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Pre-Assembly Workshops

Workshops will be held online via Zoom on THURSDAY, MAY 9

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6:30 PM - 7:45 PM - Group Welcome and Workshops (Session 1)

8:00 PM - 9:15 PM - Group Welcome and Workshops (Session 2)

 

Each workshop will be offered twice so that you can attend two workshops. This year we will use one zoom meeting.

Once signed on, you can stay on the whole time even through the 15-minute break. Each time block will begin with a brief welcome and introduction to everyone before breaking out into our specific groups.  Each workshop will be 1 hour in length. 

​Workshop Descriptions

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  • 2025 Spending Plan Workshop

Learn about the Synod Council's proposed 2025 spending plan to support our synod ministries, from ministries within New Jersey to worldwide missions.
Leader: Synod Treasurer Jim Harris

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  • 25 Years of Mission in Wittenberg      

In this workshop, Pastor Bridget will talk about her ministry in Germany, the past, present, and future of the ELCA Wittenberg Center, and the mission of the ELCA in Europe.
Leader: The Rev. Bridget Gautieri, Coordinator, ELCA Wittenberg Center, Leipzig  

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  • Proposed Synod Constitution and Bylaws and Review      

At the 2024 NJ Synod Assembly, we will be voting on the adoption of the proposed Constitution and Bylaw changes approved and commended by the Synod Council. The proposed Constitution and Bylaw revision follows a complete review of Synod governing documents to ensure compliance with the ELCA Model Constitution for Synods, to reflect current Synod practice, and to maximize flexibility within the governance of the Synod. Come learn about the proposed changes, hear the rationale, and ask any questions in advance of the Assembly.
Leader: Synod Secretary Pastor Blake Scalet

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  • Stand Against Christian Nationalism

Christian Nationalism is not Christian.  Join the conversation and learn about how this political ideology takes shape in New Jersey.  Take action to address the heresy of our time.  
Leaders: Pastor Sara Lilja, Assistant to the Bishop for Advocacy and Justice, and Pastor Serena Rice, Abiding Peace, Budd Lake

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  • Congregational Generosity and Stewardship Ministry!

This workshop will review seven (7) practices that foster congregational generosity, allowing its members to claim and proclaim God’s abundance in their life. 
Leader: Pastor Dean Brown, Assistant to the Bishop for Stewardship

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  • Mission Partnerships: The Beauty of Singing Together in Relational Harmony

Our collaboration with partners is like creating a choir. We recognize that our ministries need the collaboration of many voices and musicians. We invite you to have a conversation with us about the beauty of relational harmony. The mission developers will share with you their experiences with collaboration and partnership. We will talk about what it means to be in partnership, the importance of exploring expectations, things to take into consideration when managing relationships with partners, and how growing together may look when cultivating relationships.
Leaders: NJ Synod Mission Developers

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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