Nov 20, 2015 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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Thoughts in Print - by Pastor Sue
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Ministry Quicklinks
Email Feedback
Church Phone:
609-268-0262
Emails / phone ext:
Church Musician:
Worship & Adult/Sr. Ministry Director:
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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I know I'm not ready, how about you?!?! Are you ready for the Holiday Season to begin? It really dawned on me this afternoon as I realized that I was preparing for the Ecumenical Thanksgiving service at St. Mary of the Lakes THIS SUNDAY! Did you catch that... THIS SUNDAY! It's as if the flood gates have opened and I am being inundated with the realization of everything that needs to be done to make it through Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and the New Year and the darn clock is ticking.
At the same time I am also sitting at my desk in my office working on the details of our Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany worship booklet and preparing to lead Holden Evening Prayer along with Pastor Dave and Rick Krause throughout Advent at our Saturday evening worship services. As I do so I am reminded that our worship calls us to a different kind of holiday season; one in which the quiet of a lowly stable and a remarkable birth intended to inspire peace on earth and good will toward all of us speaks to my weary and frazzled heart and soul.
It's hard not to feel a little schizophrenic; pulled in one direction by the trappings of what we human beings have made of this season while at the same time tugged toward the reason for the season in the first place. In some ways it feels like I'm caught in a tug of war. So what's a person to do? Well, here's the answer that God has laid on my heart this evening - LET GO! Stop trying to win a tug of war with the Holy Spirit. See, if you really stop and think about it, we're the ones trying to pull one way while God is trying to draw us into something far more special and wonderful than we can ever hope to create for ourselves. We're the ones who allow ourselves to be in a tug of war because of what we have learned to believe is important about this time of year when God is calling us to simplicity and focus... Focus on the anticipation of a tiny helpless baby so like us who was born with the power to change the world forever.
I challenge you to LET GO this season! Let go of at least one thing that is nothing but chaos producing and distracting for you as we enter, not into the "holiday season", but into the season of Advent, into a season of light and hope, joy, peace, and love. Let go of anything that would distract you from what's really important this time of year - that you are loved beyond all reason by a gracious and glorious God who reveals that love to us in the most unexpected ways. Be thankful for that next week, and embrace what God has in store for you as we enter into the Advent season together.
Peace,
Pastor Sue
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 Thanksgiving Bags for the Christian Caring Center EXTENDED thru Sunday Nov 22nd!
There's still time to provide Thanksgiving dinner items for the many families in need who are served by the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills. If you can help in any way, here are items that are needed: turkey gift certificates from Acme, stuffing mix, canned vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, canned fruit, canned gravy and sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned juices, dessert mixes for cake, brownies, cookies, canned frosting. Please look for pop top lids on cans if possible or consider tossing in a can opener with your donation. Your support is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
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Attention all bakers!
Social ministry will once again be making cookie trays. Please bake and donate as many cookies as you can. They will need to be at church the morning of Saturday Dec 19. We will need help at 11:00 am putting the trays together. Last year we had lots of help and it only took two hours. We are hoping that it will go that fast again and expect it will with your help. Proceeds from the sale of the cookies tray will benefit needy families in our area.
Cookie tray sales
Please sign up to purchase cookie trays from social ministry. We will sell large trays for $20 and medium trays for $15. We will also have small boxes for $10. These trays make wonderful gifts and the proceeds will benefit needy families in the area. Please sign up as we cannot guarantee that we will have any left over for sale on the date of delivery. Trays will be available for pick up after services the weekend of Dec 19-20, 2015. Thank you for supporting this important project!
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Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to the 15 individuals that showed up on Saturday to remove the leaves from the church parking lot. A large group made the task go very quickly. Thanks to Chester Drago, Harry & Kirsten Granfors, Ed & Lu Hourihan, Philip & Linda Jagiela, Fran Jones, Renee Jones, Cindy Lee, Martin & Denise Mozitis, Ashley Vorwerk, Stephanie Vorwerk and Julie Vorwerk. Also Jim Moll, Matthew Vorwerk & Steve Vorwerk changed the light bulbs in the sanctuary and the narthex making things a little brighter.
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Stewardship at Lord of Life
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If you haven't done so already, the Stewardship Team invites you to be a part of the last sessions of the Fall Campaign. These are one hour sessions around refreshments, two way conversation, and discussion.
