 "NEWS AND NOTES"
OF
June 2010 |
| FROM PASTOR BOB KUPPLER... | | |
It's mid-May as I sit here thinking about summer!
Not just because I'm looking for some time off - but because of what "summer" means for us who are the family of Christ - SHLC!
- Worship Attendance declines 50%
- Children, so much a part of our life together, are virtually "missing" from our sumer worship life. What does this teach them about the worship of our Lord and Savior who gave Himself completely for our well-being and eternal life?
- Just as many first-time visitors "check us out" in the summer as during the year; what does it say to them as they worship in a half-empty sanctuary?
- Vacation bible School brings lots of energy and exitement to the entire church property! Wow! What a blessing!
- Needed maintaenance and planning are accomplished.
So, what does it all mean?
Yes, summer is a time of rest. By the way, that's what the word "sabbath" means - rest! Note that Sunday is our "Sabbath" day of rest, in which Christians worship God. Is God telling us something about the "rest" we need?
Yes! Worship - meeting with and communing with God and one another - is so necessary for rest and renewal and recovery. When you are home during the summer - worship every Sunday!
I also want to share with you some significant items:
- Members of SHLC Daniel Fenco and Brad Hildebrandt have been officially accepted into Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as "Specific Ministry Pastor" (SMP) candidates. Along with me, they will attend the new student orientation in St. Louis, September 2-4. Both will be taking 4 courses per year (by internet) as well as learning and doing pastoral skills and their "specific ministry" tasks. Brad's involve church administration and outreach; Daniel's involve House Church ministry and outreach. As they begin this new phase of their lives, please pray for them and their families, and receive their ministrations with thanksgiving and joy! God will be honored, we will be blessed, the the mission of Christ's Church will expand.
- There will be a congregational voter's meeting on June 6th. In addition to budget approval, new congregation leaders will be elected: Willing to serve as President is Donna Morella; Vice President is Jack Baron. We are still seeking someone to serve as Secretary. We're thankful for the service and leadership of Eric Reiss, Dave Islinger, and Donna Morella, who will finish their current duties as of June 30th. We have been blessed by their wisdom, leadership and serving!
- Summer 2010 is "Backpack Summer!" In the past, our Vacation Bible School mission has been receiving backpack and school supplies to be given out to children in Plainfield. Our "usual" number of backpacks has been about 80. This year, we have changed goals. Thanks to the blessing of working closely with Plainfield school officials, we will supply new backpacks and supplies to the entire student body of Clinton Elementary School (310 students!). In order to acomplish this goal, all people of our SHLC are needed to be part of the ministry. In addition, the backpacks will be distributed at the schoool, directly to the students and parents, with the invitation to each of them for personal prayer and to be part of a prayer ministry/house church in Plainfield. Make this effort part of your prayers this summer, as well as responding to the needs as they are made known to you.
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| SUNDAY SCHEDULE FOR JUNE 2010 | | |
May 30th
The Sunday of the Holy Trinity
Memorial Day Weekend
"The Passionate Life - Walking Together"
9:30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion
(All children remain in the sanctuary to worship with their families)
June 6th
The 2nd Sunday after Pentecost
"The Passionate Life: Get Into It"
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Luke Matthew Vitolo
Leonard Christian von Reventlow
John Franklin Kumpf
Choir Appreciation Day
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
11 am Congregational Voter's Meeting
June 13th
The 3rd Sunday after Pentecost Recognition of High School Graduates
Presentation of SHLC/Plainfield HS Scholarship
9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion
(Sunday School children begin with parents in
the sanctuary and then leave for classes at 9:45)
Following Worship - Sunday School "Happening" June 20th The 4th Sunday after Pentecost
Father's Day
"The Lord's Work in the Ukraine"
The Rite of Confirmation - Amanda Bringewatt
Pastor Rich Bringewatt, Guest Preacher 9:30 am FamilyWorship with Holy Communion
(All children remain in the sanctuary to worship with their families)
June 27th
The 5th Sunday after Pentecost
Contemporary Worship Service
"The Passionate Life - "Out With It"
9:30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion |
| "GIVE A KID A BACKPACK" MISSION FOR PLAINFIELD YOUTH | | |
It is a team effort!
Somerset Hills Lutheran Church, Gentle Shepherd Christian Preschool, and SHLC Vacation Bible School are teaming up to provide backpacks and supplies to every one of the 310 students at the Clinton Elementary School in Plainfield, NJ. We have provided backpacks to the general public in Plainfield in the past but have now committed to supplying an entire school in August! Please join in this Backpack Project by providing the following:
One backpack supplied with pencils, pens, a ruler, a pair of scissors, glue or glue sticks, crayons and markers. Or perhaps you would prefer to make a monetary donation.
