LIFELINES - from Lord of Life Lutheran Church

April 11, 2011 Lord of Life Lutheran Church

L i f e L i n e s

Lent to Easter

Let us worship together this weekend as Holy Week begins

with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem!

PALM SUNDAY SERVICES Apr 16-17

Saturday, 6:00 Sunday, 8:30 and 10

Holy Thursday - 7:30 pm Apr 21

Good Friday - 12 noon , 3:00 PM, 7:30pm Apr 22

Vigil of Easter 6:00 pm Apr 23

Easter Sunday 8:00 am, 9:45 am & 11:30 am Apr 24

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Ministry Quicklinks

* LOL Website

* Grace Place

* Photo Gallery

* Simply Giving

* Email church

* Map to Church

* Archive of our Newsletters

* Fuller NJ Mission
Partner

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Services:

Saturday 6pm
Sunday 8:30/10 am

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Brothers and Sisters...

Frequently, when I meet other people who know me, I am asked, "So what's NEW at Lord of Life?" I imagine they ask that question because there always seems to be something NEW going on in our congregation and they are eager to hear what it might be. "Business as Usual" at LOL means that this church is continually growing, searching, discovering, fine-tuning, reaching out and being made NEW by the God who is at the center of NEW Life living! So what's NEW you might ask. Well...

...we just hosted the Indian Mills Historical Society who used our Fellowship Hall to hold an antique appraisal where they raised funds for this community non-profit and provided a New awareness of their important work preserving our past history.

...our Congregational Council met for a Saturday morning retreat doing some much needed "team building" which included something NEW to this governing body; we instituted a ministry of prayer partners where all 12 members of council now have an opportunity to pray for one another on a rotating basis.

...the Stewardship and Finance teams report that we now have a number of NEW families and individuals using Simply Giving to support the ministry at LOL bringing our total to 54 and a NEW opportunity to designate Thrivent Choice dollars to the congregation that has already yielded over $1500.

...NEW anthems are being introduced to the NEW Life choir and some of them have already been sung during our Lenten worship, and others will enrich our Holy Week and Easter services.

...both pastors recently attended a day-long workshop for pre-marital and marriage enrichment counseling (Prepare-Enrich) where NEW skills were gained so that these excellent resources can be used to bless numerous couples in the parish.

...Holy Week worship will include several NEW approaches to the liturgies for the week helping us to share the deep significance of the Passion story for the Christian community, and we have added a NEW Good Friday service at 12 Noon - 1 PM which focuses our attention on the 7 last words spoken by Jesus from the cross.

...Two senior high youth (Jeff Horner and Nathan Leach) have just had their Eagle Scout projects approved by the scouts and LOL and will provide NEW efforts to bless our congregation (Painting all the lines for our church parking lot) and community (Initiating a gleaning endeavor with some of our local farmers providing produce for those in need).

...Servant Mission Trips this summer will find our senior High youth traveling to a NEW site to serve (Cleveland, Ohio) and our middle school kids staying at a NEW site (a Quaker retreat center) in a familiar location; Washington, D.C.

...Vacation Bible School should be better than ever as we use a NEW curriculum by Jeff Smith (He is the guy who inspired the "music and motion" approach to teaching the faith that we often see in the ministry of the "Joy Stix" and the "God Rods") with a pirate theme ...aargh!

What's always NEW at Lord of Life is our willingness to "Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a NEW song..." as the psalmist says (Psalm 149:1). May the Holy Spirit continue to reNEW us as we move through the last days of Lent, to the cross, and beyond to Easter.

Your Brother in CHRIST,

Pastor David Jones

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3 D Lent: Dinner, Discovery, and Devotions

1 more! Join us Wednesday April 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; andLutheran 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: Centering Prayer and Prayer Labyrinth and

Lutheran Questions and Lutheran Answers: Questions about Christian Life Come join us, won't you?

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Christian Seder Meal

Thursday, April 14th, Noon

"Why are we, as Christians, celebrating a Jewish festival?" There are two valid answers to that question. The first is that our scripture tells us that we are, as Christians, children of Abraham and are ordered by scripture to celebrate the Passover in order to be aware of the One, Living God and our deliverance from slavery, as well as our freedom from the world and inclusion in the Body of Christ.

