas, Manalapan
- Bethlehem, Ridgewood - developing a call list
- Luther Memorial, Tinton Falls - developing a call list
Faithful Lord, in the midst of trouble and in the face of death, grant to us the faith You gave to Naomi, so that we never doubt that You will provide our daily bread and carry usthrough the shadow of death. Assure us when we face persecution for our faith that when we have died with Christ, we will also live with Christ. Guard and strengthen our brothers and sisters around the world who are persecuted for the faith. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
From Let Us Pray: Prayer of the Church, Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, 9 October 2016
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Upcoming Events
Add the NJ District event calendar to your Google Calendar! Our public calendar ID is: google [at] njdistrict [dot] org
OCTOBER 2016
TREND Young Adults Harvest Moon Hayride
Friday, October 14
6 PM
Alstede Farms - Chester, NJ
NJ District Youth Ministry Sunday: SOLA Scriptura - Scripture Alone
Sunday, October 23
Reformation Seminar: The Reformation: A Time of Revolutionary Changes?
Saturday, October 22
9:15 AM to 12:30 PM
Princeton University, McCosh Hall Room 50 - Princeton, NJ
Fall Pastors Conference: The Pastor As Teacher
October 24-26
Bushkill Inn & Conference Center
Please phone the hotel at 1-800-200-2978 to make your reservations for the conference.
Reformation Concert: The Hymns of Martin Luther
Sunday, October 30
Princeton University Chapel - Princeton, NJ
DECEMBER 2016
NJ District Youth Cookie Exchange Fundraiser
More information to come.
JANUARY 2017
District Winter Youth Gathering: SOLA Fide - Faith Alone
January 21-22
More information to come.
Convocation on the Coram Relationships
January 27-28
Erdman Center - Princeton, NJ
More information to come.
Pastors' Wives Winter Luncheon
Saturday, January 28
10 AM to 2 PM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Somerset, NJ
FEBRUARY 2017
Holy Land Tour
February 13-23
APRIL 2017
District Youth Lock-In: SOLA Gratia - Grace Alone
April 28
More information to come.
Pastors' Wives Spring Luncheon
Saturday, April 29
10 AM to 2 PM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Somerset, NJ
JULY 2017
Convocation on the Word
July 6-8
Erdman Center - Princeton, NJ
More information to come.
SEPTEMBER 2017
Pastors' Wives Fall Retreat
September 29-30
More information to come.
OCTOBER 2017
Convocation on the Church and Ministry in the 21st Century
October 2-4 (tentative dates)
Location TBA
More information to come.
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