Nov 14, 2011 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
L i f e L i n e s  Thanks to all who made our 25 years special!
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Ministry Quicklinks
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Regular Services:
Saturday 6pm
Sunday 8:30/10 am
Nov 6 - 1 service all weekend - 10am Shawnee High School = = = = = = = =
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"Stewardship - It's What I'm Supposed to Do"
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This email is from a mini-series of stewardship newsletter articles written by the Rev. Josh Nelson from 'Stewardship for the 21st Century'
 A Christian writer was telling about a new convert to the faith that started attending his church. She was in her early 30s, but already very successful in her career and was well compensated. When she became a Christian and started attending that church, the offering totals were noticeably increased and it was apparent that this new Christian woman had quickly and remarkably become the church's top giver.
The writer asked this young woman what her motivation was for giving so much to the work of this church-was it gratitude for her own personal financial success? Or was it a feeling of joy that she received in giving so faithfully and generously? Why was she giving, and for goodness sake, why was she giving so much?
She was kind of surprised that her gifts were considered to be so far above the norm. She answered his question though by saying, "Gratitude? Sure I guess I feel gratitude for what I've achieved and what God has given me. But right now, at this brand new stage of discipleship, I'm just giving because it is what I'm supposed to do. It's what Jesus commands me to do. Maybe later, when I'm more adept at this, I'm sure I'll have all sorts of great theological reasons for my giving. But right now, I just give because I'm told to give."
That simple and straight-forward understanding of being a courageous and willing disciple is very helpful for us all, especially those of us who may have been in church a long time. Though we may have many reasons to give, it is very helpful to remember that our first impulse is simply a reaction to Jesus saying to us, "Come and follow me." And we give of ourselves, of our time, our energy, our passion, our money-all because Christ has asked us to be faithful and to be his church. |
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Stewardship Campaign at Lord of Life
"Living in the Present Boldly"
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2011 Fall Stewardship at Lord of Life
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Pastor David Jones discusses the upcoming
Stewardship Campaign at Lord of Life in this brief video. This campaign will 'kickoff' the week after the 25th anniversary celebration. (Note this will kickoff on Nov 20th, not the date mentioned on the video)
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"Looking at the Past Thankfully!"
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Here is a link to the "Looking at the Past Thankfully" video shown at the 25th Anniversary Service, which has a brief look at our first
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Lord of Life -
"Looking Back"
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years as a church congregation. If you missed it, or would like to see again,
click here or go to this link: http://youtu.be/7Sk5F9Rvnew
Many more photos are available online at
this link for photos from our past
or from the Lord of Life website www.lordlife.us
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"Looking to the Future Hopefully!"
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Lord of Life Vision
Team Nov 2011
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Here is a link to the "Visioning" video shown at the 25th Anniversary Service, which has a brief look at our progress to date and plans for the future - click on the image, or navigate here:
http://youtu.be/Tl2HB8st9IQ
Also a copy of the Vision information collected so far is available at the church office. |
 Grace Place welcomed John Welling and Jim Smith on October 21st as part of Fire Safety Month! They did a fantastic job of teaching the children what to do in fire situations. Photos available HERE
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Thanksgiving Holiday Dinner Bags
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You're not too late! You can still donate items for the the Christian Caring Center Thanksgiving Dinner project! Here is what is needed: stuffing mix, canned vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, canned fruit, canned gravy, canned sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned juices, canned frosting, dessert mixes like cake or brownies, and turkey gift certificates from Acme-please put the certificates in an envelope and place them in the church office. It would be appreciated if all canned goods came with pop top lids or drop in a can opener if you can. Thank you to all members and church groups for helping with this important project, especially during these difficult economic times.
Again, Social Ministry thanks you for your generous support!
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Do you know how your contributions to the church compare to your 2011 pledge?
If you wish to get an update on your year-to-date contributions, just send an email to Finance@lordlife.us or contact acting Financial Secretary, Bill Reich.
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PEP Thanks Living Luncheon
Thursday, Nov. 17th, Noon
Feast on a turkey dinner and then we'll begin our preparations for the Giving Tree to benefit the children of the people served by the Christian Caring Center. If you haven't signed up, please call the church office so we know how much turkey and pumpkin pie to prepare! HELPING HANDS Monday, Nov. 28th, 1:00 The date is changed, but the plan is the same! Make as many sandwiches as we have supplies! You can help out by donating meat or cheese, coming to help make the sandwiches, dropping the sandwiches off at the Christian Caring Center, or a multiple of any of the above!  DINNER AT THE DINER
Wednesday, Nov. 30th, 4:30 We should be finished with those turkey leftovers, so join us as we eat, laugh, share stories, and have devotions at the Shamong Diner! ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am
Join us as we finish the remaining two sessions of Old Testament Stories from the Back Side. This inter-generational study has proven to spark a lot of conversation and times of heartfelt questioning and sharing. All are welcome!
