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.

Winter Youth Gathering Focused on SOLA: Faith, Grace, and Scripture Alone

Forty youth and adults gathered this past weekend (Feb 4-5) at Camp Lebanon for a weekend focused on SOLA: Faith, Grace, and Scripture Alone.

Seven New Jersey District congregations were represented at the annual Winter Youth Gathering. Rev. Bill Yonker led the large group sessions, providing entertaining stories and solid biblical teaching. Youth were encouraged to live by faith alone, through God's grace alone, relying on scripture alone for guidance through life. 

Couldn't be at this year's WYG? Check out some pictures below, and view more on the New Jersey District Youth Facebook page.

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Pastor Yonker leads the opening Bible study.
wag 2017 flatmarty
#flatmarty made an appearance!
wag 2017 small group
(Above) Small groups begin planning for Sunday morning worship.

(Right) A banner with participants' names, made during one of the breakout sessions.
wag 2017 banner
Youth & Sunday School Lead Our Savior, Fair Lawn in Souper Bowl Collection
oslc souper bowl 2017

The Sunday School and Youth of Our Savior Lutheran Church (Fair Lawn, NJ) collected 349 food items as part of the 2017 "Souper Bowl of Caring."

Learn more at the "Souper Bowl of Caring" website linked above.
Mission Classic 12: Supporting Our Veterans & Their Families

The twelfth annual Mission Golf Classic of The New Jersey District (held this past May 19, 2016) supported the following organizations with the nearly $20,000 net proceeds of the outing.

The thank you acknowledgement letters that have been received are directly attributed to you and your participation!

Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation:  
Funding provides direct service and emergency assistance to veterans in VA and Military hospitals and also supports, sponsors and participates in rehabilitation programs for the handicapped, amputees, paraplegics and the blind.

Canine Companions for Independence-Northeast Region:
Canine Companions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.  Since their inception in 1975, over 5,000 graduate teams have been placed with 273 teams graduating in 2016.  Canine Companions have four types of assistance dogs:  SERVICE TEAMS that assist adults with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks, HEARING TEAMS that alert the deaf and hard of hearing to important sounds, SKILLED COMPANION TEAMS that enhance independence for children and adults with physical-cognitive-and developmental disabilities, and FACILITY TEAMS that work with a professional in visitation-education-and healthcare settings.  The Mission Classic gift was directed to the Northeast Region and earmarked for a Military Veteran and/or family.

Folds of Honor (Honoring Their Sacrifice, Educating Their Legacy):  
Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried a singular mission of "standing in the gap" of the more than one million dependents adversely affected by war and in this gap they have been providing educational scholarships to children and spouses of those killed or disabled while serving our nation. With the contribution from the Mission Classic, Folds of Honor will award a one year scholarship to a needy individual. For a closer look at what this means for those in New Jersey; in 2016 they awarded 18 scholarships bringing a total amount of scholarships to 97 since inception.  The NJ District was thanked for support, patriotism as well as service to our country and a final request for God's Blessings.

Operation Barnabas:
The LCMS New Jersey District's "Ministry to Military, Veterans and their Families" is the District's outreach to military, veterans and their families.  It incorporates Operation Barnabas, "a network of care" established by the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, as well as a missionary program being developed to reach unchurched veterans and programs to assist local families of deployed National Guard and Reserve members who have their regular jobs and activities interrupted by call to active service.  Among the services provided by our Operation Barnabas chapters are programs and workshops on Veterans benefits and various programs and resources provided by the U.S. Veterans Administration; visitation and ministry in the state run Veterans Homes; Veterans recognition events, such as picnics and breakfast; providing care packages for our troops; proving prayer books and devotional booklets to deployed troops and their families; establishing prayer networks; and many other services as determined by the local congregation or Operation Barnabas Chapter..  

Backpacks for Life (Serving our Homeless Veterans):
Established in 2014 by a resident of New Jersey, Backpacks for Life is a 501c3 nonprofit that aims to provide homeless veterans with the daily essentials and resources that they cannot provide for themselves. With each backpack their hope is to give veterans the tools they need for a second chance at life.Because reintegrating into society has many obstacles and sometimes isn't always easy for veterans, their hope is to be the support system that homeless veterans may not have and help them in getting back on their feet; whether that means finding a job, finding housing or giving them a backpack full of daily essentials** to help them survive. Unfortunately, homeless veterans make up a large portion of society and it is their desire to help serve those who have protected our country.  To date, they have handed out 2,300 backpacks to homeless/low income veterans in need!  

**Toiletries: Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Soap, Lotion, Hand Sanitizer, Lip Balm, Tissues, Deodorant, Body Powder, Wipes, Razors, Shaving Cream; Supplies: First Aid Kits, Hand & Foot Warmers, Socks, Gloves, Hats, Ponchos, Notebooks, Pens, Stress Balls; Resources: Information about organizations that provide assistance to veterans and their families

SAVE THE DATE: The 2017 Mission Classic Golf Outing is coming soon -- Thursday, May 18. Mark your calendars now and get ready for a great day of golf, for a great cause!
Project Generator Grants Awarded

Project Generator
Grant recipients each received a PowerLight Generator for use in their community.
The "Project Generator" grant program, offered by the NJ District to its congregations,  has been completed with the distribution of the four (4) portable generators.  

