Happenings At Lord Of Life Lutheran Church
"Where Everybody is Somebody
...and Jesus is Lord!"
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Issue Of: November 19, 2021
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"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NRSV
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Coffee Hour
Sundays
9:15 AM-10:00 AM
Coffee Hour is held in Fellowship Hall between our two Sunday services. Join us for coffee, tea, and some treats!
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Saturday Night Services
Beginning November 27th, At 5:00 PM
This special litergy was written by composer, Marty Haugen, for the Lutheran Church. It is one used during Advent by many Lutheran congregations. It was written in 1985-1986 and is a simple and inspirational Lutheran Vesper Service. We will be using this at our Saturday 5:00 PM services during Advent. It is something you should not miss!
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Thanksgiving Service
Tuesday, November 23rd, At 7:00 PM
Pie Social Following The Service
Our Thanksgiving service will be held on Tuesday evening, November 23rd at 7:00 PM. Following the service, there will be a Pie Social in Fellowship Hall. Join us for prayer, giving thanks, and some treats!
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Sunday, November 28th, At 11:30 AM
Help us adorn our Sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas seasons! If you are able to be a part of our group, please contact Cheryl Dennison. A link to her email is below.
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From The Pastor's Desk:
A reminder in this season of giving thanks for the specific people and things in our life, we ask you to return your EOS (lavender Estimate of Sharing) card with its specifics. A digital copy is attached if you don't have the lavender one we mailed out.
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This picture shows what percentage of our congregation has returned their cards. More are coming in every day, but we need each household to join in the effort. When your EOS card arrives, more acorns go into the jar! These acorns represent your active commitment to our shared mission and ministry. We, the Pastor, and Stewardship team, are so grateful to God for every family that is here, and pray that the return of EOS cards will be as abundant as the acorns have been this year!
Peace,
Pastor Wendolyn
"Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation
is the love of Jesus." - Mother Theresa
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Volunteers Needed!
Tabernacle Tree Lighting Table
Friday Night December 3rd, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Tabernacle Township's Tree lighting is taking place and Lord Of Life will have a table at the event. We can provide information to attendees about our church, provide hand outs to adults and something for children. Let Pastor or the church office know if you can help out.
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Welcome Packets
We are looking for small items to put in Welcome packets for our guests at worship, such as small "pass it on" cards, candies, pocket crosses, etc. See Pastor for more information on this.
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Some Upcoming Events Of Interest:
Sunday, November 21st, 7:00 PM: Ecumenical Thankgiving Service at the Friends Meetinghouse, 14 Union Street, Medford
Tuesday, November 23rd, 7:00 PM: Lord Of Life Thanksgiving Service followed by a pie social
Saturday Services, Nov 27th , December 4th, 11th, and 18th: Holden Evening Prayer
Saturday, Dec 4th, 5:45 PM: Following the service, Penny Miller will be leading us in a simple and elegant craft, and Pastor will lead us in devotions with warm cider. Bring a healthy treat to share, or sweet treats too!
Sunday, Dec 5th, 3:00-5:00 PM: Advent Family Day. All ages are welcome, bring a friend! Learning and bonding time will be based on The Grinch.
Monday, December 20th, 2:00 & 7:00 PM: "Blue Christmas" service. This service is for those who feel "blue" during a season that puts pressure on us to be happy all the time. Whether you've experienced a loss of job or loved one, or are alone during the holidays, or cope with chronic health issues, or don't even know why you're feeling "blue," come and join in a soothing time that seeks to express the depth of both sorrow and hope that comes from the Christmas season.
This is an especially important service to invite others to. They may not have others to support them during a difficult season, and this may speak to their need. Remember, "you may never know what battles others are fighting."
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Pastor Office Hours:
Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
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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, plz "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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November
Bible Study will not be held on Wednesday, November 24th. Our Advent Bible Study will begin on Wednesday, December 1st.
December
Wednesdays In Fellowship Hall At 11:00 AM
Bible Study will resume in December and will be held on Wednesdays, December 1st, 8th, and 15th. There will be no Bible Study on December 22nd or on December 29th. Stay tuned for information about our December Advent Bible Study.
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Christmas Program Rehearsal
Sunday, November 28th
11:00 AM
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Bible, Faith, & Fellowship
(Age 3 - 4th Grade)
Sundays At 10:00 AM
Come join us for BFF on Sundays during our 10:00 AM service. All children ages 3 through 4th grade are welcome to attend. Our schedule of lessons is listed below:
November 21- Harvest God’s Love: A Celebration of Thanks
November 28 - Christmas Program rehearsal preparation
BFF Volunteers Welcome!