The second reason is Jesus. Scripture leads us to believe that Jesus celebrated Passover in Jerusalem every year of His life. Jesus chose to return to Jerusalem for His last Passover, the event we call the Last Supper. And it was here, at the Seder Dinner that Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant. It was here at the Seder Dinner that Jesus requested we celebrate, portions of His last Seder in remembrance of Him. It is fairly certain that a form of the Seder Dinner that we will share was the basis of the worship services of the early church.

So, please join us this Thursday as we celebrate and remember. Please call the office so that we know for how many to prepare.

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Is there still time?

Yes! New Life Choir would love to have you join as we prepare music for Holy Week and Easter Sunday. If you would like to join us for this short (but very meaningful) period of time, please join us on Wednesday nights after 3-D Lent. We are rehearsing from 8:00 to 9:00 PM. Please see Rick Krause at worship (or e-mail him a 3rick@comcast.net) for more information. Thanks!

Easter Celebration!

Do you play a musical instrument? We're looking for all those who would be interested in playing at our worship services on Easter Sunday. If you are interested, please see Pastor Dave, Pastor Sue, Sue Dreisbach or Rick Krause as soon as possible.

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Lent End Celebration!

Our Lent-End celebration will be held on Sunday, April 17^th during our 10:00am worship service. The youngest children will process with the palms at the beginning of service. Following the palm procession, children ages 2 ½ and Pre K/K will join together for a special Journey with Jesus. The children in grades 1 - 5 will travel through five stations and Journey to the Cross with Jesus. As they travel, they will be collecting trading cards. The five cards are Jesus Is Coming (Palm Sunday), Jesus Loves Me (Jesus Came to be with us), Jesus Shows Us What God Is Like (Jesus Tells who he is and why he's come), Jesus Suffered for Us (Jesus paid the price for our sins), and Jesus Came Back to Life (Jesus) Everyone will meet in the Fellowship Hall for a special snack. Join us, and don't forget this is a great time to invite your friends!

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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.

Grace Place News

grace place

Lent-Grace Place has been collecting food for the Seneca Food Pantry. Thanks to all that have been donating. Each of the children's classes has given up a "special" toy that they love to play with for forty days.

Easter-The Easter Celebration Shows will be Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14^th at 11:00 am. Each class will present the story of Easter in an artistic view by the children coupled with songs. Refreshments will be served afterward. Everyone is welcome.

Grace Place will be closed the week of April 18^th and return on the 26^th. We are looking for anyone that loves to experience the outdoors by helping us spread mulch the week the school is closed in our playground.

The week of April 26^th, the children will ride their bikes for St. Jude's. Any

one wishing to support the Trike-a-Thon please see one of the teachers.

Mother's Day flowers will be sold again this year. Please see the bulletin board in the front entranceway of the church to pick up an order form. Delivery will be May 5,6. & 7^th. What a nice way to remember Mom.

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Walk 4 Water

Amy Russell shared information recently 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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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 to use for our ministries. Plus you get 2GB of secure 'cloud' storage for FREE. Protect your data securely online and help the church protect its too! Only your email is required. 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. Saturday May 7 is SPRING-CLEAN- UP at LOL !!

ALSO - We are looking for a couple of people to help out with counting the contributions the church receives. ( "being a teller" ) This job is roughly once a month ( 13 times a year ) for a couple of hours after the Sunday 10am service. To do this job, you must be able to balance your own checkbook!

If you can help, please contact Bill Reich (Finance@lordlife.us)

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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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Earth Day - April 22nd

In honor of Earth Day, we will share 'ECO-tips' as we focus on stewardship of our planet, courtesy of GreenFaith - this time the focus is on energy:

Energy: The average home spends about $2,000 on energy bills every year. By changing to appliances that have earned the Energy Star, you can save $75 a year in energy costs (Energy Star). Energy Star rated appliances use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models over their lifetime, making a big difference for the environment and your budget!

