"NEWS AND NOTES"
OF
June 2009 |
| FROM PASTOR BOB KUPPLER... |
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Sunday evening May 17th saw the initial "Evening Contemporary Service" with 51 people participating. Pastor Andrew Dinger (Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset, NJ), who is assisting us to get started, taught from Johsua 24 about "Choices" and our own SHLC Praise Band led the singing. Many who came that evening did so as an alternative Sunday morning worship, which they were not able to attend that morning. Other's appreciated the informal, contemporary style and format of the service.
Though we do not yet feel able to sustain this on a weekly basis, the upcoming Sunday Evening Service events are scheduled for June 7th, June 21st, July 12th and July 26th, all from 5:15 pm - 6 pm.
In addition, 10 SHLC'er's have stepped forward to be the initial small group facilitators. These groups will be forming so that we can all begin to become more aware and adept at being able to meaningfully and successfully interact with our family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances who are un-churched or "de-churched" (no longer worshipping, or unfulfilled in their relationship with God). As you and I become more skilled in this part of our faith, invitations to our Sunday evening events will be more readily received.
Look forward to being personally invited to one of the "motivation for mission" groups that will soon begin gathering. Please also be in daily prayer for this congregation-wide effort to care about the spiritual welfare of people we know.
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE |
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June 7th
The Holy Trinity
9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion
(Sunday School children begin with parents in sanctuary and then leave for classes at 9:45)
9:50 - 10:40 am Sunday School
"Born Again" 10:45 - 11:45 am Adult Bible Study
5:15 - 6:00 pm Sunday Evening Contemporary Service
June 14th
Second Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion
(Sunday School children begin with parents in sanctuary and then leave for classes at 9:45)
9:50 - 10:40 am Sunday School
"I'm Growing" 10:45 - 11:45 am Adult Bible Study Sunday School Happening
Third Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion
10:45 - 11:45 am Adult Bible Study
5:15 - 6:00 pm Sunday Evening Contemporary Service
June 28th
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion
10:45 - 11:45 am Adult Bible Study
11:00 - 12:00 Israel Slideshow
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| FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN |
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 Rich Melheim had a mom who read to him, sang and prayed with him every night. He had a dad who loved to tell stories and wasn't afraid to talk about his faith. When he became a dad, Rich didn't just want to be a good dad. He wanted to be a great dad. Every night in his home he and his wife made sure their kids got the same kind of love and attention... plus a pillow fight.
The comedian, cartoonist, author, playwright, song writer, log cabin builder and amateur
complexity theorist is also a Lutheran pastor on a mission. Rich is coming to town this summer to share five simple steps you can take tonight to help keep your family together in a world that could tear it apart.
Check out "The Faith 5" at www.faithink.com
and listen to Rich's "Calling All Dads" iPod
interviews. If you like what you hear, pack up
the van and bring the whole family* to:
Church: Somerset Hills Lutheran Church
Date: Wednesday, May 27th
Times: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
*This event is designed for dads, moms, children of all ages, grand-parents, teachers and everyone in between who cares about kids! Pillows for the pillow fight are optional.
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| QUILT AUCTION |
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Please take time to appreciate the fantastic quilt displayed in the library area. The Sunday school children made the squares which tell of God's love, and the quilters thoroughly enjoyed assembling the quilt for us. It was a wonderful collaborative effort.
We are accepting bids for the quilt. The proceeds will go to support Bethania, which is our mission project in India. Bethania takes in homeless children and gives them food, shelter, an education, and teaches them about the love of Christ in a warm and loving environment.
Please consider bidding on this! You could also make a contribution to Bethania simply in appreciation of the blessings our Sunday school children have. Perhaps you would consider bidding on the quilt and then donating it back to SHLC and we can display it here.
Any and all support of this mission project is appreciated.
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| SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH - "FLAG DAY" CONCERT |
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"Red, White, and Blues VI - A Lincoln Portrait"
A concert of American Music celebrating the life and legacy of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.
Pastor John Welge, organ and piano
Water Gap Singers Soloists: Christine Kopec-Koppinger and Tom Bias
Sunday, June 14th, Flag Day, 4:00 pm
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
168 Route 94, Blairstown, NJ, 908-362-9405
Followed by a cook-out on the church grounds/free will offering.
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| 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? Go to www. shlc.net, click on "Members Only", enter the user name and password which you have received under separate cover via e-mail. If you need this information please contact the church office. |
| 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. |
| 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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| MEET YOUR FELLOW WORSHIPER |
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 Russ Baccaglini
Russ Baccaglini may be one of our newer members, but he is no stranger to SHLC. Through the years many of you have gotten to know him through his work with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. In this capacity Russ has been extremely helpful to many of our members with their insurance and investment questions and needs. And all of us have enjoyed the coffee and treats that (through Thrivent) he has often brought to our coffee table.
