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~Holy Week~
Happenings at Lord of Life Lutheran Church
"Where Everybody is Somebody...and Jesus is Lord!"
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"Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last."
Luke 23:46 NRSV
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Phone: (609) 268-0262
Hours:
Tuesday Through Friday
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Pastor Wendolyn Trozzo
Phone: (609) 268-0262
Ed Hourihan
Council President
lol_prez@lordlife.us
Debbie Chromeck
Church Secretary
Extension 301
Janell Reich
Adult Ministry
Extension 305
Breanne Tomlinson
Children, Youth &
Family Ministry
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Junior & Senior
High Ministry
Extension 302
Building And Grounds
Council Representative
Deborah DeMarco
Grace Place
Extension 306
(609) 268-2756
Carolyn & James Cuviello
LifeLines Editors
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MISSED A LIFELINES?
Here are links to previous issues:
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From The Pastor's Desk...
Greetings in the name of our Lord!
A new pastor means many new things. This year's Good Friday service is quite different from what is done in most places; that meant a lot of explaining what "wrapping the cross" would mean to the  many people who helped make the service a reality. I have been blessed by the flexibility of our people, by willingness to try new things, by the trust people have shown in letting me stretch my wings a bit. To this pastor, that is a significant gift and one that is not taken for granted.
This is but a pale shadow of the chaos and confusion of that first Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Those days were a time of someone doing a very new thing in the absolute least expected way. And yet God's people were met by their Lord - and found a new way forward that none could have predicted. So, too, for us: God meets us and carries us into a future that continues to morph and change, a future in which we are called to adjust and respond, relate and engage. May this Holy Weekend be for you a joyous surprise and a beckoning call.
Peace,
Pastor Wendolyn
"Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus." - Mother Theresa
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Pastor Would Like To Visit You!
Pastor Wendolyn has been vaccinated and can make home visits! Please find your way into her schedule book either by calling or texting her at 609-286-4533 or emailing her. Daytime, evenings, and weekends are all available, as are phone conversations or set ZOOM times. There doesn't have to be a special reason to be visited by your pastor - it is simply a blessing to be together!
Pastor's Contact Information:
-Cell phone: 609-286-4533 - available 24/7 though I do not answer while driving or visiting.
-Instagram: Wendofish - younger folks rely on this app, so please encourage them to connect with me here!
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Sunday Church Services
Outdoor Sunday Church Services:
Outdoor Sunday Worship Services with Holy Communion are held at 10:00 AM on Sunday mornings in the church parking lot (rain or shine). Please note that there is a special schedule for Easter Sunday. Outdoor services on Easter Sunday will be held at both 8:15 AM and at 10:00 AM. Weather permitting, we will be using a "lawn chair" format for our outdoor services. Please bring your chairs with you!
Social distancing will be observed at all outdoor services. Also, please bring masks with you.
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Virtual, YouTube Sunday Services:
Our current pre-recorded Sunday Worship Service video will be available on the Lord Of Life YouTube website beginning at 6:00 AM on Sunday morning. That service video and previous ones will remain on our YouTube website for viewing at any time.
A direct link for viewing the service will be posted on the church's Facebook page.
Links are below to both the Lord Of Life YouTube website and Facebook page.
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Saturday Evening Worship,
Beginning On April 10th
In The Church Sanctuary
At 5:00 PM:
Beginning on Saturday, April 10th, there will be church services in our church building Sanctuary! We will observe social distancing and limit the number of attendees according to current guidelines. Please wear masks when attending these services.
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Parking Lot Ushers Needed!
There will be a need for ushers at all of our outdoor services. If you would like to help out as an usher, please email Alan Dennison with your availability.
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Youth Lent-stagram Project
Thank You Sponsors!
Our youth wish to thank all of their sponsors! They greatly appreciate your support of their Lenten project.
Breanne is in the process of contacting sponsors and letting you know the amount of your donation or the number of prayers to be offered. Thank you again for supporting our youth!
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Good Friday, Saturday Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday Services, And Events
Join us for our Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Services and events!
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Friday, April 2, 2021
Virtual Service On Our YouTube Website
Available All Day Beginning At 6:00 AM
Outdoor Lawn Chair Worship Service In
The Church Parking Lot At
12:00 Noon And 6:30 PM
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Saturday, April 3, 2021
5:00 PM
Outdoor Lawn Chair Worship Service In
The Church Parking Lot
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Sunday, April 4, 2021
Virtual Service On Our YouTube Website
Available All Day Beginning At 6:00 AM
Outdoor Lawn Chair Worship Service In
The Church Parking Lot at
8:15 AM and 10:00 AM
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Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021
10:00 AM
Youth Activity Event:
Making Resurrection Eggs At The Church
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2 Sessions Now Available:
ZOOM And Parking Lot!
