Mar 26, 2012 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
L i f e L i n e s 
"Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
Mark 12:29-30
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Holy Week Begins!Palm Sunday Services: Saturday, March 31st, 6:00
Sunday, April 1st, 8:30 and 10:00
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Brothers and Sisters...
When was the last time you observed or remembered the anniversary of a personal or historic event? Recently I've been reminded of numerous significant events as a result of some special milestone anniversaries. For instance...18 years ago on February 26, 1994, Renee and I were united in marriage at Lord of Life. And there we were again in the sanctuary on that exact date worshipping together and remembering only a few weeks ago!
Interestingly I was recently reminded of two events that occurred 50 years ago; one national and the other regional. 50 years have passed since John Glen became the first American astronaut to circle the earth 3 times on February 20, 1962. That event is stunningly recreated in the film, "The Right Stuff" and to this day stirs my heart. 50 years have also come and gone since the "March Storm" devasted the northeastern Atlantic coast on March 6-8, 1962 as winds and waves brought bays and ocean together destroying property and lives. My Uncle Bobby and his family had to be rescued by helicopter as their home in Harvey Cedars on LBI was swept away by the storm.
Perhaps an even more dramatic disaster will stir our memory this April 15 when we observe the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the British cruise ship Titanic. When I first heard of this tragic event during my childhood, I became so afraid of icebergs that I refused to get in a boat on the water for years.
However, the two American anniversaries that have taken center stage for me most recently are the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. The War between the States occurred from 1861 to 1865 and I recall how our nation took great pains to observe the centennial of this war by holding numerous battle reenactments. I actually attended three of these with my family getting to share in the battles of First Bull Run, Antietem and Gettysburg. Newer Maryland license plates are calling us to remember that their state played a signifcant role in the War of 1812 which was fought on the heels of the American Revolution and firmly established our national identity. It also gave us our national anthem in the composition that included and old tune and a set of defiant new lyrics as penned by Francis Scott Key that we now know as "The Star Spangled Banner".
With all these anniversaries to ponder, we might look past the anniversary of another sequence of events that changed the course of cosmic and human history...forever! In the days ahead Christians from around the world will call to heart and mind the story of Jesus' passion, crucifixion and resurrection. We will move from a triumphal entry into Jerusalem... to an upper room...to a Gethsemane garden...to places of public humiliation... through the streets of the capitol city...to a garbage dump known as Golgotha...to a borrowed tomb...and beyond to a series of Resurrection appearances!
As we observe these Holy Week / Easter moments we need to open ourselves to whatever God's Spirit has to teach us about these events knowing that "We can't have Easter without Good Friday and we don't want Good Friday without Easter!" Praise God for the divine wisdom to give the world both!
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This 1979th anniversary (if you date these events in 33 AD) is more than an opportunity to remember historical events. In essence, this divinely Christ-centered story has become "a way of life" for people of faith. Easter people are willing to see all of history, whether it be from a global, national or personal viewpoint, through the lens and filter of that first Holy Week and Easter. In clear and dramatic fashion, God takes that which is tragic and turns it into triumph; LOVE expressed for all people even in the year 2012.
The Apostle Paul, writing to believers in Rome, expressed this truth in chapter 6, verses 9-11..."We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has  dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (NRSV)
May this year's observance of those life changing events, as discovered in the story of Jesus the Christ, keep you even closer to "the heart and mind of God".
Your Brother in CHRIST,
Pastor David Jones
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Last 'WE ARE FAMILY LENT' 6pm, WEDNESDAY, March 28!
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Helping Hands-Monday, March 26th, 1:00
It's sandwich making time for the clients of the Christian Caring Center! You can be a part of this ministry by purchasing meat or cheese, helping to make the sandwiches, delivering the sandwiches to the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills, or making a financial contribution for the purchase of supplies. We have a wonderful time of sharing while we're making and would love to have you join us!
