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Happenings at Lord of Life Lutheran Church
"Where Everybody is Somebody...and Jesus is Lord!"
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"For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness."
Romans 12:4-8 NRSV
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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
Building And Grounds
Council Representative
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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From The Pastor's Desk...
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus, on this my first day in the office here at Lord of Life. The first question most people ask when starting a new job is "What now?" Pastors ask a similar question: where does one start with something as multi-layered and intertwined as the life of a congregation?
In the midst of asking myself this question, I found on my desk an array of papers - visual representations of the tasks of ministry into which I am diving. I found myself making the physical pile that is pictured here:
At the bottom are plans for Advent (already!), then synod benevolence documents, mail from organizations that Lord of Life may partner with, policy booklets for Lord of Life, the worship booklet for autumn, and you will see at the top is the directory for our Church family.
I have already prayed over that directory - looked at the pictures, seen glimpses of who our members are and who we become as a congregation. Beneath that precious list of people are the foundational pieces that help our ministries function. Those pieces are essential - our ministry partners, ideas for the future, policies and the ways we agree to abide together, the words we proclaim in weekly worship. I am excited to engage in these areas of ministry, but I am most focused on how to connect to our people. I want to learn from you what you have tried before, where you have felt God's presence most strongly, how you prefer to connect to our life of ministry, and where I as a pastor can support and encourage you.
I am also figuring out my own place in the directory and congregation. I am working on getting a local cell phone number, because my current phone doesn't always ring in our temporary Moorestown housing or in some local areas. In October our family will move to our house in Shamong and we will finally have a permanent address, after eight years of having multiple places that we call home. During this time of transition for my family and me, the best way to contact me will be through my email at pastor@lordlife.us or by phoning the Church office, but please know that I am working to provide to you a consistent array of ways to contact me at any time.
I will continue to pray through the directory and look forward to getting to know you and your stories.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Wendolyn
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Thank You Pastor Stoner!
On behalf of the congregation and staff, I extend our thanks to Pastor Dave Stoner for serving as our Vice Pastor for the past 4 months. Thanks, Pastor, for supporting the congregation with prayers, leading us in virtual Worship services, and providing pastoral calls as needed.
I'd like all to know that Pastor Stoner also positively engaged with our staff and provided feedback and recommendations to help guide us through this latest transition. Through all communications with him, it was clear that he genuinely had the current transition and future longevity of Lord of Life as a priority, while at the same time fully ministering to his own congregation!
Lord of Life has been blessed with his leadership and participation, and for helping to launch us into our next chapter with Pastor Wendolyn. Thank you, Pastor Stoner, for a job well done and best wishes for your continuing ministry!
Peace!
Ed Hourihan,
Church Council President
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Earlier Start Time For
Our Pre-Recorded Sunday Worship Service
Our current pre-recorded Sunday church service will be available for viewing starting at 6:00 AM on the Lord of Life YouTube website. All will receive an email with a direct link to this site prior to the upcoming service, and a post will be created on the church's Facebook page that will also show you the YouTube location of the worship service video. Use the links provided below to view the video of the service.
The current Sunday service video and previous ones will remain on our YouTube site for viewing at any time.
Helpful Hint:
If you have Comcast cable TV, did you know you might be able to easily watch the church service on your TV set? Use the voice remote and say, "YouTube Lord Of Life Lutheran Church Tabernacle New Jersey." This will take you to the LOL YouTube website. From there, using the TV remote's "arrow" and "OK/Enter" buttons, click on the service image that you wish to view. Please note that not all Comcast cable boxes and remotes will allow you to do this.
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Bible Study Information
September 4th Update
Pastor Stoner's bible study is continuing using ZOOM, and all are welcome to join in.
Lord Of Life will consider hosting a bible study. Watch for information.
Currently, Adult Ministry is having a bible study related book review of "You'll Get Through This" by Max Lucado in our church parking lot on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 A.M., weather permitting. For more information on this, please email Janell Reich. A link to her email is below.
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Discussions To Reopen The Lord Of Life Campus
September 4th LifeLines Update:
The Task Force, led by Sandy O'Neal and Rick Krause, has established 4 Stages of worship. Presently, we are in Stage 1, which is worshiping via YouTube or Facebook. Stage 1 will continue once the other stages are implemented. Stages 2 and 3 (outside worship in parking lot), respectively, will be in cars (via radio transmission) and in chairs 6 feet apart. Stage 4 will be inside worship with CDC guidelines being implemented. Pastor Trozzo and Council will determine the safest time to move into each of these stages.
