LIFELINES - from Lord of Life Lutheran Church

March 28, 2011 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

L i f e L i n e s

The visioning team at Lord of Life ... helping to see our future!

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Thoughts in Print - by Pastor Sue

The dictionary defines Vision as follows:

1. the act or power of sensing with the eyes; sight.

2. the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be: prophetic vision. synonyms - perception, discernment.

3. an experience in which a personage, thing, or event appears vividly or credibly to the mind, although not actually present, often under the influence of a divine or other agency.

Did you know that the Bible is filled with references to Vision? More often than not, the term refers to a time where someone was provided special insights concerning God's will or design for the future in a way that called them to action or helped them make important decisions.

Last year when the congregation voted to call a second pastor ('lil ole me ;-) we also voted to enter into a visioning process, one that would help to shape and define the mission and ministry of our congregation for the foreseeable future.

Well... the work has begun my friends! Last week seven of us attended a workshop at the NJ Synod Conference on Congregational Ministries that I would call Basic Training. We came together with the intention of learning more about a visioning process and how to help all of us at Lord of Life do the work of discerning who God is calling us to be as a community of faith in this place. The workshop focused on three principles: Be Who You Are; See What You Have; Do What Matters! And all of us returned excited about sharing what we learned with all of you as we enter into our own visioning process. We even got to make "refrigerator art"... with a purpose.

You will be hearing much more about all of this in the weeks and months to come. In the mean time, please keep the team and the congregation in prayer as we move forward with this process and keep your eyes and ears open for your invitation to enter into the journey with us!

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Monday Men's Dinner!

This is your invitation to join us this Monday, March 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at L.B. Daniels in Medford on Stokes Road (Route 541). We will be gathering by ourselves in the front room of the restaurant, and we will be ordering off the menu (soup, salad, sandwiches or entrees). Our speaker is the Rev. Dr. Jim Kraft, presently serving as pastoral associate at Faith Presbyterian Church in Medford, New Jersey. Jim served for many years as senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Mount Holly. Later in his career, he pastored an international Christian church in the nation of Pakistan. Throughout his ministry, he has shown a passion for ministry to the homeless and is a key leader in the new effort (Stand in the Gap) in Burlington County to address the present needs of close to 1,000 residents. Pastor Kraft has a wonderful heart for ministry and a joyful outlook on the Christian life. If you can join us, please either sign up on the Narthex Bulletin Board, email us at the church or simply show up. We will be sure to make room for you. God's blessings, Pastor Jones

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3 D Lent: Dinner, Discovery, and Devotions

Wednesdays - March 30, April 6, 13

6:00-8:00 for Senior High Youth-Adults

Make Wednesdays a part of your Lenten journey! We'll begin with a simple communal meal of soup, bread, and dessert. Then we'll break into three discovery study sessions: Senior High Youth Ministry with Donna Yates; Developing Our Prayer Life with Pastor David Jones; and Lutheran Questions, Lutheran Answers: Exploring Christian Faith, by Martin Marty, with Pastor Sue Jones. We'll come back together once again to end our evening with shared devotions. This is a wonderful way to make Lent a time of renewal in your spiritual journey.

Session topics will be:

· March 30 - Questions about the Bible

· April 6 - Questions about Humanity

· April 13 - Questions about Christian Life

At the same time Pastor Jones will be offering a second study track focusing on different forms of Prayer. Come join us, won't you?

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Thursday, March 31 is last day for Thrivent members

to designate Thrivent Choice dollars!

If you haven't designated your dollars yet, please consider choosing Lord of Life Lutheran Church and support our ministry here in Tabernacle, NJ. It's simple to do. You can designate online or over the phone and choose where Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gives back. Below are step by step instructions from Thrivent. If you have additional questions, please contact Bob Sunbury at Thrivent bob.sunbury@thrivent.com or call at: 609-678-0668.

Online:

1. Visit the Thrivent Choice website or at https://www.thrivent.com/

2. Click on "log in" at the top right of your screen and enter your MyThrivent user ID and password. (If you haven't registered on Thrivent.com, click on "register now" to register for full access.)

3. Look for your designated Choice Dollars amount on the right side of the screen.

4. Click on "Direct Choice Dollars" in the Thrivent Choice box on your MyThrivent page.

5. Search the catalog of organizations to find your choice. *Note: Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion are not listed independently. Please search for "Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry".

6. Click on "Direct Choice Dollars Now" to direct your designated Choice Dollars to benefit VLM.

By phone:

1. Call 1-800-847-4836 and when prompted, say, "Thrivent Choice."

2. When prompted, say, "Choice Dollars."

3. Say or enter your Social Security number.

4. Press 1 to direct Choice Dollars or press 2 to hear the Thrivent Choice program terms and conditions.

5. A representative will then work with you to direct Choice Dollars.

Thank you for your financial support!

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Easter Flower Dedications

Easter lilies or tulips are available for $7. Last day to order is Sunday Apr 17th. Please see the display located on the bulletin board.

Lenten Project

This year we're supporting the Seneca Food Pantry - especially needed are breakfast items like oatmeal, granola bars, and canned dinners. Please see other items on the bulletin board.

Walk 4 Water

Amy Russell shared information this weekend on "walk for water", an organization devoted to helping obtain clean water for Africans. What we take for granted each day must be gathered and transported for miles in Africa. Such a basic need that hinders their health, economy and futures should be available. Information about their walk is at http://www.walking4water.org and your sponsorship of their 7000 mile walk over the next 2 years can help change the lives of many.

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Wednesdays in Lent

Listen to what Pastor Dave has to say about the Wednesday night activities we have during the Lent season. Come join us, won't you?

Looking for a great on-line devotional series for Lent? Look no further...

www.d365.org/journeytothecross

or just click here:

Did you know...

