Happenings At
Lord Of Life Lutheran Church
"Where everybody is somebody, and Jesus is Lord!"
Seasons Of
Epiphany And Lent
|
|
Issue Of: February 1, 2023
|
"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:1-6 NRSV
|
|
Mask Policy At Lord Of Life
Lord Of Life's masking policy is based on Covid levels in Burlington County. Please check the CDC website for up to date information since the levels fluctuate rapidly. The current level will be stated in the weekly service information email. It will also be posted on the church entry doors.
|
|
Coffee Hour Fellowship
Every Sunday
Join us for Coffee Hour every Sunday following the 8:30 AM service or prior to the 10:00 AM service. Be with us in Fellowship Hall to socialize, catch up with church friends, enjoy some treats, and, of course, sip our "heavenly" coffee!
|
|
From The Pastor's Desk:
It is February, the month of Valentines. Do you hear the Bible verse ringing in your ear about love? “Now Faith, hope, and love abide, but the greatest of these is love.” We often think of this as romantic love but St. Paul was writing to a Christian community - a community centering itself on Christ. How would you describe Christ's love? What words would you use? Where do you see that kind of love in the church, or where would you like to see it?
I have felt very blessed last month to be able to take time for medical leave and renewal. During this time I have received many cards and kindnesses, and signs of God's love… and now I am blessed to return and reflect those signs of God's love through my ministry as your pastor. And what a privilege and a joy to get to work with you, members and friends of Lord of Life, all ministers of the Gospel. May faith, hope, and love be blessings for you throughout this month.
Peace,
Pastor Wendolyn
|
|
Contacting Pastor Wendolyn:
Due to some occasional miscues to request Pastoral Care concerns, the following steps are recommended to ensure the request is documented. Even if you have verbally mentioned your need to Pastor Wendolyn, we want to ensure that no one is overlooked.
-At a minimum, first call the office and leave a message with Debbie. Debbie will place a Pastoral Care card in Pastor’s office mail box for follow up.
-Although not required, you are also encouraged, if you desire, to follow up with a text to my cell phone (609-286-4533). If you send an email, it is likely to get "buried" or missed and no response provided.
-Lastly, if there is a critically urgent need and you can’t immediately get in touch with me, please call (or text) my husband, Pastor Eric at 609-286-8972.
Pastor's Office Hours:
Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
********
Pastor's Contact Information:
Cell phone: 609-286-4533 - available 24/7 though I do not answer while driving or visiting.
Facebook: "Friend" me at Wen Trozzo or join me at @PastorWendolyn
Instagram: Wendofish
|
|
Ash Wednesday Services
Wednesday, February 22nd
Our Lenten journey will begin on Wednesday, February 22nd with special Ash Wednesday services and the imposition of ashes. Join us for a time of reflection at the beginning of our Lenten Season.
"Drive Up" Imposition Of Ashes: 7:30 - 9:00 AM
(By the main church entryway.)
Church Service: 12:00 Noon (With imposition of ashes.)
Church Service: 7:00 PM (With imposition of ashes.)
|
|
Lord Of Life
Faith & Fellowship Retreat
Saturday, February 25th
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Adults and focused youth, join us for a half-day retreat - a time to join together in fun, faith activities, and getting to know one another better. The theme is "Fruits of the Spirit," and we will nourish our faith and join in conversations as disciples of Jesus. Our men's group will provide a hearty breakfast (If you would like to contribute a dish please contact Craig Baechlor or Jim Ernst). Women's ministry will finish the event with a bagel lunch at noon.
We ask that you sign up on the sheet posted to the Narthex bulletin board by February 19th. Friends and family are, of course, welcome. The goal of the day is to have a refreshing time, building Christian friendships within and through our Church.
|
|
Lord Of Life On
Instagram
Lord Of Life is now on Instagram! Check us out at: LordOfLifeNJ
|
|
Stay In Touch
With Lord Of Life
On The Remind App
Lord Of LIfe has begun another way for you to receive news about the happenings at our church. Each week, Pastor Wendolyn will send 2 texts with a bible verse. You will also be able to receive updates about our congregational happenings. Joining is simple:
Install the free Remind App on your cell phone from your app store.
