Zion Lutheran Church, 11 Schooley’s Mountain Rd., Long Valley, NJ 07853
phone: (908) 876-3547; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.zionlongvalley.org
For the Members and Friends of Zion Lutheran ChurchFor the Members and Friends of Zion Lutheran ChurchFor the Members and Friends of Zion Lutheran ChurchFor the Members and Friends of Zion Lutheran Church December 2019December 2019December 2019December 2019
The The The The Long Valley
Lutheran
Reflections on Advent….Reflections on Advent….Reflections on Advent….Reflections on Advent…. Expectant. That’s what Advent is all about. Advent is my favorite church season. There’s something about describing our human existence as darkness, and God as light, that strikes a deep chord within me, especially as the nights slowly grow longer. In the middle of the frenzy of preparation for Christ-mas, Advent somberly taps us on the shoulder and asks us to recognize our buried yearning for God’s light and goodness and joy. That yearning is always there, even during the most joyous times. We yearn for an end to sin, which disconnects us from life and invites us to futile thought and deed. We yearn for an end to suffering and disease and injustice in the world. Advent awakens us to these yearnings and helps us to picture sin, brokenness and evil as darkness, and God as light that comes into our darkness. And so the main prayer of Advent is “Come, Lord.” God indeed came as a weak baby, and promises to come again in the end to fully triumph over sin and evil. In the meantime, God comes to us in the Word and through Communion so that we may glimpse and taste God’s light and goodness and joy. So we are expectant.
Pastor Ingrid WengertPastor Ingrid WengertPastor Ingrid WengertPastor Ingrid Wengert
AdventAdventAdventAdvent
In front of the craft shop, a small nativity,
mother, baby, sheep made of white
and blue balloons. *
Sky god girl.
Pick out the one that doesn’t belong.
* Some thing
close to nothing flat
from which, fatherless,
everything has come.
by Rae Armantroutby Rae Armantroutby Rae Armantroutby Rae Armantrout
June 2009 “Poetry” Volume 194 Number 3 Poetrymagazine.org
William Johnston
2
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 11 Schooley’s Mountain Rd.
Long Valley, NJ 07853 Tel: (908) 876-3547 Fax: (908) 876-3947
E-mail: [email protected] Website: zionlongvalley.org
Like us on Facebook at
“Zion Lutheran Church, Long Valley”
Pastor: Pastor Ingrid Wengert Cell: (215) 692-2091 Email: [email protected] Parish Secretary: Laura Hamilton Minister of Music: Marilyn Hibler
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
Summer: 9:00 AM
September – May: 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM
Adult Forum: 9:15 AM
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Closed Fridays
CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS/OFFICERS:
President: Judy Bumpus Vice President: Malainie Hibler Secretary: Martina Frommeyer
Finance: Larry Salvatore
Members: Melissa Brobst
Burt Horner Marlena Schilke
Reinhard Schwartz Candice Snyder
LONG VALLEY CHRISTIAN NURSERY SCHOOL
11 Schooley’s Mountain Rd. Long Valley, NJ 07853
Tel: (908) 876-4115 Fax: (908) 876-4959
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: longvalleychristian.com
LVCNS Director……...... Meghan Bridge Bus. Administrator….JoAnn McElwaine
The deadline for the January
Newsletter is Sunday, December 29th
Articles may be sent via e-mail to
[email protected], via snail mail to the church office, or left in Laura Hamilton’s
mail box in the Parish Center. Your prompt attention to the deadline is
greatly appreciated!
Pastor Ingrid’s church
office hours are Monday – Thursday 9–12pm
and 2pm–5pm, during which time she will also be making visits – so if you need to
meet with her, please call to make sure she is in the office.
Also, you can reach Pastor Ingrid by email at: [email protected] or by cell phone at
(215) 692-2091. The Parish Center office hours will continue to be
Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, closed on Fridays.
