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Oct 4, 2013 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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Thoughts in Print from Pastor Sue
It's hard to believe it was less than two weeks ago. Less than two weeks since so many of you came out to a special Congregational Meeting to decide on extending me a regular call as one of your pastors here at Lord of Life. It's even harder to believe that my ministry among you actually began over 4 years ago in July of 2009 when I first came to Lord of Life as an Intern. It continued when you called me to be your first Associate Pastor in December of 2010 for 3 years. And now, here we are, beginning yet a new chapter in our relationship, one that for the first time isn't bounded by a time frame.
What does that mean, to me, to all of you, to us? Well, first of all I can tell you that it does indeed feel different in some ways while it feels the same in others. What feels the same for me is the love I have grown to feel for all of you. God has been working on me since before I ever set foot in our church building and preparing me for the unique relationship that exists between pastor and people in a place where there is I feel a definitive sense of call. And I have known since that very first day as your Intern that this was a place God had indeed called me to be. What feels different is that over the last couple of years I have come to know and feel deeply the challenges facing us as a community of faith in challenging times.
Lord of Life is in a very unique place in its young life as a church in the NJ Synod of the ELCA. Did you know we are the only successful traditional new mission start in the NJ Synod in the last 27 years? What that means is that in the state of NJ we are the only new congregation started in the last 27 years that has survived its infancy as a new mission church and that has grown into a healthy and self-sustaining ministry. It is definitely something to celebrate! And we owe our existence and our growth to many things, not the least of which being the passion and commitment of Pastor Dave and the folks who caught his energy and vision in the early days when he was knocking on doors here in Tabernacle and Shamong and Medford; when there was something special and engaging about sacraments at the foul line of a gymnasium, and when the future looked bright and shiny and new.
But who are we now? And who will we be in the future? Well, first it's important to know that we are still a VERY healthy church with a bright future. But we're not so new and shiny anymore. We are living into our early adulthood together. Like a young adult that is challenged to find their way on their own in the world for the first time, finding a first "real" job after high school or college, getting married and starting a family, often in a new place away from family and friends for the first time, all of us are living into a new day together here at Lord of Life. Some things are familiar; the presence of Pastor Dave and many of the people with their gifts and talents and passion that have brought us to this place together. But some of the folks who were part of us are no longer with us, both staff and members who made a tremendous impact on our life together have moved on for many reasons. And there are new faces, and new gifts, and the challenges of a culture and a world that have changed around us in our 27 years of life.
How will we meet the challenges of a new day? How will we deal with a culture and a time that seem designed to pull us away from the church; where being a community, a family of faith that desires to spend time together, to grow together, to share the Gospel and our |
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lives and our gifts of time, talent, and treasure, are increasingly under attack by other priorities, other choices, other needs, other responsibilities? We will meet those challenges together! As people of faith have always done. All of us holding fast to our Lord and Savior Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit! It will require us to allow the Lord to speak to us in new ways, to allow ourselves to be challenged and to grow in what it means to be a disciple in 21st century America, all the while dealing with lives and a country and a world that are often in chaos. It will mean living into a new vision and finding new passion and energy for telling the story of the Good News of Jesus in new ways.
Thinking about all of this has a way of driving me to my knees in prayer, for us, for our world, for Pastor Dave, and yes, even for myself! But when I find myself there, I also find myself remembering something that one of my professors in seminary told us; "The challenge before us is never greater than the God behind us!" 'Nough said! Thank you for the opportunity to continue in ministry with all of you!
In Jesus love - PJ2 |
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SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING RESULTS
The congregation did vote to extend a regular call to Pastor Sue Jones as her original three year term call will be coming to an end in December of this year. The results were 193 total votes, 128 votes needed to extend the call, 171 yea votes and 22 no votes. Congratulations to Pastor Sue and the congregation! |
 A big thank you goes out to everyone that helped with the picnic on the 8th. If you missed it you really missed a great time - the weather was perfect and the kids had a wonderful time in the water with the kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and the inflatables out in the water. The food was outstanding as usual too. Thanks to all those who bought side dishes and desserts.
