Nov 21, 2014 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
 Thanksgiving bags of food make a large difference to those we serve!
|
|
|
Ministry Quicklinks
Email Feedback
Church Phone:
609-268-0262
Emails / phone ext:
Church Musician:
Worship & Adult/Sr. Ministry Director:
Senior High Youth Ministry
Church Secretary:
Grace Place Director:
Discipleship Coordinator
Regular Worship Services:
6pm Saturday
8:30 & 10am Sunday
1 Winchester Ct,
Tabernacle NJ 08088
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our prayers and thoughts go out to all those in the extended Tabernacle community who were affected by the recent tragedy. Please take a moment to say a prayer for the families and those in the schools and community who have been touched by this.
Lord of Life will host an informal gathering for our community that will include a time for prayer, song, sharing scripture and conversation on Sunday, November 23 at 6pm - all are welcome.
|
Thoughts in Print - from Pastor Dave
|
The Psalmist sings, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into His presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is He that made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations"
(Psalm 100 - NRSV)
Brothers and Sisters...
There is a holiday (a juxtaposition of 2 words, Holy and Day, meaning a time for leisure, recreation and relaxation) just around the corner. In addition to observing our national rituals of food, family and football...and more recently "getting a jump" on Black Friday by shopping ASAP on Thanksgiving Day, I believe we would be wise to pause and give thanks for all that God has done for us!
At Lord of Life, we will gather on Thanksgiving Eve at 7 PM to focus on the reason for the holiday season that "kicks-off" for many Americans with this last Thursday in November rite....and runs right through Christmas to New Year's Day. During worship that night we will get to offer prayer, praise and thanksgiving to God who creates, saves and sustains us daily...and forever! As we spend time together, we will sing, pray, hear God's word and reflect on a marvelous Skit Guys' video entitled "Messy Blessings" and share the Lord's Supper. I trust and hope that you and your family will be able to join us as we celebrate. Please make a commitment to be with your Christian sisters and brothers on this night and throughout Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany too!
But less I move too quickly past next week' s national holiday, just a few thoughts worth thinking about how followers of Jesus might interpret the meaning of a day set aside for Thanksgiving.
+ We are called to cultivate an attitude of gratitude...daily!
+ We are reminded that thanks...giving become thanks...living and is a way of life!
+ We are refocused to see that what we are is God's gift to us and...what we become is our gift to God and others!
+ We are challenged not just to count our blessings but to share them during the holiday season and all year long!
If you are able to worship with us next Wednesday night, you will discover that between the verses of Psalm 100 we will pause to sing the refrain from Thomas Chisholm's 1923 hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness". I commend these words to you which are especially appropriate to ponder before the family arrives or the meal is shared or before the kick-off occurs as the Eagles take on the Cowboys in Dallas. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
"Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand hath provided; great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me"
Your Thankful Brother in CHRIST, Pastor David Jones
|
|
|
Advent Adventure
Sunday, November 30th, 5:00-6:30
Come on out to the Advent Adventure - Sunday, November 30th at 5:00. All are welcome - young and old. We will open in the sanctuary where we will hear the Christmas story and see it acted out by members of the congregation. After the skit we will all enjoy fellowship and dessert together with a craft or two for everyone to do. We might even get to visit Baby Jesus.
Bring the whole family - and bring a dessert/snack to share with others.
|
MANY THANKS to all the mom's and dad's who drove and helped to chaperone the Confirmation Service and Fun day on Nov. 6th and to all the youth who participated. The staff and Camp Ockanickon are grateful for our assistance with some of the things that needed to get done and a great time was had by all.
|
ADVENT SUNDAY SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS:
 Yes, Advent is right around the corner and we have begun to work with the children in Sunday School to prepare for special seasonal presentations during the Children's Message time in Advent. Please take this opportunity to share this very special season in a very special way with your children!
