ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US FOR OUR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
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.
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!
I'm Proud To Be An American
Sung by Lee Greenwood, Home Free and The Singing Sergeants
+ + + + + + +
Let There Be Peace On Earth Sung by The Young People's Chorus of New York City
Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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
+ + + + + + +
(November Angelus) Greetings to one and all ~
At our last meeting, the Congregational Council discussed many aspects of the safety protocols to be established as we soon will be resuming INDOOR worship on Sunday, November 8, 2020. 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.
Blessings to you all,
The Rev. Lisa K. Borrell–Pastor
New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church
610-838-0731 newjerelc@gmail.com
TO JOIN US AT NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (NJELC) LOCATED AT
3232 APPLES CHURCH ROAD, BETHLEHEM, PA 18015 ON SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10:00 A.M.
Hope to see you there!
Peace be with you.
PLEASE NOTE:
Church Council has approved INDOOR church services beginning Sunday, November 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (See procedures in "A WORD FROM THE PASTOR" above.)
If you do not feel comfortable attending New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church services in person, click the link (Youtube livestream link) to watch the service online. You can also watch Pastor Lisa’s church services from Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church online at 8:30 a.m. at www.friedenscentervalley.com.
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.
CANCELLED All activities at New Jerusalem Church
until further notice.
We are asking everyone to refrain from entering the
building unless absolutely necessary (secretary, church maintenance,
cleaning staff, etc.) as the building has been sanitized
with the exception of our Sunday worship services at 10:00 a.m.
+ + + + + + +
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
ZOOM—Church Council Members in Action
Please remember that even though we are not all worshiping together,
we are together in spirit.
Church Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
GUIDELINES FOR 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.
No entry into the office except for the pastor, office administrator and treasurer.
Offering envelopes should continue to be mailed to the church. Members area also encouraged to 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 are allowed).
Pick up of supplies or cleaning is allowed with two people at a time in a single 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.)
We will be expecting our members to follow these guidelines or, unfortunately, we will have to close up again. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
+ + +
Thank you to those that have been sending offerings in the mail or have been using the online Vanco portal. We are making sure all systems will be operating, our building is clean, and we are ready for worship when we get the green light! We are busy ordering supplies that will be necessary for us to commune together, as well as sanitizing supplies to keep us all safe. Our church congregation sticks together when the going gets tough. Please continue to support the ongoing work of New Jerusalem by sending in your offerings.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cindy Hart at 484-548-3937 or Sharon Bender at 610-597-8764.
God bless you and be safe
for Sunday, December 13, 2020 as the Annual Congregational Meeting will take place in order to discuss and vote on the proposed 2021 budget as well as to elect Council members. All confirmed members will be accorded voice & vote. (One must be present in order to vote.) See the budget that has been sent to you in the November Angelus/Newsletter.
If you have any questions regarding the proposed budget, please contact Terry Ravier at 610/360-0956 before the meeting. She will be happy to address your questions.
The Council officers for 2020 are:
President: Cindy Hart
Vice President: Sharon Bender
Treasurer: Terry Ravier
Secretary: Kathy Fenstermacher
Council Members: Glenn Campbell, Tina McCardle, Jere Reiss, Robin Rooth-Fogel, 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, Cindy Hart, Council President
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
MEMBER(S) INFORMATION (October 2020)
Return by December 6, 2020
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 January 1, 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 Monday 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!
From our
Outdoor Worship Service on
Sunday, September 27, 2020
+ + + + + + +
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!
2020 Fall Endowment Grant Applications will be available in the church office, endowment mailbox in August. Please contact the church office and an application will be sent to you. Deadline for applications is October 18, 2020.
The Endowment Committee anticipates there will be a distribution of income available this fall 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
A message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on COVID-19:
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.
+ + + + + + +
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!