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April 30, 2012 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
L i f e L i n e s 
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Brothers and Sisters...
On the 5th Sunday of Easter (May 6, 2012), 28 children at Lord of Life will "come to the table of the Lord" to receive their first Holy Communion. These new communicants and their parents have been instructed in the meaning and importance of the Lord's Supper at several learning / fellowship events. Each experience of "community building and faith formation" has proved to be a wonderful blessing! However, questions still surface regarding why we commune children at grade 2 or earlier. Thirteen years ago, when we were discerning where Lord of Life should stand on this issue, I wrote an article for our newsletter that addressed this concern. Let me share a portion of that article with you...
It was the spring of 1965. Songs by the Beatles and Herman's Hermits were topping the record charts. The Phillies had swooned the previous summer but we all believed they would be even better in the coming season. My new girlfriend was Edie Mae Stillwell; the daughter of a Methodist pastor and quite a kisser. I was still basking in the glow of dramatic success following our school's spring play where I had one of the leads. Life was good and...I was about to "make my confirmation".
For two years, confirmation classes had been a struggle. I hated the memorization required, the sermon themes and the quizzes. But I knew that soon all my efforts would pay off because on Easter Sunday 1965 I would be allowed to come to the altar and commune like everyone else. I had earned the right! One had to "go through all of this" to prove one's worthiness...WRONG!
As I reflect on my misguided understanding of God's gracious gift, I realize now the Lord's Supper is a GIFT to me & ALL the baptized members of the body of Christ. Nothing I could do or endure entitled me to "take & eat...take & drink"; not even a career year! Holy Communion is God's visible means of grace to sinners who know their need for forgiveness. And it's by the Savior's invitation that all God's children are welcomed to the table of the Lord.
My appreciation for the sacraments and the church's teaching regarding them has grown through my 20 (now 33) years of ordained ministry. Recently he Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has further challenged you and me to understand an even greater inclusivity when it comes to communion and congregational life. I want to share with you several questions and answers relating to communion practice that are taken from an Augsburg Fortress publication entitled, "My Place at God's Table"...
When I was growing up, we received communion at a later age than many children today. What's the reason for this change?
Traditions and practices still vary from congregation to congregation, but the trend is toward earlier first communion, anywhere from infancy to fifth grade. Three things together have contributed to this shift: new insights into how children learn through participation, more frequent offering of the sacrament, and a renewed commitment to communion as the feast of the baptized.
>Is early communion a new idea?
Historical documents cite children receiving communion in early times of Christianity. Incorporation into the church for all members, both adults and children, included baptism, anointing with oil, and Holy Communion. So we're actually coming back to an old idea.
>What does the Bible say about children and the sacraments?
Although there is no actual evidence for or against full participation of children in the church, the Bible seems to support it. Jesus'
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interaction with children indicates they are a valuable part of the Christian community.
He refused to exclude them ("Let the little children come to me..." Mark 10:14); held them up as a model of faith ("unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 18:3); and saw them as bearers of his presence ("Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me" Matthew 18:5). Jesus' words and actions suggest that children should not be seen as lesser membersof the body of Christ. Infant baptism is central to Lutheranism; involving young children in the other sacrament, Holy Communion, appears to follow naturally.
>Shouldn't children understand what Holy Communion is all about before participating in it?
Learning more about communion and growing in our understanding of faith are certainly worthy of our time and commitment. Remember, however, that a sacrament is pure gift, dependent not on our own worth or knowledge, but solely on God's gracious giving. Even as adults we will never know enough to grasp all the mysteries of faith. Thank God we don't have to! But the benefits of the meal are given just the same.
>Sometimes I feel like I can't keep up with all these changes. Why don't the practices of the church stay the same?
