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!
I mentioned in my Christmas letter to the congregation (the one on real paper!) that I am a Christmas curmudgeon. Along with Lee Jennings and many others, I have a December birthday. In fact, I came home from the hospital on 12/24, stuffed into a stocking with a little red cap on my head. In addition, my big brother, closest cousins, husband, and brother-in-law all have birthdays within 9 days of Christmas. So I know first-hand what it's like to want the focus on my birthday to be on "me." After 40+ years of low-attended parties and birthday gifts wrapped in red-and-green paper, I've made peace with it.
But that's part of the root of my Christmas curmudgeon-ness: I feel for Jesus, when people are acting like he is the center, but he is really just part of a checklist; when most folks invited to his party have other plans; when gifts given to him are part of time-saving measures. I feel for him when someone else's party is on his day - which is often how Christmas is approached.
But!!! Good does come out of Christmas, and to have Jesus get even a bit of the spotlight can make a world of difference. Simple things like trees, and cards, and songs can warm hearts. My kids were amazed when a few years ago, I announced, "I really don't hate Christmas." (Admittedly, I was singing along with a cartoon character, but I did in fact say those words, and mostly meant them.) It's hard to hate what God is doing at this time of year. I may be cynical like the Grinch, or frugal like Scrooge, but my heart isn't made of ice.
And my heart is warmed when I see gifts of love, signs of grace, and times of worship that really do show what Christmas is all about. So as we look toward December 25, I offer you this Christmas greeting: may your heart be warmed, may your light shine bright, and may God work wonders in your heart, your home, and throughout all the circles where you bring the spirit of Christmas.
Peace,
Pastor Wendolyn
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, December 20th
And
Sunday, December 27th
Join us for our Sunday church services!
Sunday, December 20th
The Sunday service for December 20th 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.
Following the service, a ZOOM Coffee Fellowship will be held. See the separate article in this LifeLines for details on how to join in.
A direct link for viewing the service will be posted on the church's Facebook page on Sunday morning.
Links are below to both the Lord Of Life YouTube website and Facebook page.
Sunday, December 27th
The Sunday service for December 27th will be hosted by Bishop Bartholomew and the NJ Synod Office Staff. It can be found on the NJ Synod YouTube website. You may also access it on the NJ Synod Facebook page. The direct link will be posted on the Lord Of Life Facebook page. Links are below to all the websites.
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Thursday, December 24th:
Events And Church Services
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Parking Lot Service - 2:00 PM
A Family Worship Service will be held in our church parking lot. There will be carols and communion during the service. Audio transmission will be from your car radio on FM 88.7.
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Parking Lot Service - 8:00 PM
Our Christmas Eve Worship Service will be held in our church parking lot. There will be carols and communion during the service. Audio transmission will be from your car radio on FM 88.7.
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Virtual Family Devotions
And Carol Sing -
All Day On YouTube
Pastors Wendolyn and Eric Trozzo will host the event. There will be family devotions and carol singing. You will find the event on our Lord Of Life YouTube webpage. A link is provided below.
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Virtual Christmas Eve Service -
All Day On YouTube
A Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols will be availabe on our YouTube webpage. A direct link for viewing the service will be posted on the church's Facebook page prior to the service. Links are provided below to both websites.
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Tuesday Evening
ZOOM Bible Study
Our last evening Bible Study in 2020 will be held on Tuesday, December 22nd. The session meets via ZOOM at 7:00 PM. The study uses "Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Here" by Max Lucado. Please contact Janell Reich by email if you would like to participate. The link to her email is below.
Bible Study Beginning On
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
At 7:00 PM
Beginning on January 5, 2021, at 7:00 PM, our Tuesday Evening Bible Study will make use of the book, "Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God's Word" by Rick Warren. ZOOM codes will be provided to you by email prior to the date of the session. Please contact Janell Reich if you will be joining in. A link to her email is below.
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2020 Lord Of Life
Reverse Advent Challenge
(Forming Groups Are Welcome, Too!)
There Is Still Time To Join In!
