"NEWS AND NOTES"
OF Somerset Hills Lutheran Church
November 2010
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| FROM PASTOR BOB KUPPLER... | |
For By Grace Are You Saved...
Four hundred ninety-three years ago October 31, 1517, Martin Luther - a German monk/priest/theology professor - nailed the 95 Theses (theological discussion questions) on the church doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, to initiate a discussion with leaders of his Church - the Church in Rome - about a number of subjects (especially the practice of paying for indulgences) that, based on the Word of God (the Bible) Luther felt needed REFORMING in the Church.
Oct. 31 was the day before All Saints Day (Nov. 1), and Luther chose that day, because the worship attendance on All Saints Day would be very large. Because of what Luther did 493 years ago, October 31st is known through world (especially in Lutheran Churches), as Reformation Day.
I am aware that there is another obscure (I wish) celebration that takes place on Oct. 31. Halloween's (All Hallow's Eve) date also is on the day before All Saints Day, Nov. 1. But that's a whole another story!!
May we focus on the many New Testament Scripture texts that Martin Luther focused on, especially Ephesians 2: 8 & 9, "For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."
Halloween may be fun... but the Reformation realities point us to the most important eternal truth you will be ever given!! |
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SUNDAY SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER | |
November 7th
The Festival of All Saints'
Sermon Series - "8 Questions God Can't Answer"
"Do You Want to Get Well?"
9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion
(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
November 14th
The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Series - "8 Questions God Can't Answer"
"What Is Your Name?"
9:30 am Contemporary Worship with Holy Communion
(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 - "You're Precious to God"
1:00 pm Gentle Shepherd Preschool Fundraiser - Ladies Tea and Luncheon
November 21st
Christ the King/Thanksgiving Sunday
Sermon Series - "8 Questions God Can't Answer"
"Do You See This Woman?"
9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion
(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 - "Forgiveness"
11:00 am - Confirmation Class Brunch and Activity
November 28th
The First Sunday of Advent
Sermon Series - "8 Questions God Can't Answer"
"How Many Loaves Do You Have?"
9:30 am FamilyWorship with Holy Communion
(Sunday School children remain with their parents for the entire worship service) |
| REPORT ON THE VISIT OF OUR MISSIONARIES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA - JOHN AND MAILA DAVIES | | | On Sunday, October 10th, we were blessed to hear about the on-going Bible Translation, medical care, and missionary work of the Davies in the mountains of Papua New Guinea to the Kobon, Haruai and Minimbib tribes there. Each tribe now has the New Testament in their own language, and they also use the New Testaments to learn to read and write in the 30 schools that are now operating. Each school has a teacher and the 30 schools are divided into districts.
In response to the Davies' report and appeal, almost $13,000 was given by SHLC people to the individual needs presented to us. $6700 was designated by the givers while the remainder was undesignated. Pastor Davies will let us know what supplies, etc he will purchase with the undesignated gifts.
The designated gifts include: training and fees for 2 teachers ($1200 each), $200 towards a Radio transceiver ($3400 needed), $200 for airstrip/helicopter landing construction ($4650 needed), 2 classroom buildings constructed ($1200 each), and one teacher house project ($1250 each).
Why not consider a gift to share in the mission work of the Davies'? What is being done there - for very little cost - makes a world of difference and an eternal difference to the people - bringing the Good News of God in Christ to them...that they are saved by the same grace that connects you to God forever! In thanksgiving for God's grace, there's no better response than to share that Good news.
Here's a sampling of things your gift can provide:
Prayer Support. Talk to Melanie Richards
teamrichards@optonline.net
or Joyce Millhagen to adopt a
prayer partner in PNG
Teacher house, with Galvanized roof (lasts 100
yrs!) - $1250
Classroom, with Galv. roof - $1200
(smaller gifts for doors and windows and
frames, labor, nails, chair, desks)
Shovels - $20 each
Wheelbarrows - $125 each
Solar panels for radio - $800
Radio antenna - $600
Teacher training - $1200
Can you help? Will you?