Eco-tip provided by GreenFaith: www.greenfaith.org

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The Bible vs. The Cell Phone

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our

cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing....

Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls! When Jesus died for us, he was thinking of you!

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Marriage Anniversary!

Carol & Jim Ebersberger (4/13), Lisa & Brad Fries (4/15),
Gary & Diana Biehn (4/16), Linda & Craig Baechler (4/17),
Tom & Robin Borkowski (4/19), Chad & Stacy Allen (4/24)

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!

Kris Gordon (4/11), Nicky O'Neal (4/12), Jarrett Evans (4/13), Ryan Kulina (4/13), Nancy Cottingham (4/15), Vivian Hollenbeck (4/15), Dennis Smith (4/15), Barbara Harbora (4/16), Jesse Kagan (4/16), Seth Kagan (4/16), Dana Kozak (4/16), Jeffrey Patterson (4/16), Matthew Vorwerk (4/17), Kathryn Adamson (4/19), Helen Gill (4/20), Cheryl Harbora (4/20), Nicole Schwab (4/21), Meredith Hall (4/22), Emma Harris (4/22), Marlies Patterson (4/22), Aidan Vandegrift (4/22), Chris Kulina (4/23), Clare Maurer (4/23), Edmund Vernier (4/23), Joseph Steff (4/24), Alyson Venturi (4/24)

"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:

Becky Browne (4/11), Debbie Chromeck (4/11), Natalie Ditzel (4/11), Shannon Mozitis (4/11), Sharon Corcoran (4/11), Ryan Paetzold (4/11), Scott Rinck (4/12), Noah Bunning (4/13), Lyndsey Millere (4/14), Mark Goehring (4/14), Steven Vorwerk (4/14), Philip Jagiela (4/15), Merle Brown (4/15), Jack Gordon (4/15), Dakota Bellina (4/16), Matthew Detwiler (4/16), Rich Jennings (4/16), Christine Charles (4/17), Amy Schwab (4/17), Allison Blackman (4/18), Ricky Stevens (4/18), Don Moyer (4/18), Michael Grantner (4/19), Linda Nardi (4/19), Nancy Curl (4/20), Leda Luley (4/20), Gary Lawyer (4/21), Victoria Bruner (4/21), Michael Hennessy (4/21), Rev. Bob Petersen (4/21), Devon Lamb (4/22), Nathan Leach (4/23), Marie Neach (4/23), Gary Biehn (4/24), Rebecca Christianson (4/24), Ruth Weber (4/24), Christina Sunbury (4/24)

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 FOR HEALING & STRENGTH: Steve Corcoran, Dorothy Curl, the Flood/Rich families, Charlie Hammond, the Jones/Nacomulli families, Reneé Larson, the Lurty/West families, Judy Parsons, Peggy Schnitzius, Linda Schultheis, Karen Solio, Jan Staub & Patti Wolfe.

THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY: CJ Albrecht, Tommy Cksekellich, Joe Delgado, Nicholas Ferry, Dan Humbert, Rob Jones, 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.

SPECIAL NEEDS: The hungry and homeless (faith and renewed hope).

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING: For all of the healing taking place! For all of our Helping Hands angels who made 315 sandwiches to aid our neighbors served by the Christian Caring Center! For our council members who have been providing excellent homemade soups, bread, and desserts for 3D Lent! For Pastor David and Pastor Sue for leading us in the 3D Lent sessions and all those who have participated, learned from, and shared in these sessions! For the 10 youth who did a wonderful job in leading us in Saturday night worship! For the Celebration Ringers who led the music at Lutheran Care this month! For all those who share in learning and fellowship through the monthly Book Review! For all the men who share in learning and fellowship through the monthly Men's Dinners and weekly Men's Fellowship Breakfast! For all those who take care of our church home and programs in so many ways!

MISSION PARTNERS: NJ Synod's Nava Jeevan/South Asian/Indian Outreach and South Jersey Food Bank of Pennsauken.

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Upcoming Events at Lord of Life