Phone (609) 268-0262
Hours:
The Office Is Currently Closed. Please Use Debbie Chromeck's Email To Contact The Church.
Pastor David Stoner
Vice Pastor
C: (856) 266-2567
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
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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Lord Of Life
continues its mission with all worship and bible study events virtual/on-line. Check your email and the church website for links and additional information.
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New Worship Schedule Information
Our worship services can be seen live on YouTube and Facebook at 11:00 AM every Sunday morning. The service will also be available for viewing as a video recording on both YouTube and Facebook shortly after the service is completed.
To
access these easily, the links are below:
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Updated Bible Study Information
WHEN:
Every Wednesday at 10 AM and 7 PM
THEME: About Love, Word, & Life: The Use of Scripture in the 21st Century
HOW TO JOIN IN:
Pastor Stoner is leading the bible study using Zoom to which all are invited to attend. All congregation members will receive an email prior to the event with a link to sign in. A phone-in option is also now available so you do not have to use a computer to attend. The phone number will be provided in the same email as the Zoom link.
PLEASE NOTE: Bible study will not be held on July 1st and July 8th while Pastor Stoner is on vacation.
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News On Discussions To Reopen The Lord Of Life Campus
"Gracious God, it is good for us to gather as your beloved in community. We treasure your presence with us in word and meal, song and prayer. Be with us in these days when gathering together as often as we would like is not possible. When we must be apart for reasons of safety, we trust that you surround us with your sheltering wings. Encourage us in connecting as we are able, reaching out to our neighbors in need and being persistent in prayer. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our constant companion. Amen"
(ELCA Worship Team: Prayers for Times of Public Health Concern: Covid-19)
Council President Ed Hourihan has asked Sandy O'Neal and Rick Krause to lead a Task Force to develop a comprehensive plan for reopening the Lord of Life campus (building and grounds). The group has started meeting virtually and formulated six main questions that the group will attempt to address and answer:
1. What problems, concerns, and/or issues need to be addressed in order to reopen the Lord of Life building and grounds to people?
2. What problems, concerns, and/or issues need to be addressed in order to have on-site worship at Lord of Life (indoor or outdoor)?
3. What issues and concerns do people have about returning to Lord of Life (congregants, employees, and visitors)?
4. What other questions need to be asked and answered (besides building/grounds and worship)?
5. What concerns/issues need to be addressed before we resume on-line video streaming from Lord of Life?
6. When can we resume on-site worship with people in attendance (indoor or outdoor)?
The committee has gathered a number of resources from the ELCA, New Jersey Synod, State of New Jersey, Burlington County Board of Health, various religious denominations, and our insurance company. Currently, a survey is being compiled that will be distributed to the congregation next week. From that information, the task force will compile specific questions and begin to formulate answers and plans. If you have anything to contribute, or would like more information, please contact Sandy O'Neal or Rick Krause. Links to their emails are below.
Thank you to those who have volunteered to be a part of the task force.
Alan Dennison,
Cheryl Dennison,
Joyce Harper,
Lu Hourihan,
Rick Krause,
Fran Jones,
Kim Mattson,
Sandy O'Neal,
Janell Reich,
Breanne Tomlinson,
Dennis Yates
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Blessings To Donna Yates
On Her Retirement
For over 20 years, Donna has served Lord Of Life leading our Children, Youth and Family Ministry. On behalf of our entire congregation, we wish you our best and thank you for the energy and enthusiasm shown in your work, and especially the love you have expressed to our Lord of Life family. You have touched the lives of many over the years in a most positive way. Donna, thank you for all you have done!
Some special messages for Donna:
From Church Council President, Ed Hourihan:
In Appreciation to Donna J. Yates
"The family members of Lord of Life Lutheran Church thank our Lord Jesus for your accepting God's call to invest in the lives of children and youth of Lord of Life; for sharing God's Word with them and helping them connect it to daily life; and for teaching them to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. You are a sparkling inspiration and a blessing."
These words are printed on a framed certificate for Donna to be presented in the near future. As our Children, Youth & Family Director, Donna has been learning, serving and celebrating with Lord of Life families for twenty plus years. Her loving service is part of our history and is imprinted on our hearts. Thank you, Donna. We pray that your well earned retirement is filled with blessings.
From Breanne Tomlinson:
It has been an absolute joy and pleasure to work with you this past year. You have been a wonderful teacher, guide, mentor and second mother. Thanks for everything you do!