Please make your check payable to SHLC, noted
"Kobon"
Please direct your fervent prayers to the gracious
and loving Almighty God.
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| PRAYER MINISTRY GROUP | | |
James 14:14: "If you ask anything in my name, I will do it."
The prayer group will meet on Tuesday, November 9th at 10 am for approximately 1 hour. The topic of study is "Thanks Living".
Info? contact Betty Vetter at 973-887-6027. |
| CONFIRMATION INFORMATION FROM FAITH AND JASON | | |
Wednesday Night Out will be held 6:30 - 8 pm on November 10th and 17th in Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, November 21st a brunch will be held for confirmation youth from 10:30 - noon.
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| COMPASSION EVANGELICAL HOSPITAL MISSION UPDATE (GUINEA, WEST AFRICA) | |
 | | Prayer Walk |
Dr. Kristen Schmaltz recently came together with fellow medical workers from Compassion Evangelical Hospital in a spiritual retreat at Dalaba, Guinea, Africa. She and the other Christian staff members (all nationals) restated the core mission of CEH and shared personal testimonies with one another. Back in Mamou, the workers took part in a prayer walk, praising God and thanking Him for His grace and for the privilege of ministering (both physically and spiritually) to His people in Guinea. Prayers were given for new buildings at the complex now under construction.
 | | Staff Retreat |
Exterior construction is complete on the CEH surgical building, and construction is now underway for a hospital ward. Currently there are 34 medical workers employed at the hospital. They performed a total of 11,000 consultations between January and June of this year! The hospital is well-known in Mamou and beyond for its high quality of care. Praise God! |
| FALL 2010 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 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!
WEDNESDAY: meetings will be held on alternate Wednesdays, one week at 10 am and the next at 7 pm. Each week the study will be the Scripture readings for the coming Sunday. Check the Sunday worship folder for the current week's time and reading(s). The first November meeting is scheduled for November 3rd at 10 am in the conference room. Info Needed? contact Joyce Millhagen at 908-647-3097 or Marilyn Becker @ 732-356-2881 or becker.mj@verizon.net.
THURSDAY: meetings will be held each Thursday, 1:30 - 2:30 pm at the Sparling's home (11 Holly Drive, Morris Plains). Info? contact Pastor Sparling at 973-538-2704.
FRIDAY: will meet every two weeks at 7 pm. The next meeting is Friday, November 5th @ the Baccaglini's (3 Shelter Cove, Morris Plains). The topic of study will be the Gospel of John. Info? contact Russ Baccaglini at 973-539-7930 or russ.baccagini@thrivent.com.
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| SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES | |  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 catching up and visiting over snacks, followed by our timely discussions. There is a place for you! We would love for YOU to join us. Monday (2nd & 4th): The group is presently discussing "Heaven" - which leads believers to reclaim a biblical view of heaven and learn to excitedly anticipate the place where they will spend eternity. Info needed? Contact Bill Vreeland at 908-221-1779 or wvreeland1@aol.com.
Tuesday (2nd & 4th): The topic of study is "Vital Pursuits: developing my spiritual life". Each chapter is independent so pease join us at any time. Info needed? contact Matthew Wessel at 908-625-5756 or weezyl@aol.com.
Becky's Bunch (formerly Sr. High Mom's) Luncheon: Many of the original members of this group have now become empty-nesters, but enjoy our group and have much to share with the moms of high schoolers. So, we are going to be called "Becky's Bunch". All moms of high schoolers and college age students are welcome to be part of this group. We meet once a month for lunch and enjoy fellowship and sharing and food! We would be delighted to have you join us if you "fit the bill". Our next luncheon will be Thursday, November 18th at noon at the Bamboo Grille. Info? contact Becky Johnsen at becky@shlc.net or 908-892-0946.
Men of SHLC: we would like to welcome ALL Men of SHLC to our Men's group. We get together twice a month to get to know and enjoy each other's company over coffee or a meal, to learn more about God and when there's a need or opportunity, to help with one or another of the different ministries in our church. See the weekly worship folder for the next meeting date or contact Daniel Fenco at jdfenco@verizon.net or Don Richards at teamrichards@optonline.net.