Speak to Becky if you have any questions.
Help a needy child get off to a great 2010-2011 school year! There will be a box in the hallway where you can deposit your backpacks.
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| WELCOME NEW MEMBERS | | | The following new members were welcomed to our congregation on April 25, 2010:
    Scott Hacker Julie & Chris Hoops Jason Marks Faith Martin Doug & Liz Meiner Peter & Jennifer Schnarr Photos are unavailable for new members Fred & Shirley Bernthal, and
Christine Kumpf. |
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| PRAYER MINISTRY | | 
Isaiah 65:24 tells us that "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear."
In May there were 6 people who attended the Prayer Group. We looked into the "Privilege of Prayer."
The Prayer group will meet on June 8th and will study the "Power of Prayer." We meet at 10:00 am for about an hour. Please plan to join us!
Just a reminder that there are "Prayer Request" cards in the pew in front of you in case you have a prayer request you would like us to pray for. |
| HOUSE CHURCH UPDATE | | 
It's been four months since we started our House Church in Bernardsville. A lot of things have happened since then. We had two weddings in which I assisted Pastor Bob with the service. We
Pastor Bob and Mia
also have a new member, her name is Mia Figueroa. She was born on May 11, 2010. We have had newcomers and our average attendance per week is 10 people. We started our teachings with the Life of Christ and recently Pastor Bob has been teaching about Baptism and Communion. On Easter Sunday we had our first Spanish Service. Between friends and family, we had about 35 people for this service. Faith Martin led the singing in Spanish and did a wonderful job. Jason Marks accompanied her on guitar and my dad, Pedro Fenco played the Bongos. We had a luncheon after the service in which we had a chance to talk and get to know our visitors. The Spanish Service was a big accomplishment for our house Church and also for us here at SHLC. It has been a vision of Pastor and mine to reach out to those that do not know Christ, whether they speak English or Spanish.
About two weeks ago, I presented our house church with a new goal. Our goal is to have 25 people in our house church in order to start a weekly or bi-weekly Spanish Service. Our deadline is the Fall 2010. I believe that we can accomplish this through God's help. Our House Church is very excited and willing to work towards this. We have a few ways to accomplish this but the most important thing that we have to do is pray. We pray every week for our visitors, we pray for the neighborhood and we pray for courage to share Christ to others. I told our house church that the best way to share Christ with others is to tell them what God is doing in their lives. It's only been four months since we had our first meeting and God has done so many things in the life of each house church member. Another goal that I have is to start other house churches in the surrounding areas. I have met some people in Somerville and in Bound Brook and my plan is to develop those relationships and through God's help start new house churches in those areas. I am thankful to God for giving me this opportunity to serve in this way. I am also thankful for you, my church, for showing your support for this ministry. I want to encourage you to continue praying for this ministry and for our new goals. Also, I would like to invite you to one of our house church meetings. There you will see what God is doing with this family and the people in the area. Our host family is the Figueroas and we meet every Monday at 8 p.m. Daniel Fenco |
| BRUNCH/LUNCH/DINNER GROUP | | |
DINNER - FRIDAY, JUNE 18th @ 7 pm
$30 tax and tip included per person
Includes:
Salad
Choice of Entrée
Dessert
Coffee, Tea, Soda
BYOB
at
LUNA ROSSA
Located at the Courtyards
318 Route 202/206N
Pluckemin, NJ
908-781-5100
Please bring cash or check.
Feel free to bring a friend!
Call Russ Baccaglini @ 973-539-6267 for more info or to sign up, or complete the form below and give or
e-mail info requested to Russ @ rcb73@columbia.edu.
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____ (number of people) will attend dinner
Name: _______________________
Phone No. ________________ |
| 2010 MISSION CLASSIC GOLF OUTING | |
SHLC MISSION CLASSIC GOLF OUTING
MEMBERS: Diane Reinig, Don Richards,
Don Schleef, Gary Crawford, Pastor Bob,
Eric Becker, and Eric Reiss.
