Happenings At
Lord Of Life Lutheran Church
"Where everybody is somebody, and Jesus is Lord!"
Advent 2021
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Issue Of: December 3, 2021
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A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
Isaiah 40:3 NRSV
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Coffee Hour
Sundays
9:15 AM-10:00 AM
Coffee Hour is held in Fellowship Hall between our two Sunday services. Join us for coffee, tea, and some treats!
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Saturday Night 5:00 PM Services
This special liturgy was written by composer, Marty Haugen, for the Lutheran Church. It is one used during Advent by many Lutheran congregations. It was written in 1985-1986 and is a simple and inspirational Lutheran Vesper Service. We will be using this at our Saturday 5:00 PM services during Advent. It is something you should not miss!
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Advent Family Night
Saturday, December 4th
Following The 5:00 PM Service
Join us for fellowship after the service. Penny Miller will be leading us in a simple and elegant craft, and Pastor will lead us in devotions with warm cider. Bring a healthy treat to share, or sweet treats too!
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Advent Family Day
Sunday, December 5th, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Breanne will lead our program based on the book by Matt Rawle, The Heart That Grew Three Sizes - Finding Faith In The Story Of The Grinch.
Rediscover the gift of Advent that comes without packages, ribbons, and bows.
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From The Pastor's Desk:
ADVE(rtiseme)NT
This is what I think of each December - I try to focus on Advent but my world is full of advertisements. Things to buy, things to want, things to do, things to arrange. Usually, the more a product is advertised, the less different it is from its competitors. And usually, if you truly need something, it won't be advertised at all - you've already got it or aren't able to get it.
Church, however, speaks to Advent, to Someone who is coming because they care for you. And no, it's not Santa! It is God in Christ, Emmanuel, God-With-Us. Our God doesn't advertise on TV or in podcasts - our God comes through story, through Word, through our hearts reaching out toward that 'something' that the world can't give, because it's not a thing at all. It's relationship. It's presence. It's God coming to dwell with us.
That's not to say that God doesn't advertise; God is seeking to make known what love and hope and peace and true joy are. God makes them known through Church, which means through YOU. Read on for ways that you can reach out to others who may need a word of hope, of invitation, of support. How will they know about hope, peace, joy and love, if not for each of us letting the Word be on our lips. To that end - a member of the congregation has printed up LoL masks that are conversation starters and include the words of Psalm 19, "May the words of my mouth ... be acceptable in your sight, O Lord." Come and pick up a mask, and as you wear it, let the words of your mouth be a blessing to others and a proclamation of God's love.
Peace,
Pastor Wendolyn
"Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation
is the love of Jesus." - Mother Theresa
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Welcome Packets
We are looking for small items to put in Welcome packets for our guests at worship, such as small "pass it on" cards, candies, pocket crosses, etc. See Pastor for more information on this.
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Some Upcoming Events Of Interest:
Today, Friday, December 3rd, 7:00 PM: Tabernacle Tree Lighting at the Tabernacle Town Hall
Saturday Night Services, December 4th, 11th, and 18th: Holden Evening Prayer
Saturday, Dec 4th, 5:45 PM: Advent Family Night
Sunday, Dec 5th, 3:00-5:00 PM: Advent Family Day
Monday, December 20th, 2:00 & 7:00 PM: "Blue Christmas Service"
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Pastor Office Hours:
Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
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Pastor's Contact Information:
Cell phone: 609-286-4533 - available 24/7 though I do not answer while driving or visiting.
Facebook: While I do not "friend" members, plz "like" my public page, @PastorWendolyn. You can also visit my Page at https://fb.me/PastorWendolyn and send my Page messages at https://m.me/PastorWendolyn.
Instagram: Wendofish - younger folks rely on this app, so please encourage them to connect with me here!
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December
Wednesdays In Fellowship Hall At 11:00 AM
Bible Study during December and will continue on the following Wednesdays: December 8th and 15th. There will be no Bible Study on December 22nd or on December 29th. We will be discussing The Heart That Grew Three Sizes - Finding Faith In The Story Of The Grinch, by Matt Rawle. The discussion will include the following videos: December 8th - "When Christmas Isn't Christmas" and December 15th - "When Light Shines" & "When Joy Is Our Song."
