Dec 19, 2014 Lord of Life Lutheran Church  Advent - The Season of Hope
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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 & Children's Ministry Coordinator
Regular Worship Services:
6pm Saturday
8:30 & 10am Sunday
1 Winchester Ct,
Tabernacle NJ 08088
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 Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Worship Services2 & 4pm: Family Friendly Worship with Holy Communion
"An UnFrozen Christmas"
8 & 10pm: Traditional Worship
with Holy Communion /
Candlelight
Dec 25 - Christmas Day Service at 10am
Services of Lessons & Carols with Communion followed by light brunch (Those staying for brunch are invited to bring something "brunchy" to share)
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From the Desk of Pastor Dave
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Brothers and Sisters...
Throughout my ministry I have encouraged people to celebrate, process and savor all 12 days of the Christmas season. Several times I penned faith-based lyrics for the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas"...on the first day of Christmas the good Lord gave to me...a baby in a manger, etc. Once I handed out 12 legends of Christmas at the Christmas Eve services which included the stories of Saint Lucy, Saint Nicholas and the history of the first Christmas tree and the meaning behind the candy cane. But I have decided this year to share with you 12 thoughts related to the Christmas experience. We begin with the reflections of Martin Luther from a 16th century sermon on the nativity and conclude with an insight from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. In between, we hear the thoughts of a variety of people who understand the truth that "Love came down at Christmas!"
Martin Luther - "To me there is no greater consolation given to mankind than this, that Christ became man, a child, a babe, playing in the lap and at the breasts of his most gracious mother. Who is there whom this sight would not comfort? Now is overcome the power of sin, death, hell, conscience and guilt, if you come to this gurgling Babe and believe that he is come, not to judge you, but to save."
Sunshine magazine - "The one who has no Christmas in their heart will never find Christmas under a tree."
Norman Vincent Peale - "Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
Helen Steiner Rice - "Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day."
Erma Bombeck - " There's nothing sadder in the world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."
Harlan Miller - "I wish I could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month."
Mother Theresa - "It is Christmas every time we let God love others through us...every time we smile at our sister and brother and offer them our hand."
Christmas card - "If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior."
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Father Sam Portaro - "Those who lingered around the manger in Bethlehem knew somehow that God was present, that a powerful reconciliation was beginning, a gap bridged between what has been and is yet to be. Come to the manger again today, hold the baby in mind and heart, and realize once again that God is with us."
Charles Dickens - "It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself."
African American Spiritual - "Jesus, Jesus, oh, what a wonderful child. Jesus, Jesus, so holy, meek, and mild; new life, new hope the child will bring. Listen to the angels sing: "Glory, glory, glory," let the heavens ring!"
Bishop Eaton - "Let's be gentle with ourselves and each other this Christmas. Let's not fret about imperfect lives and incomplete holiday preparations. We won't ever get it completely right. That's God's work. It is the best gift exchange ever."
Please enjoy these varied insights and consider them a gift from me and others who believe that the "Babe of Bethlehem is the Lord of Life!" See you at church this Christmas!
Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Jones
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ADVENT SUNDAY SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS: 
Advent 4 - Dec. 21st
"Peace" - Silent Night - All together
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Do You Want to Meet a Savior?
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 Do You Want to Meet a Savior? Then join us Christmas Eve at 2:00 or 4:00 for our "Unfrozen" Christmas program during worship. This worship experience is specifically designed with families in mind and will include Holy Communion at both of these services. Come and meet your savior once again! See you there! |
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We had 31 women gathered for our Christmas Gathering. Great food, fellowship and fun was had by all.
Weekend of Dec. 20th - Cookie trays will be on sale after the services. $10.00 for small and $15.00 for large. If you have ordered a tray, please make sure to pick it up. Thank you to all who purchased cookie trays. All the proceeds will be going to Penny Miller for her Haiti Sewing school.
If you are going to Messiah on Sunday, Dec. 21st, we will be leaving the church at 12:30 to carpool over to Philly. The show begins at 2. I will have the tickets before the 10 AM service.
I would like to wish everyone a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
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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.
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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!
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SOUNDS OF JOY AT LUTHERAN CROSSINGS
Monday, January 5th, 1:30
Come and share the joy of the 12 days of Christmas with our friends! Many hands are needed and all warm hearts are welcome!
