Ministries for July 1–31, 2021 and Upcoming Events
Updated: Jul 24, 2021
. . . in July
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.
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FELLOWSHIP HOUR RETURNS—INDOORS
on the 1st (July 4) and 3rd (July 18) 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.
Thursday, July 1, 2021
Church Office Open
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, July 2, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, July 3, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
11:00 a.m.—Knoebel's Day for New Jerusalem
Sunday, July 4, 2021
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
ONLINE (Youtube livestream link <--)
10:45 a.m.—Fellowship Hour Indoors
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, July 5, 2021
CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY Church Office
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
7:00 p.m.—Ice Cream Social at Vassi's (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Wednesday, July 7, 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.—Finance Committee Meeting
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, July 8, 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, July 9, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
9:00 a.m.—Food Bank Delivery (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Saturday, July 10, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Sunday, July 11, 2021
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ Seventh Sunday of Pentecost
ONLINE (Youtube livestream link <--)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, July 12, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
7:00 p.m.—Church Council Meeting
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Pastor Lisa's Office Hours
TBA—Food for Friends
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, July 15, 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, July 16, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
4:00 p.m.—(UR) Food Packing
Saturday, July 17, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, July 18, 2021
10:00 a.m.—Worship Service Indoors ~ Eighth Sunday of Pentecost
ONLINE (Youtube livestream link <--)
10:45 a.m.—Fellowship Hour Indoors
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, July 19, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
7:00 p.m.—SV Lions
Tuesday, July 20, 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)
7:00 p.m.—Endowment Committee Meeting
Wednesday, July 21, 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, July 22, 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, July 23, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
4:00 p.m.—(UR) Food Packing
Saturday, July 24, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, July 25, 2021
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ Ninth Sunday of Pentecost
ONLINE (Youtube livestream link <--)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, July 26, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
7:00 a.m.—August Angelus Deadline
8:30 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
6:00–10:00 a.m.—Church Office Hours
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.—Ingathering (see Mark Your Calendar below)
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, July 29, 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, July 30, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, July 31, 2021
CLOSED Church Office
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: Pasta & Juice
Thank you for your contributions!
Food Bank Delivery: Friday, July 9, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
(UR) Food Packing: Friday, July 16 and 23, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Distribution Days: Saturday, July 17 and 24, 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 72 families were served in the month of June. 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 to everyone that sent us supplies for our kittens. It’s very much appreciated and very helpful in that we were able to send supplies to our foster families. They were equally grateful for the donated goods. If you are ever interested in donating or sharing our rescue, you can visit abiggerpurposekittenrescue.org/donate. – Riley Craig, Founder & Director
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Thank you from the ELCA ~ We are grateful of your special gift in support of ELCA ministries through Thrivent contributions. Thank you for your faithful gift – your partnership makes a difference!
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Thanks to all who came and had fun at the Penny Carnival! We raised $269.34 for the parking lot fund, but more importantly, we congratulate Micah Miller, the champion of the first Rock, Paper, Scissors Pie Tournament! Colin Merwarth was champ of the second tournament. Sorry, Pastor Lisa, but the pie was tasty, wasn’t it? We look forward to planning more events, so stay tuned!
Sharon Bender, Congregational Care and Outreach Committee
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Sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed needed items like bars of soap and washcloths for the Christmas in July Ingathering for our Mission District. Additional items like adult socks and sweatshirts, gloves, puzzles/games, blankets (new or in good condition) will also be accepted.
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Thank you to all our Frontline and Essential Workers!
FOR 2021—2022 UPCOMING EVENTS
The new 2021 Church Directory will be available on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Copies will be available in the Narthex. If you are unable to pick one up in person, please contact the church office at 610-838-0731.
391 Knoebels Boulevard, PA-487, Elysburg, PA 17824
IT'S KNOEBEL'S DAY FOR NEW JERUSAELM CHURCH!
Come out and join the fun on
Saturday, July 3, 2021 starting at 11:00 a.m.
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. (Rain 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).
Prime Timers will meet on
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 12:00 noon.
We will be watching the movie
"I Can Only Imagine"!
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!
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 PM 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,
IN-PERSON
St. Stephen's E.L.C. Vacation Bible School
67 W Washington Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018
One Week Only!
July 19 to July 23, 2021
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
free for kids age 4–12
North Castle is hidden in a frozen land. The King's valiant Knights must go on a quest in search of the King's Armor. But the armor isn't what they think it is! Knights of North Castle: Quest for the Kings Armor invites children to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God's power by exploring how we put on the armor of God. They'll explore Old & New Testament stories and discover different pieces of protective armor at work in the lives of familiar Bible characters, and explore how that armor works in their own lives as they follow and serve God.
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TO REGISTER. . .
On our website are links to the registration forms for children and helpers. If you are an adult who would like to help, please let us know via an email to the church office.