In this issue:
Pastor Ingrid…………………………….pg.1 December Worship Events…………...pg. 3 Holiday and Parish Life Events……..pgs.4-5 Adult Education/Readings……………..pg. 6 Finance…………………………………pg. 6 Property………………………………..pg. 7 Youth Ministry Zone...………….pgs. 8 and 9 Social Ministry…………………...pgs. 10-12 This and That…………………… pgs. 13-14 Prayer List…………………………….pg. 15 December Bir thdays………….……...pg.16
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
3
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Daily Prayer Text …Daily Prayer Text …Daily Prayer Text …Daily Prayer Text … If you’d like to sign up to receive a
daily prayer on your cell phone, please share your cell number with Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor
Ingrid Ingrid Ingrid Ingrid or sign up on the bulletin board in Field’s Hall.Field’s Hall.Field’s Hall.Field’s Hall.
Season of Advent Worship Calendar Sunday, Dec 1 First Sunday in Advent 8:00 & 10:30 am Worship Services Sunday, Dec. 8 Second Sunday in Advent 8:00 & 10:30 am Worship Services Sunday, Dec. 15 Third Sunday in Advent 10:30 am Music Sunday Worship Service Sunday, Dec. 22 Fourth Sunday in Advent 8:00 & 10:30 am Worship Services
Please take note of the following
special Christmas Worship services:
Tuesday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve 4:00 pm Family Service 8:00 pm Evening Candlelight Service Wednesday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day 10:30 am Christmas Day Service
Sunday, Dec. 29 First Sunday of Christmas 10:30 am Lessons and Carols Worship Service
Advent is a season of preparation for Christmas, just as Lent is a season of preparation for Easter.
The character of Advent is somber, with deep blue for a color and hope and expectation for the mood. Before celebrating the joy of Christmas, Advent reflects upon all that is broken in our
world – and in us – and bids us wait with expec-tation for God to come and bring an end to evil, sin, death and suffering. We wait for Christ’s
advent which is three-fold – in history born as Jesus of Nazareth; in the present moment
through Word and Sacrament; and in the future on the “last day” when he will put an end to all evil and suffering. A prevalent image in Advent
is light and darkness, depicted aptly by the advent wreath whose light grows as darkness
lengthens until the longest night of the solstice. Christmas carols begin on December 24, and will
be sung throughout the twelve days of its own season. But for now, let us prepare for it by
keeping Advent, which Lutherans are especially known for keeping well!
4
PARISH LIFE
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Thursday, December 5 —Parish Life Group Join the Parish Life Group at 2:00 PM in Faith Hall to celebrate St. Nicholas! The group will hear a talk by Helga Schwartz on St. Nicholas traditions. Bring a snack to share. All are welcome!
Sunday, December 8—Holiday Happenings, Long Valley Community Concert and Christmas Tree Lighting and associated events (rescheduled from December 1st).
The show must go on! Following the cancellation on December 1st because of severe Weather, the official Long Valley Community Tree Lighting has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 8th. Our char tered Cub Scout Pack 136 will hold a Bake Sale in Faith Hall from 3-5 PM to benefit LVCAP, our local food pantry. The program begins in the church sanctuary at 5 PM and will once again feature musical talent from the Long Valley Community. After the lighting of the tree, we will enjoy a reception by the Long Valley Garden Club in Faith Hall. Note that due to the rescheduling, the Chester Baroque Orchestra will not per form following the reception this year .
Friday, December 13 —Parish Life Group Cookie Exchange Join the Parish Life Group at 1:00 PM, to exchange cookies and eat some!
Sunday, December 15th, 4:00 pm (rescheduled from December 8th) Sunday School Christmas Pageant and Pot Luck
Rehearsal will take place December 14th, from 10-12, and costumes will be given out that day. If you would like to play an instrument beginning at 3:30 before the pageant, please contact Marge Scudese at (908) 867-0912. There will be a potluck supper after the pageant in Faith Hall.
