April 15, 2016 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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From the Desk of Pastor Dave
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Ministry Quicklinks
Email Feedback
Church Phone:
609-268-0262
Emails / phone ext:
Church Musician:
Worship & Adult/Sr. Ministry Director:
Church Secretary:
Grace Place Director:
Discipleship & Children's Ministry Coordinator
Regular Worship Services:
6pm Saturday
8:15 & 10:30am Sunday
1 Winchester Ct,
Tabernacle NJ 08088
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"Then Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe. Thomas answered him , "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." (John 20: 27-29 NRSV)
Brothers and Sisters...
You may have noticed that three times over the last two months Pastor Carl Joecks (pronounced Jakes!) has been the preacher at our weekend services of worship. Pastor Joecks has also been present at several of our Wednesday Morning Bible Studies and joined us for our recent Passover Seder Meal.
My relationship with Carl goes back to over 40 years ago when I was a teenage member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Pleasantville, New Jersey and he was serving as pastor at Reformation Lutheran Church in Absecon. Little did I know that one day Pastor Joecks would be preaching and leading worship at Lord of Life. As a recently retired ELCA pastor, having also served as pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Maple Shade, Pastor Carl has kept active in ministry by serving in interim positions at Ascension LC in Haddon Heights and Prince of Peace LC in Princeton Junction. Everywhere Pastor Joecks serves he brings a joyful faith and a deep commitment to the work of ministry.
Pastor Joecks also shares numerous connections with members of LOL who were blessed by his warm and genuine pastoral care in other settings; just ask the Cospers, Perris, Stroups and Urbans. In addition, he has ties to our congregation through his childhood and youthful experiences at Our Redeemer LC in Dumont, his educational journey at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey and The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and his love for Philly sports teams..."Go Phillies!"
Pastor Joecks will be present with us on a regular basis. Please make him feel welcome as he seeks to proclaim the "Good News" of God's love in Jesus Christ and encourages us all to deepen our faith and commitment to the Lord of Life!
Let me share with you a portion of a poem Carl used to challenge our congregation to live as God's Easter people.
"Where was it first you met him? Can you recall the place?
Upon what road and at what hour You saw him face to face?
I met him as a little child so many years ago when in Sunday
School I used to sing "Jesus loves me this I know".
I met him in the valley. Someone I loved had died.
He kept his word, He walked with me.
He shared the tears I cried.
I met him once when lonely. No one seemed to care.
And just when I felt without a friend - I found him standing there.
I met him once confused, unsure, rattled by demands.
He helped me do the best I could then leave it in His hands.
I met him once in someone who reached out in need to me.
And in the least of these his brothers and sisters
his loving eyes did see.
So he walks again the Easter road. To each of us draws near.
And on this Easter morning we still can meet him here.
So meet him in the bread and wine that joyfully he shares.
Meet him in His family, friends who love and care.
Meet him in the alleluias of the joyful songs we sing.
Meet him in the lilies, a thousand blooms of spring.
Meet him in the rising sun that greets an all new day.
Meet him in His rising Son, the Prince of Life alway.
Let us continue to have a "Blessed Easter Season"...together!
- Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Jones
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We are working to better meet the needs of our families. So - last Sunday, April 10, we returned to our tried and true Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving format at the 10:30 Worship Service with dismissal for Sunday School. A new curriculum - 'Bible Science' - was launched for Sunday School with lessons that use an actual science experiment to help teach the lesson. In lesson 1, soda geyser, kids saw an explosion of liquid as the amount of soda grew and grew. Children learned that with Jesus we will always have all that we need (John 6:1-13 - Jesus feeds 5,000). This Sunday in the lava lamp lesson. Kids will be reminded to slow down, chill out, and take a pause. Children will learn that Jesus wants us to take time to relax and spend time with him (Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha).
Last Sunday we also launched "BFF" at 9:30 for children present between the services. "BFF" allows kids to gather, explore the bible, and discover that God is their Best Friend Forever. They meet in the fellowship hall at the table marked "BFF". After snack they relocate to the FDC (Faith Development Center) for bible fun and games. The activities planned for "BFF" are different than, but may complement, the Sunday School lesson. This opportunity is presented by Julie and Ashley Vorwerk to give parents the opportunity to attend the adult forum whenever possible.
