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Trump, Pence attend church in N.J. before meeting with Christie, others

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Gov. Chris Christie is among 12 people Donald Trump and Mike Pence are slated to meet with Sunday.

BEDMINSTER -- President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence spent Sunday morning attending services at a Somerset County church before re-starting transition meetings at Trump's golf course down the road -- a slate expected to include Gov. Chris Christie this afternoon.

Trump and Pence visited Lamington Presbyterian Church in Bedminster -- a white-steepled worship hall that opened in 1740, 36 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The visit came shortly before the pair were set to begin Day 3 of their weekend meetings at Trump National Golf Club, located in four miles away in Bedminster's sprawling hillsides. 

Trump, a Presbyterian, drew 81 percent of white evangelical voters in his victory over Hillary Clinton on Nov. 8. He performed better than each of the last three Republican presidential candidates -- Mitt Romney in 2012 (78 percent), John McCain in 2008 (74 percent), and George W. Bush (78 percent).

Tales of Christie-Trump drama overblown: Sources

Pence, the governor of Indiana, is a self-described born-again "evangelical Catholic" and is considered widely revered among religious voters.

Stephanie Grisham, a Trump spokeswoman, said press was not allowed inside the church at the request of church directors.

Christie is among 12 people scheduled to meet with Trump and Pence later in the day, amid intense speculation over whether the New Jersey governor will land a job in the incoming administration. Christie was Trump's transition team chair until last Friday, when Pence was put in charge and Christie was demoted to one of several vice-chairs. 

Two Christie allies who asked to remain anonymous told NJ Advance Media that tales of increased tension between the governor and Trump, a longtime friend and former Atlantic City casino mogul, are overblown.

It is uncertain what time Christie is scheduled to meet with Trump and Pence. 

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani -- who, like Christie, was a top adviser to Trump during the campaign -- is also on Sunday's meeting list.

Arriving at the club shortly after noon, Trump told reporters gathered in front of the clubhouse that it's possible he "could very well" announce more appointments to his administration Sunday.

"We're going to have a great day," he added. Great people coming. You'll see."

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.


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