Some of you have been inquiring as to when on-site worship will take place. For us to move forward into each of the stages safely, we are going to need your HELP. THIS is where YOU can be of assistance in making this happen. We NEED VOLUNTEERS. For stages 2 and 3, we need parking lot attendants to direct traffic into and out of the parking lot as well as establish placement of vehicles according to size (stage 2). This will allow the congregants to visually see the pastor preaching. In stage 3, beside the parking lot attendants, we will need assistance setting up the 6-foot markers and monitoring of people wearing masks which is mandatory to worship outside. Stage 4 is more complicated. We will need many more volunteers. When the time comes, a detailed list of volunteer jobs will be given.
Because of the complexity of holding worship on-site during these uncertain times, we need YOU to make this happen. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sandy O'Neal:
Phone: 609-634-7379
Once a volunteer list has been established, we will schedule a meeting to go over the duties and training. Thank you for your consideration as we move forward.
On behalf of the entire congregation, thanks to all members of the Task Force for their outstanding effort!
(Members of this task force, led by Rick Krause and Sandy O'Neal, are: Dr. Alan and Cheryl Dennison, Joyce Harper, Lu Hourihan, Fran Jones, Kim Mattson, Janell Reich, Breanne Tomlinson, and Dennis Yates.)
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It is with sadness that I must announce that Dennis Yates has resigned as Property Manager effective August 28, 2020. Dennis has been our Property Manager since June of 2018 just after he retired from successful career at Acme Markets. He brought with him a wealth of maintenance and contract negotiation experience that has benefited Lord of Life over the past two years. He applied those skills at Lord of Life to help us get our church building, grounds and infrastructure back on track.
Through his tireless efforts, he has put in many hours over and above his compensation. Security call outs, floods, leaks, lawn care, painting, coordinating fire inspections, and much more were just a few of the tasks Dennis completed gladly. He was also instrumental in negotiating annual contracts for HVAC corrective and preventive maintenance, our church insurance policy, and housekeeping contract. In addition, he coordinated major projects such as the new roofing on the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall new air conditioning, security cameras on the perimeter of the church, and has laid the ground work for scheduled interior painting and the boiler replacement.
He has been valued member of the church's staff and he will be sorely missed. The Yates Family have been an integral part of our church's ministries and life for many years and we love and respect their unwavering faith and commitment to our Lord and our church. We, their Lord of Life family, wish Dennis and Donna all the best as they relocate to Delaware, Godspeed, and know that they will be good stewards were ever they go.
Craig Baechler
Council Vice President
From All Of Us At Lord Of Life:
In 1882, Jeremiah Rankin wrote this tune so his church choir could have something to sing when they parted each week. Rankin was the minister for the First Congregational Church in Washington, D.C. It remains as a special way for us to wish Godspeed to Donna and Dennis.
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Grace Place To Begin!
Grace Place will start it's program on Tuesday, September 15, 2020! The Director, Deborah DeMarco and staff are excited to welcome all the children at our facility for the upcoming session.
If anyone would like more information about our Grace Place Pre-School, please contact Deborah by phone, (609) 268-2756, or by email. A link to her email is provided below.
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A Message From Breanne Tomlinson, Director Of Children And Youth Ministries:
BFF And Senior High Youth
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to reach out and give you an update about our BFF program for this fall. Letters will go out this week with a tentative schedule and registration form. We will begin BFF on Sunday, September 13th from 10:00 -10:45 AM outdoors on the church campus. In order to keep in line with safety protocols, we will be having smaller groups, all classes will be spaced apart to ensure proper distancing, hand sanitizer will be administered, masks will be required (and available if needed), and we will adhere to all safety rules. Take time to look through the letter, and fill out the registration form.
We are seeking helpers for the younger BFF children. If you are comfortable volunteering about an hour of your time to help with the young ones, please contact me by email. Youth grades 9 - 12 are also welcome to be part of this ministry! A link to my email is below.
Senior High Youth will be meeting on Sunday, September 13th from 3:00-5:00 PM, outdoors on the church campus. We will be dying t-shirts, playing corn-hole, and meeting the new 9th graders. Please be assured that we will be following all safety regulations involving proper distancing, hand sanitizing, and mask wearing. Masks will be available to those who need one.
