Ministries for December 1–31, 2020 and Upcoming Events
Updated: Dec 21, 2020
. . . in December
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Please click the link (Youtube livestream link)
to participate in our Advent, Christmas Eve,
and Sunday morning worship services online.
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Since we are worshipping virtually for the Christmas Eve Service and will miss the tradition of singing "Silent Night" holding candles. I am asking the following: Please take a photo of your family holding candles and send it to Angie Fulmer at fulmera87@gmail.com by Tuesday, December 22nd at noon. Angie will put the photos together into a slideshow at the end of the virtual service so we can still share that candlelight experience with each other.
Kelly Clarkson - Silent Night
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QGP6f9nVC8
OH HOLY NIGHT. . .
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
NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SENDS
OUR BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
FOR A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND
A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
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.
TO JOIN US AT 10:00 A.M. FOR OUR ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES FROM NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH LOCATED AT 3232 APPLES CHURCH ROAD, BETHLEHEM, PA 18015.
Hope to see you there!
Peace be with you.
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 14, 2020 NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR INDOOR WORSHIP
(PLEASE NOTE … these may be revised as we continue to tweak what works most efficiently for our congregation.)
+ Persons at a high risk due to age or health are encouraged to stay at home, especially if exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, cough, loss of smell or taste, or shortness of breath.
+ Masks must be worn at all times properly covering one’s nose and mouth. (Only children who are 2 years of age or younger are exempt from this practice.) If you would arrive at church only to discover that you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. Additionally, hand sanitizer will be available at various locations for your use.
+ There will be no formal collection of offering during the service. Receptacles will be provided in the Narthex area for worshippers to deposit their offering envelopes (which also may be mailed in to the church office).
+ Holy Communion will continue to be received via individually sealed cups/wafers which will be distributed as worshippers enter the sanctuary. We will commune in the pews and collect the used packages for proper disposal after worship.
+ To minimize the risk of transmitting germs, worshippers will not be greeted with handshakes following the service nor will the traditional “passing of the peace” take place. Members and friends may certainly speak with each other outside.
+ At this point in time, no congregational singing will take place during the worship service. The reasoning behind this is that there remains the risk of producing aerosols (droplets of water suspended in air) that can spread the coronavirus. We will work hard to make a joyful noise in other ways (organ/piano/bells; possible soloists or instrumentalists who are socially distanced from the congregation). While this may not be ideal, it is the safest practice for the welfare of all.
+ Likewise, we will not be hosting any coffee hours or in person church suppers until it is deemed safe to do so.
+ One person or one family unit will be permitted in the restrooms at a time.
+ Worshippers will maintain social distancing while in the sanctuary. Pews have been cordoned off and marked so that people will visually be reminded of where they may be seated for the service. The pews in the balcony will also be available for seating for those who are more readily able to climb steps.
+ Children must remain with the adults with whom they came.
+ The church will be cleaned after worship each week to ensure cleanliness for the next gathering.
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. We are working on all the details to make that happen so we may reach as many interested viewers as possible. This is a learning process for all of us and we thank you kindly for your patience and understanding as we navigate these unchartered waters.
Just as we have figured out how to adjust to a different world than what we had, we are appreciating the new dimensions of worship that still speak to our faith experience. I thank you for your willingness to engage in this way, whether in person or via online services.
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.
