The Essex Association held its Annual Meeting on Saturday, August 3 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Newark, and ABCNJ's ministry team was out in force to serve the largest of the 8 regional associations. Rev. Vernl Mattson, ABCNJ Associate Regional Pastor,  worked alongside Essex Association Moderator Hector Rodriguez as the Association unanimously voted for its newly revised Constitution and by-laws.  Every association is revising their documents in order to be in alignment with ABCNJ's recently approved Constitution and by-laws.

Rev. Wes Allen, ABCNJ Associate Regional Pastor for Technology and Ministry, led a workshop on using technology in a local church setting.

Rev. Dr. Leora Liggins, ABCNJ Bridge Pastor for Essex Association, led worship and introduced Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer (ABCNJ Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor), who preached on "Relevant Ministry" and also participated in an earlier workshop on immigration.  He handed out the ABCNJ Council's Statement of Concern on Immigration, which we recommend to all churches for consideration.