We are looking for volunteers to help with our BFF program. If you are an adult or older youth and willing to help, please reach out to Breanne.
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Breakfast Club
(Grades 5 & 6)
Sundays At 9:15 AM
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Confirmation Overnight "Lock Inn"
Saturday, November 20th, 5:00 PM
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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.
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Advent Family Day
Sunday, December 5th, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Breanne will lead our program based on the book by Matt Rawle, The Heart That Grew Three Sizes - Finding Faith In The Story Of The Grich.
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November 19th Update From Janell Reich
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November Book Club
Rescheduled Meeting Date
Tuesday, November 23rd, At 10:00 AM
The Book Club will meet on Tuesday, November 23rd to discuss The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote. This is a short classic/memoir - only 37 pages. Our Book Club read Truman Capote's Christmas Memory some years ago, and it was a lovely story. We are excited to read his Thanksgiving memoir.
There are 6 copies available in the Burlington County Library System. You can reserve a copy on BCLS's website ( A link is provided below.) or by calling the library.
Here is a summary. A boy recalls his life with an elderly relative in rural Alabama in the 1930s and the lesson she taught him one Thanksgiving Day about dealing with a bully from school.
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Devotion And Walk
Friday, November 29th
At 9:30 AM
Smithville Park
Our November event will be held in Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Rd, Eastampton Township. We will meet in the parking lot by the Mansion at 9:30 AM.
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Time For Talents
Friday, December 3rd, At 10:00 AM
We will making Christmas angle themed crafts and art projects. Come join us!
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Outreach Project For Journey Hospice
Monday, December 6th
At 10:00 AM
Sue Gebhart from Lutheran Social Ministries will lead us in making decoupaged boxes, window ornaments, and picture frames. They will be gifts for hospice patients of Journey Hospice, which is part of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ)
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December Book Club
Tuesday, December 14th
At 1:00 PM
In December, we will meet and discuss any book by James Herriot.
"James Herriot was an English veterinarian whose tales of veterinary practice and country life have delighted generations. Many of Herriot’s works, including All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful, The Lord God Made Them All, and Every Living Thing, became international bestsellers and have been adapted for film and television. Herriot’s stories rely on numerous autobiographical elements taken from his life in northern England’s Yorkshire County, and they depict a simple, rustic world deeply in touch with the cycles of nature."
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Christian Caring Center
Christmas
Giving Tree Collection
The Lord Of Life Christmas Giving Tree project, will again, be held. Like last year, the Christian Caring Center is asking for gift cards instead of presents. $35 gift cards from Target, Walmart, and Amazon are requested.
A wrapped, Christmas box has been placed near the Sanctuary entrance doors in the Narthex in which you can place your gift cards. Just drop them into the slot!
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The Christian Caring Center does not have enough room to store toys. Gift cards will allow them to keep guests, staff, and volunteers to be safe. They also allow parents to pick out what their children will like and remain safe.
CCC will also accept pajamas, sleep pants, hats, gloves, scarves, children's books and Bibles, table games (checkers, Monopoly, puzzles, etc.). Those items can be placed in the entry-way cart.
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Lord Of Life
Outreach Program
At The Wiley Christian Retirement Community In Marlton
On November 4th, four LOL members performed at Wiley's Health Center building. Our program was Thanksgiving and thankfullnes themed. It was well received by about 15 residents and 2 activity department staff members. What a joy to serve in person! On Thursday, December 2nd, we are scheduled to return to Wiley and will provide an Advent themed musical program. Please contact Janell Reich if you would like to participate in this ministry.
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Photos From Our Time For Talents Sesson
On November 5th
Art work by Mary Stroup. (right)
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Mary giving some suggestions to Floss Nicklas. (left)
Marilyn Swing completing her project. (right)
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If you have questions about Adult Ministry, please contact the Adult Ministry Director, Janell Reich. A link to her email is below.
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Bridge Of Peace
Youth Group Dinner Gifts
Monetary Donations Also
Needed
Donation Deadline: Tuesday, Novemeber 30th
Lord Of Life will have a group of us going to Bridge Of Peace for their Youth Group dinner event on December 7th and present them with some gifts. We will be collecting mittens, gloves, and hats again this year. We will also be making about 50 goody bags to distribute to them. We are looking for granola and fruit bars, along with other treats.
Look for the box, pictured below, in the Narthex labeled "Bridge Of Peace Youth Group Donations" and place your unwrapped items into it.
We are also asking for monetary donations for food. We will once again be bringing a boxed dinner for 30 people. Please give your monetary donations to Barbara Wagner.
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Christmas Gathering
Friday, December 17th
At 6:00 PM
Save The Date!