Men's Breakfast-Wednesdays at 8am and Adult Bible Study - Wed at 10am
Join in as we read through the book of Mark! At the Adult Bible Study, experience our readings live as well as we watch Max MacLaren act them out.
Dinner at the Diner-Thursday, March 29th, 4:30, Red Lion Diner
Great food, fellowship, laughter, and devotions as we hang out together at the Red Lion Diner. All are welcome! Please sign up on the bulletin board.
Save the date! A Walk in the Park returns! Tuesday, April 10th, 1:00
Join us as we explore walking trails around the county. Our first will be in Medford as we walk along Rancocas Creek.
Looking ahead...April PEP-Spring Cafe and Art Show, Thursday, April 19th, Noon
Our featured artist will be our own Mary Stroup! We are also inviting everyone to bring any special art piece that you have or a family member has made or a special piece of art that touches your heart...think paintings, drawings, woodcrafts, sculptures.
PEP Coney Island Day Review!
We had the Nathan's hot dogs, the French fries, and the ice cream! We had the miniature golf, the virtual roller coaster, the ball games, the calliope music, the decorations! But probably the most fun was the horse racing! Jockey Harry Granfors "rode" Kirsten's Pirate, Walt Faucett kept Seattle Slew in the pack, Barbara Urban championed with Liberty, Carol Hartman flew with Pink Beauty, Edna Bystrom kept up the pace with Hold on to Your Hat, and Helen Gill ran on the outside with Reggie Baby. We thank Noel and Bob Quinn for coming up with this idea and working on making it happen and for all who brought food, came, and contributed their smiles and laughter! While most of us won't be getting back to the real Coney Island, we had a great time pretending we were there and remembering the times we enjoyed.
 Lutheran Care The Home continues to ask for your donations of nail polish, polish remover, cotton balls, construction paper, markers, and colored pencils. They will also accept gently used stuffed animals of any size. Small ones will be used for resident birthday bags, while the larger ones (the bigger the better) will be set aside as prizes for the annual June Day.
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Lord of Life Lenten World Hunger Project - Pastor Sue
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Wednesday Morning Mom's Bible Study
2012 Winter Session - thru Apr 4
9:30-11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall
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Knowing God's Word
- Women of Faith Study Guide
Join us for our final 2 sessions of this wonderful study!
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The "Our Father" Rewritten by our Youth
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Our 8th grade Confirmation class was split into groups of 2 or 3 students and asked to rewrite the Lord's Prayer. Here's what they came up with!
Dear Lord in heaven
Your name is important
Help us be good Like we would be in heaven.
Give us food needed And forgive our sins,
As we will forgive others Have us not be tempted
But save us from evil. Yes! Yes! Yes!
Our Father in heaven, Your name is holy.
We're awaiting your kingdom
Please allow the earth to be like heaven
Let us accept our meals with thanks
We ask you don't hold our sins against us,
And we won't hold other people's sins against them.
Help us not to be tempted by bad things
Please don't be the UPS guy that gives us to the evil ones.
You are amazing. Yes, it shall be so!
God in heaven,
Help us honor Your name.
Establish Your kingdom.
Let us follow you on earth and in heaven.
Help us survive in the world And keep us away from evil.
Amen.
God, who is in heaven,
Your name is above all others.
When heaven comes, earth will be like heaven.
Give us what we need
And forgive our sins As we forgive others.
Lead us to do what is rightAnd not what is wrong,
Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for eternity.
Yes, it shall be so.
The big guy in heaven,
Praise your blessed name.
Your goodness will be on the earth as it is in heaven.
Give us what we need to survive.
Forgive our sins and We forgive other sins.
And lead us away from the devil don't let the devil inside you
For his love is your house. His power is holy for all eternity.
Amen.
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Don't Forget your Thrivent Choice!
