Mar 7, 2013 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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From the desk of Pastor Dave
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Brothers and Sisters...
I've read hundreds of books in my lifetime and some have been more influential and insightful than others. During this Lent 2013, I have been reading Adam Hamilton's book entitled, "Why? Making Sense Of God's Will". Along with numerous other members and friends of Lord of Life we have studied and discussed this Methodist pastor's understanding of the sovereignty of God and how we can discern God's will for our lives. This book has proved to be helpful in answering the following three questions..."Why do the innocent suffer?"..."Why do my prayers go unanswered?"..."Why can't I see God's will for my life?". The concluding chapter enlightens the reader with marvelous biblical texts that show "Why God's love prevails". 
The following passage really spoke to me ...and others:
"I wonder if God has an outline for the story of our lives but gives us the choice of writing our own story without God or writing our story in collaboration with God. Because we are human, our story is bound to include sin and adversity, conflict and fear, despair and death. But apart from turning to God, our stories will miss out on the corresponding elements of forgiveness, victory, reconciliation, peace, hope, redemption, and love. Further, when we seek to write the stories of our lives apart from God, our story lacks the beauty and inspiration it might have had.
Using this metaphor, I believe God's plan for our lives is not so much a manuscript already completed, but an idea and an outline for a story that God hopes we will choose to follow, filling in the outline with God each day. Every decision, every encounter, is an opportunity for us to collaborate with God in writing our story. And when we invite God to collaborate with us, our story becomes one of redemption and love and hope."
Throughout this book, I believe Adam Hamilton provides divinely inspired explanations to some of the bigger questions in life. I have always believed that God in Christ has called us to live "the abundant life". Now, as we all move through the final weeks of Lent to the Cross and beyond to Easter, let us walk even more closely with the Lord and more fully collaborate with the God who loves us eternally and forever.
Your Brother in CHRIST, Pastor David Jones
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Holy Week Services Schedule
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- Mar 28 - Holy Thursday
- 6:30pm Family Agape Meal with Holy Communion
- Mar 29 - Good Friday
- 12:00 pm - "The Seven Last Words"
- 3:00 pm - Family & Children's Service
- 7:00 pm - Tenebrae Service
- Mar 30 - Vigil of Easter
- 6:00 pm - First Easter Worship Service with Holy Communion
- Mar 31 - Easter
- 8:00, 9:45, and 11:30 am - Easter Worship Services with Holy Communion
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 Sunday School - Palm Sunday and Easter On Palm Sunday we'll be celebrating Jesus' triumphal ride into Jerusalem with special activities during the opening of our 10:00 AM worship service, and children will participate in their normal Sunday School classes where they will continue their experience of Palm Sunday. On Easter Sunday at the 9:45 and 11:30 AM Services children up through grade 5 will be invited to a special Sunday School experience to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection in the Fellowship Hall during the time of the Sermon after which they'll be returning to worship.
Easter Tulips/Lilies: Display on bulletin board-deadline to order: THIS WEEKEND! Mar 10
Help Needed! We are in need of egg cartons and newspaper comic pages... for our Easter Sunday School and First Holy Communion programs. Please bring these items with you and drop them off at church through Palm Sunday. Thank You!
Save the Dates - First Holy Communion For Children and Families
For all of you out there who have 2nd graders in your life, or who have 3rd through 5th graders who have not yet participated in Holy Communion instruction, please put the following dates on your calendars:
- Monday 4/15 - Bible Blast 6:30PM
- Monday 4/22 - First Holy Communion Learning I with Dinner 5:30PM
- Monday 4/29 - First Holy Communion Learning II with Dinner 5:30PM
- Sunday 5/5 - First Holy Communion Service 11:30
More information will be mailed to each family in the very near future. We look forward to having the opportunity to work with you and your children in this very special introduction to the sharing of the sacrament. New Church Directories - Available at the church in the entryway. Also Lenten devotional materials including booklets for our Meditation Walk (adult & child friendly versions) in entryway. |
ONE DAY WOMEN'S RETREAT OPPORTUNITY!
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"Women at the Wheel" is the theme for Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia's annual Rest, Refreshment, and Renewal Women's Day on Saturday April 13th, 2013. Registration including refreshments and lunch is $40 per person - or save $45 on a table of 8 for $275. Please call the church office to sign up.
We will gather around the Wholeness Wheel with its wellspring of resources to help us tap into God's will for our spiritual well-being. Through worship, workshops, and a wonderful community exchange market, we will draw on refreshing streams to enhance the Social/Interpersonal, Intellectual, Emotional, Physical, Vocational, and Financial aspects of our Spiritual Well-being.
