Ministries for May 1-31, 2020 and Upcoming Events
. . . in May
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In case of a pastoral emergency, please contact Pastor Lisa Borrell at 610-762-2139.
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NOTE: As you all know, our Sunday services have been put on hold for the time being, as our country is dealing with COVID-19. Since we have been asked and directed to practice physical distancing, New Jerusalem has been given an opportunity for an alternate worship experience.
ONLINE SERVICES ARE OFFERED ON SUNDAY MORNINGS!
New Jerusalem members are welcome to worship online with Pastor Lisa Borrell at Friedens Lutheran Church on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. The link is https://friedenscentervalley.com/online-church-services.
AND
At 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings, you can log in to see a live stream Sunday worship service from St. John's Lutheran Church in Mayfair, PA, an area outside of Philadelphia. Pastor Daniel Eisenberg, whom some of you may remember from his youth group days at NJ, is the pastor there. He has graciously invited us to view his service on Facebook or through the church's website. The addresses are:
facebook.com/stjohns-mayfair or www.stjohnsmayfair.org.
If you use the church website, you will need to click on the light blue bar in the middle of the page.
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We thank Pastor Lisa and Pastor Dan for inviting us to join them for their worship services.
Have a lovely day and prayers for a peaceful week ahead!
Stay safe and be well. Church Council
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEWSLETTER ~ May 10, 2020 Fifth Sunday of Easter
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FREE ONLINE FAMILY SUNDAY SCHOOL ~ Are you looking for ways to support faith formation at home? Sparkhouse is excited to announce Family Sunday School, a free 8-week lesson series for families!
Each week Sunday School curriculum developer (and former summer camp Arts and Crafts director) Dr. Dawn Rundman and her family will host Family Sunday School. Each episode presents a lesson based on Lectionary readings that families can watch together. The Bible story, illustrations, and other content are based on Spark: Activate Faith Lectionary Sunday School lessons. You are welcome to distribute, post, and reproduce the lesson materials for your church families in whatever way works for you. We’ll post a new lesson every Tuesday for the following Sunday. Lessons will be posted through Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020. The first lesson, Doubting Thomas, is available now at https://www.wearesparkhouse.org/promos/family-sunday-school/?utm_campaign=SHC%20Children&utm_
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You can also visit New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church on Facebook at
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY
Armed Forces Medley: 2018 National Memorial Day Concert
'Taps'
Thank you to all our Veterans, members of the Armed Forces,
and all those who gave their lives for us to keep us safe!
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'The Lord's Prayer' Sung by Andrea Bocelli
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'The Prayer' Sung by Andrea Bocelli and Katherine McPhee
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'When You Walk Through A Storm' Sung by Josh Groban
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'One Pair of Hands' Sung by Carroll Roberson
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GOVERNOR TOM WOLF EXTENDS THE CORONAVIRUS
STAY-AT-HOME ORDER THROUGH JUNE 4, 2020.
As per the US Federal Government, social-distancing guidelines and the use of masks when you leave your home will remain in place.
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Worship and all activities at New Jerusalem Church have been CANCELLED (AA, Lions Club, Apple's Preschool, card group, quilters, prime timers, etc.). We are asking everyone to refrain from entering the building unless absolutely necessary (secretary, church maintenance, cleaning staff, etc.) as the building has been sanitized. Church council is meeting virtually and there is a skeleton crew of food bank workers that are providing life sustaining supplies to families by curbside pick up. Of course, cancelling these services will affect us financially - so we encourage you to mail in your offering or use www.newjerlc.org/online-giving. The church continues to have expenses even when we are not worshiping under one roof.
Stay well, Cindy Hart–Church Council President
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COVID-19 UPDATE
We are all anxious to get back to our normal day to day activities. Due to the recent closings and cancellations, schedules of meetings and gatherings are tentative and are reliant on the status of social distancing requirements. Please continue to pray for those on the front line, putting themselves at risk every day, as well as those who have been affected by health issues. Continue to be safe, taking precautions seriously to prevent contracting and spreading the virus.