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 Love your neighbor as yourself... A heartfelt thank you goes out to Joan Dunlevy, Sarah King, Elle Brockington, Carolyn Cuviello, Jill Glossner, Betsy Mottershead, Nancy DiYenno, and Linda Jagiella. These wonderful women of Lord of Life took time out of their busy lives to prepare and deliver meals to the Snodgrass family. Even though the meal train has ended, please continue to keep the family in prayer as they confront the challenges ahead of them.
Link for a "Go Fund Me" page set up for Summer and her family:
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Over 30 family members involved with Confirmation at Lord of Life enjoyed Sunday Sundaes and a focus on Baptism on Sunday, April 10. Prior to a reaffirmation of Baptism in the Sanctuary with Pastor, all shared cherished mementos of their and their children's Baptisms. It was indeed joyous to step back in time and learn about the beginning blessings of each child of God, and to see gowns, shoes, photos, certificates, crosses and more!
Confirmation youth and their families are encouraged to support the "God's Work Our Hands" road clean-up this Sunday, April 17, and to sign up for the "Retreat on Wheels" set to roll on Sunday, April 24.
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On Tuesday, April 5th, Lord of Life kicked off classes for First Holy Communion with a Bible Blast for children in 2nd grade and their families. Learning sessions continue over the next two Tuesdays, April 19 and 26, in the fellowship hall. Each learning session begins at 5:30 with a shared meal. On Sunday, May 1 at the 10:30 service, six children will be welcomed at the table of the Lord to receive Holy Communion for the first time!
Lift up the children and their families in prayer as their faith journeys progress. Katie Adamson, Joshua Allen, Lauren Barnes, Alex and Michael Long, and Brett Steinhour are excited about the journey.
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Grace Place is having "Travel Around the US" on April 28 and 29th. Please feel free to join us by presenting a state of your choice to the preschoolers. Please see Miss Melinda for further details.
Also, Grace Place is having an "Open House" Mixer on Friday April 22nd at 12 noon. Come by and tour the school, meet the children and get a registration packet for September. Contact Miss Melinda at
609-268-2756
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New members welcomed into the Lord of Life family - April 12, 2016.
 A wonderful group of new members were formally welcomed into the family of Lord of Life on Tuesday evening, April 12th. A dinner, hosted by Council (Beth Blair prepared the outstanding main course), staff, family members, and special friends, was held in their honor in the fellowship hall. Pastor completed the evening with a welcome service in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion. Please look for these smiling faces at services this weekend and give them your very own welcome into our family of brothers and sisters in Christ!
Front row, left to right, Dale Clement, Jean Butler, Sarah Michaleski, Katlin Meimbresse Murray, Barbara Ma, Janice Galbraith, Cindy Keenan, Chris MacConnach, Anthony MacConnach. Back row, left to right, Matthew Michaleski, Bobby Murray, Chester Drago, Bill Keenan, Kathleen Rohm, Jason Hook.
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Greetings from Pastor Sue!
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 Yes indeed, just when you thought it was safe... I'm back... First of all I very much needed to say thank you to so many of you who made my time of transition into my new call with Holy Cross in Toms River such a positive and meaningful experience. Your love and support as well as the countless ways that all of you validated my ministry with you over the last six years is something I will always remember and carry close to my heart.
Because of the wonderful relationship we have shared it is now my honor to invite all of you to be part of my Installation celebration at Holy Cross. The event will take place Sunday, May 22nd at 3:00 in the afternoon. Holy Cross is located at 1500 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753.
It was my joy and privilege to serve beside you. Please know that you are in my prayers always as individuals and especially as a congregation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to seeing those of you who are able to attend on May 22nd.
May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus! Amen!
Pastor Sue
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This year the audit of the church's finances will be held on May 10th. We are still looking for TWO MORE volunteers to help in the audit process. You must be able to balance your own checkbook! If you can help, please contact Bill Reich via email -
finance@lordlife.us.
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 As of March 31st, 2016, the church's expenses and income almost match for the year with values just over $101,000. This is better than the plan.
For those wishing more detail about the finances of the church, please reference the following web page:
http://lordlife.website/finance_2016_04_04.html
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
WEDNESDAYS, 10-11:30
Join us for our study of the week's readings for each following Sunday. This is a very engaging group who enjoy learning, discussing, questioning, and lively conversation about our faith journeys. No one has all the answers! All are welcome!