As the Spirit continues to work in us, we discover new ways to be faithful. In a way, one of the church's most consistent traditions is change! God's work with us is ongoing. What never changes, however, is what God has done for us in Christ. That is our grounding.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church has always worked hard to remain faithfully grounded in the teaching of the Lutheran Church in America and subsequently the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Our decision to remain flexible with our communion practices has kept us within the beliefs and practices of the church and allows us to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we are a church that is being continually reformed and renewed, biblically-based, Christ-centered and gracious! And if you have any questions about the sacraments that concern you, please let Pastor Sue or me know. We will glad to speak with you.
With all this is mind, please keep our "soon to commune" children and their families in your prayers as we draw ever closer to this coming joyous event of First Holy Communion.
- Your Brother in Christ, Pastor David Jones
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The 'Vision' for Lord of Life
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Summary of Vision Meeting April 22nd
Pastor Sue led good summary of the Visioning process and the detailed results on Apr 22nd at a congregational meeting at the church, which was attended by many from the congregation. The team and extended congregation (through a series of internal and external outreach meetings) came together with our Purpose, Guiding Principles and Strategic Directions for our future.
The summary will be available to all if you missed the meeting, and a video of the meeting is also available. The next steps are to move forward with the church council make changes to restructure and re-direct our ministries, staffing and programs to reflect this vision of our future. If you have questions or comments on this, please contact Pastors Sue or Dave, or your council president Scott Glossner.
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Wednesday Morning Mom's Bible Study
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Continuing Wednesdays at 9:30am!
Wednesday morning Mom's Bible Study, Spring Session is gong on now. Childcare is available! We are reading and discussing "God is in the Laundry Room" by Susan Senechal. This study includes 8 sessions and will end June 6th. Flyers are available on the bulletin board. Contact Lisa Spector to sign up or if you have any questions!
You are welcome to join at any time, to bring a friend, and 'no worries' if you can't make all of the meetings! Books for this are $8.
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Women's Ministry - Calling All Women! - Young and Old. Please come to our meeting on May 20th, 3 - 5 pm at Pastor Sue's house to see what direction we are taking with the Women's Ministries. Please bring all your ideas so we can discuss them. Apetizers will be served. After the meeting we will be having a Wii tournament for anyone interested. Looking forward to seeing you all on May 20th. Any questions, please see Betty Mastrillo.
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The 8th grade Confirmation class spent 24 hours at Lord of Life this past weekend. Cell phone free, we hung out and got to know each other better, made up our own games to play, watched a movie, went to sleep at 2 am, mulched the Memorial garden, weeded the front of the church, went on a hike, talked about the Confirmation service in June, prepared and participated in the 6 pm worship service on Saturday night (4/28) and hopefully got a good night sleep on Saturday night (I sure did!).
A special thank you goes out to all the people who helped make the 8th grade Lock In a HUGE success. Thanks to our sleepover mom Jodi Shover, our pancake moms Jodi Shover, Jeanne Storm & Colleen Welling, our mulch coordinator Barbara Wagner, our hiking dad Doug Hess and our grill & BBQ parents Bill & Donna Rudderow. Thanks to everyone who brought something to our BBQ and helped clean up and any one I forgot. A special thank you to Pastor Sue who was with us for the duration and to Bailey for always wagging her tail!!
(some of the photos are online at www.lordlife.us)
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Special thanks to Marie Lamb and Jill Glossner who volunteered to support Sunday School for the 9:45 and 11:30 services on Easter Sunday.
"Thank you to all who sent good wishes and happy thoughts to me on my 93rd birthday, April 2l. Your sentiments warmed my heart. Hope to see "Ya'll in church real soon." Pastor Bob
Thanks to all those who provide funding and our 11 Helping Hands volunteers for making 265 sandwiches for those served by the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills.
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 Over the Easter break new mulch was put into the playground. A big thank you to Dawn Heinrich and her children for helping spread the 20 yards of mulch.
Friday, April 27th the children of Grace Place rode in the St. Jude's Trike a Thon at Lord of Life. There were two tracks...one for beginners and one for the more experienced. Nine three year olds rode 217 laps! The total is not in yet for the four year old class. This is a fun event for the children. In the past three years we have raised over $2,700.00 for St. Jude's. See, no matter how small you are there is always a way to help someone and be a good steward!!!
