LifeLines

Happenings At

Lord Of Life Lutheran Church

"Where everybody is somebody, and Jesus is Lord!"



Time After Epiphany

~~~

Lent



Issue Of: February 1, 2024

"Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them."

Mark 9:2-3 (NRSV)

(Transfiguaration Sunday, February 11th)

Coffee Hour Fellowship

Every Sunday

Join us for Coffee Hour every Sunday following the 9:30 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!

Coffee Hour

Teams Forming

For 2024, we are looking to increase the number of Coffee Hour Team Hosts as well as increasing the number of members of existing teams. The primary job of the team is to bring treats (cookies, cakes, etc.) that will be served during Coffee Hour. You will not need to set up the room or make the coffee. Remaining after Coffee Hour to help clean up is welcomed but not required. If you would like to join this ministry, please contact Carolyn Cuviello. A link to her email is below.

To Email Carolyn - Click Here

From The Pastor's Desk:

WE ARE THE CHURCH!

With a new year comes a new face, and that’s me! I am Pastor Barry Scott. My wife Julie and I became members just last October. As a retired ELCA pastor I was asked to step in to serve as Interim Pastor at Lord of Life, and I was honored to say “Yes!” I plan to serve this year as we work to call a full time Pastor to lead, and to serve Jesus with us. 

Many of the life-giving qualities of Lord of Life, which made Julie and I feel at home and caused us to become members, are the qualities that give us hope for the future. Warmth of welcome, joyful worship, strong ties to each other as a community of faith, caring ministries, a great desire to grow deeper in faith, a strong love for youth and families, and a commitment to share Jesus’ love with the least, the last, and the lonely. All these and more are needed as we look to a future filled with hope.

Calling a Pastor involves looking carefully at our community, in which we are called to serve, and to also examine our own calling from God. And, we will do that as part of the process. We must be honest with ourselves and about ourselves, and pray for God’s guidance, strength, courage, and hope to lead us forward. 

In the meantime, we are God's people, filled with the Holy Spirit, and called to be the hearts and hands of Jesus in the world. We are God’s family, brothers and sisters with Jesus and with each other. God will give us everything we need to be faithful, and to live in the peace and love of Christ - together! 

Please keep introducing yourself as we get to know one another! May God’s richest blessings be ours!

Pastor Barry (sometimes known simply as PB)

Contact Information For Interim Pastor Barry Scott

For general inquiries or pastoral emergencies when the church office is open, please call the church office: 609-268-0262.

For pastoral emergencies when the church office is closed, please call: 937-243-2777.

To email Pastor, please use: pastor@lordlife.us

Ash Wednesday Services

February 14th

12:00 Noon And 7:00 PM

Lord of Life will have two Ash Wednesday services available for you to attend, one at noon and the other in the evening at 7:00 PM. During both services, ashes will be distributed if you wish to receive them.

Beginning Wednesday, February 21st:

We will have a Lenten Soup Supper on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM followed by a brief worship and devotion at 6:00 PM. The suppers will begin on Wednesday, February 21st (the week after Ash Wednesday) and will continue throughout Lent.

Daniel Plan Bible Study

Final Sessions

Thursday Evening

February 1st, At 7:00 PM

Zoom Session Group

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Wednesday Morning

February 7th, At 10:00 AM

Final Session For In Person Morning Group

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Thursday Evening

February 8th, At 5:30 PM

Special Dinner

(Daniel Plan Participants And All Members Of The Congregation Are Welcomed To Attend!)

(Please Sign Up On The Sheet Posted To The Bulletin Board Or Contact Cynthia Tate If Are Attending

The Dinner.)

~~~~~~

Thursday Evening

February 8th, At 7:00 PM

Final Session For Zoom Group

(In Person At The Church Following The Dinner)

For more information, contact any of the group leaders.

To Email Janell - Click Here

To Email Cynthia - Click Here

To Email Lu - Click Here

To Email Joan - Click Here

Bible Study During Lent

First Sessions Are:

February 14th (Ash Wednesday), At 10:00 AM

In Person At Church

And

Thursday Evening, February 15th,

At 7:00 PM On Zoom

Our Lenten Study is Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright. Pastor Barry will lead the study Wednesday mornings at the church at 10:00 AM and Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM on Zoom. It is a 6 week program and will run from February 14th until March 21st. Here is a description:

Many Christians believe that our future in heaven is all that really matters. But that's not what the Bible teaches. Premier Bible scholar N. T. Wright takes you inside the Scriptures to grasp the full, breathtaking hope Jesus offers the world, and its implications for how we live our lives today as believers.