Russ was born in the Bronx. He graduated from Bergenfield (New Jersey) High School and Columbia University where he was awarded a BA, BS, MS, and ME (professional degree). You counted right, four degrees from Columbia. In addition to collecting degrees, Russ was also active on the Columbia crew team, glee club and fraternity. As a note of interest, his two oldest sons Russell and Mark also attended Columbia and were in the same fraternity as Russ.
A life long Lutheran, Russ was baptized at Redeemer Lutheran in the Bronx and confirmed at St. Matthew's Lutheran in Bergenfield. St. Matthew's made an impact on Russ's life. One of his Sunday school teachers there was our own Chuck Miller. And it was there that he met Arlene Spence in the junior choir and married her ten years later.
Russ became a financial planner in 1994. Since 1995 he has gotten to know and enjoy many SHLC members in his capacity as a Thrivent representative, which includes his "deep respect and admiration for Pastor Kuppler." He is one of the trustees of the Christian Heritage Endowment Fund, which is administered by the New Jersey District. He and his wife, Arlene, are also on the Board of Advisors of Bethania Kids, which is supported by SHLC.
When asked to describe the importance of his faith and church, Russ replied. "My wife and I met at church and church has always been important to our family. Many of our close friends are people we met at churches we attended. Faith carries me through life. I trust completely that Jesus is my savior and I know I cannot save myself. God has been good to me and my family and I rely on him to help me when I need help. SHLC is a friendly church with services that are uplifting."
Russ and Arlene reside in Morris Plains. They have four grown children: Russell, Lisa Schneier, Mark, and Paul plus three grandchildren. Their favorite hobbies are being grand parents and boating.
So say hello to old friends, Russ and Arlene, on Sunday morning over coffee. And tell them how pleased we are to have them officially be a part of our SHLC family.
Reported by Linda Vitale
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| WOMEN'S GUILD/LWML |
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1. Carpool info for Crane's Mill seminar -
May 30th - meet at Church before 9:15 am.
Hope to leave by 9:25 am. Registration
deadline - Joan Ziegler - St. John's Lutheran
Church, Clifton, N.J. Her address is on the
flyer.
2. Somerset Hills L.C. is the hostess site for the
LWML Autumn Rally. The agenda will
include highlights of the Portland, OR
national convention. Other possibilities are a
music history program on service, worship,
hymns. Suggestions are welcome.
Traditionally, there is a short service, short
meeting, main program and light supper.
The hospitality committee will probably be
involved.
3. Mission Walk Pledge Sheet - Portland, OR
convention - June 25th. A number of mission
requests need donations. I will be walking
and will put up a list. Our delegates will be
voting on mission requests. Please drop a
note into my box so I can pass the info to our
delegate as to how some of the constituents
side. Donations are by check-LWML-payee
and a receipt is available. You can write the
mission in the note section. Please place in an
envelope in Women's Guild mailbox in office.-
leave me a note. Look for more information
in about 2 weeks.
4. I represented the Central NJ Thrivent
Chapter at the recent Camden Adventure
Aquarium event sponsored by Thrivent. Close
to 80 people attended, eating pizza, cookies
etc. then touring certain parts of the aquarium
and participating in our workshops. All the
children went home with a 3-section piggy
bank that said, "Share, Save, Spend". The
parents rec'd workbooks on how to introduce
saving etc. to their youngsters. A lively
discussion ensued. As raconteur, I narrated
the "Stone Soup" story with youngsters serving
as assistant chefs, produce pickers etc. The
concepts of generosity, unselfishness,
participation, teamwork etc. were conveyed to
the youngsters. Grandparents, nieces,
nephews, etc. -everybody had fun!
5. We are looking for competent, capable,
dedicated leadership for our Women's Guild.
As you know, Adelheid is in the process of
moving - so Marilyn Becker is Acting Treasurer.
We thank Adelheid for her dedication,
excellent organization, fiduciary trust,
faithfulness and generosity of her time and
talents to the Church and our Women's
Organization. She has served for over 15
years.
6. LWML District is looking for an editor and
asst. editor for the newsletter. We need a
Treasurer and possibly 2 Chairpersons for 2
new ministries which we are discussing.
Please place a short bio in the Women's guild
Mailbox and include which position you are
interested in.
Julia Hong Sabella |
| CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE (CPH) NEEDS YOUR HELP! |
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| Dial-up or broadband? Twitter or Post-it Notes? CPH needs your input as we make decisions about the development of new technology-based products and services for churches, schools, and homes.
Take a few minutes to share your tech-savvy or tech-less needs, and enter for the chance to receive a free copy of The Lutheran Study Bible (coming fall 2009).
