"NEWS AND NOTES"
OF
September 2009 |
| FROM PASTOR BOB KUPPLER... |
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The news hasn't been very good, has it? Like me, as this September "start up" time rolls around once again, you might need an encouraging word. So might your friends and neighbors, because all around us is bad news - health insurance turmoil, unimaginable deficits, unemployment, family difficulties. There are so many who are burdened with fear in their lives. Even so, though there is also much for which to be grateful, and positive; so...
Sit up. Stand up. Wake up. We have the Good News that people are looking for! This is why the Holy Spirit directs us and says, "Speak to those with fearful hearts." (Isaiah 35:4).
Fear's a terrible thing if left unaddressed. The military has done studies on the effects of fear and found that, as fear increases, the brain begins to shut down; your ability to think creatively (residing mostly in the brain's frontal lobe) goes out the window.
Worse than a fearful mind, is a fearful heart. It is a fearful heart which has a hard time hearing, trusting, or knowing that there is a God who loves and cares for you. This is why Christ Jesus has come to us - to speak to our fears with hope, peace, forgiveness, love, and encouragement, and this is why we SHLC'ers are to "speak to those with fearful hearts."
Return to the Lord now - it's the right time...it's the best time...it's about time! Let the Lord speak to your heart. Speak to your neighbors and friends who also live with fearful hearts...speak of Him Who loves, cares, and comes with healing!
News, Information, Dates and other items:
- Bible Studies resume; see the information listed elsewhere in this issue of "News 'n Notes"
- Confirmation preparation for those on grades 6, 7, and 8 will soon begin. Call the church office to register your intention to be part of this ministry.
- Usher/Greeter Ministry will have renewal and instruction. Watch for the training date announcement in September
- New acolytes (grades 6 - 8) will be trained and join the ranks of our teen worship servers. Watch for the date of training
- 1st Holy Communion preparation for children ages 10, or entering grade 5, will take place in the fall. Alert the church office that your child/children will be part of this preparation
- The SHLC Learning Community is a new "growth" opportunity for SHLC members and leaders to explore and understand the latest and most important information concerning vibrant Church life in our culture. It is vital that SHLC people are part of it. Speak to Pastor Bob to find out more/enroll.
- Outreach Group Leaders who stepped up for this ministry last Spring, will be trained in early Fall. Pastor Jim Buckman and Pastor Bob will lead.
- The Sunday Evening Contemporary Service has been "in the works" since May. We've learned much; a good number of people have participated; we will continue the current schedule for the coming months. Be part of the service!
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE |
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Sunday, September 6th
The 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Labor Day Weekend
9:30 am: Worship with Holy Communion
"True Food and Drink"
Sunday, September 13th
The 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday School Begins!!
9:30 am: Worship with Holy Communion
"The State of Our Church"
(Sunday School children begin with parents in the sanctuary and then leave for classes at 9:50 am)
9:50 - 10:40 am: Sunday School Classes begin
11am - noon: Bible Study "John's Gospel"
5:15 - 6 pm: Evening Contemporary Service
Sunday, September 20th - Celebration Sunday!
9:30 am: Family worship
"Bread Alone!"
(All children remain with parents in the sanctuary)
Welcome Gentle Shepherd Christian Preschool Families!
Installation of Teaching Staffs of SHLC Sunday School, Confirmation Ministry and Gentle Shepherd Christian Preschool
10:30 - noon: Celebration Picnic on SHLC grounds
Bagels, Hot Dogs, Games Fellowship for all
Sunday, September 27th
The 17th Sunday After Pentecost
Special Music Artist - Dave Shearer aka "Agape"
9:30 am: Worship with Holy Communion
"Our New Culture"
(Sunday School children begin with parents in the sanctuary and then leave for classes at 9:50 am)
9:50 - 10:40 am: Sunday School
"Because God Loves us...We love others!"
5:15 - 6 pm: Evening Contemporary Service
"Agape" In Concert
Sunday, October 4th
The 18th Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am: Worship with Holy Communion
"Grace For All People"
(Sunday School children begin with parents in the sanctuary and then leave for classes at 9:50 am)
9:50 - 10:40 am: Sunday School
"To God, All People Are Special"
11 am - noon: Bible Study "John's Gospel"
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| AGAPE IN CONCERT |
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Hip Hop outreach artist, David Scherer (Agape), is scheduled to perform a free concert at SHLC on Sunday, September 27th at 5:15 pm.