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Thrivent Choice lets you recommend where some of Thrivent Financial's charitable outreach funds go by directing Choice Dollars and by participating in Voting Events. How are Choice Dollars Determined? Eligible members are designated Choice Dollars based on their: Insurance premiums; or Contract values; or Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership. 1. Search for your preferred organization(s). (Lord of Life Lutheran Church is available)
2. Direct Choice Dollars online or call 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and state "Thrivent Choice"
Recurring Direction To automatically direct 2012 designated Choice Dollars set up a recurring direction: - Choice Dollars will be automatically directed to your recommended organization when the balance reaches $10 Choice Dollars or more. At year-end, the entire balance will be distributed, including balances of less than $10 Choice Dollars.
- The process remains in effect for 2012 unless you change or remove this option. You will receive a reminder email prior to funds being distributed.
- You may only set a recurring direction for one organization.
- This option is available for 2012 only.
Questions? Contact Thrivent or Bob Sunbury Phone: 609-678-0668 or email: bob.sunbury@thrivent.com
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To all who played a part recently in the observance the 65th Anniversary of my ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament: Thank you.
I was particularly impressed with the Certificate of Appreciation with what looks like hundreds of signatures in the margins. (I still have heart-warming moments each time I look at it and find another name I hadn't seen before). And the lovely carved glass statue of our Lord stands on my desk alongside the computer screen, providing inspiration for a prayer of gratitude.
DEO GRATIA
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Lord of Life in conjunction with the Fuller Center of the NJ Pines hosted 28 youth and 2 adults from the Clemson Christian Fellowship in our building. The Fuller work included Roofing, Painting, Flooring, demolition and projects in Clemington, Tabernacle, Sunbury Village and Camden Bridge of Peace. We received this email from the group: "Dear Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Thank you so much for your hospitality! We all really enjoyed staying at the church and being able to serve in this community this week. Thanks for being gracious hosts and allowing us to participate in the life of your church. We are grateful to have been able to know and fellowship with you all this week. Without you, this opportunity for us to serve, learn, and grow in our faiths would not have been possible. The ministry you guys have through the Fuller Center is truly inspiring. Thanks! Go Tigers! Clemson CSF" (Group Photo appears in the March photos on our website www.lordlife.us)
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 Music Update
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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 http://www.lutheranmusicprogram.org/ or discuss with Rick Krause at the church!
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KIDZ PRAIZE! We have one more practice for our 3:00 Good Friday and 9:45 Easter services! Please join us at 11:30 in the sanctuary. We hope to see you after Sunday School this week!
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 HELP Wanted!
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It is Time to Audit the Church's Finance Records - Can you Help ?
Each year the finance records of the church must be audited. This is generally a one night event for 3 hours. We are looking for 6 people to help out with this task. If you can participate, please drop a note to Bill Reich ( Finance @ lordlife.us ) (To qualify, you only have to be able to balance a checkbook !) HOLY WEEK WORSHIP ASSISTANTS NEEDED! If you'd like to serve, please sign up on the bulletin board. EASTER FLOWER DEDICATIONS Easter lilies or tulips are available for $7. Last Day to Order: Sunday, April 1. Please see the display located on the bulletin board.
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God is Looking for Trustworthy Managers Isn't it amazing that an awesome, all-powerful God chooses to bring about his kingdom through mere men? Jesus trained the twelve - it's the way God works. He looks for trustworthy people - people that he can entrust with more and more resources. Are you part of his team? Is he encouraging you to start small and develop?
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." Luke 16:10.
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Senior High Youth Ministry
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SHYM MARCH LOCK-IN We are planning a Lock-In for our Senior High youth on March 30-31 from 7:30-7:30pm. Our theme for the Lock-In is the "Amazing Race", Destination EASTER. During our 24 hour time frame we will learn, serve, and celebrate together who we are in, through and with God. We will participate in a service project, enjoy fellowship and help to lead worship.
SHYM SUMMER MISSION TRIP - June 24-30, North Carolina -- We will be traveling to North Carolina where Hurricane Irene did a great deal of damage last August. Our group will be helping to rebuild houses and help with ongoing clean-up efforts. The cost of this year's trip is $275 per person. The disaster rebuilder's organization we will be working with is called MECOR and was started by the North and South Carolina Methodist churches to help with the need of the folks in NC.