The Mother's Day Flower sale is almost over. Please call the school # 609-268-2756 and leave a message on the answering machine if you would like to purchase flowers. 4" potted Geraniums are $4.00 each or a flowering half flat is $10.00 each. Flowers will be delivered to the church on Friday before Mother's Day. Proceeds help fund the Financial Aid program of Grace Place.
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 Adult Bible Study - Wednesdays at 10am
Join us for our new study on the book of Acts. Come and learn about the formation of the early church. This is a wonderful time of learning, discussion, and sharing. All are welcome to join in any time!
Soup, Song, and Sacrament-Wed., May 2, 11:30
Following Bible Study this week, stay and enjoy some extra fellowship as we share in the Lord's Supper, sing God's praises, and enjoy a fellowship meal together.
A Walk in the Park-Thursday, May 10th, 1:00
We're hoping for a beautiful day as we venture out to Boundary Creek Natural Resource Area in Moorestown. The park "offers visitors fantastic opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Upland and lowland forests, fields, tidal wetlands, and the open water of the Rancocas Creek all overlap in this relatively small area to create a haven for all types of birds and other wildlife." There are nature trails, boardwalks, wildlife blinds, and restrooms! We'll have a map posted on the bulletin board so we can all find our way there. Do you like to walk but need an arm to onto? Don't worry, we'll provide a walking buddy.
Sounds of Joy at Lutheran Care, Monday, May 7, 1:30 Many hands and hearts are needed as we share the love of Christ through scripture and song. We need hands to push wheelchairs, to turn hymnal pages, to shake, clap, and hug our friends at Lutheran Care. We always have a great time and leave knowing we have touched hearts and had ours touched as well! For more information, see Sue Dreisbach.
June Day at Lutheran Care
Things are picking up speed as the Auxiliary plans for June Day (June 9th 10-3). Mark that date on your calendar as a day of fun, games, and food. Lord of Life has been asked to provide two plain cakes for that day for the Strawberry/Ice Cream Booth. If you can help, please contact Carol at 609-654-4077.
PEP and YAHS together again! Wednesday, May 16th, Noon
It's our annual get together with the YAHS from Prince of Peace in Marlton. This year's luncheon, hosted by the YAHS, will feature a special program and demonstration about raising and training seeing eye dogs. What an opportunity to share in fellowship with our fellow Lutherans as well as learn about these special people and animals. Please sign up on the bulletin board by May 13th.
April PEP-Spring Cafe and Art Show Review
What a great afternoon we had as we not only viewed wonderful artwork, but we got to hear the stories behind them and the people who created them. From still lifes, to portraits, to photographs, to woodcrafts, we were able to appreciate that art comes in many forms. Thank you to our artists, Mary Stroup, Jeannie Grochowski, Karen Shields, Walt Faucett, and Kathryn Chromeck, and to Jan Baker, Betsy Carpenter, Fran Bubeck, Harry Granfors, and Priscilla Faucett who shared artwork from their families. Our thanks to Mary Stroup for inspiring and Priscilla Faucett for hosting this event, and to Chef Beth Blair for our wonderful meal.
Venue change! Dinner at the Diner-Wednesday, May 23rd, 4:30, Westampton Diner
Coming Up! Trip to the new Ocean Theatre Company in Manahawkin
Thursday, June 28 "Man of LaMancha" is the play and John Davidson is the star! We'll enjoy a special lunch followed by the show. Price is $45. We need 15 people for the group rate, so please sign up on the bulletin board as soon as you can. An initial payment of $20 will be due by May 13th to reserve your spot, with final payment due by June 1st.
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Global Barnyard Lenten Project - If you haven't already done so, please return any Global Barnyard banks that you still have by this coming Sunday, April 22nd. We will be depositing all the money we have collected and "purchasing" the animals the following week! Thank you for all of your contributions to the cause! We'll let you know the total critter count in the a future LifeLines!