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A message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on COVID-19:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6Nd_T4R_EY
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Friday, May 1, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
Saturday, May 2, 2020
CANCELLED Ladies Fellowship Retreat
10:00–11:00 a.m.—Community Food Drive at NJELC (see Mark Your Calendar below)
NO Saturday Evening Worship Services (TBD)
Sunday, May 3, 2020
CANCELLED Ladies Fellowship Retreat
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Worship and All Church Activities ~ Fourth Sunday of Easter
PLEASE NOTE: As you all know, our Sunday services have been put on hold for the time being, as our country is dealing with COVID-19. Since we have been asked and directed to practice physical distancing, New Jerusalem has been given an opportunity for an alternate worship experience online: 9:00 a.m. Pastor Lisa Borrell–Friedens Lutheran Church (www.friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
10:00 a.m. Pastor Daniel Eisenberg–St. John's Lutheran Church (www.stjohnsmayfair.org) in Mayfair, PA
CANCELLED 10:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 10:30 a.m.—Cross Training
CANCELLED 10:30 a.m.—Prayer Shawl
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, May 4, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Finance Committee Meeting
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, May 7, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Bible Study (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Friday, May 8, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
9:00 a.m.—Food Bank Delivery (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Saturday, May 9, 2020
CLOSED Church Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, May 10, 2020
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ Fifth Sunday of Easter
PLEASE NOTE: As you all know, our Sunday services have been put on hold for the time being, as our country is dealing with COVID-19. Since we have been asked and directed to practice physical distancing, New Jerusalem has been given an opportunity for an alternate worship experience online: 9:00 a.m. Pastor Lisa Borrell–Friedens Lutheran Church (www.friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
10:00 a.m. Pastor Daniel Eisenberg–St. John's Lutheran Church (www.stjohnsmayfair.org) in Mayfair, PA
CANCELLED 10:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 10:30 a.m.—Cross Training
CANCELLED 10:30 a.m.—Congregational Care & Outreach Committee Meeting
CANCELLED 1:00 a.m.—Bingo
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, May 11, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Tuesday, May 12 , 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Quilters
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Church Council Meeting
Wednesday, May 13 , 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, May 14, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Bible Study (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Friday, May 15, 2020
CLOSED Church
Saturday, May 16, 2020
CLOSED Church
DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP 8:30–10:45 a.m.—Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, May 17, 2020
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Worship and All Church Activities ~ Sixth Sunday of Easter
PLEASE NOTE: As you all know, our Sunday services have been put on hold for the time being, as our country is dealing with COVID-19. Since we have been asked and directed to practice physical distancing, New Jerusalem has been given an opportunity for an alternate worship experience online: 9:00 a.m. Pastor Lisa Borrell–Friedens Lutheran Church (www.friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
10:00 a.m. Pastor Daniel Eisenberg–St. John's Lutheran Church (www.stjohnsmayfair.org) in Mayfair, PA
CANCELLED 10:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 10:30 a.m.—Cross Training
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, May 18, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
CANCELLED 700 p.m.—SV Lions Club (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
9:00 a.m.—June Angelus Deadline
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Quilters
CANCELLED 12:00 p.m.—Prime Timers
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, May 21, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Bible Study (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Friday, May 22, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
Saturday, May 23, 2020
DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP 8:30–10:45 a.m.—Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, May 24, 2020
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Worship and All Church Activities ~ Seventh Sunday of Easter
PLEASE NOTE: As you all know, our Sunday services have been put on hold for the time being, as our country is dealing with COVID-19. Since we have been asked and directed to practice physical distancing, New Jerusalem has been given an opportunity for an alternate worship experience online: 9:00 a.m. Pastor Lisa Borrell–Friedens Lutheran Church (www.friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
10:00 a.m. Pastor Daniel Eisenberg–St. John's Lutheran Church (www.stjohnsmayfair.org) in Mayfair, PA
CANCELLED 10:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 10:30 a.m.—Cross Training
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, May 25, 2020
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Quilters
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Book Club (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 5:00 p.m.—Food for Friends
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, May 28, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Bible Study (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Friday, May 29, 2020
CLOSED Church Office & Preschool
Saturday, May 30, 2020
CLOSED Church
Sunday, May 31, 2020
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Worship and All Church Activities ~ Day of Pentecost
PLEASE NOTE: As you all know, our Sunday services have been put on hold for the time being, as our country is dealing with COVID-19. Since we have been asked and directed to practice physical distancing, New Jerusalem has been given an opportunity for an alternate worship experience online: 9:00 a.m. Pastor Lisa Borrell–Friedens Lutheran Church (www.friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
10:00 a.m. Pastor Daniel Eisenberg–St. John's Lutheran Church (www.stjohnsmayfair.org) in Mayfair, PA
CANCELLED 10:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 10:30 a.m.—Cross Training
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thank you for the offerings you have made and
and continue to make to New Jerusalem Church.