Our Youth have issued a challenge for you this Advent! Advent is a time that we spend waiting for Jesus to come. It is a time that we reflect on how God has revealed power and majesty through the birth of Jesus Christ. Bearing this in mind, our youth have answered the call to be bearers of Christ's light by collecting items for our neighbors at Bridge of Peace.
You are welcome to join in as an individual, a household, or a group.
Our challenge begins with an empty manger (or in this case, a laundry basket) that is meant to bear Christ to the world. Each day of Advent, fill your basket with the item mentioned for that day, and by the end of this Advent season, your laundry basket, much like that manger, will be filled with Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace to be shared with our neighbors.
More information will be forthcoming about the collection of your completed mangers (the laundry basket filled with your gracious donations).
The link provided below is to a December 2020 calendar. Each day, an item is listed that will go into your manger (the laundry basket). You can view and print out the calendar after clicking on the following link: View Or Print the Calendar - Click Here
Please join with our youth in this caring Reverse Advent Challenge!
You may contact Breanne Tomlinson by email if you have any questions. A link to her email is below.
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Special thanks to the Hampton Lakes Fire Company! One item on the Advent Challenge calendar was a smoke alarm. They most graciously provided a dozen of them to our youth for their project. If you are in need of one, several still are available from Breanne.
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Youth Pocket Ministry
Food Collection At Murphy's
One project done by our youth was a food drive for Bridge Of Peace and the Seneca Food Bank. Thanks to Murphy's Market in Tabernacle for being host to the collection of items. Recently, the McMichael and Tomlinson families gathered the donated goods and distributed them. Ashley Vorwerk, of our congregation and a teacher at Seneca, was the liaison for their food bank. Thank you to all our church members who contributed to this worthy project!
Bible, Faith, And Fellowship (BFF)
Our virtual ADVENTure to Christmas BFF program is coming to an end. The final session will be on Sunday, December 20th. If you missed any session, you are still welcome to join us on this coming Sunday.
The program being conducted via Google Classroom. If you need the code to access the event, please email Breanne. A link to her email is below.
Pocket Ministry
These friendships will be a source of support for you and your children throughout your faith journeys. In the works is an Epiphany event. Please check your emails for more information on this.
Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers for Youth Group and BFF. If you are willing to serve in 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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Join Us For Virtual Coffee Hour Via ZOOM
Zoom Coffee Hour
Sunday, December 20th
From 10:00 -10:30 AM
Drop in for 2 or 30 minutes and catch up with friends and ministries. Join by computer or landline phone (Please note that long distance rates may apply if using landline phone).
Dial in by phone: 1-646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 897 8225 3837
Passcode: 267550
Join online using the direct link below.
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Your Own Advent
Family Night!
Lord of Life leaders have developed a creative script that YOU can use to host an Advent family night. You can do it in-person with your household or pod. You can also do it online with: your family from across the country; with ministry groups like choir or quilting ministry; or with any group you'd like to gather virtually.
You can use all of the script, or just a few elements. Using all elements takes about an hour. The Zoom host can share their screen if needed. Packets are available outside of the Church door with the very simple supplies (50 index cards plus 12 colored month-tab dividers, which could simply be regular paper folded in 1/4). The project that is created is a "Micro-Journal" and just one is needed for a whole household to enjoy for years to come.
The script is available to view using the link below.
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Christmas Eve Video Montage
Deadline: Sunday, December 20th
1-minute mission!
We are making a video montage for the Christmas Eve services and need as many households as possible to contribute.
How: Use your smartphone to record a 10 second greeting (or get friends/younger generations to help). What: A quick greeting, such as "Merry Christmas from the Trozzo's" "Love from the Smith's, we miss you all," read a verse from a favorite hymn, or tell a terrible holiday joke. (Examples include: Sing the Christmas alphabet, but with No-el... or dress as the 3 wise men and proclaim "But wait - there's myrrh!")
Where: Email the video (10 seconds MAX!) to Bill Reich at photos@lordlife.us Please have videos to Bill no later than Sunday, December 20th.
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A Note From Pastor:
 
We need your voice! Before you think of all the reasons to say no to what I am about to ask - give yourself a moment to think of reasons to say yes. Whatever knee-jerk reaction you have, slow it down to let yourself actually consider this: Church Council.
