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Bishop Calls for GNJ Support of West Virginia

In a message to the conference, Bishop Schol called for prayer and support for the people of West Virginia suffering from devastating flooding. He called all congregations to take a special offering. Click here to read the Bishop's statement and find out how you can help.

Preston has a Message for You! Watch here

Renowned Youth speaker and South Jersey native Preston Centuolo naturally speaks to the hearts of youth, helping them see beyond obstacles to seize their own unique purpose. Last week, Centuolo took his message to Creation Festival, this fall he brings it to IGNITE. Find out more about Centuolo's story here. You’re invited to join over 1,000 students, grades 6-12 at IGNITE in Wildwood. Find out more about speakers, performers, lodging, schedule and registration here.

IGNITE Scholarship Fund

You can be a part of changing the life of a young person. Donate to the IGNITE scholarship fund and invest in the spiritual growth and inspiration of youth. Click here to donate. Names of donors will be included in the IGNITE conference booklet.

2016 Laity Leadership Academy

Try out one of four specialty tracks at the Laity Academy. From expert assistance and guidance in creating vital small group ministries, an evangelism church, powerful worship experience, and social media ministry, the Academy serves to equip and empower laity leaders.

Sept. 10, 7:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at The Mission and Resource Center. Find out more and register here.

United Methodists throughout the conference are working toward the goal of $12 million to help rebuild homes, save lives and inspire local church mission. Learn how you and your congregation can join the campaign.

Pressing on Toward the Goal

More than 75 GNJ churches have already reached or exceeded the mark of serving the goal of the mission fund. $12 million is needed to average donations equaling $90 per worshiper, per year. Press on toward the goal by teaming up with GNJ churches spreading hope. Click here to see the list of Mission Fund churches members and find out what hope circle your congregation belongs in.

Paper Strips Test for Malaria

For people in remote areas struggling to get access to medical care, a new breakthrough testing technique has emerged in the fight against malaria. Chemists at the Ohio State University are in the process of developing paper strips that can detect malaria. Read the story here and together, let's continue to eliminate the virus.

Day of Hope

St. Paul Church and Day Care is having a Day of Hope, Health and Family Fair providing health screenings, games, and entertainment. Funds will be raised for A Future With Hope and Imagine No Malaria. Aug. 27, 11 am - 3 pm at 739 Mt. Prospect Ave, Newark, NJ. For more information call 973-485-0420 or email pastorrolando12@gmail.com

A Future With Hope is the mission arm of the United Methodist Church of Greater NJ dedicated to helping families with Sandy recovery and developing Communities of Hope resourcing for our congregations.

Race 2 Rebuild

Will you join the race? Race2Rebuild has partnered with A Future With Hope to bring national awareness and important financial support to our work of recovery in New Jersey. The DelMosports Atlantic City Triathlon and 5K on August 14 is dedicated to Sandy recovery with funds supporting A Future With Hope. Find out more and sign up to race here

More Homes Rebuilt

A Future With Hope has now rebuilt a total of 239 homes with the help of 11,260 volunteers from 44 states, DC and Canada. There are active projects in several coastal communities throughout the state including Toms River, Atlantic City, and Tuckerton.

Central Region Day of Learning

Registration for Doxology: A Worship Conference is now open. Join worship leader Kurtis Parks for a time of learning, sharing and spiritual growth, and worship with leaders from around the conference for a day of exploring new ways to bring the worship experience to life. Nov. 12, 2016. Find out more and register here.

Drew University Summer Music Institute

The Summer Music Institute brings together pastors, laity, and musicians, as well as renowned worship leaders and experts in liturgy, movement, music and ritual from across the globe. Featuring Rev. Tanya Linn Bennett, Mark Miller, and many others, the intensive study of sung and spoken word and worship will feature dancing, singing, and praise. July 28-29. Click here to see schedule, speakers, and register.

Conference Journals

The 2016 Conference Journal will be available for review and download on the website. If you’d like a bound, printed copy, click here to order. Printed journals are available free to all retired clergy upon request and all others for a fee of $18. No CD-ROMs will be produced this year. Deadline for ordering a hard copy journal is August 15.

GNJ NEWS

Fund Balance Reports Due

As a friendly reminder if your church has not already done so, please send in your Fund Balance Report (Audit) as soon as possible. They were due June 1. The Fund Balance Report (Audit) must be dated and signed.

Northeast Jurisdictional Conference

Quilted by Connection is the theme for the 2016 Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC, to be held July 11-15 at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, Lancaster, Pa. Click here for more information about next week's conference.

GNJ News Stories

Click here to check out a fresh batch of news stories from around Greater New Jersey. From Mt. Holly UMC's Community Day to Archer UMC's America's Got Talent star Grace VanderWaal, we've got you covered.

Central Region Administrative Assistant Position Open

GNJ is seeking an experienced administrative assistant who is committed to excellence to join our dynamic team of talent. The position is key to our maintenance to mission plan which will support our mission to recruit and equip spiritual leaders to make disciples and grow vital congregations to transform the world. Please click here to view position requirements and apply.

Start or Grow a Campus Ministry with a Grant

Is your church near a college campus? Do you imagine starting or expanding a campus ministry and need support? GNJ's Board of Higher Education and Ministry is offering a limited number of grants of $1,000, to help you start or grow your campus ministry. Grant money will be distributed in 2016, in time for you to welcome students to campuses for the fall semester. Click here for more information and to complete the grant application. Deadline: July 15, 2016,

Effective Ministry Offered by Mission U

Speak the language of Jesus at The Cooperative School of Christian Mission’s Mission U annual education opportunity. Providing effective ministry for local churches across Greater New Jersey, Mission U is coordinated and co-sponsored by GNJ United Methodist Women. All are welcome to be a part of Mission U! Click here for event details.

Certified Lay Ministers Scholarships

Limited scholarship opportunities are being offered by The Board of Laity for people in the Certified Lay Ministry process who cannot afford the psychological assessment fee. Click here to find out more.

UMC NEWS

Flood Relief in West Virginia

The West Virginia Conference has created a special relief fund and is gearing up for other efforts as the state copes with flooding that claimed at least 23 lives and damaged hundreds of homes. Read the conference announcement here.

Poll Shows What Draws People to Church

According to a United Methodist Communications survey, opportunities for spiritual growth and authentic community are top motivators for young adults to attend church. Read the story here.

WEBSITE TIPS

Downloads Available

Forms, applications, logos, branding, and other documents regularly used by our congregational leaders in their ministry are all available to download here.

Job Opportunities Throughout GNJ

Seeking a new direction or know someone searching for work? Click here to browse the various job opportunities posted by our churches throughout Greater New Jersey.

How to Get in The Relay and Digest

Have a good story idea for The Relay? Contact Josh Kinney at jkinney@gnjumc.org, Do you have information for The Digest? Contact gnjdigest@gnjumc.org. The deadline to send news for the following month's Relay is the 15th of each month. The deadline to send news to the Digest is noon every Tuesday.