Your offerings of time, God-given talents,
and monetary offerings help support all that we do.
Together, we are the Body of Christ.
During this time that the church is closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic,
please make your Offering Checks out to: New Jerusalem Church or NJELC
and mail it to:
New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church
3323 Apples Church Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015
OR
We have partnered with Vanco Payment Solutions to allow church members to contribute their offerings electronically from their personal checking or saving accounts directly to the church at no cost to them. Click this link Vanco Website to create your free online profile and set up your giving preferences. Giving will now be easier and hassle free.
Below is a brief description about 'Giving Electronically':
Electronic gifts are fast and secure, and they reduce administrative costs, allowing more of every dollar to fund the important work we are called to do.
+ Give anytime, anywhere to your favorite funds
+ Schedule and manage recurring donations even when you are on vacation
+ Make one-time donations to special appeals
+ Pay for events, programs, and other activities
+ Don’t have to cash or a checkbook
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New Jerusalem Community Food Bank
Current Needs: Peanut butter and cereal
Thank you for your contributions!
Food Bank Delivery: Friday, May 8, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE CHANGES Distribution Days: DRIVE THROUGH FOOD BANK PICK-UPS on Saturday, May 16 and May 23 from 8:45–10:45 a.m.
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During the month of April, approximately 90 families were served at the New Jerusalem's Food Bank. We thank everyone for the food and monetary donations during this challenging time.
There will be a Community Food Drive on Saturday, May 2, 2020 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Please drive your vehicle up into the New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church parking lot at 3233 Apples Church Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015 with your donations—thank you for being a good neighbor!
Volunteer Information
If you or your group or organization (ages 12 or older) are interested in volunteering at the food bank, please see or contact Tammy Welch at donniesmom180@yahoo.com.
For more information about our Food Bank, please click here.
A special thank you to all the hard-working volunteers who help keep the NJ Food Bank
operating and to our most generous community!
Thank you for making this community stronger!
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Apple's Preschool News
Welcome to Apple's Preschool at
New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church!
May 5, 2020—National Teacher Day
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PA GOVERNOR TOM WOLF EXTENDED THE
STAY-AT-HOME ORDER UNTIL JUNE 4, 2020.
Therefore, all activities and services at New Jerusalem Church
will be CANCELLED until further notice.
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Following the ruling by Governor Tom Wolf for all Pennsylvania School Districts,
Apple's Preschool will be closed for the remainder of the 2019–2020 school year.
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Our program consists of four classes designed to fit the needs of every student and their family. Through many learning activities, crafts, songs, books, and much more, children are engaged to learn their letters, numbers, colors, shapes, patterns, opposites, rhyming, sequencing, size, etc., along with writing skills. With a soft Christian environment children are guided through their days to share and care, while using their imaginations and energy to fill our spacious classroom with joy.
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Miss Shani has been doing lesson plans and we have on-line "classrooms" where I can interact with the children and their families. We do crafts, letters, "homework", read books by recording video. We all miss each other and pray that we will all be safe and healthy until we are together again.
Apple's Preschool will continue to be closed following the ruling of Governor Wolf for all of Pennsylvania School Districts to be closed for the remainder of the 2019–2020 school year. Miss Shani continues to teach our Letters of the Week and writing practice, along with other learning activities, crafts, books, coloring pages, etc. on both Classdojo.com and on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ApplesChurchPreschool. We miss all the children and their families during this time and look forward to next year already.
There are still openings in our classes for the 2020–2021 school year.
Stay safe and be healthy! Miss Shani
Check out the fun things we did online at Preschool in April!
Our teachers are looking forward to a year filled
many new learning experiences in 2019–2020.
For more, click here to see our church website's Preschool tab introducing you to
our teachers, school days and times, our philosophy, and upcoming events.
You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ApplesChurchPreschool.
Miss Shani, Miss Katrina, and Miss Denise
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Thank you for the donations from everyone for the food and monetary donations during this challenging time. Thank you to all our volunteers that ensure the New Jerusalem Food Bank runs smoothly and to our most generous community.
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Thank you to everyone who participated in the Zoom Online Church Chat on April 2, 2020.
