"NEWS AND NOTES"
OF
April 2010 |
| 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.
April 2nd is Good Friday; Easter is April 4th. 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.
A few notes of importance...
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As expected, Joy Elowsky will end her ministry among us at SHLC sometime this summer. Her husband, Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, has been called to teach the Christian faith at Concordia College, Mequon, Wisconsin. How blessed we are to have been touched by Joy, Joel, Christian and Luke this short but wonderful year. Farewell dates will be announced. Joy is helping with the search for our new Music Director. Please be in prayer with us about this need.
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Faith Martin has been chosen to participate in the LCMS's first songwriter's conference, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Ellisville (St. Louis, MO). She is one of only 35 chosen to attend cost-free, out of 175 applicants. This event is the formal beginning of a new day in the LCMS, whereby many people resources are brought together to create appropriate Christian songs and hymns for the Church of today and tomorrow. What a blessing to have Faith as part of our dynamic staff at SHLC.
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Both Brad Hildebrandt and Dan Fenco are in the process of admission to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, to begin study this fall. When accepted they will be assigned to SHLC as "vicars" (pastors in training) while they prepare for the pastoral ministry through internet courses. Both will begin specific duties among us this fall, while they also study.
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New members will be received in SHLC on Sunday, April 25th. Please speak to me or call the church office to be part of this group.
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Mother's Day is May 9th. For the first time, we will be hosting a "Mother's Day Brunch" following worship, with the theme: "Bring Mom to Brunch!" This will be catered by Copper Kettle. Reservation and tickets are required. We believe the cost to be $20/adult; $12/child age 5 and up. Look for the signup sheet/ticket sale as you leave worship, or call the Church office to reserve your places.
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| SUNDAY SCHEDULE FOR APRIL 2010 |
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April 4th
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 11th
The 2nd 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!"
April 18th
The 3rd 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!"
2 pm - Lutheran Women's (LWML) Rally
April 25th
The 4th 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
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| PRAYER MINISTRY |
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 In Matthew 18:19 Jesus gives us the promise that "If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven".
This is just one of the many promises that we claim about prayer! The Prayer Network has been in operation for three months and is being used!!! There is always space for additional "Pray-ers" if you would like to join. Just call the office or Betty Vetter, 973-887-6027 and your name can be added to one of the networks.
The Prayer Group will meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for April 13th, 2010 at 10:00 am for about one hour. There will be a short Bible study on prayer and then we will pray for any requests that have been called in or those requests that have been placed in the "Prayer Request Box" (on the table by the flower chart). Please feel free to drop in and pray with the group even if you have just 10 - 15 minutes to spare. We will meet in the room by the water fountain.
Also, did you know that there is an Elder at the front of the Church after service who will pray with you if you so desire? Often, it is Joyce Millhagen! Please feel free to take advantage of this special time of prayer!
Are you one of those who wants to be a part of the Prayer Ministry at SHLC? We would be happy to have your help! |
| BRUNCH/LUNCH/DINNER GROUP |
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We are assessing your interest in having "meal" fellowship gatherings at a variety of different eating establishments.
Please indicate your interest by checking one or more choices below:
___ Sunday brunch - after church
___ Lunch - probably a weekday
___ Dinner - Friday or Saturday (circle your
preference)
___ Dinner - weekday
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___ Dinner should be no more than $30 including
tip/per person
___ Dinner should be BYOB
___ Pot Luck at the church would be OK
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Group should gather:
___ Once a week
___ Twice a month
___ Once a month
___ Quarterly
Comments and/or suggestions: ________________
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
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Name: __________________ Phone #: ________
For more information please contact the Pompluns (908-766-2315) or the Baccaglinis (973-539-7930). |
| KOBON MINISTRY UPDATE |
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Dear Kobon Ministry Friends,
As you read this, Pastor John and Maila are in Papua New Guinea, preparing to make the trip by air on April 16 to Singapi on the border between the Kobon and Haruai lands. There they will be met by some of the Haruai people. Pastor John plans to hike from Singapi to Fankfank, along with the school superintendents and some Haruai men who will carry the cartons of the Haruai New Testaments to present to the Haruai people.
The plan is that a sports/fun day will be held on Saturday, April 17 for the school children and the community, and then on Sunday, April 18, the Haruai people will receive the New Testament in their very own language! What a day to celebrate! Pastor John will hike back to Singapi on Monday, April 19, and take the plane back to Ukarumpa.
While all this activity is taking place far away in Papua New Guinea, as "senders" we have a role and a responsibility to keep all involved in prayer.
Let's pray and praise God as we await news from the Davies about this wonderful event.
-Nancy |
| MEET YOUR FELLOW WORSHIPER |
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Scott Hacker
You may have noticed a new face in our pews on Sunday mornings. That could be Scott Hacker, one of our regular visitors.
