LifeLines
Happenings at Lord of Life Lutheran Church
"Where Everybody is Somebody...and Jesus is Lord!"
November 6, 2020
 

     " I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit."
                                                                                                            John 15:5  NIV
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CONTACT 
INFORMATION 

Church Office
 Phone: (609) 268-0262  
Hours:
Tuesday Through Friday
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
 
Pastor Wendolyn Trozzo 
Phone:  (609) 268-0262

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

Craig Baechler 
Building And Grounds
Council Representative 
   
Lu Hourihan 
Discipleship 

Rick Krause
Music Ministry

Deborah DeMarco
Grace Place
Extension 306
(609) 268-2756

Carolyn & James Cuviello
LifeLines Editors



From The Pastor's Desk...

Gratitude
 
        Gratitude - it's the theme of this season.  Our lives aren't as clearly dependent on the harvest as in past generations, yet having a season when we look at the changing season and think of what really matters in life.  Nature and food, family and personal connections, blessings from the year past and hopes for the year ahead.  
       I want to tell you - YOU, reading this - how grateful I am for you.  As a part of our Church family, as a child of God, as a neighbor and a part of our country, as a person who shares your unique gifts, as one who has memories and is creating more - as all of these expressions of YOU, I want you to know how grateful I am to be a shepherd of your flock and a pilgrim on the journey with you.
        Thanksgiving will look different this year.  Less travel, less gatherings, smaller celebrations, and a sense of missing the way things were.  I think one thing Covid is teaching us is what we value - sadly we are learning that through recognizing what we miss.  Yet, all is not lost and we can still find ways to give thanks for what we have - those things of value like faith, phone calls, and family recipes.
        As seasons change, I am already looking towards spring, when meeting outdoors will be brighter and warmer, when we will know more about the science of this pandemic, when we will be SO READY to make use of our gorgeous Church campus, whether that's indoors or out.  My thanksgiving is in knowing that a future lies ahead of us, a future that we can be building now though efforts to stay connected, to continue to worship, to support our ministry plans through the annual estimate of sharing (EOS) cards. 
        As November unfolds, I will be making a practice of sharing my gratitude to God.  I've set myself a challenge to post a different table grace every day on our congregation's Facebook page (LOL Facebook Page - Click Here) - perhaps you will join in with posting your own!  If you don't use Facebook, this can be an opportunity to ask a smartphone friend to play the grace for you, thereby blessing you as well as them.  This is my way of wishing you - YOU - a happy Thanksgiving!
Peace,
Pastor Wendolyn
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Pastor's Contact Information:

-Cell phone:  609-286-4533 - available 24/7 though I do not answer while driving or visiting.
-Facebook:  while I do not "friend" members, please "like" my public page, @PastorWendolyn.  You can also visit my Page at https://fb.me/PastorWendolyn and send my Page messages at https://m.me/PastorWendolyn.
-Instagram:  Wendofish - younger folks rely on this app, so please encourage them to connect with me here!
         

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Parking Lot Service:
Sundays At 9:00 AM
(Communion Will Be Available For All)
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Live In-House Service:
Sundays At 10:00 AM
(Communion Will Be Available For All)
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Pre-Recorded Service:
On YouTube Beginning
Sundays At 6:00 AM 

        Join us for our Sunday church services!  Three options are now available.  For those wishing to partake in Communion during the Parking Lot or In-house services, individually wrapped "Communion Kits" (wafer and grape juice) will be used.  See below for information relating to each of the service options.

Parking Lot Service Information:
        All will receive an email prior to the weekend with a printable copy of the Worship Booklet, the Celebrate, and words of the hymns.  Please print and bring them with you.  For attendees without email or printers, you will be able to receive them from the parking lot attendants upon entering the parking lot.  The same Worship Service Booklet will be used until the beginning of Advent for our regular worship services on Sundays.  The service will be broadcast on FM radio station 88.7 which can be heard on your car radio anywhere in the parking lot (The station has a 1/4 mile range limit.).
        Volunteers will direct traffic into the parking lot where smaller cars will be positioned closest to the church and larger vehicles will be in the back lot. Congregants will remain inside their cars during the service.

Live In-House Services:
        The service will be held in our church Sanctuary.  Pews have been designated to have those in attendance seated according to social distancing guidelines.  Please wear masks when entering the building and during the service.  All needed materials for the service will be by projection.
        If you are going to attend the In-House service, please RSVP to the church office by phone (609-268-0262) or by email (To RSVP By Email - Click Here) by 1:00 PM on the Friday prior to the service you will attend.