If your child is of Sunday School age - Nursery through 5th Grade - please note the presentation and practice schedule below:
- Advent 1 - Nov. 30th
"Hope" - Oh Little Town of Bethlehem - No "presentation"
- Advent 2 - Dec. 7th
"Love" - Twinkle, Twinkle/Away in a Manger - Nursery, PreK-K, and 1st&2nd Grade (Rehearsal with Sue and Rick during Sunday School 11/23, 30)
- Advent 3 - Dec. 14th
"Joy" - Joy to the World - 3rd thru 5th Grades (Rehearsal with Dave Lamb during Sunday School 11/23, 30, 12/7)
- Advent 4 - Dec. 21st "Peace" - Silent Night - All together
|
Worship Ministry Openings
|
God Rods
Hello? Is anyone out there with an interest in leading or performing in the God Rods? Everyone has been blessed, inspired, and yes, shed a few tears, during past performances at our Christmas and Easter worship services. The God Rods youth team has interpreted and brought to life contemporary Christian music as beautiful moving art using dowel rods! Are any past members home from college and want to again be a part? High school members interested? Thanks to all who have been a part of this incredibly moving performance team in the past and those who would like to see it continue. Please let Pastor Sue know of your interest as soon as possible.
================================
We are seeking members to serve as Worship Assistants for the 6 pm and 8:30 am services and as Altar Guild (set up communion and altar and clean up after service - scheduled rotationally) and Communion Assistants (serving congregants wine from tray or common cup) for the 6 pm service. Qualifications required: Love for the Lord and a grateful heart. Prior experience not necessary as training will be provided.
=====================
Also always looking for someone with ability to click a mouse to help run the AV during the services. Full training is of course available! We have many openings at the 6pm Sat, 8:30am Sun and 10am Sun services to fit your schedule!
==> Thanks
|
The Social Ministry Committee met last month to begin planning for 2015. Social ministry encompasses all of the outreach we do at LOL which is pretty incredible. We will be putting together a booklet describing the various projects and ministries we support as well as a calendar to help everyone plan.
We will be starting the year with a change drive which will benefit the Penny Miller Sewing Academy in Haiti. From January through March there will be a container in the narthex to collect Pennies for Penny to help defray the cost of keeping this school active and growing.
We will be holding a meeting on December 9th at 7 pm to continue the planning we are doing for 2015. Everyone is welcome to attend and give their thoughts and input on the projects we will be working on during the coming year.
|
Adult Bible Study 
Wednesdays, 10-11:30, December 3, 10, 17"Not a Silent Night"
All are welcome! Take a look at Jesus' birth from Mary's perspective throughout his whole life. Share in the true meaning of Christmas.
We have a place at the table waiting for you!
Out to Lunch at the Red Lion Diner
Monday, November 24th, Noon
Join us for great food, fellowship, and devotions! All are welcome!
Sounds of Joy at Lutheran Crossings
Monday, December 1st, 1:30
Help the residents get the Advent season off to a wonderful start! Lots of loving hands and hearts are needed!
"Christmas Spectacular" Community Hymn Sing
with special guest pianist, Michael Faircloth and the Festival of Trees
America's Keswick in Whiting
Thursday, December 4th
There is no charge for this event, but we will be stopping for lunch after the festivities!
Save the date...PEP Christmas Luncheon, Thursday, December 18th, Noon
Thank you!
...to all of our angels who prepared the Giving Tree tags and special ornaments
for Lutheran Crossings!
Check out pictures of some of our events on the link to the website!
|
Music & Worship Ministries
|
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Wednesday, November 26th, 7 pm
Bring your family, bring your friends! Come and relax as all ages come together to celebrate and give thanks! Expect lots of music, a special children's message, and a meditation on the Skit Guys presentation, "Messy Blessings." You might just get a glimpse into your own family and how God sees all of us!
Ring-a-ling..."Celebration Ringers calling..."
The invitation is out for a few more ringers. We will begin practicing for Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 2nd at 1:30 and meet weekly. We have small bells, large bells, and in between for any size volunteer! If you are interested, please contact Sue Dreisbach sued@lordlife.us.