Thanks to Barbara Wagner and Sheri Perkins for buying all the necessary supplies, to Jamie and Dale Millere for setting up and cleaning up, and especially to Mike Masley for bringing his grill and cooking all the hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone. There were between 115 and 120 people enjoying the day.
Also note - many picnic photos available on our website at www.lordlife.us |
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 Fall Stewardship 'Renewal'
Fall begins our program year, and also is the time when we prepare for 2014 missions and ministries at the church. Our theme, "God's Work-Our Hands," puts it all into perspective. God has called us to this community of faith and offers us the opportunity and challenge to be the loving and caring hands and feet of Jesus through our gifts of time, talent, and treasure.
Thanks to our stewardship team, we have created materials for the Fall Stewardship Renewal. Everything is in a reusable cloth bag (good for shopping trips!) which includes a pictorial look at our ministries over the last few months, your family's year to date sharing statement, the 2014 Estimate of Sharing Card ("EOS"), important information about the "Simply Giving" program, the Fall Thrivent Double Donation program, and other information from our church.
The bags are all available with your family's name on them - and they are labeled so please get the correct bag! We need the EOS information back by Oct 26-27 'Renewal' weekend. Please prayerfully consider how you can support our ministries and what God has provided for you. Thank you for participating in this year's Stewardship Renewal! |
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A Special Announcement for All You Animal Lovers Out There!
Yes, we will be having a Blessing of the Animals this Saturday, October 5th, at 3 PM on the church lawn. All critters are welcome. Please know you are welcome even if you don't have a critter of your own and simply would like to celebrate the critters God has placed in the world around us. An offering of dog and cat food as well as monetary gifts will be accepted to support Joe Joe's Place Animal Sanctuary in Medford. SEE YOU THERE!
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 Lord of Life was well represented at the recent installation of Rev. Tracie L. Bartholomew as the third Bishop of the New Jersey Synod, Sunday, September 29, 2013, 4:00 PM at Princeton Meadow Church and Event Center. Seven members of our New Life Choir participated in the "Choir of the New Jersey Synod" and another 9 attended the service. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop, ELCA who is retiring was also thanked for his national service. We look forward to our continued relationship with Bishop Bartholomew as she leads our synod into the future. |
Gift Bags for Orphans in Haiti
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"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world" James 1:27.
I have visited different orphanages in Haiti during each of my visits. Children are placed in these orphanages because no one can care for them. Their parents may have died or perhaps their parents can't afford to feed and care for them; so, they place them in the orphanage rather than see them starve. To my knowledge the government does not help in any way to provide care for these children. The women who care for them rely on donations from church organizations, charities, and local people.
Come Alive! Church has asked us to help. There are some specific items that should be included such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, etc. Beyond the necessities, it is nice to give a little toy such as a matchbox car for a boy or a jump rope for a girl. The bags are to be a specific size. They may be purchased or made from heavy cloth. (no book bags please) The bags are on display at the church. I will also have the sizes of the bags and a list of the items. Please feel free to help in any way you can. You may release your creativity and design and decorate a bag, or you may purchase items for a boy or girl and bring the items to church. A donation can will also be at the display if you would like to help with the shipping costs. If you want to make a bag, please choose a heavy fabric. Although camouflage print is popular and accepted in the United States, it is not accepted in Haiti. Only military wear camouflage.
These children have little if anything to call their own. Most of what they have is shared. Some of the orphanages are only a building where the children can stay to be off the street. There is no furniture, no chairs to sit in or beds to sleep on. Each child that receives a bag will be happy to have something they can call their own. But more importantly they will know that someone far away cares about them.
We have done many projects together for Haiti and again I thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Recommended items for the bags include:
Chewable vitamins for children Plastic Cup
School supplies Benadryl topical lotion
Toothbrush & Toothpaste Antibacterial soap or tea tree soap
Wash cloth &/or hand towel Trail mix (no chocolate)
Mini first aid kits with band aids, Shaving supplies for older boys
cleansing wipes, gauze pads, alcohol Feminine hygiene items for older girls
swabs, hand sanitizer, etc.
