Ministries for February 1–28, 2021 and Upcoming Events
Updated: Feb 27, 2021
. . . in February
NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SENDS
OUR BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY 2021!
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.
TO JOIN US AT 10:00 A.M. FOR OUR
ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES FROM
NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH LOCATED AT 3233 APPLES CHURCH ROAD, BETHLEHEM, PA 18015 AT
Youtube livestream link (<-- please click the link).
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'INVITED' by Rev. Sarah Are
Reader Kris Thomas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8Va5ukmf1M
You are invited, this invitation is for you!
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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
Monday, February 1, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—Finance Committee Meeting
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, February 4, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, February 5, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, February 6, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Sunday, February 7, 2021
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ 5th Sunday after Epiphany
(Visit NJELCs worship service ONLINE at our Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, February 8, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
7:00 p.m.—Church Council Meeting
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, February 11, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, February 12, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
9:00 a.m.—Food Bank Delivery (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Saturday, February 13, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Sunday, February 14, 2021
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~Transfiguration of Our Lord
(Visit NJELCs worship service ONLINE at our Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, February 15, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
7:00 p.m.—SV Lions Club
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Prime Timers (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—Ash Wednesday Church Service
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, February 18, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, February 19, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
4:00 p.m.—(UR) Food Packing
Saturday, February 20, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, February 21, 2021
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ 1st Sunday of Lent
(Visit NJELCs worship service ONLINE at our Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, February 22, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
9:00 a.m.—March Angelus Deadline
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—ONLINE Lenten Devotions & Reflections–"Again and Again"
on our Youtube livestream link
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, February 25, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
7:00 p.m.—Property Committee Meeting
Friday, February 26, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
4:00 p.m.—(UR) Food Packing
Saturday, February 27, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, February 28, 2021
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ 2nd Sunday of Lent
(Visit NJELCs worship service ONLINE at our Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
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.
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: Peanut butter, jelly, snacks, and syrup—Thank you for your contributions!
Food Bank Delivery:
Friday, February 12, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
(UR) Food Packing:
Friday, February 19 and 26, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Distribution Days: DRIVE THROUGH FOOD BANK PICK-UPS from 8:30–10:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 20 and Saturday, February 27, 2021.
Approximately 83 families were served in the month of January. We thank everyone for the continued food and monetary donations during these 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!
NJELC Food Bank ~ Approximately 83 families were served in the month of January. 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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Thank you to everyone who participated in the card shower for Dorothy Muschlitz to celebrate her 100th birthday on December 17, 2020. She was in awe and is very thankful to everyone. God Bless, The Muschlitz Family
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Thank you to Jane Moyer for the donation of yarn and crocheting items for the Prayer Shawl group. They are appreciative for the very generous donation.
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NJELC participated in “Food for Friends (FFF)” on December 30, 2020 in Quakertown. The 8 volunteers provided 108 meals to the less fortunate in the Quakertown area. The food was purchased using a Thrivent Action team. The meal consisted of fried chicken, carrots and hummus, and a bag of cookies. We also gave out 30 Thrivent t-shirts. NJELC is committed to providing this meal 3-4 times a year for FFF on a rotation with 4 other volunteer groups. If you are interested in supporting this ministry, please contact Bill Young at 610-797-8440.
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Thank you from ELCA … “We are grateful for your special gift of $104.54 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.”
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Thank you from Hellertown Area Ministerium….We wish to acknowledge and thank you for your recent donations of $272 to the Hellertown Area Ministerium. The gift will be put in the M.O.M. Fund to support the ministries of H.A.M. Your commitment to the health and well-being of our community is gratefully acknowledged, and your thoughtful donation is very much appreciated.
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We would like to say "Thank You" for your continuing support as we close out 2020 and make our way through this pandemic. Online worship is great, but keep in mind the property insurance, electric, and oil bills still need to be paid so the ministry can resume again in person. New Jerusalem stays strong always. Please remember to use your new 2021 giving envelopes because your number might have changed. Giving statements were sent out on January 14, 2021, if you don't receive them by February 10th, please contact the church office at 610-838-0731. The USPS has been slower than usual lately.
Peace be with you, Finance Committee
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Thank you to everyone who helped beautify the church this Christmas season and virtually bring New Jerusalem's 2020 Christmas Eve Service as well as our Sunday worship services to our homes. The Christmas tree was beautiful, the Christmas Eve Service was inspiring, and music was uplifting! Your time and talents are greatly appreciated.
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JANUARY 2021 ~ WOMEN'S RETREAT PARTICPANTS—Thank you
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Thrivent Action Team means “Generosity” ~ Even in the midst of a pandemic, it was amazing how New Jerusalem Members continue to show generosity, kindness, love and support for others. We are PROUD to say that 35 Thrivent Action Team took place in 2020. There were 28 service projects, 3 education events, and 4 fundraisers. While everyone still maintained social distancing.
New Jerusalem’s challenge for 2021, can we do 40 this year? If you are a Thrivent member and would like to be part of this action team challenge you are not alone. We are here to help and make this happen. Is there a cause that you are passionate about, like to help others or have any idea but not sure how to started it? It can be big or small, we are here to make it happen together. If you would like to be the “behind the scenes” person and allow us to use your action teams, that would be greatly appreciated also. Please contact Terry Ravier tsravier3@gmail.com or 610-360-0956.
Terry attended the Learning Day Ministry the SYNDO sponsored on January 23, 2021 and got some great ideas.
Members don’t forget that “2020 Choice Dollars” must be directed by March 3, 2021.
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Thank you to all our Frontline and Essential Workers!
FOR 2021—2022 UPCOMING EVENTS
Virtual Cooking Show
Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Send your email address to tsravier3@gmail.com by February 24th to participate.
You will be given a recipe and a store list of items to purchase for the delicious PA Dutch meal taught by a surprise “Chef”. All participants prepare the same meal at the same time in your kitchen via ZOOM. Sharpen your knife skills and prepare for an evening of laughs!
CANCELLED Prime Timers will meet on
Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
We will listen to a presentation about "Tree Tapping" .
We will meet in the church parking lot at 1:00 p.m. and car pool.
All are welcome.
For questions, please contact Loretta at 610-838-7428. Hope to see you there!
Loretta Duch