Create a free account using your email address.
Once this is done, click "Add Class."
For texts from Pastor, type in the class code: @lolbib
For congregational information, type in the class code: @lolfami
|
|
Wednesdays,
At 11:00 AM
Our Bible Study continues in February using the book, James, Genuine Faith by Sam Allberry, in order for us to discuss the Epistle of James. Many churches, and many believers, long for a deeper, more whole-hearted Christian life. But what does that look like? James wrote his letter to show us.
This deeply practical book of the Bible shows us what genuine faith looks like. These sessions will reveal to groups and individuals how to experience joy in hardships, patience in suffering, and whole-heartedness in how you speak, act and pray. Below is a list of the remaining readings each session will cover during February.
Date&&&&&&&&&Book Chapter&&&&&&&&&Bible Reading
February 1st&&&5. How To Come Back To God&&*James 4:1-12
February 8th&&&6. Wisdom...Suffering&&&&&&&James 4:13 – 5:20
February 15th&&&&&Snow make-up date
|
|
March Lenten Study
Wednesdays, At 11:00 AM
For Lent, we chose Help Is Here by Max Lucado.
It is a 5 week series and has a study booklet and a video. The study booklet costs between $11 and $14 depending on the site from which it is purchased. Buying a booklet is not required, but if you would like one, please contact Janell Reich.
Here is a description:
When you feel powerless, Help is Here! Join Max Lucado on this five session study to learn about your heaven-sent help to walk with you, guide you and shoulder the heavy burdens in life. This "Helper" never gets tired, is strong and powerful, had the perfect advice every time and is never overburdened by us. Help Is Here reminds us that our Good Shepherd doesn't just feed us; he leads us. He does more than correct us; he directs us. God keeps us on track-and best of all, he's commissioned the Holy Spirit to guide us down the winding roads of life, wherever they may lead us. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience.
Session Topics And Wednesday Dates:
1. Our Powerful Ally, March 1st
2. Our Strength and Guide, March 8th
3. Our Peace and Guarantee, March 15th
4. Our Intercessor and Advocate, March 22nd
5. Our Gift-Giver of Life, March 29th
|
|
Bible, Faith, & Fellowship
(Age 3 - 4th Grade)
Sundays, At 10:00 AM
BFF is held during our 10:00 AM church service following the children's sermon. All children ages 3 through 4th grade are welcome to attend!
********
|
|
Confirmation Classes
Wednesday, February 8th, At 6:00 PM
Wednesday, February 22nd, At 6:00 PM
********
|
|
Nursery Volunteers
Sign Up
On the third Sunday of each month, Lord Of Life will be having a "staffed" nursery during our 10:00 AM Sunday church service. We need to have 2 persons for each date. Orientation training will be provided prior to your first assigned date. If you are able to help, sign up using the link below.
|
|
www.lolfamilycorner.com
Please check out our Children, Youth, and Family website. It will be a resource for all things related to Children, Youth, and Families. To explore the website, Click Here.
|
|
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.
********
|
|
Wiley Ministry
Music Program
Thursday, February 2nd,
At 10:00 AM
The first Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM, Lord Of Life presents a program of songs and scriptures to the Wiley residents in Marlton. The folks at Wiley are quite welcoming and our music brings smiles to them. They look forward to seeing us each month.
If you would like to participate by either singing or reading in any of these presentations, please contact Janell Reich. You do not have to commit to every month. Only 4 masked performers are permitted, but we can take turns attending.
********
|
|
Time For Talents
Friday, February 3rd,
At 10:00 AM
We will be working on some Valentine's Day and love-themed projects. All materials will be provided. Come and enjoy a time of fellowship, creativity and a spiritual devotional time, too. Friends are always welcomed!
