Dear Clergy and Congregational Leaders,
The following are the essential actions and information for this week:
1. Childcare Resourcing – All churches with childcare facilities and their leaders
Childcare is emerging as one of the key issues facing families and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. GNJ churches who run childcare centers will have significant missional roles to play. A Future With Hope is hosting an information session September 16 at 2:00 p.m. for churches who run childcare centers, house childcare centers or have recently closed a childcare center to learn about new information and grant opportunities that are unfolding. Currently the speakers include Brian C. Ross, Esq. Assistant Commissioner for Legal, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs for the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and Maria Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer of the New Jersey Child Care Association Board of Trustees. For information.
2. 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 within a week. Registration is now open and will close September 30. The online information shares how we will accommodate the participation of all 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.
3. Asking Legislative Questions at Annual Conference – All Laity and Clergy Members to the Annual Conference
In order to facilitate the 2020 Annual Conference on Zoom, GNJ leaders are asking all clergy and laity members of Annual Conference to address questions they have on legislation in advance. Six pre-conference legislative sessions beginning on Thursday, September 17 have been scheduled to discuss legislation and answer questions. See the full schedule here and plan to attend. In addition, questions can be submitted and answered online here. During the 2020 Annual Conference Session, questions can only be asked on amendments or new legislation that is presented.
4. 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. All clergy should have received an email invitation this morning with instructions to register on Zoom. If you have not received an email, you can register here and your credentials will be verified. Only GNJ clergy are invited to the clergy session and credentials will be confirmed during registration.
5. PPP Forgiveness – All churches who have received CARES Act Funding
GNJ, our churches and Hope Centers have received more than $7 million in Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) funding under the CARES Act. PPP loans were made to churches for eight or 24-week periods. For congregations who have used these funds for payroll and utilities, most if not all of the loans should be forgivable. Each bank may have a somewhat different process to apply for loan forgiveness, so communication between the local church and the individual bank is most important. GNJ has information about repaying loans on our website here. If you have questions, please email caresact@gnjumc.org.
Thank you for your ministry and leadership.
In Christ,
GNJ Leadership
Quick links to items in this email:
Childcare Information Forum
Annual Conference Materials and Agenda
Annual Conference Registration
GNJ’s YouTube
Legislative Information Sessions
Frequently Asked Questions page
Clergy Session of Annual Conference
CARES ACT/PPP Loan Forgiveness