All are invited to attend!
Agape was awarded the Tom Hunstad Award for excellence in youth ministry. The "Tommie" is given every year to someone who has made a significant positive impact on the lives of young people.
"Agape is a rapper with the raw honesty of Eminem and the deep theology of u2."
"An incredible break-dancer with a knack for entertaining."
"Agape challenges us to think about faith, race and music in a new way." |
| FALL BIBLE STUDIES |
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There are currently four Bible Studies at SHLC, and all are invited to come and participate in them. Please plan to join us as often as possible as together we grow in the Word and in fellowship.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT: Beginning 9/13 we will meet weekly (except 9/20)from 11 am - noon in the church conference room. We will continue our study of the Gospel of John. 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 at 908-464-9349.
WEDNESDAY: We are combining our Wednesday groups, keeping evening and morning times, but providing flexibility. Meetings will be on alternate Wednesdays, one week at 10 am and the next at 7 pm. Each week we will study the Scripture readings for the coming Sunday. Check the worship folder for the current week's meeting time and Bible passages. First meetings: September 16, 7-8 pm; September 23, 10-11 am. Info needed? Contact Joyce Millhagen at 908-647-3097 or Marilyn Becker at 732-356-2881.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Beginning 9/17 we will meet weekly from 1:30 - 2:30 pm at the Sparlings home (11 Holly Drive, Morris Plains) to study "other religions". Info needed? Contact Pastor Sparling at 973-538-2704.
FRIDAY EVENING: Beginning 9/18 we will meet bi-weekly at 7 pm to study the Gospel of John. Our first meeting will be at the home of Arlene and Geoff Price (13 Mariner Drive, Randolph). Info needed? Contact Russ Baccaglini at 973-539-7930. |
| CHOIR REHEARSALS |
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CHILDREN'S CHOIR rehearsal will begin 9/17/09 and will be held Thursday evenings from 4:15 - 5:00 pm for those in Kindergarten through grade 4.
ADULT CHOIR rehearsal will begin 9/10/09 and will be held Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 9:00 pm.
HANDBELL CHOIR rehearsal will begin 9/10/09 and will be held Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 7:25 pm for all ages.
For more information please contact Joy Elowsky following worship. |
| SMALL GROUPS |
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 WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP? How easy is it 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 begins by catching up and visiting over snacks, followed by our timely discussions. In honor of people's time, we try to end at 9 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): beginning 9/14 at 7 pm at The Delgado's home (133 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge). The group is discussing "Some Assembly Required - Instructions for an Amazing Marriage". Info needed? Contact Bill Vreeland at 908-221-1779.
Tuesday (2nd & 4th): beginning 9/8 at 7 pm at Julius Rakus' home(81 Hagerman Court, Bridgewater). The group will be discussing "knowing Jesus". Info needed? Contact Matthew Wessel at 908-625-5756.
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| QUILT AUCTION FOR LWML MINISTRY |
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Proceeds will support our women's ministries.
This quilt is a one-of-a kind masterpiece. Carole Green appliqued the squares. The quilt was assembled and hand quilted by Elsbeth Rogaczewski and Marge Fields. There are two matching pillow shams and fabric for a window valence.
The quilt measures 66 1/2 x 82.
Minimum bid is $500.
Here is how the silent auction works:
- Write your name, bid and phone number on a piece of paper and place it in the Bid Box.
- Each week on Sunday we will past the weekly high bid on the box. You may bid as often as you like. All bids will end October 11, 2009 at noon. The highest bidder will then be called.
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| KOBON MINISTRY UPDATE |
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 Dear Friends,
September. For many that means Back-to-School. And that can mean change - change of class, change of teacher, in some cases change of school, and in others, the very first day of school. Sometimes these changes are not so easy. It takes time to adjust to a new situation. Meantime, family and friends can be a big help by listening and understanding how we feel, encouraging and praying for us. Students of all ages, and teachers: may you have a happy and successful school year!
There's an old saying "A change is as good as a rest". Well... that probably depends on just what kind of change! For most of us change is difficult. Most everyone reading this has faced some change during the past year. After all, it's not been an easy year. In some cases there have been big changes which were completely unexpected. It's good to know at times like these that we have a Lord who is always there, who never changes, and who we can always count on. "I am with you always." (Matthew 28:20). "For I the Lord do not change." (Malachi 3:6). "The Lord will not change his mind." (Psalm 110:4).