You can also visit New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church on Facebook at
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—Finance Committee Meeting
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, December 3, 2020
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, December 4, 2020
Free
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Free
Sunday, December 6, 2020
10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ 2nd Sunday of Advent
(Visit NJELC online worship service at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, December 7, 2020
Free
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
7:00 p.m.—Church Council Meeting
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, December 10, 2020
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, December 11, 2020
9:00 a.m.—Food Bank Delivery (see Mark Your Calendar below)
3:00 p.m.—FM Packing
6:00–8:00 p.m.—Goose Chase
Saturday, December 12, 2020
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, December 13, 2020
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ 3rd Sunday of Advent
(Visit NJELC online worship service at Youtube livestream link)
10:30 a.m. —Annual Congregational Meeting (after worship)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, December 14, 2020
Free
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
CANCELLED 12:00 p.m.—Prime Timers (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
CLOSED Church
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, December 17, 2020
CLOSED Church
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, December 18, 2020
CLOSED Church
4:00 p.m.—FM Packing
Saturday, December 19, 2020
CLOSED Church
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
12:00 p.m.—Wreaths Around America in Fountain Hill (see Mark Your Calendar)
Sunday, December 20, 2020
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ 4th Sunday of Advent
(Visit NJELC online worship service at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, December 21, 2020
CLOSED Church
4:30–5:30 p.m.—Nut Roll Pick-up in the church parking lot
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Lions Club
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
CLOSED Church
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—December Angelus Deadline
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
CLOSED Church
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, December 24, 2020
CLOSED Church
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
ONLINE ONLY 8:00 p.m.—Worship ~ Christmas Eve Service
Friday, December 25, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, December 26, 2020
CLOSED Church
Sunday, December 27, 2020
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ 1st Sunday of Christmas
(Visit NJELC online worship service at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, December 28, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, December 31, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, January 1, 2021
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.
2021 Giving Envelopes will be available for pickup at any Sunday worship service. You may also contact the church office via email or call to make arrangements for envelopes to be left in the blue bin outside the church by the lower doors for pickup any day Monday through Wednesday after 10:00 a.m. Please take family’s and friends along, if possible. We appreciate everyone’s continued financial support throughout these challenging times. (As you are well aware, even if we are not inside the building, the bills keep coming in every month.) God is good and gives us what we need.
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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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: Paper Products—Thank you for your contributions!
Food Bank Delivery:
Friday, December 11, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE CHANGES
Distribution Days: DRIVE THROUGH FOOD BANK PICK-UPS from 8:30–10:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 12 and Saturday, December 19, 2020.
Approximately 95 families were served in the month of November. We thank everyone for the continued food and monetary donations during this challenging time. We are so thankful for the generosity of our community! Thank you!
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!
Cross Training Participants, I hope this email finds you healthy and preparing for the birth of Jesus! Though I wish we could be together to prepare and celebrate Jesus’ birth, I wanted to send some ideas to you and your family to help in your preparations. + Create and send cards to church member shut-ins or nursing home residents. + Christmas Caroling at Weston Nursing Home
PEPARING FOR THE BIRTH OF JESUS Activity Objective To explain that Advent is a time of waiting Lesson Outcome The children will be able to identify the season of Advent as a time of waiting.
Materials Poster paper
Markers, crayons, pencils
Colored paper
Directions Provide the children with markers, crayons, pencils, and paper.
Remind the children of the wait that Mary and Joseph endured as they prepared for the birth of Jesus.
Say to the children: We all like to celebrate our birthdays. How do you feel when it gets close to your birthday? Imagine how Joseph and Mary must have felt during the days before Jesus' birth.
Invite the children to share ways in which they might prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Write their ideas on a large poster paper. Suggest the following if the children are having trouble with ideas: decorating a birthday cake, making an Advent calendar, designing birthday cards, writing prayers to Jesus, and so on.
Next, have the children agree on one or two ways that they as an entire group will prepare for Jesus' birth.
Help the children plan a party for Jesus' birth. Tell them their preparations will be an exciting wait, like the wait that Mary and Joseph felt before Jesus' birth.
However the children choose to celebrate Jesus' birth, ask them to prepare one thing in particular to show Jesus that he is welcome in their hearts: a prayerful card, a group banner, an illustration of Joseph and Mary in the manger, and so on.
Give the children time to create their special gifts and offer suggestions if they need help.
Before the days of Jesus' birth, have the children decorate the room with their special gifts. Also, help the children with their party preparations.
Say: Advent is a time of waiting. Let us ask God to help us as we wait patiently and prepare to celebrate Jesus' birthday.
