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 5pm. Submit stories and photos via email here.

District Resources, Events, and Opportunities
20 Free Social Media Graphics for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter
Lent Hymn Social Media
Download 20 FREE Lent & Holy Week-themed social media graphics.

There are 10 hymn-based graphics and
10 scripture-based graphics.

Share them on your church's social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Encourage your members to share them, too!

Download here:
Mission Classic 12: Grants Awarded to Support Our Veterans & Their Families
The twelfth annual Mission Golf Classic of The New Jersey District (held this past May 19, 2016) supported five 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!


SAVE THE DATE: The 2017 Mission Classic Golf Outing is coming soon -- Thursday, May 18. Mark your calendars now, start gathering your foursome, and get ready for a great day of golf, for a great cause!
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 also pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. John A. Nunes, President of Concordia College-New York. Dr. Nunes will lead a breakout session.

We are excited about these presenters, and pray that you are as well. Please encourage your school administrators and staff members to attend. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT: The conference will provide school staff, administrators, principals, and pastors with 4.5 hours of continuing education. An official continuing education certificate will be awarded to all participants at the close of the conference.

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.
NJ District Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Day - April 1

Deuteronomy 11
Sunday school, VBS, youth, confirmation, and family ministry volunteers are invited to this special day of training and encouragement.

Date: Saturday, April 1

Time: 9am to 12pm

Location: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Somerset, NJ

Cost: FREE

All participants will go home with a wealth of ready-to-go resources for your congregation's ministry to children, youth, and families. 

Topics included in the day's schedule:
  • How to Host a Backyard VBS
  • Family Confirmation: Home-centered, church-supported discipleship
  • Planning a Mystery Bus Tour for Youth Groups (NJ District Youth Ministry Team)
  • Easy Summer Servant Events for Children, Youth, and Families to Serve Together
  • Calling a full-time Director of Christian Education to serve multiple congregations in your area: A Proposal.

Anyone who works with or is interested in finding out more about children, youth, and family ministry is welcome to attend!
Registration Now Open: 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

An invitation letter will be sent to all congregations & schools next week. In the meantime, Church & School Secretaries are invited to take a brief survey to help us know how best to serve you!

An online registration form can be found here. Pastors are invited to attend, along with their church and school office staff!

Congregational News & Events
Special Congregational Events for Holy Week & Easter

girl_holding_easter_eggs.jpg
King of Kings Lutheran Church (Mountain Lakes, NJ) is hosting a Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8 from 10am to 12pm.


Download a flyer here, or call the church office for more information or to RSVP: 973-334-8333.

+   +   +

Christ Memorial Lutheran Church (East Brunswick, NJ) is hosting a children's Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15 from 10:30am to 12:00pm.

Children ages 2 years through 6th grade are welcome to join in the fun!  This event will take place Rain or Shine.  

Children should bring their own Easter Basket.  We ask that a parent/guardian attend and remain with the child(ren) throughout the activities.

Each egg will be filled with a special treat or reminder of new life - our eternal life won for us by Jesus.  We'll also have a goody bag for each child at the conclusion of the morning!  The children will also make a craft, have a snack, and enjoy story time, music and game stations. Children will be in age appropriate groups for all their morning activities.

To help with planning, please download & complete the registration form and mail it to Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 114 Old Stage Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 or email to the church office. 

The registration deadline is Friday, March 31st or until registration is closed (100 children maximum). Come and join in the celebration!
Sweet Life Cafe Logo
Sweet Life Cafe Women's Retreat with Bethlehem, Ridgewood - April 21-22

The women of Bethlehem Lutheran Church Ridgewood invite the ladies of our district to join us on retreat in April at Star Lake Conference Center, Bloomingdale, NJ.  

In 24 hours, we share an experience that allows women to slow down and savor time with God and each other. It feels like a cozy day at your favorite coffee shop-where women can find rest, enjoy laughter, share their stories and grow closer to each other and God.

