. . . in January
NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SENDS
OUR BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH - WHISPERS OF MY FATHER
by Vince Gill and Jenny Gill with lyrics
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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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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
Friday, January 1, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, January 2, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Sunday, January 3, 2021
10:00 a.m.—ONLINE Worship Service ~ Epiphany of Our Lord
(Visit NJELC worship service ONLINE at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, January 4, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, January 6, 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, January 7, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, January 8, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
9:00 a.m.—Food Bank Delivery (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Saturday, January 9, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Sunday, January 10, 2021
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ Baptism of Our Lord
(Visit NJELC worship service ONLINE at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, January 11, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
7:00 p.m.—Church Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, January 14, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, January 15, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
4:00 p.m.—FM Packing
Saturday, January 16, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, January 17, 2021
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ 2nd Sunday after Epiphany
(Visit NJELC worship service ONLINE at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, January 18, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Lions Club
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
CANCELLED 12:00 p.m. noon—Prime Timers (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—Endowment Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, January 21, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, January 22, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
4:00 p.m. (UR) Food Packing
Saturday, January 23, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
8:30 a.m. Food Bank
Sunday, January 24, 2021
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ 3rd Sunday after Epiphany
(Visit NJELC worship service ONLINE at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, January 25, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 8:30 a.m.—Quilters
9:00 a.m.—December Angelus Deadline
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, January 28, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
7:00 p.m.—Property Committee Meeting (UR)
Friday, January 29, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, January 30, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Sunday, January 31, 2021
ONLINE ONLY 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service ~ 4th Sunday After Epiphany
(Visit NJELC worship service ONLINE at 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: Paper Products—Thank you for your contributions!
Food Bank Delivery:
Friday, January 8, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
(UR) Food Packing:
Friday, January 15 and 22, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Distribution Days: DRIVE THROUGH FOOD BANK PICK-UPS from 8:30–10:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 16 and Saturday, January 23, 2021.
Many families were served in the month of December. 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!
NJELC Food Bank ~ Many families were served in the month of December. 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 all that donate to our Veteran's project. The residents of Coatesville VA are so grateful!
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NJELC—2020 the Year of COVID-19, a Pastoral Search, and a New Beginning ~ At our Annual Congregational Meeting on December 13, 2020, the proposed budget for 2021 was accepted; we acknowledged the end of Terry Ravier's Church Council term—thank you for your time and talents throughout the years; and we welcomed Wendy Ernst and Barbara Young as our newest Church Council members—thank you for your ministry on which you are about to embark as you serve this congregation and our Lord.
A special note of thanks to the Call Committee as they searched for a new pastor; to Pastor Rick Brown and Pastor Lisa Borrell for leading our Outdoor Worship Services; to Pastor Lisa Borrell as she became the new pastor at NJELC; and to all the Church Council members and the other people working behind the scenes for holding on and walking us through this crazy year of COVID-19 with your creativeness, persistence, and your love and trust in God.
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Thank you to all our Frontline and Essential Workers!
FOR 2021 UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Women's Retreat
We will be hosting the retreat virtually this year.
Date: Friday, January 15 and 16, 2021
Theme: Ecclesiastes 3 (A Time for Everything)
It will have the same schedule on a smaller scale with skits, bible lesson, worship, and even the wine and cheese PJ party at night.
The only thing you will need is a computer and download zoom. Then join the sisterhood weekend and a lot of interactive activities.
JANUARY 2021~ WOMEN'S RETREAT PARTICPANTS
Prime Timers will meet on
CANCELLED Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 12:00 noon
in the Upper Room.
We will listen to a presentation about "Hands on Therapy" with June Ravier!
All are welcome.
Don't forget. . .no food in church, so please eat before you come in.
For questions, please contact Loretta at 610-838-7428. Hope to see you there!
Loretta Duch
Youth Gathering ~ 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota!
Calling all high school youth to join us in Minneapolis!
Theme: “Boundless: God Beyond Measure”
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!
Beginning on Sunday, December 6, 2020, Tina McCardle will now have VALLEY FARM GIFT CARDS available for purchase. They will come in either $50 or $25 amounts.
We are also continuing to offer GIANT GIFT CARDS too!
They come in $100, $50, or $25 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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NEW ~ The Worship and Music Committee is 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.
Acolytes, Assistant Ministers, Chalisters, Lectors, Pastor Assistants (Council only for Pastor Assistant), please see the sign-up sheets in the Narthex for volunteer opportunities. The church office makes every effort to accommodate requests. 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?
Please join our Prayer Team if this sounds like you. If you prefer notices by email contact Kathy Fenstermacher at kathyfenstermacher@gmail.com. If you would to receive a phone call please write your name and phone number on paper and submit to the church office. If you want to include your name and number and place in the offering plate we will be sure to get it to Bernice Sandy.
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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Dear Parents and Students of Apple's Preschool,
Due to low enrollment prompted by the restrictions of COVID-19, Apple's Preschool will not be opening in September 2020. However, we will re-evaluate our options in the new year and, hopefully, we will be able to reopen in 2021. We are sad to be closed temporarily and we miss the children so much.
We continue to return emails, calls, etc. for enrollment and would love to hear from anyone interested in our program. Please contact Miss Shani at shani@rcn.com or phone 610-838-0731.
Be safe and healthy! Miss Shani
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Apple's Preschool Teachers and Classroom
Miss Shani, Miss Katrina, and Miss Denise
Our teachers are looking forward to a year filled
many new learning experiences in 2020–2021.
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
Update regarding the 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering (July 22, 2020)
After much prayer and consideration, we have decided to postpone next summer’s ELCA Youth Gathering to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering will be held July 24-28, 2022, in Minneapolis, with the two pre-events, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, scheduled for July 21-24, 2022.
We give thanks for your prayers and patience as we have worked through the details with our partners in Minneapolis and across the country. We hope that by postponing the Gathering for a year, individuals and congregations will feel more comfortable and prepared to attend the Gathering in 2022.
We will be updating our website and social media as more details become available.
We look forward to seeing you and experiencing the boundlessness of God in Minneapolis in 2022!
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.
THINK SPRING!
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!