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Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success!
GOVERNOR'S BELL RINGING PROCLAMATION FOR MAY 3, 2020
I hope everyone heard and enjoyed the bells ringing for 3 minutes last night in Hellertown, if not you can listen to the bells on the NJ website home page (click here). This was the meaning of it:
One minute will recognize and honor “hometown heroes,” including first responders, healthcare workers and employees of grocery stores, pharmacies and other life-sustaining businesses who have risked their own health to maintain essential services; another minute will demonstrate solidarity with and between elected officials and Pennsylvanians, all of whom are fighting COVID-19 together in their communities; and the other minute will demonstrate a collective resolve that Pennsylvanians will prevail over COVID-19 and work tirelessly to ensure that their businesses and civic life will thrive once again.
FOR 2020–2021 UPCOMING EVENTS
Heavenly Father, I may not understand how everything will work out, but I trust You.
I don’t see a way, but I know You will make a way. I have faith that at this very moment,
You are touching hearts, opening door, lining up the right breaks, and right opportunities.
Things may look dark and bleak now, but I have my faith In Jesus Christ. Amen
When we departed from each other on March 8, 2020, whoever expected this future as we now are entering the 7th week of isolation and stay at home orders. It has not been easy to say the least. Concerns about how it may affect the health, safety, and well-being of both individuals (for example, causing insecurity, confusion, emotional isolation, and stigma) and communities (owing to economic loss, work and school closures).
Join us on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, TBD, 2020
The students in Cross Training are learning about the story of Solomon’s Temple. For the service project for this unit, we will be collecting boxes of tissues to donate to the Food Bank which will come in handy during the cold and flu season. Keep an eye out for the tower of tissues we plan to build!
Bible study takes place on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the downstairs conference room.
Thursday, May TBD, 2020
We are studying the Book of Acts. Acts tells about the beginnings of the Christian church after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, and how the the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread into the world. All are welcome to join us and be encouraged by God’s word. Please contact Kathy Shermetta for more details.
Confirmation Blocks ~ Interested in learning and engaging your faith with us through Confirmation Blocks? You are welcome to join in on the fun of serving, learning, and growing together.
Any questions? Contact: TBA
Liturgy: TBD
Many Faiths, One Creation: Time and Dates: TBD
(4 Sessions will be starting in TBD 2020)
Attention Families of Graduates of 2020 ~ We would like to share warm wishes and congratulations to your upcoming graduate in the June Angelus. Please send a short message regarding your grad by May 25, 2020. Information should include: Name, school, and future plans. Thank you.
Save the date for UPPER ROOM BINGO on
the 2nd Sunday of each month
CANCELLED May 10, 2020
Cash Bingo, $20 for 20 games.
Doors open at noon. Lunch available for purchase.
Invite a friend for an afternoon of fun!
CANCELLED Prime Timers will meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at noon. We will be enjoying TBA! All are welcome. For questions, please contact Loretta at 610-838-7428. Hope to see you there! Loretta Duch
CANCELLED Come one, come all! Our Book Club has been meeting on the last Tuesday of each month and we’d love for you to join us! Our title is The Water Dancer and we will meet on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. to take a closer look at this one! We will meet in the Upper Room to chat about the book. We always seem to find time to laugh and chat about related topics and good books, so if you haven’t read it, or haven’t finished reading by then, still come and enjoy some fellowship and laughter.
We look forward to seeing you! Please contact Sharon Bender or any member of the club if you are interested or need more information. Our Book Club is open to all, members of NJELC and non-members alike! The more the merrier! Blessings!
CANCELLED
Rocky Railway Vacation Bible School (VBS)
will not be held July 27–31, 2020.
TBD ~ Tricky Tray Fundraiser at New Jerusalem Church will take place on Saturday, TBD, 2020. Please sign up to create a Tricky Tray, make a monetary donation, or donate items and we will create one for you! We still need baked goods (you are the BEST bakers!). If you have any kind of baskets you are not using, we would love to have them to fill.
Just an update and a call for help....we really need donations for our Tricky Tray event. We could use donations of gift card for perhaps Home Depot, Lowe’s, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. any of these would be awesome! If you you would prefer to make a monetary donation, that would be great too. The tricky tray committee will be at coffee hour following worship each Sunday so you can make any donations at that time. We would love to see you at the Tricky Tray Event on Saturday, TBD, but if you can't make it, please consider donating. Thank you
Bring your Tricky Trays with your name on your donation any Sunday. It’s going to be a fun event! Please see Barb Brader, Cindy Hart, Faye Kichline, or Wanda Luybli for tickets, flyers, and more information.