Dinner Friday evening is at 6pm (you can arrive from 4pm on). We finish at 4pm on Saturday. Cost is $165 for a single room and $110 if you have a roommate-that includes meals, lodging, books, supplies and a piece of jewelry which serves as a remembrance of the retreat.  You will receive a CD of all the music before the retreat-most of it is familiar but this way you will really be comfortable with it.
  • There will be guided worship, uplifting music and small group discussions that keep you engaged.
  • There will be a laughter-filled skit that makes a point about trusting God.
  • You will receive a special gift pendant and activity that provides affirmation for each woman.
  • There is a unique devotion kit to use for personal time with God.
  • We will also do a meaningful service project that will allow participants to extend sweet encouragement to others.
Register online at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church website.  Payment does not have to be made at that time - It can come at any time up to the retreat. Checks can be made out to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Take your time paying - but rush to sign up! We'd love you to be part of this very special experience.  
Bach Cantata at Christ the King, Ringwood - Sunday, April 30 at 3pm
Bach
Christ the King Lutheran Church (Ringwood, NJ) invites you to their annual Bach Cantata -- BACH: Up Close & Personal. 
DATE & TIME: Sunday, April 30 at 3pm

Bach's Cantata 6 Bleib bei uns, den es will Abend werden, will be performed, complete with orchestra.

The concert will also feature works by Mendelssohn, Hammerschmidt, and Liljestrand.

A freewill offering will be received.


Contact the church office at 973-962-6384 for more information.
Announcements from Other LCMS Organizations
LWML Hosts Service for Christians in Peril - March 19

Holy Cross Mahwah
Rev. Francis Stephanos, Bishop Emeritus of the Lutheran Church in Ethiopia will be the special guest at a service of prayer sponsored by the Northeastern Zone of the LWML NJ District.

The service will feature interactive readings and hymns to recognize persecuted Christians around the world.

Rev. Stephanos served as Bishop during the days of the Lutheran Church in Ethiopia's greatest persecution, and will have many stories to tell. He will also spend some time answering questions from those attending the service.

Please invite your congregation members to attend this special event.

WHAT: "Christians in Peril" 
WHEN: March 19 at 2:30pm
WHERE: Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Mahwah, NJ 
HOSTED BY: The Northeastern Zone of the LWML NJ District
Concordia NY
Greetings from Concordia College-NY

We are so thankful for all Lutheran Churches on the East Coast and want to share with you a small glimpse of what is going on at our campus! Our slogan is "Small School. Big Impact." and we're having a Big Impact on the lives of our students.

Concordia NY
Men's Baseball - March 19
Concordia NY
Rev. Dr. Ken Doka - March 28
Concordia NY
'Scape Trio - March 26
Women's Softball - March 21
May God continue to do great things in your church and on our campus as we work to serve Him.

Please enjoy these Lenten Devotions, written by Concordia-NY alumni, faculty & staff, and regional LCMS District Presidents. Editor's Note: Our own NJ District President, Tony Steinbronn provided the devotion for Sunday, April 2.

Save These Dates:
Concordia's March events offer something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you on campus! For more information, visit the Concordia-NY website.

Sunday, March 19
History of the Present
Concert at OSilas Series

Sunday, March 19
Baseball Home Opener
Clippers vs. Dominican

Sunday, March 26
'Scape Trio Concert
Music & Art String Ensemble

Tuesday, March 28
Books & Coffee
with Rev. Dr. Ken Doka

Announcements:

Concordia's Education Program Receives National Recognition 

Concordia's Undergraduate Early Childhood education program has once again received national accreditation without conditions by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Their Dual Masters in Childhood Education/Childhood Special Education was also recognized by ACEI (Association for Childhood Education International).
Concordia College-NY Reformation Hymn Festival at Carnegie Hall - June 25

Martin Luther 500
500 Voices for 500 Years: A Reformation Anniversary Hymn Festival at Carnegie Hall.

Date & Time: Sunday, June 25 at 2pm in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium

Purchase tickets here. 

