Dear GNJ Leaders and our congregations,
This month marks the 53rd anniversary of The United Methodist Church, which was created on April 23, 1968.
The following are essential actions and information for this week. We encourage you to read this information carefully as it impacts your congregations and your communities.
1. GNJ welcomes Enger Muteteke as a new Director of Resourcing – All Clergy and Laity
GNJ has hired Rev. Enger Muteteke, senior pastor at both Good Shepherd UMC and Lifegate UMC, to be a new Director of Resourcing. To learn more about Rev. Muteteke and all that she will bring to our Conference in her new role as well as other appointments for this week, visit here.
2. UMCOR Grants Available – All Clergy and Laity
UMCOR is awarding Mustard Seed Migration Grants of up to $2,000 to 50 United Methodist churches in the United States to engage in new, one-time community-based service projects focused on refugees and migration. The deadline to apply is May 16. For more details and to apply, visit here.
3. Vaccine Distribution Expands – All Clergy and Laity
Gov. Murphy yesterday announced that more than three-quarters of New Jerseyans over the age of 65 have been vaccinated, bringing the total number to about two million. Starting this Monday all restrictions will be lifted in New Jersey for those 16 and older. For all the latest updates related to the vaccine, click here. Additional details in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, including educational resources to share with your congregations, are also available.
4. Native American Ministries Sunday (NAMS) – All Clergy and Laity
This Sunday is the typical day to celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday (NAMS) when collections taken that day go toward scholarships for United Methodist Native American seminarians. It helps to develop and strengthen Native American ministries in GNJ, Native American rural, urban, reservation ministries and communities relating to the General Board of Global Ministries. Native Americans bring many unique languages, cultures and mores to their 124 churches, including GNJ’s St. John’s Fordville. To learn more, including additional upcoming events, click here.
In Christ,
GNJ Leadership
Quick links to information in this email:
New Appointments
UMCOR Grants
Vaccination Updates
CoNAM webpage