Please join us:
- Sunday - Nov 22 at 12 PM and 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall
If there are any questions please contact Doug Hess, doughess@aol.com, or Rick Osman, ossie3rick@aol.com.
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 2016 Estimate of Sharing - need inputs! The 2016 Estimate of Sharing (EOS) forms are now 'online' - please go to this link to submit your 2016 estimate. Or you may submit a traditional paper form which is available at the church. Thanks for supporting our Mission & Ministries!
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As the leaves change color and we witness the change of seasons, the church also prepares for seasonal change. It's hard to believe but Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas will be here in just a few weeks. The new liturgical year always brings a breath of fresh air to the church and to our lives.
The New Life Choir at Lord of Life is looking for people who would be willing to bring a breath of fresh air to our ministry and sing with us for the holidays. We all understand the pressure of a year-long commitment, and know that not everyone can do it. Yet, some people may be interested in offering their time and talent for a shorter period of time. Therefore, the upcoming time of year might be an excellent opportunity for you to help proclaim the Good News through music!
- Sunday, November 22: Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service (St. Mary of the Lakes)
- Wednesday, November, 25: Lord of Life Thanksgiving Service
- Sunday, November 29: Advent 1 Worship (8:15 AM)
- Sunday, December 6: Advent 2 Worship (8:15 AM)
- Sunday, December 13: Advent 3 Worship (8:15 AM)
- Sunday, December 20: Advent 4 Worship (8:15 AM)
- Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve Worship (8:00 PM)
Rehearsals are Wednesday nights (7:30 PM - 9:00 PM). I can provide you with all of the  music--as well as recordings of the songs--to help you learn them very quickly. Right now, the choir is singing anthems that have been sung in the past few years, so perhaps this may make it easier for you to commit.
Even if you are unable to join the choir for the upcoming church seasons, please consider singing with us at some point in the future. For example, Epiphany, Lent and Easter can also be a good time to join. No matter what, please pray for us as we continue to proclaim God's love and witness His grace each and every day.
If you have any questions, or would like to find out more information, please feel free to speak with the pastors, any choir member, or myself. We hope that the upcoming Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas seasons fill you with the spirit of Christ and that our music fills you with His presence each and every day. Blessings! Rick Krause
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Jazz Concert Series at LOL
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Jazz Concert Series continues at Lord of Life - Friday Nov 20th 7:30-10pm 
If you missed the first one, make sure you come to the 2nd in our series of Jazz concerts at Lord of Life which will feature a jazz keyboardist. Members get a reduced rate of $10, and feedback was wonderful from the first concert. We will also have another night scheduled on Dec 11th that features the Andrea Brachfeld trio.
Come over, kick back, and enjoy!
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Advent Family Night - Sun Nov 29 - 6:30pm
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 This year during Advent Family Night, we will be having a craft night to help you and your family prepare for the Christmas Season. The display is up, so now we need you to sign up! There are 6 craft opportunities. Please invite your family and friends to be a part of this joyous occasion. Please join us for a fun filled evening of fellowship. It is Sunday, Nov 29, starting at 6:30pm, and there will be devotions and refreshments available.
This will be a free will offering event (thanks to donation from the Thrivent financial action teams). |
 Elementary Sunday School
Nov 29 - Dec 6 - Dec 13 - Dec 20
The Magi were on a quest - following a star to find the child king foretold in prophecy. Along their journey, they encountered both the dark and the light, both good and bad. In the end they met Jesus, the true star of their trip, and light of the world. Join the quest each Sunday in Advent at 9:30 and during the 10:30 service. |
ADULT BIBLE STUDY  WEDNESDAYS, 10-11:30
Life From the UpSide, by J. Ellsworth Kalas, continues! Here's an excerpt..."There is God. And because there is God, there is goodness. I profoundly believe that God is at work in our world and that our planet has not yet been written off as a lost cause...God is always at work, usually, I think, behind the scenes. And because of God, faith, love, and goodness keep being reborn." Join in with this very engaging group as we learn, discuss, question, and enjoy lively
conversation about our faith journeys.
All are welcome!
HELPING HANDS MONDAY, NOV 30, 12:30pm All hands and hearts are welcome as we make sandwiches for our neighbors in need who are served by the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills. Over 250 sandwiches are made each month. Our thanks to all of those who support this program and to Thrivent Financial, Inc., for providing an Action Team grant for meats and cheeses this month.