Pastor Wendolyn will lead two groups in a Bible Study centered around the readings in the Celebrate, on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons.
The Tuesday night Zoom session begins April 13th at 7:00 PM.
The Wednesday afternoon parking lot session begins April 14th at 1 PM.
(Please note that there are no sessions on Tuesday, April 6th or Wednesday, April 7th.)
A new ZOOM link is being created for these sessions. Church members will be provided the link by email prior to the sessions.
All are welcome to join in!
If you have any questions, you can contact Pastor by email. A link is provided below.
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Resurrection Eggs Activity
Easter Sunday, April 4th
10:00 AM
Youth, come gather at the church on Easter Sunday for this fun and learning activity!
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First Communion Instruction
Saturday, April 17th
And
Saturday, April 24th
From 9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
First Communion instruction will be held in April. Children who are 8 years old or in Second Grade are eligible to participate. Invitations have been sent out, but there is a possibility that we missed someone. If your child eligible and did not receive an invitation, please contact the church office immediately!
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Other Upcoming Youth Events:
Sunday, April 18th At 4:00 PM
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Sunday, April 25th At 4:00 PM
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Volunteers Needed!
We need volunteers for Youth Group and BFF. New rules require at least 2 confirmed members of Lord of Life be present at any youth activity. They also must have been a church member for at least 6 months. We will use a "rotating" schedule, so the more volunteers we have, the less your commitment time will be. Volunteers will not be required to actively participate in any youth activity, but you certainly are welcome to join in! If you are willing to volunteer for either of these important ministries, please contact Breanne Tomlinson by email.
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If you have any questions or are able to volunteer, please email Breanne Tomlinson. A link to her email is below.
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Grace Place News
From Director Deborah DeMarco
April At The Grace Place
The Grace Place children look forward to a busy month in April. They will watch their caterpillars transform into butterflies, learn new letters, have fun with colors, read books at library time, and focus on the number 10. For science, we will answer the question, "What makes rain?" Our shape of the month is a cross (We are always thinking of Jesus!), and we will continue Chapel Time with Pastor Wen. The children will learn new sight words, make crafts, and classify objects for math. All of the classes will go outside on Tuesday, April 13th to Blow Bubbles for Autism Awareness.
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Grace Place, 2021-2022
We are accepting registrations for our 2021-2022 program which begins in September. Spaces are fulling up fast!
To enroll your child or to get more information, please contact the Director, Deborah DeMarco. A link to her email is below.
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An April 2nd Update From Janell Reich
Our April Program At
Cambridge Senior Living
Tuesday, April 6th At 2:00 PM
Program Recording Via ZOOM:
On Tuesday, April 6th, at 2:00 PM, we will record our April program for the residents of Cambridge via ZOOM. If you would like to participate and bring joy to others, please contact Janell Reich or Sue Dreisbach by email. Links to their emails are at the end of the article.
Monday, April 12th
Program To Be Available For Residents:
We will "air" the program that was recorded on April 6th. Participants who were in the recording do not have to be present for this event on April 12th. We thank all in advance who helped to make this a meaningful ministry to our friends at Cambridge!
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Book Club
Tuesday, April 20th At 1:00 PM
The Book Club will meet in the church parking lot on Tuesday, April 20th at 1:00 PM and begin a discussion on Jeanine Cummins' book, "American Dirt."
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Lunch Bunch At Evergreen Dairy Bar
And Restaurant:
Thursday, April 15th At 11:30 AM
Join us for food and fellowship at the Evergreen!
Please let Janell Reich or Barb Wagner know if you plan to attend so that we can have ample table
space available. There are also outdoor picnic tables. So please let us know if you are interested in that option. Links to both Janell's and Barbara's emails are at the end of this article.
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Parking Lot, Outdoor Hymn Sing
Saturday, April 17, 2021 At 2:00 PM
(Rain Date, Saturday, April 24, 2021
At 2:00 PM)
On Saturday, April 17th at 2:00 PM (Rain Date, Saturday, April 24th at 2:00 PM), Lord Of Life Music Director Rick Krause will lead us in an outdoor hymn sing. We hope the weather cooperates to have it be a "lawn chair" event. Come join us for an hour of fellowship and song!
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Devotion And Walk At Smithville Park
Monday, April 26th At 10:00 AM
Join with us for a devotional and walk at Historic Smithville. We will park in the main lot near the mansion and meet for a brief devotional at the picnic benches outside of the visitor center in back of the mansion at the end of the parking lot. Walking options range from a short stroll around the historic buildings on paved surfaces (with plenty of benches and views) to a two mile hike
around the loop path through the woods and over a floating trail.