Yes, I am asking you - YOU, reading this now - to consider being on the Church Council. We believe that God has given us each gifts, yes? Those gifts are 90% likely to be needed as we keep our congregation lively and loving. I imagine you have gotten to the reasons to say no by now - we all have them - but take a moment and think of even one reason to say yes. It's not all-or-nothing, and we aren't seeking perfect candidates. Everyone has a heart, some discretionary time, and many gifts, and that's really what is needed! Not a special 5% of folks should be on Council; most members would make great additions to Council. Being on Council means being formed into an active leader, and you will be supported in that. And being on Council means making friends who serve alongside you. Please let these words ruminate in your mind and heart, and if you are interested, ask a current Council member what it's like and how you could fit in.
Thank you for reading this!
Pastor Wendolyn
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Video And Sound System Training
Now Accepting Your Applications!
We are seeking folks to be trained on using the sound and video systems. We can train ages 15-90, and those numbers are negotiable! Please email Bill Reich or call the church office to sign up.
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Grace Place News
December 18, 2020
The month of December has been a busy time at the Grace Place. The children have been making gifts for their parents, discussing Advent and the birth of Jesus, and celebrating Christmas. Pastor led a Chapel Time with the children that centered on Advent and Christmas. Thank you Pastor! Some photos of that event are below.
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September 2021 Registrations
Registrations for our program beginning in September 2021 are now open. 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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Stewardship 2021
December 18th Update
Sincere thanks to all who have returned the 2021 Estimate Of Sharing (EOS) cards! God bless you for your support of our church and it's ministries!
If you have not as yet been able to return your 2021 EOS card, please still return your 2021 EOS card with or without a monetary estimate on it. We hope to have 100% participation in the return of the 2021 EOS cards.
If you have questions regarding the 2021 Stewardship mailing or campaign, please contact Stewardship Team Leader, James Cuviello, by email. His email link is provided here: Email Jim - Click Here
Thank you to all who have contributed in 2020, and thank you in advance for your continued support in 2021!
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace."
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
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December 18th Update From Our Adult Ministry Leader, Janell Reich:
Book Club:
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
On Tuesday, January 19th at 1 PM Book Club will meet via Zoom to discuss "The Lost Girls of Paris" by Pam Jenoff. There are plenty of copies in the library. This novel is set during the final years of World War II and immediately after the war, and tells a story inspired by the true-life experiences of women serving as agents in Britain's Special Operations Executive.
If you are interested in being a part of the group, please contact Janell so that she can provide you the ZOOM code for the session. A link to her email is below.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
On Tuesday, February 16th at 1 PM, we will discuss, "Love Is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times" by Bishop Michael Curry. There are only a couple of copies in the library, so you may want to put this on your Christmas wish list!
If you are interested in being a part of the group, please contact Janell so that she can provide you the ZOOM code for the session. A link to her email is below.
Other Events In 2021:
Some plans for next year include a "Tea Time" (via ZOOM), a Game Day, and a Winter Walk. Please feel free to suggest other activities to me by email (an email link is below). All ideas are welcome! Announcements of Adult Ministry events will be forthcoming in the next LifeLines in January, so keep tuned in for them!
If you have questions about Adult Ministry, email Janell Reich. A link is provided below.
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Partners In Mission:
Our Ongoing Support For BOP
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 is remains located outside the the LOL church kitchen entrance as well as the cart in the church entryway.
Thank you everyone for your continued support!
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Partners In Mission:
We Continue Our Support Of
The CCC
The Lord Of Life "Giving Tree" gift cards and other items were delivered to the CCC. They were warmly and joyfully received with much thanks to all our donors!
Our regular collection is ongoing, and your support is greatly appreciated. During the winter months, blankets and heavy clothing will be in need. 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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There are still a few microwave potato bags left for sale. They make great Christmas gifts and are only $12. If you would like one, please get in touch with Barbara Wagner at 609-859-0404. All proceeds go to The Penny Miller Sewing Academy in Haiti.