Sunday, December 15th—Music Sunday, 10:30 AM It’s always a treat to hear the choir, but on Music Sunday they always out-do themselves! The senior choir will present a Christmas cantata entitled, “Do You Hear What I Hear”. Please join us to prepare yourself spiritually for Christmas. The cantata blends fresh arrangements of carols and beautiful new songs with a compelling narrative to create an exciting musical for Christmas. Please join us for this special service.
The Christmas Season is Upon Us! Don’t miss these opportunities for fun and fellowship with a
holiday theme!!
Help Wanted! If you can help bake a few dozen cookies for the cookie recep�on a�er the
tree ligh�ng, please contact Laura in the office and drop them in the Faith Hall kitchen by
3pm on December 8th. The Garden Club will arrange the cookies into pla%ers.
5
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
PARISH LIFE
New Members On Sunday, November 10th we welcomed these new members to the Zion family!
Lynnae Crupi
Josh, Jenn, Cooper and Ella Drake
Mike, Sharon, Sloan, Stevie, Michael and Sienna Ficacci
Paul, Kerry, Gabriella and Andrew
Karpinski
Rick, Elaine, Ben, Victoria, Olivia and William Johnston
Carol Kott
Bill and Deb Mills
House Blessing and Wine & CheeseHouse Blessing and Wine & CheeseHouse Blessing and Wine & CheeseHouse Blessing and Wine & Cheese
On Sunday, November 3 from 4 – 6PM, congrega�on
members and friends were invited to Dr. Tim and Pas-
tor Ingrid Wengert’s new home for a tradi�onal “House
Blessing”. It was a wonderful event and a joy to visit
their home, which dates to 1776! We wish them years
of health and happiness. From the Wengerts:
“Dear Brothers and Sisters at Zion, We were astound-
ed at the outpouring of well-wishes and generosity at
the occasion of our house blessing. Thank you for your
unexpected house warming gi".”
With Gratitude, Ingrid and TimWith Gratitude, Ingrid and TimWith Gratitude, Ingrid and TimWith Gratitude, Ingrid and Tim
6
Scheduled Worship Readings for DecemberScheduled Worship Readings for DecemberScheduled Worship Readings for DecemberScheduled Worship Readings for December
WorshipWorshipWorshipWorship Old and New Old and New Old and New Old and New
DateDateDateDate TestamentTestamentTestamentTestament PsalmPsalmPsalmPsalm GospelGospelGospelGospel
December 3 December 3 December 3 December 3 Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Matthew 24:36-44
December 8December 8December 8December 8 Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Matthew 3:1-12
December 15December 15December 15December 15 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 Matthew 11:2-11
December 22 December 22 December 22 December 22 Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Matthew 1:18-25
TUESDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDYTUESDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDYTUESDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDYTUESDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY
The Tuesday afternoon Bible Study Group meets each Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday at 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm in the Splash
Room. As in the past, each week we will study the Revised Common Lectionary passages
for the coming Sunday. Questions, opinions, wisdom and insight are always welcome.
All are welcome to join us each Tuesday at 12:00 noon 12:00 noon 12:00 noon 12:00 noon at Pezzo PizzaPezzo PizzaPezzo PizzaPezzo Pizza, 2 East Mill 2 East Mill 2 East Mill 2 East Mill here in
Long Valley for lunch before heading to Bible Study.
Adult Forum meets each Sunday, at 9:15 AM Sunday, at 9:15 AM Sunday, at 9:15 AM Sunday, at 9:15 AM in the Splash RoomSplash RoomSplash RoomSplash Room. It is an
exploration into varying topics led by Pastor Ingrid for teens who have been confirmed
and adults of all ages. There is always lively discussion and often a good bit of laughter as
well. Grab a cup of coffee and please come and join us! New folks are always welcome to
the discussion.
