​WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

• 2024 Spending Plan Workshop

Learn about the Synod Council's proposed 2024 spending plan to support our synod ministries, from ministries within New Jersey to worldwide missions.
Leader: Synod Treasurer Jim Harris

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• Vocabulary of  the Anti-Racist       

The workshop will explore vocabulary used in the past and present and the perception the words have about anti-racism. A panel of people will share personal narratives about facing racism and the impact it has on our lives.  Conversation between the panelists and audience about the content of their narratives and vocabulary will be encouraged.  The NJ Synod Anti-Racism team hopes that the conversation will continue to equip people to better interact within congregations and world around them. This forum will educate, heal, and support us as we show up as the body of Christ.  
Leaders: NJ Synod Anti-Racism Team/Dianne Browne
 

• Let’s Talk About Housing      

Housing costs are up 20% around the state! Let's talk about the need for housing that all of our neighbors can afford. View a new Housing Video! 
Leaders: LaMont Rouse and Hannah Peterson

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• Justice Groups Are a Force for Good

Learn about the inspirational work of the Justice Groups!  Food Insecurity, Environmental Justice, Health and Mental Health, Migration Justice and LGBTQIA teams will share their efforts and invite you to join these awesome groups!
Leaders: Justice Group Conveners

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• Loving Generously: Your Congregation’s Annual Appeal 

If you need help in refocusing your congregation's annual appeal for financial giving, this workshop is for you.  We will talk about the 'how' and 'why' for teaching and inviting financial generosity.  Context and information regarding the environment in which we do this work shall be provided.  And important habits, especially for this season in the church's life for growing generosity in our congregations, shall be highlighted.  At the end, Q&A regarding stewardship/generosity practices shall follow. 
Leader: Pastor Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop

• Connecting Congregations in Youth Ministry      

Come learn how to connect with other local congregations to support youth ministry events in your area! Come share your success as well! 
Leaders: Youth Ministry Mission Team

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• Learning to be Church that Shows Up in the Neighborhood      

Grounded in prayer and scripture, join the conversation of taking risks, exploring ways, and discovering what God is already doing in our everyday lives, in our neighborhoods, and communities. Let’s wonder together what God’s possibilities for intentionally being with, building relationships, accompanying, supporting, and blessing neighbors can look like. Come meet with mission re-developers from around the synod to learn how they are following God into the future.
Leaders: Mission Re-Developers and Pastor Maristela Freiberg, Assistant to the Bishop and Dir. Evangelical Mission

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• Advocacy: Federal and State Issues of the Day      

Advocating for justice is part of our baptismal promise, come learn how you can live your faith out loud. Become an advocate today!
Leaders: Pastor Amy Reumann, ELCA Senior Dir. for Witness in Society and Pastor Sara Lilja, Assistant to the Bishop 

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