Thanks to those who signed up for "Dropbox" at http://db.tt/auqVPFl - for each new member of this free service who 'signs up', the church gets 250mb of storage free to use for our ministries. Only your email is required. Plus you get 2GB of secure storage for free. Check it out!

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Time & Talent needed!

The Lord of Life Property Committee is looking for a few good people to help maintain our facilities. We meet one Saturday morning each month to do the things that need to be done to keep our building in good shape. If Saturdays are not your thing, tasks may be taken from the "Job Jar" and completed on your own schedule. So, if you can do simple repairs, painting, replace light bulbs, cut grass or any type of household task; please contact Chuck Bubeck (609-953-8793; cfbubeck@verizon.net) and share your time and talents. Stay tuned as we announce the next fixup date after Easter!

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Awareness about Muscular Dystrophy

The "Biehn Team"-Organized by our own Christopher Biehn, raising awareness about Muscular Dystrophy. If you'd like to support the team by purchasing a wrist band, please check out his website (www.biehnteam.webs.com ) or give him a call (609-953-7220). Thank you!

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Marriage Anniversary!

Susan & David Dillard (3/30), Bill & Janet Bruner (4/3),
Jeff & Janice Hughes (4/4), Ginny & Walt Simpkins (4/4),
Kathie & Rich Stull (4/7), Jennifer & Richard Molchan (4/10)

May God's presence in your marriage continue to foster many more years of your shared love together. Have a wonderful anniversary!

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Baptism Anniversaries!

Marion Dullos (3/29), Midge Hangley (3/29), Thomas Priester (3/29),

Emily Roemer (3/29), Brigitte Watson (3/30), Heather Cosper (3/31),

Peg Gibson (4/1), Claudia Levin (4/1), Erik Norquist (4/3),

Roland Kucklinca (4/(4), Kevin Steinhour (4/6),
Ellen Wilen (4/6), Elizabeth Julian (4/7), Luke Leach (4/7),
Grayson Pickard (4/7), Vincent Venturi (4/8), Stephen Jr. Bielec (4/9),
Jeffrey Hughes, Jr. (4/9), Pastor Susan Jones (4/9), Grant Julian (4/9), Joanne Thomas (4/9),
Gloria Brosious (4/10), Susan Miserendino (4/10), Linda Baechler (4/11)

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:4-5
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Wishing a Happy Birthday to:

Marie Vail (3/28), Olivia Hughes (3/28), Richard Blum (3/28),
Donna Favilla (3/29), Jennifer Harding (3/29), Maralee Perri (3/30),
Donna Smith (3/30), Don Lee (3/30), Eric Biehn (3/30), Dawn Bielec (3/31), Dennis Smith (3/31), Joseph Hughes (3/31), Tommy Riches (3/31),
Eric Maertin (3/31), Robert Knoell (3/31), Brett Reich (4/1),
April Pawlikowski (4/1), Karla Hodum (4/1), Tristan Michaleski (4/1),
Erik Norquist (4/2), Erika Adamson (4/2), Janelle Bellina (4/2), Natalie Julian (4/3),
Paige Schmid (4/3), Alice Wilfrid (4/ (4/), Olivia Favilla (4/ (4/), Harrison Jennings (4/ (4/),
Emily Wright (4/ (4/), Steve Bielec (4/ (4/), Carol Herb (4/ (4/), Jonathan Curl (4/ (4/),
Michael Dehoff (4/ (4/), Melissa Riches (4/5), Gunnar Haugland (4/5), William Leonetti (4/5),
Denise Sunbury (4/6), Steven Corcoran (4/6), Mark Tarasewicz (4/6), Timothy Ebersberger (4/7), William Andrews (4/7), Leo Canonica (4/7), Elaina Sarlo (4/8), Penny Miller (4/8), Todd Sander (4/9), John Miserendino (4/9), Samantha Henrich (4/9), Joyce Harper (4/9)

You were born a child of God - celebrate this day and all days in the life God has given to you!

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= = = = Prayers of the Congregation = = = =

Prayers for Healing & Strength: Vanessa Anderson, Josh Betts, Samantha Cammarata, Caroline Cearley, Marian Chance, Nancy Cottingham, Mayanna Francis, Maria Hultz, Oliver Jodway, the Morris-Bell families, Noah Nacomulli, Judy Palait, Lorraine Requa, Melissa Riches, Petra Sanchez, Vernier Family, Tyler Walton & Kaye Zippilli;

Sympathy & Prayers are extended to the Cole family on the death of Al's sister, Helen Field; and to the Hess/Krueger family on the death of Dug's grandfather, Joseph Hess.

Those Serving our Country: CJ Albrecht, Tommy Cksekellich, Joe Delgado, Nicholas Ferry, Dan Humbert, Jeffrey Kopp, Caleb Leonchik, Joey Miller, Rick Molchan, Kevin Overcash, Tommy Riches, Kenny Shugars, Brian Smith, Matt Smith, Rich Stull, Ethan Wade, Dustin White, Daniel Wilson & Joshua Wonders; as well as people in all areas of conflict around the world.

Praise and Thanksgiving: For all of the healing taking place! For all those who provided a wonderful meal for the PEP St. Patrick's Everything Green Day and for Donna and Fran for giving us an up close and personal look into their mission trip to Panama! For all of the staff and lay members who took part in or led sessions at the New Jersey Synod Conference on Congregational Ministries! For all who helped to prepare the sanctuary for the Serenade for Wildlife Concert! For the wonderful food the Church Council has been providing

for the 3-D Lent dinners!

Special Needs: All persons suffering from drug dependency (strength in healing)

Mission Partners: Grace Community Lutheran Church, Ironbound section of Newark, and Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey.

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