2020 End of the Year Stewardship and Financial Position of the Church

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

In brief, even with the dramatic changes and difficulties, we continued to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the needs of our members, community, and world. God is faithful! Thank you for your prayers, time, and support! Many of our ministries are strong and vital, others are struggling. The critical needs of the church right now are volunteers for a Sunday School Superintendent and a Church Treasurer. Financially, we can celebrate all that we accomplished, but for many reasons, we had an $18,000 short-fall in giving compared to 2019. Praise God for every one of you who stepped up in one way or another to help our ministry in this harsh season.

Stewardship

Regarding stewardship, as you know, we are part of the largest global Protestant church, the United Methodist Church. We have contributed 100% towards our portion of that global reach for the 1st time since 2005. That is a wonderful accomplishment amid the global pandemic. Of course, there is more we can do, but let’s celebrate our accomplishment! Praise be to God!

Locally, we continued to support Anchor House in Trenton, DeBows and Jackson Food Pantries, Amvets with clothing, Narcotics Anonymous with meeting space, Operation Christmas Child, and several families with emergency food. Besides our regular missions, we financially supported our local hospital workers, first responders, and families impacted by COVID-19.

Because of the pandemic, we continue to struggle with some aspects of our ministries but have used Zoom (online) to continue with most. CFF, Sunbeam, bible study, GriefShare, memorial services, baptisms, and worship continue, as other aspects of our church needed to pause. We have several critical volunteer positions in the church that need to be filled, and without volunteers stepping up in the next few weeks, several of our ministries will begin to suffer. God has brought us together and given each of us gifts to use. As we use them for God with hearts of gratitude for all He has given, we find God’s abundance and blessing. So please consider helping. The two most critical positions are Church Treasurer and Sunday School Superintendent.

Financially

Financially, thanks to your generosity, we have been able to remain financially stable through this tough season. Our 2020 general donations were about $18,000 less than last year, and our expenses were less than last year as well. We were able to bridge the gap with government support (through the Cares Act) and a grant from the Annual Conference. Plus, often we have specific missions and ministries that we ask for your financial help with that are not included in our general donations, like Vacation Bible School or UMCOR. We didn’t ask as much in 2020, so that was $17,000 less than 2019.

Thank you for all you have done to sacrifice for the church last year. I pray that as things get back to a more normal situation, we can move forward financially. Praise God for all we continue to do for the Kingdom of God here and around the world! Thank you for your continued stewardship. Let’s keep moving forward together as the body of Christ.

Small Groups

Discussions on Division

Join in on understanding topics that are causing division and hurt in our community and country. You can join in-person at the church for online on Zoom on Wednesday, January 20 from 7-8pm we will begin a 6-week class designed to discuss the divisions in our church and country. The goals of the class are (1) a deeper understanding of the issues and our neighbors in church and community and (2) learning techniques to create unity through love. We will be discussing issues surrounding COVID-19, racism, and human sexuality within the context of the diversity of theological belief within our church and global Methodism.

Online Bible Study

Every Tuesdays at 6:00pm online only on Zoom

Starting Tuesday, Nov 10 we will start Gospel of Luke with intention that beginners might  like to come.   It is 6:00 to 7:30 pm on Zoom. Call the office to get the link.

Wednesday Morning Women’s Small Group

Every Wednesday on Zoom at 10am

Prayer, Fellowship and Discussion. We are currently reading a book together called A Gentle Thunder by Max Lucado.

Worship Team Rehearsal

Sundays following worship at 11:00am

If you like to play an instrument, sing, or want to learn come out and check out our new format and leader, Eric Drew.

CFF – Christian Friends Forever

First two Mondays of every month at 7pm online only for the time being

Indoor Worship

Each Saturday starting at 9am, you can RSVP for worship on Sunday from our website. If you RSVP online ahead of time, it will be helpful so we can plan adequately to accommodate everyone and create the safest possible worship experience for everyone. Please note that for the time being there is no nursery or Sunday School.

