mysite blog

2012 Youth Ministry Team Nominations

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:59:00 -0400

The Congregation Services Council is seeking nominations to fill positions on the New Jersey District Youth Ministry Team. The Youth Ministry Team will act to coordinate and resource youth ministry activities with the District. Eight (8) youth and three (3) adults will be chosen to serve on the Youth Ministry Team.

Nominations will close on July 1, 2012.

Here are some things to know about nominating a teen to serve. . .

+ The youth may be nominated by anyone—even themselves. If a youth is nominated by self or another youth, this must be accompanied by a letter of affirmation from an adult.

+ The youth must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in the Fall of 2012.

+ The nominee should be active in their church worship experiences and activities. They should show leadership skills and be dedicated to serving God and His people especially their youth peers.

+ Nominations are taken seriously. The nomination process will close on July 1, 2012 and the selection process then begins.

+ The selection process requires the youth/adult nominee to respond (either in written or taped form) to 5 short questions. They must also ask their pastor for a written letter of recommendation. These must be submitted by the deadline of July 20, 2012.

A decision regarding YMT members will be made by mid-August. Appointments will be made by the District President. Please pray that the Lord guide the selection of folks with a heart for Jesus, His ministry and a love for Youth.

Click here to download a nomination form for youth and adults. Please use this form to submit any nominations.

The Youth Ministry Team will meet 5—6 times a year beside the New Jersey District Youth events. A YMT member is asked to be present at all of these. (It is also understood that we are all involved in school activities, work and family events. Therefore, as long as there is solid communication, allowances are made for required absences.)

For more information, email the Youth Ministry Team!

New NJ District LWML Publication

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:58:00 -0400

Be sure to download and share the Spring 2012 edition of "The Purple Paper" with your local LWML group and your congregation. This new publication from the New Jersey District LWML has information about upcoming LWML events, mission projects and more!

Contact Sharon Kiefer for more information about "The Purple Paper" and New Jersey District LWML communications - and be sure to stop by the LWML booth at the 2012 LCMS New Jersey District Convention to learn more about what the LWML is doing in New Jersey.

Join Kids Against Hunger & Captive Free East Coast at Our Redeemer-Fords

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:37:00 -0400

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (Fords, NJ) invites all district congregations to join their "Kids Against Hunger" meal packaging event on Thursday, May 3 at 7pm. The Captive Free-East Coast music ministry team will be participating in this special family night event. A $5 donation per person is requested, to help cover the cost of food for the meal packages.

Everyone in the New Jersey District is invited to join this event physically, prayerfully, or financially!

Please contact Carol Johnson at 732-738-7470 for more information.

Leaders & Learners Spring 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:45:00 -0400

The Spring/Summer 2012 course information for the Leaders and Learners in Faith program is now available.

The Leaders and Learners in Faith program is also open to persons who wish to enroll in courses of interest, without seeking lay minister certification.

Men and women will gain expertise and skills to provide both visionary and practical leadership in carrying out the Lord's work.

The mission of the Leaders and Learners program is simple: Enter to learn, depart to serve. To learn more, visit the Leaders and Learners in Faith page.

Registration Opens for 2012 District Convention

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:50:00 -0400

2012 LCMS New Jersey District Convention: BELIEVE, BELONG, BLESS
May 31-June 2, 2012
DoubleTree Guest Suites by Hilton ~ Mount Laurel, New Jersey

The Convention
“Believe, Belong, Bless” is this year’s convention’s theme based upon Philippians 2:4 about considering the interest of others.

Convention business will include:
+elections of persons to district offices;
+enlightening and lively reports by the councils of our District;
+presentations and question and answer time by LCMS Second Vice President The Rev. Dr. John Wohlrabe;
+presentation by Rev. Dr. Anthony Steinbronn on the direction and progress of congregations mission revitalization;
+presentation by Rev. James Buckman on Home Church planter training and the development of Prayer Walking ministries.

Thursday night will be opportunity to participate in a special Communion Service with District President William Klettke, Celebrant, together with your brothers and sisters in Christ from all over the district. A banquet Friday evening will provide you with good food, fellowship and special inspirational music.