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| THANK YOU FROM JOHN & MAILA DAVIES | |
Maila and I want to thank you for your wonderful welcome and hospitality October 10-13. It was a great privilege to report on progress in the ministry we have been involved in together - you as well as us - over the two years since we last were at Somerset Hills. We try to keep you updated by newsletters, but coming to visit gives a special opportunity to report face to face on what the Lord has been doing for the Haruai, Kobon and Minimib people in PNG. It is also a great blessing to us to be with you and be encouraged by you, and to see how the Lord is blessing the ministry and outreach of SHLC.
Thank you too for your ongoing commitments of support for Kobon Ministry by your prayers and gifts. Since we returned to California, we have been in frequent contact with PNG placing orders for equipment and supplies you made gifts for. Some of this equipment is already delivered and awaiting transportation into Dusin.
Thank you again for all you are doing to reach a generation of Haruai, Kobon and Minimib for Jesus, and ensure that future generations will also be reached for Jesus.
In His Love and Grace,
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| WOMEN'S GUILD/LWML/THRIVENT | | |
SHLC's new Women's Guild (LWML) officers are:
Arlene Price, President
Betty Vetter, Vice President
Julia H. Sabella, Secretary
Marilyn Becker, Treasurer
10/17/10 Rally election results:
Gay Van Etten, President-elect of Lakeland Zone
Gay Van Etten - delegate for NJ District to
Peoria, IL LWML Convention
Julia H. Sabella - alternate delegate to Peoria, IL
LWML Convention
Still needed: nominations for Young Women's
Rep to Peoria, IL and
Vice President of Lakeland Zone
Julia Sabella is collecting pictures from different events that involved LWR, Thrivent, Bethesda, ARC Food Pantry, etc during the past 10 years for historical/archives. Volunteers are needed for Archivist/Historian.
LWML New Jersey District Fall Retreat
Saturday, November 6, 2010
9 am - 3:30 pm
Somerset Hills Lutheran Church
Cost: $15
Gifts of the Heart: $10 gift cards from stores such as Walmart, Shop Rite, CVS for Lutheran Social Ministries of NJ.
Registration deadline: 10/29/10
To Register: contact Arlene Price or Julia Sabella for a registration form.
Child care will be provided.
Topic: "Beautiful Feet"
Look down at your gorgeous tootsies. Go ahead. Take a good look and smile. They are beautiful! And it's not just your classy shoes that give them their beauty. We'll study our beautiful feet and the shoes we put them in! Plan on joining us for an interesting day of song, worship, and Bible study with good food, fun and fellowship! So bring your Bible and wear your favorite shoes. You may begin to see your feet with an entirely new perspective!
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THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS Central Jersey Chapter is sponsoring an "Identity Theft: What you need to know" workshop on Saturday, December 4th, 12noon to 2:30pm (lunch included) at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 300 Union Ave., Somerville. RSVP by 11/24 by calling Glenn Pfister at 908-874-7796.
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| MEET YOUR FELLOW WORSHIPER | |
 | | Peter & Jennifer Schnarr |
Jennifer Schnarr is a local girl who was born in Morristown and grew up in Basking Ridge. She attended Susquehanna University where she majored in English. Susquehanna is also known for its student volunteers. In that capacity, Jennifer was involved in the Big Brother/Big Sister Volunteer Program and mentored a young girl from the community. After graduating from Susquehanna, Jennifer enrolled in the Paralegal Studies Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Jennifer met her husband, Peter, at her first "real" job out of college. She worked for an engineering firm and Peter worked for a sister company. They bumped into each other at the office and the rest is history.
After marrying in 1997, Jennifer and Peter lived in Cranford, and then moved to Basking Ridge in the summer of 1999. They have two daughters: Julia who is 7 and Caroline who is 4.