Approximate Time 20 minutes
Hints This is an ongoing activity to help the children recognize Advent as a time of waiting. If time does not permit you to do this, have the children create special gifts for a celebration that they can plan at home with their families. Follow the activity as if the children will be planning ways in which they will prepare a party at home.
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A MESSAGE FROM ISAIAH BOOKMARK
Activity Objective To remember a verse in Isaiah that helps us celebrate Advent.
Lesson Outcome The children will be able to identify the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.
Materials Strips of thick paper
Markers or crayons, pens or pencils
Directions Take a few moments to share with the children the idea of the Jesse tree and what it represents to us during Advent.
As a group, read aloud the verse in Isaiah from which the idea for a Jesse tree originated. (Isaiah 11:1)
Give each child a strip of thick paper. As you do so, ask the children to share what the verse means to them.
Ask the children to write the verse from Isaiah on their strips of paper to use as bookmarks.
When they have written the verse, invite the children to illustrate their bookmarks, perhaps with an image of an event leading up to the birth of Jesus.
When the children have completed their drawings, invite them to share what event they chose to draw and why.
Approximate Time 15 minutes
Hints Suggest to the children how they might use these bookmarks so that the message on them remains special to the Advent season. Perhaps the bookmarks can be used during this time of the year, in books used during times of celebration, and so on.
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GOD DEEDS CHAIN
Activity Objective To motivate the children to do good deeds for others.
Lesson Outcome The children will do good deeds for others.
Materials Markers
Purple and pink construction paper strips (1" x 9")
Tape
Directions Talk about John the Baptist and his call to do good deeds.
Talk about using Advent to follow the message of John the Baptist.
Show the children the strips of paper. Tell them for every good deed they do, they can add a purple or pink link to the group's Advent chain.
Encourage the children to write their good deeds on a paper link and then add it to the chain.
Take your chain of good deeds and put it on display so the children can show it to their families during the Christmas season.
Approximate Time 10 minutes
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2020 BLESSINGS ORNAMENT The link (https://thecraftysisters.com/2011/12/10/christmas-ornament-countdown-scrapbook-paper-balls/) shows you how to assemble these ornaments. You can use any type of paper and a pipe cleaner instead of floral wire. I know that many of us do not have many good things to say about 2020. And, though the pandemic may have disrupted our normal day to day lives and we know people who suffered through or died from the virus, if we think about it, there have been many blessing as well. The idea is to write about the blessings we have experienced or the special memories we ve made this past year on the back side of the slips of paper.
Approximately 95 families were served in the month of November. We thank everyone for the continued food and monetary donations during this challenging time. 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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Message from Terry Ravier…
What happened on March 13, 2020 - our lives changed before we were ready for it. We our thankful and proud to say, so many members at New Jerusalem stepped up to the challenge. We kept ministries alive on a smaller scale, supported food to the community, and kept everyone safe. We are not out of the woods yet and ask for patience and support, but hope people think outside the box for the upcoming month. Remember “We are all in this together”.
Reach out and stay in contact with others. Small gestures go along way right now especially with the holiday season upon us.
Who would have thought we would have FM transmitter parking lot worship services with small group leading the hymns, hosting grief luminary worship service (which collect $272.00 for HAM account), ice cream social, Prime Timers, live stream worship service, Zoom bible studies, Food for Friends, “Just to Past the Time”, collection for Veterans, Stocking for Soldiers, and the list goes on!
A big shout out and Thank You: $1127.00 profit from the takeout Pork dinner, quilt raffle and first aid kits sales held on Nov 14th. Funds will go towards improvements to the parking lot.
We did all of this and still maintained social distancing at every event.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Matthew 18:20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqqHJGTgo24
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Thank you to everyone who generously contributed to our Harvest Home food collection.
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Thank you from ELCA … “We are grateful for your special gift of $103.73 in support of ELCA ministries. 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. Thank you for your faithful gift.”