Nov 1, 2012 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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From the desk of Pastor Dave
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Brothers and Sisters...
The images of Super-storm Sandy are fresh in my mind. Newscasts show that much of the Atlantic City Boardwalk is either severely damaged or completely destroyed; and this a place where I used to frolic on the Steel Pier and was first introduced to Tayor and Case pork-roll sandwiches. Boats of all shapes and sizes are strewn in yards and on highways up and down the Jersey Shore reminding me of another storm that struck in March 1962. The HMS Bounty has sunk off the coast of North Carolina; a ship used in two marvelous films..."Mutiny on the Bounty" and "Pirates of the Caribbean". A crane in New York City continues to dangle from a skyscraper over 1000 feet from the street below challenging any and all who seek to repair the damage to do so with great caution.
Over 100 homes in the Rockaway section of Queens, New York have burnt to the ground leaving residents sifting through the rubble for any salvageable memories of their past life. And thousands of flights that were scheduled for Atlantic Coast airports have been canceled leaving people stranded all around the nation; including Renee and me trying to return home from Denver, Colorado earlier this week.
Natural disasters leave damage, destruction and despair in their path. And yet, these tragedies can inspire individuals and communities to identify with that part of their being that reflects our best qualities; call it the "image of God" within each of us that finds its expression in divinely inspired acts and behaviors.
After another horrendous storm named Katrina victimized the Gulf Coast several years ago, many of us had the opportunity to become instruments of hope and healing in God's hands. As we worked together with people of faith in Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana, we discovered over and over again a sentiment expressed on a hand-painted sign in the yard of a severely damaged house. The homeowner had written "What happened here before was an act of nature. What is happening now is an act of God!" Even as I write this article, numerous caring and compassionate images related to Super-storm Sandy come into view.
Perhaps you too have seen the volunteers and employees of several NYC hospitals moving patients through water and darkness to safer places; including newborn children, transplant patients and disoriented seniors. Numerous firefighters, police officers and EMTs could be seen rescuing and comforting thousands of stranded, shocked and grief-stricken fellow citizens. And wasn't that Governor Christie and President Obama working collaboratively, side by side, to provide timely and efficient help and support for New Jersey-ans. It is sometimes said that the worst situations can bring out the best response in people. Let's call it our divine side expressing itself!
The Apostle Paul once wrote to Christian believers in Colossae, Greece about how to act towards each other even while they were living under pressure and persecution. His words ring true today as well.
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"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Make allowance for each others faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." ( Colossians 3:12-15 NLT )
With all that is going on around us, its the perfect time to pray and then ACT! So let's begin with prayer...and then may the Holy Spirit direct our actions.
"Good Lord, guide us as individuals and as a congregation to be willing to be used as a tool for good in the days, weeks and months ahead all up and down the East Coast. May your divine work be clearly and boldly evident in the choices we make to put our faith into practice..repeatedly. As we allow Super-storm Sandy to become a distant memory, help us to remember that this natural disaster has become a divine opportunity for Christian compassion and witness; to our neighbors and to ourselves. Amen!"
- Pastor David Jones
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3D Sunday Nights - Dessert, Devotions, and Discovery!
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 We're launching a new study opportunity-Dessert, Devotions, and Discovery! The idea is to have an open study on Sunday evenings where we can come together to share some refreshments and be spiritually refreshed as well. We'll be starting this new study with a potpourri of sorts so that we can get an idea of what people are looking for. The four dates and topics for November are:
- Nov 4 - A "Two Kingdoms" Approach to Elections and Voting - A look at how our Lutheran brand of Christianity informs our participation in the political process.
- Nov 11 - A NOOMA Look at the Holy Spirit - Several years ago Christian teacher Rob Bell produced a series of wonderful videos concerning faith in the "real world" We'll be taking a look at one of those videos as the basis for our study.
- Nov 18 - A Reluctant Prophet Named Jonah - A more traditional bible study featuring Jonah, a Big Fish, and animals in sack cloth and ashes. You can't miss it!
- Nov 25 - Unplug the Christmas Machine
Please prayerfully consider joining us for one or more of these opportunities on Sunday evenings. We look forward to seeing you and to get your ideas of where we can go next with this somewhat more flexible approach to study that allows folks to come and go and to pick and choose while being fed by God's word. (no 3D glasses required!)
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 Thank you to all who have supported the dressmaking project for the Haitian girls. The last time I counted there were over 75 dresses. Each dress is as special as each little girl that will recieve them. The dresses need to be packed to ship by the end of November in order for them to arrive when I will be there in February (Feb 25 - Mar 2). If you are still working on dresses, please continue. I will remove the dress rack but will leave the skirted box in the library for any more dresses or fabric.