From Sharon Corcoran:
I
was asked to write one paragraph about the impact of Donna's ministry on Lord of
Life along with my experiences of working with this amazing woman. I could
probably write a book about my ten years of working alongside of Donna and her
passion for children, youth and families. More importantly, I had the blessing of
watching Donna's faith journey being shared with each and every child and adult
God placed in her ministry. What Donna shares with God's people is not just her
creative gifts and talents, of which we know are endless, but her heart and soul.
She treats her calling in ministry as a privilege to serve wherever God calls her -
within the church walls, in the community, a mission trip to India, Africa, Baltimore
or locally. We planned hundreds of ministry events together, and I will never
forget her contagious enthusiasm and energy. Whatever it took to share the love
of Jesus, she never hesitated to make it happen - and always in a BIG way! Since
retirement is not in the Bible, I am sure God has special plans for this
extraordinary woman. I will always be thankful for our opportunity to work
together and our continued gift of friendship.
From Sue Dreisbach:
Whether we call you Donna, Miss Donna, Friend, Wife, Mom, Sister, Nanny, Aunt, Glitter Girl, or Confidante, from the youngest to the oldest of us you share massive amounts of your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and...well, we'll have to stop there with the Fruits of the Spirit; because the last one is self-control. Donna, you live your life and share your love and faith with no control or boundaries, just full tilt. Your whole Lord of Life family and all whom you meet thank you for blessing us these many years with your "fruitfulness." You have made an indelible glittery imprint on all of our hearts with your Jesus heart.
From Pastor David Jones:
When I think of Donna Yates, I celebrate the faithful and gracious witness of a child of God who reflects the love of Jesus in thought, word and deed...I celebrate a woman of faith who has been an awesome partner in ministry and...I celebrate a disciple of Christ who honestly and joyfully understands what it means to be "blessed to be a blessing!"
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A Message To All From Donna
On Her Retirement
Dear Families at LOL,
I will be retiring from my position as the Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry as of June 14, 2020. It has been a gift, a joy, and a privilege to have this opportunity to serve the families of Lord of Life. This has not been an easy decision. It comes after a lot of prayer and thoughtful conversation with my family.
I am extremely grateful for the support, care, and love that I have received from you, our Lord of Life families, the staff, and Council. Our church family has made a tremendous difference in my life and that of my family over the last twenty-four years since joining Lord of Life. I am looking forward to continuing my faith journey, to serve, and be an active member of Lord of Life.
I am excited to see where God takes Lord of Life in the future. I believe God is leading us in a positive direction. The time I have spent on staff at LOL and with our families has been many of the best times of my life.
With love, gratitude and for all God's Children,
Donna Yates
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The Festival Of John The Baptist
June 24, 2020
Each year, June 24th is designated, The Nativity of John The Baptist, a "Lesser Festival" of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and other churches. Lesser Festivals usually are not celebrated in Sunday church services unless their date falls on a Sunday, and, even then, it is optional. Most of us know much about John The Baptist and, this coming Wednesday, he will be remembered and celebrated. Below is a link to a song from the play, Godspell, relating to John.
Our Lutheran Book of Worship prayer for this day:
"Almighty God, by your gracious providence, your servant, John The Baptist, was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Grant to your people the wisdom to see your purpose and the openness to hear your will, that the light of Christ may increase in us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the the Holy Sprit, one God, now and forever. Amen."
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Final Update:
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Monday, June 22, 2020
Lord of Life Lutheran Church Campus
Faith Development Center/Grace Place Building
Thank you to all who have signed up for the blood drive! We have reached capacity for this donation. Please remember to be on time for your appointment. The location remains the same, and there will be staff to provide guidance upon your arrival.
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PLEASE TAKE THE SURVEY
A Message from Breanne Tomlinson, VBS Director
This past Tuesday, an email was sent to all asking those interested in attending VBS whether you would attend an outdoor "live" VBS or if you would attend a virtual/on-line VBS. Please respond to the survey so that decisions and planning can take place. If you have not responded, here is a link to the survey. Thanks to all who have completed it already!
To
contact me by email, a link is below.
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Spotlight On:
Lord Of Life Quilt Ministry
Looking ahead to the Fall Season and hopefully being able to assemble as a group, the Quilt
Ministry will be meeting one day a month. The first Thursday of the month is open and we can
work it into a 9 AM to 3 PM day. It would be great if we could say it was September, but we
will work within the guidelines set forth.