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VBS is coming this summer to a church near you!
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 VBS (or Vacation Bible School) will be coming soon to Lord of Life Church! Registration forms and more information are available at this link: (http://home.comcast.net/~lordlife/VBS_2012.htm). The theme will be RENEW - "Grow in Faith. Have Fun. Change the World." The dates are July 30th thru August 3rd, 2012. For children age 3 through entering 5th grade in September - two sessions offered daily. Check out the website for more information - click on the link above!
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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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Need a "6 pm" person to run the projection - Can you Help ?
We are still looking for someone to advance the slides at the 6pm service - training is available. If you can help occasionally (like once per month or so) please contact Bill Dreisbach or email to lordlife.news@gmail.com. Thanks!
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Measuring Success in Management
What is your measure of success: your bank account, status, popularity, or the toys and dainties of life? A rich young ruler, who had it all, approached Jesus and wanted to make sure he would have heaven too. But Jesus said, "...Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." (Luke 18:22). Real success isn't based on the earthly - "where moth and rust can destroy, and where thieves can break in and steal." (Matt. 6:19b). How am I managing all of God's gifts to me in terms of his Kingdom?Note from the finance team: "Contribution statements reflecting the first four months of the year will be distributed in May." Please take time to review these and ensure we have an accurate record of your commitment to the church for 2012. Thanks!
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Senior High Youth Ministry
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SHYM SUMMER MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER-CAR WASH, YARD SALE, AND BAKE SALE, Saturday, May 19th - 9am.
Help our youth and adults get to North Carolina!
On June 24-30 about 60 youth and adults 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 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!
Doug & Karin Krueger Hess (5/2), Jennifer & Ron Venturi (5/2),
Dana & Aaron Kozak (5/7), Paul & Joanne Safier (5/7),
Jennifer & Jim Schultz (5/7), Mike & Wendy Wojtaszek (5/8), Stacey & Joe Welusz (5/11),
Jodi & Bill Shover (5/12), Karla & Bill Hodum (5/13), Patricia & Robert Barnes (5/14)
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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
Marie Vail (5/1), Jenna Ingrao (5/2), Eric Mattson (5/2), Tyler Ebersberger (5/3), Kyle Koengetter (5/3), Walter Parsons (5/3), Madeleine Sibert (5/4), Christopher Biehn (5/5),
Erin Gordon (5/5), Donna Schwab (5/5), Conner Fries (5/6), Nicole Sander (5/6),
Kathryn Chromeck (5/7), Jan Staub (5/8), Bria Kozak (5/9), Denise Sunbury (5/9),
Robert Knoell (5/10), Lydia Leach (5/10), Joe Welusz (5/11), Matthew Yates (5/11),
Cliff Dehoff (5/12), Nathan Lamb (5/12)
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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!
Lisa Fries (5/1), Maureen McMichael (5/1), Jack Tarasewicz (5/2),
Laura Edwardsen (5/2), Craig Schmauder (5/3), Alfred Cole (5/3),
Joe Morea (5/3), Sara King (5/3), Eleanor Brockington (5/4), Janet Geiger (5/4),
Lori MacDonald (5/5), Betty Young (5/6), Jackson Groeller (5/7), Diane Maurer (5/7),
Dan Humbert (5/7), Beth Hopkins (5/7), Jennifer Magrann (5/9), Abigail Cosper (5/9),
Bethany Cosper (5/9), Lindsay King (5/9), Michelle Cummings (5/10), Benjamin DiYenno (5/10),
Alexa Wojtaszek (5/10), Mike Romanchak (5/10), Sue Mignogna (5/11), Andrew Leach (5/12),
James Kelly (5/12), Susan Jasinski (5/12), Ethan Detwiler (5/12), Carol Smith (5/13),
Colleen Welling (5/14)
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Prayers of the Congregation
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PRAYERS FOR HEALING & STRENGTH:
Rose Bennett, Stephen Bielec, Jr., Fred Braithwood, Marian Chance, Jean Godfrey, Bob Huhn, Pat Janulewicz, the Langley family, Bill Lohman, Virginia Magowan, Logan Masly, the Menzano family, Joe Morea, Dave Quinet, Bill Wakemen, Rich Watson & Jacob Weir.