Please note these extras about the convention and its activities:
+convention registration includes cost of 2 nights hotel lodging and dinner Thursday and lunch Friday registration and payment of which must be received by May 3rd;
+each congregation whose convention assessment is paid in full and whose registration is made on time, will receive a per delegate $35. Reduction in cost of rooms. Friday’s banquet tickets for delegates are also included in the registration, but there will be a charge for those whose congregation assessment is not paid in full;
+you will be able to choose one of three different entrees for the banquet;
+extra tickets for any and all meals for non-delegate attendees are available for purchase;
+coffee, juice and Danish will be provided during mid-morning breaks; and
+those who prefer an earlier and more substantial fare may purchase a buffet breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant for the reasonable cost of $14, plus tax and gratuity; and finally,
+room cost is per room and not per person.

Registration Information
Download a registration form for pastor and congregational delegates.
Register online (with an option to pay online) - there is no extra fee for this service.

News from the Convention
Visit the 2012 District Convention News page each day during the convention for election results, convention business and special reports.

2012 Mission Classic Golf Outing - MC8

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:15:00 -0400

WHEN: Thursday, May 10 at Heron Glen Golf Course (Ringoes, NJ)

Click here to download the 2012 Mission Classic registration brochure. Start gathering your foursome today!

This year, the Mission Classic Golf Outing would like to benefit the family of Margaret Kritsch Anderson, daughter of the Rev. Paul and Dorothy Kritsch. Pastor Kritsch has served Redeemer Lutheran Church (Westfield, NJ) for the past 24 years. Margaret was killed in the line of duty on New Year's Day in Mt. Rainier National Park. Margaret leaves behind her husband, Eric Anderson and their two children, Anna, age 4 and Katie, age 2.

For more information, contact Jamie Gacos at 908-953-9852.

Church Worker Wellness Event

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:05:00 -0500

All New Jersey District Church Workers are invited to a day of wellness with Mark Schoepp of Wheat Ridge Ministries - Tuesday, March 13 (8:30am to 3:00pm) at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church & School (Fords, NJ). Click here to download a flyer with registration information.

We often take care of everyone around us and neglect ourselves. Please take a day for you, and in doing this, learn how it can help and apply to your congregation and school.

The first part of the day will focus on the individual and how exercise, diet and play/rest/sleep dramatically affect our brains. The second part of the presentation will focus on how this can be applied to our congregations and schools. Mark's presentation is engaging and interactive, and allows for small group discussions and applications.

This is a district event planned for you by the New Jersey District's Congregational Services and Circuit 4. We hope that all Pastors, DCEs, Administrators, and Teachers will attend. The cost of the event is $25 per person.

We look forward to seeing all of you at this event! Please register your church workers by March 1, 2012.

Mission Summit 2012

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:09:00 -0500

2012 Mission Summit - Ministering to the Minister
Saturday, February 11 at Redeemer Lutheran Church-Westfield

Click here to watch a video preview of the 2012 Mission Summit.

Click here to download a poster to share with your congregation.

Keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Bruce Hartung is the Dean of Ministerial Formation at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and the author of a new book from Concordia Publishing House, "Holding Up the Prophet's Hand." Dr. Hartung's presentation will help congregational leadership teams and their pastors in very practical ways, reflecting our Lutheran theology of the Pastoral Office.

Every congregation is strongly encouraged to send a team of leaders. You will have the opportunity for Dr. Hartung to personally assist your ministry during the Q & A time. Our hope is that the health of district congregations would be increased through this year's Mission Summit.

Additional presenters include Rev. Greg & Kristi Bearss of LakePointe Church (LCMS) in Hot Springs, AR. Rev. Bearss and his wife will approach our theme of "Ministering to the Minister" from the perspective of a pastor & his wife.

Kristi Bearss will have special breakout sessions just for the spouses of those in ministry.

The price for an individual participant is $35, which includes the full day of presentations and lunch. The price for a congregational team to register is $75 for as many people as you can bring. Congregational team registrations will include an additional $10 charge per person for lunch.

