Ministries for August 1–31, 2021 and Upcoming Events
Updated: Aug 29, 2021
. . . in August
NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SENDS
OUR BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY 2021!
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LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH - WHISPERS OF MY FATHER
by Vince Gill and Jenny Gill with Lyrics
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQi1qB_9tkQ
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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!
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In case of a pastoral emergency,
please contact Pastor Lisa Borrell at 610-838-0731 or email MizLKB@aol.com.
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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.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO ONLINE Worship on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
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FELLOWSHIP HOUR RETURNS—INDOORS
on the 1st (August 1) and 3rd (August 15) Sunday of each month!
Remember to social distance.
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AN EMAIL FROM NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH DATED JULY 21, 2021
REGARDNG INDOOR WORSHIP
New Jerusalem Evangelical Church Council on July 13, 2021 voted to open the church further and return to seating with no social distancing required. Every pew can now be used and worshippers may sit without concern for 6 foot distancing.
Those who are not comfortable doing this will be able to worship and continue to social distance using the right side of the sanctuary (when looking at the altar) as well as the right balcony area.
Please be respectful of personal choices and refrain from sitting in the designated area if you are not observing social distancing protocols.
We continue to ask adults who are not vaccinated, to continue to wear masks, as well as children over the age of 2.
Thank you for your patience as we moved forward with caution.
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Dear members of NJ ~ At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, the Congregational Council of New Jerusalem made the following decisions:
1) Beginning on Sunday, June 13th, wearing masks during the worship service will no longer be required by those who have received the COVID vaccinations. We trust that, out of Christian concern for others, those who have not received the vaccine (including children and youth) will continue utilizing masks until the time that it is deemed unnecessary by the CDC. Social distancing measures will remain in place so that participants are separated by at least one pew. As always, if one is experiencing symptoms like dry cough, shortness of breath, fever/chills, sore throat, nausea, or muscle/body aches, they are encouraged to stay home and seek medical attention. If for some reason we should experience an outbreak of COVID, we will close to in person worship for a period of two weeks, but continue to live stream our services so that all may have the opportunity to attend online.
2) Also beginning Sunday, June 13th, we will resume congregational singing of the hymns. I know that many, like myself, find deep meaning in the music of our church heritage and look forward to being able to “make a joyful noise” once more! Again, if someone is feeling ill, please exercise good judgment and refrain from singing until symptoms have dissipated.
I would additionally like to add that beginning on July 7th, I 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 (610-762-2139), 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.
We are definitely seeing light at the end of this long COVID tunnel! Discussions are taking place regarding Confirmation classes and Sunday School as well as the
2022 National Youth Gathering and coffee hours. It buoys the spirits to know that we are on our way to resuming many of the activities we so enjoy together as a church family. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this past year and a half. Though the “style” of our ministry has had to change, our purpose as Christ’s Church has not.
God’s blessings be with you all, Pastor Lisa Borrell
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Any virus outbreak in the "in person" worshipping community will necessitate the
closing of the church until further notice when it is deemed safe to re-enter.
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.
'INVITED' by Rev. Sarah Are
Reader Kris Thomas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8Va5ukmf1M
You are invited, this invitation is for you!
You can also visit New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church on Facebook at
In all circumstances, never forget that we still are the church! As Martin Luther proclaimed in his most recognizable Reformation hymn, “A Mighty Fortress,” God’s truth forever shall abide. Even COVID –19 has no power over us.