CONGRATULATIONS to Ruth Byrd, celebrating the birth of her great-granddaughter!
THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY: CJ Albrecht, Tommy Cksekellich, Matthew Cuviello, Joe Delgado, Peter Fernandes, Dan Humbert, Rob Jones, Joey Miller, Kevin Overcash, Jeremy Pifer, 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 those who are physically or mentally challenged (courage to live a full life).
MISSION PARTNERS: Grace Community Lutheran Church, Ironbound section of Newark, and Christian Caring Center of Browns Mills.
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Upcoming Events at Lord of Life!
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= = = = = = May 2 0 1 2 = = = = = = 
Monday (4/30)
5:30 pm - First Holy Communion Instruction
Tuesday (5/1)
open Wednesday (5/2)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast at Red Lion Diner
9:30 am - Mom's Study- "God is in the Laundry Room" Spring Session!
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study-The book of Acts
11:30 am - Soup, Song & Sacrement
6:00 pm - SHYM (Senior High Youth Ministry)
7:30 pm - New Life Choir Practice
7:30 pm - Women's Study
Thursday (5/3)
(Pastor David Jones' Day off)
Friday (5/4)
(Pastor Susan Jones' Day off)
Saturday (5/5)
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
Sunday (5/6)
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving (PP&T) & Sunday School
11:30 am - First Holy Communion Service
6:30 pm - SHYM (Senior High Youth Ministry)
Monday (5/7)
9:00 am - Staff Meeting
1:30 pm - Lutheran Care - open to all, contact Sue Dreisbach with questions.
Tuesday (5/8)
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers
Wednesday (5/9)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast - Red Lion Diner
9:30 am - Mom's Study -"God is in the Laundry Room" Spring Session!
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study-the book of Acts
6:00 pm - SHYM (Senior High Youth Ministry)
7:30 pm - New Life Choir Practice
Thursday (5/10)
1:00 pm - Walk in the Park at Boundary Park in Moorestown
contact Sue Dreisbach with questions.
7:30 pm - Finance Team meeting
(Pastor Jone's Day off)
2:00 pm - Kucklinca Baptism
6:00 pm - Service of Word & Prayer
Sunday (5/13) "Happy Mother's Day!"
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Humbert Baptism,
Holy Communion & Sunday School
Monday (5/14)
7:00 pm - Church Council Meeting (with Presentation of Confirmands)
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- - - - - "Save the Date" for these Upcoming Events - - - -
May 16 - Wednesday - PEP: Wednesday, May 16, 12 PM. Open to all-this month we're meeting with the "YAH's" at Prince of Peace in Marlton. Please see Sue Dreisbach with any questions.
May 19 - Saturday 9am - Car Wash / Bake Sale / Rummage Sale! May 20 - Sunday; 3-5 PM. - Women's Ministry Meeting: Calling all women "young and old" to gather at Pastor Sue's house to discuss the direction of our Women's Ministry. Any questions, please see Betty Mastrillo.
May 20 - Sunday; 6pm - Confirmation Pizza, Song & Sacrament: All confirmation youth & their families are invited to join us!Annual event to benefit members of our mission trip team traveling to North Carolina. Please see Donna Yates for more info!
Jun 14 - Thursday - 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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Holy Humor..."SAY A PRAYER"
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.
When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
"Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer." said his mother.
"I don't need to," the boy replied.
"Of course, you do "his mother insisted.
"We always say a prayer before eating at our house."
"That's at our house." Johnny explained.
"But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook.
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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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OUR Purpose:
Lord of Life is a welcoming community of forgiven people proclaiming the perfect love of Jesus Christ!
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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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