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 Mother's Day and Memorial Day holiday!
TO JOIN US AT NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3233 APPLES CHURCH ROAD, BETHLEHEM, PA 18015 ON SUNDAY MORNINGS 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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NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (NJELC) WILL OPEN ITS DOORS FOR 10:00 A.M. WORSHIP INSIDE THE CHURCH ON SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021
ALL ARE WELCOME!
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INDOOR WORSHIP PROCEDURES
What follows are the procedures 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.
· We will be hosting coffee hours on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, but will not hold 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.
Hope to see you there!
Peace be with you.
BUILDING/ACTIVITIES
Appropriate wearing of masks and gloves while in the building at ALL times.
No entry into the building prior to 10:00 a.m.
Church open for Sunday morning worship services at 10:00 a.m. (see the list of procedures at above).
No one in the office, except the pastor, secretary, and treasurer.
Offering envelopes should continue to be mailed or use the online Vanco portal, please refrain from dropping off at church.
Encourage continuation of zoom meetings (however, meetings of less than 25 attendees with appropriate 6’ distancing and masks is allowed).
Pick up of supplies or cleaning are allowed with two people at a time in one area.
Food bank will continue with curbside pickup. ALL WORKERS MUST WEAR MASKS AT ALL TIMES.
NO EATING OR DRINKING INSIDE BUILDING (that requires one to remove their masks…a no-no).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Cindy Hart 484-548-3937 or Sharon Bender 610-597-8764.
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COFFEE HOUR RETURNS – OUTDOORS
on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month!
Will only be offering coffee/juice/water (no food at this time)
For the safety of all, please read the guidelines below:
1. Please stay in your car until those who are leaving drive out of parking area.
2. Be aware of cars exiting throughout this time.
3. Please wear your mask.
4. Coffee will be dispensed for you outside the lower entrance.
5. Condiments will be located at the end of the sidewalk.
6. Please bring your own chair and congregate in the lower parking lot area.
7. Remember to social distance when you are talking/drinking.
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'INVITED' by Rev. Sarah Are
Reader Kris Thomas
You are invited, this invitation is for you!
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As most of you are now aware, our next door neighbor, Ramon Ramirez, was the young man who was shot and killed at the Wawa on Route 100 during the early morning hours on Wednesday, April 21st. This past week has had our hearts and our heads spinning as we, and particularly his family, now grapple with this tragic reality. Though I certainly have dealt with loss and death throughout my ministry, I have never experienced murder. The repercussions are far reaching and will impact several generations to come. I firmly believe -- especially in light of what has transpired -- that we are called to be God’s hands, heart, mouth, and body in this world, offering ourselves as ones who bring our compassion, support, prayers, and help to those who are in need. Many have reached out asking how they can help. Most immediately, the family’s needs are financial. A 'Go Fund Me' account has already been set up by one of Ramon’s family members and can be accessed through my Facebook page where I’ve included the link or by going to 69 News (WFMZ) and Googling the link for Ramon Emilio Ramirez, Jr. (sponsored by Muneca Castellanos). In the near future, we may want to consider how we might want to offer support to his widow, Yulissa, and their three children, Junior, Ruby, and Amber. I wish to thank you in advance for your Christian concern and your continued prayers for healing for Ramon’s entire family. May we all work towards living in a more peaceful world.
Yours in Christ ~ 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
Here Are a Few of Our Church Council Members in Action
New Members: Wendy Ernst and Barbara Young (not shown)
Missing from the picture are Wendy Ernst and Barbara Young
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Church Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 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: Glenn Campbell, Wendy Ernst, 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
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!
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