Viewing The Services On YouTube:
        Our pre-recorded Sunday church service will be available for viewing starting at 6:00 AM on the Lord of Life YouTube website.  The current Sunday service video and previous ones will remain on our YouTube site for viewing at any time.
       A direct link to this site will be posted, prior to the upcoming service, on the church's Facebook page.  Links are provided below to that website and to view the video of the service.
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 (Up To Date Information And Any Changes Can Be Found On The Church's Facebook Page.)
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2021 Offering Envelopes
Are Now Available

        All offering envelope boxes for 2021 have been placed in your church mailbox.
         If you attend an In-House church service, please pick them up from your mailbox.
         If you attend a Parking Lot church service, please give your envelope number (or your last name) to a greeter as you enter the parking lot.  The box of envelopes will be given to you as you leave the lot after the church service.


Adult Ministry Bible Study
Time Change

        Adult Ministry bible study will now start at 1:00 PM on Wednesday afternoons.  The discussion, related to the book "Loving Jesus" by Mark Allan Powell will continue.  For more information, please email Janell Reich.  A link to her email is below. 



Bible, Faith, And Fellowship (BFF)
        BFF will continue through the month of November. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays at 10 AM. Children are asked to wear masks and temperatures will be taken upon arrival. 
First Communion 
        First Communion classes will take place at the church on Saturday, November 7th and Saturday, November 14th from 9:30 - 12:00 noon. First Holy Communion will be recorded in the church Sanctuary on Friday, November 20th and will be available to view on YouTube on Saturday, November 22nd. 

Campfire And Conversation 
        Campfire and Conversation for all youth in grades 7 - 12 will be held at the church on Sunday, November 15th at 3:00 PM. Rev. Sara Lilja from the Synod office will be joining us to talk about advocacy and social justice. We will also be roasting marshmallows at our campfire and planning our Advent service project. Come join us for an exciting night! 

Volunteers Needed
        We need volunteers for Youth Group and BFF. If you are willing to serve in either of these important ministries, please contact Breanne Tomlinson by email.

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         If you have any questions or are able to volunteer, please email Breanne Tomlinson.  A link to her email is below.

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        Reformation Sunday was a special day for 10 of our high school young men and women.  Their Confirmation was held.  They confirmed their faith, and we welcomed them into the membership of Lord of Life.  May God continue to be with them and bless them always!
Sonja Adamson
Catherine Andrews
Christian Ciliberti
Andrew Cosper
Vincent Gallagher
Sophia Hankins
Grace Heinold
Grace Ingrao
Lydia Smith
Edmund Vernier




Grace Place November Happenings

        For the month of November, the children will have fun with the letters T, H, N, and P.  The color of the month is Brown, the shape is a Triangle, and the number is 10.  The themes for November are:  Heart Health, Hibernation, Thanksgiving, and Nutrition. The children will have Chapel Time with Pastor Wen, practice writing their names, create art projects, and learn new sight words.  For science, they will learn about hibernation and listen to exciting stories.  For social studies, the classes will discuss what they are thankful for.  On Tuesday, November 24th, the Grace Place will host a Turkey Trot.
          Grace Place still has a few openings available.  To enroll your child or to get more information, please contact the Director, Deborah DeMarco.  A link to her email is below.



Stewardship 2021:
Stewardship Mailing

        Our 2021 Lord of Life Stewardship campaign mailing has been sent, and, by now, you should have received it.  Please prayerfully consider making a pledge for the upcoming year on the yellow 2021 Estimate Of Sharing (EOS) Card.  We would ask all church members to return your EOS Card to the church no later than Friday, November 20th.
         If you do not wish to place a monetary amount on your EOS card, please return the EOS card with the box checked, "I do not wish to make a commitment at this time."
        The EOS cards will be presented at the altar during the services on the weekend of November 21st and 22nd.
         If you have questions regarding the 2021 Stewardship mailing or campaign, please contact Stewardship Team Leader, James Cuviello, by email.  His email link is provided here:  Email Jim - Click Here
        Thank you to all who have contributed in 2020, and thank you in advance for your continued support in 2021!

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace."
                                                                     1 Peter 4:10 NIV




November 6th Update From Our Adult Ministry Leader, Janell Reich:


Bible Study:
        Wednesdays, November 4th, 11th and 18th - Bible Study moves to 1:00 PM as we continue discussion of Loving Jesus by Mark Allan Powell

En Plein Air Art:
        Thursday, November 19th at 1:00 PM (rain date the 20th) -  En Plein Air Art will feature leaf printing.  A time of creativity and fellowship, celebrate our Savior by using your talents!