Born and raised Catholic, Jennifer became Lutheran (like Peter) when their daughter Julia began preschool at Gentle Shepherd. "I started attending chapel time and was very pleased with the lessons and the message that the children were taught by Pastor Bob. Gentle Shepherd and SHLC provide such a loving community where my daughters have thrived. It was a natural decision for us to join SHLC as a family."
Jennifer is a Co-chair of the Child Ministry Team at Gentle Shepherd. She enjoys gardening, decorating, and playing with her girls. That's, of course, when she's not busy with her full time job as a school bus and fashion coordinator, homework helper, and meal preparer -- in other words a full time mom!
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SOMERSET HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH | | |
350 Lake Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Phone: 908-766-2858
FAX: 908-766-6546
SHLC Pastors
The Rev. Robert Kuppler
(h) 908-604-2425
(c) 908-531-7266
Bradford Hildebrandt, Vicar
Daniel Fenco, Vicar
Church Administrator Cheryl Delgado
908-766-2858
Office Assistant
Karen Lemke
908-766-2858
Contemporary Worship Leader & Youth Engager
Faith Martin
908-766-2858
faith@shlc.net
Youth Assistant
Jason Marks
908-358-4812
Music Director
Dr. Carmen Scialla
Children's Ministry
Becky Johnsen
908-892-0946
Christian Preschool
Martha Gilmore, Director 908-766-1430 |
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| NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE | |
The deadline for the next issue of the newsletter is Monday, November 22nd. Please send all articles to cheryl@shlc.net or drop them off in the office. |
| FELLOWSHIP DINNER OUTING | | |
SAVE THE DATE!
All are invited!
Friday, November 12th
7 pm
Broccolini's
91 Park Avenue
Madison, NJ
www.broccolinis.com
See weekly worship folder for details!
contact Jan or Ken Pomplun at 908-766-2315 to let them know you will be joining us! |
| GENTLE SHEPHERD CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL (GSCP) "Ladies Tea Party" Fundraiser | |  Gentle Shepherd Christian Preschool's one and only fundraiser is just a few weeks away!
Our Ladies' Day Tea Luncheon will be held on Sunday, November 14th at 1 pm. The invitations are out and we hope you can join us! Bring your friends and make up a table.
The "Perfect Blend" is catering a delicious lunch. There will be vendor tables to Christmas shop at, and gift baskets to put chances on! We hope to see you there!
Cost is $40/person Call the preschool office at 908-766-1430 by November 4th to make your reservation. |
| QUILTERS MEET | |
 The
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| FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY | |
In addition to our ongoing collection of food for the Somerset County Food Bank, we will be collecting turkeys again this year. Please place your turkeys in one of the church freezers by Sunday, November 21st. Also remember to purchase an item each week while you're grocery shopping and place it on the table near the library. Thank you! |
| ELOWSKY UPDATE | | |
In case Joy didn't get in touch with you - we're here along with Luke and Christian in Wisconsin teaching theology at Concordia University. We still haven't sold our house, but there is at least a possibility - which is good and bad. We miss New Jersey and miss all of you, but pray that God will keep you in his care even as he is doing so for us. Joy has already been recruited as an organist and choir director (after only the second week here) at a church called Mount Calvary in Milwaukee. Christian may be playing for their praise band, if they start one. Luke will most likely be recruiterd to sing or play bells - and I'll have to fill in wherever she tells me. Please give our best to everyone. We have very fond memories of all of you and miss you.
God's Peace,
Joel
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| THANK YOU | | |
Dear SHLC,
Thank you so much for a delicious dinner and fabulous hospitality on Friday evening. It was so kind of all of you to sponsor this for the Gentle Shepherd families. We had a great time and I especially loved the wonderful dinner (and no cleanup!!) for my family.
Many thanks and God bless,
Stephanie, Al, Emma, AJ, Dan and Carly Caesar |
| ARTICLE HEADLINE | | |
SAVE THE DATE!
Come for fun, fellowship and food to Joanne Spohler's (8114 FellowshipRd., Basking Ridge) on December 4th @ 6pm. $10 per person. Please bring an hors d'oeuvre or dessert.