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Diversity Discussion Group,
Thursday, April 29th, 1:00 PM
(In The Church Parking Lot,
Weather Permitting)
Our first meeting was a great success and our next discussion will take place on Thursday, April 29th at 1:00 PM in the church parking lot. Click on the link below to read a summary of our discussion and some other information shared during our first meeting.
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If you have questions about Adult Ministry, email Janell Reich. A link is provided below.
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Spring Cleanup Day Scheduled!
Saturday, April 17th, 8:30 AM
(Rain Date, Saturday, April 24th)
Volunteers Needed!
A Message From Keith Lerner, Grounds And Cleanup Coordinator
Our Lord of Life Church Grounds Spring Cleanup Day will be held on, Saturday, April 17th, beginning at 8:30 AM. (The rain date is Saturday, April 24th.) I am asking for all volunteers to meet me in the church parking lot by 8:30 AM on the scheduled date. Plan on approximately 4 hours of work, but any amount of time you can devote will be greatly appreciated.
Tasks:
We need help with weeding, raking, trimming of shrubs and tree branches, etc. We are also planning to tidy up the back corner of the parking lot by removing the basketball posts, railroad ties, and mulch pile.
Viral Vigilance:
Due to Covid-19, we are asking everyone to wear masks and observe social distancing unless you are working with family members.
Please Bring:
It is recommended that you bring your own work gloves, hand sanitizer, water and snacks. The church will provide tools, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Plan To Help? Let Keith Know:
If you plan to help with our cleanup, please contact Keith Lerner via email (jklerner@comcast.net) or call 609-922-8975 (cell) to let me know if you will be helping.
We appreciate any time you can spare to
volunteer for this project!
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Parking Request On April 17th
(And The Rain Date, April 24th)
If you are at the church for the cleanup day or for other activities on that day, please park in the back section of the parking lot. We are planning to sweep debris from the front two sections. Thanks!
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American Red Cross Blood Drive At Lord Of Life
Tuesday, April 27, 2021,
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Our next American Red Cross blood drive at Lord Of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 27th in Fellowship Hall. All needed protocols regarding Covid-19 will be in place to assure a safe environment.
During the pandemic, blood has been in short supply and your donations are vital and greatly appreciated.
You must sign up in advance in order to participate. A link is provided below to do so.
There is no substitute for volunteer blood donors because blood cannot be manufactured. Donors are the key to helping save lives and so are you! April is National Volunteer Month - the perfect time to thank blood donors at our upcoming blood drive! As a special thank-you, when donors give between April 1-30, they'll automatically be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. There will be five winners, so spread the word and help fill our blood drive schedule by encouraging your friends, family and co-workers to make an appointment today!
Thank you in advance for your anticipated blood donation!
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Outdoor Services Begin!
On Sunday, March 21st, we held our first outdoor worship service in 2021! All attendees were thankful to be able to worship together on our church grounds. The following week on Palm Sunday, we had hoped to be in lawn chairs, but it was raining and the wind was gusting as these photos indicate. Let's hope the weather cooperates as we look forward to Easter Sunday.
Outdoor services will be available during Holy Week as stated in this LifeLines. We hope to be able to use a "lawn chair" format when the weather cooperates. Indoor services on Saturday evenings will begin on Saturday, April 10th. Recorded services will also continue to be available on our YouTube website.
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Palm Sunday Crafts,
Bible Stories, And
Easter Egg Hunt
There was a break in the weather which made it possible to hold our outdoor youth activity on our church campus on Palm Sunday afternoon. The children had crafts to make, bible stories to hear, and hunt for Easter eggs! Volunteers sported some unique Easter bonnets, and the Easter Bunny greeted the children, which added to the fun. A good time was had by all!
Thanks to all our helpers who made this event a successful one!
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Quilting Ministry:
A Message From Gloria Brosious
The Quilting Ministry is in need of fabric. We have completely exhausted our stash of donated fabric. This is a time when we are looking forward to Spring, and you might take stock of fabric for which you have no use. We certainly would appreciate any donation of fabric suited to our quilts.
We use cotton fabric in our quilts which we cut into squares that measure 11 inches by 11 inches. 48 of the squares are needed to make one quilt. Any amount of fabric is appreciated. We can find many ways to put together bright and colorful quilts from all of your donated fabric.
Donations of cotton fabric would be greatly appreciated. Should you find heavier fabric such as denim, we can use that for the market bags for Bridge of Peace. We seem to find uses for all of the donations.