AMERICA'S KESWICK CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY HYMN SING AND LUNCHEON
Thursday, Dec. 1st, 9:00
Sign up by Monday, Nov. 21st, $10
This is a wonderful time to visit America's Keswick. Along with enjoying the special Christmas music and luncheon, we'll also view the 25 Christmas Tree Display. The display will include trees decorated to depict a "Name of God" and several trees representing Christmas Carols. And you won't want to miss the Candy Cane and the American Patriot trees! Along with the tree display, the Christmas Café and Gift Shop will also be open.
 PLAID TIDINGS AT THE SURFLIGHT THEATRESaturday, Dec. 3rd Our final payment is due to Surflight Theatre! If you haven't already completed your $54 payment, please send the remainder to the church office by Wednesday, Nov. 16th. We're looking forward to a wonderful outing! SAVE THE DATE! PEP CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON Thursday, Dec. 15th, Noon |
Do you have a musical gift-instrumental, vocal, drama, or dance? Or would you like to be a part  of our musical groups for a short time-New Life Choir, Praise Team, Celebration Ringers, Kidz Praize?
This is a wonderful time to share your gifts as we prepare our services for the Advent and Christmas seasons! We would love to hear from you by Dec. 1st so that we can plan for our celebrations!
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 Our vestibule Christmas tree will be up and decorated with tags this week as we begin our Giving Tree Project for the children served by the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills. There are lots of different items to choose from and ages to grant wishes to as we share what God has given us with our friends in need.
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For all who came together to make our 25th Anniversary Service a wonderful time of worship as we gave glory to God for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us, gave thanks for all that has been done through the hands and hearts as members and friends of Lord of Life, and rededicated our commitment to being the living body of Christ in God's world! For all who made our time of fellowship at the 25th Anniversary Celebration such a warm time of  connecting and reconnecting with one another!
For the 10 members who shared their hearts and the love of Jesus with over 30 residents at the Lutheran Care!
For the 15 youth and adults who helped to rake 6 lawns for residents of Allenwood!
For those who filled over 70 bags with Thanksgiving Dinner supplies for the Christian Caring Center!
For the Rutgers students and LOL members who put a new section of roof on a house as part of a Fuller Center in the New Jersey Pines project! Thanks for all of the donations to the Christian Caring Center, Saint Vincent dePaul and the Seneca Food Pantry!
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As of 11/10/11, our church has received $3,684 from the Thrivent Choice program. Thanks to all who use Thrivent and have directed funds for our ministries! If you'd like to know more about this program with Thrivent, please contact Bob Sunbury (bottom of this newsletter).
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Where is God calling you to be and do?
Tellers Needed: We are looking for a couple people willing to be tellers to count the contributions received by the church. The job takes about 2 hours after the 10am service once a month. To qualify, you must be able to balance your own checkbook! Please contact Bill Reich here: Finance@lordlife.us if you can help. Winter Coffee House: We're looking for music lovers who would like to see our Coffee House return for two Fridays in each of the months of January, February, and March. Please talk to Pastor David. Haiti Sewing Project: Donations of fabric (minimum 1 yard), threads, sewing needles, scissors, various notions, and patterns (men's, women's and children's clothing, all sizes) are needed. Deadline to submit donations is November 20th. All items received will be shipped to Haiti in time for the next mission trip in March. If you'd like to help but have questions, please give Penny Miller a call (609-726-1698). Thank you for your support! Baptismal Banners: We are looking for a few additional volunteers to help make baptismal banners. If interested, please give the office a call. Thank you! Social Ministry needs your help! Did you know that we have a Food Pantry right in our own community? Well,we do. It is located in the Church of the Holy Eucharist in conjunction with Saint Vincent De Paul Society, here in Tabernacle. They could use "OUR" help with donations of paper products including: toilet tissue, facial tissues, paper towels, and paper napkins. "PAPER FOR THE PANTRY"can be dropped off in the church lobby at any time. Social Ministry thanks you for your ongoing support.
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Lutheran Care at Moorestown
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Congratulations to Carol Smith who was named Women Volunteer of the year from Lutheran care in Moorestown for her tremendous efforts in creating a library for the residents!!
Note that the Auxiliary at Lutheran Care will be having a Holiday Shop in early December for the residents of the Home to allow residents to come in and pick out holiday gifts for their family and relatives which are then wrapped for them to present. All of this is done at no charge to the resident. Feel free to contact Carol Smith at jwcrsmit1@verizon.net or 609-654-4077 for information if you'd like more information.
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Anniversaries & Important Dates!
