Dear Clergy and Congregational Leaders,
You are leaning in to provide spiritual leadership and community organization. More people are worshiping in your virtual congregations each week, engaging in Bible studies and small groups and reaching out to give mission and meaning to their communities. Thank you for leading us through a difficult season.
The following are the actions and information that are important for this week. You will see there is NO weekly survey. What you have provided over the last five weeks has been very helpful. Thank you to everyone who provided valuable information that has guided us through these past several weeks. . We will do more surveys as needed in the future. Please make a special note about the important address to the United Methodists of Greater New Jersey on Tuesday.
Essential Actions and Updates for the Week of May 4
1. Action Item: All Clergy and Laity
Bishop Schol Address. – Bishop Schol will give an address to the people of GNJ Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. to share about the state of GNJ regarding congregational finances, GNJ finances, ministry within our communities for people affected by COVID-19, grant programs for congregations, shared ministries apportionments and move dates for clergy. All clergy and congregational leaders are encouraged to attend.
Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Click here to join Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 956 7021 9440
Dial in: 1 646 876 9923
2. Action: Lead Clergy, Finance Chairpersons, Treasurers, Church Council Chairpersons
Financial Assessment. GNJ leadership seeks to do everything we can to work in partnership with congregations and clergy during and after COVID-19. Continued critical decisions will need to be made to support our congregations particularly in the areas of sustaining appointments, insurances and ministry. We need each congregation to assess as best they can their finances so that we can best help by decreasing shared ministry apportionments, providing grants and making any necessary adjustments to appointments. This link will take you to a worksheet and online form for you to complete a financial assessment by this Thursday,May 7. If your congregation needs assistance, contact the regional administrator who will ensure you receive assistance within four hours during regular business hours.
3. Action: All
Miracles Everywhere and Giving Tuesday Now. Tuesday, May 5 is a special Giving Tuesday. All people of Greater New Jersey are invited to join our campaign to raise $1 million to address the emerging critical need of food distribution in our region. A group of GNJ leaders have committed $17,000 to match the first $17,000 raised for the launch of this campaign. Praise God! You can make your second mile giving to this effort now by texting Miracles Everywhere to 77977 or go to the GNJ website to get resources for Miracles Everywhere or to make your gift.
4. Action: Clergy, Finance Chairs and Treasurers for Churches who have received CARES Act Funds
PPP Reporting: If you have received funding, you are required to track the funds and report to the bank and the SBA. These steps are critical. Information about tracking can be found here. You are also asked to join a conference call to review procedures:
Thursday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Dial-in: 1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 972 3673 9608
Each week, we are learning from you as we witness your faith and compassion as you bring the love of God to a world who needs God’s grace. We are proud to serve alongside you. Thank you.
In Christ,
The Leadership of GNJ
Quick Links to items mentioned in this letter
Bishop’s Address
Financial Assessment
Miracles Everywhere
CARES Act Tracking