Free childcare will be available - but you must pre-register! Simply contact the district office to request childcare.

Click here to register online at the New Jersey District's secure online payment & giving website.

For more information, contact Rev. Jim Buckman.

House Church Planter Video Available

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:03:00 -0500

Be sure to watch the new video from the first class of the House Church Planters Training Track, part of the New Jersey District's Leaders and Learners program.

Contact Rev. Jim Buckman for more information about the House Church Planters and urban/immigrant ministry in the LCMS New Jersey District.

2012 Winter Youth Gathering

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:29:00 -0400

The 2011 Winter Youth Gathering was a huge success! Pastor Bill Yonker led our large group sessions with humor and energy, as he brought all of us closer to Christ. "Minute to Win It" games had everyone on their feet each time one started. Our youth led workshops were fun and interactive. And, another year of crazy dress-up and karaoke made Saturday night a real party.

We are so excited to let you know that Yonker will be back for the 2012 Winter Youth Gathering - Into the Wild! - based on Joshua 1:9. Pastor Yonker is already hard at work putting the sessions together - and we can't wait to see what he brings to NJ this year!

Download a 2012 Winter Youth Gathering info packet to share with your congregation, with registration details, group registration form & t-shirt order form, and a WYG 2012 poster.

Youth are encouraged to invite an unchurched friend to join them at the WYG - and there's a special "Bring-A-Friend" rate just for them!

Contact Alicia De Sena with questions. See YOU in January!

Preschool/Early Childhood Director Meetings

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:53:00 -0400

Preschool/Early Childhood Director meetings will be held five times during the year, both in the southern and in the northern regions of the LCMS New Jersey District.

Below are the scheduled dates for meetings with suggested starting topics. The first set of meetings will be held at Redeemer (Newton, NJ) for people in the North and at Luther Memorial (Tinton Falls, NJ) for schools in the South. Regardless of where you are located you are welcome at either meeting. Pastors are encouraged and welcome to come, so please invite your Pastor to come with you to the meeting.

We look forward to seeing all of you, hearing about your programs, sharing ideas and resources, but most of all to learn how we can help each other in this wonderful ministry we have to children and their families.

Please RSVP to either Susie Herzberg (Northern) or Jen Royale (Southern).

Contact Caren M. Vogt for more information.
Download a letter from Caren with this information.

NJ JAM 2011

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:42:00 -0400

Saturday, November 19 at St. Paul Lutheran Church - Flemington, NJ

Have you pondered why our evangelical brothers and sisters draw post-college singles and young families to their worship services and we Lutherans keep losing those same demographics? Have you wondered how we can connect with 21st century Americans without abandoning our identity as Lutherans?

These are the sort of questions that workshop presenters at this year’s NJ JAM will help you consider. Seeking to encourage and equip the Church of today in worship, the JAM will offer over two dozen workshops by clergy and laity who struggle to address the very real needs of struggling congregations—both large and small—in an increasingly postmodern context. Church planters Greg Bearss (Hot Springs, AR) and Matt Peeples (Knoxville, TN) will open our day with keynote dialogue, while worship leaders Dave Frincke and Kip Fox will lead us in our gathering worship and our closing contemporary communion service.

Click here to watch a video preview of NJ JAM 2011.

Our day together will offer:

panel discussions with seasoned contemporary worship planners and sessions on contextualized worship basics
workshops on reaching out to your community, whether that includes millenials, Latinos, or downtown shopkeepers
culture-learning and Gospel communication resources to help you decide when to adopt, adapt, or renounce cultural traits in your worship gatherings
workshops on incorporating the visual arts and dance in worship and on connecting with the arts community in your neighborhood
sessions on tech issues, onscreen script building, harmonizing, and hymn arranging
plus, a composers’ open mic, and, of course, the JAM itself where participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments and play along with the Frincke, Fox, and the JAM House Band!

NJ JAM’s goal is to equip and encourage the Church of today in worship through hands-on, practical sessions. So, save the date on your calendar now— November 19, 2011— and go to the NJ JAM website starting October 7th to register.

