"NEWS AND NOTES"
OF Somerset Hills Lutheran Church
December 2010
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CHRISTMAS
at
SOMERSET HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH | | |
Sunday, December 19th
9:30 am Sunday School Christmas Celebration
(Sunday School will be part of the worship service)
The Blessing of Hats, Gloves and Socks for Plainfield Mercy Ministry
11 am - Plainfield Mercy Ministry
Friday, December 24th - Christmas Eve Worship
5:30 pm - Family Worship (especially for families with young children)
8:00 pm - Candlelight worship with Holy Communion
Sunday, December 26th
9:30 am - "The Service of Lessons and Carols" with Holy Communion
(Sunday School children remain with their parents for the entire worship service)
Monday, December 31st - New Year's Eve Worship
7:00 pm - Worship with Holy Communion |
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...FROM BECKY JOHNSEN | | |
I doubt that any of us have had a baby dropped on our doorstep! We so often see that happening in the news or in movies such as Benjamin Button. Stop and think. What would you do if this happened to you? I am guessing you would call the police and have them deal with the situation. I know I would, as difficult as that might be!
Well, God has not placed a baby on my doorstep, but he has placed people there over the years who are in need of my care and assistance and love. Currently, I am spending at least one day a week at Winchester Gardens Continuing Care facility in Maplewood where I assist my step-mother who is suffering with Parkinson's disease and is wheelchair bound. This past Sunday I arranged for an 80th birthday party for her, and I was delighted that her youngest brother made the trip from Colorado for the celebration. He had not seen his sister for over six years. It was a wonderful reunion and a tearful goodbye, because they doubt they will ever see each other again on this side of heaven. As I was driving him to the airport to return home, he said, "I can't thank you enough for the way you have cared for Betty! You are not really related to her and don't have any responsibility for her care." I responded, "No, but I love her and God placed her on my doorstep ."
How wonderful that God provided me with the energy and the time at this point in my life to undertake this responsibility. Had it happened several years ago, I would not have had the health or the time. His timing is perfect.
Four years ago, my older daughter was visiting at Thanksgiving from California. I was extremely debilitated by an illness I have, and I told her that I wasn't sure that I would see her again. She told me that she wasn't ready to let me go yet. She needed me! And, indeed, God had other plans for me. I think He knew that I would have to be available for the people He was going to place on my doorstep, including my children and grandchildren. What a privilege and joy to be able to do so.
I also am delighted that I now have time to help my younger daughter by caring for children when she needs my assistance. And I am thrilled that I am able to bring them to Sunday school and church each week. I know God placed them on my doorstep so that I could assist in growing their faith.
As I look back over my life, I can see so many times when God placed people with a variety of needs on my doorstep. To be honest, there were times when I wished I could have called in someone else to take over for me. It was not always easy. But He calls us to serve. And what joy we can find in opening the door and holding out our hand to the person on our doorstep.
I have been the person on the doorstep, haven't you? I thank God that He sent someone to open the door to me and take my hand on those occasions.
Is there someone on your doorstep right now? What does that person need? - financial aid, a shoulder to cry on, a mentorship, physical care, emotional support, a ride to the doctor, shopping for groceries, someone to listen, warm gloves?
God has placed that person there. He will give you the time, energy,and resources to serve others and in so doing, serve Him. What a privilege!
for this and many other first-person testimonies, please visit our SHLC blog at http://shlc.net/blog/ . |
| SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER | | |
December 5th - The 2nd Sunday in Advent
Sermon Series - "8 Questions God Can't Answer"
Today - "Will You Give Me a Drink?"
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 - "Preparing for Christmas"
December 12th - The 3rd Sunday in Advent
Sermon Series - "8 Questions God Can't Answer"
""Do You Truly Love Me?"
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 - "Preparing for Christmas"
11 am - Confirmation Brunch
December 19th - The 4th Sunday in Advent
9:30 am Family Worship with all children
Sunday School Christmas Celebration
11 am - Hats, Gloves and Scarves - Plainfield Mission
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Saturday, December 24th - Christmas Eve Worship
5:30 pm - Family Worship (especially for families with young children)
8:00 pm - Candlelight worship with Holy Communion
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December 26th - Christmas Sunday
9:30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion
"The Service of Lessons and Carols"
(Sunday School children remain in worship
with their parents for the entire service)
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Saturday, December 31st - New Year's Eve Worship
7:00 pm worship with Holy Communion
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January 2nd - Epiphany Sunday
9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion
Holy Baptism - Jillian Blake Winters
(Sunday School children remain in worship
with their parents for the entire service)
UPCOMING JANUARY EVENTS
Sunday, January 16th - 11 am Kobon/New Guinea Book Bee
and Confirmation Brunch
Friday January 21st - Sunday January 23rd
Confirmation Ministry Youth Quake in Harrisburg, PA
Sunday, January 23rd, January 30th, February 6th
Holy Communion Preparation Classes |
| ALTAR GUILD CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS | | |
 This year, all Christmas decorating donations will go into one special Christmas donation fund that the Altar Guild will use to decorate our church during the Christmas Season. Therefore, if you wish to contribute to these decorations, please fill out the following form and turn it in either to your Sunday usher or to the church office. All checks should be made out to the ALTAR GUILD. A listing of the contributions will be published.