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Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
Sundays, December 5th And 12th
11:15 AM
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Grades 7 - 12
Sunday, December 12th
At 12:00 Noon
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Confirmation Overnight "Lock Inn"
Saturday, December 18th, 5:00 PM
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If you have questions about Youth Ministry or would like to volunteer as a BFF teacher or in any other program, please contact Breanne Tomlinson. A link to her email is below.
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Bible, Faith, & Fellowship
(Age 3 - 4th Grade)
Sundays At 10:00 AM
Come join us for BFF on Sundays during our 10:00 AM service. All children ages 3 through 4th grade are welcome to attend.
BFF Volunteers Welcome!
We are looking for volunteers to help with our BFF program. If you are an adult or older youth and willing to help, please reach out to Breanne.
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Breakfast Club
(Grades 5 & 6)
Sundays At 9:15 AM
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December 3rd Update From Janell Reich
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Time For Talents
TODAY!
Friday, December 3rd, At 10:00 AM
We will making Christmas angle themed crafts and art projects. Come join us!
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Outreach Project For Journey Hospice
Monday, December 6th
At 10:00 AM
Sue Gebhart from Lutheran Social Ministries will lead us in making decoupaged boxes, window ornaments, and picture frames. They will be gifts for hospice patients of Journey Hospice, which is part of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ). To read more, click on the link below.
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Explore:
Wheaton Village
Friday, December 10th
Come join us for a day of holiday cheer at Wheaton Village. Explore exhibits in the Museum of American Glass and Down Jersey Folklife Center; watch glass and pottery demonstrations in the Artist Studios; shop at the Museum Stores, and walk the Nature Trail.
We will meet at Lord Of Life at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 10th and carpool to Wheaton. It is open 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Friends and family are welcome.
Please contact Janell Reich with questions or to sign up. There is also a sign up sheet on the church bulletin board.
ADMISSION:
$12.00 Adults
$11.00 Senior Adults (62+)
$7.00 Students
Children 5 & under are free
ADDRESS:
1501 Glasstown Road, Millville
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Christian Caring Center
Christmas
Giving Tree Collection
Last Day - Sunday December 12th
The Lord Of Life Christmas Giving Tree project is continuing. The Christian Caring Center is asking for gift cards instead of presents. $35 gift cards from Target, Walmart, and Amazon are requested.
A wrapped, Christmas box has been placed near the Sanctuary entrance doors in the Narthex in which you can place your gift cards. Just drop them into the slot!
Please have all your gift cards to the church by Sunday, December 12th.
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The Christian Caring Center does not have enough room to store toys. Gift cards will allow them to keep guests, staff, and volunteers safe. They also allow parents to pick out what their children will like and remain safe.
CCC will also accept pajamas, sleep pants, hats, gloves, scarves, children's books and Bibles, table games (checkers, Monopoly, puzzles, etc.). Those items can be placed in the entry-way cart.
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Christian Caring Center
Christmas Food
Basket Collection
Last Day - Sunday December 12th
Lord of Life is collecting food items which will be given to the Christian Caring Center. A list of suggested food products is provided in the link below. Please have all your donations at the church by Sunday, December 12th. Donations should be placed by the cart in the entryway of the church.
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December Book Club
Tuesday, December 14th
At 1:00 PM
In December, we will meet and discuss any book by James Herriot.
"James Herriot was an English veterinarian whose tales of veterinary practice and country life have delighted generations. Many of Herriot’s works, including All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful, The Lord God Made Them All, and Every Living Thing, became international bestsellers and have been adapted for film and television. Herriot’s stories rely on numerous autobiographical elements taken from his life in northern England’s Yorkshire County, and they depict a simple, rustic world deeply in touch with the cycles of nature."
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People Enjoying People
P.E.P.
White Elephant Bingo
Thursday, December 16th, At 1:00 PM
What is White Elephant Bingo? Everyone brings a wrapped white elephant gift. Whenever you get a Bingo, you choose a gift from the assortment on the table. At the end, each player will leave with a gift.
White elephants can be "recycled gifts" worth $20 or less such as a puzzle, mug, candle, ornament, scarf, book, a box of candy, costume jewelry, nick-nack, or a gag gift!
Come join the fun & bring a friend!
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Happy Birthday Pastor!
Wednesday, December 22nd
11:00 AM - Noon
Join us in Fellowship Hall to celebrate Pastor Wendolyn's birthday. Light refreshments and, of course, birthday cake will be served.