Our annual Christmas Gathering returns this year! We will be doing our ornament exchange once again. If you want to join in on this, buy an ornament, no more than $10.00, and wrap it. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share with everyone. Hopefully, we will have a game or 2! This year we will be wearing ugly Christmas sweaters (if you want), and we will take a vote on whose is the ugliest!!!
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Cookie Sale
Calling All Bakers!
Saturday And Sunday
December 18th and 19th
Women's Ministry will be holding a cookie sale the weekend of Dec. 18th and 19th. WE NEED BAKERS! There will be sign up sheet on the church bulletin board for volunteers to bake and a sign up sheet for you to order the cookies. The money from the cookie sale will go into the Womens Ministry account to be used for helping our church with church building repairs or upgrades.
Sara King and Linda Baechler will be in charge of this event. We will also need volunteers to put the cookie boxes together on Saturday morning December 18th. Please contact either Sara or Linda if you can participate. Links to their emails are below.
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Ongoing Collection For
Bridge Of Peace:
Food Only In Cans And Jars!
Food Only At This Time!
Next Delivery, Saturday, November 20th
Bridge of Peace is grateful for all we do, but they have a temporary special request. Please limit your regular donations to food in cans and jars. Recently, a squirrel has decided to make the interior of the building its home. Until it can be relocated to the great outdoors, they need to curtail collecting other types of donated food items.
They also ask that only food be donated until further notice. Please no clothing, household goods, etc.
Please have any additional donations at the church TODAY, November 19th!
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If you have and questions about Women's Ministry, contact Betty Mastrillo. A link to her email is below.
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Eucharistic Ministry
With Covid numbers now declining, Lord Of Life would like begin its Eucharistic Ministry. Volunteers are needed to visit and give Holy Communion to those who cannot attend church services. Anyone interested in being part of this ministry should call the church office or speak with Pastor Wendolyn.
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Choir Rehearsals To Begin!
Thursday, December 2nd, At 7:00 PM
~~~A Message From Worship & Music Director, Rick Krause~~~
It seems like many in our congregation have been wondering: "When will we be able to start choir again?" We now have an answer to that question, and it is Thursday, December 2nd at 7:00 PM.
I was recently reading an article about that topic and would like to share a portion of it with you.
"Over the past 20-25 years, there has been a shift in the church. Many churches transitioned from choir-led, melody-rich, harmony-laden worship to a set-up that features a handful of musicians singing simple songs, mostly in unison . . . Then 2020 happened. And the choir completely disappeared. Now we’re well into 2021. Many of us see a light at the end of a long tunnel. Our churches are opening back up and many are safely resuming gatherings, activities, and rehearsals. It’s time to bring the choir back!"
Our first practice is Thursday, December 2nd, at 7:00 PM. All are welcome to join us! At that time, we can discuss a practice schedule and address any questions you may have. My hope is that we will be able to sing at least 2 anthems for the 8:00 PM Christmas Eve service.
If you have any questions or concerns before then, please feel free to reach out to me at your convenience. Thanks for your consideration and I hope to start singing with you again in a couple of weeks. Blessings!
Rick
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Delivery Made!
Thanks To All Who Contributed!
Because of your overwhelming generosity, we were able to bring a Happy Thanksgiving to many families served by the Christian Caring Center. Our youth also collected donated food at Murphy's Market. Special thanks to them!
Our delivery of your donated food was made this past Wednesday. Thank you all!
(Below: Janell & Bill Reich and Carol Flood load our "baskets" for the CCC)
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Additonal Events In November
Bridge Of Peace and Christian Caring Center: Collections are ongoing. Thank you for your support!
Every Wednesday, 8:00 AM: Men's Fellowship Breakfast, Evergreen Dairy Bar, Rt. 70, Southampton
Sunday, November 21st, 7:00 PM: Ecumenical Thankgiving Service at the Friends Meetinghouse, 14 Union Street, Medford
Tuesday, November 23rd, 10:00 AM: Book Club, rescheduled date
Tuesday, November 23rd, 7:00 PM: Thanksgiving Service & Pie Social Following The Service
Thursday, November 25th: Campus Closed (Thanksgiving Day)
Friday, November 26th: Campus Closed
Saturday, November 27th, 5:00 PM: Holden Evening Prayer Service
Sunday, November 28th: First Sunday In Advent
Sunday, November 28th, 11:30 AM: Greening Of The Sanctuary
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2nd Annual Campfires And Carols
Virtual Event
Sunday, November 28th,
At 7:30 PM
Mark your calendars, warm up your singing voices, and get your marshmallows ready to roast! The second annual Campfires and Carols is coming up on Sunday, November 28th. Join Bold Transformational Faith for this special event to kick off the Advent season! Gather your family and join us on Facebook or YouTube at 7:30 PM to celebrate the season with song and merriment. A link to the Facebook page is provided below.
