"NEWS AND NOTES"
OF
April 2009 |
| FROM PASTOR BOB KUPPLER... |
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"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!" Such Good News! We long to hear good news, don't we? There's so much trouble in the world and often in our lives; so much is unsettled; so much confusion wherever we turn. Be sure to worship the unchanging and unchangeable God, that you might be secured with the only foundation that endures forever - Jesus Christ, the Savior and Lord, Whose victory over sin, death and the devil was secured for you on Good Friday and the Day of Resurrection, Easter Sunday.
Though our Lord Jesus never changes, everything else in life does. So too with the staffing of SHLC. You may read elsewhere in this issue of "SHLC News and Notes" the details of upcoming staff changes. Director of Music, Heitor Caballero, has resigned, due to family and travel pressures, with a mutually acceptable final date to be determined. Director of Youth and Education, Becky Johnsen has asked to be released from full-time employment, and effective September 1st, will work part-time, with responsibilities for Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Parents with Tiny Christians. Plans are underway to facilitate the transitions needed, as well as to search for new staff members.
On behalf of the congregation and leadership of SHLC, I want to express my deepest thanks for the outstanding leadership and service given by both Becky and Heitor during their time with us as staff members. God is good, and has blessed us and them through their gifts! To God be all the glory!
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE |
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April 5th
Palm Sunday - The Sunday of the Passion
9:30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion
"Saint Mark's Passion Account"
(Sunday School children remain with their parents for the entire worship service)
10:45 - 11:45 am Adult Bible Study
April 12th
The Day of Resurrection - Easter Sunday
9:30 am Family Festival Worship with Holy Communion
(Sunday School children remain with their parents for the entire worship service)
April 19th
The First Sunday of Easter
9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion
(Sunday School children remain with their parents for the entire worship service)
10:45 -11:45 am Adult Bible Study
Young Adult Small Group at Becky's
April 26th
The Second Sunday of Easter
9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion
(Sunday School children begin with parents in the sanctuary and then leave for classes at 9:45)
9:50 - 10:40 am Sunday School
"Jesus Lives-So Will We!"
10:45 - 11:45 am Adult Bible Study
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HOLY WEEK WORSHIP
April 9th - 7 pm: Maundy Thursday Worship
"The Living Will"
April 10th - 7 pm: Good Friday Worship
"I Believe in Jesus"
April 12th - The Day of Resurrection/Easter Sunday
9:30 am - Festival Worship with Holy Communion
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| STAFF UPDATES |
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Heitor Caballero
I hope that the Lord continues blessing the ministries and the people at Somerset Hills Lutheran Church.
After much prayer and thought I have decided to resign my position as Music Director and Organist. The last two years have been a great blessing and a rewarding experience in every aspect. I shall be thankful to the Lord for allowing me the privilege of serving His people at SHLC.
As many of my dear choir members, ringers and parents know, I have a very long daily commute from New York to Princeton and to Basking Ridge. After two years this has finally taken a toll on my wife and children who already do not see me often enough during the week due to my intense graduate studies. Less time on the road on Sundays and Thursdays will allow me to recover precious family time.
I will always be grateful to every one of the members of the congregation, many of whom had the most beautiful words of encouragement and appreciation for the musical offerings during the service. Somerset Hills Lutheran has a beautiful organ which is the lungs and voice of our congregational singing. This precious instrument has been like a friend to me and I am so thankful to the church for granting me the privilege of playing it.
My deepest admiration and respect go to every member of the Handbell ensemble. They have persevered to maintain beautiful sounds during our worship. Behind every note that rings during a Sunday service there is a story of commitment, love and patience which I was privileged to see.
My immense gratitude goes to all of the adult choir members. They have taught me so much about the art of singing and conducting. I have seen them rehearsing countless hours late at night and very early in the morning. I know that many times they would cancel other activities or drive through the night just to make it on time for a rehearsal. The Lord will reward you for your gifts and commitment.
Words cannot describe the joyful experience of working with the parents and the children who are part now of our SHLC Children's Choir. Meeting and singing with them every Thursday was the highlight of my week and I will miss them deeply. I know that a part of my heart will remain with them as this beautiful ministry grows and multiplies.
Finally, I thank the Lord for giving the opportunity to work side by side with Pastor Kuppler; his support and encouragement were crucial to maintain and expand the music ministry at church. I know that Sofia and Sebastian will miss hugging him every Sunday!
I know that our Lord Jesus Christ will continue blessing His people at Somerset Hills Lutheran Church and through His Word and Sacraments we will always be together in the one family of God to which we belong regardless of time and distance.