Invite your friends, colleagues and fellow church women to share this day.
Martin Luther said:
"This life, therefore, is not godliness but the process of becoming godly, not health but getting well, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not now what we shall be, but we are on the way. The process is not yet finished, but it is actively going on. This is not the goal but it is the right road. At present, everything does not gleam and sparkle, but everything is being cleansed."
Women of all faith traditions are invited and welcomed! Bring a friend or two who needs a day of rest, refreshment, and renewal! Registration deadline: Monday, April 8, 2013
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Lenten Devotional Opportunities
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LENT Devotional materials for families, youth, and adults will be available at the church.
3D Sundays return in Lent with - WHY? Making Sense of God's Will. Who among us hasn't asked these questions or tried to help a friend or loved one through them? These sessions promise heartfelt conversation as we look at how the Bible addresses these issues and where God would lead us. While it is not necessary to buy the book, if you choose to do so, they are available in the office for $10. [Or $8 on Kindle!]
- March 10: Why Do my Prayers Go Unanswered?
- March 17: Why Can't I See God's Will for My Life?
- March 24: Why God's Love Prevails
We'll meet at the church at 6:30 on these Sundays for Desert, Devotions, and Discovery
- This year we also encourage everyone to consider being part of the normally scheduled activities on Wednesdays which include several bible study opportunities as well as the New Life Choir.
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PEP AGAPE MEAL, Thursday, March 21st, Noon
Join us for this special Love Feast as we remember the love of Jesus that was so amazingly demonstrated during his last days on earth. Our time together will include a meal of soup, roasted chicken, fruits, cheese, and breads with time for music, reflection, prayer, and communion. Please sign up on the bulletin board and make this a part of your Lenten journey.
COMING UP!
HELPING HANDS, Monday, March 25th, 12:30pm and
DINNER AT THE DINER, Tuesday, March 26th, 4:30pm
MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
We thank the 11 pairs of HELPING HANDS who made 273 sandwiches for those people who are served by the Christian Caring Center. Thank you Pat Andrews, Jan Baker, Nancy and Dave Curl, Jim Cuviello, Ella Doel, Priscilla and Walt Faucett, Doris Lynch, Cindy Keenan, Dave Miller, and all of those who provide financial support to enable this program to happen!
The SOUNDS OF JOY program once again provided a wonderful time of music and Lenten reflection for our friends at Lutheran Care. Thank you Edna Bystrom, Priscilla Faucett, and Alice and Fred Wilfrid for all of your help and Pastor David for sharing the message! Please know that more hands and hearts are always needed.
Our Lenten journey through the book, WHY? Making Sense of God's Will, by Adam Hamilton, proved to make a great difference in all of our lives who were able to attend the ADULT BIBLE STUDY. That study continues with 3D LENT and will also be offered at the Wednesday morning MENS' BREAKFAST. If you would like a copy of the book, they are available in the church office for $10 [Or download on Kindle for $8]
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 MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
Many thanks to the children from our Sunday School and from the Grace Place who contributed to the Christian Caring Center through our Sock-it-to-Poverty campaign. A total gift of $182 will be sent to them to support their work with families and individuals in need in our area.
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Volunteer Chaplain Aids needed Virtua Memorial Hospital
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Openings for trained lay visitors every day of the week. Following a training / orientation process an Aide may donate 2 to 4 hours a week to visit patients, offering friendship & spiritual comfort. The 16 hour training is offered at the Virtua Center for Learning, 1200 Howard Blvd, Mt. Laurel on Mon Apr 8 and Wed Apr 10 from 8-4pm, with continental breakfast at 7:30am.
If you want to find out if volunteering is for you before signing up for the course, please phone for an info package with details and process of volunteering - contact Chaplain Wendy Boer 609-267-0700 x 43281 or email wboer@virtua.org. A letter of endorsement from a pastor is also needed for new volunteers.
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Prayer Shawl continues to accept lap robes, afghans, baby blankets etc. Please bring in your work as you always have. If you need a prayer shawl for someone contact me, Chris Kulina, at 856-596-0410. If you have any questions about the Prayer Shawl ministry please let me know.
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March 10th - Bowling at the Medford Lanes from 2 PM - 4 PM. Does not matter if you can bowl just come and have fun!!! A table will be set up for snacks and drinks if anyone wants to bring some. The cost is $40.00 per lane and they like to put 5 people on a lane. We will have to figure it out depending on how many people come.
April 16th - Breakfast for dinner at Bridge of Peace. 6 PM. Looking for people to donate money, egg casseroles, sausage, syrup, and hash brown casseroles. If you can help in anyway pls let me know. Also, we can always use desserts.