In six transforming, faith-inspiring sessions, premier biblical scholar N. T. Wright opens your eyes to the amazing full scope of what God's Word has to say about the world to come and the world that is.

Filled with discussion questions, thoughts for reflection, and ideas for personal application, this study guide will help you get the most out of each session.

Applications Available

March 2024

The team for the scholarship fund met recently and put together rules and regulations for our present college students to apply for this new ministry at Lord of Life. Hopefully, application forms will be available in March. If you have a child in college at the present time, consider looking into applying for this scholarship. For a student to be eligible, they must be a member of Lord of Life. If you have any questions, get in touch with Barbara Wagner. A link to her email is below.

To Email Barbara - Click Here

Save The Date!

Spread The Word!

Easter Egg Hunt

And Holy Story

At Lord Of Life

Palm Sunday, March 24th At 3:00 PM

Our annual children's Easter Hunt will take place on the church campus on Sunday, March 24th at 3:00 PM. Pastor Barry will be here, too, telling some Bible stories. We will also have snacks, games, and photos for you to take with the Easter Bunny. Be sure to mark you calendar and save the date. Church members and their friends are welcome. All ages are welcome. There is no cost to participate in the event.

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Bible, Faith, & Fellowship

(Age 3 - 4th Grade)

All children ages 3 to 4th grade are invited to join us at Bible, Faith, & Fellowship. Children will attend the first part of our Sunday morning 9:30 AM. Following the children's sermon, the group will leave the Sanctuary for Christian learning and other BFF activities. Friends are always welcome!

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Youth Group

(Grades 6-12)

Sunday, February 11th, At 4:00 PM

And

Sunday, February 25th, At 4:00 PM

All youth grades 6 to 12 are invited to attend. Friends are always welcome.

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Confirmation Classes

Sunday, February 4th, At 4:00 PM

And

Sunday, February 18th, At 4:00 PM

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Nursery Volunteers

Sign Up

On the third Sunday of each month, Lord Of Life will be having a "staffed" nursery during our 9:30 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 by contacting Breanne.

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.

To Email Breanne - Click Here

Wiley Ministry

Today!

Thursday, February 1st,

At 10:00 AM

On the first Thursday of each month, Lord Of Life presents a program, Songs Of Joy and Scriptures, to the Wiley residents in Marlton. For February, our theme will be "Jesus' Love." If you would like to participate by either singing, playing an instrument, doing a scripture reading, handing out song sheets, or just being there to greet the residents, please contact Janell Reich or Sue Dreisbach. You do not have to commit to every month. Please consider joining us to bring joy to Wiley!

This month, we are only allowed to have 5 of us visit Wiley. Use of masks will depend on their status. They may or may not be needed. Let Sue Dreisbach know if you are planning to be with us.

To Email Sue - Click Here

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Time For Talents

Friday, February 2nd,

At 10:00 AM

Join us for a time of creativity and fellowship! This month we will be continuing to work on the two projects we started in January. For the first one, Gloria Brosious will teach us Continental Knitting. It is a more natural and faster method than English Knitting. In the second, Janell will show us how to make an easy winter scene using watercolors. You are also welcome to bring your own project. Friends are always welcome.

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Book Club

Tuesday, February 13th,

At 1:00 PM

In The Sanctuary Of Outcasts

By Neil White

Here is a summary of our book for February: "The emotional, incredible true story of Neil White, a man who discovers the secret to happiness, leading a fulfilling life, and the importance of fatherhood in the most unlikely of places, the last leper colony in the continental United States."

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People Enjoying People

P.E.P.

Thursday, February 15th,

At Noon



The Not So Newlywed Game!

We'll enjoy a meal, fellowship, and a few laughs together. Hope you will join us on Thursday, February 15th at noon in Fellowship Hall. Please sign up on the sheet posted on the Narthex bulletin board if you plan to attend.

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Devotion And Walk

Tuesday, February 20th,

At 1:30 PM

(Note The Special Day This Month)

Blueberry Hill Trails

(Weather Permitting!)

