. . . in November
PLEASE NOTE:
Church Council has approved INDOOR church worship services beginning
Sunday, November 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. If you do not feel comfortable attending New Jerusalem Church services in person, click the link (Youtube livestream link) to watch the service online at or you can also watch Pastor Lisa’s sermons from Friedens Lutheran Church online (www.friedenscentervalley.com) at 8:30 a.m.
ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US FOR OUR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES AT 10:00 A.M.
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In case of a pastoral emergency,
please contact Pastor Lisa Borrell at 610-838-0731 or email MizLKB@aol.com.
November 11, 2020
Dear Members of New Jerusalem ~
As the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaches, please be reminded of the CDC guidelines regarding travel during the on-going pandemic:
· The Secretary of Health issued an order requiring anyone who visits from another state to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the commonwealth. If someone cannot get a test or chooses not to they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in
Pennsylvanians visiting other states are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to the commonwealth, or to quarantine for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania.
· This does NOT apply to people who commute to and from another state for work or medical treatment.
– This order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020.
*This is not a recommendation, but a requirement. The order is an enforceable disease control measure authorized by the Disease Prevention and Control Law.
Part of loving our neighbor is to be vigilant, especially during this resurgence, in our own healthcare so that we do not spread the virus. Admittedly, these are trying times and we all long to be back to “normal” practices which include gatherings with family and friends, but now is not the time to let our guard down when it comes to safety protocols. They are in place to benefit everyone’s health and safety.
Please continue following the guidelines. Wear a mask at all times when in public. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Limit your contact with those outside of your own household. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms (fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, headache, sore throat, cough, loss of taste and/or sense of smell), please seek medical attention as soon as possible!
In the midst of all this, we can still remain grateful for the many blessings God has given to us. Hopefully, you can focus on what you still have rather than what has temporarily be taken away.
Wishing you and yours a blessed day of giving thanks, Pastor Lisa Borrell
REMINDER to turn your clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed
daylight savings time ends at 2:00 a.m. on November 1, 2020!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
THANK YOU!
TO JOIN US AT 10:00 A.M. FOR OUR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES HELD AT NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH LOCATED AT 3232 APPLES CHURCH ROAD, BETHLEHEM, PA 18015.
Hope to see you there!
Peace be with you.
At our October meeting, the Congregational Council discussed many aspects of the safety protocols to be established and we will be resuming INDOOR WORSHIP on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
What follows are those procedures. (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
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
GOVERNOR TOM WOLF REOPENS PENNSYLVANIA IN JUNE, 2020.
As per the US Federal Government, social-distancing guidelines and the use of masks when you leave your home will remain in place.
A message from Cindy Hart, President of Council: Effective November 10, 2020, Church Council has decided that meetings are allowed to be held at the church. The Quilters group will meet in the Preschool room to allow for social distancing. We ask that all other meetings be moved to the Upper Room. Council will be meeting in the Upper Room. AA and Lion's Club will start on Sunday at their usual time in the Upper Room. Food bank will continue to serve by curbside until the new year when council re-evaluates.
Stay well, Cindy Hart–Church Council President
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COVID-19 UPDATE
We are all anxious to get back to our normal day to day activities. Due to the recent closings and cancellations, schedules of meetings and gatherings are tentative and are reliant on the status of social distancing requirements. Please continue to pray for those on the front line, putting themselves at risk every day, as well as those who have been affected by health issues. Continue to be safe, taking precautions seriously to prevent contracting and spreading the virus.
