Nov 28, 2011 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
L i f e L i n e s
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Ministry Quicklinks
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Greetings Everyone!
Welcome to Advent. As we enter into this wonderful season that brings us back to the beginning of another Church year, we once again eagerly await the birth of the baby Jesus in a lowly stable in Bethlehem.
I invite all of you to join with me in this time of waiting and watching, of anticipation and excitement, by spending time both as families and individuals with the Advent devotional materials we have provided for both families and individuals. I would encourage all of you if you are able to join together with others in the congregation and make Wednesday our day for Advent devotions. This way, whether together or apart we will be together in Spirit.
There will be two times during each Wednesday of Advent when you can also join others for these devotions at the church, once in the morning at 11:30AM and again in the evening at 7:00PM.
I wish you peace and joy as we journey together in celebrating the coming of our newborn king.
Peace,
Pastor Sue
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Christmas Eve Schedule:
2 & 4pm - Children/Family 8 & 10pm - Lessons/Carols with Candlelight and Holy Communion
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"Stewardship - Why We Give"
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This email is from a mini-series of stewardship newsletter articles written by Tom Krick
In his book, "Giving to God", Mark Allen Powell wrote, "We are invited to put money in the offering plate on Sunday morning not because the church needs our money but because we want and need to give it." For many of us, this may fly in the face of our typical notion of giving our offering. We may have been brought up thinking we give because the church has bills. There is a building that has upkeep and expenses, staff needs to receive a salary, and there is the larger church that receives our support also. In essence, we give because of the need of others.
While this is true, this is not the primary reason why we receive an offering during our worship service. If we simply view giving as a way to meet budget needs then we most likely will not find a whole lot of joy in giving. We will view it as we view paying our gas or electric bill for our home. As Allen points out, if giving is simply to meet the budgetary expenses, then why is this part of the service at all. We should simply have dues and let everyone know their share. But if we give because we recognize our need and desire to give, then offering becomes an act of worship and it changes our motivation for giving. We turn from meeting an obligation to "expressing our love of God in the purest way imaginable, by giving up something that we value."
This is, in essence, why we receive an offering during our worship service. Yes, it helps to pay the bills, but more importantly, it is a way for us to actively participate in and recognize and express our emotions to God. This is why it is part of our worship service.
I encourage everyone to think about their motivation for giving, to have a conversation with those whom you trust and talk about giving an offering at church. You do not have to name numbers or how much, unless it is a decision you are making together, but rather talk about what it means to you personally when you give and how you decide what to give.
God's blessings on your conversations and please come forward with any questions and joys that you discover. |
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Women's Ministry - Bags for Haiti
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Microwave Potato Bags for the Haiti Sewing Project
Sponsored and made by Women's Ministry-simple bag creates a "just right" potato in your microwave. The inside is well done, yet moist and the skin remains tender. 1-4 medium sized potatoes can be cooked at once. Other items that turn out great in these bags: sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, tortilla shells and reheated rolls. Directions are supplied with each bag. Samples are in the narthex. Donation is $10.00 per bag.
Thanks for your support! |
 DINNER AT THE DINER
Wednesday, Nov. 30th, 4:30 SHAMONG DINER We should be finished with those turkey leftovers, so join us as we eat, laugh, and share stories and devotions! ADULT BIBLE STUDY and ADVENT DEVOTIONS
Wednesdays, 10:00
Our Advent study takes us into Christmas from the Backside. Once again we'll see what different slant Dr. Kalas takes on the people and events surrounding Christ's birth. These studies have proven to spark a lot of conversation and times of heartfelt questioning and sharing. The study will be followed by our Advent devotions at 11:30. So come for the study or the devotions or both!
All are welcome!
 PLAID TIDINGS AT THE SURFLIGHT THEATRE
Saturday, Dec. 3rd
It's time to go! Please meet at Settler's Hall parking lot at 10:00 to set out for LBI! We're looking forward to a wonderful outing!
SOUNDS OF JOY AT LUTHERAN CARE
Monday, Dec. 5th, 1:30
Come and help us observe Advent through Word and song with our friends at the Lutheran Care. Your heart and hands mean so much to the residents as we come together to share the love and care of Jesus.
SAVE THE DATE! PEP CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS LUNCHEON
Thursday, Dec. 15th, Noon
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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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 Vestibule Christmas tree is up and decorated with tags 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. Please consider taking a tag and sharing the gift of Christmas with someone who may not otherwise be able to receive a gift this year! Gifts are needed by Sunday Dec 11th under the tree after the 10am service!
 Food Cart in the Vestibule - Items will be shared with Christian Caring Ctr. in Browns Mills & Seneca High School Food Pantry. Here are the items needed: Canned goods (with pop-top lids); Pop Tarts, individual cereal boxes, oatmeal packets & granola bars; Pasta & pasta sauce; Microwaveable food items; Disposable diapers (sizes 1-5); Baby wipes; Travel-size toiletry articles (hotel giveaways are great!)