Thank you for your prayers for our Living Word schools, teachers, and students here in PNG. The Lord is answering your prayers and blessing the Haruai, Kobon and Minimib communities through this ministry. And thank you for praying for the completion of the Haruai New Testament. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. And by the Lord's grace, the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will soon be shining in the hearts of the Haruai men and women, boys and girls as they read His Word for themselves.
In His Love and Grace,
Pastor John and Maila
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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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| WOMEN'S GUILD/LWML |
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SAVE THE DATE: The women's annual  Christmas party and auction will be held Monday evening, December 7th. Please think about what you would like to make (or buy) for the auction. This will be a silent auction, with some special items being auctioned off by Marlene Bauer. Watch for more details later.
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF HEALTH KITS: collecting the following items through  10/12/09:
- dark colored hand towels
- dark colored wash cloths
- 4-5 oz bars of soap in original wrapping
- Adult-size toothbrushes
- combs
- metal nail files or clippers w/ file attached
- 1/2" or 3/4" Band-aids
Please place in the box near the library.
LWML BOARD MEETING is scheduled for 9/14/09 at 7:30 pm at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 143 Brooklyn Rd, Stanhope, NJ. Call Julia Sabella at 908-630-9297 if interested in carpooling.
LWML ELECTION AND ZONE RALLY is scheduled for 10/25/09 at 3:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 37 Newton Sparta Rd, Newton, NJ. Light supper to be served. Topic: TBA
THRIVENT ANNUAL ELECTION/ DINNER GALA is scheduled for 10/25/09, 5-9 pm at Madeline's of Vosseller, Bound Brook, NJ. Details forthcoming.
THRIVENT SUPPLEMENTED PROJECT  for Comedy Night Fundraiser at Liberty Corner Firehouse on 11/7. Help needed setting up tables and clean up following. See Julia Sabella for more information. |
| MEET A FELLOW WORSHIPER |
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Karen Lee Gil
 Almost everyone at SHLC has met Karen. She has taught Sunday school, VBS, and mentored our confirmation teens. She has worked in the church office and currently serves as our financial secretary. She is involved with our discipleship program, is often a Sunday morning projectionist, sings in the choir and is a member of the bell choir. And to think that Karen found SHLC in the Yellow Pages!
Born in Port Jefferson, New York, Karen is a life long Lutheran. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Centereach, New York. Her grandfather was a Lutheran minister and her mom, an organist.
Karen graduated from Centereach High School, Suffolk County Community College, Long Island University, and has an MBA in finance. She is a tax preparer for Bertolo and Company. She is married to Ray Gil and they have a teenaged daughter, Emma.
Karen has always been a hard worker, not just here, but throughout her life. "Work was emphasized in our house. So I got a paper route when I was 11, worked at Carvel at 15, and worked for a defense contractor ten years before having Emma". When she has time for a breather, Karen enjoys skiing, boating, traveling, and seeing plays in New York City.
Karen sums up her church life by saying, "It is meaningful for me to go through all of the different emotions of a church service where I humble myself before God and ask for mercy and forgiveness. Then thank Him for all of my blessings and strength for the coming week. It's reassuring to just put myself in God's hands, praise him and ask for peace."
So look for Karen in front with the choir. Or in the loft with the bell choir or projecting the service. Or in and among one of dozens of other places in church. If you can catch up with her, make sure you tell her how much we like having her here.
Reported by Linda Vitale | |
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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
Music Director
Education 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 October issue is Wednesday, September 16th.
Please send all articles to Cheryl or drop them off in the office. |
| MEMBER/FORMER MEMBER/FRIENDS UPDATE |
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Dear Pastor Bob:
I want to say thank you for all the beautiful sympathy cards and prayers that I received from Somerset Hills family in Christ. I read them often....I trust the Lord and He will guide me what to do next. I will visit you when I will be in NJ.