Log on at www.cph.org/techsurvey to participate. It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey. The survey is open through June 15, 2009.
CPH exists to serve the church: listening to congregations, responding to your needs, and providing biblical resources for today's ministry. And remember, because CPH is a non-profit, your purchase dollars are always reinvested in the development of new resources to proclaim the Gospel across the world.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me directly, or to call our Customer Service team at 1.800.325.3040.
God bless your continued ministry among His people.
Rosemary Parkinson
Publicity
Concordia Publishing House, Saint Louis
800-774-0274
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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 summer issue of the newsletter is Wednesday, June 17th.
Please send all articles to Cheryl or drop them off in the office. |
| CONGREGATIONAL MEETING |
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May 31, 2009
Following Worship
AGENDA
Ministry Team Updates
Elections of Officers and
Ministry Team Members
Suggested amendment to the Constitution
2009-2010 Budget Approval
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| "ISRAEL/THE HOLY LAND IN PICTURES" |
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Sunday, June 28th
Immediately following worship
Diana Truss, a good friend of our own Linda Julien, traveled to Israel this past Spring (with the help/guidance of Pastor Bob),
has asked to be able to share her pictures and experience with us. This is your chance to see and hear about the Holy Land, and perhaps consider a trip with us in early 2010. There is no cost for the gathering and no obligation to travel; plan to simple enjoy the story! |
| BAGEL BRUNCH |
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Everyone is invited to the Bagel Brunch on June 14th following the Sunday School Happening. Please sign up in the Library area. A Free-will offering will be collected. |
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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.
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| HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE UPDATE |
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Many thanks to Julia and Jennifer Sabella for all the work they did on Mother's Day providing a beautiful cake, cheesecakes, fruits and goodies for the children. Also thank you to those that assisted with the clean up.
NEEDED
People to sign up to make either coffee or provide snacks for fellowship on Sunday. Please see the sign up sheet in the library area. |
| THANK YOU! |
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Somerset Hills Lutheran Church:
Thank you so much for your generous support of the Pastoral Leadership Institute(PLI)! I feel so blessed by attending the Partner's Retreat for wives in Dallas. The Bible studies, speakers and sharing time along with all the prayer time has truly blessed my life and will impact my ministry to my husband, family, congregation and relationships outside the church. Thank you again for your contributions that help make all this possible!
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
In Christ,
Amy Kaufmann
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
Houston, TX |
| QUILTERS |
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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 June 12th and 26th @ 9:30 am in the room by the water fountain.
NEEDED BY THE QUILTERS: Sheets - flat, double, or queen/king - all colors. Place in the box near the Mite Box table. We can also use spools of sewing thread in any color. Thank you! |
SUMMERTIME GROCERIES
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Summertime is coming! Enjoy your vacations, but don't forget those who may not be able to go on vacation. The Somerset County Food Bank is very appreciative of all the groceries SHLC has been donating. Keep up the good work!
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| CHOIR REHEARSALS |
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On recess until further notice. |
| 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. |
| MISSION SUPPORT NEEDED |
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| Our sister congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, NJ, is sponsoring a mission trip to Alaska for 30-40 of their members. They will be doing hands-on construction/repair/maintenance work in a Christian camp and also helping the elderly in a local village to prepare their homes and themselves for the hard winter. We (SHLC) have been invited to pray for the mission and team, and asked to help with financial sponsorship. Gifts large or small may be sent to Susan Cinquegrana, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450. |
| JUNE BIRTHDAYS |
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6/2 - John Udes
6/3 - Brady Kurdyla
Ken Nora
6/4 - Marianne Ward
6/6 - Cassidy McKenna
Richard McKenna
Shane McKenna
6/7 - Greg Baron
Janean Hanson
6/8 - Susan Gobbo
Connie Nora
6/10 - Lindsey Ward
6/13 - Angela Nora
6/15 - Lee Delitzscher
6/18 - Devon Gobbo
6/19 - Jerusha Fenco
6/20 - Cory Janusz
Lorraine Jespersen
Dagmara Kalnin
6/21 - Zach Barnard
6/22 - Dennis Moore
6/23 - June Kressbach
Thomas Martin
Jackie Webb
6/25 - Pastor Paul Sparling
6/27 - Brett Butterline
Jim Sabella
6/30 - Ruth Baccaglini
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. |
| JUNE ANNIVERSARIES |
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6/4 - Dottie & Jim Brunssen
Jerusha & Daniel Fenco
6/6 - Karianne & Eric Dickson
6/10 - Melanie & Don Richards
6/15 - Kitty & Norman Davis
6/17 - Arlene & Russ
Baccaglini
6/22 - Cheryl & Mike Delgado
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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