********
|
|
Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, February 15th,
At 12:30 PM
P.J. Whelihan's
The February Lunch Bunch will be held at the P.J. Whelihan's, 61 Stokes Road, Medford Lakes. Come for some good eats and fellowship! All are welcome and bring a friend as well! A sign up sheet is on the church bulletin board in the Narthex. Contact Barbara Wagner if you have any questions. A link to her email is below.
********
|
|
Devotion And Walk
Tuesday, February 28th
At 1:00 PM
Moorestown, NJ
We are trying something different in February! This will be a hike around the town, and we'll look at some of the historic spots and buildings. Our meeting place will be the Moorestown Library parking lot, 111 West 2nd Street. It is on the corner of North Church and 2nd Streets, one block west of Main Street.
********
|
|
Book Club
Tuesday, February 14th,
At 1:00 PM
The Road to Character
by David Brooks
Named one of the best books of the year and a New York Times number one best seller, we will be discussing David Brooks’ The Road to Character.
Looking to some of the world’s greatest thinkers and inspiring leaders,
Brooks explores how, through internal struggle and a sense of their
own limitations, they built a strong inner character. Blending psychology, politics, spirituality, and confessional, The Road to Character provides an opportunity for us to rethink our priorities and strive to build rich inner lives marked by humility and moral depth.
********
|
|
Lutheran Social Ministries
Service Day
Due to Beth Gebhart's schedule, we will not be having this event for a while. Hopefully, Beth will be joining us again sometime in the spring. Please watch for an announcement in a future addition of LifeLines as to when the next session will be held.
|
|
If you have questions about Adult Ministry, please contact the Adult Ministry Director, Janell Reich. A link to her email is below.
|
|
Verizon Cell Tower Addition
Verizon completed adding cellular service to the Lord Of Life cell tower as shown in the photo to the right.
|
|
Church Sanctuary Side Doorway
Floor Repaired
Thank you Lee Jennings for repairing the flooring in the Sanctuary in front of the exit door by the Sacristy. The flooring had been destroyed by water and insects. The photos show the work in progress, damage that was done, and the completed project.
|
|
Faith Development Center
Roof Replacement
Almost Complete!
Good news! As of Sunday, January 29th, the new shingles are in place. The solar panels will be reinstalled soon. The photos below show the solar panels being removed, the old shingles being removed, the stack of new shingles that will be used on the roof, and the new roof almost complete with the workers putting on some finishing touches.
|
|
A Request From
Keith Lerner:
I am asking for volunteers that would like to donate their time for small and large projects at our church. We especially need painters for spring projects. I am also looking for volunteers to sign-up for the spring and summer lawn maintenance crew. Watch for a sign-up sheet which will be emailed to the congregation soon. Anyone interested in volunteering their time can contact me, the volunteer Property Care Coordinator, at 609-922-8975 or by email at Keith@lordlife.us.
|
|
"Spare A Square" Faith Development Center
Roof Replacement Campaign
As of January 8th, our new total amount in the roof replacement campaign is $3,025. THANK YOU to all our contributors! Our campaign will continue. If you have not already made a donation, please consider doing so. A Square of shingles costs $50. You can use your regular church envelopes or just a plain envelope to enclose your check. Please designate the contribution for "Spare A Square." You can place your envelope in the collection plate during the church services or mail it to the church office. Whatever you can contribute would be greatly appreciated. The roof repairs have begun! Come and see what our Stewardship campaign told us to expect: Grace in Action!
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
********
|
|
February Grace Place News
February at Grace Place is filled with fun! The children are celebrating Valentine's Day. During Chapel Time, they will be learning about the Holy Family.
We have already started registration for next year, and spots are filling up quickly for our program. Please stop in or call to schedule your tour today. Also please share with family and friends as well.