In addition to fabric, we need used flat-sheets in good condition in all sizes for backing for the quilts. Also, Walmart sells new flat sheets individually for less than $7.00. We have found them to be of good quality.
Donated fabric and flat-sheets can be left by the quilting table display in the church Narthex. Please mark them, "For the Quilt Ministry."
The quilters have been busy and have completed over 40 quilts since bringing our last delivery to the collection center in November 2020. The quilter's closet was filled with finished quilts, and they are now boxed to allow room for more completed quilts and fabric donations.
The batting that we use within the quilts has been purchased with gift cards from church members who have Thrivent accounts. Thrivent offers monetary support for our ministry. Our thanks to all those who supported this ministry in any way! Our quilts have been shipped to 15 countries, and they are so appreciated by the recipients who receive them.
If you have any questions, please contact the Quilting Ministry leader, Gloria Brosious by email. A link is provided below.
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Fly Eagles Fly!
(And We're Not Talkin' Football!)
A pair of eagles has been spotted frequenting the Lord of Life campus and cell phone tower. Eagles are in Tabernacle and the surrounding area. You might have seen some in your travels, and maybe you will be able to see some at LOL. If you are on the church grounds, look around in the trees and at the top of the cell phone tower. They do "spook" easily so a suggested place to try to see them is the location at the end of our Meditation walk pathway.
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Partners In Mission:
Our Regular Collection Continues
BOP food pantry is in need of canned soups (for the colder weather), cans of tuna or chicken, along with the regular items (Parmalot, cereal, pancake mix, syrup, etc.). Our collection container remains located outside the LOL church kitchen entrance, and there is a collection cart in the church entryway.
Thank you everyone for your support!
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Partners In Mission:
We Continue Our Support Of
The CCC
Our regular collection is ongoing, and your support is greatly appreciated. Hand operated can openers and canned food with pull tabs are especially welcomed. Please use the blue container outside the kitchen doorway or the cart in the church entryway for your donations.
Thank you for your support!
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Active Bystander Training
On-Line Workshop
The NJ Synod is providing an on-line workshop dealing with how our faith can stem racism and support diversity. In this 2-hour session, you will learn how to DIRECT, DISTRACT, DELEGATE AND DOCUMENT - safely and faithfully! This is a FREE online event, offered on April 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM and 12:00 Noon, and on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 7:00 PM. A link is provided below to register.
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A Letter From NJ Synod
Bishop Tracie Bartholomew
Our Bishop, Tracie Bartholomew has written this Easter message to all. Use the link below to read it.
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Virtual Retreat
April 7, 2021
Wednesdays Away is a program that provides a time of spiritual renewal one Wednesday a month from September through June. The next virtual Wednesdays Away retreat will be held on Wednesday, April 7th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on ZOOM. The theme is "Christ is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!"
Use the following link to register.
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Lutherans Restoring Creation Special On-Line Service
Lutherans Restoring Creation is happy to present the ELCA community with another special online service in celebration of Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be preaching as part of this special service of liturgy, visual journeys, musical offerings, pastoral insights, and inspiration from lay leaders. Use the link below to register to receive the needed links and instructions to view the service. Once available, the service may be viewed at any time. The deadline to register is Sunday, April 18th. For additional information, a link to the Lutherans Restoring Creation website is also provided below.
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Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's
Easter Message
ELCA Bishop Eaton has recorded a brief Easter message to share with all! Use the link below to hear it.
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Two Summer Programs For 2021:
Virtual And Residential
The Lutheran Summer Music
Virtual Remote Session,
Sunday, June 27th - Sunday, July 25th
The Lutheran Summer Music Academy (LSM) is thrilled to announce a fully online Remote Session for the summer of 2021! While the flagship in-person program is still currently being planned with appropriate modifications, the Remote Session provides an opportunity for students and families who are unable to travel to campus this summer due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Following the success of LSM's first online programs, we are excited to provide the most comprehensive and engaging program yet this summer.
Students enrolled in the Remote Session will take advantage of all the excellent musical instruction and enrichment that LSM has to offer, including a minimum of eight private lessons, performance opportunities, topics in worship, and exclusive elective sessions designed specifically for those learning from home. All you need is a reliable internet connection!
This program will be offered at the significantly discounted rate of $745 for four weeks of instruction, June 27-July 25. Use the link below for more information and to enroll.