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Black Run Preserve Devotion And Walk
Monday, December 27th
At 9:30 AM
Weather permitting, we will meet at 9:30 AM, Monday, December 27th at the Black Run Preserve in Evesham. Our meeting spot will be at the REI trail entrance. To get there, take Taunton Blvd. to Hopewell Rd. At Little Mill Country club, turn right on to Bortons Rd. Park at the end of the road. See you there!
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From Left To Right: Wendy Crane, Betty Mastrillo, Judy and Keith Lerner
Front: Janell Reich
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If you have questions about Adult Ministry, please contact the Adult Ministry Director, Janell Reich. A link to her email is below.
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Christmas Gathering
Friday, December 17th
At 6:00 PM
Our annual Christmas Gathering returns this year! We will be doing our ornament exchange once again. If you want to join in on this, buy an ornament, no more than $10.00, and wrap it. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share with everyone. Hopefully, we will have a game or 2! This year we will be wearing ugly Christmas sweaters (if you want), and we will take a vote on whose is the ugliest! If attending, please sign up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board.
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Cookie Sale
Calling All Bakers!
Saturday And Sunday
December 18th and 19th
Women's Ministry will be holding a cookie sale the weekend of Dec. 18th and 19th. WE NEED BAKERS! Please sign up on the sheets posted on the church bulletin board for volunteers to bake and for you to order the cookies. The money from the cookie sale will go into the Womens Ministry account to be used for helping our church with church building repairs or upgrades.
Sara King and Linda Baechler will be in charge of this event. We will also need volunteers to put the cookie boxes together on Saturday morning December 18th. Please contact either Sara or Linda if you can participate. Links to their emails are below.
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If you have and questions about Women's Ministry, contact Betty Mastrillo. A link to her email is below.
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Tabernacle Tree Lighting
TODAY!
Friday, December 3rd, At 7:00 PM
The live Tabernacle Tree Lighting event will once again be held at the Town Hall this evening. There will be choirs, choruses, refreshments, and, of course, a visit from Santa. Lord Of Life will have a table and Pastor Wendolyn will deliver a "benediction."
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Urban Promise Concert
Thursday, December 9th, At 8:00 PM
We are excited to share with you a special ZOOM event that we at Urban Promise International are having Thursday December 9th at 8pm. It will be an amazing time of music from our fellows, video clips from our ministries around the world, and hearing how our fellowship program is impacting lives here and around the world.
The mission of Urban Promise International is to prepare emerging leaders to initiate, develop, and sustain Christian-based youth development organizations and to seed their new ministries as they serve vulnerable children and teens in our world’s most under-resourced communities. New Jersey locations include Camden and Trenton.
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“Blue” Christmas Services
Monday, December 20th
2:00 PM And 7:00 PM
When ‘joy’ is hard to find…
and it doesn’t feel like the ‘most wonderful time of the year’…
Many people assume that this season of red and green means that grief, sorrow, loneliness, anxiety, & depression disappear,
but no sugar-coating takes that pain away. Job loss, divorce, chronic disease, or other challenges cause us to ache. We need God more than ever.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Come and gather in a worship service that seeks the deeper hope and joy that God offers in the midst of hurt or hopelessness. In the darkness of the ‘Longest Night’ of the year, we will light candles, gather in prayer, and ask God to come and be with us.
All are welcome; please invite those in your circle who may need a healing time like this.
If you need babysitting (free) to be provided, please RSVP and it will be arranged. Email Pastor Wendolyn at: pastor@lordlife.us
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Project LOL:
Handicap Parking Spaces Marking
The handicap parking spaces markings have been repainted and now conform to current guidelines. Thank you Keith Lerner for coordinating the project!
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Additonal Events In December
Bridge Of Peace and Christian Caring Center: Collections are ongoing. Thank you for your support!