During this next mission trip, patients will be seen at the clinic each day. We will visit an orphanage where we will give the girls the dresses. I will also be doing mending to any clothing that is in need of repair, as there are always broken zippers, missing buttons and snaps, etc. The visits to the orpahanages are a lot of fun as we play games with them, do puzzles, jump rope, and sing songs.
We will also be holding a graduation ceremony for the sewing students. The plans are not finalized yet but certificates are being made, plans for a display of the clothing that has been made or maybe a small fashion show. We may even be able to have a special cake. I promise to take lots of pictures.
Again thank you all for your generous support for the work being done in Haiti.
Blessings to you! Penny Miller
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Stewardship Update - EOS inputs needed by Nov 3-4!
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PLEASE return the EOS (Estimate of Sharing - GREEN card) by this weekend! Or fill out the online EOS from the link below. EVEN if you can't make a commitment at this time we need the estimate do begin financial planning for 2013. We have a guest speaker (Pastor Linda Wood) this weekend which is special because it is the end of our 25th Anniversary Year of missions and ministries for Christ.
Please prayerfully consider your support of our ministries, and make an effort to return this card, or NEW this year with this link you can fill it out online (on our website at www.lordlife.us). We also have a web link for the time & talent survey, so we can find opportunities for you to share your gifts with others. For those who would like to use the automatic 'simply giving' process, a link is also available on the web.
We are striving for 100% returns from all members of their estimates of sharing (even if you can't make a commitment at this time we need that info back). We hope with the sample of the Learning / Serving / Celebrating videos shown each week you will see how our gifts are changing lives and serving God.
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Fall "Stories to Tell, Gifts to Share" Videos
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This fall members of our congregation have given witness in the "Stories to Tell, Gifts to Share" videos. If you have missed the first two Stewardship Videos on 'SERVING', or the next two on 'LEARNING' the are listed below as hosted on YouTube. Thanks again to all helping with these witnesses to our faith, both 'on camera' and off!
(click on photo to play)
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SERVING
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2012 LEARNING 2
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2012 LEARNING 1
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LEARNING
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Womens Ministries
- Nov 26 - Men and Women's Dinner
- Dec. 4 - We will be bringing dinner to Bridge of Peace. We will be doing a Christmas Dinner for them so we are asking if anyone has a ham in their freezer that they no longer want I will be happy to take it off your hands. More info on the dinner to follow.
- Dec 13 @ 6pm - Women's Christmas Party
Potato Bags for sale!
There are still a few potato bags left - if interested please contact Barbara Wagner at 859-0404 or call the church office. They make great Christmas gifts and Christmas isn't that far away. The bags are wonderful for cooking baked potatoes, rolls, corn on the cob - anything you can think of and it's all done in the microwave. Everyone that has one loves them. Get yours before they're all gone!!!!!
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 CALLING ALL MEN OF FAITH !
Why not join the dozen (or so) men who have already come out to our Wednesday morning study this Fall at the Red Lion Diner in Southampton (Our server Eleanor would love to see some NEW smiling faces!). We invite you to "exercize your faith" with no fuss or muss and very little pain and strain. We meet from 8AM to 9AM in our own room in the back of the diner. We order off the breakfast menu and then share time in fellowship and faithful conversation. Looking forward to seeing you whenever you're able to join us! - Your Brother in CHRIST, Pastor Jones
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Thanksgiving Dinner Project
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Are you starting to think about how you'll be celebrating Thanksgiving this year? What food you'll serve, who will be sitting around your table, what your many blessings are? Well, how about adding the folks served by the Christian Caring Center to your ponderings. Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner Project will be in full swing this weekend as we hand out the list of items that are needed so that those who are in need can have a meal as well. Buy as many of the items on the list as you feel called, then drop them off in the church entryway by Sunday, Nov. 18th. What better way to give thanks than to share what we have with others!
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 The Auxiliary is gearing up for the holiday season and could use your help. The biggest event will be the Holiday Gift Shoppe where residents will be able to go in and select gifts for family members, which are then wrapped, all at no charge. We're looking for donations for the Shoppe---gently used knick-knacks, wallets, pocketbooks, lotions, perfumes, stationary, toys, stuffed animals (any size), pen/pencil sets, music DVDs, etc. Any item that can be given as a gift to a son, daughter, grandchildren, etc. would be greatly accepted. Also in need are holiday gift bags and tissue paper. Always in need are cardigans (used as bed jackets), small prizes for Bingo, large print crossword puzzle or word search books, nail polish, and remover, greeting cards (birthday, get well, sympathy), and 2013 calendars. We're also looking for yarn for the newly created knitting group.
