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IGNITING a Movement
“You’re not born a winner? You’re not born a loser! YOU ARE BORN A CHOSER!!! IGNITE 2016 speaker-Will Green (former NFL running back -born and raised in Atlantic City, NJ)
WOW! It is difficult to capture the energy of over 1,200 youth, youth leaders and pastors gathered this past weekend at the IGNITE 2016. All those attending this past weekend’s event at the Wildwood Convention Center we’re encouraged, equipped and challenged to life-changing, world-shaping faith, through powerful messages and Spirited high energy music. Let there be light! Was the theme based on 1 Thessalonians 5:5a “You are children of the light!”. Each of the components of this event underscored that God made each person unique and for a purpose. The teens and leaders were reminded that God is with them through all the challenges in life and calls them to walk in the light and reflect God’s light as they are actively serving and leading in the world.
By all accounts IGNITE 2016 was a rousing success. Attendance has continued to grow by hundreds, year over year. The quality continues to be national caliber, bringing a diverse group of some of the nation’s top Christian speakers and musicians to lead in worship and challenge and equip our young people.
THANKS to ALL those in the local congregations that helped to raise funds and support sending youth from your congregation and community! Thanks to all the youth leaders and pastors that attended the weekend, giving up their time and sleep, in support and service to an amazing gathering of teens.
Thanks to Bishop John Schol for his bold vision for a youth gathering and movement that continues to grow toward thousands and makes such a deep impact -growing a new generation in faith. Thanks to Eric Drew, Connectional Ministries Director of Worship and Youth ministries/IGNITE and the team of Greater New Jersey Staff and volunteers that put in countless hours to plan, prepare for and serve with excellence.
IGNITE is growing, fueled by God’s Spirit, from a world-class youth weekend to a movement that is transforming young people and youth leaders. Hundreds of teens came forward Saturday night to make commitments to Christ or renew their faith. Challenged to choose to walk with God, grow in the adventure of faith and live as light in the world as bold disciples of Jesus Christ. These young people will change our congregations and God’s world.
Join me in praying with and for them as we do all we can to continue to support, empower and partner WITH them. If young people from your congregation attended IGNITE this past weekend, intentionally plan to provide an opportunity for them to share with in worship and at your next Church Council meeting. Listen to or watch their testimonies and how God blessed and stirred them. Consider how you might grow with them deeper in faith and wider in your reach to God’s world.
At times I hear people share their worries about the present or future. Watch this IGNITE highlight video and celebrate with me that God is lifting up the next generation of strong new disciples for today who will lead us, as children of the Light, into a bold tomorrow.
Here are a couple songs from the IGNITE Blanca's "Greater is He" , Bellarive's "Your Great Love"
Partner in faith,
Pastor Brian
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Church Opportunities and Resources
Church Happenings
Click here to view all the church to church happenings on the Cape Atlantic District. Church events and flyers are updated on a regular basis so you will never miss out. You can also visit the Southern Regional Informational page to view events that are going on throughout the region. If you would like your church event to be posted on the district events page please email capeatlantic@gnjumc.org.
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Southern Region Bishop's Day: Laity Session NEW DATE
Date: Tuesday, November 8
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
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Southern Region Prayer Concerns
- Please keep Rev. Steve Elliott in prayer who continues to recover.
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Church Conference Paperwork
Click here to view the Cape Atlantic District Church Conference schedule online. A friendly reminder that ALL church conference paperwork needs to be completed by Monday, October 10.
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Cluster Church Conference Worship Resource
Click here to download a Super Church Conference worship resource compiled by Eric Drew, Director of Worship, to provide worship elements that any church can use on a Sunday morning to celebrate their church conference.
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Coffee, Conversations, and God: Pastors Share Their Appreciation
Featured on UMC.org, Rev. Marikay Green, pastor of Aura UMC in Monroeville, NJ and Repaupo UMC in Logan, NJ, shared why being a pastor is rewarding work. Click here to read full article.
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GNJ Nominations: Boards and Agencies
The nominations committee is looking for committed disciples of Jesus Christ who have leadership gifts and experience and are ready to join us as we take the next steps in our strategic plans. To recommend a person, or to offer yourself for leadership in one of our agencies, please complete the online survey found here. You can learn more about the purpose of the different boards and agencies by visiting the Connectional Table section in the GNJ website here. Nominations should be submitted by Monday, October 10. Please contact Ginny Kaiser with any questions.
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Korean Food & Culture Festival
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2016
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: First Korean UMC of Cherry Hill
Click here for flyer and free coupon.
The profits from the food and festival will be used to support mission work, Imagine No Malaria and Hurricane Sandy victims.
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Watering the Seed: Grant-Writing to Start or Sustain a Local Ministry
Date: Saturday, November 5
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Breakfast served at 8:30 a.m.)
Location: Korean United Methodist Church, 1995 Marlton East Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Click here to register. Learn the basics of effective grant writing in a fun and collaborative workshop. Click here to share event flyer.
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Catalyst One Day Event
Sponsored by the Southern Region Team of GNJ
Date: Wednesday, November 9
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Lancaster County Bible College, 2392 Mount Joy Rd. Manheim, PA 17545
Cost: 1-9 persons are $119 each and 10 or more persons are $99 each
For more information and to register: Click Here
Questions? Please contact Nicole Toast
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Save the Date: Southern Region Year-End Statistical Report Training
Date: Thursday, December 8
Session 1: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Session 2: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Trinity United Methodist Church, 284 Cedar Road, Mullica Hill NJ 08062
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Save the Date: 2017 Bishop's Clergy Convocation
Date: January 23-25, 2017
Location: Ocean Place Resort, Long Branch NJ
Come for renewal, learning and fellowship. Registration will open November 1.
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Save the Date: "Lone Nut to Revolutionary Leader: unleashing generosity in your congregation"
A Clergy retreat led by Horizons Stewardship
Date: February 22-23, 2017
Location: Congress Hall, Cape May NJ
Registration will open next week.
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2016 Annual Conference Journals
The digital version of the 2016 Annual Conference Journal is now online. Click here to view and download. If you are clergy, a church or a lay servant you can access the clergy and lay member directory by using your Arena log in. If you are a Lay Member, click here to have your credentials verified and we will email you a PDF file of the directory. All pre-ordered printed journals have been mailed.
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