PEOPLE ENJOYING PEOPLE (PEP) SPRING FLING
THURSDAY, APRIL 21ST, NOON
"BROADWAY MEETS THE BIBLE"
Join us for a great lunch, fellowship, and a spring time stroll down Broadway
as we explore some musical links to Bible themes!
ALL ARE WELCOME!
HELPING HANDS
MONDAY, APRIL 25TH, 12:30
It's our monthly sandwich brigade time! Donate some meat and/or cheese and/or come and make the sandwiches for our neighbors in need served by
the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills.
SOUNDS OF JOY AT LUTHERAN CROSSINGS
MONDAY, MAY 2ND, 1:30
Come and help us share a special Easter message with our friends in Moorestown. We have a great time of sharing God's love through music and the Word!
AMERICA'S KESWICK COMMUNITY HYMN SING LUNCHEON
THURSDAY, MAY 5TH, 9:00, $12
"GOD AND COUNTRY"
Please sign up and pay by Monday, April 18th, for this wonderful time of
witness and patriotic music followed by lunch!
PEP and YAHS LUNCHEON
(People Enjoying People and the Young at Hearts)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18th, NOON
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Marlton
It's our annual get together! Come and enjoy a special lunch followed by entertainment
with
M'Town Jazz Jam!
THANK YOU!
...to our Lutheran Crossings angels, Jan Baker, Edna Bystrom, Jim Civiello, Nancy Drew, Priscilla Faucett, Sara King and Max, Tina Leach, Janell Reich, Mary and George Stroup, and Alice and Fred Wilfrid! Your angel touch spreads Jesus' love all over the building!
Check out pictures of some of our events on the link to the website!
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Music & Worship Ministries
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Remember...vocalists and instrumentalists are always needed and welcomed!
Be a part of the New Life Choir!
Practice on Wednesdays at 7:30, contact Rick Krause
New singers always welcome!
Be a part of the Praise Team!
Practice on Sundays at 9:30 in the music room in the FDC, contact Sue Dreisbach
New youth and adult singers and instrumentalists are always welcome!
Be a part of the Celebration Ringers!
New ringers are always welcome!
Contact Sue Dreisbach
Worship Assistants Needed 
=> We are looking for someone to lead and schedule our Altar Guild volunteers and Ushers. Barb Wagner would be glad to let you know what is involved.
=> Communion Assistants
Qualifications required: Love for the Lord and a grateful heart.
Prior experience not necessary as training will be provided.
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Thanks to all who donated food and time to make the BOP dinner a success.
YOGA - 7:00 pm
Yoga will be held on April 18th and the 25th. May will be the 2nd and 16th. $10.00 per lesson. Bring a mat and a towel.
BUNCO- April 29th - 6:45 PM
Please sign up on the sheet and put the $5.00 in the envelope. Please sign up by April 24th. Please bring an appetizer or a dessert to share with every one.
We Are Family:
May 6th - Variety/Karaoke Night - 7pm
This is for all ages. Admission fee is a canned good to be donated to the BOP food pantry. If you would like to participate, please let me know. Looking for comedians, musicians, magicians, etc.
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Road Clean up this Sunday, April 17th
Come one, come all to a fun way to help clean up our neighbor and raise some funds for social ministry! We will meet after the last service for a lunch then hit the road (Prickett's Mill) to do our part in cleaning up the neighborhood.
This year we have four road clean ups planned. This is our first. The proceeds from our cleanups will go to the Children's Fresh Air Home in Wildwood and the Penny Miller Sewing Academy in Haiti. It typically takes a little over an hour to do the clean up. This is a family friendly event for all ages and we encourage everyone to come out and join us. We even plan a fun scavenger hunt as part of the clean up with incredible prizes (maybe not so incredible but still fun). Gloves, safety vests, and trash bags will be provided! See you Sunday.
SAVE THE DATE! Our next road clean up will be on May 15th! Mark your calendar and plan to join us for this fun event.
Celebrate Shampoo Sundays in May
We are asking everyone to bring bottles of shampoo with them on Sundays during the month of May. We will take these to the Seeds of Hope "She has a Name" ministry's women's center in Camden. This ministry helps women who work the streets of Camden learn about God's work and assists them in leading more productive lives. A basket will be set up in the narthex to collect the shampoo (you can also bring conditioner and bath wash). Our goal is 100 bottles during the month of May!
May 16th 7:00 PM Follow-up Meeting
... on a potential alternative giving fair in November.
