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.
Imagine No Malaria Provides Advent Resources
This Advent season, let Imagine No Malaria help you and your congregation imagine a world filled with hope, joy and love through a collection of downloadable materials that includes sermon starters, hymn suggestions and children's messages. Additional materials include litanies, prayers, and a short video that can be shared in small groups or the congregation.
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IGNITE Video Devotionals
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GNJ NEWS
A Message from Bishop Schol on Hurricane Matthew
When people hurt, United Methodists help. Haiti has experienced mass devastation following Hurricane Matthew. Bishop Schol has asked GNJ United Methodists to step up and put faith into action. Click here to read the Bishop's statement and find out how you can help our Haitian sisters and brothers who are suffering.
GNJ Leadership Evaluation Update
Thank you to everyone who completed the GNJ Leadership Evaluation. The results are posted on the website here. We are creating staff teams to review the results and set goals for improving our service. We will keep you posted on our action steps.
The Connection
How can we talk about race well? Where can we start the conversation? This week, take a look at Director of Small Groups, Rev. Beth Caulfield's new blog post exploring racial paranoia and small groups. Click here to read and respond.
2016 Fall Advanced Lay Servant Registration
Save the date: 2017 Bishop Convocation
The 2017 Bishop Convocation will be held January 23-25, 2017, at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, NJ. Come for renewal, learning, and fellowship. Registration opens Nov. 1, 2016.
Bishop's Days
Southern Region: Laity - Wed. 12/14 - 7:00 pm - UMC of Mantua
Northern Region: Laity - Wed. 11/09 - 7:00 pm - Little Falls UMC
Clergy - Thurs. 11/10 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Little Falls UMC
Central Region: Clergy - Thurs. 12/08 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Aldersgate UMC
Laity - Thurs. 12/08 - 7:00 pm - Aldersgate UMC
Cluster Church Conference Worship Resource
Since many churches will be celebrating their church conferences in groups, Director of Worship, Eric Drew, created worship resources for individual churches to use with their own congregations. Click here to download Cluster Church Conference worship resources that provide worship elements any church can use on a Sunday morning to celebrate their church conference.
Calling All Worship Leaders in GNJ - Nov. 12
Doxology: A Worship Conference sponsored by the Central Region and hosted by renown worship leader Kurtis Parks will bring together leaders from around GNJ for a day of learning new ways to embrace the worship experience. Find out more and register here and watch the video above.
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Explore New Approaches at GNJ Small Group Symposium
Clergy and local seminary students are invited to explore a variety of small group approaches, emerging trends, challenges and theological perspectives at a symposium sponsored by the Northern Region Resource Team. On Oct. 20 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Drew Theological School, experts from Greater New Jersey and beyond will lead panels followed by discussions and workshops. Cost is $30 for clergy and $15 for students. Click here for more information from our website.
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Open House at The Shores UM Communities
On Oct. 19, The Shores at Wesley Manor in Ocean City will be hosting an Open House to celebrate newly-completed households. With a casual drop-in format, the event will feature refreshments, giveaways and tours. Click here for more information.
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UMC NEWS
Global Mission Fellows Application Opens
The application period for the 2016-2017 class of Global Mission Fellows began on Sept. 30. Online informational sessions for those interested in learning more about the program will be held on Nov. 16, and Dec. 14. To register for an information session, click here. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2017. The application can be accessed here.
New Overtime Rule Means Church Changes
A new U.S. federal regulation makes more workers eligible for overtime pay, and churches are among the employers affected. Click here to find out more information.
Agency Plans Faith and Guns Forum
The United Methodist Board of Church and Society will hold the Faith and Guns Forum on Nov. 16 where attendees will learn about gun violence, gun control legislation and strategies for coalition building and mobilizing congregations to be the change God calls Christians to be. Read details.
Laity Sunday: Tips for Involving Members
United Methodists observe Laity Sunday on Oct. 16 as a day to include church members in the planning and execution of the worship service, but other days can be chosen as well. Click here to explore seven tips for including members in the service.
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Health Insurance News
Energizing event for young clergy
Join revitup! on Nov. 7-9 at B Resort & Spa in Lake Buena Vista (Orlando), Florida to strengthen personal, financial and leadership skills, network, engage in one-on-one consultations with class instructors and field experts, and or earn continuing education units. (CEUs). Click here for more information and to register.
Clergy Benefits Academy Conference
Mark your calendar for Feb. 6-8, 2017 for the Clergy Benefits Academy Conference in Pensacola Beach, Florida. Take part in a unique opportunity to learn about the many benefit issues that affect your life and ministry. Clergy of all ages are welcome and education units are available to earn. Click here for more information and to register.
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Communication News and Tips
Relay Upgrade
When you receive the October issue of The Relay newspaper, you may notice some changes. We have improved our paper quality and are publishing in full color. We have been able to implement this upgrade while at the same time reducing the cost. We hope you enjoy!
Tech Assistant and Other Career Opportunities
GNJ is seeking a Technical Assistant to support the Communications Dept. Click here for more info. Job opportunities in Greater New Jersey are available to browse on the web. From youth directors, Sunday School teachers, musicians and custodians, you can click here to see the latest postings.
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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.
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