SHLC was well represented during this year's district golf outing which raised funds for NJ missions. A great time was had by all on this sunny May day! |
| KOBON MINISTRY UPDATE | |
 June 2010
Dear Friends,
Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well was amazing. She was amazed that Jesus being a Jew would speak to her as a Samaritan, that he knew everything about her even though she did not know him, and that he said he could give living water to satisfy forever those who drink it. "The water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
This account clearly shows our job as Christians - to help others find the source of that living water. The woman told her neighbors that she had just met someone who told her everything she ever did. Now it was their turn to be amazed and they went to see Jesus. After hearing him they said, "Now we have heard for ourselves and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Living water brings eternal life. That message is our mission. It motivated us to go to PNG. Drinking water is also vital to life, which is of course why Jesus used water as an analogy. We can't live without water to drink. Last year Lukson told us that the population of his village had been decimated when they lived down by the river. They decided the reason was contaminated drinking water and the 100 or so who remained out of 500 moved away from the river to a high ridge - Fankfank. To get clean drinking water they need to descend from this ridge to a clean river and fetch water in long bamboo tubes which hold about two gallons each. It takes about one hour round trip and is very hard work.
Lukson would like a water supply for his village. What would it take? Some guttering on the existing iron roof of the Bible House and a holding tank which would need to be brought in by helicopter. People would come with their bamboo tubes to the tank for water - maybe a bit like the woman coming to the well.
In His Love and Grace,
Pastor John and Maila |
| MEET YOUR FELLOW WORSHIPER | |
Sally Sparling
Everyone here at SHLC knows Pastor Sparling. Now it's time to get know his wife, Sally, a little better.
Sally was born in Omaha, Nebraska. She attended North High in Omaha, St. John's College in Winfield, Kansas, and Immanual Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha where she received her RN. Afterwards she attended Caldwell College in Caldwell, New Jersey where she received a BA and NJ School Nurse certification.
Sally was baptized and raised Lutheran. She met Paul at a Walther League meeting for post high school-aged Lutherans while in nurses' training. Not being allowed to be married while in training, Sally and Paul waited until after she graduated. They will have been married 49 years this June, and Sally will have been a RN for 49 years as well.
Sally and Paul live in Parsippany. They have three adult children, Joel, Beth, and Dan, as well as five grand children. Last year Sally retired from Morristown High School, where she was a school nurse for 25 years. Now she is catching up with friendships and enjoys baking, working jig-saw and crossword puzzles, and feeding a variety of wild birds.
"Since Paul retired, we have had the opportunity to visit and serve many congregations in northern New Jersey. During visits to SHLC we experienced meaningful gospel filled sermons, fellowship, and many mission opportunities. SHLC continues to be a blessing to us in many ways."
One interesting note is that Sally belonged to an ecclesiastical embroidery class where she learned to do silk embroidery. This resulted in making Pastor Sparling's preaching stoles, as well as altar parament/stoles for missions in the U.S.A.
Sally has also supplied us with baked goods to go with coffee after church. Say hello to Sally after church. And if she baked that day, make sure you sample her delicious treats.
Reported by Linda Vitale
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| SMALL GROUPS | |  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. 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 have formed a SHLC men's group.... It's mainly for men with young children (elementary-middle school). We meet as a group for fellowship, spiritual development, sharing concerns and thoughts about our kids, and whatever is on your mind. 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 | |
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 | |
 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: will reconvene in the fall.
THURSDAY: will reconvene in the fall.
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. |
| WOMEN'S GUILD/LWML/THRIVENT | | | 1. Lakeland Zone Rally
Thank you all for your assistance. Approximately 30 women participated in our Rally on April 18. More contributed with delicious food, shopping, and assembling mini-totes which were our party favors.
Special thanks goes to Zaida Harrison who provided the Clinique samples which brought oohs to many women. To Lee Delitzscher, Jennifer Schnarr, Marilyn Becker, Jan Pomplun, and Judie Crawford who helped synchronize, sign up women, and expedite matters - many thanks. To Faith Martin who manned the electronics -thank you, it sounded great. To Arlene Price, thanks for the music. To Pastor Sparling and Pastor Jamie Roos - we needed the prayers and devotions - thank you. Our chefs were wonderful - thanks to Jennifer Schnarr, Mary Rickert, Joan Zarncik, Gloria Spock, Sally Sparling, Ginny Bastante, Ann Powers, Kitty Davis, Arlene Price, Arlene Baccaglini and others - there was more than ample food. Our speakers were Pastor Jamie Ross and Lauren Panarella, Director of the ARC of Somerset County. A fundraising walk for the ARC was held on May 22nd but they are still collecting donations. There are still mini-totes available from Lee Delitzscher. Again, many thanks. We know that some of the chefs weren't able to attend, but we saved a tote for you.
2. LWML elections will be held this year. Please send in your nominations. The information for the District convention is posted. Lutheran World Relief will be collecting quilts.
