Churches
Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey is blessed to have the unwavering support of nearly 300 Lutheran congregations located across the state of New Jersey. Each one has embraced the mission of our social ministry, and has become a partner in delivering God’s love to those who hurt, who are in need, or who have limited choices. When we partner with congregations, we not only extend our reach – but also learn new ways to ‘reach out’ and touch our communities. Thank you for helping us to further our mission. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we work together. With your help, we will continue to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, teach our youth, care for our elders, bring families together and restore hope to those who have lost everything to disaster.
For Pastors and Church Office Staff:
For your convenience, we have placed valuable resources here to share with your congregation. Download documents, request materials and see all the ways we can partner with your congregation and be a resource of information to you.
Downloads:
Adoption Program - Unplanned Pregnancy Bulletin
Adoption Program – A Child Waits For You Bulletin
General LSM/NJ Church Bulletin Insert
Lutherans Feeding Friends & New Visions Homeless Day Shelter Bulletin Insert
LSM/NJ Marketing Materials Request Form
Congregational Response Plan Packet
For Food Pantry Coordinators:
Do you have a food pantry that is in need of emergency funds? We offer a one-time grant to food pantries that meet our specified criteria. Learn more about Lutherans Feeding Friends!
View Lutherans Feeding Friends Grant Application Criteria & Guidelines
Contact Lisa Barnes at lbarnes@lsmnj.org or at 609.699.4143 to obtain a grant application.
For Youth Group Leaders:
Learn more about our Service Project Opportunities!
How Can LSM/NJ Help You?
We, at LSM/NJ, are here to assist you and your congregation in many ways. In addition to providing information on ways to assist those in need throughout the state of New Jersey, we also offer an educational component to your members, including specialized programs for children and youth.
Did you know that we offer the following classes for FREE?
Confirmation Class: Taught on a variety of topics: Serving the Neighbor (Luther’s understanding of service), Social Ministry in the Life of a Teenager (what does living out one’s baptism really look like? How Lutherans are at Work in the World (congregations, synod, LSM/NJ), Justice and Poverty Issues, or any other topic that fits in with your congregation’s confirmation process.
Adult Forum: Lisa Barnes, Director of Community Partnering & Advocacy, speaks generally on LSM/NJ’s ministry in the state or specifically on one or two topics of interest. As an example, a three-part series moves participants from (a) a general knowledge of LSM/NJ and opportunities for congregational involvement, to (b) a conversation about social ministry in context, to (c) a discovery of your gifts and the gifts of your community. The series can be individualized for the congregation. Lisa is also available to lead discussions on the history and theological foundation of Lutheran service.
Just Neighbors Program: is a curriculum from Family Promise, which highlights such social issues as affordable housing, children and poverty, minimum wage, advocacy and the church. This program is made up of up to 9 lessons on poverty and homelessness, and includes suggestions for how the community can respond. Congregations can choose to do as many lessons as they wish. This resources is excellent for a Lenten program, and Adult Forum series, or a condensed confirmation lesson.
Social Ministry Committees: We are available to assist congregations in developing and enhancing their commitment and connection to their communities.
Worship: We offer Temple Talks on any LSM/NJ topic, as well as provide the option to allow us to be a guest/supply preacher.
Any of the above educational offerings can be designed and customized to fit your congregation’s needs. For more information or to schedule a date and time to bring these offerings to your congregation, please contact Lisa Barnes, Director of Community Partnering & Advocacy, at 609.699.4143 or at lbarnes@lsmnj.org.
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