May 17th - Calling anyone who is a Mother or a Daughter!! Please come join us for dinner 6 PM, a Bridal fashion show and a Chinese Auction. The monies collected will be donated to a few charities. Anyone with a craft, business or a job that can help us out with a basket or items for a basket will be greatly appreciated. Pls let Betty Mastrillo or Barbara Wagner know. Thanking you in advance.
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Use your gifts....
Finance Team
The Finance Team is looking for a few people to help out
with the yearly church audit. This team will meet once for about 3 hours ( after April 15th ) to go over the receipts and expenses of the church for the 2012 year. To be a member of this special team, you must be able to balance your own checkbook !
If you can help or have questions, please contact Bill Reich ( email Finance@Lordlife.us )
Tellers Needed If you'd like to help count the church's weekly offerings once a month, please see Ed Harding or call the church office. Thank you! Worship Servants We are in need of more people for
Altar Care (setting up the communion), Communion Assistants, Lectors, Greeters, and
Worship Assistants. These are needed at all 3 services ..... if you feel you can help in any of these positions or you would like more information regarding any of them please get in touch with Barbara Wagner, 609-859-0404 or call the church office. Please pray about where you can serve our Lord at Lord of Life.
Also - help welcomed...
at a service of your choosing to help run the Audio/Video system! Easy to do, flexible to meet your schedule. Contact Bill at ' dreisbac@gmail.com' or church office! If you have other 'gifts to share' please register at our Time-Talent database here: ==> Link to online form for "Time / Talent Survey" or contact the office for a 'paper' form. And Thanks for all you do to support the ministries of Lord of Life! |
Mission Trip - Senior High
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Senior High Mission Trip
An informational meeting will be held for the Senior High Mission Trip to the New Jersey coast on March 17th, at noon at Lord of Life. This trip is open to children now in 8th grade up through 12th grade. Adults are welcome to sign up to chaperone as well. Please join us as we help our own New Jersey residents recover from Hurricane Sandy.
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 February 26th, 28th, and March 1st, Grace Place honored the USA by having nine states represented by our parents. Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, New York, Hawaii, North Carolina, New Mexico, Virginia, and Arizona. The children boarded an "airplane" in Room 212 and was flown by "Captain GP" to the states. After collecting their luggage, they were guided by "Tour Guides" to each state where they learned the characteristics of the state, looked at mementos of the state, collected a state sticker and flag, and made a craft relating to the state.
During their visits they all met in the dining area to taste sample foods from each state. After several state visits each day, they returned to the plane to return home. It absolutely astonishes me to see how well behaved the children are and how much they learn and retain when we do this project. A special thanks to Judy Burgo for organizing it, and to all sixteen parents that participated. We have the best parents!!!
Grace Place Preschool welcomes a new student! Yes, March 5th another student started in the three year class. We welcome Dominic to our mix!
Registration for next year is now open. We are adding a new component for next year...an extended day! Children ages 3,4 or 5 may come in the morning and stay for the afternoon class. If you know of anyone with a preschool age child,
please refer them to Grace Place. There are registration forms hanging on the bulletin board by the handicap door in the FDC for easy access. Any questions, please see Jill Glossner.
On a personal note, I would like to wish our own Pastor Bob Peterson God speed on his move to a new home. He always had a great story to tell and he will be missed.
- Jill Glossner
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If you have been to the church this week, you will have noticed the solar panels are being installed! This week the electrical wiring has been run through the attics, the power inverters have been delivered and installed (these can be seen thru the windows going to the Grace Place on the right), and the panels are being put onto the mounts that were installed over the past 2 weeks.
Depending on the weather this month of course, we are still anticipating the system will be ready by the end of March and the final Utility Grid approval to go 'live' should have us generating solar power in April - just in time for summer! Stay tuned for a dedication date for the system. Thanks to everyone who was involved in making this a reality. If you'd like to see 5 hours of solar panel installation in about 5 minutes, check out the youtube link below!
 | | 5 minute video of 5 hours of installation |
For a 'refresh' on the frequently asked questions, here is last year's FAQs:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs042/1102356663463/archive/1110862039736.html
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Stewardship Team Info
We have set our list of 2013 priorities, and actively seeking people to help on one (or more!) of these efforts this year. If you are interested in our 2013 Stewardship efforts, please contact Pastor Dave or Bill Dreisbach or this newsletter (lordlife@gmail.com) or come to the next meeting (date to be announced for April) at the Church. We will be continuing on our 'year round' stewardship plan, and working on important areas for the church. Please join us, or contact Bill Dreisbach or Pastor David Jones for more information. Also please note that the church is on a 'rocky start' in 2013 financially, and we would encourage everyone to ensure they are current on their estimate of sharing. We are about 17% under our plan to date, and typically we need these months to build for the 'summer doldrums' when giving declines. In addition, please consider using 'simply giving' (form linked below) and to keep our church finance team, church council, and everyone working these difficult issues in your prayers.