Blessings & Love,
Darci Schaeffer |
| GENTLE SHEPHERD CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL UPDATE |
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Gentle Shepherd Christian Preschool has been preparing for the beginning of school ALL SUMMER! The classrooms have had a much needed face lift by being painted. We had to move things around a bit for the painting so we took the opportunity to rearrange some of the rooms. We were even fortunate to add a painted mural by our three's classroom of a shepherd with some sheep! We are almost ready to welcome our newest members to the Preschool! We delivered 106 welcome bags to each family attending our school recently. It was great to personally meet our families as well as share information about the Creative Curriculum (which is the curriculum our teachers use in the day to day planning of class time), share A Parent's Guide to Preschool booklet, and give the best gift of all which was a small toy lamb for each student to remind our youngest members of the school that we are part of God's flock! We are still very busy for the last of these "hazy lazy" days of summer. You will notice the playground is undergoing major changes at this writing! We have been fortunate in saving money from our fundraisers the past two years to update our playground. We can't wait for it to be finished and "updated" before school starts! God is good. Please keep our staff and families in your prayers as we settle in for the start of the 2009-2010 school year.
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| TOUR ISRAEL WITH SHLC! |
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Join Pastor Bob and others of our SHLC family on a 10 Day Biblical Tour of Israel, February 9 - 18th. Imagine...Ash Wednesday in Jerusalem! That is on the schedule for this Pre-Lent Spiritual journey to the "Holy Land" of Jesus and Old Testament history. There is no better way to prepare for Lent and Easter!
Among the places we'll visit are Caesarea, Megiddo, Nazareth, Cana, the Sea of Galilee, the Mt. of the Beatitudes, the Dead Sea, Masada, Qumran, the Jordan River, and the ancient walled city of Jerusalem where we can retrace the steps of the Lord Jesus from Palm Sunday through Easter. There is also an optional 3-day extension through Sinai and the Red Sea to Egypt where we will see the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
A very reasonable and affordable cost of $2297 includes everything except US and Int'l Taxes, and gratuities. Invite family, relatives, friends to join you for this spiritual experience of a lifetime. Speak to Pastor Bob for a brochure and all other information and questions. |
| 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 September 11 and 25th @ 9:30 am in the room by the water fountain. |
| PLI THANK YOU! |
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Many heartfelt thanks for your prayerful support and financial generosity to the Pastoral Leadership Institute(PLI). My husband, Tom, and I just returned from Phoenix - our first PLI conference. What an amazing experience it was in so many ways! It took me a few days after I returned home to talk about the conference without tears in my eyes! This was also the first time Tom and I have been away from our children together since our first was born 7 1/2 years ago. We grew so much individually as we re-evaluated our personal ministries and visions, but we were allowed to focus a great deal on our marriage and family as well. What a gift PLI is to pastors and their families, and I thank you sincerely for making this experience possible for so many. Tom and I are looking forward to our next four years with PLI.
Love In Our Savior,
Tom & Jennifer Zucconi
Fairlawn Lutheran Church
Fairlawn, OH |
FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY
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Thank you for bringing groceries to the church all summer. Let's keep up the good work!
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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. |
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ALTAR FLOWERS |
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The Altar Guild continues to provide flowers each week throughout the year. The 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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| SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS |
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9/1 - Jenn Doe
Melissa Helm
9/3 - Chuck Hellings
9/4 - George Marx
Rick Rizzuto
Thomas Thalacker
9/5 - Ethan Geiger
Donna Morella
9/7 - Carrie Ruffner
9/9 - John Rosenthal
9/10 - Sammy Hosler
Kathryn Rissmeyer
Bob Vetter
9/12 - Madison Fischl
9/14 - Mike Liesmann
Jack Noelke
Rachel Richards
9/17 - John Durstewitz
9/18 - Pat Oakley
9/19 - Reid Kokenge
9/20 - Deb Hellings
9/21 - Judy Vreeland
9/22 - Dorothea Johnson
Jennie Martin
9/23 - Lynn Cusack
9/24 - Sabrina Silverman
9/25 - Jim Brunssen
Andrew Infusino
Muriel Pecon
9/26 - Jessica Noelke
Brian Rissmeyer
9/28 - Joseph DeRosa
Bruce Foster
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. |
| SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES |
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9/2 - Kathy & Don Schleef
9/3 - Jodi & Chad Kokenge
9/6 - Betty & Bob Vetter
9/12 - Vicki & Mike Liesmann
- Ann & Ken Powers
9/17 - Debra & Phil Sahadi
9/19 - Anneke & Ed Forzani
9/20 - Jennifer & Peter
Schnarr
9/23 - Pam & Joe Povolny
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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