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
New Study Beginning Wednesday, January 7th, 10:00
"Baptized, We Live - Lutheranism as a Way of Life"Start off the new year with a new venture. What is Lutheran Christianity? This study answers the question in a manner which avoids defining Lutheranism as primarily a system of doctrines. Instead, the text, images, and video focus on Lutheranism as "A Way of Seeing, Hearing, Teaching and Following." If you've never been part of a study or have for years, please know all are welcome! No experience necessary!
SAVE THE DATE! PEP "FESTIVAL ITALIANO LUNCHEON" FRIDAY, JANUARY 16TH
THANK YOU
...to all of our Helping Hands makers and supporters who made 267 sandwiches for the Christian Caring Center program in Browns Mills!...to Beth Blair for sharing both her heart and food for our PEP Christmas Luncheon!
and our special little friends from the Grace Place
who shared their Christmas Program!
and the Celebration Ringers and Alice Wilfrid for sharing their musical gifts!
And for everyone for sharing their Christmas spirit and joy!
Check out pictures of some of our events on the link to the website!
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Giving Tree-Over 300 Gifts!
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 'Twas the week before Christmas, in the church all did spy,
a mountain of presents reaching oh, oh, so high!
Games, dolls, fishing poles, and all sorts of toys,
bought with care for some special girls and boys.
A basketball, fire truck, and even a glove,
off to the Christian Caring Center sent with our love.
For Christmas means sharing with those in need,
a beautiful reflection of God's love indeed.
So thank you, yes thank you, your gifts will go miles
in making some very huge Christmas morn smiles!
As all was delivered we heard with a start,
"A blessed Christmas to all. May Christ's love warm your heart!"
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Just a quick reminder that Confirmation Learning sessions begin again on Sunday, Jan. 4th. Look for further information in the near future on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day retreat and the Chili Cook-Off. For Confirmation youth who missed learning sessions in the fall, there will be an opportunity for make-up work posted on the Faith Formation web site during the first week of January. Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to getting back into the swing of things with all of you again in January!
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Music & Worship Ministries
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We're practicing, we're preparing, and we're praying as we get ready for all of our Christmas Season worship services! For our hope for all of us is that our worship may be meaningful and our hearts open as we prepare
to celebrate our Savior, our greatest gift!
Sue Dreisbach, sued@lordlife.us Rick Krause, rick@lordlife.us |
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THAT YEAR - END GIFT TO THE CHURCH AND TAXES 
It is closing in on the end of year and your ability to use donations to affect your taxes. Click on THIS LINK to see .pdf file all about 'end of year' donations and tax implications for you. After Dec 31 the time is up for 2014 so be sure to act fast if you are interested in this. Be sure to always consult your tax adviser for details on tax matters. ==========================================================
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EOS (Estimate of Sharing) cards due now!
 MANY THANKS to everyone who has been able to return their EOS cards for 2015 - we have about 55% of the families returning their cards so far. These are important for our 2015 planning; even if you cannot make a commitment now please return with that indication, so we know where we stand.
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 THIS LINK or our website www.lordlife.us ("This Week" page)
If you are using Simply Giving in 2015 and if you made 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 on bulletin board outside the church office).
THANK TO EVERYONE for your support of the Ministries of your church! ==========================================================
==> Smile.Amazon.com <== 
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.
Remember: There is NO COST to you for using the program.
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Thrivent Choice - Check it Out!
 Login to your Thrivent account; you may be eligible to direct some funds (at NO cost to you) to the church! Just visit your Thrivent.com web page and it will be readily available for you to see. If you have questions please contact your Thrivent representative. Please hurry - these funds expire!!
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 Well December came upon us very quickly!!! The Grace Place is so excited to be practicing for the Christmas play. The children will be ready with costumes, song, and cheer. The play is December 19th at 6:30pm. Hope to see everyone there!