If you would like to take your plant home you may do so after the 8:00 pm Christmas Eve Service.
The gift is made:
IN HONOR OF: ____________________________
IN MEMORY OF: ___________________________
IN THANKGIVING FOR: ____________________
TO THE GLORY OF GOD: __________________
Your information:
NAME: ___________________ PHONE: _________
ADDRESS: ___________________________________
AMOUNT OF GIFT: ____________
Publishing deadline for the Christmas Eve Worship folder is Sunday, December 19th. |
| HOUSE CHURCH UPDATE | | |
On November 21st, we had our first Thanksgiving service. The service was mostly in Spanish and the bulletin was made bilingual. We invited friends and family and had about 30 people attend our service. I led most of the service with Pastor Bob's help and I also preached in Spanish. Faith Martin sang songs both in English and Spanish accompanied by Jason Marks on acoustic guitar and Pedro Fenco on bongos. The service was a beautiful experience and a time for attendees to share what they are thankful for and how God wants us to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We had refreshments after the service and we got a chance to meet and connect with those visiting for the first time.
On Thanksgiving Day, I was invited by the Figueroas (host family) to their Thanksgiving dinner. Their dinner was late in the day and I led a prayer as they had their first Thanksgiving dinner as a family in this country.
Our House Church is growing strong both spiritually and in members. Our members are reaching out to friends and family, as well as the community. We partake in communion every second Monday of the month and some of our members have led our services as well. Part of our mission as a church is to reach out to the "unchurched" and help our members learn the English language. In order to do this, we use bilingual bibles and we sing praises to the Lord in both languages. This is a unique experience that I would like to continue. This will help friends and family learn the language and will also help us reach out to other communities.
I am thankful to God for giving me this opportunity to serve in this way. I am also thankful for you, my church, for your support in this ministry. I want to encourage you to continue praying for this ministry and for the challenges that our members face every day. Also, I would like to invite you to one of our house church meetings. There you will see what God is doing with "our family" and the residents in the surrounding areas.
Our host family is the Figueroas and we meet every Monday at 8 p.m.
J. Daniel Fenco |
| PRAYER MINISTRY GROUP | | |
Philippians 4:6 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The Prayer Ministry has been active for two years now!! A big "thank you" to all who have participated in it. There are two ways to be involved with the Prayer Ministry. There are four prayer networks. Each one has a leader and any prayer is passed from one person to the next. In a short time, the Throne of God is receiving many prayers. Another way to be involved is to come to the Prayer Group which meets the second Tuesday of most months from 10 am for about one hour. If you are at all interested in taking part in either one or both parts of the ministry, just call the office (908-766-2858)or Betty Vetter (973-887-6027) and you will be added to the list. It is a wonderful way to be able to help people - actually, it is the best way to help people! Please consider joining the Prayer Ministry in the New Year!!
Also, just a reminder that there are "Prayer Request" cards in the pews in front of you. Just fill them out and either put them in the collection plate or into the bright green box which is on the table by the flower chart.
