Dear Clergy and Congregational Leaders,
The following are the essential actions and information for this week:
1. Remote Annual Conference Session October 5 and 6 – All Laity and Clergy Members to the Annual Conference
The virtual annual conference session is scheduled for October 5 and 6. The agenda and all pre-conference materials are online and available here. The pre-conference workbook is also being printed and will be received by clergy and lay members to annual conference by mid-September. All members are urged to review the legislation in advance and attend a pre-conference legislative information session where you will learn about the legislation and how to speak and vote during the annual conference session. There are three different sets of legislative sessions covering different legislation. You may find more information about the legislative sessions here. Additionally, we have set up a Frequently Asked Questions page for you to have your questions addressed in advance. You can submit questions here. Registration is now open and includes information on accommodating members with different technology needs. Only voting members need to register. All guests and visitors are invited to participate in Annual Conference via live stream on GNJ’s YouTube page.
2. Clergy Session of Annual Conference – All Clergy
The Clergy Session of Annual Conference is scheduled for Friday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please save the date now. and registration for the session will be open next week.
3. Installation of Rev. William M. Williams as Gateway North District Superintendent – All
Bishop John Schol and the Cabinet invite you to celebrate the installation for Rev. William M. Williams, III, Gateway North District Superintendent on Saturday, September 12 at 4:00 p.m. The event will be held live and streamed on GNJ’s YouTube channel. All are welcome and encouraged to join us for this special occasion as we honor Rev. Williams’ ministry and future ministry.
4. Reopening the MRC and Local Church Buildings – All Clergy, Trustee Chairpersons and Church Council Chairpersons
The Mission and Resource Center will remain closed for all programing and events through December 31, 2020. The building is only open to essential employees and worship services broadcast conference-wide. Staff will not move back to the MRC before November 1, 2020, but this will continue to be monitored. Our goal is zero spread of COVID-19 through United Methodist activities. All congregations in GNJ are to continue to follow the guidelines established by their governors and create a plan according to GNJ guidelines that can be found below.
New Jersey New York Pennsylvania GNJ Guidelines
Thank you for your ministry and leadership.
In Christ,
GNJ Leadership
Quick links to items in this email:
Annual Conference Materials and Agenda
Legislative Information Sessions
Frequently Asked Questions page
GNJ’s YouTube page
Clergy Session of Annual Conference
Installation of Rev. William M. Williams as Gateway North District Superintendent
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
GNJ Guidelines