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
IMPORTANT: Please phone the hotel ASAP at
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 Soon!
Join us for a series of special events commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
October 22 - 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.
October 30 - 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 for these special Reformation Anniversary events here:
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NJ District Disaster Response - Flood Buckets Needed
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.
UPDATE: The NJ District's new Disaster Response Supply Trailer has been delivered. It will be outfitted with shelves and filled with disaster response supplies - like the flood buckets - in order to help the district's congregations serve our neighbors during times of emergency & disaster.
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TREND: Post College Adults in the NJ District - October 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!
Get info on future happenings for young adults in the NJ District - click the button to join the TREND email list.
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NJ District Youth Ministry Sunday - October 23
The LCMS New Jersey District has designated the Sunday before Reformation Sunday each October as "Youth Ministry Sunday," in order to uphold and encourage faithful ministry to the youth in our congregations.
This year, pastors and congregations are encouraged to highlight their youth and youth ministries on Sunday, October 23. Please send pictures and stories from your congregation's celebration of Youth Ministry Sunday to Caitlin Dinger via email, for inclusion in The Grapevine e-Newsletter.
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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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Grief Support Lunch - October 19 at St. Paul's, Closter
The facilitator for the lunch will be Mrs. Donna Bott, director of the Homebound Ministry for Zion Lutheran Church in Westwood.
The free lunch will be served by the members of St. Paul's in the downstairs conference room. The lunch begins at 11:30 AM. Participants in the lunch are encouraged to use the downstairs door adjacent to the church parking lot.
St. Paul's address is: 171 Closter Dock Road, Closter, New Jersey 07624.
For further information, or to let us know you are coming, please contact St. Paul's church office at 201-768-6310.
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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. 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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Mentors Needed - Afterschool Program 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.
TUESDAYS: October 18, 25; November 1, 8
THURSDAYS: October 13, 20, 27; November 3, 10
Snacks for each day are also needed. Volunteers can choose a single day or multiple days to be involved with the program.
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LSMNJ Senior Living & Care Facility in Florham Park
Effective October 1, Saint Anne Villa is now part of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey and will operate as The Villa at Florham Park, an 80 bed skilled nursing and 21 bed assisted living facility.
The Sisters of Charity will continue to live and be cared for at The Villa at Florham Park, and look forward to welcoming new neighbors from the local community and beyond.
Due to declining membership in recent years, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth made the decision to transition their retirement facility to new ownership. They conducted a targeted search for a faith-based organization with a mission and expertise appropriate to operating the facility and continuing to provide care for their retired Sisters. Ultimately, a match was found with LSMNJ and resulted in the October 1 transfer of ownership and transition from private to public facility.
The Villa at Florham Park is fully licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health to admit residents from the general public. Initially, services provided will include assisted living, nursing care, memory support, rehabilitation, and respite care.
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Prayer Focus
Circuit 5 (South Jersey) of the New Jersey District, including their Circuit Visitor, the Rev. Bill Willenbrock (Calvary, Medford), and the congregations and school ministries of: - Luther Memorial - Blackwood
- Holy Cross - Bordentown
- St. John's - Bridgeton
- Trinity - Carney's Point
- St. Peter - Hopewell
- Village - Lanoka Harbor
- Holy Trinity - Lawrenceville
- Calvary - Medford
- Rose of Sharon - New Egypt
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
Merciful Father, fill Your Church with ministers who preach Your Word and are ready to care for Your flock in good times and bad. Because the time has come when people are not interested in sound teaching but have itching ears, provide us with faithful preachers, endow us with the wisdom to distinguish Your truth from human lies, and grant usrepentance when we long for pastors who suit our sinful desires. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
From Let Us Pray: Prayer of the Church, Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost, 16 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
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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