We will be walking at the Blueberry Hill Trails site in Gibbsboro.  Meet at the trailhead which is on the cul-de-sac at the interseciton of Berlin Road and Eastwick Drive (right off Rt. 561 – Haddonfield- Berlin Rd).

Join us for a brief devotion and picturesque walk. Please contact Janell if you would like to carpool.

For information about the park and trails, click on the link below.

For More Information - Click Here



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Lunch Bunch

Wednesday, February 21st,

At 12:30 PM

Evergreen Dairy Bar

The February Lunch Bunch meal will be held at the Evergreen Dairy Bar, 1643 Rt. 70, Southampton. Come, and enjoy some wonderful food and fellowship. All are welcome: women, men, family, and friends! 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.

To Email Barbara - Click Here

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Blanket Service Project

Thanks to all who are working on joining knitted squares and creating bright beautiful lap robes. When we visited Wiley on December 7th for our music program, two blankets were delivered and put into immediate use. The two residents, who received them, were pleased to have some extra warmth they provided. The staff was impressed by how pretty and cheery they are. We will continue our ministry this coming year. If you have questions as to how to get involved, please contact Janell.

Help Wanted:

We Need Your Suggestions!

The Discipleship, Evangelism, and Communications Committee (DECC) would like to hear your ideas and suggestions for possible activities at Lord of Life. We have created four poster boards representing the four seasons and invite you to suggest events or activities throughout the year. You can draw from past and present activities or events at LOL or recommend ideas from other congregations where you were a member or churches you visited. The poster boards are in the far-right corner of the Fellowship Hall. Sticky notes are available so you can share your ideas and place them on the season that seems like the best fit. The boards will be available through March 31, 2024. The DECC will gather ideas for consideration of future LOL activities or events. You might include your name so a committee member can follow up with you for more information. You can also share your thoughts with any DECC member (Tammy Miller, Lu Hourihan, Breanne Tomlinson, Jim Cuviello, Cassie and Ted Hussey, Bill Reich, or Cynthia Tait).

Do You Have A Favorite Hymn Or Church Song?

Do you have a hymn or song that you would like to hear or sing at worship? 

Please reach out to Rick Krause and let him know by phone (856-287-5328) or by email using the link below.

To Email Rick - Click Here

"Stepping-stones To Health"

At Lord Of Life:

Strong Bones And Balance Fitness Program

Friday, February 9th, At 11:00 AM

And

Tuesday, February 13th, At 6:30 PM

Join us at our next program offering, Strong Bones and Balance Fitness, which meets in Fellowship Hall. This video class is open to all ages, with exercises that can be adjusted for nearly any ability level. Come as you are in comfortable clothes.

If you have questions, please get in touch with Cynthia Tait by email carussell1@comcast.net or phone 602-708-6997.

Quilt Ministry

Thursday, February 8th

At 10:00 AM

The next meeting of the Quilters will be on Thursday, February 8th at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. We will be working on a variety of tasks such as sorting fabric, making quilt kits, and tying quilts.

If you are unable to be with us at our meetings and want to make quilts, kits are available in the Narthex on the quilting display table, and pre-cut batting pieces and backings can be found in the quilting closet in Fellowship Hall.

Bed Sheets!!!

Bed sheets make great backings for the quilts. You can use any size and cut them to the correct size as needed. We welcome donations of new or lightly used bed sheets. They can be dropped off on the quilting table or in the Fellowship Hall closet. Label them for “Quilting Ministry.” Thank you in advance!

Remember:

Quilt Ministry is open to everyone! There are many simple tasks that you can do. The only cost to join our group is your time!

There are simple jobs that anyone can do. They are:

Sort donated material.

Cut squares of material, pieces of batting or backing.

Put 48 squares together to make a kit.

Sew 48 squares together.

Pin a quilt top, batting, backing together.

Tie a quilt together.

Sew the edge of a quilt.

Gloria Brosious leads our group and will provide instruction. Hope to see you on the 8th!

To Email Gloria - Click Here

Music Ministry Notes

The Choir Welcomes You!

Lent has traditionally been a time to "give up" something. This year, how about trying something a little different? The New Life Choir is in need of additional singers for Lent and Easter Sunday. There is a minimal time commitment, and it really is fun! For more information, please see Rick Krause.