Please also consider (if you are a Thrivent Member) directing your "Thrivent Choice" dollars by Mar 31st to "Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Tabernacle NJ". Either use this link directly: https://www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice/ or login into your Thrivent account, or call 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) by March 31 to find out if you have dollars to designate. Thanks!
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Wed Morning Mom's Bible Study
Wed mornings in Fellowship Hall - Childcare available
"UNGLUED: Making wise choices in the midst of raw emotions" by Lysa TerKeurst
Come join us!
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Good Friday
This year, the New Life Choir will be leading our Good Friday Tenebre service. It will be based on John Ferguson's musical score entitled St. John's Passion. The music is very easy to learn. Would you be interested in singing? No other obligation is necessary! Please see Rick Krause if interested.
Kidz Praize-Sundays, 11:30
Come and join us after Sunday School as we learn a new song together! Any questions? Please see or email Rick Krause.
Youth Praise
You have three opportunities in March to share your musical gifts! March 10th we will be helping to lead the Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving service with practice at 9:00. March 24th and 31st, we will be joining in with the praise team to celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter! Please prayerfully consider when and how you can use your musical gifts to the glory of God with your Lord of Life family. Please contact Sue Dreisbach or Donna Schwab.
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Fuller Center Build '13 at Atlantic City
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
As you learned in the last Lifelines, the Fuller Center New Jersey Pines (FCNJP) was selected by Fuller Center International, to host this year's Fuller Center Legacy Build in Atlantic City. The current focus is a one week dedicated effort (April 28-May 3) to honor the legacy of Millard Fuller, who with his wife Linda, started Habitat for Humanity in 1976 and then the Fuller Center in 2005.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the rebuilding process. You don't need to be a skilled craftsman, all you need is a caring heart and a will to help those who need a hand up. You can volunteer for a day, 2, 3, 4 or all 5. Whatever fits your schedule! I'm happy to report that as of this writing Pastor David Jones will be attending for the full week, as well as a few other LOL members! I think we have a member planning to attend for the week, and is willing to carpool with others that may be interested in joining him. [Contact Bill Dreisbach dreisbac@gmail.com if you want to carpool]
Volunteer housing is available at no charge for those registering, whether it be for one night or all 5. Please visit the link below (this one works) and you will find answers to most questions. If you have additional questions feel free to call me (Ed Hourihan) at 856-988-2089, or e-mail at ejhourihan@verizon.net. See you in AC!
Registration Team Name: Lord of Life
http://www.fullercenter.org/millard-fuller-legacy-build-2013 <= REGISTER TODAY!
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 Calling all book lovers.
Come join us for stimulating discussions, fellowship and of course, dessert! Monthly meetings are generally the 4th Tuesday of each month. Need a ride? Please leave a message in the church office.
Upcoming Schedule 2013:
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March 19th, 7:00- "Under the Banner of Heaven: a story of violent faith", by Jon Krakauer, explores the world of Mormon fundamentalism.
April - "Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake", by Anna Zuindlen, is a humorous memoir celebrating marriage, faith, girlfriends, and more.
May - "Seabiscuit: an American legend", by the talented writer Laura Hillenbrand, is our book-made-into-movie selection. It recounts the story of the famous race horse that captivated the hearts of Americans during the depression
June - "This I Remember" is the superb autobiography by Eleanor Roosevelt.
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Prayers of the Congregation
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PRAYERS FOR HEALING & STRENGTH: Tom Anderson, the Bencivengo family, Bill Bruner, Marian Chance, David Danner, John DeAngelis, the Drew/Benson families, Rachel Fruman, the Gordon family, Joan Grelis, Lisa Jennings, Millie Jenso, Chris Kulina, Frank Levin, Lillian Maurer, Lou Rehberger, the Skultety family, Bob Thomas, Esther Thomas, Joan Urban & Jim Ziegler, as well as all those who have been affected and those who will continue to face challenges by Hurricane Sandy.
THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY: CJ Albrecht, Grant Christianson, Tommy Cksekellich, Matthew Cuviello, Joe Delgado, Michael Fallon, Nick Ferry, Kyle Hatcher, Dan Humbert, Gene Ingrao, Rob Jones, Joey Miller, Derek Olson, Kevin Overcash, Jeremy Pifer, Tommy Riches, Kenny Shugars, Brian Smith, Rich Stull, Stanley Tarasewicz, Crissy Tindall, Ethan Wade, Paul Wiles, John Williams, Daniel Wilson, Jacob Wilson, Tyson Wood & Arthur Zepnick; as well as people in all areas of conflict around the world and those recovering from conflict.
SPECIAL NEEDS: All persons living in continuing care communities (hope & peace of mind).
MISSION PARTNERS: Elect Saints Lutheran Church, Hamilton, and Urban Promise of Camden.
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Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge invites you
to join them for a delightful afternoon on Sunday, March 17th of classical music, with all proceeds to benefit the Refuge. Concert begins at 3:00 pm.
 The concert will feature William Stokking, retired principal cellist for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Nancy Stokking, along with violinist Jonathan Beiler from the Philadelphia Orchestra and pianist Norma Meyer, a founding member of Piano4.
Not to be outdone by the professionals, two of our resident owls will also be making an appearance and hopefully adding their vocalizations. Refreshments to follow at the musicians' reception. This will be the 18th year for this annual event and is a wonderful welcome to the spring season. It will be held at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Tabernacle. Ticket prices are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Please call the refuge at 856-983-3329 ext. 100 for tickets or information. www.cedarrun.org
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
Thank you so very much for the four large bags of stuffed animals and the large bag of greeting cards. The cards have already been placed in the gift shop and the animals will be put in resident birthday bags in the upcoming months. The Activities Department has an ongoing need for nail polish, polish remover, and make-up rounds (better than cotton balls for polish removal). But, keep those cards and stuffed animals coming!
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Upcoming Events at Lord of Life!
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= = = = = = March 2013 = = = = = = 
Thursday (3/7)
9:00 am - Keswick Community Hymn Sing
7:30 pm - Finance Team
(Pastor David Jones day off)
Friday (3/8)
6:30 pm - Team 345 Event
(Pastor Sue Jones day off)
Saturday (3/9) 6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
(Don't forget to set clocks ahead 1 hour before bedtime!)
Sunday (3/10) - 4 Lent
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Youth Praize
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion,
Sunday School, & Confirmation Learning Session
11:30 am - God Rods Practice
2:00 pm - Women's Ministry Bowling
6:30 pm - 3D Sunday - join us! Why? Making Sense of God's Will-"Why do my prayers go unanswered?"
Monday (3/11)
7:00 pm - Church Council Meeting
Wednesday (3/13)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast at Red Lion
9:30 am - Mom's Study
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers
4:30 pm - Scout Grace Place Cleaning
6:00 pm - Senior High Gathering
7:30 pm - Women's Bible Study
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
Thursday (3/14)
(Pastor David Jones' Day off)
Friday (3/15)
(Pastor Susan Jones' Day off)
6:00 pm - Service of Light, Reflection and Healing with Holy Communion
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise, Thanksgiving with Holy Communion,
Sunday School, & Confirmation Learning Session
11:30 am - God Rods Practice
12:00 pm - Senior High Youth Ministry Mission Trip Informational Meeting
1:00 pm - American Power Boat Association Meeting (FDC 208)
3:00 pm - Serenade for Wildlife Concert <click for more info
6:30 pm - 3D Sunday - Dessert, Devotions, and Discovery - Why? Making Sense of God's Will- Why can't I see God's will for my life?
Monday (3/18)
6:00 pm - Men's Ministry Meeting at Ott's
Tuesday (3/19)
7:00 pm - Book Review & Fellowship
Wednesday (3/20) 8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast @ 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 Gathering 7:30 pm - Women's Bible Study 7:30 pm - New Life Choir Thursday (3/21) 12:00 pm - PEP Agape Meal (People Enjoying People!) (Pastor David Jones' Day off) Friday (3/22) (Pastor Susan Jones' Day off)
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- - - - - "Save the Date" for these Upcoming Events - - - -
Mar 25 - Helping Hands 12:30pm - Sandwiches for CCC
Mar 26 - Dinner at the Diner 4:30 - Red Lion Diner
Mar 31 - Thrivent Choice deadline - (see article)
Apr 8, 10 - Volunteer Chaplain Aid Training (see article)
Apr 13 - "Women at the Wheel" retreat (see article)
Apr 15, 22, 29 - First Holy Communion Training (see article)
Apr 16 - Breakfast for Dinner at Bridge of Peace
Apr 28 - May 3 : Fuller Center Build '13 at Atlantic City (see article)
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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