Book Club:
        Tuesday, November 10th at 1:00 PM (rain date the 17th) - Book Club will discuss "Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens.  There are copies in the Burlington County Library System.  Here is a description:
        This  2018 novel has topped The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2019 and The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2020 for a combined 32 non-consecutive weeks.  The story follows two timelines that slowly intertwine. The first timeline describes the life and adventures of a young girl named Kya as she grows up isolated in the marsh of North Carolina from 1952-1969. The second timeline follows a murder investigation of Chase Andrews, a local celebrity of Barkley Cove, a fictional coastal town of North Carolina.
 
        If you have questions about Adult Ministry, email Janell Reich.  A link is provided below.



Partners In Mission:

  Support For Bridge Of Peace

An Appeal From
Betty Mastrillo

        Lord of Life will again support Bridge Of Peace during the Christmas season. We need to make up 50 goody bags for Bridge of Peace.  Items needed are gloves, hats, and healthy breakfast bars (like Nutrigrain bars).  Donations need to be at the church no later than Sunday, November 22nd.
        We are also hosting their youth group on Tuesday, December 1st.  We need to supply the kids with a bagged dinner and a craft.  Needed are donations of chips (snack size bags), cases of small water bottles, jello or pudding packs, apples, oranges or monetary donations.  We will be happy to buy the food.  Donations need to be at the church no later than Sunday, November 22nd.
        Please let me know if you can help out with any of this, I would be happy to pick the items up.  A link to my email is below.

BOP food pantry is in need of canned soups (for the colder weather), cans of tuna or chicken, along with the regular items (Parmalot, cereal, pancake mix, syrup, etc.)

I would like to thank everyone for your continued support!


Partners In Mission:

Support For The Christian Caring Center

Thanksgiving Food Drive

        Lord of Life is collecting Thanksgiving food items to share with our neighbors in need served by the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills.  This project serves over 1,000 adults and 700 children.
        If you are able to help our friends have a Thanksgiving dinner, please place any or all of these items in the entryway by Wednesday, November 18th.
Thanks so much!
 
Suggested Non-Perishable Items:
Turkey Gift Certificates from Acme
Stuffing Mix
Canned Vegetables
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Canned Fruit
Canned Gravy
Canned Sweet Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Canned Juices
Soups, Cereals, Healthy Snacks
Dessert Mixes - Cake, Brownies, etc.
Canned Frosting
Packaged Desserts-Brownies, Cookies, Snack Cakes, etc.

(Pop top lids on cans, if possible.  Hand can openers are also helpful.
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Another Delivery On Thursday, October 29th.
Sue And Bill Dreisbach Loading Donated Items For The Christian Caring Center Into Their Car In The Rain!

 
 
American Red Cross Blood Drive At Lord Of Life

Monday, November 23, 2020
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

        Donations are always needed especially in our age of COVID-19.  The Red Cross has protocols in place for the safety of our donors.  Please attend if you can and help save a life!
         You will need to sign up in advance to donate blood.  Use the link provided below.  Additional information will be forthcoming in the next issue of LifeLines.


 
 
Thank You Donors!

        Your Lord of Life Making Strides team wishes to thank our supporters who generously donated $529.00 to this worthy cause.  The virtual event was held on October 15th and our Lord of Team ranked 18th of the 55 area teams involved.  It was also a special anniversary for Pastor Wendolyn, who celebrated being 5 years cancer free.  Thank you again to our supporters! 

 
 
Free Virtual Youth Retreat 
Saturday And Sunday
November 20 - 21, 2020

        Anyone in grades 6-12 are welcome to join us for our virtual retreat, which will happen online due to COVID-19. 
  • Theme: God Is With Us
  • What: Connect with youth across the state through large and small groups, music, worship, and our Faith Fair!
  • Chaplains: This year we are excited to have a Chaplain Team that will be with us throughout the retreat.
  • Cost: Free!
  • Schedule: Friday, Nov. 20th from 7-9pm and Saturday, Nov. 21st from 10-4pm (with lots of breaks and a lunch break) plus a Saturday Night Worship.
  • Registration: OPEN NOW until Monday, Nov. 9th. A link to register is below.
ADULTS INVITED TOO!
        Adult leaders are encouraged to register for the Synod Youth Retreat as well, Adults have always played an important role in our retreats and this year is no exception. Come learn and experience this retreat (virtually) alongside the youth in your congregations. During small group time adults will still fill the role of Small Group Leaders, and those that prefer will attend their own Adult Small Group. Please use the same registration link as the youth!


