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May God fill you will his New goodness every day and
may the love of Jesus overflow from you to others throughout the year!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022
NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SENDS
OUR BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY 2022!
In case of a pastoral emergency, please contact Pastor Lisa Borrell
at 610-838-0731 or or email MizLKB@aol.com.
Pastor Lisa will be holding office hours at the church on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Please give me a call ahead of time if possible so that we can arrange for a time to meet and speak. To note … Hershey kisses are always available on my desk if you, like I, have a need for chocolate! I can also be reached via text messages to my cell phone, Facebook Messenger, or email (MizLKB@aol.com). Please understand if sometimes I cannot answer a call promptly. Kindly leave me a voice message and I will contact you as soon as I am able. ~ Pastor Lisa
Many of you know that I work at Premise Maid Candies on Mondays. I am a shift manager in retail sales, so I am one of the people who packages product and also is able to help you select yummy products and ring out your order. What customers don’t see is the production team that diligently works “behind the scenes” … the bakers, the candy making team, and the ice cream makers who all bring your sweet tooth confectionary dreams to life. To state the obvious, nothing can go out on the floor if it first isn’t produced!
The production work at the candy store is much like the work here at the church. You may not witness all the “behind the scenes” preparation that takes place, but it happens regularly so that our worship service, adult & children’s anthems, Communion, etc. flow seamlessly on Sunday mornings and ministry is carried out in our community and world.
We rely on those who make it happen … technology, altar guild, coffee hour teams, greeters, ushers, worship assistants, altar flower creator, Council members, committee volunteers, Sunday School & Confirmation teachers, and so many more! Without them, the lights, fans, heat/air wouldn’t be turned on … the bulletins would not be prepared or distributed … bills would not be paid … visitors would not be guided … children and adults would not be taught the Word of God … fun activities would not be planned or carried out … potluck suppers would not be shared … benevolent donations would not be given … you name it!
On Sunday, November 20th, we will be intentionally recognizing our volunteers during & after the service as well as encouraging members to sign up and give of their time to a specific activity, ministry, project, or committee. -- Please consider how YOU can become more active in our congregation. Youth are encouraged to participate as well. Everyone counts!
Thank you in advance for your consideration. ~ In Christ, Pastor Lisa
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for the cake, cards, and warm wishes for Pastor Appreciation Sunday and also my birthday and wedding anniversary in October. You know how to make someone feel special!
TO JOIN US AT NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3233 APPLES CHURCH ROAD, BETHLEHEM, PA 18015 ON SUNDAY MORNING AT
10:00 A.M. FOR WORSHIP WITH PASTOR LISA AND ITS MEMBERS. IF YOU DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE ATTENDING SERVICES IN PERSON, YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US ONLINE AT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL CLICK HERE.
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The Council understands if you do not feel comfortable attending in person worship just yet. We respect your decision and invite you to tune into the service (via the church’s website at Youtube livestream link) as it will be live streamed each Sunday.
Hope to see you there!
Peace be with you.
The church continues to have expenses throughout the year
and we encourage you to mail in your offering or
Thank you and God bless
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12
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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
Connection
Greetings from your New Jerusalem “Apples” Church Council
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The next Church Council Meeting will be held on
Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
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The Council officers for 2021–2022 are:
President: Cindy Hart (484-548-3937)
Vice President: Caroline Skuba (610-597-8764)
Secretary: Sarah Parente
Treasurer: Terry Ravier
Council Members: Sharon Bender, Kathy Fenstermacher, Angela Fulmer, Robin Rooth-Fogel, Jere Reiss, and Barbara Young
MEET THE NJELCs COUNCIL MEMBERS
FRONT ROW: Angela Fulmer, Sarah Parente, Pastor Lisa Borrell, Barbara Young
BACK ROW: Caroline Skuba, Cindy Hart, Terry Ravier, Sharon Bender, Jere Reiss,
Kathy Fenstermacher, Robin Rooth-Fogel
As always, please keep the council members and
all those in leadership positions for this congregation in prayer.
You have to find a way to respect these new boundaries related to coronavirus,
but still live the version of life you're used to. That's what life is, regardless of circumstances. If I could offer advice to any person today, it would be
to stick by your faith. Know that your God is with you and will
take care of you all the way through. We will get through this.
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CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
We would like to recap where we are as a church family from the Congregational meeting held on July 10, 2022 and Council’s July meeting. We all know that the past 2 ½ years have not been “normal” to say the least and there are still a lot of unknowns in the future. We informed the congregation about some positive and some less positive information.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
· We have managed to keep the Community Food Bank operating and no one went hungry.
· We have met our goal and gone above for Benevolence giving every year.
· We have kept God's message alive with Parking lot services and Live streaming.
We hope that the time has come to welcome YOU back in person and be in the community with others. We have missed seeing YOU.
GOALS/PROJECTS
· Capital Campaign fund: Major project for the church property and building. Monies have been raised through donations and many fundraising events. Property Endowment Grant has earmarked money. The Property Committee is working on plans with the township for approval for ramp/driveway/lightning.
We all know supplies have increased about 300% with inflation now.
· In person ministry – We chose to consolidate committees due to the number of volunteers. We are still strong and even started 2 new clubs: Book Club and Metal Detecting.