Plus, we are continuing online streaming as well. I want to encourage you to consider hosting a watch party either live, safely at your house, or virtual using your favorite video-chat platform. Invite your friends, share the link to our worship experience, and use the time together to have a discussion, ask questions, and go deeper.

Mission and Other Activities

Jackson Church Emergency Food

Donations are taken during office hours and on Sunday morning. If you are in need of food call Jackson Church for more information.

DeBows Food Pantry

By appointment only — call 732-928-4475 in advance

Jackson Church Full Events Calendar

Service and Employment Opportunities at Jackson Church

General Fund Treasurer

Numbers your game? We are looking for the right person to take on our Church General Fund Treasurer position. What? That’s really exciting! I love numbers, how do I get in and how much work is it?

It is a couple hours a week on the average. You’d get to pay the bills for the church and make a financial report to the Stewardship and Finance Committee and Administrative Council 10 months out of the year. Even more exciting, you will get to be part of a great team, devoted to the Good News of Jesus Christ AND… get to be part of seeing the church exponentially grow over the next few years. If all that wasn’t enough, our pastor prays regularly for all of our church leaders and volunteers. If you are interested in applying for this incredible opportunity email us at [email protected] Put in the subject line: I WANT TO BE CHURCH TREASURER!!! The position is a 3 year volunteer position.

GriefShare Counselor

Would you like to help those who are grieving a the loss of a loved one? Do you have good listen skills and a firm foundation in Jesus Christ? Our GriefShare is program needs your help! With everything going on in the world, so many people are grieving and we are trying and meet the needs of so many in our community who are grieving with the hope of Jesus Christ.

If you can help, along with mentoring and training, you receive a detailed, comprehensive tool to help lead GriefShare groups effectively. It contains information on recruiting and training a leadership team, extensive publicity tools and ideas, details on how to start and sustain an effective ministry, helpful planning charts, and much more. It also contains a detailed weekly agenda and discussion questions for all 13 sessions to help facilitate small group discussion time. Everything you need. Email us at [email protected] to let us know you’d be willing to volunteer in this deeply meaningful ministry. This is a volunteer position.

Church Beautification Coordinator

Are you an environmentalist? Maybe a gardener? Love the outdoors and flowers? We are looking for someone to recruit others and coordinate people to maintain the outside of our beautiful church. If you are interested in volunteering or finding out more, email [email protected]

Musicians and Vocalists

Want to glorify God with music? Sign-up for an audition. Email [email protected] with what you can play and your experience. These are volunteer positions.

Anchors Away Summer Camp Director

We are looking for the right person to head up Anchors Away Summer Camp as the Director. Our mission at Anchors Away is teach children about Jesus Christ through fun and exciting topic in a safe, loving environment. Each week of camp gives the children a chance to explore and grow deeper in their faith through devotions, fellowship, and bible time filled with bible stories, music, games, activities, arts, and crafts and recreation.

If you are excited and have the skill set to plan, lead staff, and promote this 4-week summer camp. Send a cover letter sharing your excitement and vision for this summer, plus resume to [email protected] We are looking to fill this position by February 10. This is a paid position.

Anchors Away Summer Camp Counselor

Do you have a firm faith in Jesus Christ and committed to sharing Jesus Christ? Do you love working with children? Are you looking for a part-time job for a few weeks this summer?

Jackson Church is a great environment for you to enjoy part of your summer sharing your faith as you work with children at our summer camp. Our mission at Anchors Away is teach children about Jesus Christ through fun and exciting topic in a safe, loving environment. Each week of camp gives the children a chance to explore and grow deeper in their faith through devotions, fellowship, and bible time filled with bible stories, music, games, activities, arts, and crafts and recreation.

If you are excited and feel you have the skill set to lead children though faith-based and fun activities. If you are someone who has a lot of energy this 4-week summer camp. Send a cover letter sharing your excitement and vision for this summer, plus resume to [email protected] This is a paid position.