The congregations submitting Mission & Outreach opportunity requests were St. John's Lutheran (Bloomfield), Holy Faith Lutheran (Oak Ridge), Village Lutheran (Lanoka Harbor), and Gethsemane Lutheran (Hackettstown). A brief description of the grant applications follows:
  • St. John's Lutheran (Bloomfield): Operation Generator will be a program to provide electrical power to community, congregation, and congregation members in locations and situations were electrical power is not otherwise available. It will provide power for the people of God to be about His purpose of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a more engaging manner, to assist the members of their local community in times of need, and to help encourage the strengthening of bonds of friendship among the people of God.
  • Holy Faith Lutheran (Oak Ridge): Our vision is for Holy Faith to be the place where our community can meet each other and, as we build relationship with them, Jesus as well. In our part of New Jersey we experience many power outages each year (Sandy for two weeks, heavy snowfalls and branches and trees interrupt electrical service) and in Oak Ridge it also means cessation of water. Our plan includes using the generator to keeping powering our well water so that we can offer emergency meals to our community. We plan on being the "go-to" place in our community when nature challenges our lives.
  • Village Lutheran (Lanoka Harbor): Having been the center of NJD Super Storm Sandy disaster relief efforts, we understand the importance of keeping our doors open during a time of power outage and would use the generator to "Keep Our Doors Open" as we go forward in aiding our community.
  • Gethsemane Lutheran (Hackettstown): An involvement with the BIG YOUTH GROUP mission in West Virginia, by four of our members, has had a positive effect with our energetic youth participants and with further outreach opportunities there would be a use of a generator to power tools, lighting, and refrigeration. We further see an opportunity to use the generator to supply electricity for lighting, PA system, refrigeration and warming stations for the Muscular Dystrophy fund raising efforts of the community.

God Preparing His Disciples to Make Christian Disciples of All Nations

Psalm 121
The third in a series of articles focusing on outreach and evangelism, written by members of the NJ District's Outreach Council. This month's article is written by the Rev. Gary Timm, from Redeemer Lutheran Church & School in Westfield, NJ.

As the seasons of Advent passes and a new Church Year has begun, we look forward to Christmas nearly a year away. Of course, we pastors typically say, "Ok, now when again does Lent begin?" because we're already planning for the next major Season of the Church.

The Seasons of the Church Year are meant to help us focus on our Lord and Savior, Messiah Jesus.  However, Advent is not just about Jesus coming for us, but how God prepares us to make Christian Disciples of All Nations.  So before the season of Lent begins, let us reflect on what Advent prepared us Christians for.

As Christians we agree ALL people need the forgiving grace of God which comes through Messiah Jesus' suffering, dying, and arising again from the dead to save us from our sin and give us the gift of eternal life (Rom. 10:9-10.)  After all, there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved (Acts 4:8-12.)  However, we get hung up on who, what, where, when, and why of making disciples of Messiah Jesus.  We feel unqualified and inadequate to answer all of life's challenges.  However, Jesus' answer to all of our questions and doubts is found in two of His commands.

NJ District Education Conference - Friday, March 31

2015 Convention Logo
The 2017 NJ District Education Conference will take place on Friday, March 31 at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in East Brunswick, NJ.


We are pleased to welcome the following presenters:
  • Kim Marxhausen, a Lutheran educator with a Master's in Literacy and a Pd.D. in Educational Psychology will offer a session on the importance of play, as well as a two-part session on how we can impact motivation and mindset while encouraging self-regulation in our students.
  • Caitlin Dinger, DCE will present on forging stronger families through school, church, and home partnership.
  • Ruth McReynolds, M.Ed., will do a three-part session on Early Language and Literacy in the Preschool Classroom.
  • Dr. Deborah Carter will help us teach math visually, and help us see math in a new way.
We are excited about these presenters, and pray that you are as well. Please encourage your school administrators and staff members to attend. 

Register by March 20 to get the discount rate of $45 per person. 
After March 20, the cost will be $75 per person.

Payment can be made by check or by visiting the NJ District online donation page.
blood drive kok mountain lakes
Blood Drive at King of Kings, Mountain Lakes - Feb 12

King of Kings Lutheran Church in Mountain Lakes is hosting a Blood Drive on Sunday, February 12. 

All donors will receive cholesterol, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron, and blood type screenings.

Walk-ins are welcome. The Bloodmobile will be parked in the church lot.

LCMS National Missions re:Vitality Training at St. John's, Bridgeton - March 3-4

St. John's will be taking part in the LCMS National Missons re:Vitality program, and we are opening the training session to anyone who wishes to come find out more.