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Project LOL:
Report From Craig Baechler
December 18, 2020
Another Project Completed:
The drain pipe and fittings for the sink in the kitchen had deteriorated, and the left side sink drain was leaking. Jim Cuviello volunteered to replace the parts and the job was done last week. Thank you Jim!
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Blood Drive At
Lord Of Life:
Monday, January 25, 2021
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The next American Red Cross Blood drive hosted by Lord Of Life will take place on Monday, January 25, 2021 from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The Red Cross has protocols in place for the safety of our donors. Please attend if you can and help save a life!
All donors must sign up in advance. Use the link provided below to sign up.
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New Hymnal Supplement
Published
1517 Media, formerly Augsburg Fortress Press, is the official publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America (ELCA). For the past few years, the company has been working with worship leaders and musicians to create a liturgy and hymnal supplement to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal. Entitled "All Creation Sings," this new resource was released on November 30th. Hand in hand with our Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal, this supplement invites us through prayer and song to join our voices in praise of the whole creation God so marvelously made. If you would like to explore the new hymnal, please visit the website link below. You can also contact Rick Krause by email for information about the supplement. A link to his email is below.
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2021 On-Line Winter Session
The Lutheran Music Program recently announced that a Winter 2021, on-line Lutheran Summer Music Program (LSM) will be held from January 11, 2021 - February 5, 2021. The program is open to students in grades 8 to 12. The areas of study are Voice, Piano, Wind Instruments, Percussion Instruments, String Instruments, Organ, and Composition. For information, a link to the LSM webpage is below. You may also contact Rick Krause who will be able to answer your questions. A link to his email is also below.
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Young Adult Small Group ZOOM Gathering: January 2021
Are you looking to meet new people and explore your faith in the new year? In place of a one weekend retreat, this year, Cross Roads is offering a weekly young adult small group devotional experience for the month of January. All young adults, ages 18 (and have completed high school) to 30-ish, are invited to participate.
Beginning on Thursday, January 7, small group gatherings will take place on ZOOM from 7:00-8:00 PM every Thursday. All are welcome, no matter where you are on your faith journey. To sign up, us the link below.
Cross Roads is now accepting applications for a variety of Summer 2021 staff positions including counselors, kitchen staff members, grounds and maintenance staff, and more. Use the link below for general information, job descriptions, and application details.
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Programs Open To All From:
The JFCS
Founded in the mid-1940's, the JFCS has helped Jewish families and the community at large to successfully meet the challenges of daily life by providing quality, affordable, and accessible social services. The agency is guided by our values of caring for individuals with dignity and respect and helping people to help themselves. The JFCS operates out of the Katz Center at 1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ.
Below are some of the upcoming events to which all are welcome. A link to their website is provided at the end of this article.
Virtual Care Givers Support Group
Caregivers often overlook giving care to themselves. This group focuses on helping caregivers share their experiences and struggles with other caregivers, and share support and resources. Sponsored by Samaritan Life-Enhancing Care.
Low Vision Education And
Support Group
Our low vision educational and support group is for anyone coping with visual impairment, including macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Participants will get support, gain valuable resources, and hear from expert presenters in this group. Sponsored by Bookbinder Law, LLC.
Widows And Widowers Support Group
Individuals who are recently bereaved (within the past 1 to 2 years) meet with other widows and widowers, sharing and learning from one another as they begin the journey toward healing. Sponsored by LifeForce Caregivers for the Elderly.
A Memory Cafe', Cafe Connection
A social gathering for individuals affected with memory challenges and their care partners. Attendees enjoy coffee, conversation, a creative experience with a guest artist, and learn about community resources.
Grant funding provided by Camden County Board of Freeholders. This program is brought to the community through a collaboration of JFCS, JSHHS, and the Katz JCC.
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Useful Information During The Pandemic
Do you have questions? Do you need information? Do you need help? The web-links, phone numbers, and information below may be of value to you during these COVID-19 times.
For COVID-19 Questions And To Access Trusted Information:
The New JerseyCOVID-19 Information Hub
Burlington County COVID-19 Information:
Links to 2 webpages that provide useful information.