AMERICA'S KESWICK COMMUNITY HYMN SING
December 3rd-Christmas Spectacular with special guest pianist, Michael Faircloth, and the Festival of Christian Christmas Trees
This is a wonderful event that includes a light breakfast, wonderful program of devotion and music, and a scrumptious lunch, all for $12! We have one seat left!
Please see Sue Dreisbach.
SOUNDS OF JOY AT LUTHERAN CROSSINGS IN MOORESTOWN
MONDAY, DEC 7, 1:30pm
Help us to spread some Advent cheer as we share the love of Jesus through The Word and song! More hands and hearts are always needed to bring residents to the Chapel and to meet and greet them with loving care. Please see Sue for more information.
THANK YOU!
...to all of our cooks and Christmas Giving Tree tag makers who made our PEP ThanksLiving Luncheon such a wonderful time of fellowship and service!
Check out pictures of some of our events on the link to the website!
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Music & Worship Ministries
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THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE at Lord of Life!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH, 7 pm
Before the turkey, before the gatherings, before the football games, let us join together in giving thanks to God, the source of all of our gifts! This year we'll celebrate with the Word, music,
and the Skit Guys!
The holidays are coming and we'd love to have you share your gifts!
Whatever your age or ability, if you've got the desire, we'll provide the support to use them!
Be a part of the New Life Choir!
Practice on Wednesdays at 7:30, contact Rick Krause
Be a part of the Praise Team! Practice on Sundays at 9:30 in the Library, contact Sue Dreisbach
Be a part of the Celebration Ringers!
Upcoming practices: 11/24, 12/1,8,15,22 at 1:45,
contact Sue Dreisbach Special Music for Christmas Eve!
Practices arranged for Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings. Please see Rick or Sue.
Worship Assistants Needed 
=> Altar Guild (to set up communion and altar and clean up after service - scheduled rotationally) => Communion Assistants
Qualifications required: Love for the Lord and a grateful heart.
Prior experience not necessary as training will be provided.
Sue Dreisbach, sued@lordlife.us Rick Krause, rick@lordlife.us |
Poinsettias for Christmas
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 Please help decorate our sanctuary by purchasing a poinsettia for Christmas. You may purchase one for $9.00 and make a dedication to anyone you wish. It may be "in honor of" or "in memory of".
There is a flyer on the bulletin board with envelopes for your donation. All dedications must be received by Sunday,December 13th
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Dec. 1st - Bridge of Peace Christmas Dinner
If anyone can bake some cookies, that would be greatly appreciated. We are also collecting gloves and jackets for the children. If you can help in anyway pls let me know.
Dec. 6th - McCarter Theater - A Christmas Carol - $40 - 5:30pm showtime
We will be going somewhere to eat in the area before we head up to Princeton. Please let Betty know if you would be joining us. She will get directions soon. Here's a link for a preview...http://www.mccarter.org/achristmascarol2015/
Dec. 16th - Women's Christmas Party
Please bring an appetizer of dessert to be shared with everyone. Also, if you would like to join our ornament exchange, bring a wrapped ornament (no more than $10.00) and join in the fun!! A sign up sheet will be put up by end of November.
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Meals for Craig - This is an ongoing effort; if you can help please sign up.
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Advent - Women's Retreat at Lord of Life
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Prepare My Heart, Lord Jesus! Advent - A Season for All Generations
Come together with fellow women travelers of all ages and share a journey through Advent - a timeless journey that involves both young and young at heart in experiencing Jesus anew! Together we'll share scripture, conversation, worship, food, and fellowship...
December 12, 2015
9:30AM - 3:00PM
$15.00 per person
Please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex or contact Pastor Sue to register.
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Tune up voices for Christmas Caroling
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We will be continuing our annual tradition of Christmas Caroling on Sunday Dec 13th, meeting at the church at 4pm, caroling, and returning by 5:30pm for pizza, cookies, and hot chocolate! Yippee!
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Highlights from Council Meeting
Monday, Nov 9, 2015
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- The congregation is roughly $59,664 in the red as of the end of October. The year to date average worship attendance as of Oct 31 was 201, last year it was 225.
- The yearly audit led by Brigitte Watson is completed.
- Three snow plowing bids were reviewed and council voted to sign a contract with Russo's Landscaping.
- The Stewardship team has done a presentation to 47 families in the past 7 sessions with 35 additional families signed up for the next 4 sessions. This is one way that council is trying to communicate information with the congregation in a better way.