DATE: Friday, March 3 (6:30pm to 9:30pm) and Saturday, March 4 (8:30am to Noon)
LOCATION: St. John's First Lutheran Church - Bridgeton, NJ
CONTACT: Rev. Gary Hall, 856-332-2396 or email

When a congregation expresses interest, the first thing is to schedule the Action-Oriented Training. There is no cost to the congregation. It is a two-day session led by trainers from National Missions on a Friday night and Saturday morning. 

Prior to the training, the congregation completes a Self-Assessment Survey. In the Action-Oriented Training congregations will learn how to become more effective in inviting, welcoming, and receiving people from outside of the Church. 

The last part, Outreach-Integrated Witnessing, is done using Every One His Witness, which trains people how to witness using the Small Catechism. 

If anyone in the district is interested in attending St. John's First Lutheran's Action-Oriented Training on Friday, March 3 (6:30pm to 9:30pm) and Saturday, March 4 (8:30am to Noon), please contact Rev. Gary Hall at 856-332-2396 or via email.  

You can learn more about this program at the LCMS National Mission website.
Our Savior, Fair Lawn Hosts CPR & AED for Adult, Child and Infant Certification - March 11

Who: Pastors, church and school staff, ushers, greeters, youth, parishioners....All are welcome!

What: American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR and AED for Adult, Child and Infant Certification class


When: Saturday, March 11th 9:30am-12:30pm

Where: Our Savior Lutheran Church, 22-15 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ

Why: To assist your loved ones, community and church family in the event of a cardiac or pulmonary emergency

How: Register TODAY. Class size is limited, please call Colleen Bottcher @ 201-723-9836 to register. The cost is $30.00 per person, paid for by Our Savior Lutheran Church's Health Ministry and the NJ District CHEF grant.

GPS address: 1-22 Hartley Place, Fair Lawn NJ, (church is on the corner of Broadway and Hartley Place) Please use the back entrance into the church, the doors between the two white pillars.

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. Download a brochure here.

We also have a number of pastors and history educators available, who can lead a presentation or discussion with your students or community. 

To reserve the display for your congregation or community group, please visit our booking website.

SAVE THE DATE: Church Secretaries Day - April 26

church secretary
Church secretaries are often unsung heroes in our congregations, as they keep track of a multitude of details, bits of church history & tradition, event calendars - and pastors!

Help us thank your church secretary, by giving that special staff member a day of their own, designed to encourage and equip them for the unique role they play in the life of your congregation.

Date: Wednesday, April 26
Location: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Somerset, NJ)
Cost: FREE

More information will be available soon. In the meantime, Church & School Secretaries are invited to take a brief survey to help us know how best to serve you!

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WANTED: Architect and/or Engineer

The NJ District is currently seeking an architects and engineers to assist in developing district properties.

Please contact David Hildebrandt at the district office, 908-233-8111 or via email.

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Outreach Council Online Resource Library

The NJ District Outreach Council is developing an online library for outreach ideas, activities and a host of possibilities for your congregation to become more mission and community minded.  

There will also be some personal endorsements of ideas that have been tried by Pastors and Congregations. These resources will hopefully encourage you & your congregations to reach out to people who do not know Christ.

Visit the Outreach & Missions page on the NJ District website to view these resources.

 

Prayer Focus
Durer - Praying Hands

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 - developing a call list
  • Luther Memorial, Blackwood - developing a call list
  • Good Shepherd, Blairstown
  • Trinity, Carney's Point
  • St. John, Clifton - shared pastoral ministry relationship with Bloomfield
  • Gethsemane, Hackettstown - being served by Rev. Dick Izzard
  • 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
  • Calvary, Medford
  • Luther Memorial, Tinton Falls - Rev. Jace Detrie has accepted their call; installation information coming soon.
  • Grace, Union - being served by vacancy pastor
For all who are traveling to the Holy Land with the NJ District tour group, that God would hold them in safety and provide smooth travels, and that all participants would have an edifying and encouraging time together.
+       +       +

Almighty Lord, before us always lie life and good, death and evil. Bless us to walk in Your ways, that we may be blameless before You and that we may steadfastly keep Your statutes. Do not let our hearts turn to other gods, but keep them fixed on You. Help us to see that in Your Word and Sacraments You have not forsaken us, but that by them You bring us life through Your Son, in the power of Your Spirit. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

From Let Us Pray: Prayer of the Church, Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, 12 February 2017
Upcoming Events
Add the NJ District event calendar to your Google Calendar!  Our public calendar ID is: google [at] njdistrict [dot] org

FEBRUARY 2017
Holy Land Tour
February 13-23

MARCH 2017
Spring Education Conference
Friday, March 31

Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Day
Saturday, April 1
More information to come.

APRIL 2017
NJ District Church Secretaries Day
Wednesday, April 26
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Somerset, NJ
More information to come.

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

MAY 2017
Mission Classic Golf Outing
Thursday, May 18
More information to come.

JULY 2017
Convocation on the Word
July 7-8
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 16-18
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club - Cape Cod, MA
More information to come.

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