July 21
Registration / Check-In Starts
4:00 pm
Main Session 1 – BPLA
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Next Gen Afterparty
9:30 – 11:30 pm
July 22
Church Planting Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30 am
Main Session 2 – AAPI
9:00 – 11:00 am
Immersive Experiences (options and details below) or Free Time
11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Dinner
4:30 – 7:00 pm
Main Session 3 – Hispanic
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Associations Afterparties
9:30 – 11:30 pm
July 23
Women’s Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30 am
Main Session 4 – Women
9:00 – 11:00 am
Lunch
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Main Session 5
2:00 – 4:00 pm
This year at Better Together, we want to give everyone the opportunity to participate in an immersive experience to learn more about some of the cultures represented by our Associations and learn more about some of our cultural roots. These immersive experiences are open to everyone, and registrants can choose any one (1) experience to join, even if you’re not a member of the hosting Association.
Each immersive experience will begin and end at North Jersey Vineyard Church; transportation will be provided by charter buses. All tours will require a fair amount of walking, so please dress accordingly. Lunch will be on your own upon arrival at your destination.
Cost: $10 per person
Come learn from and explore Chinatown! Our afternoon will start with lunch in Chinatown, during which you can choose to follow our self-guided food tour or explore the food scene on your own. We’ll then participate in a guided tour of the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) and experience a walking tour of Chinatown. Please make sure to bring cash to cover your lunch cost!
Cost: $25 per person
Embark on a vibrant walking tour of Harlem that immerses you in the neighborhood’s rich culture, flavors, and history. Begin your tour at the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem African market, renowned for its authentic goods, crafts, and delicious food stalls, where lunch is on your own. A guided walking tour will follow, starting at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and ending at the Apollo Theatre. Along the way, enjoy the rhythms of live music drifting from neighborhood cafes and the stories echoed in Harlem’s murals. This walking tour seamlessly blends history, culture, and cuisine, giving you a true taste of Harlem’s spirit.
Cost: $25 per person
Join us for a cultural, historical, conversational, and spiritual experience of Spanish Harlem, better known as El Barrio, in Spanish or English (you choose). We will eat lunch and shop at La Marqueta, tour a local historical church, and proceed to the Graffiti Hall of Fame while participating in a faith and community prayer walk through the neighborhood. As El Barrio is the birthplace of salsa, what better way to end our experience than by listening or dancing along with a local salsa band in Central Park? Our guest hosts will share their childhood and neighborhood experiences with us along the way.
Cost: $49 per person
Immerse yourself in what over 12 million European immigrants experienced as they sought new lives in the United States and have a chance to see the Statue of Liberty up close. Unlike other immersive experiences, lunch will be included in the cost.
Cost: Free
Discover more of our collective story through local New Jersey sites where you can explore and learn more about Koreans in America, a historic 18th-century farmstead, George Washington’s Continental Army encampment, and more. Instructions and reflection questions will be provided for these optional self-guided experiences.
Please note:
Tuesday, July 21 at 9:30 pm
Located at the North Jersey Vineyard.
Are you 16 – 29 years old? If so, we have a NextGen opportunity during Better Together for food, fun, connection, and conversation. On Tuesday night, after Better Together’s first session, we will have a firepit gathering in the NJV parking lot exclusively for the NextGen of the Vineyard. We’ll bring the skewers, s’mores, tunes, and DJ! We hope you bring yourselves, your friends, and your dreams for the future of the Vineyard. See you there!
Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 – 8:30 am
Location TBD. This event is open to everyone!
Thinking about church planting? Join us for a breakfast gathering where we will talk about the vision and possibilities of church planting in the Vineyard. It will be a relaxed and encouraging space to hear how God is moving, connect with others, and simply explore what church planting looks like in community. There will be good food, meaningful conversation, and an opportunity to be inspired by what God is doing. Come and be part of the conversation!
Wednesday, July 22 at 9:30 pm
Location will be sent after registration. This event is only for participants of the Black Pastors & Leaders Association.
Gather and chill! This after-party is all about camaraderie, connection, and the Caribbean. As the sun dips, we’re turning up the heat with a spread of authentic Caribbean cuisine that tastes like home. We’ve got the spicy kick of jerk, the comfort of rice and peas, and plenty of ice-cold ginger beer to keep that fire going! The playlist will be strictly gospel and soulful rhythms that move your spirit. When the plates are cleared, the real competition begins; we’re breaking out the cards and dominoes, so bring your A-game. Please RSVP so we can count you in.
Wednesday, July 22 at 9:30 pm
Location will be sent after registration. This event is only for participants of the AAPI Association.
Attention AAPI folks: Join us for some great Asian cuisine from several different countries. We’d love to meet you and hang out. There might even be karaoke 🙂 It’ll be a lot of fun! Please RSVP so we know you’re coming.
Wednesday, July 22 at 9:30 pm
Location will be sent after registration. This event is open to everyone!
Join us for a relaxed after-party following the Tuesday night session—an evening designed for Hispanic Association pastors, leaders, and friends (anyone is welcome) to unwind, connect, and build meaningful friendships. Enjoy a delicious nacho bar, good vibes, and meaningful connections – in English or Spanish – in a casual, welcoming space at a local home. Let’s have fun, share stories, and strengthen friendships together. No cost, just bring yourself and friends.
Thursday, July 23 from 7:30 – 8:30 am
Located at the North Jersey Vineyard. This event is only for participants of the Women’s Association.
Fee: $5
Join us for the Women’s Association Breakfast, an opportunity for female pastors and leaders to gather for connection, prayer, and encouragement. Together, we will create space to minister to one another and grow in community. This event is open to every woman who leads in the Vineyard.
Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 pm – Friday, July 24 at 5:30 pm
As our time at Better Together 2026 comes to an end, VJN invites you to join them for learning and outreach as they explore ways to put your hands to work for Beloved Community. The Lab day includes worship, justice training, demonstration and service projects around New York City.