- Social Ministry requested and received approval for the following:
- Thanksgiving bags
- Giving Tree
- Cookie Tray Sale
- Events:
- Women's Ministry Dinner-Tuesday, 11/17
- Family Advent Night-Sunday, 11/29
- Women's Christmas Party-Wednesday, 12/16
- Christmas Services
- Christmas Eve services: 2:00, 4:00, 8:00 & 10:00pm
- Christmas Day service: 10:00 am with a Potluck Brunch following.
- No Service on Saturday night
- One service on Sunday morning at 9:30am
- The nominating committee has started making calls for the 2016 election of council members. Barbara Wagner, Betty Mastrillo & Donna Rudderow will be leaving council.
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We are seeking a Junior High Mission Trip Coordinator.
The Junior High trips have traditionally been rotational in locations from Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC. Trips occur in late June or early July and service opportunities vary from serving meals to the hungry, gleaning in farm fields, moving furniture, collecting and sorting donations which become supplies for everyday life for recipients, to writing welcome notes to refugees etc. If you believe you have the heart and ability to lead this vital ministry, please let Lu Hourihan know or speak to one of the Pastors.
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 Fellowship Hosts
Many of you have been enjoying the fellowship time between the church services each and every Sunday. We hope to continue this for several months to come. Each Sunday a different ministry has been the host and has supplied the goodies. If you would like to bake something or purchase something for this event there is a sign up sheet posted in the Narthex where you can pick the date you would like to help us out.
If you have any questions please get in touch with Lu Hourihan or Carolyn Cuviello.
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 The Auxiliary is gearing up for the Holiday Shop for the residents. Any resident is able to go "shopping" for gifts for their family members, free of charge. But, we need your help. We need things for them to pick from.
So, clean out your dressers, closets, basement attic. We're looking for gently used items to add to the shop. We'll take wallets, scarves, jewelry, perfume, powder, body lotion, pocketbooks, belts, knick-knacks, toys for children, etc.
We are also in need of tape, scissors, bows, gift bags and tags, tissue, and wrapping paper. All items will be delivered to L.C. by Thanksgiving so please place your items in the donation box ASAP. Thank you for helping to make someone's holiday a little brighter.
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Book club with our 2015-2016 season of books! Join us!
Tuesday - 7pm on:
Dec. 15 No Future without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu
- memoir of healing and faith in South Africa
2016
Jan. 19 The Road to Character by David Brooks
- morality and ethics
Feb. 16 Evensong by Gail Godwin
- novel about faith & family
Mar. 15 Find the Good: Unexpected Life Lessons from a Small Town Obituary
by Heather Lende
- life lessons in Alaska
Apr. 19 Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
- historical fiction Depression Era
May 17 World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne
- memoir, health and faith
June 21 The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
- historical fiction slavery in Charleston |
Marie Lamb (11/21), Dawn Heinrich (11/21), Tracey Gibboni (11/21), Austin Romanuski (11/21), Yolanda Gaus (11/22),
Jeff Dayton (11/24), Stephanie Vorwerk (11/27), Aiklie Gray (11/27), Joe Snodgrass (11/27), Hailey Schmid (11/27),
Emily Roemer (11/29), Doreen Bourbon (11/29),
Emily Dayton (11/29), Brad Fries (11/29), Jan Staub (11/30),
Jennifer Molchan (11/30), Amanda Tubic (11/30),
Jennifer Steff (11/30), Carol Hartman (12/1), Dan Smith (12/2),
Bob Koskela (12/2), Joseph Thomas (12/3), Ashley Masly (12/3),
Betty Ann Mastrillo (12/3), Kaitlyn Glossner (12/3),
Kelsey Snodgrass (12/4)
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LifeLines Editor(s) needed!
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 Still need an editor for the Lifelines for 2016. There is still time to get acquainted with the process this year. The newsletter is edited online with only a web browser - very easy to do. If you can type and use a mouse, and have internet - you are all set!
Or if 2 or more people are interested it could be a co-editor position which makes it even easier! About 4-5 hours are needed every 2 weeks (with current schedule of 26 issues / year). If you'd like to explore what is involved please email lifelines@lordlife.us and we will give you a demo, or you can ask Bill or Sue Dreisbach for more information. Thanks for considering this ministry opportunity!
(Only 2 more issues in 2015!)
