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Pre-Assembly Workshops

Workshops will be held online via Zoom on MONDAY, JUNE 2

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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 will be offered twice so that you can attend two workshops. We will use one zoom meeting.

Once signed on, you can stay on the whole time even through the 15-minute break.  Each workshop will be 1 hour in length. 

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

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​Youth Ministry Calendar: Exciting Adventures Await!

Join us to get a first look at the 2025 and 2026 youth ministry calendars! Discover all the fun and engaging opportunities we have in store for the coming year and get inspired to make a meaningful impact in your youth community!    

Leaders: Youth Ministry Mission Team

 

2026 Spending Plan Workshop

Learn about the Synod Council's proposed 2026 spending plan to support our synod ministries, from ministries within New Jersey to worldwide missions.   

Leader: Synod Treasurer Jim Harris

 

Transforming White Privilege Presents: The Danger of a Single Story A discussion based on a TED talk from Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Most of us hold unexamined single stories; they are part of every culture. One part of understanding white culture and white privilege, and their consequences, has to do with how single stories reinforce dominant ideas about what is normal, who is considered dangerous and in need of control, or about what is assumed to be refined or good or best. You will discover how we all carry single stories and the ways they reflect broad cultural ideas, values, and assumptions. 

Leaders: Pastor Susan Nelson-Colaneri and Cindy Henry

 

Boldness and Courage – Testimonies of God’s Belovedness

Join the conversation with leaders of our mission starts and strategic ministries on expanding the loving reach of God’s grace by sharing stories and testimonies. Together we will explore ways to be present and respond with love, care, and mercy to our neighbors, to the vulnerable, to those in the margin and those being marginalized.

Leaders: Mission Developers, Strategic Ministers, and Pastor Maristela Freiberg

 

Growing Financial Generosity: Your Annual Appeal

This workshop will cover beliefs and practices making for a faithful, effective and inspiring annual stewardship appeal. 

Leader: Pastor Dean Brown

 

Advocacy in New Jersey

Come learn about future plans for Advocacy in New Jersey.  This workshop will review current efforts to protect the most vulnerable and discuss future priorities as we lift up our sacred values. Most importantly, you will learn how you can get involved!  

Leader: Pastor Sara Lilja

 

2025 Synod Assembly Resolutions and Memorials

This workshop is an opportunity for discussion of the 2025 Assembly Resolutions and Memorial that will be voted on at the assembly. 

Leaders: The Committee of Reference and Counsel

 

NJ Climate Action, Advocacy, Activism – Updates from the Bishop’s Challenge Team

The Bishop's Challenge team will provide updates on the challenge, give information on some current NJ climate advocacy/activism efforts, and generate some ideas and questions from the group to help us plan for Care of Creation Justice Group activity after the challenge and how we can support congregations with their ongoing sustainability initiatives. 

Leaders: The Bishop’s Challenge Team

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1930 State Highway 33

Hamilton Square, NJ 08690

609-586-6800

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© 2025 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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