Scott was born in Vincennes, Indiana and raised Lutheran. His home church was St. John Lutheran in Vincennes. After graduating from high school, Scott went on to Vincennes University where he attained an Associate degree in Business Administration. Then he attended Indiana University where he received a BS in accounting. While in high school and college, Scott ran track. He placed 6th in Big Ten championships during his senior year in intermediate hurdles.
Scott has been employed by Verizon Wireless since 1990. During this time he has worked in Indianapolis, Atlanta, Nashville, Atlanta (again), Schaumburg, Illinois, Southfield, Michigan and currently in Basking Ridge.
Scott enjoys all types of music, but classical and organ are his favorites. In the last twenty years Scott has played in seven different hand bell choirs, including our own here at SHLC. He also enjoys Broadway plays, and being in Basking Ridge offers him the opportunity to see as many shows as he likes. Scott says that he is always up for a trip into the city.
Scott found SHLC while driving to work. He saw our sign on Mt. Airy Road, which shows that there is power in advertising.
Scott describes his faith in God in the following way:
"My faith is important to me as it gets me through the times when I am not sure why things are happening. I've been able to look back over my life and see how things that happened years ago were just setting the stage for where I am today. It's comforting to know God is in control. My confirmation verse was Matthew 28-20: 'Lo I am with you always, even until the end of age.' This has comforted me many times through life."
Recently Scott saw a picture of Jesus and lamb in someone's office that read:
Good Morning... This is GOD!
I will be handling all your problems today.
I will not need your help...
So have a good day.
As Scott says, it's a great reminder to let God take care of us.
Reported by Linda Vitale |
| SHLC 50'S DANCE PARTY |
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Save the date - Saturday, May 1st, 2010
SHLC 50's Dance Party
Time: 7:00 PM till the cows come home!
Place: Somerset Hills Lutheran Church
Admission Price: to be announced.
Calling all adults! Dig up those poodle skirts, bobbie socks, saddle shoes, varsity jackets and penny loafers. Join us for an evening of food, fellowship and fun! Be there or be square!! Details to follow...
Any questions, contact Linda Julien (908) 647-0604, Judie Crawford (908) 647-8082 or Marlene Bauer (908) 719-0975. |
| LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF HEALTH KITS |
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 People who must flee their homes quickly often do not have time to pack essential items. Health kits can help refugees maintain personal hygiene while living in exile. In response, we will be collecting the following items for health kits:
- dark colored hand towel
- dark colored washcloth
- 4 - 5 oz. bar of soap (in original wrapping)
- adult sized toothbrush (in original wrapping)
- sturdy comb
- metal nail file or nail clippers with file
attached
- 1/2" to 3/4" bandaids
Please place your items in the boxes marked LWR Health Kits by the doors or in the library area.
Info? Contact Angelika DeMarchi @ 908-719-1344 . |
| 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, followed by timely discussions.
Monday (2nd & 4th): 7 pm. The group is discussing "Knowing Jesus". Info needed? Contact Bill Vreeland at 908-221-1779 or wvreeland1@aol.com.
Tuesday (2nd & 4th): 7 pm. The group is discussing "Vital Pursuits: developing my spiritual life". Info needed? contact Matthew Wessel at 908-625--5756 or weezyl@aol.com.
Sr. High Mom's Luncheon: This group meets monthly for lunch and fellowship. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 4th. Info needed? Contact Becky Johnsen at 908-892-0946 or becky@shlc.net.
Men of Elementary/Middle school age children:
Not quite right for YANKS? Not good at quilting? Not a Mom with kids in High School? Then this may be for you - we are beginning to form a SHLC men's group.... It's going to be mainly for men with young children (elementary-middle school). Plan to meet as a group for fellowship, spiritual development, sharing concerns and thoughts about our kids, and whatever is on your mind. May (probably will) develop into something more after a few meetings... Interested? talk to Dan Fenco or Don Richards for more info- there is no obligation, but we plan to make this something you don't feel obligated to, but rather something to look forward to... |
| CHURCH WEBSITE UPDATE |
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BLOG
Go to SHLC's blog site at http://shlc.net/blog/ to read and/or comment on blogs posted. Please subscribe and share our site with your friends.
SERMONS
If you missed last week's sermon or would like to listen to it again, go to www.shlc.net and click on "Listen to our audio files here".
SCHEDULES
Can't remember if you are scheduled to serve this Sunday? Go to www.shlc.net, click on "Members Only", and enter the user name and password which you have received under separate cover via e-mail. If you need this information please contact Cheryl in the church office.
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 Cheryl in the church office.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
To confirm events/activity time and locations, log onto the church website at www.shlc.net, click on "news and events", then click on "calendar". Click on the event/activity about which you are interested and the pertinent information will "pop up". |
| BIBLE STUDIES |
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There are currently three Bible Studies at SHLC, and all are invited to come and participate in them. Please plan to join us as often as 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!