October will be the month of the ingathering - that is the place and time where all the churches
in the NJ area deliver the items they have made for Lutheran World Relief. From there they will
be delivered to the warehouse in Maryland for distribution all over the world. We have already
finished a large quantity of quilts awaiting our dedication and send off.
Lord of Life's count of quilts shared in 14 countries is 527, plus some given locally. There are
members who work on quilts that prefer to work at home, but we have a small group who come
together to cut the squares, sort the fabric, and put together kits. With the extended day session, we can now assemble and tie the quilts. Tables are set on risers to make it easier to manage this
step. Presently we have a good selection of fabric and batting is purchased with Thrivent Action Team Gift Cards, but donations of sheets in good condition are welcomed for the backing.
We would like to challenge more members to get involved. Sewing the quilts is a simple step.
Sandwiching the quilts is the next step. This can be challenging, but with the proper tools and
setup, it can become easier. The final step is tying the knots to hold the quilt together. Anyone
who was a scout can do a square knot. We could plan a "Tie-In" day for the youth of LOL.
Another item that has been made are the cloth bags requested by the Food Pantry at Bridge of
Peace Church in Camden. They are quite simple to make and most appreciated. Kits are also
available.
I would recommend that you check out Lutheran World Relief page on Facebook to see the many
ways that people are coming together to supply School Kits, Personal Care Kits and other
opportunities of giving. A link to this Facebook site is below. With your help, Lord of Life will continue to do "God's Work, Our
Hands".
(Thanks to Gloria Brosious, who leads the Lord Of Life Quilt Ministry, for the above article. If you would like to contact Gloria, a link to her email is below.)
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Collection for the Christian Caring Center
The collection at the entrance way to the FDC/Grace Place of our church building is continuing.
Look for the blue container and carefully place the items into it.
A delivery of the donations took place on April 29th that would have completely filled two large shopping carts, and a second delivery, the size of a grocery cart filled with goods, took place on May 20th. As always, your gifts were sincerely appreciated and welcomed. Thank you so much! Thank you for your support!
You can also help the Christian Caring Center by donating through their website or mailing a check to them. The link for donating and their address are below.
P.O Box 385
Pemberton, NJ 08068
(Additional information is available on the church's website. For the link:
CLICK HERE)
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Women's Ministry News:
Partners In Mission
Here is updated news regarding our support of Bridge Of Peace Community Lutheran Church in Camden.
Penny Miller and Barbara Wagner were able to provide over $1,300 to Bridge Of Peace from donations received during the distributions of masks that they and others of our congregation were making. Along with these funds, masks were provided for their volunteers. There were other people in the congregation who sent money in after we received the notification from ELCA about matching funds. They were extremely appreciative for all we have done for them.
Another church with a great need is Faith Presbyterian Church in Medford. They have a very small food bank and do not get any help from anyone else (such as outside suppliers). Only their members keep it stocked. Any donations that have been received for masks over the past two weeks will be given to Faith Presbyterian church in Medford.
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Do You Want To Support Bridge Of Peace Food Pantry?
A black container to deposit donations of food has been placed by the entry way to the FDC/Grace Place Building at the church campus. It is near to the one for the Christian Caring Center and is labeled for Bridge of Peace. All food should be non-perishable and will not need refrigeration prior to opening. Here is a list of items that are needed:
Canned Vegetables
Canned Soup
Canned Fruit & Fruit In Packaged Plastic Containers
Pasta & Pasta Sauce
Cereal & Low-Sugar Cereal
Canned Beans
Canned Protein (Tuna, Stews, Etc.)
Rice
Peanut Butter
Mac & Cheese
Boxed Milk
Instant Oatmeal
Just Add Water Pancake Mix & Pancake Syrup
Toilet Paper
Dish Soap
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A Letter Of Thanks To Lord Of Life
In gratitude for the assistance they have received from Lord Of Life, Pastor Giselle of Bridge Of Peace has written the following letter to Barbara Wagner and our members at Lord Of Life:
May 20, 2020
Dear Barbara and the Sisters and Brothers at Lord of Life,
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen." (1Peter 4)
Bridge of Peace is tremendously humbled, strengthened and encouraged by the power of God in Christ Jesus and has been praying for you through these difficult times. God has been present and relentless in demonstrating God's love and grace through your generosity. The past few weeks have been filled with many challenges with many community members struggling to acquire needed food, toiletries, medical and mental health services, and spiritual support. To this end, we have fed hundreds of people each Monday because of your generous financial support.