Any questions? Call Joanne Spohler @ 908-542-1690 or Jan Pomplun @ 908-766-2315. |
| CHOIR REHEARSALS | |
CHILDREN'S CHOIR rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 4:15 - 5:00 pm for those in Kindergarten through grade 8.
ADULT CHOIR rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 9:00 pm.
HANDBELL CHOIR
rehearsal is Thursday evenings from 6:15 - 7:25 pm for all ages.
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| DECORATING THE SANCTUARY FOR CHRISTMAS | | People are needed to help decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas on Saturday December 18th at 8:30 am, and again on Saturday, January 8th at 8:30 am for undecorating. Please come and help. For additional information contact Joyce Millhagen @ 908-647-3097.
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| LIBRARY NEWS | | |
Do you like to read books? What books would you like to see in the church library? Have you ever had any experience working in a library? We would like to gather a group to discuss the future of our church library sometime this fall. This meeting would be partly to gather ideas and partly to find people to help with library tasks. If you have any interest in such a group, please tell Marilyn Becker (732-356-2881, becker.mj@verizon.net) or Mary Sanders (973-927-0011, rms6872@verizon.net). |
| NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS | |
11/1 - Christine Kumpf 11/2 - Jim Becker
Gwenyth Reiss
11/3 - Markus Dickson Daniel Hosler 11/4 - Joseph Bastante
Mike Delgado Adam Stager 11/8 - Christian Infusino Melanie Richards 11/10 - Daniel Fenco 11/12 - Kenny Criddle 11/14 - Ryan Hellings 11/15 - David Wieber 11/16 - Jan Pomplun 11/17 - Karen Gil 11/18 - Norman Davis
Sophia DeMarchi Matthew Wessel 11/19 - Hazel Draper Lea Marx 11/21 - Evelyn Pankuch
11/25 - Leah Scialla 11/26 - Emma Gil 11/27 - Sarah Richards 11/28 - Carol Ekholm Joan Meyers
Jennifer Schnarr
11/29 - Richard Kortmann 11/30 - Sharon Breslin Chase Hanson 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. |
| NOVEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES | |
11/3 - Joe & Ginny Bastante
11/4 - Chris & Julie Hoops
11/25 - Bob & Ginny
Kirczow
11/30 - Kathy and Win Winter We are sorry if we have omitted your wedding anniversary. Please contact cheryl@shlc.net or call the office at 908-766-2858 to let us know your wedding anniversary, and we will be sure to include it in future issues. |
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| YOUTH MINISTRY | |
Sunday School Teacher's Meeting on November 9th @ 7 pm to discuss this year's Christmas program.
Looking ahead:
- Plainfield Mission - we will, once again, be collecting hats, gloves and socks for all ages for our Plainfield mission. The "sock" tree will be in the library beginning Monday, November 22nd. The distribution in Plainfield will take place in December.
- All Sunday school teachers and parents and students - please mark your calendars for December 18th from 11am - noon. We will be having our Christmas program rehearsal at that time. It is our only chance to practice for the program which will be on December 19th during the worship service.
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| SAMARITAN'S PURSE INTERNATIONAL RELIEF'S OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD | |
All families are encouraged to participate in this simple hands-on mission project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ. Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. How to pack a Shoe Box: - Use an empty shoe box (standard size). You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most important, pray for the child who will receive your gift.
- Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Use the appropriate boy/girl label which may be picked up on the display table at church or printed online at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/images/occ_art/BoyGirlLabels.pdf. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape that label to the top of the box.
- Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child such as pens/pencils, crayons, coloring books, small cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, yo-yos, jump ropes, slinky's, a toothbrush, toothpaste, hard candy and lollipops (double bagged), t-shirts, gum, socks, hair clips, ball caps, etc. Do not include used or damaged items, war-related items, chocolate or food, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items or aerosol cans. In a separate envelope, feel free to include a note to the child and photo of yourself and your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back).
- Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can do this online at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/EZ_Give_Donations/ or pick up a donation envelope at the display table by the mailboxes at church.
- Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at SHLC by November 21st.
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