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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Rev. Paul Huneke, NJ District Staff
This time next week, things will be different -- the election will be over, we will have a new President, changes in Congress, and in some states' Governors and Legislatures.
In conversations, news, debates, articles, and countless opinion pieces this election cycle has been turbulent, rancorous, and scandal-ridden, All of us, I think, are ready for it to be over.
I also sense in others -- and myself -- a whole range of feelings: anxiety, fear, disgust, anger, and disappointment. We have been confronted with the reality that we are a divided nation on so many issues, yet united in the reality that we, as a nation and culture, face extraordinary issues and serious problems.
I came across an article, "November 9th," by Max Lucado in which he wrote about what does not change ever, and that God remains (using Lutheran terms) the creator and preserver of all that exists. God remains God!
As Lutheran Christians we ought to have a sense of the Two Kingdoms of the sacred and the civil, along with a conviction that God rules both. God daily uses both, to accomplish His will in this new creation in which we live through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
We hold onto the Biblical reality that God is at work, bringing all things together in heaven and on earth under the One Head, Christ (Ephesians 1 & 2). We pray daily that "God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven," not with resignation or timidity as merely a hope, but with certainty that God's will is being done, and it will be good.
So, remember this on Wednesday, November 9th: the voice of our Savior still speaks the great promise that we are a new creation -- forgiven, free, and eternal -- because the tomb is still empty.
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Reformation Concert Recap -- Many Thanks!
Thank you to all who attended the NJ District's 2016 Reformation Concert - Festival Celebration With Hymns on Sunday, October 30 at Princeton University Chapel.
Over 700 concertgoers enjoyed the afternoon's program, celebrating the musical heritage of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Many thanks are due to the choirs and musicians who shared their gifts & talents with us - the Princeton Theological Seminary Choir, the NJ Lutheran Regional Choir, and The King of Kings Ringers Handbell Choir - as well as the organizers and helpers behind the scenes. Special thanks go to Hank Bitten, the Rev. Rick Serina, and Scott Sadlo for all of their work arranging the concert particulars. Here are just a few photos from the concert. Thanks to DCE Naomi Vogt for serving as photographer.
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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.
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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:
Date
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Time
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Event
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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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Free Film Showing: The First Rosa - Nov 6 at Trinity, Morris Plains
Trinity Lutheran Church of Morris Plains will host two showings of The First Rosa on Sunday, November 6.
The first showing will be 11:15 AM. Bagels and coffee will be served. The second showing will be at 3:00 PM. Popcorn and soda will be served. Both showings are at Trinity Lutheran Church, 131 Mountain Way, Morris Plains, NJ 07950.
With a passion for helping others, educating children and sharing the Gospel, Rosa Young accomplished extraordinary things for her community the kingdom of God. She was instrumental in founding and promoting 30 Lutheran Elementary schools and 35 Lutheran congregations in Alabama's "Black Belt." Her legacy is unparalleled as an educator, confessor and church planter for Christ and his Church.
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Spiritual Growth Workshop & Intro to Omega Experience for Pastors - Nov 18 & 19 at Good Shepherd, Old Bridge
Where are you in your walk with the Lord? Come and find the next step for you to grow at this retreat.
The suggested donation of $15 includes materials, breakfast, and lunch on Saturday, plus drinks and snacks both days.
Good Shepherd is also hosting a special workshop for pastors, "Intro to the Omega Experience for Pastors."
Be our guest as we explore how the training, the mentoring and equipping resources of the Life Spring Network can further help you and your church fulfill the Great Commission.
Date: Friday, November 18th Time: 1:00 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. Location: New Jersey District Office (1168 Springfield Ave, Mountainside, NJ 07092)
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Outdoor Live Nativity, Dec 3 at King of Kings, Mountain Lakes
King of Kings Lutheran Church of Mountain Lakes will present its 4th Annual Outdoor Live Nativity on Saturday, Dec 3, at 5:00pm and 6:30pm. (Snow Date: 12/4)
The members of King of Kings are excited to inspire others this Christmas with a living re-creation of the birth of Jesus, complete with a humble stable, a rustic manger, a brilliant star and live animals, actors and music.
The event is free to the public. Refreshments will be offered following the presentations and all children that attend will receive a free gift. King of Kings is located at 145 Rt. 46 West, Mountain Lakes, NJ, 07046. For additional information or questions, please contact: King of Kings Lutheran Church, 973-334-8333.
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Prayer Focus
Circuit 2 (Passaic River) of the New Jersey District, including their Circuit Visitor, the Rev. David Rowold (St. John, Bloomfield), and the congregations and school ministries of: - St. John - Bloomfield
- St. John - Clifton
- Our Savior - Fair Lawn
- St. John - Harrison
- Tumaini Kristo - Jersey City
- Grace - Livingston
- St. Matthew - Lyndhurst
- Redeemer & Christ Assembly - Newark
- Grace & St. Matthew - Union
- Calvary - Verona
- Redeemer - Westfield
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
For the elections this week and for those who will be elected, for our faithful discharge of this duty of democracy and for our good citizenship, that those elected may honor Your law and serve with faithfulness in the offices committed to their care, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
From Let Us Pray: Prayer of the Church, All Saints' Day (Observed), 6 November 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
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
MARCH 2017
Spring Education Conference
Friday, March 31
More information to come.
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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