Message from Bishop Schol | GNJ Appointments, Retirements and Open Churches

Dear Friends in Christ,

I continue to be inspired by the ways GNJ congregations are faithfully and effectively serving in the midst of change. You are seizing new opportunities and adapting ministry to connect during these times. Thank you.
 
Essential to congregational ministry and vitality is lay and clergy leadership. I give thanks for our clergy and congregations who faithfully engage in an itinerant system. Our Wesleyan itinerant system is built on Isaiah 6:8, I heard the Lord’s voice, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
 
This week we officially begin the appointment season as we review all appointments and appoint clergy to new appointments. The cabinet will be in a retreat this week to review all appointments and look to the opportunities and challenges congregations and clergy are facing and prepare to make appointments. The cabinet and I ask for your prayers. You may read about how we discern and make appointments here.

Retirements
New announcements for 2022 for clergy retirements can be found here. I invite you to join me in praying for and thanking our 2022 class of retirees. They have served the church faithfully and changed hearts and lives of people.
 
New Appointments
Each Sunday by 1:00 p.m. the announcement of new appointments will be posted on the website. We anticipate that we will start making appointment announcements on January 30. On the web pages is also information about how the cabinet works with clergy, SPRC, and the congregations to make appointments. Click here to view the appointment pages. 
 
Open Churches
You may find the list of open churches that the cabinet is presently considering by clicking here. Clergy who are interested in being considered for one of these churches are to let their superintendent know by Sunday at 6:00 p.m. and share why you believe you will serve the congregation well.

As United Methodists, we have a unique connection that is built on prayer, dedication to Wesleyan values, and working together to fulfill a common mission to make disciples for the transformation of the world. In GNJ, we are becoming servant leaders with a deepening commitment to local and world mission, and transformational leaders to make disciples and grow vital congregations to transform the world. We are blessed that in our diversity of thought, culture and practice, we remain unified to Christ’s mission. Thank you for your service to Christ, the church, the community and the world.

Keep the faith!
 
John
 
Bishop John Schol
The United Methodists of
Greater New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania