May God fill you will his New goodness everyday 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 610-762-2139.
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.
TO JOIN US AT 9:00 A.M. FOR OUR OUTDOOR/PARKING LOT SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES HELD AT NEW JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (RAIN OR SHINE) LOCATED AT 3232 APPLES CHURCH ROAD, BETHLEHEM, PA 18015
Hope to see you there!
Peace be with you.
That’s right, we are going to use our parking lot as our sanctuary. Council is trying to make this transition as seamless, safe and successful as possible! If you do not feel comfortable attending, feel free to continue to watch Pastor Lisa’s sermons on line.
For those that are ready this will fill your needs; and those that might still be uncomfortable being around others, this might be a way of getting your feet wet before jumping into the pool.
We have made some slight changes, but it will not affect the impact of worship. These changes are to help keep everyone safe from COVID-19. These changes are: remain in car, no choir, less songs, no sharing of peace, offering at end of service, and communion will be done by prepackaged containers. There will be NO access to restrooms before, during or after service.
(See more information and guidelines
in the 'Church Council Connection' section below)
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)
'Let There Be Peace On Earth' Sung by The Young People's Chorus of New York City
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We shout for a wide variety of reasons. We shout to be heard when we are excited, angry, or feel we are being ignored. We shout because we want someone to hear us.
When was the last time you shouted with joy to the Lord? How long has it been since you last were so overpowered by the goodness of God that you shouted out your praise and thanksgiving? Have you ever done it?
We have so much to be excited about and grateful for in the Lord! Think about it. Isn’t salvation something to shout about? The Lord saves us from certain self-destruction. He saves us from an eternity in hell. He saves us from the compulsion to sin. He saves us from a life of sinful misery which has no hope.
Isn’t the future something to shout about? The Lord has guaranteed our acceptance into the eternal kingdom of God. He has prepared a place for us that defies human understanding. It is a place that is so pure and holy that no trace of sin or its consequences will ever be found . It is a place where the glory of Christ will always shine and never dim. It is a place where we will never fear and experience pain or sorrow again. It is a place where we will be surrounded forever by all the saints who have ever lived and who have been perfected by God, a people who will always treat you fairly, lovingly, and joyfully.
Aren’t the resources God has provided for us something to shout about? Think about it. God has made available to us all the resources we need to live holy lives before Him. It is not beyond our reach to live in victory. We have God’s Word, His Spirit, the church, and a great cloud of witnesses always around us to spur us on and help us.
Indeed, “Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth!” Let your voice be heard loud and clear! The Lord is God, and He is your God! The Lord is faithful, true, and good all the time! Let your heart rejoice and shout the Good News so all will hear.
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'Shout To The Lord'
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.
Cancelling these services will affect us financially—so we encourage you to mail in your offering or use www.newjerlc.org/online-giving. The church continues to have expenses even when we are not worshiping under one roof. God bless
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ADDITIONAL ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
New Jerusalem members are invited to worship on Sunday morning for online services with:
Pastor Lisa Borrell–Friedens Lutheran Church in Center Valley, PA welcomes you to join her at 9:00 a.m. (https://friedenscentervalley.com/online-church-services). Previous online services are also available to view.
AND
Pastor Daniel Eisenberg–St. John's Lutheran Church in Mayfair, PA welcomes you at 10:00 a.m. at facebook.com/stjohns-mayfair or www.stjohnsmayfair.org (click on the light blue bar in the middle of the page). Daily Morning Prayers are also available. You may remember Pastor Dan from his youth group days at NJ.
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Thank you Pastor Lisa and Pastor Dan for inviting us to join your worship services.
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FREE FAMILY SUNDAY SCHOOL
Are you looking for ways to support faith formation at home? Sparkhouse is excited to announce Family Sunday School, a free 8-week lesson series for families! Each week Sunday School curriculum developer (and former summer camp Arts and Crafts director) Dr. Dawn Rundman and her family will host Family Sunday School. Each episode presents a lesson based on Lectionary readings that families can watch together. The Bible story, illustrations, and other content are based on Spark: Activate Faith Lectionary Sunday School lessons.
You are welcome to distribute, post, and reproduce the lesson materials for your church families in whatever way works for you. We’ll post a new lesson every Tuesday for the following Sunday. Lessons will be posted through Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020. The first lesson, Doubting Thomas, is available now at https://www.wearesparkhouse.org/promos/family-sunday-school/?utm_campaign=SHC%20Children&utm_
A message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on COVID-19:
A message from Pastor Lisa Borrell, Visitation Pastor for New Jerusalem Church:
Dear members of New Jerusalem,
Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
To say that we are now living in trying times would be a complete understatement. As I’m sure everyone is aware, employees at grocery stores are doing everything they can to keep the shelves restocked; truck drivers are traveling non-stop to deliver goods to the stores and warehouses; hospital and other medical personnel are working exhaustingly long hours to offer care during this pandemic; schools and colleges are shut down and teaching by remote access; businesses deemed “non-essential” have also been shut down for the foreseeable future; and the government has declared a national emergency the likes of which we have rarely, if ever, seen in our lifetimes.
Please use your best judgment and practice good safety measures during this time, particularly those who have been identified with a higher health risk. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Strictly limit your exposure to other people unless you have to go out for necessary medical appointments or to purchase items at the store. These are some of the best ways to help “flatten the curve” of infection. And though we must distance ourselves physically for a time, that doesn’t mean that we can’t stay connected. Make an overdue phone call (especially to those who are elderly) … write an old-fashioned handwritten note … send a text … airdrop a family photo. Your efforts will definitely be appreciated!
Also crucial during this time of crisis is the continuance of giving your financial offerings to the church. These may be mailed to the office at the address noted above. Please consider using tape or water to seal your envelopes to lessen the transmission of germs. The congregation certainly understands if this imposed isolation has caused hardship due to unexpected unemployment at this time.
Additionally, I’d like you to invite all those who use social media to “like” Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Facebook page or website (www.friedenscentervalley.com) in order to watch recordings of remote worship. A brief worship service was added this past Sunday and another will be coming later this week. While it’s certainly not the same as being together in person, it is a way we can share in our devotions together. Please know that we are only as far away from each other as our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. If anyone should need to reach me, my telephone number is 610-762-2139. Be well.
God’s peace be with you all,
The Rev. Lisa K. Borrell–Visitation Pastor
New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church
610/838-0731 newjerelc@gmail.com
Connection
Greetings from your New Jerusalem “Apples” Church Council
Join us for our NJELC Outside/Parking Lot Sunday Worship Services
on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. (Rain or Shine—More information below)
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Meetings and Activities are CANCELLED until further notice.
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ZOOM—Church Council Members in Action
Please remember that even though we are not worshiping together,
we are together in spirit.
Another month has gone by and we continue to work our way through the “new” normal. Our first outside worship service was held on June 14, 2020. There were a couple minor glitches but overall it was a success. We will continue to have our worship services outside, rain or shine. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs and sit outside your car while wearing your masks and social distance of 6 feet.
For the safety of our congregation, we are proceeding slowly to “green”. A small committee has been formed to created new guidelines for the church. Until those guidelines are distributed, we will continue to follow the current guidelines.
OUTSIDE/PARKING LOT WORSHIP INFORMATION
Outside worship services began on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. That’s right, we are going to use our parking lot as our sanctuary. Council is trying to make this transition as seamless, safe, and successful as possible! If you do not feel comfortable attending, feel free to continue to watch Pastor Lisa’s sermons online at https://friedenscentervalley.com/online-church-services.
For those that are ready this will fill your needs; and those that might still be uncomfortable being around others, this might be a way of getting your feet wet before jumping into the pool.
We have made some slight changes, but it will not affect the impact of worship. These changes are to help keep everyone safe from COVID-19. These changes are: remain in car, no choir, less songs, no sharing of peace, offering at end of service, and communion will be done by prepackaged containers. There will be NO access to restrooms before, during, or after service.
You are probably wondering how this is going to work:
An individual will greet you in the driveway and will hand you a bulletin and communion containers. The bulletins will be printed with everything you need. Please let the individual know how many communion containers will be needed for your passengers. The communion containers are ordered prepackaged and, unfortunately, they do not offer gluten free wafers or wine. There is only one option for communion (wafer and grape juice). Feel free to bring your own “bread” to be used during communion. At the appropriate time you will tear off the first layer which will have your wafer. Then the second layer will have grape juice.
After receiving these items, follow the direction of the parking attendants, and park your vehicle. We will be adhering to the 6’ distance and wearing of masks/gloves. You will remain in your vehicle and tune in to 106.5 FM on your vehicle radio. Please be patient with our volunteers. A plan for entering and exiting the parking lot has been established to maintain safety for all, as this is new to everyone. It will be just like attending a drive-in movie, but different.
After worship is done, please be patient exiting the parking lot. Again there will be parking attendants to guide us in the process. You will notice upon your exit of the parking lot, an individual will be collecting your offering.
GUIDELINES/RULES FOR OUTSIDE SERVICE
Everyone MUST remain in their vehicles at all times.
No entry into church building. This means no use of restrooms.
Take all trash/recycling home with you after worship service.
Masks and gloves are encouraged even in your vehicle.
Be patient—what else do you have to do??
No children’s coloring packs will be available. Bring your own form of entertainment for your children. Service activity booklets will be available online for YOU to print and bring along!
Services will be held rain or shine.
We hope you will consider attending our outside worship service. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cindy Hart at 484-548-3937 or Sharon Bender at 610-597-8764.
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 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.)
We will be expecting our members to follow these guidelines,
or we will have to close up again.
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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.
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Pastoral search is still continuing (COMPLETED see update below). I am also happy to report that a pastor candidate’s name has been given to our call committee. See below an 'Important Congregational Meeting Information Letter' to the congregation.
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UPDATE
The votes from the special Congregational Meeting held on August 9, 2020 are in. . .
the new time for our worship service will be 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Lisa Borrell
as our new pastor. The date when this change will occur is still being discussed. We will continue to worship at 9:00 a.m. until the new date is determined. Please stay tuned for the new worship schedule.
Thank you for everyone who voted!
New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church
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July 23, 2020
A special Congregational Meeting will be held immediately following our 9:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, August 9, 2020. The Call Committee, with support of Congregational Council, would like to recommend a pastoral candidate to serve New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church (NJELC).
The vote will occur on Sunday, August 9, 2020 immediately after worship, which will be led by the called pastoral candidate. Only those confirmed members in attendance will be eligible to vote. Please plan to attend and cast your vote!
You will receive a slip of paper that you will select "10:00 a.m. with Pastor" or
"9:00 a.m. Start call process again". The papers will be collected and counted immediately. The majority vote will be honored. We do not need a quorum for this vote but we would like to hear from all confirmed members.
We are grateful to Pastor Huber of the Northeastern PA Synod for her support in identifying an outstanding candidate for NJELC. We also would like to thank you—the members of NJELC—for your prayers and ongoing support as we embark on this next phase of our transition journey. We, the Council, are very excited about this opportunity living out the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Respectfully,
New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church Council: Cindy Hart, Sharon Bender, Glenn Campbell, Kathy Fenstermacher, Tina McCardle, Terry Ravier, Jere Reiss, Robin Rooth-Fogel, Marianne Zellner, and Cindy Ziegler
Pastoral Call Committee: Sharon Bender, Ben Fogel, Jayne Schrantz, Kathy Shermetta, Joe Wildrick, and Marianne Zellner
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We hope you will consider attending our outside worship service. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cindy Hart 484-548-3937 or Sharon Bender 610-597-8764.
Enjoy your summer and be safe.
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
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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 Lauren; 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!
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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!
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
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.
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!