Sharing Your Musical Gifts
It's that time of year again when we are planning our Thanksgiving Eve, Advent, and Christmas Eve service, and special music is a part of them all! If you would like to be a part of the New Life Choir, join us on Wednesday nights at 7:30! If you would like to be part of the Praise Team, join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00. Your instrumental and/or vocal gifts are needed. Please contact Rick or Sue. All ages are welcome!
Sue Dreisbach, sued@lordlife.us Rick Krause, rick@lordlife.us |
|
 
A BIG THANKS goes out to all of those "Brothers for Others" that helped out over the past several weeks cutting, chopping, splitting, and delivering wood during the months of October and November. A total of 7 cords of wood were delivered and the funds raised from this will help support outreach mission trips. The list of individuals included the following: Bill Andrews, Bill Dreisbach, Jack Gordon, Harry Granfors, Tim Larson, Bill Leach + sons, Jim Shea, Jim Scholtz, Bob Sunbury + sons, Rick Osman and Mark Valesey. They all put in hard work to get this accomplished.
On October 29 five brothers went to Fortescue NJ to build a deck and stairs for an elderly man that was still trying to recover from Super Storm Sandy.
Look for upcoming events, all skill levels are welcome!
=================================
|
|
Calling All Men of Faith...
Just a reminder to those of you who signed up to attend the Wednesday, November 26th Rotary breakfast. We will meet at the Medford Lakes Country Club (7:30 AM - 9 AM) and the cost is $10 (either payable in cash or by check to Lord of LIfe). Our congregation will sit together at 2-3 tables for the breakfast and program.
=========================
Supporting the Edgerton Family
In addition, I would like to invite you to join us this Saturday, November 22 (9 AM - 12 Noon) at the home of Kathy and Steve Edgerton (5 Wicklow Drive in Tabernacle) where we will be clearing their yard of leaves. Please bring tarps, rakes, and leaf blowers as we move the leaves to a spot between their back fence and Tuckerton Road. Many hands will make this work go quickly; so come when you can and leave when you must! This "Brothers for Others" event will really help the family at a time when Kathy is being challenged by a second bout with lung cancer.
|
If you are able, please go to this link to help support Kathy in her challenge.
www.KathyEdgerton.com
|
Dec 2nd - Bridge of Peace Christmas Dinner - leaving my house at 4:45 PM. If you would like to go please let me know. I still need 3 gallons of water and b-b-q shredded pork. If anyone can help with these items I would greatly appreciate it. I am also making cupcakes and am looking for the icing in the can that you squirt out. If you can only make a monetary donation that is great to. Thank you!
Dec. 10th - Women's Christmas Gathering. Wednesday at 6 PM. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. We will be having our Ornament Exchange. Purchase an ornament for $5.00 and wrap it, if you want to participate. A sign up sheet will be on the board next week.
Cookie Trays - We will be selling cookie trays to help defray the costs of the Penny Miller Sewing Academy in Haiti. There is a sign up sheet to order the trays on the bulletin board. The small tray is $10.00, large tray $15.00. They will be packaged to give as a gift or enjoy on your own.
Trays need to be pre-ordered. A limited number will be available for purchase on the pick up days of December 20th and 21st. (A nut free option is available, so make sure you let us know.
Anyone who would like to assist in baking cookies for the trays or putting them together on the 20th, pls email me, Betty Mastrillo, at mastrillo@verizon.net. any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Handel's Messiah - All tickets have been sold, plus some. We will meet at the church and carpool over to Philly. A time will be set in the next lifelines.