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For both events, safety is important, so please know that we will change or adapt as necessary. I appreciate all of your support, and I hope that we will be able to meet up again. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. A link to my email is below.
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Project LOL::
Kitchen Painting Completed!
Next To Come, Painting The Large Areas Within Our Original Building.
Painting of the kitchen is now complete! Thank you Carolyn and Jim Cuviello for volunteering to do this and for Lu Hourihan for providing a new wall hanging!
On or about September 15th, painting will begin in the Narthex, hallways, Fellowship Hall, and the Sanctuary. An outside firm was hired to do these larger, more difficult areas of our original building.
Yet to be painted is the Nursery Room. This will be done "in-house" in late September after the contract painters have finished their job.
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News From Our Adult Ministry Leader, Janell Reich:
Game Day -
Interested in a small group, game time for adults? We can play Bingo, Mad-Libs, or Trivia, all non-contact games. It will be held 9:30 AM at a shady spot in the church parking lot. The session date is weather dependent. Contact Janell Reich for more information.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bible) -
A weekly, small group Bible study has begun using "You'll Get Through This" by Max Lucado. It will be held in the church parking lot at 9:30 AM. The meeting day is weather dependent. If interested, contact Janell Reich for more information.
Book Club -
Our Book Club will meet one morning at the end of August to discuss whatever each one of us has been reading. Please contact Janell Reich for more information.
To contact Janell, a link to her email is below:
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LifeLines Spotlight:
Altar Guild, Ushers, And Special Sanctuary Care
Our church building remains closed for services, but once they begin again (And they will!), there is much behind the scenes preparation that takes place. There will be a discussion by the Pastor and Church Council to explore alternatives to indoor church services such as some type of outdoor service on our church grounds. It is likely these ministries will play a role in whatever the new service will be. In this issue of LifeLines, we would like all to see what tasks are done by several of our ministries when our normal, indoor church services occur.
Altar Guild:
Upon arriving at any church service, the candles have been lit, Communion wine and bread is on the altar, and colored paraments hang from the lectern and altar. All of this has been accomplished by the Altar Guild prior to the start of the service. Normally, there is one person from the Altar Guild assigned to each of our three weekend services. At least a month in advance, Altar Guild ministry leaders, Fran Jones and Cheryl Dennison make up lists of assignments and distribute them to the Altar Guild members. Usual tasks done prior to a church service include: filling communion glasses with wine and grape juice, having bread and glutin-free wafers on the altar, filling the chalice with wine, setting up the items on the altar, and checking to see if fluid in the candles is sufficient. If a Baptism is to occur during the service, needed items (anointing oil, and baptismal napkin and candle) must be placed at the font and altar as well as filling the font with water. Normally, Barbara Wagner picks up the altar flowers and wine.
Some special tasks are needed from time to time. Each church season, certain specific services and special festival days, such as Pentacost, has associated with it a different colored parament. These must be changed as needed. Altar Guild members also decorate the Christmas tree, set up the Nativity scene, place Easter flowers in the Sanctuary, and cover the large cross with a black drape for the Good Friday service.
One other unseen task is laundering communion napkins and altar linens. For many years, Priscilla Faucett has volunteered to do this task. Wine stains must be removed from the communion napkins. After they are laundered, ironing and proper folding takes place. The altar linens also receive very special care from Priscilla. Thank you for your many hours (and years!) managing this very necessary task and your love for our church and Lord!
Thank you all Altar Guild members for doing so much that is needed for us to have our church services!
Ushers:
This group is much more visible at our church services than the Altar Guild, but there are tasks which they perform that probably are unnoticed. At least two ushers are normally present for most services and additional ones serve at special services like Christmas and Easter. Usher leader Alan Dennison will make ushering assignments. Prior to the service, there will be a check to make sure candles are lit, the air conditioner or heat settings on the thermostat are correct, all Sanctuary lighting is turned on, and any last minute fliers for the bulletin are inserted. There may be some services, such as Baptisms, where certain pews in the front must be reserved for the participants. A check is made to be sure offering plates are available. Bulletins and Worship Booklets are passed out to congregation members. During Christmas and Easter, ushers may have to help attendees find seats or set up extra seating in the narthex. Ushers are available to answer questions about the service from anyone who is at our church for the first time.