The Prayer Group will not be meeting in December. |
| KOBON MINISTRY UPDATE | |
 | | A page from the haruai calendar. |
Dear Friends: A revolutionary experience for the Haruai, Kobon and Minimib people has been receiving a message and deriving meaning by sight rather than by hearing. Everyone can hear a message but many are still in awe when they see children who have attended our schools looking at a sheet of paper with black marks on it and speaking aloud the message it is telling them. For several years now we have been publishing calendars and giving them to the people with the goal that, if possible, everybody in each of the three language groups will at least see one, even if they do not actually own one. The calendars are close to their culture and familiar inasmuch as all the pictures in them are of the people themselves, and all the words in them are their own language. But some aspects of these calendars are revolutionary for the people. Previously they were only aware of days marked by the rising of the sun, months marked by the fresh tiny crescent-shaped reappearance of the moon, and years marked by the arrival of the season when taro is planted. There were no names for the months, and there were no names for the days of the week because there was no week. The recognition of a seven day week, with a day on which to worship God, has been revolutionary. Also revolutionary has been the recognition of special times in the year, especially Easter and Christmas. We are so familiar with all these things that we can easily take them for granted, along with the calendars which formalize them and assign a name and a date to each day of the year. But for the Haruai, Kobon and Minimib this is all revolutionary. The calendars they receive have a portion of the New Testament assigned to each day, starting with Matthew Chapter 1 on 1st January and ending with the last chapter of Revelation of 31st December. Now that they have the New Testament in each of the three languages, they can use the calendar to read the New Testament right though in one year. And the result of doing that can be revolutionary. If you would like to read the New Testament together with them in 2011 please let me know and we will be glad to send you a copy of the Reading Guide. A Blessed Advent and Christmas to you. In His Love and Grace, Pastor John and Maila |
| 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: will begin meeting again January 5th @ 7pm 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). 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 December 2nd, December 9th and December 16th, 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, December 3rd at the Palla's (24 Beech Drive, Morris Plains - 973-539-6074). The topic of study will be the Gospel of John. Info? Contact Russ Baccaglini at 973-539-6267 or russ.baccaglini@thrivent.com . |
| 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 "Lasting Legacy: making a difference with my life". You are where you are today because somebody cared about you. In these lessons, we can learn together how to live our lives in such a way that we will make a meaningful impact in the lives of others in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Each chapter is independent so please 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 in January. Details to follow. 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. Our next meeting will be December 11th at 8 am. Info? contact Daniel Fenco at jdfenco@verizon.net or Don Richards at teamrichards@optonline.net.
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| MEET YOUR FELLOW WORSHIPERS | |
 Brian and Lynn Cusack
Brian and Lynn Cusack are easy to recognize. Just look towards the alter, and you might possibly see one or the other serving as a communion assistant.
Brian was born in Pennsylvania's Delaware County and moved to Edison, New Jersey via Michigan.
Lynn was born in Clifton New Jersey, where she lived until she began college. There she met Brian, but more about that later.
Growing up in different places produced different interests. Brian spent a lot of time in the garage with his father and learned to love tinkering. He competed in Odyssey of the Mind throughout his grammar and middle school years. Lynn played the piccolo and competed with her high school marching band --The Clifton Mustangs - The Showband of the Northeast, which is still active today.
Brian and Lynn met at The Cooper Union, at a swing dance club meeting. Lynn, a freshman had no dance experience and Brian, a senior, was the club instructor. If you think that sounds like something right out of a story, you're right. They hit it off and, as Lynn says, "have been falling more in love ever since!"
Lynn was raised Baptist and Brian, Catholic. So how did they end up at SHLC? "When we were finished with college and became engaged, we started looking for a place to get married in and worship. We received a list of local churches from our wedding reception hall (The Olde Mill Inn) and visited SHLC. After meeting Pastor Bob and the congregation, we knew it was the right home for us."
Brian received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in mechanical engineering from The Cooper Union, and Lynn, her Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Brian is employed by his alma mater as a Software Engineer and Adjunct Professor. Lynn works for Infineum USA as a Manufacturing Operations Supervisor. They live in Cranford with their 11 year old pug, Tully. Free time is spent making furniture, woodworking, cooking, and playing the guitar (Brian). And playing the flute and piccolo, bowling, and softball (Lynn).
A memorable time for the Cusacks was their honeymoon to Scotland and Ireland. They ate a deep-fried candy bar while walking to Edinburgh Castle, had a traditional haggis dinner (if you don't know what that is, don't ask), sang and drank with the locals, kissed the Blarney Stone, but alas, no Loch Ness monster.
When asked describe their faith, they replied, "We have each had times in our lives where faith in God has helped us and our families get through difficulties. Coming to church and spending time with our congregation helps us to remember what is truly important."
The next Sunday that you see them, say hi to the Cusacks. Feel free to ask them about music, travel, dogs, building furniture, and just about anything else.
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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, December 20th. Please send all articles to cheryl@shlc.net or drop them off in the office. |
| NEW MEMBERS TO BE RECEIVED | | New Members of SHLC will be received during worship on Sunday, December 12th. To be part of this group, please call or speak to Pastor Bob (908-766-2858) no later than December 6th.
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| CONFIRMATION INFORMATION FROM FAITH AND JASON | | |
Wednesday Night Out will be held 6:30 - 8 pm on December 1st and December 8th in Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, December 12th a brunch will be held for confirmation youth from 10:30 - noon. |
| DECORATING THE SANCTUARY FOR CHRISTMAS | | |
HELP NEEDED!!!!!