Tickets: $7.50-$25 (Dress Circle and Second Tier)
$25 (First Tier and Blavatnik Family Tier)
$50 (Parquet)

Discounted tickets available for groups of 8. If you have any questions, please reach out to Treva Foss at Concordia College at 914.337.9300 x2424.
Grace Place logo
Grace Place Retreat
Grace Place Wellness Church Worker Retreat - July 17-22

Make plans now for the 2017 East Coast Church Worker Retreat for the Atlantic and New Jersey Districts.

There are 5 spots available for active church workers at this year's Grace Place Wellness Church Worker Retreat.

WHEN: July 17 - 22, 2017
WHERE: Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort on the Delaware River, PA

Scholarships are available.
 
BETHESDA LUTHERAN COMMUNITIES TO AWARD $32,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

Now accepting applications from Lutheran high school, college and seminary students for the 2017-2018 academic school year.

Bethesda Lutheran Communities is awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships to create opportunities for the next generation and enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Bethesda invites students to apply for one of several Bethesda Student Scholastic and Service Scholarships. This year, Bethesda is awarding $32,000 in scholarships. Four $3,000 scholarships will be presented to current college students, six $3,000 scholarships to seminary students, and four $500 scholarships to high school seniors. Recipients will be announced in July.

"These scholarships are a great way for Bethesda to encourage the next generation of professionals who will minister with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," said Kim Trombley, vice president of Religious Life and Church Relations at Bethesda. "We are honored to support students who are living out their faith in their vocations in the field."

The scholarships are offered in partnership with the Bethesda Auxiliary, a nationwide organization that reaches forward in faith, word and deed by sharing the love of Jesus with people who have developmental disabilities.

Only active, communicant members of Lutheran congregations will be considered for the scholarships. All applications are due Monday, May 1, 2017. To apply or learn more, visit Bethesda's website.

Scholarship opportunities for college and university students
Up to four $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to Lutheran students pursuing undergraduate degrees in any academic area that will prepare them to serve and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Applicants must be classified as a freshman, sophomore or junior at an accredited college or university, and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Scholarships for seminary students
Six $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to Lutheran seminarians displaying interest in service to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a congregational setting.

To qualify, you must be a current college senior, accepted to begin seminary studies in the fall, or currently be classified as a first-year or second-year student at any seminary affiliated with the WELS, LCMS, ELCA, LCMC, ELS or NALC.

Scholarship opportunities for high school seniors
Up to four $500 scholarships will be awarded to Lutheran high school seniors pursuing a post- secondary degree in any academic area that will prepare them to serve and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Applicants also are required to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

Prayer Focus
Durer - Praying Hands
Circuit 3 (Highlands) of the New Jersey District, including their Circuit Visitor, the Rev. Stephen Vogt (Prince of Peace, Hamburg), and the congregations and school ministries of:
  • Good Shepherd - Blairstown
  • Gethsemane - Hackettstown
  • Prince of Peace - Hamburg
  • Emmanuel - Milford, PA
  • Redeemer - Newton
  • Holy Faith - Oak Ridge
  • St. Paul's - Pompton Lakes
  • Christ the King - Ringwood
  • Our Savior - Stanhope
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 - Rev. Ken Fosse was installed on Saturday, Feb. 25
  • 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 was installed on Sunday, March 12.
  • Grace, Union - being served by vacancy pastor
+       +       +

For all who are troubled in their consciences or burdened by the memory of their sins, that they may be comforted by the peace we now have with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners, justifying us before God, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

From Let Us Pray: Prayer of the Church, Third Sunday in Lent, 19 March 2017
Upcoming Events
Add the NJ District event calendar to your Google Calendar!  Our public calendar ID is: google [at] njdistrict [dot] org

MARCH 2017
Spring Education Conference
Friday, March 31

Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Day
Saturday, April 1
9 AM to 12 PM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Somerset, NJ

APRIL 2017
NJ District Church Secretaries Day
Wednesday, April 26
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Somerset, NJ
 Registration information here.

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.

Church Worker Wellness Retreat
July 17-21
Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort

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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