Registration, including lunch, is $35, but rises to $45 on Nov. 7th. For more information, contact Elaine Schleifer at the NJ District office or Claire Partlow.

Updates Following Hurricane Irene

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:03:00 -0400

New Jersey District President Rev. William R. Klettke was interviewed by KFUO Radio, regarding the impact of Hurricane Irene in the New Jersey District and how local congregations & pastors responded to various needs during/following the storm.

To listen to the interview, click here. Scroll down the page & click the link under "Audio" on the right hand side.

Faith Aflame Workshop at Holy Cross-Mahwah

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:41:00 -0400

All New Jersey District congregations are invited to a workshop titled “Faith Aflame”, a process that engages leaders of the congregation in an intentional stewardship focus by providing resources that help examine their stewardship life in the light of God’s Word.

The ”Introductory Session” workshop will be held on Saturday September 10 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (Mahwah, New Jersey). Pastors, Stewardship Chairpersons and congregational leaders are invited.

Holy Cross will provide coffee and juice and refreshments starting at 8:30 a.m. The Introductory Session is approximately three (3) hours long. The workshop will be led by Rev. Wayne Knolhoff, Director of Stewardship for the LCMS and Mr. Dave Hildebrandt, Stewardship Director for the LCMS New Jersey District.

Please RSVP to Holy Cross Lutheran Church by Monday, September 5.
Phone: 201-529-2117
E-mail: hcchurch@optonline.net.

Youth Leadership Summit

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:36:00 -0400

The newly-appointed New Jersey District Youth Ministry Team is very excited to be hosting the first-ever New Jersey District Youth Leadership Summit on Saturday, October 1 from 10am to 4pm.

At least two youth and one adult from each NJ District congregation are strongly encouraged to attend this event, which will focus on peer leadership training.

Come to the 2011 Youth Leadership Summit and meet the New Jersey District Youth Ministry Team reps for 2011-2012-- youth just like YOU who are committed to reaching their world for Christ. Get the inside scoop on the great things God is doing with youth in the New Jersey District!

This fall's Youth Leadership Summit will feature Lutheran Hour Ministries' Five14-- a witnessing-training program specifically designed to equip and inspire teenagers to share Jesus with their peers.

The name five14 comes from the fifth chapter of Matthew. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can't be hidden. People don't light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

Five14 helps teens mature into godly leaders now. This spiritual development is important, as it will give teens the courage to take a stand for Christ in a world urgently in need of God's light and love. They will be encouraged to use their words and actions in a God-glorifying way that would create curiosity with their peers-all for the purpose of sharing the Gospel.

Click here to download a poster to share with your youth group and congregation.

Click here to REGISTER for the Youth Leadership Summit.

For more information, email the Youth Ministry Team today! A $10 per person donation is requested to cover the cost of lunch.

Seeking Nominations for New Youth Ministry Team

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 -0400

The Congregation Services Council is seeking nominations to fill positions on a newly created District Youth Ministry Team. The Youth Ministry Team will act to coordinate and resource youth ministry activities with the District. Eight (8) youth and three (3) adults will be chosen to serve on the Youth Ministry Team.

Nominations will close on July 1, 2011.

Here are some things to know about nominating a teen to serve. . .

+ The youth may be nominated by anyone—even themselves. If a youth is nominated by self or another youth, this must be accompanied by a letter of affirmation from an adult.

+ The youth must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in the Fall of 2011.

+ The nominee should be active in their church worship experiences and activities. They should show leadership skills and be dedicated to serving God and His people especially their youth peers.

+ Nominations are taken seriously. The nomination process will close on July 1, 2011 and the selection process then begins.

A decision regarding YMT members will be made by mid-August. Appointments will be made by President Klettke. Please pray that the Lord guide the selection of folks with a heart for Jesus, His ministry and a love for Youth.

Click here to download a nomination form for youth and adults. Please use this form to submit any nominations.

30 Days of Prayer for Short-Term Mission Teams in New Jersey

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:06:00 -0400

30 Days of Prayer for our Short Term Mission teams in New Jersey - June 12th to July 11th
Download a copy of the "30 Days of Prayer" guide here.