Synod Events
September 19, 2020 ~ Youth Fest 2020. Youth Fest is back this Fall at Union Lutheran in Schnecksville on Saturday, September 19, 2020. Our theme for the year will be: God’s, the acceptance that matters. The planning team for this event is hoping to offer even more wonderful breakout sessions than last year. For more information, please visit http://nepasynod.org/event/youth-fest-2020/.
October 17, 2020 ~ We Love… Trinity, Reading, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We Love… will be a day of workshops for congregational leaders to learn how to help their congregations be more welcoming to LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. We Love… is open to pastors, deacons, council members, congregation members, church unaffiliated, Sunday School teachers and learners, gay, straight, bi, trans, +, young, old, you and everyone. Come learn why, how and who We Love… For more information, please visit http://nepasynod.org/event/we-love/.
October 22-24, 2020 ~ Assembly 2020. Information on the postponed Assembly will be published as available.
4th Annual Youth Gift Card Bingo and Raffle will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Watch for more details in the coming months.
Thank you for all your support ~ New Jerusalem Youth
Youth Gathering ~ 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota!
Calling all high school youth to join us in Minneapolis!
Theme: “Boundless: God Beyond Measure”
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
More information forthcoming.
If you are not receiving the Angelus (Church Newsletter) either electronically or via the mail, please contact the church office at 610-838-0731 and provide your name, email, and address to correct to error.
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2020 Altar Flower Sign-up Sheet is located in the Narthex.
Altar flowers are a great way to honor or remember someone dear. The cost is $35.00 or 2 people/families may share a week for $17.50/each.
The Altar Guild is in need of 46 oz. cans to put the Sunday flowers in to take them to our shut-ins.
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What is Mutual Ministry at New Jerusalem? Did you know that there is a Mutual Ministry Committee here at New Jerusalem?
Mutual Ministry is loosely defined as the interaction between the pastor, professional staff, Church Council, and the congregation to foster communication and support between these three groups. Typical tasks of the Mutual Ministry Committee include providing a listening ear to each group and a means to interact in a confidential way to resolve issues that may arise between, and within, each group. The committee also assists Church Council in conducting an annual performance review of the Church’s professional staff, as well as providing input into creating and revising employee job descriptions.
Currently, this committee is comprised of three members (Tina Miller, Tina Young, and Tim Fulmer) who are appointed to serve a three-year term as approved by the Pastor and Church Council President. The committee is currently seeking additional members, so any interested members of the congregation are invited to contact Pastor Lauren; Church Council President, Marianne Zellner; or any current Mutual Ministry Committee member for more information.
Any member of the congregation that desires to seek assistance from the Mutual Ministry Committee may do so by contacting a member of the committee to arrange a meeting with the committee to discuss issues dealing with interactions with pastor/professional staff, Church Council, and/or other members of the congregation. All contact with the Mutual Ministry Committee is kept confidential between the parties involved in the issue; and the hopeful outcome of this process is to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all parties.
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Have you ever taken a photo* at a New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church (NJELC) event?
We would LOVE to share your photos on the NJELC website and/or Facebook!
Send them to:
+ Facebook: Kathy Fenstermacher at kathyfenstermacher@gmail.com or
Caroline Skuba at carifrogs@gmail.com
+ NJELC website: Linda Weaver at weavers_1969@hotmail.com
*PLEASE NOTE: If you share photos, you are giving NJELC permission to post the photo publicly of all persons in the photograph(s).
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We welcome our new Music Director, Edward L. Walakovits. He will begin on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Ed is a skilled Organist and Choir Director with more than 30 years of experience. He is experienced in playing the pipe organ and piano. Ed has a working knowledge of liturgy and choral styles. He is an effective leader with an eye for developing and motivating choir members. Ed graduated from Moravian College with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance with a minor in Music. Please be sure to welcome Ed to New Jerusalem Church!
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Choir rehearsals will be held on Monday evening at 6:30 p.m.
Rehearsals are CANCELLED on Monday, TBD, 2020.
Feel free to join the choir—all voices and skill levels are welcome!
See you in the choir room!
If you have any questions, please see Ed.