Thank you to the bakers who volunteered cakes for Oktoberfest and to those who purchased tickets to help support the Auxiliary.
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Did You Know... Everyone is invited to signup for this newsletter (every 2 weeks delivered) and that prior issues of the LifeLines are at www.lordlife.us? Did you know we have a Facebook page (link at top of each issue)? Feel free to point these to anyone who needs to see the great work going on in the Ministries of our church!
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All Saints Services -3pm and 7pm, Thursday, Nov 1st We invite all to gather as we remember our loved ones and friends who have died in faith this past year and in years past. Join us as we celebrate their lives and all who have been baptized this past year as well. We bring our grief and our joys to the table and find there a foretaste of the feast to come.
Lectors and Assisting Ministers Meeting-Monday, Nov. 5th, 7 pm All Lectors and Assisting Ministers are invited and asked to attend this meeting to look forward to the upcoming readings for the new church year and to take a look at the proposed changes in the Assisting Ministers' role. There will be refreshments!
Thanksgiving Eve Service, Wednesday, Nov. 21st, 7 pm
New Life Choir meeting on Wed 7:30 - 9 PM. Please consider joining --even if just for a Sunday! "Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." --Martin Luther
Kidz Praize-Sundays at 11:30am
There's some singing and clapping that's been heard coming from the sanctuary after the 10:00 service. It's Kidz Praize! Please join us each week as we have fun learning a new song to then share during worship!
Celebration Ringers begin chiming on Wednesday, Nov 7 at 1:45pm. If you have rung with us for years or would like to give this unique group a try, please join us! See Sue Dreisbach for any questions.
Youth Praise Team-Sunday, Nov. 18th, 11:30am That's right, we're looking to join our youth singers and musicians together to add their musical gifts to our worship services. We'll get together after the 10:00 service, toss some things around, and then check out some music!
A Partner in Worship Event - Sat Nov 17
Gordon Lathrop and Gail Ramshaw at Reformation Lutheran Church, West Long Branch, for a Partners in Worship event. Starts at 1pm and concludes with Eucharist at 5pm. Dr. Lathrop is preaching & presiding.
The theme is "The ELW: Its Mission, Our Mission" and will explore the remarkable characteristics of the "cranberry book" and how our worship moves us to mission for the sake of the Gospel and the good of the world. Event is free and open to all but space is limited. To register in advance, or for more information, call 732-229-9180.
Lutheran Music Program - Next summer at the campus of Luther College in Decorah, IA (Jun 23 to Jul 21, 2013) the 32nd Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival has fostered the gifts of young musicians in an international, faith-based community centered in music, worship, and the foundational liturgies and hymnody of the church. Attendees will experience spiritual and musical growth as they deepen their understanding of church music. For more info, please contact Rick Krause or check out www.lutheransummermusic.org
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Adult Bible Study, Wednesdays, 10:00
We continue our journey through the Old Testament where we are now looking at the major prophets. This is a great group that enjoys learning more about our relationship with God and each other and there's never a lack of questions. On Nov. 7th, we'll once again follow the study with Soup, Song, and Sacrament. All are welcome!
Dinner at the Diner, Red Lion Diner, Thursday, Nov. 1st, 4:30
With the aftermath of the hurricane surrounding us, we postponed our dinner until today. Join us for faithful conversation and wonderful food and fellowship.
Christmas Homecoming at America's Keswick in Whiting, Thursday, Dec 6th, 9:00
Please sign up by November 4th to reserve a seat for this special program and dinner.
Sounds of Joy at Lutheran Care in Moorestown, Monday, Nov. 5th, 1:30 Our focus this month will be celebrating the saints! We really could use some more hands and hearts to help bring the residents to the chapel as we share the love, care, and joy of Jesus with each other. We always have a wonderful afternoon together! PEP Giving Tree Luncheon, Thursday, Nov. 15th, Noon This has become an annual service project for PEP as we share a light lunch and then prepare over 300 tags for our Christmas Giving Tree to benefit the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills. There's a job for everyone and lots of good conversation and laughter as well!
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Prayers of the Congregation
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PRAYERS FOR HEALING & STRENGTH: Terry Breed, Jacquie Carey, Carrie Chandler, Kathryn Chromeck, Kathy Collussi, Ginnie Frank, Joan Grelis, Peter Haddad, the Hufner family, Elle K., Johnny K., Nathan Lamb, Megan Mills, Desiree Reich & Vickie Travaline, as well as all those who have been affected and those who will continue to face challenges by Hurricane Sandy.