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SUMMER CAMP 2022
Registration Begins!
Registration opens Wednesday, December 1st for all youth, high school, and family programs! If you register for a week of camp between 12/1/21 and 1/31/22, you will receive a $25 discount. For more information about our summer camp programs, use the link provided below.
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National Lutheran Choir
Christmas Festival
Live-Stream Concert
Friday, December 10th, At 9:00 PM
The National Lutheran Choir will present their 36th Annual Christmas Festival concert, The Earth Adorned, on December 10th, at 9:00 PM EST. It is available live, on-line, on that day and time, using the link provided below. Here is a summary of the
program:
"During The Earth Adorned, we will view the birth of Christ alongside the beauty of this world through works for choir and instruments including Aaron David Miller’s Chanticleer, Paul John Rudoi’s Orbit Carol, and the Creation Suite by Dr. Larry Fleming. The Earth Adorned will include community singing of carols, recitations of poetry, and more echoing through our concert venue, The Basilica of Saint Mary, in Minneapolis."
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Vaccinations For Children
Ages 5 To 11
Children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible, following the authorization and recommendation of the vaccine by the FDA and CDC.
The pediatric Pfizer vaccine is administered as a two-dose vaccine, three weeks apart, at a lower dose than the dosage for those ages 12 and older.
Use the link provided below to find locations at which the vaccination is available. Look for those labeled, "Min. age: 5 years"
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Burlington County Offering
Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson
Booster Vaccinations
The Burlington County Health Department is now offering all three COVID-19 vaccine boosters to eligible residents at its regular vaccine clinics, including the recently authorized Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters.
Pfizer and Moderna boosters are now available for those who received their second shot more than six months ago and meet certain conditions or criteria that could make them more vulnerable. Those include:
o People 65 or older
o Adults living in a long-term care setting
o Adults with underlying medical conditions
o Adults who work or live in high-risk settings
Johnson & Johnson boosters are available for anyone who was vaccinated with the single-dose shot more than two months ago. No other conditions are required.
For state-wide locations of booster vaccination sites, use the link below.
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Continuing Your Contributions |
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Your continuing financial support is essential to maintain the Ministries of Lord Of Life. Offerings are being collected at all church services. If you are still not attending services at our church building. your envelopes can be mailed to the church (1 Winchester Court, Tabernacle, NJ 08088). Both Simply Giving and Tithe.ly remain in place for all to use. (More information about these electronic ways to contribute can be found on the church's website. The link is below.)
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Birthdays
Nov. 19: Tait Christianson, Jeffrey Grosser, and Dennis Yates
Nov. 20: Cameron Buchler
Nov. 21: Dawn Heinrich, Marie Lamb
Nov. 23: Joe Batten
Nov. 27: Stephanie Drago, Hailey Schmid, Joe Snodgrass
Nov. 30: Jennifer Steff
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Wedding Anniversaries
Nov. 19: Noel & Bob Quinn (Celebrating 55 years!)
Nov. 20: Cindy & Bill Keenan
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Baptismal Anniversaries
Nov. 19: Logan Barnes, Grace Heinold, and Brandon Payton
Nov. 20: Alexandra Williams
Nov. 23: William Reich, Eric Rickershauser and Galvin Sultzbaugh
Nov. 24: Collan Countess
Nov. 25: Janell Reich and Brett Thomas
Nov. 26: Connor Curl
Nov. 27: Rita Batten, Josephine Grosser, and Maxwell Tomlinson
Dec. 2: Noel Quinn
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Check Your Spam Folder For Missing LifeLines
Several LifeLines subscribers have reported to the Editors that they discovered their LifeLines newsletter was sent to their email spam folder instead of their inbox. Please check to see if this has happened to you if you miss a LifeLines.
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From The Editors:
LifeLines Ending Song:
It is hard to imagine having Thanksgiving without the singing of this traditional hymn, ELW #881. The tune is "The Ash Grove", a traditional Welch melody, which first appeared in publication in 1802. In 1939, the tune was used by Katherine K. Davis (1892-1980) for the writing of our memorable Thankgiving hymn. You probably also know another piece written her, "The Little Drummer Boy."
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"...unite in Thanksgiving: To God in the highest, hosanna and praise!"
Verse 2, ELW Hymn #881
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Next LifeLines:
The next issue of LifeLines will be published on Friday, December 3rd.
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