A message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on COVID-19:
Sunday, November 1, 2020
8:30 a.m.—Online Worship ~ Pastor Lisa Borrell at Friedens Lutheran Church (www. friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
10:00 a.m.—Outdoor/Parking Lot Worship Service (rain or shine) ~ All Saints Day
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
CANCELLED 5:00 p.m.—Movie Night (Because of Winn-Dixie)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, November 2, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
Thursday, November 5, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
6:00 p.m.—Worship & Music Committee Meeting in the church sanctuary
Friday, November 6, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, November 7, 2020
CLOSED Church
6:00 p.m.—Outdoor Luminary Worship
Sunday, November 8, 2020
8:30 a.m.—Online Worship ~ Pastor Lisa Borrell at Friedens Lutheran Church (www. friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ 23rd Sunday After Pentecost/
Honoring Our Veterans
(Visit NJELC online worship service at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
5:30 p.m.—Church Parking Lot Movie Night (see Mark Your Calendar below)
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, November 9, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Quilters
7:00 p.m.—Church Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, November 12, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, November 13, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
9:00 a.m.—Food Bank Delivery (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Saturday, November 14, 2020
CLOSED Church
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
1:00–3:00 p.m.—Pork and Sauerkraut Take-Out Dinner Pick-up & Quilt Raffle
Sunday, November 15, 2020
8:30 a.m.—Online Worship ~ Pastor Lisa Borrell at Friedens Lutheran Church (www. friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ 24th Sunday After Pentecost
(Visit NJELC online worship service at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, November 16, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
CLOSED Church Office 9:00 a.m.—Quilters
12:00 p.m.—Prime Timers (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, November 19, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, November 20, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, November 21, 2020
CLOSED Church
8:30–10:45 a.m.—DRIVE THROUGH PICK-UP Food Bank Distribution (see Mark Your Calendar below)
Sunday, November 22, 2020
8:30 a.m.—Online Worship ~ Pastor Lisa Borrell at Friedens Lutheran Church (www. friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
CANCELLED 9:00 a.m.—Cross Training (Upper Room)
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ Christ the King/Harvest Home
(Visit NJELC online worship service at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, November 23, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
CANCELLED 7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
9:00 a.m.—December Angelus Deadline
9:00 a.m.—Quilters
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
7:00 p.m.—AA
Thursday, November 26, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 1:00 p.m.—Cards
Friday, November 27, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
Saturday, November 28, 2020
CLOSED Church
Sunday, November 29, 2020
8:30 a.m.—Online Worship ~ Pastor Lisa Borrell at Friedens Lutheran Church (www. friedenscentervalley.com) in Center Valley, PA
10:00 a.m.—Indoor Worship Service ~ First Sunday of Advent
(Visit NJELC online worship service at Youtube livestream link)
CANCELLED 11:00 a.m.—Fellowship
7:00 p.m.—AA
Monday, November 30, 2020
CLOSED Church Office
CANCELLED 6:30 p.m.—Choir (see Mark Your Calendar below)
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.
Starting Sunday, October 4, 2020 ~ 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: Peanut Butter and Canned Items—Thank you for your contributions!
Food Bank Delivery:
Friday, November 13, 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, November 14 and Saturday, November 21, 2020.
Approximately 72 families were served in the month of October. 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!
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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
A special note of thanks to Pastor Lisa Borrell, Pastor Rick Brown,
Ed Walakovits, and everyone who made our
Outside/Parking Lot Sunday Worship Services possible.
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Thank You to Terry Ravier and Cindy Hart for serving as delegates for the synod’s online assembly which took place over two weekends during the month of October. (Primary business was the election of a new synodical bishop. The Rev. Christopher deForest was elected to serve as our next Bishop. He will begin his service on January 1, 2021.)
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Thank you from ELCA … “We are grateful for your special gift of $109.47 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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Approximately 72 families were served in the month of October. 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 the “Cleaning Angels” who worked very hard to clean the church offices. It is much appreciated!
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Thank you to all our Frontline and Essential Workers!
FOR 2020–2021 UPCOMING EVENTS
Heavenly Father, I may not understand how everything will work out, but I trust You.
I don’t see a way, but I know You will make a way. I have faith that at this very moment, You are touching hearts, opening doors, lining up the right breaks,
and right opportunities. Things may look dark and bleak now,
but I have my faith In Jesus Christ. Amen
REMINDER to turn your clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed
daylight savings time ends at 2:00 a.m. on November 1, 2020!