Yours in Christ
Heitor Caballero
Becky Johnsen
Over the past few months, I have been prayerfully considering going to a part-time position here at SHLC where I would use my gifts, training, and experience in the area of education, and be relieved of my role with the middle school and high school youth. I feel that the teens would possibly thrive if they had a younger, more energetic, person to lead them at this point in time.
Having given this considerable thought and prayerful attention, and having discussed it with Pastor and the church council, I will be moving to a part-time position as of September 1, 2009. My responsibilities will focused in the area of Christian education (Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Parents and Tiny Christians).
Also, at this point in my life, after working for 40 years, I look forward to having time to travel a bit and spend more time with my children and grandchildren, and to having a more relaxed schedule.
The Lord has blessed me beyond measure with my work here at SHLC and with the family of believers. I pray I will continue to be blessed and be a blessing as I continue that work on a part-time basis.
In Christ,
Becky Johnsen |
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ALTAR FLOWERS |
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The Altar Guild continues to provide flowers each week throughout the year. The 2009 flower chart is hanging in the hallway by the library. Please consider signing up for a date. It's a great way to celebrate a special event in your life or to remember a loved one. Directions are posted. Info? Call Joyce Millhagen at 908-647-3097.
EASTER FLOWERS
If you wish to contribute to the Altar Guild's Easter Decorations, please fill out the form below and place it in the offering plate or return it to the office no later than Sunday, April 5th to be published in the Easter bulletin. Make checks payable to the "Altar Guild".
This gift is made:
IN HONOR OF: _____________________
IN MEMORY OF: ____________________
IN THANKSGIVING FOR: ____________
TO THE GLORY OF GOD: ____________
Your information:
NAME: _______________________________
ADDRESS: ___________________________
______________________________________
PHONE #: ___________________________
AMOUNT OF GIFT: ___________________ |
| CHURCH WEBSITE UPDATE |
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| SERMONS
If you missed last week's sermon or would like to listen to it again, go to www.shlc.net and click on the icon which looks like the one above. A link is also available to download the necessary software.
SCHEDULES
Can't remember if you are scheduled to serve this Sunday? Go to www.shlc.net, click on "Members Only", enter the user name and password which you will receive under separate cover via e-mail.
CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY
Need member contact information? After April 15th, go to www. shlc.net, click on "Members Only", enter the user name and password which you will receive under separate cover via e-mail. |
| UPCOMING 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Pressing on Toward the Goal...
Living up to what we've already attained!
Philippians 3: 14,16
We have already had some anniversary celebrations and look forward to the following upcoming events. Our Anniversary continues to be mission focused, community focused, and certainly lots of fun!
"PRAYER" RETREAT - 5/1/09 -5/3/09
The theme is "prayer" but weekend guarantees to be a blessing to all!
Rooms have been reserved for 20 SHLC'ers to
participate in a retreat Friday May 1st - Sunday
May 3rd at the Koinonia Conference Center,
Highland Lake, NY. Another of our
year-long Anniversary events, the committee
recognized the need to include spiritual
renewal as part of our activity. This
refreshing 3 day, 2 night "retreat" will be
informal, fun and relaxing, as well as giving us
opportunity to grow in our life of prayer with
God. Private rooms with bath, 5 meals,
beautiful Delaware River Spring scenery,
worship, and time alone and shared with other
SHLC'ers are all included. Details will be sent
to our entire SHLC family. Consider setting
aside this weekend for your own personal,
spiritual growth.
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| SIMPLY GIVING |
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ELECTRONIC GIVING
Open your heart without opening your checkbook.
Electronic Giving is an easier, more secure way to make your tithes/offerings to our church through automatic giving.
Reasons to sign up for Electronic Giving:
- No need to write checks or bring cash to church
- Peace-of-mind knowing that the church is receiving your contribution even if you are unable to attend
- More secure than checks
- All tithes/offerings are recorded for you on your bank statement with date of settlement
- It costs you nothing!
To participate, simply complete a "Member Enrollment and Authorization Form" and return it to Cheryl Delgado in the church office. If you need a form please contact Cheryl at 908-766-2858 or cheryl. |
| KOBON MINISTRY |
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We always have a feeling of anticipation and excitement as the familiar terrain we are seeing from the window of the Cessna 206 tells us we are getting close to Dusin. We fly westwards from Ukarumpa past the highest mountain in PNG, Mt Wilhelm at over 14,000 feet. After about an hour we are flying over the territory of the Kalam where we start to see the unique turtle-back houses constructed of small trees and pandanus palm leaves from the rainforest/jungle areas. We continue over the territory of the Minimib and then the Kobon and finally the small grass landing strip at Dusin comes into view. Soon the plane is touching down and after a few bumps/hops on the rough and rather slippery strip, comes to a halt.  Timothy, Philip and Lindon and a number of our friends and neighbors greet us warmly and quickly unload us and the cargo from inside the plane and the cargo "pod" underneath. We say goodbye to the pilot and with the help of the people we get the 40 or so cardboard cartons packed with school supplies, medical supplies, nails, food, etc are carried to the school office or our home.