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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!Janet & Bill Bruner (4/3), Janice & Jeff Hughes (4/4), Virginia & Walt Simpkins (4/4)
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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 4:4-5Luke Pifer (3/26), Nancy Drew (3/27), Lillian Maurer (3/27), Hannah Adamson (3/27), Marion Dullos (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)
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Wishing a Happy Birthday !
You were born a child of God - celebrate this day and all days in the life God has given to you!
Conner Fries (3/26), Nicole Sander (3/27), Lydia Leach (3/27), Teri John (3/27), Jenna Ingrao (3/27), Marie Vail (3/28), Richard Blum (3/28),
Jennifer Harding (3/29), Donna Favilla (3/29), Donna Smith (3/30), Don Lee (3/30), Eric Biehn (3/30), Maralee Perri (3/30), Phil Brockington (3/31), Eric Maertin (3/31),
Robert Knoell (3/31), Tommy Riches (3/31), Dennis Smith (3/31), Joseph Hughes (3/31),
Dawn Bielec (3/31)
Tristan Michaleski (4/1), April Pawlikowski (4/1), Brett Reich (4/1), Karla Hodum (4/1),
Janelle Bellina (4/2), Erika Adamson (4/2), Erik Norquist (4/2), Phyllis Worrell (4/3),
Natalie Julian (4/3), Michael Dehoff (4/4), Carol Herb (4/4), Steve Bielec (4/4), Jonathan Curl (4/4), Olivia Favilla (4/4), Alice Wilfrid (4/4), Harrison Jennings (4/4), Emily Wright (4/4),
Gunnar Haugland (4/5), William Leonetti (4/5), Melissa Riches (4/5), Denise Sunbury (4/6),
Mark Tarasewicz (4/6), Steven Corcoran (4/6), Timothy Ebersberger (4/7), William Andrews (4/7),
Leo Canonica (4/7), Elaina Sarlo (4/8), Penny Miller (4/8)
SORRY! We Missed This Birthday in our Last Newsletter!
Ariel Merillat's birthday on March 13
Hope you had a great day!
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Prayers of the Congregation
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 PRAYERS FOR HEALING & STRENGTH: Charles Abrams & Roberta Petro, Madeline Braithwood, Jean Butler, Larry Duffy, Jason G., Andrea Gabel-Richards, Howard Gabel, Lyn Hall, Whaley Hall, Barbara Jedlicka, Mary Lewis, Bill Lohman, Peggy Menzano, Diane Reamer-Evans, Bishop Roy Riley & Frank Rodden;
SYMPATHY & PRAYERS are extended to the LaCasse/Braithwood/Gordon families on the death of Richard LaCasse; and to the Watson/Shea families on the death of Ruth Ann Shea.
THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY: CJ Albrecht, Tommy Cksekellich, Matthew Cuviello, Joe Delgado, Peter Fernandes, Dan Humbert, Rob Jones, Joey Miller, Kevin Overcash, Tommy Riches, Kenny Shugars, Brian Smith, Rich Stull, Ethan Wade, Dustin White, Daniel Wilson, Jacob Wilson & Arthur Zepnick; as well as people in all areas of conflict around the world.
SPECIAL NEEDS: All persons living in continuing care communities (hope & peace of mind).
MISSION PARTNERS: Bridge of Peace Lutheran Church, Camden, and The Fuller Center for Housing in the New Jersey Pines, Inc.
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Upcoming Events at Lord of Life!