If your were not able to make our last Social Ministry Planning meeting and want to be part of the discussion on the alternative giving fair, you can still play a part in the decision making process. We spent a lot of time discussing this worthy endeavor but feel that it may be too large a project to embrace. We really want to hear from everyone what their thoughts are and how you can play a role (small or large) in making this event occur.
Alternate Giving Fairs give individuals the opportunity to make a "gift" donation to a charity rather then purchase a tie or candle or some other gift for a loved one. We would invite a number of charities to take place in this event and then invite the congregation and our friends to visit with the charities to decide where they wish to donate. They would receive a card that they could then give in lieu of a gift.
ON-Line Shoppers: We need you!
Smile.Amazon.com will donate 0.05% of your total spending on Amazon back to the charity of your choice which we hope will be Lord of Life. If you shop on Amazon this is free money for very little effort going to your church. Just use the link above for your Amazon shopping at no cost to you!
Do you shop on websites like expedia.com, hilton.com, walmart.com? There are 1700 online retailers that give money back to charities just for signing up with a website called iGive.com. Go on and register for the next few weeks and iGive.com is giving an extra $5 to your charity just for signing up. Again, this is free money to help defray some of the costs of ministries at Lord of Life! It will cost you nothing. Another cool thing about this is that once you sign up and add the button, it tells you if the retailers you are on are part of the iGive network and sends you a reminder while you are shopping to push the iGive button to get the benefit.
Hope Alive Baby Bottle update
There are still a few outstanding bottles that we would love to have your return to us. Our total is quickly approaching $2000 which is very exciting. The money will be donated to the Hope Alive Clinic in Haiti so they can purchase supplies and medicines for children. All of the proceeds from this program go to the clinic. Thank you to everyone who help with this and made donations! Great work on beating our goal!
Thrivent Action Teams
We are searching for two Thrivent members who could assist us in setting up a Thrivent action Team for our Shampoo Sundays project and our Backpacks for Kids projects. We would assist you in getting the form done and then help you with everything you need to do to get the $250 gift card from Thrivent. These events would get a great kick if we had these additional funds to get them going. Please contact Linda Jagiela at novedlinda@comcast.net or by phone at 267-275-7582 for more information.
Shopping Cart Needed
Visitors to Lord of Life from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Burlington were impressed with our shopping cart in the foyer and have asked our assistance in finding one for them. They want to set up a food collection similar to ours in their foyers. If you have or know of anyone with an extra shopping cart, please contact Linda Jagiela at novedlinda@comcast.net or by phone at 267-275-7582.
Upcoming events
April 17th - God's Work Our Hands Road Clean Up
May 16th - God's Work Our Hands Road Clean UP
Month of May: Shampoo Sundays for Seeds of Hope "She has a Name" Ministry
Month of July: Backpack and school supply collections
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Open invitation: Come join us for creativity, fellowship and lunch with a special guest on April 22nd!
The "God Created ..." Group will be hosting a visit with Pastor Sue!
We have been working on a scrapbook to help remember the time & ministry we have shared and will be presenting it to her that day. Also, we have a fun project idea that will be made more special by each pair of hands that helps to make it!
If you are interested in coming, please sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex so we know how many people to expect. Bring a thing to share during the visit OR a donation for the Loaves & Fishes shopping cart (to continue to share our blessings)!
If you have any questions, please contact Kris or Erin Gordon.
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 What: Red Cross Blood Drive
Date: Jun 28th
Time: 1 to 6 pm
Location: Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Results: Lifesaving
Register online at: www.redcrossblood.org
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Samuel Edwardsen (4/16), Matthew Detwiler (4/16),
Dakota Bellina (4/16), Rich Jennings (4/16), Amy Schwab (4/17),
Christine Charles (4/17), Ricky Stevens (4/18), Allison Payton (4/18),
Carlissa Sinn (4/19), Rocco DeAngelis (4/19), Linda Nardi (4/19),
Michael Grantner (4/19), Nancy Curl (4/20), Leda Luley (4/20),
Victoria Bruner (4/21), Michael Hennessy (4/21), Devon Lamb (4/22),
Nathan Leach (4/23), Marie Neach (4/23), Gary Biehn (4/24),
Ruth Weber (4/24), Christina Sunbury (4/24),
Rebecca Christianson (4/24), Rick Osman (4/25), Tom Dauria (4/25),
Tom Harbora (4/25), Rob Hollenbeck (4/25), Tyler Evans (4/25), Michael John (4/26),
Tyler Heinrich (4/26), Cliff Dehoff (4/26), Karen Miller (4/26), Julie Horner (4/27),
Joan Molnar (4/27), Jim Wence (4/27), Bob Sunbury (4/28), Jeffrey Horner (4/28),
Fran Bubeck (4/28), Cindy Lee (4/28), Jill Detwiler (4/29)
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Craig & Linda Baechler (4/17),
Robin & Tom Borkowski (4/19),
Jack & Lynn Kronenberger (4/19),
Chad & Stacy Allen (4/24),
William & Janell Reich (4/28),
Cheryl & Jim McDowell (4/29)
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CAVE QUEST VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
July 18th-22nd, 2016
Embark on a VBS Adventure That Will Light Your Way! Gear up for an over-the-top underground adventure! Ground kids in the rock-solid foundation of God's love, a love that takes us through all of life's challenges.
