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.