Thanks! - - Betty Mastrillo
|
ATTENTION ALL SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS, CONFIRMATION COACHES, SHYM MEMBERS AND ADULT LEADERS, VBS VOLUNTEERS
... and basically anyone here at Lord of Life who works with Children and Youth
LAST CHANCE TO TAKE CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING IN 2014
Sunday, December 7th - 8:30 or 10:00 AM
Please note that our policy and our insurance company require you to participate in one hour of training here at LOL even if you have been required to participate in training or screening through another organization or your workplace. This includes those who have been certified through the Boy Scouts of America even though our training utilizes some of their materials.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to participate in this important effort. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Pastor Sue or Bob Quinn crquinn64@yahoo.com, the facilitator of our Mutual Ministry Team. Families are encouraged to attend but ALL ARE WELCOME. Bring the whole family and a snack to share and join us for a time of fun and games while exploring the Bible!
|
Thanksgiving Dinner Projects
|
|
Thanksgiving Dinner Projects
November 23rd-last day to donate
Thanks Living! Please consider contributing whatever you can to enable our friends in need to enjoy a special dinner through the Christian Caring Center.
Items needed are...
Turkey Gift Certificates from Acme
(please place in envelope and place in office)
Stuffing Mix, Canned Vegetables,
Instant Mashed Potatoes,
Canned Fruit, Canned Gravy and Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce,
Canned Juices, Dessert Mixes - Cake,
Brownies, etc., Canned Frosting
**Pop top lids on cans if possible
Are you looking for a way to make a difference on Thanksgiving day?
The Christian Caring Center & Calvary Baptist Church, 5 Scrapetown Rd. & Magnolia Rd., Pemberton will be serving & delivering hot cooked Thanksgiving Dinners.
The volunteers bring a covered dish in an aluminum throw away pan filled with their favorite Thanksgiving dish or a pie, cake, or holiday bread. The Center will set up a buffet table and the volunteers then assemble the individual dinners in take out containers, place them in tubs, throw them in the cars or vans and take them to area homeless & shut-ins. They deliver to 6 area motels, shut-ins, on call people at the local fire stations, emergency squads, and all of the inmates & correction officers at the Burlington County Juvenile Detention Center. If you would like to come out and volunteer, contact the Christian Caring Center, 609-893-0700, Mon.-Sat., 10am - 3pm and they will be happy to see you there on Thanksgiving at 12:00 noon with your HOT cooked dish.
Come out and be a blessing and get Blessed!
Thank You! - Betty Mastrillo and Sue Dreisbach |
|
 The children of the Grace Place Preschool are getting ready for the Thanksgiving Feast on Nov 25th at 11am. It will be a fun-filled day with food and family members. The children are performing songs for the feast as well. Also, the Grace Place lunch program has been a huge success and more people are staying for the Extended Day program. After Thanksgiving break, the teachers and children will be ready to practice for the Christmas play.
|
EOS (Estimate of Sharing) for 2015 due back now!
 EOS cards are due. If you are using Simply Giving, please confirm your commitment with an EOS card. Those of you using Simply Giving, if you make a change of any kind, a NEW Simply Giving form must be received by the church in order for the change to be implemented (these can be printed from the website or are outside the church office). EOS cards (available in the Narthex) can be put in the box at church, at the office, in the offering plate, or just enter online at our website www.lordlife.us If you have already returned your estimate THANKS!! THANK TO EVERYONE for your support of the Ministries of your church!
================================== SOLAR Panel Update! Through the first ten months of 2014, the solar panels of the church have produced 53 solar renewable energy credits ( SRECs ). The church has sold these credits on the open market, and received $8,594. The funds received from the sale of the SRECs are used to support the daily ministries of the church. This is in addition to the power savings that the panels provide on bright sunny days! And since their installation we have offset more than 50,000 pounds of CO2! ====================================== Mortgage Reduction News! The payment on the church's mortgage is the largest recurring bill the church has (excluding salaries). The current payment to Thrivent for the church mortgage each month is $4,856. The term of the current 20-year mortgage ends in July, 2021. For the last several months, the Finance Team has been investigating the possibility of refinancing the current church mortgage. Four offers were researched. At the November, 2014 church council meeting, an offer from Thrivent to refinance the mortgage was approved that will reduce the church's mortgage rate of interest from 6% to 4%, and reduce the church's monthly payment by $300 each month (beginning in January 2015). The remaining principal value of the loan is roughly $322,645. The term of the refinanced mortgage remains the same. Over the remaining life (almost 7 years) of the loan, the church will save roughly $24,642. There were no up-front fees associated with this offer. ==> Thanks to the finance team for this great effort!!