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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| ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY | | |
Come for fun, fellowship and food to Joanne Spohler's (8114 Fellowship Rd., 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. |
| SHLC WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY AND SILENT AUCTION | | |
Monday, December 6th
6:30 pm
Church Library
Please bring an appetizer or dessert and also a themed basket or handcraft for our silent auction.
Guests are welcome!
Proceeds from the evening will be donated to various LWML projects.
Come and Enjoy a fun-filled evening of good food and fellowship.
Please RSVP to either Arlene Price (973-479-4971) or Betty Vetter (973-887-6027) |
| HANDEL'S MESSIAH | | |
Handel's Messiah
Tuesday, December 14
7:30 pm
Community Theatre
100 South Street
Morristown, NJ
Share the joy with the 100-voice Masterwork Chorus as they perform Handel's Messiah with four of America's finest young soloists and a handpicked orchestra of NYC's best - all under the direction of Maestro Andrew Megill.
Cost: $53/person
To reserve tickets or for more information contact:
Russ Baccaglini bu 12/3 at
973-539-6267
We already have 20 people attending but we can purchase additional tickets in the same section if more people are interested in attending.
If there is an interest, we will gather before the event for a light dinner. Please contact Russ if interested. |
| QUILTERS MEET | |
 The
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| NEXT FELLOWSHIP OUTING | |
FELLOWSHIP BRUNCH
January 16, 2011 11:30 am Luna Rossa located at the Courtyards |
| THANK YOU | | |
Dear Pastor Bob, Mrs. Gilmore, church members, confirmation students and everyone else:
Thank you so much for a wonderful Preschool Dinner tonight! It was the perfect ending to the week catching up with the preschool teachers, friends and families! We had such a wonderful time. We are truly blessed to be a part of GSCP and SHLC! Thanks again for a wonderful evening!
Love,
Jennifer, Julia and Caroline Schnarr
ps Peter is sorry to have missed it!!! |
| FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY | |
Don't forget to keep bringing groceries during the holiday season. If it doesn't get to the food bank by Christmas, it will be taken there early in January. Thank you. |
| GERMAN CHRISTMAS SERVICE | | |
A German Christmas Service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milford, PA on Sunday, December 12 at 3pm. The service features Scriptures, Christmas Songs and Hymns, prayers, special music, and a sermon, all in the German language. A free-will offering will be received and has been designated to help an area family with a special need. Refreshments will be served following the service. The service will be led by Pastor Rolf A. Buchmann, who is currently assisting in the Ministry of Emmanuel.
Emmanuel Lutheran is presently meeting at Belle Reve, an assisted living facility located at 404 East Harford Street, Milford, PA 18337. Belle Reve has graciously offered Emmanuel a large activity room for worship services, pending the construction of a new worship facility in the future. For more info, please contact Pastor Buchmann at 570-559-7608 or email: rab66@ptd.net. |
| 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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| THRIVENT | | |
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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| NUTCRACKER - ACT II | |
The Repertory dancers are pleased to announce that the Nutcracker Act II will be held on 12/4 @ 4pm @ Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner, and 12/12 at 1pm and 4:15pm at Bernards High School PAC. Tickets are available at: www.dcnjdance.com. Premium seats - $25, Adults - $15, Seniors, Students and children - $10. Every ticket purchased helps us to provide a free holiday show to the disadvantaged in our community. Info? 908-432-4779. |
| DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS | |
12/1 - Kathy Winter 12/3 - Cullen Caughron Michael Gobbo 12/4 - Jeff Plum
12/5 - Joyce Millhagen
Eliana Plum
12/6 - Sabrina Herold
Linda Julien
Caitlyn Thalacker
Amanda Udes
12/7 - Ella Richter
Laura Wald 12/9 - Trish DeBlasio Suzanne Fischl 12/12 - Andrew Scialla 12/14 - Sharon Abbondanzo
Zaida Harrison 12/17 - Alexa Cirri 12/19 - Janice Huepenbecker 12/21 - Anja Kortmann
12/22 - Katherine Doe
12/23 - Betty Wellerson
12/24 - Lucy Howat
12/25 - Tara Huepenbecker 12/27 - Harry Johnson
John Kressbach
Timothy Silverman 12/28 - Brad Hildebrandt Mary Sanders
12/30 - Alicia DeMarchi 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. |
| DECEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES | |
12/18 - Ilmar & Dagmara Kalnin
12/23 - Christian & Ingeborg
von Reventlow
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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