December 1: December 1: December 1: December 1: No Adult Forum—off for Thanksgiving weekend
December 8: December 8: December 8: December 8: “Keeping Advent before Christmas” led by Pastor Ingrid
December 15: December 15: December 15: December 15: “Website Follow-up” led by Pastor Ingrid; Please share feedback about the
updated website before it goes live
December 22 and 29: December 22 and 29: December 22 and 29: December 22 and 29: No Adult Forum————Christmas holiday break
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Budget Actual Income $19, 650 $19, 558 Expense $18,519 $22,268*
*October Actual Expenses includes $4,000 annual insurance premium.
If you have questions concerning financial matters, please contact Larry Salva-
tore at [email protected]
7
December Property Update by Burt [email protected] or (908)674-3422
Old Business: *Mo�on light switch fixture in the Pastor's office repaired. Splash and kitchen/office room to
be done.
*Parking lot expansion - quote for Harrington is recommended.
*Outdoor garden hoses stored for winter
*School hallway univent heater motor and thermostat - are working according to their design
*Hea�ng system repairs in the boiler room - are working according to design in the boiler
room
*New flag pole to be installed probably next week. Mark-out has been called for. Coordi-
na$ng $ming and construc$on with Brad Blaine and his neighbor.
*Garage cleaning out of non-Zion ar�cles - has improved. Ort Farm materials have been
stored and placed by Jance Denzler A few items le, to determine their desirability and
future.
*Ligh�ng repairs for choir lo� area and addi�onal ligh�ng—not repaired or replaced by LED
contractor
*Kneeling cushions fabric repairs - worn and have holes in some of them. Discussed with
some folks in the Congrega$on. Ge0ng fabric quotes; have iden$fied a seamstress to do
the R&R.
*Security plan for LVCNS & Zion, emergency drills, and training on fire ex�nguishers AED's,
etc.
*Refinish and paint Faith Hall hallway classroom pillar and wall
*Need resolu�on on leaking roof in Faith Hall—Infringing on classroom space
*Scou�ng update on fundraiser
New/Future Business: *Plan on water infiltra�on to understructure of church Sanctuary and
Narthex as well as Quad [Bolt's study]. Preliminary discussion with
several members of the Congrega$on has proved to be helpful
*Plumbing repairs to Griffith House—were completed 11/18/2019
*Workman's Compensa�on Insurance audit issue with contractor
Zion Property Bridging the Past While Preserving the Future
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
8
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Left: Judy Bumpus helps the pre-k kids with their Christmas Pageant practice! Pictured here are Aiden Davis, Henry and Mason Boeckel, Ally Rooney, and William Johnston. Please come and see these and all of the Sunday School children perform on December 15th, and join us for potluck afterwards!
Right: Sophia, Emalyn and Malainie
Stoma read for the lighting of the first
advent wreath during worship on December 1st. If you would like to have your children
assist in worship, please contact Pastor
Ingrid. Children are a welcome and important
part of worship each week!
9
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Youth Group News!
*For all those a%ending the community tree ligh�ng on Sunday, December 8th
please stop by the Gingerbread Contest in Faith Hall between 3pm and 6:30pm to
see the Senior Youth Group entry on display! All spectators are allowed to vote!
*On Sunday, December 8th at 9:00am we will meet in the church kitchen off of
Field’s Hall to bake cookies that will be shared with members of our congrega�on
(and yes, there will be extras you can eat).
*Celebrate the holidays with a Youth Group Christmas Party on Sunday, Decem-
ber 15th at 6pm in the youth room. We’ll have hot chocolate and cookies as we
hang out and watch a holiday movie. Ugly sweaters are encouraged!!!
All are always welcome at Youth Group! For any ques�ons or to be added to the
youth group email list contact
Emily Rocho5e at [email protected] or
(862)324-3630.
Calling All Kids!
Bulletin Drawing Contests for December! We invite all interested children to submit drawings that will appear on the cover of the bulletin for
upcoming children and family programs in December. Two drawings will be selected.