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 Lee Jennings (Dec 20), Eric Sinn (Dec 21), Laura Evans (Dec 21), Mike Wojtaszek (Dec 21), Carol Koskela (Dec 22), Mike Mignogna (Dec 22), Paul Horner (Dec 23), Keith Williams (Dec 24), Heather Vernier (Dec 25), Jennifer Prouse (Dec 25), John Maurer (Dec 26), Kristen Albinson (Dec 26), Jodi Shover (Dec 26), John McMichael (Dec 27), Lisa Masly (Dec 27), Chason Jervis (Dec 27), Lance Patterson (Dec 27), Myra Bell (Dec 28), Andrew Roppoli (Dec 28), Benjamin Schaeffer (Dec 29), Austin O'Brien (Dec 29), Mackenzie Mozitis (Dec 29), David Albinson (Dec 29), Christie Hopkins (Dec 30), Jack Kelly (Dec 30), Marielle Sarlo (Dec 30), Aaron Pyett (Dec 30), Aidan Vandegrift (Stull) (Dec 30), Jason Fennimore (Dec 31), Matthew Shields (Dec 31) Charles Heinsinger (1/1), Renee Thomas (1/1), Kaitlyn Heinrich (1/2), Jamie Jones (1/3), Susan Mann (1/3), John Tubic (1/3), Brett Steinhour (1/4), Ian Brown (1/5), Jim Cuviello (1/5), Jim McDowell (1/5), Marian Hollenbeck (1/6), Alexander Oakley (1/6), Nicky O'Neal (1/6), Kevin Shover (1/7), Donna Yates (1/7), Keith Blair (1/8), Regan Tarasewicz (1/8)
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Upcoming Wedding Anniversaries
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Hui-Fen & Bruce Kirschbaum (21-Dec)
Helena & Frank Humphreys (29-Dec)
Ruth & Dan Rinck (4-Jan)
Kirsten & Harry Granfors (5-Jan)
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Book Club 2014-2015 Reading List
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 Here are the books for the 2014-2015 "season" of the Book Club! Contact Janell Reich for questions:
Date Title Author Genre
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
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= = = = = = = = = = = = Dec 2014 - Jan 2015 = = = = = = = = = = =
Saturday 12/20
6:00 pm - Service Holy Communion
Sunday 12/21 - 4 Advent
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Praise Team Rehearsal
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion,
All Age Sunday School Advent Program & Sunday School
12:30 pm - carpool to the "Messiah" at Kimmel Center (2pm)
Monday 12/22
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
Tuesday 12/23
(open)
Wednesday 12/24 - Christmas EVE
2:00 pm - Family Services with Communion
4:00 pm - Family Services with Communion
8:00 pm - Candlelight Service with Communion
10:00 pm - Candlelight Service with Communion
Thursday 12/25 - Christmas DAY
10:00 am - Informal Service & Brunch Following
(office closed)
Friday 12/26
(Pastor Sue's day off)
Saturday 12/27
6:00 pm - Service of Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion
Sunday 12/28 - 1 Christmas
8:30 am - Service of Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion
10:00 am - Service of Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion
Monday 12/29
(open)
Tuesday 12/30
7:00 pm - Grace Place Board Meeting
Wednesday 12/31
(open) Thursday 1/1/2015 -A Blessed New Year!
(office closed)
Friday 1/2
(Pastor Sue's Day off)
Saturday 1/3
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Praise Team Rehearsal
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving, Sunday School,
& Confirmation Learning Session #5
Monday 1/5
9:00 am - Staff Meeting
1:30 pm - Lutheran Crossing (see Sue Dreisbach to participate)
Tuesday 1/6
(open)
Wednesday 1/7
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
7:30 pm - Women's Study
--> LifeLines Inputs due 'lordlife.news@gmail.com'
Thursday 1/8
7:30 pm - Finance Team
7:30 pm - LWR Quilting Group
(Pastor Dave's day off)
Friday 1/9
10:00 am - God Created... (open to all crafters - see Erin or Kris Gordon)
6:00 pm - Troop 24700 Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
(Pastor Sue's day off)
Saturday 1/10
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
Sunday 1/11
8:30 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Praise Team Rehaersal
10:00 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion,
Sunday School & Confirmation Learning Session #6
11:30 am - Senior High Lunch & Movie
NOTE : Next LifeLines will be Jan 9th, inputs due Wed Jan 7th to lordlife.News@gmail.com
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- - - - - "Save the Date" for these Upcoming Events - - - -
Jan 15 (Thu) : Blood Drive starts at 1pm, ends at 7pm at church
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
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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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