==================================
==> Smile.Amazon.com <==
The last quarter Amazon Smile (smile.amazon.com) has contributed $26.29 to the church due to activity Jul thru Sep 2014. Remember if you shop on Amazon to use 'smile.amazon.com' and choose your favorite charity (for example: Lord of Life Tabernacle NJ) as your 'cause'! Thanks to those who have directed these monies so far. There is NO COST to you for using the program.
|
 The Auxiliary has returned from their summer hiatus and is gearing up for the holiday season ahead. First up is the Holiday Shoppe for residents which will be held in early December. This gives residents the opportunity to go "shopping" (for free) for gifts for their family. So, clean out those closets, drawers, and jewelry boxes as we are looking for items to put in the Shoppe such as purses, unused perfumes/colognes/after shave items, jewelry, trinkets, knick knacks, gently used children's toys, etc. Also needed are gift bags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, and tape as all items are also gift wrapped free of charge. We're also looking for greetings cards (not just Christmas) and 2015 calendars for the residents.
Do you have some time to spare on Sunday or have a teen who needs to complete some community service hours? The home is in desperate need of some volunteers to help get residents to Sunday service in the chapel. All that is involved is pushing a wheelchair. Help is needed from 10-10:30 (to service) and then again from 11:15-11:45 (from service). If you can help, please call Pastor Slotterback at L.C. at 856-235-1214.
Finally, the Auxiliary is looking for some larger items to put aside for their Spring Fling. There's a specific interest in bicycles, bicycle helmets, and some of the large plastic "things" used by toddlers. If you can help in this area, please call Carol at 609-654-4077.
|
 Yolanda Gaus (11/22), Jeff Dayton (11/24), Stephanie Vorwerk (11/27), Joe Snodgrass (11/27), Aiklie Gray (11/27), Hailey Schmid (11/27), Brad Fries (11/29), Emily Roemer (11/29), Doreen Bourbon (11/29), Emily Dayton (11/29), Jennifer Molchan (11/30), Amanda Tubic (11/30), Jennifer Steff (11/30), Jan Staub (11/30)
Carol Hartman (Dec 1), Judy Burgo (Dec 1), Kyle Hodum (Dec 2), Rob Koskela (Dec 2), Dan Smith (Dec 2), Joseph Thomas (Dec 3), Kaitlyn Glossner (Dec 3), Ashley Masly (Dec 3), Betty Ann Mastrillo (Dec 3), Kelsey Snodgrass (Dec 4), Katie Paetzold (Dec 4), Brad Parker (Dec 5), Matthew Schmid (Dec 5)
|
Upcoming Wedding Anniversaries
|
Katie & Ryan Paetzold (Nov-24)
|
Book Club 2014-2015 Reading List
|
 Here are the books for the 2014-2015 "season" of the Book Club! Contact Janell Reich for questions:
Date Title Author Genre
Dec 16 The Elephant Keepers' Children Peter Hoeg faith
Jan 20 A Walk in the Woods Bill Bryson humor
Feb 17 Shipping News Annie Proulx book to movie
Mar 17 Basketball Junkie C. Herren & B. Reynolds Cherokee HS
Apr 21 I know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou bio
May 19 The Kidnapped & the Ransomed Kate ER Pickard NJ
June 16 A Separate Peace John Knowles classic
|
Upcoming Special Musical Opportunities!