MOVIE NIGHT (CANCELLED)
Since we turn the clocks back next Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 2:00 a.m. and it will be dark shortly after 5:00 p.m., we have decided to have the last-minute Social Distance Family Event on Sunday, November 1, 2020. Please share with other than do not have email.
Our parking lot will be transformed into an outdoor movie screen. We will have 2 speakers set up if you choose to sit under the stars or feel free to bring or use the FM radio in the car just like worship service has been. (Movie starting at 5:30,) Popcorn and a bottle of water will be provided.
Trailer to the Because of Winn-Dixie movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpsE_7oLdAU
Restrooms will be available to use, but masks must be worn when entering the build or around others.
Contact Terry at tsravier3@gamil.com with any questions.
Proud To Be An American
Sung by Lee Greenwood, Home Free and The Singing Sergeants
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Let There Be Peace On Earth Sung by The Young People's Chorus of New York City
“All Saints” Luminary Worship ~ Please join us at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2020 for a Luminary Worship Service outside in church parking lot as we lovingly remember those dear to us who have recently entered into eternal life. We will also be lifting up prayers for the griefs we all have experienced due to the pandemic.
A free will offering will be taken for the Hellertown Area Ministerium.
(Contributions directly aid those in our community who are in need of assistance.)
Honoring Veterans ~ We will be honoring our church family and friends who were or are in the military during our worship service on Sunday, November 8, 2020. If you wish to add your family member or friend to the current list, please contact Cindy Hart at 484/548-3937 or cmh505@lehigh.edu with that information. The deadline for submitting information is Sunday, October 25, 2020. Please join us!
MOVIE NIGHT
The church parking lot will be turned into an
outdoor movie screen at
5:30 p.m. on Sunday evening,
November 8, 2020.
Popcorn and bottled water will be provided.
Use your FM radio or bring a lawn chair and listen to the soundbar.
Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP0VHJYFOAU
Bohemian Rhapsody (Rated PG-13) is a 2018 biographical drama film about Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the British rock band Queen. It was directed by Bryan Singer from a screenplay by Anthony McCarten, and produced by Graham King and Queen manager Jim Beach.
Hope you will join us!
PICK UP DATE AND TIME:
Saturday, November 14, 2020 from
1:00–3:00 p.m. in the church parking lot.
**Paid-Preorders only**
$9.00 per dinner (Pork, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes and Apple Sauce)
Proceeds to go toward repairs
to our church parking lot!
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Send order form by November 6, 2020 to:
New Jerusalem Lutheran Church
3233 Apples Church Road
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________
How Many Dinners: _________________ Total Cost: $_________________
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Quilt Raffle tickets are $3.00 each; 2 for $5.00; or 7 for $10.00
(2) Twin size quilts will be raffled off
Thank you to the member who donated them!
Any questions? Please email Terry Ravier at tsravier3@gmail.com or phone 610-838-9230 before 8:00 p.m.
Prime Timers will meet on
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at noon
in the Upper Room.
All are welcome.
We will have a guest speaker, Warren Miles, who will talk to us about acupuncture. He is located in Hellertown on Bleyler Street.
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
. . . our 17th year of sending Good Cheer, Hugs and our great stockings!
Message from Rita Frey—thank you for participating and your support of our troops!
Last year New Jerusalem Church, took part in
STOCKINGS FOR SOLDIERS
and it was wildly successful.
The deadline to receive donations is November 19, 2020
so all boxes can be mailed by December 4, 2020.
This year things will be handled differently due to COVID restrictions. Please click on the attached link www.stockingsforsoldiers.org, if you are interested in participating on the "contactless shopping" at Amazon on the webpage.
Another way to help is designating "STOCKINGS FOR SOLDIERS Delaware" as your charity of choice and Amazon will make a donation to our project for each online purchase you make. There is NO additional cost to you and you will be supporting our deployed troops. Go to smile.amazon.com and click on the "Learn more about AmazonSmile" for all of the details.
The pictures below are some of the 2019 Stockings for Soldiers recipients!