3. Health Care Kits - thank you for your support of our health care kit drive which will be assembled by our scout troops.
4. Thrivent Financial Update - There is still money available for projects from the Chapter board.
Questions on any of the above information contact Julia Hong Sabella. |
| BENEFIT FOR BOUND BROOK FLOOD VICTIMS | | |
Talent Show to
Benefit Bound Brook Flood Victims
June 12, 2010
1 pm - 8 pm
St. John Lutheran Church Education Center (Baer Hall)
317 Winsor Street
Bound Brook, NJ
723-356-1038
Come and showcase your talent, whatever it may be, to help benefit the families affected by the Bound Brook flood in March. Bring your singing voices, your dancing shoes, your instrument, whatever talent you may have. You can also donate baked goods for the food table.
They will be collecting cash donations, clothing, household items, and gently used furniture. You can bring them with you or call the church, 732-356-1038, to arrange for pick-up.
Invite your friends and neighbors to this day of family fun.
Directions from 287 southbound: exit 13, turn left onto Union Ave. (Rt 28). Church is one mile on the right. Turn right onto Winsor. |
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SOMERSET HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH | | |
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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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SCHEDULED | | |
A Congregational Meeting is scheduled for June 6th following worship. Agenda items include the 2010-2011 budget, Council and Team elections. All members are encouraged to attend. |
| PLI THANK YOUS | |
Thank you so much for your contribution to Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI) in support of the 2009 collegial group Josiah. I am the PIP (Partners influencing partners) leader for the women of that group and cannot begin to tell you how much it means to them and me to be a part of this wonderful organization.
It is such a blessing to be able to spend time with like minded people who love the Lord and are passionate about connecting people to Jesus. I am grateful to you for giving us the opportunity to pray, learn, fellowship and be supported as we continue our ministries at our churches.
God bless you.
Laura Zimmerman
First Lutheran Church
Clearwater, FL
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To The Disciples of Somerset Hills:
Eunice and I want to thank you for your support of the ministry and goals of the Pastoral Leadership Institute. Because of your generosity, lives are being touched by the love of Jesus as more and more people understand what it means to belong to the body of Christ and seek to be His hands and feet to a hurting world.
God's blessings,
Pastor Craig Mathews
Faith Lutheran Church
Chippewa Falls, WI |
| TELLERS NEEDED | |
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. |
| 52" RCA PROJECTION TV AVAILABLE | |
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. |
| PRAISE BAND | |
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. |
| NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE | |
The deadline for the summer (July & August) issue of the newsletter is Sunday, June 13th. Please send all articles to cheryl@shlc.net or drop them off in the office. |
| FOOD BANK DELIVERIES | | |
We need someone to help deliver groceries to the Somerset County Food Bank starting this fall. You would have to make a delivery about three times a year. Deliveries can be made only from Monday through Friday from 9 am - 3 pm. If you are willing to do this or have any questions, please call Marilyn Becker (732-356-2881). |
| QUILTERS MEET | |
The SHLC Quilters will meet June
11th and 25th @ 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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| USHERS NEEDED | |
 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. |
| CHOIR REHEARSALS | | |
CHILDREN'S CHOIR is finished for the school year.
ADULT CHOIR rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. Final rehearsal is June 3rd.
HANDBELL CHOIR rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 6:15 - 7:25 pm for all ages. Final rehearsal is June 3rd. |
| FLOWERS, FLOWERS! | | |
The Altar Guild continues to provide flowers each week throughout the year. The 2010 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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| JUNE BIRTHDAYS | |
6/2 - John Udes
6/3 - Brady Kurdyla
Ken Nora
6/6 - Cassidy McKenna
Richard McKenna
Shane McKenna
6/7 - Greg Baron
Janean Hanson
6/8 - Susan Gobbo
Connie Nora
6/13 - Angela Nora
6/15 - Lee Delitzscher
6/18 - Devon Gobbo
6/19 - Jerusha Fenco
6/20 - Lorraine Jespersen
Dagmara Kalnin
6/21 - Zach Barnard
6/22 - Dennis Moore
6/23 - Thomas Martin
6/25 - Paul Sparling
6/27 - Jim Sabella
6/30 - Ruth Baccaglini
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. |
| JUNE ANNIVERSARIES | | |
6/4 - Jim & Dottie Brunssen
Daniel & Jerusha Fenco
6/6 - Eric & Karianne Dickson
6/10 - Don & Melanie Richards
6/11 - Paul & Sally Sparling
6/15 - Norman & Kitty Davis
6/17 - Russ & Arlene Baccaglini
6/22 - Mike & Cheryl Delgado
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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