|
Celtic and Christmas Music by Charlie Zahm
Medford Historical Society
Medford Friends Meetinghouse, 14 Union Street
Thursday, December 4, 7:30 pm, free
Jersey Sound Chorus Christmas Concert
of Sweet Adelines International
Sacred Heart Church
103 Fourth Street, Riverton
Sunday, December 7, 3pm
South Jersey Pops Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 14th, 3pm, $8
Lenape High School
West Jersey Chamber Chorale and Harp
Ceremony of Carols and Seasonal Delights
First Presbyterian Church, Moorestown Sunday, December 14, 7:30, $20, $15 senior
Shawnee High School
Choral Concert
December 11, 6pm
Instrumental Concert, December 16, 7pm
Seneca High School Winter Concert December 18, 7pm
Golden Eagle Community Band Holiday Concer Pemberton Township High School December 19 & 20, 8pm, $7
|
= = = = = = = = = = = = Nov - Dec 2014 = = = = = = = = = = =
Saturday 11/22
6:00 pm - Service of the Word
Sunday 11/23
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Praise Team Rehearsal
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion & Sunday School
Monday 11/24
12:00 pm - 'Out to Lunch' group at Red Lion Diner
Tuesday 11/25
11:00 am - Grace Place Thanksgiving Feast (Fellowship Hall)
1:30 pm - Celebration Ringers
7:00 pm - Grace Place Board Meeting
Wednesday 11/26
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
7:00 pm - Thanksgiving Eve Service
Thursday 11/27
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving! (office closed)
Friday 11/28
(Pastor Sue's day off)
Saturday 11/29
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
Sunday 11/30 - 1 ADVENT
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Praise Team Rehearsal
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving with Holy Communion & Sunday School
11:30 am - Greening of the Church
5:00 pm - Advent Adventure
Monday 12/1
9:00 am - Staff Meeting
1:30 pm - Lutheran Crossings
Tuesday 12/2
1:30 pm - Celebration Ringers
5:00 pm - Women's Ministry Dinner to Bridge of Peace
7:00 pm - Stewardship Team
Wednesday 12/3
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
11:30 am - Soup, Song & Sacrament
6:00 pm - Worship Planning
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
Thursday 12/4
8:15 am - Christmas Community Hymn Sing at America's Keswick
10:00 am - Lutheran World Relief Quilting Group
7:00 pm - Girl Scout Event
7:30 pm - Finance Team
(Pastor Dave's Day off)
Friday 12/5
6:00 pm - Troop 24700 Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
6:30 pm - Staff / Council Dinner
(Pastor Sue's Day off)
Saturday 12/6
9:00 am - Parents' Day Out
3:00 pm - DeAngelis / DeCristofaro Wedding
6:00 pm - Service of Light & Reflection with Holy Communion
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
8:30 am - Child Protection Training
9:00 am - Praise Team Rehearsal
9:30 am - noon: Fellowship & Food
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Buchler Baptism,
Holy Communion, Nursery-2nd Grade Advent Program & Sunday School
10:00 am - Senior High Gospel Chat (Library)
10:00 am - Child Protection Training
Monday 12/8
7:00 pm - Council Meeting
Tuesday 12/9
1:30 pm - Celebration Ringers 7:00 pm - Social Ministry Team
Wednesday 12/10
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
6:00 pm - Women's Ministry Christmas Gathering
7:30 pm - New Life Choir rehearsal
==> LifeLines Inputs Due (Please send info to:lifelines@lordlife.us)
Thursday 12/11
(Pastor Dave's day off)
Friday 12/12
10:00 am - God Created...
(Pastor Sue's day off)
Saturday 12/13
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
Sunday 12/14 - 3 ADVENT
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Praise Team Rehearsal
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving with Holy Communion,
3rd-5th Grade Advent Programs & Sunday School
5:00 pm - Christmas Caroling
|
- - - - - "Save the Date" for these Upcoming Events - - - -
ONLINE: Estimate of Sharing ("EOS") form for 2015 are available in the Narthex or may be submitted online at www.lordlife.us (Note change of EOS does not change Simply Giving) - PLEASE return your EOS!
ONLINE: "Simply Giving" contribution form can be obtained by clicking here
|
|
|
OUR Purpose: Lord of Life is a welcoming community of forgiven people proclaiming the perfect love of Jesus Christ!
|
|
|
