Dear Friends in Christ,
I hope you are well. I continue to give thanks to God for each of you and I have been blessed by your continued support for GNJ and its mission. With God’s help, we continue to move forward serving and leading in these unprecedented times. Thank you for your faithfulness, conviction and fruitfulness.
Effective immediately, I will be taking leave for a month and possibly up to two months for a family medical need. It was not an easy decision to take leave at this time because we are in the middle of appointment season and there are other critical matters we are working on together. Sometimes we do not always have the luxury of choosing when we are needed.
While this was not a planned leave, it has been made in consultation with the President of the College of Bishops, the chairperson of GNJ’s committee on episcopacy (a bishop’s SPRC), the cabinet, and the executive staff of GNJ. As required by our Book of Discipline, it has been approved by the College of Bishops. I have also arranged for coverage while away – Bishop Sally Dyck, recently retired bishop who served for 16 years as a bishop, will meet with the appointment cabinet during my time away, and Bishop Ernest Lyght, former district superintendent in GNJ and bishop since 1996, will be available for administrative matters. I will be available for consultation about appointments and other key matters as the need arises. I have confidence in the staff and leadership of GNJ and know that everyone will continue to work together for God’s mission. As you have questions about your ministry or congregation, please continue to contact your superintendent.
Many of you have shared that you pray regularly for me and my family. Your prayers are a source of strength, and I thank you for your prayers. I also pray for you–our pastors, congregational leaders and congregations. Let us continue to pray with and for one another.
If there is an urgent matter that needs my attention, I may be reached through Soomin Lee who serves in the episcopal office or the Dean of the Cabinet, Rev. Sang Won Doh.
Be well and…
Keep the Faith!
John
John Schol, Bishop
United Methodists of Greater New Jersey