Gift items - jump rope, tennis ball, ribbons
for girls hair, matchbox cars for boys
Please have items and bags back to the church by ==> November 3.
Penny Miller, driven2sew@hotmail.com |
Music & Worship Ministries
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Synod Youth Band
Each year, the NJ Synod forms a Synod Youth Band made up of high school-aged youth from around the synod. It is that time again! If you are a young person with musical gifts please consider joining the band. This year the band is especially looking for instrumentalists (guitarists, keyboardists, etc.). Applications are available at: www.njsynod.org/youth. Please contact Rick Krause (3rick@comcast.net) or Band Manager Tara Zigler (tzigler@princeton.edu) with any questions: Note that the Band is meeting at the Youth Summit this Saturday (October 5, 2013) for its first practice with Larry Olson of Dakota Road.
 KIDZ PRAIZE
What is it? What should it be? How can our children use their musical gifts and enthusiasm to learn about and praise God? Would I like to be a part of it? These are all questions we have about where our children's music focus should be during this program year, and we need your input. Parents and children please join us after the 10:00 service on October 6th to talk and explore together where God is calling us to be!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS-SPECIAL SERVICE OF HEALING, OCTOBER 20TH, 4:00 PM
---Sue Dreisbach, sued@lordlife.us Rick Krause, rick@lordlife.us |
 The Women's Bible study continues on Wednesday's at 7:30pm. The new study is an in depth look at the life of the apostle Peter.
The book is called Eyewitness to Majesty: Peter, by Mindy Ferguson
It is not necessary to buy a book, but if you would like one the cost is $8.00.
Peter had a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. The relationship brought Peter to the point of abandoning not only his fish nets for Christ, but all of his ambitions and selfish desires as well. The same relationship that Peter had with Jesus is available to every believer who seeks to know Him as Savior and chooses to make Him Lord of her life as Peter did.
Please consider joining us for this wonderful study, all are welcome!
---Julie Vorwerk, awwvorwerk@aol.com |
Oct. 8th - traveling to Bridge of Peace. We will be serving the kids Beef Ghoulash for Halloween with a Witch's Brew to drink. Anyone interested in traveling with us please let me know.
Oct 20th - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - Still looking for people to walk with us and looking for donations if you cannot join us. Our goal is $500.00. We will be selling T-Shirts to be walking in that day. If you would like to go please sign up on the sheet. If you would like to make a donation please make your check out to "American Cancer Society. Thank you all for joining us in the wonderful cause.
Looking forward - Nov. 15th - BUNKO night being held at the church. More info to follow.
Thank You! Betty Mastrillo email: mastrillo@verizon.net |
Senior High Youth Ministry
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We will be having our Faithful Conversations on Sunday, Oct 6 at the conclusion of  the 10 AM service. Maureen will provide brunch, SHYM will provide the conversations!
Looking ahead: SHYM is going away on a one night retreat on Friday, November 8th (Teacher's Convention). We will be doing a service project in Medford during the day and then driving to Long Beach Island to stay at the Harvey Cedars Bible retreat. The cost will be approximately $60. This is an amazing opportunity to put life on "pause" and refocus/refresh your energy and priorities! Plus- they have an indoor swimming pool. If you are interested in attending the retreat, please contact Maureen (maureen.mcmichael@yahoo.com) by October 15th. |
ADULT BIBLE STUDY, WEDNESDAYS, 10:00-11:30
We're off to a great start with great conversation, learning, and fellowship! With the celebration of Reformation coming at the end of this month and Luther's birthday just around the corner in November, we have chosen to view and study the life and faith of Martin Luther through the movie, "Luther." All are welcome!