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Pop-Up Choir ~ Once or twice a month, the choir invites members and guests to join them to sing the Anthem and praises to our God! The response has been very positive and uplifting for all!
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Acolytes, Assistant Ministers, Chalisters, Lectors, Pastor Assistants (Council only for Pastor Assistant), please see the sign-up sheets in the Narthex for volunteer opportunities in February. The church office makes every effort to accommodate requests. Thank you.
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Please provide your email address to both the church office at newjerelc@gmail.com and to Caroline Skuba at carifrogs@gmail.com so the electronic volunteer sign-up sheet link can be sent to you.
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Prayer Shawls
There is a basket of beautiful handmade prayer shawls in the Narthex. If you know of someone who is having hard times (illness, sadness, troubles, or just because), please take one for them. These shawls are meant to show a tangible message of God's love and the care and concern of friends from New Jerusalem.
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Would you like to learn to Quilt?
If you would like to learn or already know how, please join our quilters on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. (CANCELLED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS)
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Do you like to pray? Do you like to pray for others?
Please join our Prayer Team if this sounds like you. If you prefer notices by email contact Kathy Fenstermacher at kathyfenstermacher@gmail.com. If you would to receive a phone call please write your name and phone number on paper and submit to the church office. If you want to include your name and number and place in the offering plate we will be sure to get it to Bernice Sandy.
Thank you being part of this ministry!
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Volunteers Needed for the Fellowship Committee ~ The Fellowship Committee provides tasty treats for your enjoyment after worship every Sunday and is in need of additional volunteers to provide items. If you have any interest in providing an occasional snack for coffee hour, please see or get in touch with Tina Young. If you would like to team up with another family or a couple of people, we can work with you on doing that. If you would like to offer your assistance on setup and or clean up, that is welcome also.
I would first like to thank everyone who has ever led or helped with a coffee hour. Without your help, this time of fellowship would not be possible. As we move forward, I have updated and attached the current coffee hour duty list to reduce confusion and apprehension. We need more people to sign up for weekly coffee hour as leaders (who would organize a small group) and bakers (who would support current leaders). Please consider this important ministry that builds community in our church. Contact Tina Young at btyoung9396@gmail.com or call 610-533-4977.
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NJELC Ride Share ~ Consider adding your name to the NJELC Ride Share list, which will be distributed to our members who require home visitation, to be used in the event that they need a ride to a doctor's appointment, worship, or community event.
Sign up on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex or by contacting the church office at 610-838-0731.
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Weston Nursing Home Visits in Hellertown ~ Participants may visit residents, play games, share stories, read to residents, etc.
Dates and times are listed on a form in the Narthex, please sign up. Contact Robin Rooth-Fogel for more information or the church office at 610-838-0731.
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New Endeavor ~ New Jerusalem will be expanding our efforts to support Veterans. We reached out to the Hellertown American Legion, Battle Borne, and Valor Clinic Foundation. These organizations help our local veterans in various ways.
We will hold periodic fundraising events and create an account so when one of these organizations has a veteran in need (home project, necessities, or monetary), we can offer support. The congregation will be kept informed of the veterans we are helping. Any questions, contact Cindy Hart.
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Giant Gift Card Rewards Program ~ GIANT SHOPPERS! We have been selling Giant Gift Coupons for the past year and about 10 families that support the program.
The Giant Card program had a profit of $725 for 2019.
We can increase this amount by simply buying more Giant cards from Tina McCardle when you see her a church or by calling her at 610-838-6784 to order cards. She usually has gift cards with her and cash or checks made out to NJELC are acceptable. This is an easy fundraiser for all who shop at Giant! Happy New Year!
We would invite you to participate in this EASY program to support New Jerusalem Church!
Giant gift coupons are available in the Upper Room during coffee hour each Sunday. You can purchase your gift coupons with cash or a check made out to NJELC. Denominations are $100, $50, $25, and $20 cards are available immediately. If you wish to place a larger order, over $300.00, please contact or see Tina McCardle and she will see that your order can be filled properly.
We could be selling more of these coupons if you would only give it a try and get in the habit of making the gift coupon purchase prior to your food shopping trip!
Please see Tina McCardle in the Upper Room to help support our efforts in the church. Call her with questions or future special orders at 610-838-6784 or email her at cameron35@rcn.com. Tina Young will be assisting when Tina McCardle is not available.
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