Sunday, August 1, 2021
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ Tenth Sunday of Pentecost
ONLINE (Youtube livestream link <--)
10:45 a.m.—Fellowship Hour
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, August 2, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Pastor Lisa's Office Hours
6:00 p.m.—VBS Mini Session (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—Finance Committee Meeting
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, August 5, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Pastor Lisa's Office Hours
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
RESCHEDULED for August 9 at 7:00 p.m.—Ice Cream Social at the Inside Scoop
Friday, August 6, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, August 7, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Sunday, August 8, 2021
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ Eleventh Sunday of Pentecost
ONLINE (Youtube livestream link <--)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, August 9, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
7:00 p.m.—Ice Cream Social at the Inside Scoop (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
7:00 p.m.—Church Council Meeting
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Pastor Lisa's Office Hours
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, August 12, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Pastor Lisa's Office Hours
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, August 13, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
9:00 a.m.—Food Bank Delivery (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Saturday, August 14, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Sunday, August 15, 2021
10:00 a.m.—Worship Service Indoors ~ Twelfth Sunday of Pentecost
ONLINE (Youtube livestream link <--)
10:45 a.m.—Fellowship Hour
12:00-5:00 p.m.—Upper Room Reserved
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, August 16, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
7:00 p.m.—SV Lions Club Meeting
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
12:00 noon—Prime Timers (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Pastor Lisa's Office Hours
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, August 19, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Pastor Lisa's Office Hours
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
7:00 p.m.—Congregational Care & Outreach (CCO)Committee Meeting
Friday, August 20, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
4:00 p.m.—(UR) Food Packing
Saturday, August 21, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, August 22, 2021
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ Thirteenth Sunday of Pentecost/
"Be An Angel Sunday"
ONLINE (Youtube livestream link <--)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, August 23, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
7:00 a.m.—September Angelus Deadline
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Pastor Lisa's Office Hours
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, August 26, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Pastor Lisa's Office Hours
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
7:00 p.m.—Property Committee Meeting
Friday, August 27, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
4:00 p.m.—(UR) Food Packing
Saturday, August 28, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, August 29, 2021
10:00 a.m.—Worship Service & Church Picnic at the Spring Valley Sportsmen's Club ~ Fourteen Sunday of Pentecost
NO ONLINE Worship (Youtube livestream link <--)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, August 30, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
2021 Giving Envelopes ~ Thank you for the offerings you have made 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. We appreciate everyone’s continued financial support throughout these challenging times. God is good and gives us what we need.
Your Offering Checks can be made out to: New Jerusalem Church or NJELC
and mailed 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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If you are not receiving the Angelus (Church Newsletter) either electronically or via the mail or your information needs to be updated, please contact the church office at 610-838-0731 and provide your name, email, and address, etc. to correct to error.
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New Jerusalem Community Food Bank
Current Needs: Peanut Butter & Jelly
Thank you for your contributions!
Food Bank Delivery: Friday, August 13, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
(UR) Food Packing: Friday, August 20 and 27, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Distribution Days: Saturday, August 21 and 28, 2021 from 8:30–10:45 a.m.
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!
NJELC Food Bank ~ Approximately 70 families were served in the month of July. We thank everyone for the continued food and monetary donations during these challenging times. We are so thankful for the generosity of our community! Thank you!
A special thank you to all the hard-working volunteers
who help keep the NJ Food Bank operating!
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Thank you from the ELCA: We are grateful for special gifts in support of ELCA World Hunger Ministry and Lutheran Disaster Response. Through your generosity, you are joining hands with many others to equip households and communities to break the cycle of poverty and hunger, build up leaders for our church and for our future, and spread the good news of God’s love. You are also helping people rebuild their lives and livelihoods now and far into the future.
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Thank you to all who directed their Thrivent Choice Dollars® to New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Your generosity is most appreciated.
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Thank you to all our Frontline and Essential Workers!
FOR 2021—2022 UPCOMING EVENTS
The new 2021 Church Directory is available and a copy can be picked up in the Narthex. If you are unable to pick one up in person, please contact the church office at 610-838-0731.
Dear New Jerusalem Families, At the council meeting on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, we were approved to hold two VBS Mini Sessions for June 30 and August 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Upper Room with games outside. Because we still want to be cautious, we want to keep these events relatively small. We are extending this invitation to our Cross Training participants and congregation member children and grandchildren only but will allow each child to bring one friend. Pre-registration is required. Our theme is "God’s Good Creation" and our topic for June 30 is mosquitos and butterflies for August 4. We will read the creation story and emphasize that God called everything he created good. That should make for a lively discussion about mosquitos being good. We can talk about insects in the Bible and how we use butterflies in imagery surrounding the resurrection. In both sessions we will talk about life cycle and food chains as well. Activities will include science, art, games, cooking, videos and will include a service element. The ELCA Malaria Campaign will be highlighted and we will accept donations of coins throughout the summer. We encourage participants and congregation members to contribute. If you are interested in helping or leading segments of the program, please reach out to Marianne Zellner. The registration form is attached to this email with instructions and deadlines for registering. Please direct any questions to Marianne Zellner at beachbummez@ptd.net or 610-216-1016.
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VBS Mini Registration Form
(One Per Child)
Child’s name:________________________________________________ Child’s gender: _____________
Child’s age:________ Date of birth:______________ Last school grade completed:____________
Name of parent(s):_______________________________________________________________________
Street address:___________________________________________________________________________
City:______________________________________________ State:_________ ZIP:_____________________
Home telephone: (________)_______________________________________________________________
Parent/caregiver’s cellphone: (_______)____________________________________________________
Home email address:_____________________________________________________________________
Home church: ____________________________________________________________________________
Allergies or other medical conditions:____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
In case of emergency, contact:____________________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Relationship to child:______________________________________________________________________
I can attend June 30 _______ / I can attend August 4 _______
Can we take your child’s photo?: Yes ____ No ____
Can we use photos/videos on social media (i.e., Facebook): Yes ____ No ____
Please return registration form to the church office, offering plate or Marianne Zellner (1695 Creek View Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18015) by June 23, 2021 or July 28, 2021.