Once the service begins, the ushers close the doors in the back of the sanctuary, but at least one will remain in the narthex area to assist late comers. Attendance is taken and recorded. Offerings are collected, and they assist guiding worshipers to communion. At the conclusion of the service, the offering is moved to a secure location, items left in pews are gathered, and hymnals and bibles are straightened out as needed. If the service is the last one for that day, lights are turned off and the air conditioner and heat settings returned to the "unoccupied" numbers.
Thank you ushers for doing many tasks are often overlooked!
Special Sanctuary Care:
Instead of using the term "ministry", maybe "unsung hero" would be a better fit. For about 20 years, one church member, Barbara Urban, has come to our church building during the week to make sure all items in the pew racks are present, in order, and serviceable. Barb would come into the Sanctuary and lovingly organize and straighten out the pews and racks. If pencils needed sharpening or replacing, she was on it! If scribble cards and envelopes were running low, she replenished them.
Lord of Life is grateful for the faithful service of our long-time volunteer Barbara Urban. Thank you, Barbara, for your labor of love and a job well done!
Looking To Join These Ministries?
Both the Altar Guild and our Usher Team welcome you to join them in service to our parishioners and Lord. Here are email links below for you contact the coordinators. Please consider joining these ministries of our church!
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September 4th Lifelines Grounds Keeping Update:
Weeding, Mulching, And Memorial Garden Care
Recently we had some volunteers doing some grounds keeping on our church property. Tammy and Brian Miller were busy spreading mulch, and Steve Vorwerk hand-weeded the Grace Place playground. Keith and Judy Lerner cleaned up storm related tree debris from the entire parking lot and weeded and cleaned the front area of the property by the road.
Our Memorial Garden has also received some needed care. Tammy and Brian Miller and Karl Russ leveled the markers. Last month, Barbara Ma and Barbara Wagner weeded and tidied up the garden area. This past week, Sheri Perkins and Barbara Wagner cleaned mold and mildew off the markers leaving them looking like new.
Thank you very much to all the volunteers!
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We can always use some help with tasks like this. If you want to help, please contact Craig Baechler. A link to his email is below at the end of this article. Due to insurance issues, only church members can do work at our church and grounds. Also, due to the COVID-19 rules, certain guidelines must be followed. Craig can let you know what needs to be done and the procedures that need to be observed.
Mowing The Church Property
Lawn
Training To Use The Machinery Will Be Provided!
Thanks to those who have voluneered! We still are in need for additional help with the lawn mowing. If you would like to join the grass "Cuttin' Crew", please let Craig Baechler know. A link to his email is below.
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Christian Caring Center
September 4th LifeLines Update
Lord of Life has supported the missions of the Christian Caring Center (CCC) for many years. We have provided sandwiches, non-perishable food, personal care supplies, bedding, clothes, school supplies and prayers. But what does the Christian Caring Center (CCC) do?
The CCC is located at 378 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills, NJ in a converted house. There are only 4 paid staff members, one of whom is Director Madelyn Sutton. The center relies heavily on volunteers at their center and within the community, partnering with other agencies and churches. Basically, their mission is to minister to the homeless and low-income families including single moms, seniors, disabled persons and veterans.
The services provided depend on the needs of each person. Lunches are served at the center. Food is taken to the woods and motels. Food and clothing is distributed at their center. An effort is made to help clients grow in faith through prayer and connecting them to an area church. Job skills are learned through volunteering at the center. Councilors mentor clients to become self supporting and obtain housing. And a new project is to build micro-housing on a property adjacent to the CCC.
How can you help? Pray for the CCC. Volunteers can help for one time, on a weekly basis or as a service project. Donate food or clothing, which we collect at church and take to the center each month. And of course they are always happy to receive monetary donations. For more information, check out their FaceBook page or their web site. Links to these are provided below.
P.O Box 385
Pemberton, NJ 08068
(Additional information is available on our church's website. For the link: CLICK HERE)
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Partners In Mission:
Support For Bridge Of Peace
Gift Cards For School Supplies
Due to the Covid-19 situation, there will be a change as to how Lord of Life members can provide support to children in need of school supplies. This year, you can help by purchasing a $25 Walmart Gift Card which will go toward this cause. The children will be remote learning, but school supplies are still needed by them to accomplish their lessons. If you are donating a gift card, please contact Betty Mastrillo who will make arrangements for picking up your gift card. A link to her email is below.