Amy Wilmot
Director, Grace Place
Grace Place Phone Number: 609-268-2756
|
|
Summer
Adult Mission Trip
July 16th - July 22nd
Lord Of Life will be teaming up with Appalachia Service Project to help make
homes warmer, safer, and drier for needy families in Jonesville, Virginia. The cost is $350.00 per person and includes 3 meals each day, air conditioned dormitory style accommodations, and hot showers. Devotions will be held in the evening hours. A nonrefundable monetary deposit of $50.00 will be required with sign up.
For more information, please contact Penny Miller. A link to her email is below.
|
|
Flower, Communion Bread, Communion Wine, Sancturay Lamp
Dedications And Memorials
Sign up reservation sheets are posted on the Narthex bulletin board for you to use. Payment envelopes are also located there. The cost for altar flowers is $25 for each week. The cost of Communion Bread, Communion Wine, or the Sanctuary Lamp candle is $25 per month for each of these.
|
|
Soup Ministry
If you make a meal or soup and have leftovers, please consider donating them. We are asking you to store food in a disposable deli container, label the contents, and place it in the freezer in the church kitchen. The food will be distributed to those of the congregation who are in need.
|
|
Ongoing Collection For
The Christian Caring Center
And
Bridge Of Peace
Please drop off your items for both the Christian Caring Center and Bridge Of Peace into the appropriate shopping cart located in the church entry hallway. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
********
|
|
Dinner For
Bridge Of Peace Youth
Tuesday, February 7th
Lord Of Life will be providing a treat for the Bridge Of Peace Youth by bringing to them a ziti, bread, and salad dinner meal on Tuesday, February 7th. If you would like to make a monetary donation to help with the purchase of food for this event, or if you can help in any other way, please contact Barbara Wagner as soon as possible. A link to her email is below.
********
|
|
Helping Hands Ministry
Wednesday, February 22nd,
At 9:30 AM
(For The Christian Caring Center)
Helping Hands is a monthly ministry to make sandwiches for the homeless served by Christian Caring Center. It meets the last Wednesday of each month. We form an assembly line and make over 200 sandwiches in an hour. Jobs are easy – putting meat and cheese on a roll, placing sandwiches in a baggie, counting the sandwiches, and putting them in a grocery bag. Everyone gets a small, easy task and a lot gets done quickly while we share some time together. We keep everyone safe by wearing gloves and masks, spacing ourselves, and venting the room. All are invited to join us! If you have any questions, please contact Janell Reich.
|
|
January's Helping Hands Crew:
Judy Lerner, Marilyn Swing, Jan Baker, Sara King, Trish Macri, Barb Wagner, Harry & Kirsten Granfors, Paul Horner, and Bettie Lohman
|
|
Lord Of Life
Play-Offs Food Drive
Supporting The Bridge Of Peace
Food Pantry
Lord Of Life will be having a "Play-Offs" food drive starting on Saturday, January 7th. You will be able to support your “team” by putting canned food donations into their designated collection box. One point will be awarded for each item. Our scoreboard will be updated weekly to reflect which box/team/sport is winning. The collection will end on Super Bowl Sunday, February 12th. Donations support the Bridge of Peace food pantry. We know that pantries tend to receive far less support in January and February so this food drive is a much needed one and will support many. There may be "mystery items" that get double points - based on what the pantry most needs that week. There are also “Extra Point” foods that are listed below. We hope everyone will play along and cheer their team to victory!
The 5 Teams And Their Captains Are:
1. Soccer - Philadelphia Union and local soccer teams - the Tomlinsons
2. Baseball - Phillies and Cherokee Chiefs - Rick Krause
3. Football - Eagles & Seneca Golden Eagles - the Millers
4. Basketball - 76ers and Shawnee Renegades - The Christiansons
5. Hockey – Flyers, Erin Gordon’s power hockey team, and other local schools - the Safiers
“Extra Point” foods include:
Boxed milk (parmalat style sold at dollar stores)
Canned Chicken
Beef Stew
Pork and Beans
Tomato Sauce with Meat
Rice 1 lb bags
Cereal
********
|
|
Christian Caring Center News
The Christian Caring Center publishes a monthly newsletter for all to read. The link below can be used to access it.
|
|
MORE Athletic Shoe Collection
MORE stands for Modular Organic Regenerative Environments. The group is 100% funded by recycled athletic shoes, keeping them out of landfills. Donated shoes are sold to participating vendors in developing countries. Proceeds regenerate forests and jump start small farming co-ops in needy regions. This creates retail jobs while stimulating free enterprise. MORE provides basic supplies, tools, seeds (fruit-bearing mango, papaya, avocado and income producing mahogany), and agroforestry training to poor farming families, school children and rural villages.
