NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SENDS
OUR BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY 2021!
May God fill you will his New goodness every day and
may the love of Jesus overflow from you to others throughout the year!
In case of a pastoral emergency, please contact Pastor Lisa Borrell
at 610-838-0731 or or email MizLKB@aol.com.
Wishing you a happy, safe Father's Day and summer!
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 INDOOR 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 (June 6) and 3rd (June 20) Sunday of each month!
Remember to social distance.
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A LETTER FROM PASTOR LISA DATED JUNE 9, 2021 REGARDNG INDOOR WORSHIP
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 this Sunday, 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 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
You are invited, this invitation is for you!
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Dear friends ~
How nice it was to worship inside again this past Sunday where we could see each other’s faces (well, at least from the eyes on up!), connect with each other in person, and find our place in the nave amongst the once familiar “churchy” things like the Pentecost geraniums and colors, the festive banners and wall hangings, the candles, the organ music, and more. I think it brought a sense of well being after 14 long months of separation, outdoor worship, and online streaming.
While it is exciting to hear that the CDC has now stated that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in certain settings, for the time being, New Jerusalem will continue to require masks for all attendees in worship while indoors. This is for 2 reasons:
1) There are several members of our community who have not gotten vaccinated yet (including children). We do not require those seeking to worship with us to produce a vaccination card. We are committed to keeping worship open and safe for all.
2) There are several cases of people contracting one of the many strains of the coronavirus after having been vaccinated. Wearing masks dramatically reduces the chance of infection. Especially since worship is a wonderful mix of households and ages coming together, it is important to stay careful. Thank you for understanding.
Pastor Lisa Borrell
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Instructions to watch services online:
1. Go to: https://www.newjerlc.org/
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "YouTube livestream link". (You might need to download the program to your computer so you have access to YouTube. If so, download and go to the next step.)
3. About the middle of the page, you will find tabs. Click on the "videos" tab.
4. Below the tabs, you will see "uploads" and "play all". Click on "uploads".
5. Click "upcoming videos" if watching live or "past live streams" if watching later in the day.
6. At this point, it will list all worship services by date. Simply click on the date you wish to view!
New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church
610/838-0731 newjerelc@gmail.com
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The church continues to have expenses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
and we encourage you to mail in your offering or
use www.newjerlc.org/online-giving during this time.
Thank you and God bless
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
Connection
Greetings from your New Jerusalem “Apples” Church Council
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The next Church Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
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Dear Members of New Jerusalem,
At our last meeting, the Congregational Council agreed that it is time to return to worshipping inside the sanctuary as of May 23, 2021. Although we are moving indoors, we will continue to stream and record our services for those who do not yet feel comfortable coming inside. Additionally, we will continue to offer coffee hour outside on the first and third Sunday following worship.
We will institute the same safety protocols as we had last fall with the exception of the contact tracing and cleaning the pews after worship. Please take a moment to review these protocols and expectations. We will enforce them and ask that you follow them. (Please note … these may be revised as we continue to see less/more restrictions are needed.)
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 and will be provided upon entry into the building.
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 into 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. Please do not congregate anywhere inside the building.
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.
A revised Signup Genius will be sent out for volunteers to help with our indoor worship services. Please direct questions to any council member or Pastor Lisa. We will be happy to help.
Marianne Zellner
Council President
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The Council officers for 2021 are:
President: Marianne Zellner (610-838-9545)
Vice President: Sharon Bender (610-597-8764)
Treasurer: Terry Ravier
Secretary: Robin Rooth-Fogel
Council Members: Kathy Fenstermacher, Cindy Hart, Tina McCardle, Jere Reiss, Barbara Young, Marianne Zellner, and Cindy Ziegler
For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the LORD,” plans to prosper you and
not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Peace be with you, Church Council
As always, we pray for all the council members and
all those in leadership positions for this congregation.
You have to find a way to respect these new boundaries related to coronavirus,
but still live the version of life you're used to. That's what life is, regardless of circumstances. If I could offer advice to any person today, it would be
to stick by your faith. Know that your God is with you and will
take care of you all the way through. We will get through this.
Council Question Box
N/A
UPDATE(S) FOR THE CHURCH DIRECTORY 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 as of ______________ 2021 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.
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.
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. Please be sure to welcome Ed to New Jerusalem Church!
All are welcome ~ Please join us for choir practice on
CANCELLED Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
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!
Pictures of some of our choir members singing and Ed playing the piano from
inside the church for our
Outdoor Worship Service on
Sunday, September 27, 2020.
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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.
Endowment Committee News!
2021 Spring Endowment Grant applications will be available in the church office, endowment mailbox in March. Electronic copies of the application are also available by emailing the church office and should be returned to the church office via email (newjerelc@gmail.com). Deadline for applications is April 11, 2021.
The Endowment Committee anticipates there will be a distribution of income available this spring from the Mission & Ministry Endowment Fund. Remember that per policy, the use of these funds must fall into one of the following ministry areas:
Mission: Local, regional and world projects
Education: Higher education and continuing education expenses
Youth: Support for youth of all ages
Worship and Music: Support for the worship of the church
Capital Projects: Major renovations and building of new facilities for the church
Also there will be a distribution of income available from the Property Endowment Fund. Remember that per policy, the use of these funds must fall into one of the following property areas:
Maintenance; General Upkeep
Restoration
Repairs
Capital Project
Equipment Purchases
Property Acquisition
The Endowment Committee will also have a distribution from the Christian Education Endowment Fund. Remember that per policy, the use of these funds must fall into one of the following property areas:
Sunday Church School
Vacation Bible School
Christian Youth Activities
Adult Christian Education
Teacher's Education
Endowment—The gift that keeps on giving!
See any Endowment Committee member if you have questions.
Tim Frey, Chairperson
Russ Pacala Jr, Vice Chairperson
Tina McCardle
Drake Brintzenhoff
You can also visit New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church on Facebook at
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.
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!