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Marriage Anniversaries!
Marie & Dave Lamb (11/14), Debbie & Mike Chromeck (11/18),
Bob & Noel Quinn (11/19), Katie & Ryan Paetzold (11/24),
Marion & Anthony Dullos (11/29)
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!
"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
Camrynn Curl (11/14), Kellen Bauman (11/15), Kaylynn Schwab (11/15),
Benjamin Schwing (11/17), Logan Barnes (11/19), Grace Heinold (11/19),
Jennifer Braithwood (11/20), Harry Bratty (11/22), Keirstan Smith (11/22), William Reich (11/23), Eric Rickershauser (11/23), Jake Schwing (11/24), Gary Woodruff (11/24),
Rev. David Jones (11/25), Janell Reich (11/25), Brett Thomas (11/25), Benjamin Jones (11/28), Rev. Bob Petersen (11/29), Carey Wu (11/30), Kyle Wu (11/30)
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Wishing a Happy Birthday to:
Fred Cutts (11/14), Paul Rickershauser (11/14), Marge Finley (11/14),
Dick Schaeffer (11/14), Cheryl Dennison (11/16), Julia Bruner (11/16),
Karl Bratty (11/16), Monica Hollenbeck (11/18), Katelyn Hillman (11/18),
Tait Christianson (11/19), Deborra Torres (11/19), Dennis Yates (11/19), Aubrey Gemmell (11/19), Marie Lamb (11/21), Dawn Heinrich (11/21),
Austin Romanuski (11/21), Pat Lawyer (11/22), Matthew Minnick (11/24), Jeff Dayton (11/24), Steven Merillat (11/26), Stephanie Vorwerk (11/27), Sophia Minnick (11/27),
Doreen Bourbon (11/29), Emily Roemer (11/29), Emily Dayton (11/29), Brad Fries (11/29),
Jennifer Molchan (11/30), Melinda Hanley (11/30), Jennifer Steff (11/30), Jan Staub (11/30)
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
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 PRAYERS FOR HEALING & STRENGTH: Wayne Barrett, Jesse Kagan, the Lupnacca/Nelson families, Pete Mina & Lisa Spector;
SYMPATHY & PRAYERS are extended to the Clarke/Smith families on the death of Jim Smith.
JOYFUL EVENTS: Baptismal Anniversaries: Matthew Minnick, Tyler Schwing (11/12), Camrynn Curl (11/14), Kellen Bauman, Kaylynn Schwab (11/15), Benjamin Schwing (11/17); Wedding Anniversaries: Karen & Dan Kelly (11/12), Marie & Dave Lamb (11/14), Debbie & Mike Chromeck (11/18).
THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY: CJ Albrecht, Tommy Cksekellich, Matthew Cuviello, Joe Delgado, Joshua Dowsey, Dan Humbert, Rob Jones, Joey Miller, Kevin Overcash, Tommy Riches, Joseph Schlesinger, Kenny Shugars, Brian Smith, Rich Stull, Ethan Wade, Dustin White & Daniel Wilson; as well as people in all areas of conflict around the world.
SPECIAL NEEDS: All those physically or mentally challenged (courage to live a full life).
MISSION PARTNERS: Pilgrim Journey Lutheran Church, Elizabeth, and St. Vincent DePaul of Medford and Tabernacle.
WE WARMLY THANK Madelyn C. Mears-Sheldon, Executive Director of the Christian Caring Center, who spoke with us at all three worship services this past weekend.
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Confirmation Ministry Update
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Oct 3 - met with Confirmation students interested in being Sunday School helpers. A total of 19 middle schoolers are signed up to help. Schedules for helpers are posted on the bulletin board. Confirmation Classes have concluded for this portion of the learning session. Confirmation Coaches have expressed many positive comments about the students and curriculum. Classes will resume on January 8, 2012.
Sun Oct 30 - several families attended RefCon 1 at St Paul in Hainesport. This service was a wonderful blend of the youth in three different congregations (Bridge of Peace, Lord of Life & St Paul) who added their own special gifts to the service. There was even a visit from Martin Luther. A meeting has been planned for November 16 to discuss this service and maybe find other ways to bring the youth of these congregations together again.
Nov 10 - Rake, Run, Lunch & a Movie. 15 youth, Pastor Sue & Marie went to Allenwood to rake leaves. A special thanks to Priscilla Faucett for helping coordinate.
Upcoming events include Family Advent Night & Parents Day Out.
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Senior High Youth Ministry (SHYM) Update
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SUNDAY NIGHT SHYM - The new Senior High group began meeting in host homes Sunday, October 2nd Have met at the homes of the Yates, Hess and Ingrao families, and had 18 youth attend the new group. We are very excited about reaching more Senior High youth and having the opportunity to help deepen the faith of these young people.