 
 
ELCA Young Adults In Global Mission Program, 2021-2022

         
        Applications for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Young Adults In Global Mission (YAGM) program, 2021-2022, are now being accepted.  The deadline to apply is January 15, 2021.
        In this program, young adults ages 21 to 29 will be placed in a world-wide location and will find relevant opportunities for professional experience, including:
  • Health and human rights:  health care, HIV and AIDS, homelessness, immigration and refugees
  • Education:  fine arts, youth education, childhood education, working with people living with disabilities
  • Environmental justice:  agriculture and farming, development, environment
  • Professional support:  office work, communication, technology, finance
  • Congregational ministry:  children's ministry, Christian education, youth ministry, congregational ministry, camp ministry
         YAGM volunteers will begin their service in August 2021 and will be placed in one of the country programs.
        As YAGM continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and we communicate with our global companions, please know that the list of country programs for the 2021-2022 service year may change.
        Through YAGM, young adults will learn what it means to serve in a spirit of accompaniment as they walk alongside global church companions. They'll become immersed in a new community and form deep relationships. And they'll confront issues of wealth and poverty, racial privilege, gender privilege, economic disparity and globalization, all through the lens of faith. 
        Around the world, host families, churches, workplaces and communities are ready to welcome YAGM volunteers.
        The following link will provide additional information about the program and the application process.  Don't wait! The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2021.

  
 
Useful Information During The Pandemic
        Do you have questions?  Do you need information?  Do you need help?  The web-links, phone numbers, and information below may be of value to you during these COVID-19 times.

For COVID-19 Questions And To Access Trusted Information:
The New JerseyCOVID-19 Information Hub

For Life Threatening Emergencies:
Dial 911 to reach your local Police, Fire, and EMS services.

To Report Other Needs And To Connect With Help:
New Jersey 2-1-1 Partnership
Or by phone, Dial 211

Receive Text Information Or Assistance:
Text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive information and stay informed.
For live text assistance, text your zip code to 898-211

For Mental Health And Coping Concerns:
View the CDC website that provides information and a link to the Substance Abuse And Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) website.



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 these troubling COVID-19 times, the work of the church is going on. Pastor Wendolyn and our staff are actively engaged, and the need to pay bills and the mortgage continue. Prayerfully consider continuing with your regular contributions.

 

BIRTHDAYS

Nov. 7:  Beverly Evans, Kelly Shea, Nadia Strobl
Nov. 8:  Colin Curl, Judy Longo, Katarina Perri
Nov. 9:  Sandy O'Neal, Noel Quinn
Nov. 11:  Rita Batten, Chris Kulina
Nov. 12:  Noah Bencivengo, Tina Leach, Patrick Reilley,
                Tracy Sander
Nov. 13:  Graceanna Rogers
Nov. 14:  Marge Finley, Paul Rickershauser, Dick Schaeffer
Nov. 16:  Cheryl Dennison, Winnie Grosser
Nov. 18:  Monica Hollenbeck, Brandon Payton
Nov. 19:  Tait Christianson, Aubrey Gemmell, Jeffrey Grosser,
                Deborra Torres, Dennis Yates

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Nov. 7:  Dawn & Bruce Heinrich, Bonnie & Paul Horner, and
              Michelle & Frederick Nisula
Nov. 8:  Cindy & Don Lee (Celebrating 40 years!)
Nov. 11:  Christine & Steve Bencivengo
Nov. 12:  Karen & Dan Kelly
Nov, 14:  Marie & Cavid Lamb
Nov. 17:  Laura & Greg Evans
Nov. 18:  Debbie & Mike Chromeck and
                Barbara & Jim Wence (Celebrating 53 years!)
Nov. 19:  Noel & Bob Quinn (Celebrating 54 years!)

BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES

Nov. 7:  Bonnie Rohner
Nov. 8:  Chad Allen, Joshua Allen, Stacy Allen, and
              Fran Bubeck
Nov. 10:  Jenna Ogilvie, Brad Parker, and Jamie Wagner
Nov. 12:  Kelly Shea and Kyleigh Welusz
Nov. 14:  Camrynn Curl
Nov. 15:  Kaylynn Schwab
Nov. 18:  Massimo DeCristofaro
Nov. 19:  Logan Barnes, Grace Heinold, and Brandon Payton

Special Blessings For Lydia Ehrlinger!
        Lydia was Baptized last week at our church.  May God be with you always!
"But strive first for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
                                                                     Matthew 6:33 NRSV
 
        Church member Birthday, Wedding Anniversary, and Baptismal Anniversary recognition 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 be accurate, but if there is an error or omission, please email the Editors.  The link to our email is below.  Thank you!
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From The Editors:
                                       
We can all use something special in these COVID-19 times.  How about some "Old Time Religion"?
("Old Time Religion" - A Painting By Abraham Hunter)

        "Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
                                                        Isaiah 41:10 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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