Join us on …
+ Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at Vassi's on Main Street in Hellertown.
(Rain date: Wednesday, July 7th at 7:00 p.m.)
+ Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Inside Scoop on Route 309 in Coopersburg. (RESCHEDULED DATE: Monday, August 9th at 7:00 p.m.)
+ When we find out when Grida's is opening, we’ll add Grida’s to the calendar, too!
If possible, please wear a New Jerusalem, Thrivent Give Generously, or Vacation Bible School shirt. Any questions may be directed to Kathy Fenstermacher at kathyfenstermacher@gmail.com or 610-984-3489 (cell).
A Summer Flea Market will be held at
St. Stephen's, ELC, 67 W. Washington Avenue, Bethlehem, PA on Saturday, August 14, 2021 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Prime Timers will meet on
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 12:00 noon.
We will be playing board games!
Please bring a lunch and enjoy the afternoon—all are welcome.
For questions, please contact Loretta at 610-838-7428. Hope to see you there!
Come celebrate "Be an Angel Day" on Sunday, August 15 AND 22, 2021. Enjoy "Angel" themed activities, projects, raffle and food.
There will be raffle items available in the Upper Room to support "Be an Angel Day". Cost of raffles are $1/each or 6 for $5 and will be drawn on
August 22.
Money raised will go towards the parking lot project. Sunday, August 22 there will be activities, projects, raffle and food (special coffee hour). Come join the FUN!!
Any questions, feel free to contact Cindy Hart at 484-548-3937.
New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church will hold its Sunday Worship Service at Spring Valley Sportsmen's Club on Sunday, August 29, 2021. The service will begin at 10:00 a.m., but there will be no streaming of service that day. NJELCs picnic will be held directly after worship on Sunday, August 29th ~ hotdogs, barbeque and chips provided by Fellowship Committee ~ buffet style. Please feel free to bring your own food and drink if you do not feel comfortable with the usual picnic food arrangement.
CALLING ALL CHEFS ~ We're looking for your best apple recipe for an "Apples" Church cookbook.
Please send me your favorite receipe at fulmera87@gmail.com or give them to me
(Angie Fulmer) at church.
Please either type or neatly handwrite your recipe and include your name, the name of your recipe, and a short explanation about the recipe (if you'd like)!
Deadline for recipes is August 29, 2021.
Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
330 Ferry Street
Easton, Pennsylvania 18042
610-258-6119
A reconciling in Christ congregation.
The Reverend Susan D. Ruggles
Dear brothers and sisters, friends in the Easton area,
I can’t believe that in September many of us will remember where we were on September 11, 2001 when we heard of attacks in New York City, outside of Washington DC and Shanksville, PA within two hours of each other.
The walk is a project of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in which individuals will walk from the Pentagon to Shanksville, PA and on to the World Trade Center in New York.
On Sept. 4th, the walk will pass through Easton’s center square. There are many activities of healing and remembrance to mark the day. (See the Easton webpage https://www.easton-pa.com).
I am suggesting that people of all faiths gather in prayer. We will hold an interfaith prayer service at 9:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church on September 4th. You are invited to participate as a prayer warrior or someone who simply participates in this service. It is my hope that we remember to lift up in prayer the many who lost their lives, the many who acted to help with the recovery, the many who relieved tired people who were working, all the families affected by the tragedy and others. Of course, your ideas of prayer are welcomed. I will hold a meeting on Tuesday, August 17 at 7:00 PM at St. John’s for those interested to hear more ideas and try to make a schedule of prayer. If you plan on participating please indicate by attending or send a representative to this meeting. This will be the only meeting. Sorry for early schedule but things are getting printed!
Please contact me if you plan to attend or if you have any questions.
Thank you, Pastor Sue Ruggles
610-258-6119
January 2022: Annual Ladies Retreat
St. Francis Renewal Center will host small retreats with COVID guidelines.
The two major things are everyone must be fully vaccinated and you must stay the complete weekend. Everything is subject to change as winter approaches.
For now, this form is just a letter of interest not a payment commitment.
The weekend is January 21-23, 2022. The cost TDB later will be close to previous years $175.00 per person.
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Return the form below to Terry Ravier or email tsravier3@gmail.com by September 19, 2021.
I (your name) _______________________________________ would like to have correspondence for the Women's Retreat.