SHYM TO PJ'S - met at PJ Whelhan's on Wednesday, October 26th for dinner out. 22 youth joined us for dinner and birthday celebrations for people who have birthdays in September, October, November and December.
NEW YEAR CITY DAY TRIP - Thu Nov 10 trip to New York City. Went on a Scavenger Hunt in Central Park, visited the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial, and had dinner at Grand Central Station. 18 youth and adults spend the day in the 'Big Apple'.
PARENT'S DAY OUT - Senior High plans to sponsor the annual Parents Day Out on Sat Dec 3rd from 9am-2pm. There is a sign-up sheet for this event. Parents will also be asked to register their children when they arrive on that Saturday. There will be a suggested donation for this event. Donations will benefit SHYM adopting several families with children who have a family member with HIV/AIDS. Donations will be used to buy Christmas gifts for these families.
Upcoming events include Family Advent Night & Parents Day Out.
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Upcoming Events at Lord of Life!
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Monday (11/14)
9:00 am - Staff Meeting
7:00 pm - Council Meeting
Tuesday (11/15)
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers Wednesday (11/16) 8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
9:30 am - Mom's Study - A Confident Heart
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study - Old Testament Stories from the Back Side
10:00 am - RefCon Meeting
6:00 pm - SHYM (Senior High Youth Ministry)
7:30 pm - New Life Choir - open always for new members!
7:30 pm - Women's Study "God in the Laundry Room"
Thursday (11/17)
12:00 pm - PEP Thanks Living Cafe
Friday (11/18) 1:39 pm - Scout Troops (FDC 208 , Basement & Fellowship Hall) 7:00 pm - Troop 23953 (FDC 208)
Saturday (11/19) Celebrating Christ the King
6:00 pm - Service Singing through the Church Year with Holy Communion
Sunday (11/20) Celebrating Christ the King
8:30 am - Service Celebrating the Church Year in Review with Holy Communion
10:00 am - Service Celebrating the Church Year in Review with Sunday School
6:30 pm - SHYM @ Ingraos' (Senior High Youth Ministry)
Monday (11/21)
6:00 pm - Men's Ministry Dinner - Meeting at LaCampagnola in Shamong
with guest speaker Chaplain Andy Gordon Tuesday (11/22)
11:00 am - Grace Place Thanksgiving Feast!
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers
7:00 pm - Book Review & Fellowship - Meeting at the church and discussing
'Heaven is for Real' by Todd Burpo
Wednesday (11/23)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
9:30 am - Mom's Bible Study - A Confident Heart
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study - Old Testament Stories from the Back Side
7:00 pm - Thanksgiving Eve Service - Open to all as we give thanks for our many blessings! Thursday (11/24)
Office Closed - have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Friday (11/25)
LifeLines Inputs due at 11:59pm to 'lordlife.news@gmail.com'
Saturday (11/26)
8:00 am - Gobbler Run at Camp Ockanickon
6:00 pm - Service of Word and Prayer
Sunday (11/27)
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving Service with Holy Communion and Sunday School
5:30 pm - Family Advent Night - Annual Tradition! We will gather to make a Christmas
tree/wreath (sample is in Narthex). More info & signup on bulletin board!
Monday (11/28)
1:00 pm - Helping Hands - Open to all! Making sandwiches for Christian Caring Center
Donations of meat / cheese are needed (or $) - See Sue Dreisbach for more info!
4:00 pm - Staff Meeting
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Mark your Calendar - Lutheran Summer Music Program
Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) brings together 150+ young people from throughout the U.S. and abroad for four weeks of rigorous musical study and performance in a supportive community. We welcome qualified band, orchestra, choir, piano, and pipe organ students completing grades 8-12. This summer's academy will be held at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa beginning June 24 through July 22, 2012. More info at THIS LINK or discuss with Rick Krause at the church!
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Thanks to Thrivent for Sponsoring this Newsletter!
Thanks to Thrivent and Bob Sunbury for sponsoring this year's subscription for the LifeLines! Bob at Thrivent can be reached at this link if you would like more information on financial products and services from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans or at Phone: 609-678-0668 or bob.sunbury@thrivent.com
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OUR Mission Statement: Lord of Life Lutheran Church is a uniquely blended "family" of God's people who share their faith and life together through learning, serving and celebrating. We are committed to:
Growing spiritually as we open our lives to God's will and teachings.
Growing in service and stewardship as we reach out to support one another and our neighbors in need.
Growing in Christian outreach as we share the "Good News" of Jesus Christ with all people in the community inviting them into a deeper fellowship with God and His people.
Celebrating the joy of being loved by God and growing together in faithis who we are.
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