Sheet size: Please submit drawings on paper that is half of a legal-sized sheet (4-1/4” x 7”). Theme: “God made Away in A Manger” Ideas: Manger, nativity scene,
baby Jesus… Deadline: December 8
Congratulations to Michael Strebel, whose drawing was selected for the cover of the Community Tree Lighting program (also see the back page of this month’s news-
letter), and to William Johnston, whose drawing appears on the header for this month’s newsletter!
10
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Social Ministry UpdateSocial Ministry UpdateSocial Ministry UpdateSocial Ministry Update The Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy Ministry of New Jersey speaks out
for jus�ce and peace and provides a channel for us to live out our
faith through advocacy. If you would like to learn more or sign up
for Weekly Witness e-mails, visit [email protected].
Members of many of the Dens in Zion’s chartered
Cub Scout Pack 136 joined us to pack shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child on
November 2nd. Many thanks to all of them -
they worked hard and had fun!
11
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Social Ministry UpdateSocial Ministry UpdateSocial Ministry UpdateSocial Ministry Update The Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy Ministry of New Jersey speaks out
for jus�ce and peace and provides a channel for us to live out our faith
through advocacy. If you would like to learn more or sign up for Weekly
Witness e-mails, visit [email protected].
Le? to right clockwise: Emalyn Stoma,
Edward Strebel, Tommy Dowling, Megan Dunbar
and Lexi Buchanan packed more shoeboxes during
our Sunday school packing party!
12
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Social Ministry UpdateSocial Ministry UpdateSocial Ministry UpdateSocial Ministry Update The Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy Ministry of New Jersey speaks out
for jus�ce and peace and provides a channel for us to live out our faith
through advocacy. If you would like to learn more or sign up for Weekly
Witness e-mails, visit [email protected].
A�er blessing our
boxes in church they
were delivered to the
collec�on point by
Zion coordinator
Laura Hamilton and Kristen, Ben
and Graham Ribe from Pack 136.
The Ribe family packed 19 boxes
at home with money that Ben
raised with his lemonade stand in
addi�on to the 114 boxes packed
by Zion members and friends,
scouts from Pack 136, and GS
Troop 98009. Great effort all!
13
This and That...This and That...This and That...This and That... Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Something is always going on in Zion’s Faith Hall!
This past month Zion members Kailene, Bella and
Melissa Brobst, and Judy and Brian Bumpus, le,,
offered a “Free Baby Si0ng Night” for children in
the congrega�on; Lori Prussack, Cathleen Bullock
and others par�cipated in a Pack 136 Fundraiser/
Silent Auc$on here in Faith Hall coordinated by
Pack Master Andy Kraus and Lisa Groel, above.
14
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
This and That...This and That...This and That...This and That... Linda Tucker Linda Tucker Linda Tucker Linda Tucker has recently had surgery due to a fall and
is on the long road to recovery. If you’d like to send her a card, please send it to her at 72 Frog Hollow Road, Califon, NJ , 07830. 72 Frog Hollow Road, Califon, NJ , 07830. 72 Frog Hollow Road, Califon, NJ , 07830. 72 Frog Hollow Road, Califon, NJ , 07830.
Gale will make sure she gets the cards.
We need your gifts for our common ministries! Here are a few of the critical ministries with which we need help right now. Please contact the folks listed, Pastor Ingrid or Laura in the Office.
Baptism ministry: We need a person to put together the gift bag of resources we give to each household on the day of their child’s
Baptism and keep track of those resources.
Eucharistic ministry: We still need one to two more teams for Eucharistic ministry. This is a ministry that brings Sunday Communion to those who are homebound or hospitalized. On-the-
“job” training will happen until you are comfortable to go out on your own. We ask that you would make one Sunday visit per month.
Grounds-keeping ministry: Our dedicated volunteer
groundskeepers, Reinhard and Helga Schwartz, have announced their retirement after decades of carrying out this ministry. We are looking for a point-person and a team of people to help with this large task. Green thumbs are not required!