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= = = = = = March 2 0 1 2 = = = = = = 
Monday (3/26)
1:00 pm - Helping Hands
4:00 pm - Staff Meeting
6:00 pm - Men's Ministry Dinner at Ott's
Tuesday (3/27)
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers Practice
7:00 pm - Book Review & Fellowship 7:30 pm - Grace Place Board Meeting Wednesday (3/28)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast at Red Lion Diner-The Gospel of Mark
9:30 am - Mom's Study-"Knowing God's Word" - Women of Faith Study Guide
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study-The Gospel of Mark
6:00 pm - WE ARE FAMILY LENT
7:30 pm - New Life Choir Practice
Thursday (3/29)
9:00 am - Mom's Group (Fellowship "Hall)
4:30 pm - Dinner @ Red Lion Diner
(Pastor David Jones' Day off)
Friday (3/30)
7:30 pm - 24 hour SHYM "Amazing Race" Lock-In
(Pastor Susan Jones' Day off)
Saturday (3/31)
6:00 pm - Passion / Palm Sunday Liturgy
7:30 pm - End of 24 hour SHYM "Amazing Race" Lock-In
Sunday (4/1) Passion / Palm Sunday
8:30 am - Palm Sunday Service
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving (PP&T) with Lent End Celebration
11:30 am - Kidz Praize Practice
Monday (4/2)
1:30 pm - Lutheran Care-Sounds of Joy
Tuesday (4/3)
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers Practice
Wednesday (4/4)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast-Red Lion Diner
9:30 am - Mom's Study -"Knowing God's Word" - Women of Faith Study Guide
7:30 pm - New Life Choir Practice
Thursday (4/5) HOLY THURSDAY
9:00 am - Keswick Easter Community Hymn Sing
7:00 pm - Holy Thursday Service with Holy Communion
Friday (4/6) GOOD FRIDAY
12:00 pm - Good Friday Service
3:00 pm - Good Friday Family & Children's service
7:00 pm - Good Friday Tenebrae Service
All Day - Inputs for Lifelines! Email to 'lordlife.news@gmail.com'
Saturday (4/7) VIGIL OF EASTER
6:00 pm - Vigil of Easter with Holy Communion
Sunday (4/8) EASTER SUNDAY (Note Changed Service Times)
8:00 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:45 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion
11:30 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion
Monday (4/9)
7:00 pm - Lord of Life Church Council Meeting
(Office Closed) (Grace Place closed for Easter Break)
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- - - - - "Save the Date" for these Upcoming Events - - - -
Apr 10 - 1:00pm - A Walk in the Park - Tomlinson Park in Medford
Apr 16 - 6:30pm - First Holy Communion Bible Blast
Apr 19 - noon - PEP Spring Cafe and Art Show
Apr 20 - 7:30pm - Young Artists in Concert Apr 21 - 8am NJ Synod Conference on Cong. Ministries - Hamilton Apr 22 - noon - 2nd Training Session for SHYM Mission Trip
Apr 22 - 4:30pm - Congregational Meeting-Results of Vision Team Meetings Apr 23 - 5:30pm - First Holy Communion Dinner and Instruction
Apr 25 - 4:30pm - Dinner at the Diner - Shamong Diner Apr 28 - 9am New Members' Orientation
Apr 28 - 6:00pm Confirmation Led Service Apr 29 - Scout Mother & Daughter Tea Event!
Apr 30 - 5:30pm - First Holy Communion Dinner and Instruction Jun 14 - Thu - SIGHT & SOUND's JONAH
ANYTIME: "Simply Giving" contribution form can be obtained by clicking here
ANYTIME: GRACE PLACE Preschool accepting applications. Click here for more information
ALSO: Dedication charts for 2012 weekly flower dedications and monthly sanctuary lamp and communion bread & wine are available on the bulletin board!
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Thanks to Thrivent for Sponsoring this Newsletter!
Thanks to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans 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 or services Phone: 609-678-0668 bob.sunbury@thrivent.com
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Holy Humor... Being Thankful
A Pastor said to a precocious six-year-old boy, "So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does she say?"
The little boy replied, "Thank God he's in bed!"
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 Pastor David Jones Rev_Jones@lordlife.us1 Winchester Court 609-268-0262 (office) Tabernacle, NJ 08088 609-268-3470 (fax) |
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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 faith is who we are.
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