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 members by mid September. All members are urged to review the legislation in advance and attend one of six scheduled pre-conference legislative sessions to discuss and ask questions on the recommendations that will come before us. This is also where you will learn how to log in for the session and vote. In addition, we have set up a Frequently Asked Questions page for you to have your questions addressed in advance. You can submit questions here. Registration will open by August 31 and will include information on technology required to participate and support for those who will need help with technology.
2. Shared Ministry – Clergy, Finance Chairpersons and Treasurers
As you begin to prepare your 2021 budget, the projected 2021 Shared Ministry calculation for your church may now be accessed on the GNJ website. Click here. This will be the 2021 shared ministry if the proposed budget is passed at the 2020 Annual Conference on October 5-6. The calculation is based on the formula, which sets the Shared Ministry percentage at 15.2% of a congregation’s Shared Ministry base. More information will be shared once a budget is passed at Annual Conference.
3. 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 may start to move back to the MRC after 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
5. Charge Conference – Church Council Chairs and All Clergy Appointed to a Church.
Charge Conferences have been scheduled for the fall for each district. Paperwork is to be completed by September 21. All the information you need to prepare for your church charge conference can be found here.
Thank you for your ministry and leadership.
In Christ,
GNJ Leadership
Quick links to items in this email:
A Journey of Hope
Annual Conference Online Workbook
Annual Conference Legislative Sessions
Annual Conference FAQs
Shared Ministry
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
GNJ Guidelines
Charge Conference