Our Short Term Mission Teams & Schedules:

+ Trinity in Lansing, IL here June 12-19

+ First Lutheran in Hot Springs, AR here June 18-24

+ Concordia in Kirkwood, MO here July 8-11

June 12th (Sunday)
-Pray for the worship services at the churches sending mission teams (Trinity in Lansing, IL; First Lutheran in Hot Springs, AR; Concordia in Kirkwood, MO). Pray for God to be opening hearts & minds in N. Bergen. Pray for travel safety for all missionaries as they come & go.

June 13th
-Pray for Kyle Seibert, our Urban Mission Center coordinator who arrives today; pray for God to powerfully use him to help with the planting of this new worshipping community in N Bergen.

June 14th
-Pray for boldness & discernment in our Prayer Walking teams.

June 15th
-Pray for all the medical needs of the missionaries. Pray for the family members of those going on the mission trips.

June 16th
-Consider joining Pastor Jim in fasting on Thursdays; Jesus said in Matthew 9:15 that His disciples would fast until He returned. If you are new to fasting, possibly just fast for one meal on this day as we focus on missions.

June 17th
-Pray for the mission team from Hot Springs as they pack. Pray for the Trinity team as they pack their bags & load up

June 18th
-Pray specifically for travel safety for the Hot Springs mission team. Pray for the mission teams to bring a blessing back to their churches.

June 19th (Sunday)
-Pray for Pastor Casachahua, our N. Bergen pastor for our new worshiping community; pray for discernment in how to follow up with all of the people the Holy Spirit will introduce us to through Prayer Walking. Pray for the Trinity team as it drives back to Lansing, IL and their church

June 20th
-Pray for Pastor Lazarchak and the members of Zion in Maywood as they are the sponsors for the new house church plant in N Bergen

June 21st
- Pray for the live Skype conversation between our youth who are planting a church through Prayer Walking and those in attendance at the Five Two Wiki Conference in TX (on the 22nd of June). Learn more about the conference at: http://www.fivetwo.com/home.html

June 22nd
-Pray for the new worshipping community being gathered in N Bergen that God would raise up leaders to help establish this ministry.

June 23rd
-Pray for the relationships which the missionaries are building in the community. Consider joining with Pastor Jim in fasting today (part/all)

June 24th
-Pray for the mission team from Hot Springs as they head home. Pray for those who attended the Five Two Wiki Conference in Katy, TX as they head home.

June 25th
- Pray for the Elders at Zion in Maywood as they assist through the pastoral office to help build up this new house church plant.

June 26th (Sunday)
- Pray for the mission vision in your congregation & how to gather groups beyond the walls of your church.

June 27th
-Pray for a smooth transition with the new relationships which have been established among people in N Bergen the Holy Spirit led us to

June 28th
-Pray for partners to be raised up in the N Bergen community who come along side us in our church planting effort.

June 29th
-Pray for the people of N Bergen who the Holy Spirit is leading us to, that they see God’s hand at work

June 30th
-Pray for members of the NJ District to follow God’s leading and share the Gospel beyond the walls of their local churches. Consider joining with Pastor Jim in fasting today (part/all)

July 1st
-Pray for many to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.

July 2nd
-Pray for all those who are helping with feeding our missionaries

July 3rd (Sunday)
-Pray for our eyes to be open so we can see God’s answer to prayer. Pray for us to have thankful hearts and minds.

July 4th
-Pray for all things to be done for the glory of God.

July 5th
- Pray for the relationships among the mission team members

July 6th
- Pray for the personal faith of the mission team members to grow through their experience here.

July 7th
-Pray that no tests faced by the mission team members become temptations. Consider joining with Pastor Jim in fasting today (part/all)

July 8th
-Pray for the worship concert led by HiLights, the youth musical mission team from Concordia in Kirkwood, MO; tonight & tomorrow

July 9th
-Pray for our new House Church Planters training track available through the NJ District’s Leaders & Learners. Pray for those considering enrolling. Pray for many new church planters to be raised up across NJ

July 10th (Sunday)
- Pray for HiLights as they help with worship on Sunday am at Redeemer, Westfield & at Jersey City, in the evening at the outdoor concert for the community (it will be held on the new patio the team built for Tumaini Kristo our Kenyan immigrant congregation there)

July 11th
- Pray for HiLights as they finish their service project, do some sight seeing & pack for tomorrow’s trip to Freedom, PA; pray for safe travel.

+ + +

House Church Planter Training Track
“Churches Without Walls”
http://www.njdistrict.org/church-planting/

2011 NJ Jam
“Fixing Your Eyes On Jesus”
Nov 5th at St Paul’s in Flemington, NJ

2012 Mission Summit
Feb 11th at Redeemer in Westfield, NJ

Contact Rev. Jim Buckman, the New Jersey District's Urban Mission Strategist.

Churches Without Walls Mission Summit

Thu, 05 May 2011 11:43:00 -0400

Saturday, May 21 - 8:30am to 12:30pm - Redeemer Lutheran Church (Westfield, NJ)

Share these informational resources in your congregations:

We are familiar with ministry in the pew. From the pew we sing songs, lift up prayers, cherish the liturgy, hear the message, make our way to the Lord's table, confess our sins & hear our absolution. From our favorite pew we see children baptized, adults married and our elders buried.

We are familiar with ministry in the pew. Easter is coming; once again we will see lots of faces in church, who will then disappear until Christmas. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the pew population drops and those who make church budgets balance can grow anxious. A logical question we ask is, "How do we get more people in these pews?"

Jesus was not familiar with ministry in the pew. His pulpit was in the public square. One person's wedding was His opportunity to reveal His glory. Another person's occupation of fishing was His opportunity to share God's vision for ministry. Every Saturday, He was in the synagogues; not many pews there (or Christians today). The Lord's Supper was first celebrated in a stranger's house; His baptism took place in front of a crowd filled with strangers in a public river. For the first 350 years of Church history, we could not count on the legal right to own property or pews; yet the Church grew tremendously!

Good ministry happens in the pew; ministry which must continue. Yet, we have to move ministry beyond the pews and even beyond the property line of our churches.

This is what the best research tells us:

70% of Christians do not want to go to a church building to experience God.
75% of the Christians who do not go to a church building; will watch at least 2 hours of religious broadcasting every week.
5% of children come to a church building to experience God.

Join us for the 2011 Mission Summit on Saturday, May 21 and learn from Lutheran pastors and members from our priesthood of all believers:

How does a local church connect Christians together into community outside our church buildings?
How does an urban church with seemingly very limited resources serve the crowds right outside their doors?
How do we help these newly formed groups develop into chartered congregations?
How do identify, mentor & train church workers who already live right here?

We are pleased to have Rev. Jon Beyer from First Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Hot Springs, AR join us. Pastor Beyer is a personal friend of mine. By God's grace, his church has planted a church which now has 700 in worship; growing to this in just 5 years. Pastor Beyer will be sharing the approaches his church uses to connect with community organizations like the YMCA and civic leaders.

We also welcome Rev. Quentin Poulson who serves as the National Outreach Director for Black Ministry in our church body. He brings decades of urban mission experience to the table and will share the very best in "Partnering to Form Urban Mission Centers".

One of our first House Churches we planted in NJ was Anchor of Hope in Westfield, NJ. This House Church which was planted in the business district of Westfield, now worships twice a month (with communion) in the Robert Treat Deli. The owners of this Deli were unchurched prior to our Prayer Walking. Hear from Jane Basuino the team leader & her pastor- Rev Paul Kritsch as they share their Mission and Ministry plan for the next 12 months.