Phone Number: ____________________________
Choice of Room (circle one): Single or Roommate. Roommate is cheaper.
and Vendors...St. Paul’s Third Lutheran Church located at 2561 Newburg Road, Easton, PA 18045, is hosting a Craft and Vendor Show on October 2, 2021 and would love to have you to join them. If you know someone who is crafty and would like to sell their talent, here’s their chance. Spread the word. $25 per space. Please see the registration form to find out how at https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Lutheran-Church/St-Pauls-Third-Lutheran-Church-107338192735200/ or call 610-258-0875.
Mark Your Calendar ~ Please join us for our 1st Annual Apple Festival at New Jerusalem "Apples" Church on Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Food, games, and music.
More information to follow.
After much prayer and consideration, we have decided to
postpone this summer’s 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering to 2022
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more about the postponement and the 2022 Gathering, please visit: elca.org/YouthGathering/COVID19.
The 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering will be held July 24-28, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota with the two pre-events, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, scheduled for July 21-24, 2022.
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Calling all high school youth to join us in Minneapolis!
THE THEME IS. . .
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.
2021 Altar Flower Sign-up Sheet is located in the Narthex or call the church office at 610-838-0731.
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.
UPDATE 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 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.
GREAT NEWS!
Tina McCardle has VALLEY FARM GIFT CARDS available for purchase. They will come in either $25 or $50 amounts.
We are also continuing to offer GIANT GIFT CARDS too!
They come in $25, $50, or $100 amounts.
If you would like to purchase any gift cards either cash or a check made out to New Jerusalem are welcome. Please call or see Tina and she will arrange for mailing, pickup, or delivery.
This is great way to support our church family with a 5% discount that comes directly to the church. Tina may be reached at 610-838-6784 or email cameron35@rcn.com. They make great stocking stuffers too!
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.
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
+ NJ 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).
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.
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Choir rehearsals will be held on
Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. CANCELLED
Feel free to join the choir—all voices and skill levels are welcome!
If you have any questions, please see Ed.
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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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.
Calling all volunteers … we are in great need of volunteers (ushers, greeters, lectors, and general helpers) for our
10:00 a.m. indoor worship services. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Narthex area for those who would like to serve. Thank you!
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.
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.
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)
Do you like to pray? Do you like to pray for others?
New Jerusalem has had a devoted prayer group to minister to people of our congregation, our extended families and neighbors, and outside concerns for many years. Many people were not aware of this ongoing ministry of the church. If you or someone you know needs prayers from this group or wishes to be a part of the group to pray, please do not hesitate to call Kathy Fenstermacher at
610-984-3489 or email her at kathyfenstermacher@gmail.com. She in turn will notify others in the group to add your request to the list for daily prayers on your behalf. Prayers can be made for an illness, surgery, death, or other reasons. The reason does not need to be stated or the type of illness or surgery. After the crisis has passed that name may be added to the church prayer list that is provided every Sunday in the bulletin. If someone just wants a name added to the church prayer list in the bulletin, please call and leave a message with the church office at 610-838-0731. Please indicate if you would like a phone call, home, or hospital visit from Pastor Lisa.
Any church member who is in need of meals during a time of illness, injury,
death, birth, or some other disability is welcome to contact Sharon Bender at
610-597-8764 or email her at sharoncbender63@gmail.com. She will arrange meals to be delivered to the family or person in need.
Thank you for being part of this ministry!
CANCELLED Volunteers Needed for our 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.
CANCELLED 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.
CANCELLED 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.
New Jerusalem Church will hold periodic fundraising events for our veterans. Participants may visit residents, play games, share stories, read to them, or we can offer support. The congregation will be kept informed of the veterans we are helping. Any questions, contact Cindy Hart.
Welcome to Apple's Preschool at New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church!
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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August 18, 2021
Dear Parents and Students of Apple's Preschool,
Apple’s Preschool has made the very difficult decision to keep the preschool temporarily closed for the 2021-2022 school year due to the following: low enrollment due to mandatory masking guidelines, coupled with a low teaching staff. We plan to monitor the pandemic, and when restrictions lessen, we can discuss the reopening of the preschool.
Please keep Miss Denise and her family in your prayers as she takes this time to care for her parents. We also wish Miss Katrina well as she begins a full-time position at her other employer.
The decision to leave Apple’s Preschool was not an easy choice for either teacher.
We hope and pray for the day when we can open our classroom again to full classes with a complete staff to accommodate.
If you have any questions, please contact Miss Shani at shani@rcn.com
Be safe and healthy! Miss Shani, Preschool Director
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Apple's Preschool Classroom
Miss Shani
For more, click here to see our church website's Preschool tab.
You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ApplesChurchPreschool.
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!