SOUNDS OF JOY AT LUTHERAN CARE, Monday, Oct. 7th, 1:30
We would love to have your helping hands and heart to be a part of this program of Word and music. We help over 50 residents get to the Chapel and then back to their rooms after the program. Please check in with Sue Dreisbach if you would like to carpool or need more information.
 All Aboard! The Dining Car Express Café! Thursday, Oct. 17th, Noon Hop on board as we welcome our special guest from Prince of Peace, Bob Cubberly, who will provide a great interactive program about the history of railroads in South Jersey. Word on the tracks is that there will also be some model railroads.
In keeping with the theme, the Fellowship Hall will be transformed into the Dining Car Express with our Chef, Beth Blair, catering a special meal of Chicken Chasseur, Buttered Peas, Scrumptious Mashed Potatoes, and Mouthwatering Apple Pie! Devotions, music, laughter, and wonderful fellowship are also on the menu! So sign up on the bulletin board. All aboard!
DINNER AT THE DINER, Wednesday, October 23rd, 4:30
We're headed back to the Red Lion Diner for an evening of good food and fellowship. All are welcome to join us!
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Fuller Center - "Lord of Life House" Sponsorship Update
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 We are fully engaged in reconstruction of this house now - so far we have replaced some flooring, have worked on insulation for the ceiling, walls, and basement (well... actually the crawl space). We also patched the roof, and are about 1/2 done with the siding. The drywall is now all completed, and the spackling has begun! We're currently scheduling Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for volunteers; typically leaving 8am at the church and around 4pm from Ventnor. Carpools are encouraged, but individuals can certainly drive themselves to the site but WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!! If you want to be a part of this effort, please call Ed Hourihan at 856-988-2089 or e-mail him at ejhourihan@verizon.net |
Thrivent 'Double Direction' Church Campaign |
 Do you want an easy NO COST way to help the church? Spend 5 minutes on the internet and DOUBLE the donation from your Thrivent account with no cost to you! The Thrivent 'Choice' dollars are contributions Thrivent makes based on the value of your account. There are no charges or fees to your account for this.
In addition Thrivent Financial is giving up to $15 million to enrolled churches all over the country through Thrivent Choice®. Be a part of this one-time campaign and you can help your congregation in a big way!
Simply direct Choice Dollars® to an enrolled congregation between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30. Thrivent Financial will double all Choice Dollars directions made during this time or until $15 million has been awarded, whichever comes first.
Please note that the direction you make will NOT affect future choice dollars, so it would be prudent to do this periodically.
HOW TO DO THIS: Log into your Thrivent account (LINK HERE) or call 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and say, "Thrivent Choice." Search for "Lord of Life" in "Tabernacle NJ". If you have any questions please contact your Thrivent representative or Bob Sunbury at 609-678-0668 or email to: bob.sunbury@thrivent.com
Thanks for taking a few minutes for your church! |
 Book Club meets the 3rd Tues. of each month from 7 to 9 pm in the fellowship hall. It is a unique group of book lovers who share not only their opinions about our featured read, but also faith concerns, caring for each other and of course wonderful food. Members attend meetings as their schedules allow.
The book club will be having discussions on the following books this season:
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Volunteer Chaplain Aids needed |
VOLUNTEER CHAPLAIN AIDES are needed at Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly. There are openings for trained lay visitors every day of the week. Following a training and orientation process, an Aide may donate two to four hours each week to visit patients, offering them friendship and spiritual comfort.
The 16-hour Training Course will be offered at the Virtua Center for Learning, 1200 Howard Blvd., Mt. Laurel, on Monday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 30, 2013, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
If you want to find out if volunteering is for you before signing up for the course, please phone for an information package with details of the course and the process of volunteering in the hospital. Please phone Chaplain Wendy Boer, at 609-267-0700, Extension 43281. Or e-mail your name and address to wboer@virtua.org.
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 Lutheran Care is in need of the old standbys------nail polish, polish remover, and stuffed animals. Also needed are things for the December Gift Shop where residents go shopping, at no expense, to select gifts for their family members. If you're cleaning out the basement, attic, or closets, needed are any gently used stationary items, toiletries, jewelry, purses, toys, holiday items (trays, figurines, candles, etc.), or knick knacks. Thanks for your support! |
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Upcoming Events at Lord of Life!