You can contribute your used sneakers or athletic shoes by placing them in the collection box located in the church entryway. Please sneaker-type used footwear only, no dress or other shoes.
To learn more about the organization, click on the link below.
|
|
Join a Justice Group!
Want to get more involved in advocacy? The New Jersey Synod is launching NJ Synod Justice Groups! Once a month, our virtual justice groups will meet, each under the guidance of a leader who is passionate and knowledgeable about the issue. Choose the advocacy topic that you're most passionate about and come discuss with like-minded people who are ready to tackle that particular issue priority. The meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM on Zoom.
There will be justice groups on seven important advocacy topics: Environmental Justice, Food Security Justice, Health Care & Mental Health Justice, Housing Justice, LGBTQIA Justice, Migration Justice, and Racial Justice. If you are interested in joining a group, please fill out the interest survey. The link to it is below.
|
|
Thank Your Donors!
The blood drive at Lord Of Life was a great success with 18 units of blood being donated! A big THANK YOU to all who gave the gift of life and to all our Lord Of Life volunteers who helped to make this blood drive possible. Plans are underway to hold other blood drives at Lord Of Life. The dates for you to save are: Tuesday, June 20th and Tuesday, August 29th.
|
|
Wednesdays Away
Special Ash Wednesday Session
The Wednesdays Away program is a time for spiritual renewal. It is held once a month at the Cross Road retreat center from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM during the months of September through June.
On Ash Wednesday, February 23rd, there will be a special session titled, The Lantern And The Wildflower. Pastor Dale Selover will lead the program. She is Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Director of The House Next Door, a spiritual direction and retreat ministry at Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church in Princeton Junction. Cross Roads has written the following summary of the program:
"We usually refer to the forty days of Lent as a journey, but this year we are going to embark on a Lenten adventure. Inspired by Kaitlin Curtice’s poem “The Lantern and the Wildflower”, we will reflect upon Kaitlin’s understanding of God as Adventure."
Use the link provided below to learn more about Wednesdays Away and to register.
|
|
Attention Thrivent Members:
Direct Your Choice Dollars
NOW!
Some Thrivent members receive "Thrivent Choice Dollars" as a bonus to having certain types of accounts with Thrivent Financial. Each year, the Choice Dollars are awarded from time to time. Members can donate ("direct") them to a charity recognized by Thrivent. Lord Of Life is one of them. If you do not direct your Choice Dollars to a charity, they are returned to Thrivent. Also, you must direct any 2022 Choice Dollars by March 31, 2023. They do not carry over to another year, and they will be returned to Thrivent if not directed by then.
You can direct your Choice Dollars on-line from your Thrivent account. You can also call Thrivent at 800-847-4836. When prompted, say, "Thrivent Choice." Links below are the Thrivent website and instructions on how to direct your dollars on-line.
|
|
Amazon Smile Program Ending!