BORN AGAIN THIS WEEKEND by Water and the Word is Elianna Rose Jennings. We ask God's blessing on Elianna, her parents, Robyn and Craig, 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, Nick Ferry, Kyle Hatcher, Dan Humbert, Rob Jones, Joey Miller, Kevin Overcash, Jeremy Pifer, Tommy Riches, Kenny Shugars, Brian Smith, Rich Stull, Crissy Tindall, Ethan Wade, John Williams, Daniel Wilson, Jacob Wilson, Tyson Wood & Arthur Zepnick; as well as people in all areas of conflict around the world.
SPECIAL NEEDS: All couples awaiting the birth of a child (health & joyous expectation)
MISSION PARTNERS: Bridge of Peace Lutheran Church, Camden, and Children's Fresh Air Home of North Wildwood.
WE WARMLY WELCOME Pastor Linda Wood who will be sharing the Good News with us at all three worship services this weekend.
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING: For all of the healing taking place! For all of the generous and caring hearts that reached out to help and support their neighbor in this time of need during and after Hurricane Sandy! For the 12 sets of Helping Hands who made 265 sandwiches for those served by the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills! For Pastor Giselle and Pastor Sue's presentation of "Paths Through Portugal" as well as providing some wonderful desserts! For all who work to keep our building clean and functioning properly! For all those who provided food, helped to carve the chickens, make the soup, set up, and cleaned up for our PEP Harvest Luncheon!
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Below are memorial gifts recently used by the church. These gifts will be used to keep God's Word and Ministries alive.
In Memory of George & Marie Wilson: (4) Baptismal Bibles donated by Kenneth & Lynn Bruno
In Memory of Kay Petersen: "Calm & Connected" (Library Book) by Jill & Timothy Little
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Upcoming Events at Lord of Life!
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= = = = = = November 2 0 1 2 = = = = = =
Thursday (11/1)
3:00 pm - All Saints' Service with Holy Communion
4:30 pm - Dinner at the Diner-Red Lion Diner
7:00 pm - All Saints' Service with Holy Communion
Friday (11/2)
(Pastor Sue Jones day off)
Saturday (11/3) 6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
**Before Bedtime: Set Clock Back 1 Hour**
Sunday (11/4)
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion - Brunch after
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving (PP&T), Sunday School & Confirmation
Faithful Conversations, Brunch after
11:30 am - Kidz Praize
noon - Sr. High Leaf Raking @ Church & Leisuretowne
6:30 pm - 3D Sundays! New Weekly evening study opportunity for men and women of all ages!
Monday (11/5)
9:00 am - Staff Meeting
1:30 pm - Lutheran Care
7:00 pm - Worship Assistants & Lectors Meeting
Wednesday (11/7)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast @ Red Lion Diner
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
11:30 am - Soup, Song & Sacrament
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers
6:00 pm - Senior High Youth Gathering
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
7:30 pm - Women's Study
Thursday (11/8)
12:00 pm - Lutheran Care Volunteer Luncheon
(Grace Place Closed) (Pastor David Jones' Day off)
Friday (11/9)
9:30 am - Worship Planning
(Grace Place Closed) (Pastor Susan Jones' Day off)
6:00 pm - Service of Word & Prayer
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion, Sunday School
and Duncan Baptism
11:30 am - Kidz Praize
3:00 pm - Harvest of Hope Concert, Maple Shade
6:30 pm - 3D Sundays
Monday (11/12)
7:00 pm - Church Council Meeting
Tuesday (11/13)
12:00 pm - Fellowship of Religious Leaders Luncheon
Wednesday (11/14) 8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast at Red Lion Diner 9:30 am - Mom's Study 10:00 am - Adult Bible Study 1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers 6:00 pm - Senior High Youth Gathering 7:30 pm - Women's Study 7:30 pm - New Life Choir - all are welcome! Thursday (11/15) 12:00 pm - PEP Giving Tree Luncheon (Pastor Dave day off)
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- - - - - "Save the Date" for these Upcoming Events - - - -
Nov 3-4 Weekend - Celebration of end of our 25th anniversary year, and blessing of 2013 "Estimate of Sharing" cards received. Come join us for light brunch between the services!
Nov 18 - 11:30 am - Senior High Breakfast (see Ashley Vorwerk Nov 20 11:00am - Grace Place Thanksgiving Feast!
Nov 20 4:30pm - Dinner at the Diner!
Nov 21 - 7pm - Thanksgiving Eve Service - join us! Nov 27 7:00pm - Book Review & Fellowship
ANYTIME: "Simply Giving" contribution form can be obtained by clicking here
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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 Purpose: Lord of Life is a welcoming community of forgiven people proclaiming the perfect love of Jesus Christ!
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