Every Wednesday, 8:00 AM: Men's Fellowship Breakfast, Evergreen Dairy Bar, Rt. 70, Southampton
Thursday, December 9th, 10:00 AM: Quilt Ministry
Sunday, December 12th, 10:00 AM: New member welcome at our 10:00 AM service
Sunday, December 19th, 10:00 AM: Church service with Children's Christmas Pageant
Friday, December 24th: Church Office closed
Friday, December 24th Church Services:
3:00 PM - Children's Christmas Eve Service
8:00 PM and 10:00 PM - Christmas Eve Services
Saturday, December 25th, 5:00 PM: Worship with fellowship
Sunday, December 26th, 10:00 AM: Worship with hymn sing
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National Lutheran Choir
Christmas Festival
Live-Stream Concert
Friday, December 10th, At 9:00 PM
The National Lutheran Choir will present their 36th Annual Christmas Festival concert, The Earth Adorned, on December 10th, at 9:00 PM EST. It is available live, on-line, on that day and time, using the link provided below. Here is a summary of the
program:
"During The Earth Adorned, we will view the birth of Christ alongside the beauty of this world through works for choir and instruments including Aaron David Miller’s Chanticleer, Paul John Rudoi’s Orbit Carol, and the Creation Suite by Dr. Larry Fleming. The Earth Adorned will include community singing of carols, recitations of poetry, and more echoing through our concert venue, The Basilica of Saint Mary, in Minneapolis."
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Vaccinations For Children
Ages 5 To 11
Children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible, following the authorization and recommendation of the vaccine by the FDA and CDC.
The pediatric Pfizer vaccine is administered as a two-dose vaccine, three weeks apart, at a lower dose than the dosage for those ages 12 and older.
Use the link provided below to find locations at which the vaccination is available. Look for those labeled, "Min. age: 5 years"
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Booster Vaccinations:
ALL ADULTS ARE ELIGIBLE!
Everyone 18 years or older is now eligible for a booster shot at any vaccine location - as long as it has been at least six months after their last Pfizer or Moderna shot or at least two months after their one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot.
With the holidays approaching and the Delta variant continuing to impact the state, everyone eligible is encouraged to get booster shots.
Eligible individuals can get boosted with any of the three available vaccines, no matter which type they initially received.
For state-wide locations of booster vaccination sites, use the link below.
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Stewardship Update
Thanks to all our members who returned their Estimate Of Sharing (EOS) cards for 2022! The photo shows that our acorn jar has gotten pretty full, but it still has a way to go to reach the top. We remain hopeful that all church members will return an EOS card. If you have not done so, please complete the information requested on the card and place it in the box by the Sanctuary entrance doors. If you will not be attending a service in the near future, you can mail it to the church. It is vital that we have your input to finalize our planning for 2022. Misplaced your EOS card? Use the link below to access a print version.
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Continuing Your Contributions |
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Your continuing financial support is essential to maintain the Ministries of Lord Of Life. Offerings are being collected at all church services. If you are still not attending services at our church building. your envelopes can be mailed to the church (1 Winchester Court, Tabernacle, NJ 08088). Both Simply Giving and Tithe.ly remain in place for all to use. (More information about these electronic ways to contribute can be found on the church's website. The link is below.)
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Birthdays
Dec. 3: Betty Mastrillo and Joseph Thomas
Dec. 4: Kelsey Snodgrass
Dec. 5: Matthew Schmid
Dec. 7: Robert Urban
Dec. 8: Lucille Grosser and Grayson Pickard
Dec. 9: Kathryn Adamson, Barbara Ma, and Leeland Rogers
Dec. 10: Linda Baechler
Dec. 11: Nicole Schwab-Sarraf
Dec. 13: Devon Moll and Lauren Sander
Dec. 15: Tyler Kermoade
Dec. 16: Jack Kronenberger
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Wedding Anniversaries
Dec. 6: Patty & Giovanni DeCristofaro
Dec. 14: Sue & Leo Michaleski
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Baptismal Anniversaries
Dec. 3: Amy Jervis and Bob Quinn
Dec. 4: Kevin Shover, Rachel Shover, and William Shover III
Dec. 6: Joe Batten and Marie Lamb
Dec. 7: Elizabeth Blair and Cameron Buchler
Dec. 8: Robert Barnes
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Check Your Spam Folder For Missing LifeLines
Several LifeLines subscribers have reported to the Editors that they discovered their LifeLines newsletter was sent to their email spam folder instead of their inbox. Please check to see if this has happened to you if you miss a LifeLines.
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From The Editors:
LifeLines Ending Song:
Advent, a time of waiting for the birth of Jesus and our celebration of Christmas. Here is ELW #254 sung to a more familiar tune which bids "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus."
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"...Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art, dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart."
Verse 1, ELW Hymn #254
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Next LifeLines:
The next issue of LifeLines will be published on Friday, December 17th.
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