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= = = = = = Oct 2013 = = = = = = 
Friday (10/4)
(Pastor Sue's Day off)
Saturday (10/5)
3:00 pm - Blessing of the Animals Service
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
Sunday (10/6) - 20 Pentecost
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Praise Team Practice
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving & Sunday School & Confirmation Learning Session
11:30 am - Senior High Faithful Conversations
11:30 am - Sunday School Helpers Training
11:30 am - Parents Info Meeting on Children & Youth Music
Monday (10/7)
9:00 am - Staff Meeting
1:30 pm - Sounds of Joy at Lutheran Care
Tuesday (10/8)
5:15 pm - Women's Ministry 'Ghoulish' Dinner @ Bridge of Peace
7:00 pm - Stewardship Meeting (*MOVED from Oct 7*)
7:30 pm - Finance Team meeting *MOVED from Oct 10*)
Wednesday (10/9)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast at Red Lion Diner
9:30 am - Mom's Study
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
7:30 pm - Women's Bible Study
7:30 pm - New Life Choir - new members welcome!
Thursday (10/10)
(Pastor Dave's Day off)
Friday (10/11)
6:00 pm - Troop 24700 (FDC room #208)
(Pastor Sue's Day off)
Saturday (10/12)
8:00 am - Men's Breakfast & Work Morning at Church
6:00 pm - Service of Word & Prayer with Oakley Baptism
Sunday (10/13) - 21 Pentecost
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Praise Team Practice
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with DeAngelis Baptism & Holy Communion /
Sunday School & Confirmation Learning Session
11:30 am - Senior High Service Day (Rake & Run)
Monday (10/14)
7:00 pm - Council Meeting
Tuesday (10/15)
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers
7:00 pm - Book Review & Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)
7:00 pm - Leo's Club (Sanctuary & FDC 208)
7:00 pm - New Members' Orientation (Library)
Wednesday (10/16)
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast at Red Lion
9:30 am - Mom's Study
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
7:30 pm - Women's Bible Study - "Eyewitness to Majesty: Peter"
7:30 pm - New Life Choir - New choir members always welcome!
Thursday (10/17)
12:00 pm - All Aboard the Dining Car Express Café
(Pastor Dave's Day off)
Friday (10/18)
(Pastor Sue's Day off)
Saturday (10/19)
9:00 am - New Members' Orientation
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
Sunday (10/20) - 22 Pentecost
7:00 am - Carpooling to Ocean City for Women's Ministry Breast Cancer Walk
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving / Sunday School / Confirmation Learning Session
11:30 am - Sr. High Faithful Conversations
1:00 pm - American Power Boat Association (FDC #208)
4:00 pm - Healing Service
Monday (10/21)
9:00 am - Staff Meeting
Tuesday (10/22)
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers
6:00 pm - New Member Dinner & Service of Welcome |
- - - - - "Save the Date" for these Upcoming Events - - - -
Oct 2 - Oct 26 - Fall Stewardship Renewal - be on he lookout for our fall stewardship renewal which will commence Oct 2nd thru the Renewal Weekend of Oct 26 when your 'Estimate of Sharing' and 'Time / Talent' offerings for 2014 are due. Pick up your 'bag' at the church!
Oct 22 - New Member Dinner & Service of Welcome
Oct 26-27 - Renewal Weekend (Dedications of EOS) - Rev. Scott Schantzenbach is speaking at 6pm, 8:30am, 10am services. We will have fellowship opportunities between services and after 6pm - lite fare, coffee, donuts, pretzels, etc.
Nov 2-3 - LOL anniversary celebrating our 27 years in Mission
ANYTIME: "Simply Giving" contribution form can be obtained by clicking here
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Pastor David Jones: pastor_dave@lordlife.us
1 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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