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Pre-Assembly Workshops

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

WORKSHOP ZOOM LINK (Click here)​

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6:30 PM - Gathering and Devotions

6:45 - 7:45 PM - Workshops (Session 1)

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Workshops (Session 2)

 

Each workshop, unless otherwise noted,  will be offered twice so that you can attend two workshops. Once signed on, you can stay on the whole time even through the 15-minute break.  Each one-hour time block will begin with a brief welcome and introduction to everyone before breaking out into our specific groups. 

 

2027 Spending Plan Workshop (Offered in Session 2 only)
Learn about the Synod Council's proposed 2027 spending plan to support our synod ministries, from ministries within New Jersey to worldwide missions.    Leader: Synod Treasurer Jim Harris

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Dreaming a Theme: The Synod Youth Retreat – (Offered in Session 1 only)

Help us discern a theme for our annual November retreat for youth in grades 6 - 12. What messages do our young people need to hear about their faith? How can we carry our theme throughout the retreat? Anyone with a love for youth and young people and a creative side is welcome!  Leaders: Youth Ministry Mission Team

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2027 Youth Activities from NJ to MN! (Offered in Session 2 only)

The Youth Ministry Mission Team has been building a calendar of events from now through summer of 2027: a Somerset Patriots game, a kayaking adventure, and favorite return events like the retreat and the Farminary. We’ll discuss the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis and opportunities for small groups to experience the Gathering with youth from all over the ELCA. You will leave with concrete dates and ideas for ways to involve your youth!  Leaders: Youth Ministry Mission Team

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Basics of a Simple Capital Campaign
Imagine what your congregation can do when the debt is paid! The Congregational Debt Reduction Grant encourages congregations to start a capital campaign to reduce or eliminate their monthly debt payment. The grant will provide funds that match the amount the congregation raises. We will walk through the basics of planning, starting, and sustaining a capital campaign in a small membership congregation. We will talk about a congregation's vision, mission, and what it might expect to raise over a three-year campaign, and we will offer ways to cultivate generosity as congregations consider what new possibilities the Holy Spirit might be guiding them to once the debt has been paid.   Leaders: Pastor Dean Brown and Pastor Jim Krombholz

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Advocacy in New Jersey
Join us for a conversation about how we can love and advocate with those who are experiencing food insecurity in our state. We will also discuss challenges facing our state as a result of federal funding cuts. Learn how you can help!  Leader: Pastor Sara Lilja, Executive Director, Coalition of Religious Leaders

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Imagining What’s Possible: Latine and Bilingual Worship Practices
If you are wondering how to reach out and begin a Spanish or bilingual worship experience, this workshop invites you into conversation with practitioners who are actively doing this work. Together we will explore ministry models, practices, partnerships, and learnings rooted in Latiné communities, with space for questions, shared wisdom, and practical next steps.     Leaders: Pastor Maristela Freiberg and Practicioners

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2026 Synod Assembly Resolution and Memorial
This workshop is an opportunity for discussion of the 2026 Assembly Resolution and Memorial that will be voted on at the assembly.  Leaders: The Committee of Reference and Counsel
 
A Look at Food Waste
Participants will view a video and engage in a discussion. Learn impacts of food waste through a spiritual, ethical, theological, and ecological lens.  Leader: Deb MacBride, Care for Creation Team
 

1930 State Highway 33

Hamilton Square, NJ 08690

609-586-6800

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© 2026 New Jersey Synod, ELCA
All rights reserved.

“Our synod office is located on land which is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape, called “Lenapehoking.” The Lenape People lived in harmony with one another upon this territory for thousands of years. During the colonial era and early federal period, many were removed west and north, but some also remain among the continuing historical tribal communities of the region: The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation; the Ramapough Lenape Nation; and the Powhatan Renape Nation, The Nanticoke of Millsboro Delaware, and the Lenape of Cheswold Delaware. We acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land and their continuing relationship with their territory. In our acknowledgment of the continued presence of Lenape people in their homeland, we affirm the aspiration of the great Lenape Chief Tamanend, that there be harmony between the indigenous people of this land and the descendants of the immigrants to this land, “as long as the rivers and creeks flow, and the sun, moon, and stars shine.”

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