Bridge of Peace has a tremendous disciple staff serving in our PEACE Center who have been coordinating and planning how to acquire large quantities of food, shopping, and serving families weekly reflecting Jesus' love and compassion. We have provided masks thanks to our friends from Holy Cross in Toms River (The Morgan Family) and Lord of Life in Tabernacle (Barbara Wagner and Penny Miller). Bridge of Peace has been providing spiritual support and mental health support to families experiencing loss and fear. We have received grants from the NJ Synod, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response and Mission Partners. We have worked with Farmers Against Hunger (fresh fruits and vegetables), the Boy Scouts (emergency supplies) and other organizations to provide what our community needs through this time.
Through the past three months we have continued to receive support from near and far for our ministry and have begun exciting new things.
As of this month, our virtual worship on Bridge of Peace Facebook Live includes a collaboration between the music teams at Bridge of Peace and Christ Lutheran in Bethesda, Maryland. We are excited to continue to find new and creative ways to provide worship opportunities throughout the summer and beyond.
Frankly, I believe that God reveals God's glory, grace, and love for each of us in times like these. We are part of an amazing life-giving story even amid a pandemic. For truly, God shows up even when we least expect it and I am eternally grateful for your generosity and care through this time. May God continue to bless and keep you always.
In God's Amazing Grace,
Pastor Giselle
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Grace Place Preschool Registrations
Although the Grace Place Preschool is not in session due to COVID-19, we are still accepting registrations for the 2020-21 school year. Please email Deborah DeMarco at
director@graceplacenj.com for a registration form. At this time, we will not be hosting any tours. An email link is below. Thank you!
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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 our building being closed, the work of the church is going on. Our Vice Pastor and the 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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Stewardship Team News
The Stewardship Team will soon begin to plan for our fall season mailings and church services talks. Becoming part of the team can bring in ideas that will be most beneficial. Besides those functions, the team assists in the distribution of church envelopes (once a year) and mailing/distribution of contribution statements (three times a year). If you would like to be a part of our group, please contact the team leader, Jim Cuviello by email. A link is provided below.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Jim
James J. Cuviello
, Team Leader
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June 19: Justin Jones, Andrew Watkins
June 20: Stephanie Knoell, Dave Parsons
June 22: Peggy Bunning, Carolyn Cuviello, Peg Gibson
June 24: Anthony Bencivengo, Massimo DeCristofaro, Evan Priester
June 25: Sue Dreisbach, Alison Hopkins, Linda Jones, Daniel Lionetti II, June Shibe, Brigitte Watson, Stacey Welusz
June 26: Paul Molnar
June 27: Matthew Horner, Bonnie Rohner
June 28: Rowen Christianson, Libero DeAngelis
June 29: Jessica Hamilton, Joan Maertin
June 30: Al Flood, Mark Jasinski
July 1: Anna Blum
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J
une 19: Cindy & Tom Dauria
June 20: Holly & Woody Priester,
Mary & George Stroup (Celebrating 61 Years!)
June 21: Barbara & Tom Harbora (Celebrating 40 years!),
Kaitlin & Bobby Murray
June 22: Nancy & Dave Curl
June 23: Susan & Mark Jasinski
June 24: Joanne & Paul Rogers (Celebrating 20 years!)
June 28: Jamie & Thomas Baron
June 29: Diane & Robert Knoell
(Celebrating 35 years!)
July 2: Lynne & Tom Larson
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Celebrating Baptismal Anniversaries!
June 19: Carol Ebersberger
June 21: Jim Ebersberger
June 22: Noah Bunning
June 23: Nathan Leach, Tristan Michaleski
June 24: Wesley Evans
June 25: Harry Granfors, Andrew Leach
June 26: Brendon Parker, Brooke Parker
June 27: Maureen McMichael, Brett Reich
June 28: Bob Sunbury
June 29: Mike Romanchak, Brett Steinhour
June 30: Erika Adamson, Thomas Baron, Patrick Fennimore
July: Sheila Tindall
July 1: Juliana Bellina, Kirsten Nisula
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Sunday June 21st:
To ALL fathers in our congregation, have a blessed day!
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To Everyone, Please Note:
Church Member Birthday, Anniversary, and Baptismal Anniversary Recognition Lists:
The editors 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 have accurate lists, but if there is an error or omission please email us. The link to our email is below. Thank you!
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Here's A Gospel Music Song To End This Issue. Enjoy!:
"O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples."
Psalm 105:1 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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