Our collection of food and toiletries is continuing. The special appeal for toiletry items such as the small bar soap, small shampoos, tooth brushes, tooth paste, wipes, disposable razors, etc. remains in place.
A black container to deposit your donations 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.
A list of other needed items can be found in a previous LifeLines issue. A link is provided here:
Thank you to all who have contributed!
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Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Berlin, N.J.
Tomorrow, Saturday, September 5th, Holy Communion Lutheran Church at 442 South Route 73, Berlin is having its Fall Yard Sale from 8 AM to 2 PM. All items are priced to sell. Please wear face masks and observe social distancing when attending.
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News From The Bishop's Office
An Invitation to A Diakonia Information Night
(Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 7:00 PM via ZOOM)
This is an opportunity for potential leaders in your congregation to grow in their personal faith, learn about the Bible and our Lutheran heritage and explore their gifts of the Spirit. By inviting participants, you can help to Raise Up Leaders for your congregation.
Diakonia is an education program to provide spiritual formation to men and women desiring to deepen their understanding of the faith so they might become empowered servants of the Lord. Links below are provided for you to learn more at the Diakonia USA website and by emailing Ellen J. Lindemann.
"Camp At Camp" In September
The Cross Roads cabin facilities are open and available for families to rent! Make memories while enjoying nature, playing outside together after much time indoors, and taking some time to disconnect and breathe fresh air again. To learn more and register, use the link provided below.
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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 Pastor and 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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30 Hidden Books Of The Bible:
The Answers!
Hope you were successful in finding all the Hidden Books of the Bible! The "puzzle" appeared in the August 7th issue of LifeLines (If you missed that issue, it is available using the link provided in the left side column.) Click on the link below to see where the hidden books can be found in the paragraph.
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BIRTHDAYS
Sep. 4: Bonnie Horner
Sep. 5: Emily Dauria, Andrew Frey, Jeff Gibboni, Donna Nairn,
Stanley Tarasewicz, Jamie Wagner
Sep. 6: Alan Dennison
Sep. 8: Diane Knoell, Wendy Reilley
Sep. 9: Wayne Hartman, Bob Korchak
Sep. 10: Jenna Ogilvie, Kristen Sarlo, Charlie Schultheis
Sep. 11: Bruce Rohner
Sep. 12: Paul Rogers, Joseph Steff
Sep. 13: Kathy Morris-Bell, Gerhard Patterson, Hans Schaeffer
Sep. 16: Kirsten Granfors, David Parsons
Sep. 17: Olivia Prouse, Michael Sunbury
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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Sep. 5: Karen & Ed Graham (Celebrating 5 years!), and
Katelyn & Travis Pummer
Sep. 6: Lindsay & Adam Havas, and
Jennifer & Joseph Steff
Sep. 7: Cecile & Bill Schmidt
Sep. 9: Dawn & Steve Bielec, and
Karen & Mike Romanchak (Celebrating 25 years!)
Sep. 11: Fran & Chuck Bubeck (Celebrating 55 years!)
Sep. 12: Carol & Karl Haug (Celebrating 50 years!)
Sep. 16: Jenna Pressler & Austin O'Brien
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BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES
Sep. 5: Anja Strobl, Jennifer Strobl, Nadia Strobl
Sep. 6: Susan Brandt, Charlotte Sibert
Sep. 7: Dani Durante, Ricky Stevens
Sep: 8: Anna Blum, Brian Quinn
Sep. 9: Lauren Blum, Stephanie Knoell
Sep. 11: Jamie Baron
Sep. 14: Ethan Detwiler, Marian Hollenbeck
Sep. 15: Jan Baker, Joshua Willitts
Sep. 16: Peggy Bunning
Sep. 17: Eleanor Brockington
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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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YouTube Musical Selections:
We wanted to let all know how the musical links found on YouTube are selected. A search is done for a particular piece of music. One that also contains the lyrics is desirable. The focus is on the song, the quality of the music, and the images in the video.
There is an effort to pick links that do not have advertisements, but that is becoming increasing difficult to do. Advertisements are getting to be the norm with YouTube links. The advertisement that appears is random, and they do rotate. We cannot control if one is broadcast and what it will be. Most can be stopped by clicking on "Skip Ad" after 5 seconds. We do not endorse any advertisement that might appear.
A "Very Lutheran" Hymn To Celebrate Having A New Pastor:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8 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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