WEDNESDAY: resumes weekly sessions, beginning April 7th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the conference room. The following week's study will be held on Wednesday April 14th from 10:00 - 11:00 am. The start time of the study will then alternate weekly. Please see the Sunday bulletin for the Bible verses to be studied. Info? contact Joyce Millhagen at 908-647-3097.
THURSDAY: will meet weekly on Thursdays from 1:30 - 2:30 pm at the Sparling's home (11 Holly Drive, Morris Plains) to study 1John. Info needed? contact Pastor Sparling at 973-538-2704.
FRIDAY: will meet biweekly at 7 pm to study the Gospel of John. Please see the weekly bulletin for the next meeting time and location. Info needed? contact Russ Baccaglini at 973-539-7930.
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| 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 8. Children's Choir will not meet April 8th and April 15th.
ADULT CHOIR rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. Adult Choir will meet following Maundy Thursday Worship on April 1st, and will not meet April 8th.
HANDBELL CHOIR
rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 6:15 - 7:25 pm for all ages. Handbell Choir will meet following Maundy Thursday Worship on April 1st, and will not meet April 8th. | |
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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
Karen Lemke
908-766-2858
Contemporary Worship Leader & Youth Engager
Faith Martin
908-766-2858
Music Director
Children's Ministry
Becky Johnsen
908-892-0946
Christian Preschool
Martha Gilmore, Director
908-766-1430
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| GOLF OUTING |
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Save Thursday, May 13th for the 6th 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 about $160. Sponsors are also being sought. Speak with Judie Crawford or call the Church office (908-766-2858) to reserve your spot, or request a brochure.
Speak to Pastor Bob about being a sponsor. |
| TELLERS NEEDED |
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Tellers are needed to count tithes and offerings on a monthly basis. You will work alongside an experienced teller following training by the Financial Secretary. If interested, contact Karen Gil at ray_gil@yahoo.com or Cheryl Delgado at cheryl@shlc.net. |
| LWML SPRING ZONE RALLY AT SHLC |
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This year the LWML Lakeland Zone rally will be held at our church on Sunday, April 18th. Registration will begin at 2:30 pm. Presenter: Arc of Somerset. A light supper to follow. Look for more details on the bulletin board. All women are invited to attend.
We can use your help in hosting these 40 women from other LC-MS churches in northern New Jersey. For more information see the Sunday bulletin and sign-up poster.
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| NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING |
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The National Youth Gathering, for those currently in grades 8 -12, is coming July 17-21, 2010 in New Orleans!
Please contact Faith Martin for more information at faith@shlc.net.
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| 52" RCA PROJECTION TV AVAILABLE |
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The church recently leased a new copier and in the process was given a 40" HD LCD flat screen TV. In turn, our "old" 52" projection TV is available to any member who may want it. Please speak with Pastor or Cheryl if interested. |
| NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE |
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The deadline for the next issue of the newsletter is Sunday, April 18th. Please send all articles to cheryl@shlc.net or drop them off in the office. |
| PRAISE BAND |
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Do you sing or play a musical instrument? Are you interested in learning how to run the sound board? If so, the Praise Band needs your help!
Please contact Faith Martin for more information at faith@shlc.net or 908-766-2858. |
| QUILTERS MEET |
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The SHLC Quilters will meet April 9th and 23rd @ 9:30 am in the room by the water fountain. Quilts made by the group are donated to Lutheran World Relief.
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| FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY |
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Thank you. Donations have increased during the last three years. We gave 85 bags in 2007, 130 bags in 2008, and almost 200 bags in 2009. Each year we also donate about 10 turkeys at Thanksgiving. Keep up the good work! |
| 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@shlc.net. |
| APRIL BIRTHDAYS |
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4/1 - Erik Gobbo
4/2 - Karianne Dickson
4/3 - Tobyn Brill
Eric Dickson
John Pankuch
4/5 - Leanne DeRosa
Mike Noelke
Sue Rissmeyer
4/6 - Jodi Kokenge
Erin Kurdyla
4/7 - Ken Pomplun
4/8 - Mike Rickert
4/9 - Bob Boorujy
George Islinger
4/10 - Zachary Harrison
4/11 - Pam Povolny
4/13 - James Norton, IV
4/14 - Annika Springsteel
4/15 - Luther Tai
Joan Zarnick
4/16 - Cameron Kurdyla
4/20 - Emma Sombers
4/21 - Diane Reinig
4/22 - Alyssa Moore
4/23 - Jonathan Nora
Joe Pecon
4/24 - Evan Burkart
Mary Rickert
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@shlc.net 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
4/12 - Muriel & Joe Pecon
4/19 - Judy & Keith Craven
4/23 - Fran & Bill Storer
4/30 - Alexis & Rick Rizzuto
We are sorry if we have omitted an anniversary. Please contact cheryl@shlc.net 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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