A highlight of our first week was Lindon's report about the schools in his school district have been expanding and thriving. An example is the school at Ainonk where a Kobon and a Minimib school are on the same campus. In the Kobon school there are about 120 students, in the Minimib school about 80. Given the hostilities that previously existed between these neighboring groups, this is of itself a testimony to the power of the Gospel to break down walls and bring people together.
The children who graduate from these schools are being accepted straight into third grade by the headmaster of the Kaironk Primary School (Grade School). Not only that, but 2008 was the first year a class graduated from grade 8 under the new system. And, exam results show that the children who did best and secured places to go on into the Secondary Schools (High Schools) were children who had graduated from the Living Word Elementary Schools before going into the government Primary Schools. Of course we have known this and been telling government school leaders this for years but there have been many doubting Thomases who have persuaded others that to start from day one in English is the only way.
The principal of the government Primary School at Mena (near Dusin) held this belief and he and his school board were not supportive of the Living Word Schools. He has now left. The new principal came to see me and met with me and Timothy and Philip. He said that enrollment in his school has been down because parents have been enrolling their children into grade 3 in the Kaironk Primary School, but next year he will be implementing the same policy at the Mena Primary School and only accepting children from the Living Word Elementary Schools, and they will be enrolled in third grade.
Please pray that opposition to implementing the government Reform System at the other two government Primary Schools will now be swept away, and that any principal or school board member who is standing in the way will quickly be removed and replaced, for the sake of the students and the communities.
In His Love and Grace,
Pastor John and Maila |
| MEET YOUR FELLOW WORSHIPERS |
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Jim Brunssen
 You've probably noticed a new face and guitar up front with our Praise Band. That's Jim Brunssen who, with his wife Dottie, recently joined our SHLC family.
Jim was born in Rockville Center, Long Island, New York. He graduated from Far Rockaway High School and received a BSEE from Fairleigh Dickinson University, as well as a MSEE from Rutgers. His wife, Dottie, grew up in Fanwood, NJ and met Jim while they were both working at Bell Laboratories. They have two grown daughters, Jennifer and Kelley, and have lived in Parsippany since 1966. Jim is now a retired consultant.
A life long Lutheran, Jim attended and was confirmed at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Valley Stream, where he sang in the Junior Choir. He heard about SHLC from former Trinity members who suggested that he and Dottie attend one of the services at which the Praise Band was playing. (See, word gets around.) "We were delighted with the worship service, the relevancy of the sermon and the welcoming atmosphere. SHLC was exactly what we were looking for!"
At Jim's previous church (Trinity Lutheran in Morris Plains) he served as president, vice president, and chairperson of the Board of Worship and the Board of Stewardship. He was also involved in the music program there as a member of the chancel choir, plus occasionally leading small groups, congregational singing, and singing solo to help enhance Trinity's music ministry.
Jim has always been interested in music. He took violin lessons as a kid and sang in the Junior Choir. He also took guitar lessons for a while, but felt he wasn't getting where he wanted to be, so he describes himself as basically self taught. His strongest interests are in popular and Christian music. In addition, he also enjoys skiing, stained glass, and woodworking.
Jim says, "After attending a few services at SHLC, we mentioned to Pastor Kuppler that it was like coming home. Pastor Kuppler replied that we were not the first to tell him that! It was great to hear that others feel as we do." So give Jim and Dottie a big SHLC welcome and enjoy the musical talent that he is adding to our Praise Band.
Reported by Linda Vitale
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| SERVE THE LORD DURING WORSHIP! |
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We need people to help the team that creates slides and runs the projector every Sunday. Training is provided and you will only need to serve once a month - plus we'll work around your schedule. If interested, contact Daniel Fenco at daniel. These are our openings:
Projectionist - Run the projector during
Worship Service.
Slide Creators - Create the slides with
Powerpoint from home.
Camera men/women - Video record Worship
Service, and Special
Events.
Audio men/women - check sound during
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| BIBLE STUDIES |
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There are currently five Bible Studies at SHLC, and all are invited to come and participate in them. Please plan to join us as often us possible. You will enjoy the fellowship and discussion as we all grow together in our love and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and His work on our behalf!