For Life Threatening Emergencies:
Dial 911 to reach your local Police, Fire, and EMS services.
To Report Other Needs And To Connect With Help:
New Jersey 2-1-1 Partnership
Or by phone, Dial 211
Receive Text Information Or Assistance:
Text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive information and stay informed.
For live text assistance, text your zip code to 898-211
For Mental Health And Coping Concerns:
View the CDC website that provides information and a link to the Substance Abuse And Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) website.
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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) and Simply Giving remains in place.
Offerings can also be made via a secure website and cell phone app. More information about these 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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2021 Offering Envelopes
December 18th Update
All offering envelope boxes for 2021 have been placed in your church mailbox. If you at the church, please pick them up.
During the week following Christmas, envelope boxes that have not been picked up at the church will be delivered to your home. We will concentrate on homes located in Tabernacle, Shamong, Southampton, Medford, Medford Lakes, and Chatsworth. It will be difficult to reach homes in communities further away, if at all. We will try our best. As in the past, those who are "Members Living Out Of State" will not be mailed envelope boxes. We ask for your patience and understanding of the logistical issues involved with accomplishing this task.
Help is needed with the distribution of envelope boxes. If you would be willing to help with the delivery, please contact Stewardship Team Leader, James Cuviello by email. A link for his email is below.
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Quarterly Donation To
Lord Of Life
From Amazon Smile
We just received word that the Amazon Smile program has provide Lord Of Life with a quarterly donation of $87.94. Thank you to all church members for naming our church as a beneficiary! Amazon Smile will contribute 1/2 of 1% to Lord Of Life when you purchase from Amazon through the Amazon Smile program. You must designate our church as the beneficiary. There is no cost to you. To date, Lord Of Life has received a total of $1,315.07 from Amazon Smile.
If you are not a member of Amazon Smile, the link below is to instructions on how to join. If you are a regular shopper on Amazon, please consider this opportunity to help our church!
Remember, to purchase items from Amazon, sign in using the special website: smile.amazon.com
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BIRTHDAYS
Dec. 18: David Audus and Joseph Steff, III
Dec. 19: Robyn Curl, Jessica Hay, Finleigh Molchan,
and Austin Schmid
Dec. 20: Lee Jennings
Dec. 21: Laura Evans and Nolan Michaleski
Dec. 22: Carol Koskela, Mike Mignogna, and Wendolyn Trozzo
Dec. 23: Paul Horner
Dec. 24: Keith Williams
Dec. 25: Jennifer Prouse and Heather Vernier
Dec. 26: Kristen Albinson, John Maurer, and Jodi Shover
Dec. 27: Chason Jervis and John McMichael
Dec. 28: Andrew Roppoli
Dec. 29: David Albinson, Mackenzie Mozitis, Austin O'Brien,
and Benjamin Schaeffer
Dec. 30: Christie Hopkins Hourihan, Jack Kelly, and Marielle Sarlo
Dec. 31: Jason Fennimore
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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Dec. 29: Helena & Frank Humphreys (Celebrating 30 years!)
Dec. 31: Lori &Tyler Kermoade (Celebrating 15 years!)
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BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES
Dec. 18: Sean McMichael, Kaylee Molchan, and Gerhard Patterson
Dec. 21: Daniel Millere
Dec. 22: Sue Eppolite and Dawn Heinrich
Dec. 24: Jennifer Molchan, Lydia Smith, and Jake Steinhour
Dec. 25: Chuck Bubeck
Dec. 26: Brook Steinhour
Dec. 29: Kylie Steinhour and Tina Steinhour
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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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Since this is the last LifeLines before Christmas, the editors would like to wish all of you our best for the most Merry and Blessed Christmas! We'll be back to begin 2021 with the next LifeLines on New Year's Day.
Transition From Advent To Christmas:
The ending hymn for this LifeLines issue is found in our ELW as the last hymn in the Advent section (Hymn #267). We normally sing it as a Christmas hymn, but, because of how the ELW lists it, and, since it is still Advent, here it is!
"In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
Luke 2:1-7 NRSV
(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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