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It’s Time To Nominate Students For 

Lutheran Summer Music

Each year, the primary way that music students find their way to LSM is through the encouragement of their church! LSM offers opportunities for musicians of all kinds: brass, winds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more. Do you know a young person (grades 8-12) who would benefit from the life-giving and joyful musical community at LSM? Please see or e-mail Rick Krause for details.

To Email Rick - Click Here

Grace Place Registration

For 2024-2025

Is Now Open

Registrations for next school year, which begins in September 2024, are now being accepted. Please contact the Grace Place Director, Amy Wilmot, for information or to register your child. The phone number to call is 609-268-2756 and a link to her email is below.

To Email The Director - Click Here

Cross Display

Fellowship Hall

Beginning

Saturday, February 17th

Stop by in Fellowship Hall before or following church services or during coffee hour to see Breanne Tomlinson's grandmother's collection of crosses. You will be amazed by various styles and variations.

Snow Blower

For Sale

Lord of Life is selling a Troy-Bilt, Model 2620 snow thrower. This is essentially a new, never used unit that was donated to Lord of Life. Unfortunately, our parking lot is too big for this unit to handle, however it would be a perfect home clearing unit. It has an electric start, 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, 26” clearing width, and one hand operation from the rear control panel. We are offering it to the Lord of Life congregation and friends first before we offer it to the general public. We are asking for a $750 donation, but all reasonable offers will be considered. Interested members should contact Craig Baechler or Keith Lerner.

To Email Craig - Click Here

To Email Keith - Click Here

Puzzle Exchange

Ending On

Sunday, February 11th

Lord of Life's jigsaw Puzzle Exchange will continue until Sunday, February 11th. We are using a long table in Fellowship Hall for you to bring in and place your old puzzles from your home and pick up some new ones. It’s an opportunity for all of you puzzlers to clear out your shelves and get some new ones for putting together during the cold winter months!

After February 11th, we'll donate any leftover puzzles to either Wiley, Bridge of Peace, Christian Caring Center, St. Vincent DePaul, and maybe even the Marlton Library.

Ohana Ukuleles

There will be practice every other Monday at 1:30 PM in February. The dates are: February 5th and 19th.

We will play at the 9:30 AM service on Sunday, February 11th. Songs will be: This Little Light of Mine, Marching in the Light of God, and Down in My Heart.

New members are welcome. Please contact Janell Reich for more information.

To Email Janell - Click Here

Holy Eucharist Ministry

Any church member who is unable to be at our services and would like to receive Holy Communion at their home should contact either the church office (609-268-0262) or Penny Miller (609-726-1698). A time for a visit will then be planned.

Dinner For Bridge Of Peace

Tuesday,

February 6th

Lord of Life will be taking dinner to Bridge of Peace on Tuesday, February 6th. The menu is chili, bread, salad, and cupcakes. If you would like to help out in any way by supplying food or giving a donation, please get in touch with Barbara Wagner. Also, everyone is invited to join us.

Christian Caring Center

Thrift Shop Closing

Christian Caring Center is closing its Village Thrift Shop in Pemberton. They are financially strapped and cannot afford to pay for the repairs needed on the building and have to sell it. Other than what is requested for Code Blue, we will no longer be collecting clothes and household items. The center in Browns Mills will remain open for ministering to people in need of counseling and food.

Christian Caring Center

Code Blue Needs

During the winter weather months, many clients of the Christian Caring Center find themselves facing the difficulty of dealing with frigid temperatures. To help them, the Center has instituted a winter Code Blue program. They are in need of the items listed below. Any donation would be greatly appreciated.

General Needs:

Coffee Pots

Coffee, Sugar, Powdered Creamer, Hot Cocoa Supplies

Paper Plates & Cups And Utensil Supplies

Bottled Water, Juices, Packaged Snacks

For Shelter Clients:

Journals, Pens, Stamps, Envelopes

Razors, Socks, Reading Glasses

Puzzels, Magazines, Books

Gloves, Hats, Sweatshirts, Sweat Pants

General Hygiene Supplies, Feminine Hygiene Supplies

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!



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Needs List For Bridge Of Peace Food Pantry

The food pantry at BOP could use several items that are currently in low supply. Here is the list of these groceries. Donations can be placed in the shopping cart in the church entryway.