· New Evangelism items will be starting later this year (still watching COVID 19 safety).
· Ideas about change – What will make New Jerusalem, a church that helps strengthen your faith, community life, and starts connections, better?
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
Financial reports for 6-month period January to June 2021 vs. 2022 show:
· Overall giving has decreased.
· Expenses have increased.
· Endowment stock decreased (just in the month of June alone).
· Vigilance – Our world is changing so, if you are at the supermarket, a public event or even Church, be aware of the people around you.
We are asking members to answer the following questions:
1. What would you like to see happen at New Jerusalem Church?
2. What would you like to get involved with or learn more about?
3. What is one of your favorite hymns?
4. Do you play a musical instrument? If so, what?
5. Would you be interested in playing the bells?
Ways to submit your answers, questions, or suggestions:
1. Email
Cindy Hart, Council President at cmh505@lehigh.edu
Caroline Skuba, Council Vice President at carifrogs@gmail.com
Terry Ravier, Treasurer at tsravier3@gmail.com
2. Mail to church office:
New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church
3233 Apples Church Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18015
3. Drop off in the Church drop box (on wall outside of the office)
4. Place in the wooden “Council Comment box” which is located in the Narthex. Thanks
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Something to keep in mind as throughout the year…The expenses of the church (heating/cooling, fuel, electricity, salaries, upkeep, cleaning, etc.) continue even when you are on vacation, not in attendance, or when no one is in the building. All confirmed members are encouraged to give on a regular basis so that the important ministries of the church will not be disrupted. We encourage you to mail in your offering or use www.newjerlc.org/online-giving.
Thank you and God bless
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Council Question Box (As a reminder, there is a wooden box located on the shelf in the Narthex. Congregation members are encouraged to write a question/
concern/comment for the council. You can also speak with a council member. These questions/concerns/comments will be read at the council meeting and discussed. The response will be placed in the next Angelus or, if signed, will be relayed to the individual.)
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 Lisa; 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.
Our Music Director, Edward L. Walakovits, 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.
All are welcome ~ Please join us for choir practice on
Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
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The Worship and Music Committee is always looking for any and all volunteers who are interested in special singing, either solo or with others and/or playing an instrument for additional special music to enhance our worship service and should be coordinated with
Ed Walakovits–Music Director.
Endowment & Finance Committee News!
2022 Fall Endowment Grant applications will be available in the church office, Endowment mailbox in March. Electronic copies of the application are also available by emailing the church office and should be returned to the church office via email (newjerelc@gmail.com). Deadline for spring applications is
October 10, 2022.
The Endowment Committee anticipates there will be a distribution of income available from the Mission & Ministry Endowment Fund. Remember that per policy, the use of these funds must fall into one of the following ministry areas:
Mission: Local, regional and world projects
Education: Higher education and continuing education expenses
Youth: Support for youth of all ages
Worship and Music: Support for the worship of the church
Capital Projects: Major renovations and building of new facilities for the church
Also there will be a distribution of income available from the Property Endowment Fund. Remember that per policy, the use of these funds must fall into one of the following property areas:
Maintenance; General Upkeep
Restoration
Repairs
Capital Project
Equipment Purchases
Property Acquisition
The Endowment Committee will also have a distribution from the Christian Education Endowment Fund. Remember that per policy, the use of these funds must fall into one of the following property areas:
Sunday Church School
Vacation Bible School
Christian Youth Activities
Adult Christian Education
Teacher's Education
Endowment—The gift that keeps on giving!
See any Endowment & Finance Committee member if you have questions.
Tim Frey, Chairperson
Russ Pacala Jr., Vice Chairperson
Tina McCardle
UPDATE(S) FOR THE CHURCH DIRECTORY MEMBER(S) INFORMATION
I/we would like a call from Pastor Lisa Borrell. Yes or No
I/we would like to be removed from all correspondence. Yes or No
I/we would like to be removed or become inactive as of ______________ 2021 from the rolls. Removed or Inactive
I/we would like our information in the 2021 church directory. Yes or No
(If no, mark a P next to information that you want kept private—
for church record only)
First Name(s): _______________________________________ & _______________________________________
Last Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________________________ State: _________ Zip: _____________________
Home Phone: __________________________________________________________________________________
Cell Phone(s): ________________________________________, ________________________________________
Email Address(s): ______________________________________, ______________________________________
List Family Members:
Name(s) Birthday(s)
(MM/DD/YY)
1. _____________________________________________________________ ___________________
2. _____________________________________________________________ ___________________
3. _____________________________________________________________ ___________________
4. _____________________________________________________________ ___________________
5. _____________________________________________________________ ___________________
6. _____________________________________________________________ ___________________
7. _____________________________________________________________ ___________________
Our bylaws B8.02.b: A confirmed member who does not attend church service, who does not partake in holy communion, and who has made no contribution of record to this congregation shall be classified as an inactive member without the right to vote.
You can also visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/njelc3233/.
May the beauty of God be reflected in your eyes, the love of God be
reflected in your hands, the wisdom of God be reflected in your words,
and the knowledge of God flow from your heart,
that all might see, and seeing, believe.
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Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present,
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
God, the creator, Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter,
bless you and keep you in eternal love.
The members of New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church wish you a blessed day and we pray that your day is filled with hope, love, peace, and good health!