Morning Session for PreK-K
Evening Session for Elementary, Middle School, Adults
Watch the Lifelines & Weekend Worship Bulletin for more information in the coming weeks.
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Book club with our 2015-2016 season of books! Join us!
Tuesdays at 7pm on:
Apr. 19 "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
- historical fiction Depression Era
May 17 "World's Strongest Librarian" by Josh Hanagarne
- memoir, health and faith
June 21 "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd
- historical fiction slavery in Charleston
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Editor's Note: The LifeLines is normally sent every 2 weeks. Inputs of interest to church members can be submitted to 'lifelines@lordlife.us' anytime, but are normally due the Tuesday before the Friday bi-weekly publication.
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Saturday 4/16
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
8:15 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:30 am - Praise Team Rehersal
9:30 am - Faith Formation & Fellowship; BFF-Bible, Fellowship, and Fun
10:30 am - PP&T with Holy Communion and Sunday School
11:30 am - God's Work Our Hands - Road Cleanup
2:30 pm - Eagle Scout Court of Honor
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Monday 4/18
9:00 am - Staff Meeting
7:00 pm - Yoga
Tuesday 4/19
5:30 pm - First Holy Communion Instruction
6:00 pm - Mutual Ministry
7:00 pm - Book Review & Fellowship
Wednesday 4/20
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
7:00 pm - Women's Study
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
Thursday 4/21
12:00 pm - PEP Spring Fling
(Pastor Dave's Day Off)
Friday 4/22
10:00 am - God Created...
12:00 pm - Grace Place Open House
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6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
Sunday 4/24
8:15 am - Service of Holy Communion
9:00 am - Confirmation Ministry Retreat on Wheels
9:30 am - Praise Team Rehearsal
9:30 am - Faith Formation & Fellowship
10:30 am - PP&T with Holy Communion
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Monday 4/25
12:30 pm - Helping Hands
7:00 pm - Yoga
Tuesday 4/26
9:00 am - Grace Place 'Around the World' (Fellowship Hall)
5:30 pm - First Holy Communion Instruction
7:00 pm - Grace Place Board Meeting
** LifeLines Inputs Due Today **
Wednesday 4/27
8:00 am - Men's Fellowship Breakfast
10:00 am - Adult Bible Study
12:00 pm - Senior / Adult Ministry Planning
7:00 pm - Women's Study
7:30 pm - New Life Choir
Thursday 4/28
9:00 am - Grace Place Around the World (Fellowship Hall)
7:30 pm - Quilt Ministry
(Pastor Dave's day off)
Friday 4/29
9:00 am - Grace Place Around the World (Fellowship Hall)
6:45 pm - Women's Ministry Bunco
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Saturday 4/30
6:00 pm - Service of Holy Communion
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==> "Save the Date" for these Upcoming Events <==
May 22 at 3pm - Pastor Sue Installation at Holy Cross
(1500 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
June 26 - July 1st - Senior High Mission Trip (contact Jill Glossner)
June 28 -
Red Cross Blood Drive 1pm-6pm at church
July 18-22 - Vacation Bible School "Cave Quest"
July 25-28 - Junior High Mission Trip (contact Donna Yates)
ONLINE: "Simply Giving" contribution form - get by click here SG
ONLINE: Stewardship 2016 'Estimate of Sharing' click here EOS
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| OUR Purpose: Lord of Life is a welcoming community of forgiven people proclaiming the perfect love of Jesus Christ! |
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