Peanut Butter

Canned Tomato Sauce

Canned Fruit

Boxed Pasta

Boxed Macaroni And Cheese

Helping Hands Ministry

Wednesday, February 28th,

At 9:00 AM

(Sandwiches 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 about 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.

Christian Caring Center News

The Christian Caring Center publishes a newsletter for all to read. The link below can be used to access its most recent edition (December 2023).

To Read The Newsletter - Click Here

New Program From Thrivent

Thrivent's new Money Canvas program offers a series of free one-on-one meetings with a financial coach to help you see where your money is going and build healthier financial habits. The coaching program is 100% free and has no hidden agenda or sales pitch. Thrivent created Money Canvas with a simple goal of helping people get better at money management and saving. To learn more, click on the link below.

To Learn More - Click Here

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Thanks, everyone for helping make our January 23rd blood drive a success! We had 26 “productive pints” (including 4 “power red”) collected. Every pint can be used to save one or more lives.

The next drive at Lord of Life will be Tuesday, June 18^th from 2:00 PM -7:00 PM. Mark your calendars! Invite your family and friends!

Lord Of Life

Annual Report

Available

Did you miss the annual meeting on January 28th? You may still download the 2023 Annual Report for our church by clicking on this link: https://lordlife.website/2024-01-annual-report.pdf

Photos From January Events

At Lord Of Life

Pastor Wendolyn's

Final Service

Sunday, January 7th

Pastor Wendolyn led the service for the last time on January 7th. Following the service, a special Coffee Hour was held so that congregation members could bid her Godspeed.

Pastor Barry's First Sunday Service

Sunday, January 14th

Pastor Barry Scott became our Interim Pastor on January 8th and conducted his first church services in this role during the weekend of January 13th and 14th. We warmly welcome him and thank him for taking on this position during our search for a new fulltime pastor.

Code Blue Delivery

Monday, January 15th

Thanks to all who provided items to help the clients of the Christian Caring during the coldest time of the year. A car load of blankets, warm clothes, and food were delivered to the Christian Caring Center on January 15th by Jim Ernst. Your generousity was most appreciated by the staff of the organization.

Helping Hands

Wednesday, January 24th

Our crew made 192 sandwiches for the Christian Caring Center. Thanks to all who helped!

People Enjoying People (PEP)

Beach Party

Thursday, January 25th

The surf was up at Lord of Life! The group had a swimmin' time!

February Birthdays

Feb. 2: Melissa DeAngelis, Nancy Drew, and Ken Tomlinson

Feb. 3: Bill Keenan, Jaklyn Kronenberger, and Johanna Strobl

Feb. 4: Inger Haugland

Feb. 5: Wayne Mocci and Barbara Wagner

Feb. 6: Roland Kucklinca

Feb. 10: Joshua Lamb and Jimmy Sunbury

Feb. 11: Robert Donahue

Feb. 13: Patricia Barnes

Feb. 15: Jesse Roberts

Feb. 17: Vincent Gallagher

Feb. 19: Raymond Kucklinca and David Lamb

Feb. 20: Deborah Donahue and Barbara Harbora

Feb. 22: Kristy Godfrey

Feb. 25: Erin Gordon and Ellen Wilen

Feb. 26: Michelle Nisula

Feb. 27: Fran Jones

Feb. 28: Candice Buchler

February Wedding Anniversaries

Feb. 18: Beverly & Joe Evans (Celebrating 40 years!)

Feb. 21: Karen & John Lupnacca

Feb. 23: Patricia & William Andrews (Celebrating 61 years!)

February Baptismal Anniversaries

February: William Leach

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

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 and Fran Jones

An Email From Gary Stiegler:

Our longtime friend Pastor Gary recently sent this note to the Editor. Here it is for all to read.

"Folks! My prayers are with you as you make the transition to a new pastor."

Thank you pastor for thinking of us!

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LifeLines Ending Song:

This Gospel pop song was first recorded by Anne Murray in 1970. A year later, the band Ocean produced their version. Ocean's recording reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and was in the top 10 for seven weeks. It was ranked No. 33 for the year of 1971. Many of you will recognize this song. You can listen to both versions below. Enjoy!

To Listen - Click Here

To Listen - Click Here

Next LifeLines:

The next monthly issue of LifeLines will be published on:

Friday, March 1st

Please Submit News For This Edition By

Saturday, February 24th