Amazon has announced that it will be ending the Amazon Smile program on February 20, 2023. When the program ends, Amazon will be providing Lord Of Life a one-time donation equivalent to three months of what we earned in 2022. We will also be able to accrue additional donations until the program officially closes in February. Once AmazonSmile closes, charities will still be able to seek support from Amazon customers by creating their own wish lists.
|
|
2023
Offering Envelopes
Now Available
The offering envelope boxes for 2023 are available for pick up in the church Narthex. They can be obtained before and after all services or if you are in the building during the week. If you only give electronically and do not use your envelopes, please place your box of envelopes in the basket labeled, "Do Not Use Envelopes" which will be on the table.
|
|
Continuing Your Contributions |
|
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 contribution 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.)
|
|
SPECIAL EDITION OF LIFELINES
"Annual Congregational Meeting:
Summary And Information"
This special LifeLines will be published on Friday, February 17th.
|
|
February Birthdays
Feb. 2: Melissa DeAngelis, Nancy Drew, and Ken Tomlinson
Feb. 3: Bill Keenan, Jaklyn Kronenberger, and Johanna Strobl
Feb. 4: Robin Borkowski and Inger Haugland
Feb. 5: Barbara Wagner
Feb. 6: Stephen Bielec, Jr. and Roland Kucklinca
Feb. 10: Joshua Lamb and Jimmy Sunbury
Feb. 11: Robert Donahue
Feb. 12: Madeleine Sibert
Feb. 13: Patricia Barnes
Feb. 14: Donna Schwab
Feb. 15: Jesse Roberts
Feb. 16: Christian Ciliberti
Feb. 17: Vincent Gallagher
Feb. 19: Raymond Kucklinca and David Lamb
Feb. 20: Deborah Donahue and Barbara Harbora
Feb. 22: Sherri Adamson and Kristy Godfrey
Feb. 24: Koben Kermoade
Feb. 25: Erin Gordon, Connie Stevens, and Ellen Wilen
Feb. 26: Michelle Nisula
Feb. 27: Fran Jones
Feb. 28: Candice Buchler
|
|
February Wedding Anniversaries
Feb. 6: Tina & Kevin Steinhour (Celebrating 35 years!)
Feb. 11: Donna & Ralph Schwab
Feb. 18: Beverly & Joe Evans
Feb. 20: Connie & Rick Stevens (Celebrating 52 years!)
Feb. 21: Karen & John Lupnacca
Feb. 23: Patricia & William Andrews (Celebrating 60 years!)
|
|
February Baptismal Anniversaries
Feb. 5: Christine Countess
Feb. 8: Michael Safier and Ryan Safier
Feb. 9: Malin Jasinski
Feb. 10: Felice DeCristofaro and John Welling
Feb. 11: Nancy DiYenno and Carol Flood
Feb. 12: Mason Morales
Feb. 13: Elizabeth Shiplee
Feb. 14: Leeland Rogers and Charlie Schultheis
Feb. 18: Graceanna Rogers and Lauren Sander
Feb. 19: Laura Evans
Feb. 20: Scott Rinck and Michael Sunbury
Feb. 21: Tammy Miller
Feb. 22: Sandy O’Neal
Feb. 23: Bonnie Horner
Feb. 24: Marge Finley and John McMichael
Feb. 27: Barbara Godfrey
Feb. 28: Tyler Kermoade
February: William Leach
|
|
LifeLines Ending Song:
This is one of our Epiphany Season traditonal hymns, ELW #315. Its message is appropriate every day of the year, and reminds us that God is with us and provides redemption. The words of the hymn were written by Joseph Armitage Robinson in 1890. He was a priest in the Church of England and the Dean of Westminster. The original title of the hymn was, 'Tis Good Lord To Be Here."
|
|
Next LifeLines:
The next monthly issue of LifeLines will be published on:
Wednesday, March 1st
Please Submit News For This Edition By Thursday, February 23rd
|
|
LifeLines is published monthy, on the first day of each month. Please submit articles for upcoming editions of the LifeLines 5 days prior to the next issue date.
Regarding the use of images, no copyright infringement is intended.
Advertisements are controlled by YouTube on those links, and we are not able to eliminate or select them. Advertisements randomly appear and change from viewing to viewing. We do know not know which advertisement will be seen by a viewer, and it may not be the one which the Editor saw when choosing the YouTube links. There is no endorsement of any product in YouTube advertisements.
To contact the LifeLines Editor by email, click on the following link:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