SUNDAY MORNING - ADULT: we are studying the Gospel of John on Sunday mornings from 11 am - noon in the church conference room. The first three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) elucidate similar and complimentary views of His Life among us as the God/Man. The fourth Gospel, John's, completes the picture by focusing on His life as the Son of God - our Redeemer. Info needed? Call Julius Rakus at 908-253-0228 or Ken Powers 908-464-9349.
WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY MORNING: We are still studying "Angels in the Bible". Please join us from 10:00-11:00 am in the church conference room most Wednesdays. There will be NO class April 8. Info needed? Contact Marilyn Becker at 732-356-2881.
WEDNESDAY EVENING: resumes April 15th, 7-8 pm in the church conference room. Topic of discussion is "The Holy Spirit in Our Lives". Info needed? Contact Joyce Millhagen at 908-647-3097.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Our topic of study is 1 Thessolonians - "The End Times". We meet on Thursday afternoons (with the exception of 4/9) from 1:30 - 2:30 pm at the Sparlings (11 Holly Drive, Morris Plains). Info needed? Contact Pastor Sparling at 973-538-2704.
FRIDAY EVENING: Our topic of study is "rewards". We meet every two weeks on Friday night at 7:00 pm in different homes. For the date and location of the next meeting contact Russ Baccaglini at 973-989-4054. |
| CAN A PIG TEACH YOUR KIDS TO SHARE? |
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Find out on April 24th, National Teach Your Kids to Share Day. This event, sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, brings families and children ages 6 - 10 together for fun and learning. Explore unique ways kids can share, save and spend. Discuss the importance of being responsible with money. Build a financial foundation for your family that will last a lifetime.
When: April 24, 2009
5:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
Cost: $10 per family
Space is limited so register today at Thrivent.com/shareday or call 800-236-3736.
You and your family can look forward to:
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participating in an interactive workshop
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playing and learning through hands-on activities
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sharing dinner and fellowship
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taking home educational tools to continue the fun. | |
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SOMERSET HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH |
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350 Lake Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Phone: 908-766-2858
Pastor
The Rev. Robert Kuppler
(h) 908-604-2425
(c) 908-531-7266
Church Administrator
Cheryl Delgado
908-766-2858
Office Assistant
Carol Ekholm
908-766-2858
Music Director
Heitor Caballero
718-796-0350
Education &Youth Ministry
Becky Johnsen
908-892-0946
Christian Preschool
Martha Gilmore, Director
908-766-1430
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| NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE |
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The deadline for the next issue of the newsletter is Sunday, April 12th. Please send all articles to Cheryl or drop them off in the office. |
| NEW CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY |
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The new church photo directory will be ready for distribution soon. Thank you to all those who had their photos taken during our photo days or submitted photos. The last chance to submit photos for inclusion will be 3/31/2009. Please drop them in the church office or e-mail them to cheryl. |
| OUTDOOR SIGN HELP NEEDED |
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 Want to help at church but haven't much time? Got small kids learning to spell? Have we got a job for you! Our church sign, located on the front lawn, needs to be updated seasonally. This is a great opportunity for your family to serve at church together, and can be completed at your convenience. It's easy, fun and helps to keep the community at large informed about what's going on at SHLC. For more information, contact Melanie Richards at 908-204-9638, or Melanie.
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| THANK YOU! |
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| Dear Members of Somerset Hills Lutheran Church, and friends in Christ,
I have just completed my first "Partners Retreat" for Pastoral Leadership Institute(PLI). I wish I weren't limited by words. If the Holy Spirit could translate my heart for you to know how deeply this has impacted me, you would know what a blessing your gift to this ministry is. Increase that by the number of women who gathered in Dallas, their husbands, children, co-workers, congregations and friends... I praise the Lord for working through you and your generosity to care so personally for me.
I am so excited to introduce this "new woman in Christ" to my husband. He and his ministry are sure to be blessed.
In Christ's perfect love,
Beckie Kruse
Peace Lutheran Church
Antigo, WI
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| FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY |
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Many thanks for your generous donations to the food bank. Your continued support is appreciated by the many hungry people in Somerset County.
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| QUILTERS MEET |
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The SHLC Quilters have been making quilts for Lutheran World Relief since March 1999. During that time they have sent more than 60 quilts to LWR. That's a lot of cutting and stitching.
If you want to join us, we will be meeting April 3rd and April 24th @ 9:30 am in the room by the water fountain. Keep an eye out for additional meeting dates published in the weekly bulletin.