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Library at Lord of Life - Come check out the Lord of Life Memorial Library! We have an assortment of books and DVD's on the cart-something for everyone! Information Available - On the Narthex Bulletin Board: (1) Annual Report; (2) November and December calendars; and (3) sign-ups and more information for upcoming events. PLEASE CHECK YOUR CHURCH MAILBOX (YOUR MAILBOX # IS YOUR ENVELOPE #) FOR INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS! Need a Ride? Do you need a ride to services or activities? Are you unable or prefer not to drive at night? Let us know by calling or emailing the office (268-0262 or lordlife@lordlife.us)! Or... Would you like to offer to bring someone to services or activities? Do you drive at night and willing to pick someone up to come to church? WE NEED TO GET YOU TOGETHER! Please let the office know if you'd like to participate. Christmas Poinsettia Dedications - Please see the display on the bulletin board to order these plants - each is $7. Thanks! Lutheran Care Holiday Shop Collection - Gently used knick-knacks, small stuffed animals, small toys, jewelry, etc. (holiday wrap & gift bags, too!) are needed for the Lutheran Care Holiday Shop until December 12th so that residents may select gifts for family members at no charge.
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For the LOL members working on the new metal roof on a house as part of another 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! For all of those who support the Helping Hands project which provided 268 sandwiches this month for people who are served by the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills! For the loving hands who came to the rescue in making sure our PEP ThanksLiving Luncheon was hot and ready to be served! For all of our PEP tag makers who created the 330 tags for our Giving Tree Project! For all who helped to prepare and lead our Advent Family Night! |
Where is God calling you to be and do?
Greeters, Lectors & Ushers needed for all services. Please contact the church office if you can help occasionally!
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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Annual Advent Vespers at Lutheran Theological Seminary
Dec 4 @ 7:30pm
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The annual Advent Vespers at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) will be held Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 7:30 pm, and will be on the theme Salvation is Very Near! The vespers service is free and open to the public.
With the celebration of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg's Tercentenary at LTSP, this year's Vespers will reflect on the Muhlenberg legacy with music from Muhlenberg's time and through the centuries of American music from the colonial era through today.
The annual Advent Vespers will be held in the Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel on the LTSP campus, 7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119. Parking is available on the seminary campus - see www.Ltsp.edu/Campus for links to directions to the seminary and campus parking information.
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St. Olaf Christmas Festival - Dec 4th - 2:30pm
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Theatre - Burlington 20, Burlington NJ: The St. Olaf Christmas Festival is one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States. Started in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the St. Olaf College Music Department, the festival features more than 500 student musicians who are members of five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra. Participating choral ensembles include the St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong '78; Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir , both conducted by Christopher Aspaas '95; Cantorei, conducted by John Ferguson; and Manitou Singers, conducted by Sigrid Johnson. The St. Olaf Orchestra is conducted by Steven Amundson. Each group performs individually and as part of a mass ensemble. The cost of the showing is $20.
The festival, which is regularly broadcast nationwide on public television and radio, has been featured in hundreds of publications, including TV Guide, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. More info: http://www.stolaf.edu/simulcast/index.html
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Anniversaries & Important Dates!
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Marriage Anniversaries!
May God's presence in your marriage continue to foster many more years of your shared love together. Have a wonderful anniversary!Lori & Tom MacDonald (12/01)
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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 Noel Quinn (12/02), Bob Quinn (12/03), Liam Reilley (12/04),
Colin Reilley (12/04), William, III Shover (12/04), Rachel Shover (12/04), Kevin Shover (12/04), Marie Lamb (12/06), Elizabeth Blair (12/07), Robert Barnes (12/08), Russ Miserendino (12/08), Ruth Byrd (12/09), Emily Vandegrift (12/10)
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Wishing a Happy Birthday to:
Judy Burgo (12/01), Dan Smith (12/02), Gary Lawyer, II (12/02),
Kyle Hodum (12/02), Betty Ann Mastrillo (12/03), Ashley Masly (12/03),
Kaitlyn Glossner (12/03), Joseph Thomas (12/03), Katie Paetzold (12/04),
Brad Parker (12/05), John Aho (12/06), Steve Edgerton (12/06),
Peter MacDonald (12/06), Michael Romanuski (12/06), Robert Urban (12/07), Grayson Pickard (12/08), Caleb Pifer (12/08), Kathryn Adamson (12/09), Leeland Rogers (12/09), David Clark Vacca (12/09), Amber Oakley (12/10), Linda Baechler (12/10), Cassidy Tallant (12/11), Sean Herb (12/11), Nicole Schwab (12/11)
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: Maria Asper, Geraldine Boyle, Lou Butler, Steve Corcoran, the Curry family, the Cutts family, Jeff Danner, Eleanor Haines, Terry Keller, Sr., Trudy Klinedinst, Joyce Larson, Luke Nelson, the O'Connell family, Marcy Parker, Bill Rudderow, Donna Rudderow, the Schmidt family, Josh Simpkins, Pete Smith & Kaye Zippilli;
SYMPATHY & PRAYERS are extended to the Kobb/Beaudoin families on the death of Meg's grandmother, Jerry Beaudoin.