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The Lutheran Summer Music Resident Program
Sunday, June 27th - Sunday, July 25th
Valparaiso University
Our resident program will once again be held at Valparaiso University. The application deadline is Saturday, May 15, 2021. Full refunds are available for students who withdraw from LSM for any reason until Thursday, April 1, 2021. Students may switch between the on-campus program and the remote session an unlimited number of times without penalty until Saturday, May 15, 2021. Use the link below for more information and to apply.
If you questions and want more information, please contact Rick Krause by email (a link is below).
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Virtual Caregiver Support Group
Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 7:00-8:00 PM
Via ZOOM
Lutheran Social Services of New Jersey offers this free virtual ZOOM program (by phone call or online). Are you a caregiver for your spouse or an aging loved one? Meet other caregivers and receive educational resources to help you cope. The program meets on the first Tuesday of each month and the next one is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6th.
To learn more about the program and to register, click on the link below. You may also contact Director Beth Gebhart by phone (800-458-0651).
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Expanded Vaccine Eligibility
In New Jersey
This past week, an email from the State of New Jersey Department Of Health stated that as of Monday, March 29th, vaccine eligibility in New Jersey has expanded to include additional front-line essential workers.
On Monday, April 5th, eligibility will expand to include additional essential workers, individuals aged 55 and older, and individuals 16 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
More more information about who is eligible to get the vaccine, click on the link below.
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Other Information In Previous LifeLines
Use links to previous editions of the LifeLines for more information about Covid-19 and the vaccine. They can be found in the "Missed A LifeLines?" section in the left column of this issue.
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Continuing Your Contributions
Your continuing financial support is essential to maintain the Ministries of Lord Of Life. Your envelopes can be mailed to the church (1 Winchester Court, Tabernacle, NJ 08088). Also, both Simply Giving and Tithe.ly remain in place. More information about these electronic ways to contribute can be found on the church's website. The link is below.
Despite these troubling COVID-19 times, the work of the church is going on. Pastor Wendolyn and our staff are actively engaged, and the need to pay bills and the mortgage continue. Prayerfully consider continuing with your regular contributions.
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BIRTHDAYS
Apr. 2: Erika Adamson and Janelle Bellina
Apr. 3: Paige Schmid
Apr. 4: Steve Bielec, Michael Dehoff, Olivia Favilla,
Stella Friedman, and Gail Korchak
Apr. 5: Colby Welusz
Apr. 6: Marybeth Goldberg, Denise Sunbury, and
Mark Tarasewicz
Apr. 7: William Andrews and Timothy Ebersberger
Apr. 8: Julia Baron and Penny Miller
Apr. 9: Joyce Harper, Todd Sander, and Sandi Smith
Apr. 11: Debbie Chromeck, Lily Gibboni, Molly Gibboni,
and Shannon Mozitis
Apr. 12: Scott Rinck
Apr. 13: Noah Bunning
Apr. 14: Lyndsey Millere and Steven Vorwerk
Apr. 15: Merle Brown and Jack Gordon
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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Apr. 13: Carol & Jim Ebersberger
Apr. 15: Joan & Jesse Roberts (Celebrating 54 years!)
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BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES
Apr. 2: Joan Roberts
Apr. 4: Mike Chromeck and Roland Kucklinca
Apr. 6: Kevin Steinhour and Ellen Wilen
Apr. 7: Luke Leach and Grayson Pickard
Apr. 8: Mason Kermode
Apr. 9: Stephen Bielec, Jr., Jeffrey Hughes, Jr., and
Joanne Thomas
Apr. 10: Gloria Brosious
Apr. 11: Linda Baechler and Kris Gordon
Apr. 12: Nicky O'Neal
Apr. 14: Jesse Roberts
Apr. 15: Nancy Cottingham, Vivian Hollenbeck,
Benjamin Schaeffer, and Dennis Smith
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Church member Birthday, Wedding Anniversary, and Baptismal Anniversary recognition will list names from the date of the current LifeLines edition to the day prior to the next scheduled edition. We will try our best to be accurate, but if there is an error or omission, please email the Editors. The link to our email is below. Thank you!
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Our Ending Hymn:
We speak or sing the lyrics of this tune as part of our Liturgy, especially during Lent. We think it is a fitting piece for today, Good Friday.
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Easter Anticipation:
We did not want to exclude the Easter celebration in this issue, so here is the traditional hymn, ELW #365. This version was recorded remotely during the pandemic for Easter 2020. 134 persons sang or played instruments for the virtual recording done in Guildford, England.
"Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen..."
Matthew 28:5-6 RSV
(LifeLines is published on the first and third Friday of each month. Please submit articles for upcoming editions of the LifeLines by the Monday prior to the issue date. To contact the LifeLines editors by email, click on the following link: lifelines@lordlife.us)
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