NEEDED BY THE QUILTERS: Sheets - flat, double, or queen/king - all colors. Place in the box near the food bank table. We can still use some embroidery floss, also. Thank you! |
| CHOIR REHEARSALS |
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CHILDREN'S CHOIR rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 4:15 - 5:00 pm for those in Kindergarten through grade 4.
ADULT CHOIR rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 9:00 pm.
HANDBELL CHOIR
rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 7:25 pm for all ages. |
| GOLF OUTING |
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Save Thursday, May 14th for the 5th annual "Mission Classic" Golf Outing, of our New Jersey District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, to support new mission starts in NJ.
Last year, SHLC had at least 4 foursomes, and a grand time was had by all. The Mission Classic will be held at Heron Glen Golf Course, Ringoes, NJ. Cost is $160. Sponsors are also being sought. Call Judie/Gary Crawford (908-647-8082) to reserve your spot, or for a brochure, or speak to Pastor Bob about being a sponsor. |
| "THE PASSION PLAY"
of Oberammergau, Germany - 2010 |
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Now is the time to consider this once-in-a-lifetime event performed for only one season every 10 years. In 2000, more than 40 SHLC'ers joined together for this memorable vacation/tour. Our plans for 2010 are for 2 different tours, both of which include the Passion Play of Oberammergau. The first choice is visiting Prague, Czech Republic, and Budapest, Hungary. The second is a comprehensive tour of many Luther sites in Germany. Brochures for both are now available. Please speak to Pastor Bob now to take advantage of early discounts. pastorbob.
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| SMALL GROUPS |
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 What is a small group?
How easy it is for us to lose closeness with one another in our church family! Would you like to experience a closer Christian friendship? Each of our small group gatherings begin by catching up and visiting over snacks, followed by our timely discussions. In honor of people's time, we try to end at 9:00 pm, but always have a "caring time" afterwards. We always have an empty chair to encourage us to invite newcomers. There is a place for you! We would love for YOU to join us.
Monday (2nd & 4th): The group is presently viewing and discussing the movies about Martin Luther. Info needed? Contact Bill Vreeland at 908-221-1779 or bill vreeland.
Tuesday (2nd & 4th): The group will be discussing "The Christian in a Postmodern World". Info needed? contact Julius Rakus at 908253-0228 or julius rakus.
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| USHERS NEEDED |
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 We are looking for people who are willing to serve as an usher, once a month, on Sunday mornings. Responsibilities include distributing bulletins, ensuring seating for attendees, collecting tithes and offerings, assisting with the flow of people during communion and straightening up the Sanctuary following worship. If you would like to help, please contact the church office at 908-766-2858 or cheryl. |
| LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUE |
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LWML Spring Rally
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Registration: 2:30 pm
Rally: 3:00 pm
Lutheran Church of Our Savior
143 Brooklyn Rd.
Stanhope, NJ
Guest speaker:
Dena Hertel
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Fair Lawn, NJ
Topic:
The life changing experiences that happened to her on a mission trip to Kyrgyzstan
A light supper will be served.
An offering will be collected to support the Lakeland Zone and the NJ District of LWML. |
| APRIL BIRTHDAYS |
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4/1 - Erik Gobbo
4/2 - Karianne Dickson
4/3 - Tobyn Brill
Hannah Butterline
Eric Dickson
John Pankuch
Nick Webb
4/5 - Leanne DeRosa
Mike Noelke
Sue Rissmeyer
4/6 - Jodi Kokenge
Erin Kurdyla
4/7 - Ken Pomplun
Stevie Saunders
4/8 - Michael Rickert
4/9 - Bob Boorujy
George Islinger
4/11 - Pam Povolny
4/14 - Annika Springsteel
4/15 - Luther Tai
4/21 - Diane Reinig
4/22 - Alyssa Moore
4/23 - Jonathan Nora
Joe Pecon
4/24 - Mary Rickert
Kelly Rosenthal
4/26 - Thomas DeRosa
4/27 - John Meyers
4/28 - Elsa Kunna
4/29 - Allison Winter
We are sorry if we have omitted a member's birthday. Please contact cheryl or call the church office at 908-766-2858 to let us know your birth date, and we will be sure to include you in future issues. |
| APRIL ANNIVERSARIES |
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4/3 - Lauren & James
Norton
4/6 - Linda & Brett
Butterline
4/12 - Joe & Muriel Pecon
4/19 - Judy & Keith Craven
4/23 - Fran & Bill Storer
We are sorry if we have omitted an anniversary. Please contact cheryl or call the church office at 908-766-2858 to let us know your anniversary, and we will be sure to include you in future issues. | |
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