JOYFUL EVENTS: Baptismal Anniversaries: Benjamin Jones (11/28), Pastor Bob (11/29), Carey Wu, Kyle Wu (11/30), Noel Quinn (12/2); Wedding Anniversaries: Marion & Anthony Dullos (celebrating 60 years!) (11/29), Lori & Tom MacDonald (12/1).
BORN AGAIN THIS WEEKEND by Water and the Word is Josephine Lenore Grosser. We ask God's blessing on Josephine, her parents, Emily and Jeffrey, and godparents. May the Lord strengthen all of us in our commitment as we nurture our newest child in Christian faith.
THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY: CJ Albrecht, Tommy Cksekellich, Matthew Cuviello, Joe Delgado, Joshua Dowsey, Peter Fernandes, 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.
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Upcoming Events at Lord of Life!
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Monday (11/28)
1:00 pm - Helping Hands - Open to all-making sandwiches for clients of Christian
Caring Center-donations of lunch meat and cheese are needed (or
monetary donations!). Please see Sue Dreisbach for more information.
Tuesday (11/29)
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers 7:00 pm - Grades 3-5 Youth Ministry Parent Meeting (Grades 3-5) - Planning Discussion for a new ministry here focusing on our per-confirmation age group. Open to all! 7:30 pm - Grace Place Board Meeting Wednesday (11/30) 8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
9:30 am - Mom's Study
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study - Christmas from the Back Side
11:30 am - Midweek Advent Devotions!
4:30 pm - Dinner @ Shamong Diner
6:00 pm - SHYM (Senior High Youth Ministry)
7:00 pm - Midweek Advent Devotions
7:30 pm - New Life Choir - open always for new members!
7:30 pm - Women's Study "God in the Laundry Room"
Thursday (12/1)
9:00 am - Keswick Community Hymn Sing & Luncheon ("Celebration of Christmas")
7:00 pm - Vision Discernment Session
Friday (12/2) 6:30 pm - Staff / Council Appreciation Dinner
Saturday (12/3) Advent 2
8:00 am - Pack 47 Pancake Breakfast - Annual Event @ Indian Mills Methodist Church
9:00 am - Parent's Day Out (until 2pm or so) - Signup available for children & helpers.
All donations to benefit families through 'Spirit of the Holidays' project!
9:00 am - New Members' Orientation
10:00 am - Surflight Theatre Trip
2:00 pm - Mathes Baptism
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
Sunday (12/4) Advent 2
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with 2/3 year old & Pre-K/K Christmas Program
and Sunday School
11:30 am - Greening of the Church - help needed to ready church to celebrate
our Saviour's birth!
1:30 pm - Vision Discernment Session
6:30 pm - SHYM at Bubeck's (Senior High Youth Ministry)
Monday (12/5)
9:00 am - Staff Meeting 1:30 pm - Lutheran Care Visit - Open to all - please see Sue Dreisbach to participate Tuesday (12/6)
6:30 pm - Women's Christmas Gathering - Open to all women - details on bulletin board
7:00 pm - New Members' Orientation
7:00 pm - Loss Support Group - Open to all - offering encouragement for those suffering loss
Wednesday (12/7)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
9:30 am - Mom's Bible Study
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study - Christmas Stories from the Back Side
11:30 am - Advent Devotions with Soup, Song & Sacrament
- Open to all as we gather together for good food & fellowship!
6:00 pm - SHYM (Spirit of Holidays Shopping)
6:00 pm - Worship Planning
7:00 pm - Midweek Advent Devotions
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
7:30 pm - Women's Study
Thursday (12/8)
7:30 pm - Finance Team meeting
Friday (12/9)
6:00 pm - Girl Scout Troop Meeting (FDC 208, Basement & Fellowship Hall)
Saturday (12/10) Advent 3
6:00 pm - Service of Light and Reflection
Sunday (12/11) Advent 3
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving Service with Holy Communion,
1st & 2nd Grade Christmas Program and Sunday School
6:00 pm - SHYM Christmas Party - meeting at the Bubecks and open to all senior high youth
For more info see youth ministry board!
Monday (12/12)
7:00 pm - Council Meeting
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PEP Christmas Party - Thursday Dec 15th at noon! Open to all - see more info on board or contact Sue Dreisbach with questions.
Christmas Eve Worship Schedule:
2pm & 4pm - Children and Family Services
8pm & 10pm - Services of Lessons & Carols with Candlelight and Holy Communion
ANYTIME: "Simply Giving" contribution form can be obtained by clicking here
GRACE PLACE Preschool is now accepting applications. Click here for more information
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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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