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Editor's Note: The LifeLines is published every 2 weeks. Inputs of interest to church members can be submitted to 'lifelines@lordlife.us' anytime, but are normally due the Tuesday before the Friday bi-weekly publication. The remaining publication dates for 2015 are Dec 4 & Dec 18. Then there will be a 3 week delay until Jan 8, 2016.
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Saturday 11/21
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
8:15 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:30 am - Faith Formation & Fellowship
9:30 am - Praise Team Rehearsal (library)
9:30 am - Confirmation Learning Session
10:30 am - Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving Service with Holy Communion
12:00 pm - Stewardship Program
4:00 pm - NJ Synod Ordination Service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Heightstown
7:00 pm - Stewardship Program
7:00 pm - Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service & Choir Fest at St. Mary's
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Monday 11/23
(open)
Tuesday 11/24
10:00 am - Grace Place Thanksgiving Feast (Fellowship Hall)
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers
7:00 pm - Grace Place Board Meeting
Wednesday 11/25
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast 10:00 am - Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm - Thanksgiving Eve Service with Holy Communion
Thursday 11/26
Have a Grateful THANKSGIVING! (church closed)
Friday 11/27
(open)
(Pastor Sue's day off)
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10:00 am - Eagle Scout Court of Honor & Reception
6:00 pm - Advent Holden Evening Prayer Service with Holy Communion Sunday 11/29
8:15 am - Advent Service of Holy Communion 9:30 am - Praise Team Rehearsal 9:30 am - Faith Formation & Fellowship 10:30 am - Advent Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion & Star Trip
11:30 am - Greening of the Church
6:30 pm - Advent Family Night
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Monday 11/30
9:00 am - Staff Meeting
12:30 pm - Helping Hands
Tuesday 12/1
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers
4:45 pm - Women's Ministry Dinner to Bridge of Peace
6:00 pm - Mutual Ministry
Wednesday 12/2
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
7:00 pm - Women's Study
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
Thursday 12/3
9:00 am - America's Keswick Christmas Spectacular
(Pastor Dave's day off)
Friday 12/4
6:00 pm - Council / Staff Dinner
(Pastor Sue's day off)
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Saturday 12/5
6:00 pm - Advent Holden Evening Prayer Service with Duncan Baptism & Holy Communion
8:15 am - Advent Service of Holy Communion
9:30 am - Praise Team Rehearsal (library)
9:30 am - Faith Formation & Fellowship
10:30 am - Advent Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion & Star Trip
5:30 pm - "A Christmas Carol", McCarter Theatre, Princeton
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Monday 12/7
1:30 pm - Lutheran Crossings
Tuesday 12/8
1:45 pm - Celebration Ringers
6:30 pm - Christian Caring Center Board Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
Wednesday 12/9
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
12:00 pm - Out to Lunch Group @ Shamong Diner
6:00 pm - Worship Planning
7:00 pm - Women's Study
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
Thursday 12/10
7:30 pm - Quilt Ministry
7:30 pm - Finance Team
(Pastor Dave's day off)
Friday 12/11
10:00 am - God Created...
6:00 pm - Girl Scouts (Fellowship Hall)
7:30 pm - Jazz Concert featuring Andrea Brachfield Trio
- open to all! (LOL members get $10 admission = 1/2 price!)
(Pastor Sue's day off)
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Saturday 12/12
9:30 am - Women's Retreat (Fellowship Hall - ends at 3pm)
6:00 pm - Advent Holden Evening Prayer Service with Holy Communion
8:15 am - Advent Service of Holy Communion
9:30 am - Praise Team Rehearsal
9:30 am - Faith Formation & Fellowship
10:30 am - Advent Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving with Holy Communion & Star Trip
4:00 pm - Christmas Caroling (returning by 5:30pm for pizza and hot chocolate!)
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- - - - - "Save the Date" for these Upcoming Events - - -
Dec 11 Jazz Show at Lord of Life - featuring jazz flutist Andrea Brachfeld for a trio program!
Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Worship Services
2 & 4pm: Family Friendly Worship with Holy Communion
8 & 10pm: Traditional Worship with Holy Communion / Candlelight
Dec 27 - 9:30am service only (no service Fri Dec 25 or Sat Dec 26)
Jan 14, 2016 - Blood Drive at Lord of Life from 1pm-6pm
ONLINE: "Simply Giving" contribution form - get by click here SG
ONLINE: Stewardship 2016 'Estimate of Sharing' click here EOS
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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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