Additional Topics Include:

"Social Media & Gospel Outreach"
"Immigrant House Church Planting"
"Congregational Prayer Ministry"
"Congregational Prayer Ministry"
"Financial Foundations for Ministry"
"Easy Ways to Share Your Faith With People of other Faiths"
"Demographic tools for your ministry in the Public Square"
"Community Leadership Counsels"
"Worship in the Public Square"
"Non Residential Tracks to Certification & Ordination"

To cover transportation costs for our speakers, your breakfast & the handouts; there will be a suggested $10 donation. If you can give more; it would be appreciated- any extra donations left over will go to support my mission work and will be kept at my account in the New Jersey District. The District can process credit cards or take checks; please make them out to "NJ District" and note "Mission Summit" on the memo line. Our office is located at: 1168 Springfield Ave, Mountainside, NJ 07092.

To register, speak with Elaine Schleifer at the New Jersey District Office at 908-233-8111 or contact her via email.

2011 Summer Camp & Servant Event

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:21:00 -0400

Registration is now open for the 2011 New Jersey District Summer Youth Camp (July 17-22) AND the 2011 New Jersey District Senior High Servant Event (June 26-July 2).

The Summer Youth Camp welcomes campers in 4th - 8th Grades to a week of fun, Bible learning, adventure and more at Refreshing Mountain Camp in Stevens, PA (near Lancaster). Daily chapels, Bible encounters, and faith talk times will be led by our own New Jersey and English District pastors, church workers, and lay people-- giving our youth an opportunity to know Christ in a deeper way and to grow in their faith. In addition to our regular activities, Refreshing Mountain offers a full sized pool with a diving board, water slide and water playground, a 30-foot climbing tower, archery, zip line and gymnasium.

The Senior High Servant Event is for youth entering 9th - 12th Grades, and will include service opportunities, Bible learning, and a special whitewater rafting adventure day in Altoona, PA. This servant event is being coordinated by the New Jersey District through TEAMeffort Youth Missions.

For more information about both of these programs and how to register, visit the Summer Camp page at the New Jersey District website.

Lutheran School Funding Academy

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:50:00 -0500

Location: Concordia College—New York, Bronxville

Dates: May 23 – 25, 2011 (Mon 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Tues 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wed 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

It’s all about the kids. It's all about the opportunity to share Jesus’ love in our classrooms and in our community. It’s all about Him.

Unless there is a strong fiscal foundation for a school, the forum for teacher student interaction is limited. Unless there is a clear plan for the fiscal operation of a school, it will not reach its potential and children will not be able to hear the message of Jesus’ love in their classrooms.

Funding Academy I is an intense, three-day workshop which empowers participants to understand their current methods of school funding, compare their model to that used by others, and expand their knowledge to improve and enhance the direction of their school.

There are many components to a well‐funded school. Lutheran School Funding Academies provide the opportunity to explore a wide array of practical topics that chart the direction of your school for years to come!

Topics:
• Business Action Plan
• Fiscal Leadership
• Financial Fundamentals
• Marketing
• Strategic Planning
• Seats and Students
• Admissions
• Gift Development
• Stewardship
• Technology

The Funding Academy Is Not Just for Schools!
The business of school and congregation ministries has much in common. Academy leaders will help us extract the fundamentals of the school discussion for application in congregations.

Intended Audience:
• Administrators, business managers, pastors and anyone involved in managing ministry business
• Schools and congregations
• Bring a team!

Expenses and Funding:
• The Academy is jointly sponsored by the Atlantic, Eastern, New England and New Jersey districts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
• Participants will pay a registration fee which will include meals.
• Participants will be responsible for their individual transportation and accommodations (some districts may offer financial assistance for this).
• Concordia dormitory housing will be available as a low-cost alternative to hotels.

Registration & Scholarship Information:
For the benefit of your ministry the New Jersey District is cosponsoring this event with funds available from Lutheran Church Extension Fund. You will be responsible for transportation, accommodations, and a registration fee, which will cover meals. Concordia College is offering accommodations at a rate far more economical than a hotel if you so choose.

To encourage your attendance the District will also offer financial assistance toward your church's expenses, through a NJ District Mission Grant. We have $200 scholarships for the first 20 churches or schools that register.
• Registration Form
• New Jersey District Scholarship Application
• Information Letter to Share With Your School/Principal & Congregation/Pastor

For more information, contact Caren Vogt via email.