Help
Wanted
15
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
Donna Allen Sharon Cooprider, Courtney Derr’s Aunt Annalise Schultz, friend of Linda Gloner Dottie Grippin, friend, and Dolores Davidson, sister-in-law, of Charlie
and Marcia Davidson Marguerite Hayes, Ilona Brown, Matt Begani, Kai Malicoat, Nicole Hollien, friends and family of Prudence Weidemann John and Jill Ciarfella, Nancy Ayotte, former Zion Secretary, Emilia Erwin and family, Valerie, Peter Jensen, Solweig and William von Minden, Ines Csulak, family and friends of Jeanette Baker Christopher Popp, friends of Ellen Miller Henry, Ted and Jess Hamill, Anna Kennedy and Emmett, Craig Bercaw and family, all family of Brian and Judy Bumpus Jack Steffen, Dan Steffen, Barbara Macholz, Mary Beth Bocksel, family and friends of Jeanne Howell Alexander Sherman, Godson of Reinhard Schwartz The Mancuso Family and Betty Wojcicki, family & friends of Betty Rush Daniel Pevarnik, friend of Beth Johnson Cathy Mindel and family, friends and
family of Pam and Bob Meling Lynn Kean, cousin of Dottie Weis Rebecca, granddaughter of Marilyn Nelson Amber Callow, Susan Robinson, Dan and Monika Flaherty, Wayne Carter, family and friends of Burt and Marcia Horner Jeff Hoerster, friend of Lori Prussack Libby Marsh Blumberg and family, friend of Emily Rochotte Rachel and Jennika Halko William Walker and Nancy Walker Kevin Dean, nephew of Kerri Bataille Rhonda Smith and Vicky McIntyre, sister and aunt of Cheryl Fritsch Wilma Weiss and Irma Koeppen, mothers of Sue and Doug Koeppen Mary Janeski, mother of Karen Sauer Barbara and Joseph Seewald Sr., parents of Joseph Seewald Laura Glowincki, friend of Meghan Callow Blanca Oliveras, mother-in-law of Jeff Naglestad Ryan Sullivan, friend of Malainie Stoma Wally & David Kreutzer, mother and brother of Pam Meling Don Winkler, brother-in-law of Rob & Mickey Johnson Ann Marie Simpson, friend of the Staadas Bill Friedrich, brother-in-law to Rick Kohler
Those With Ongoing Needs
Amanda Seabeck, Marna Keller, Frank Baker, Marilyn Nelson, Ken Winterfeldt, Courtney Derr, Donna East, Bob Weis, Justin Fogerty, Margie
Muller, Sarah Rooney, June Sweeney, Robert Brobst, Sr., Anna Secka, Charlie Burd, Emily Mancuso, Kirk Klein and Matthew Ochs
Family and Friends
New prayer requests will appear in the announcements each week. Please contact the church
office for additions or to make updates.
Blessed are those Who Die in the Lord: Anna McFarland
16
Long Valley Lutheran December 2019
In Celebration and Memory of
Special Birthdays in December
Our Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy Birthday from your friends at Zion! If you see that someone is missing from our list, please let the office know!
2 Peter Kaltenhauser
Wesley Staples
Taylor Weth
6 Lori Andershonis
7 Jennifer Curich
Jennifer Hoffman
8 David Burke
Malainie Hibler
9 Marcia Davidson
Lauren Olsen
11 Aidan D’Addabbo
Kelly Reibel
Debbie Shurts
13 Jan Johnson
14 Mark Allen
15 Shaun King
Denise Richardi
Jean Seewald
16 Emma Hamilton
17 Sheri Sabino
Reese Allen
Melissa Sgambati
18 Barry Buchanan
22 Harry Bullock
Rob Brobst
23 Rhea Burke
Shannon Keller
Ernst Pedersen
24 Kaitlin McLaughlin
25 Susan Rakus
26 Joann Curich
Meghan Horner Callow
Brooke Edwards
28 Taylor King
Pearl Tauscher
30 Zachary Bumpus
31 Dave Bataille
17
Zion Lutheran Church
11 Schooleys Mountain Road
Long Valley, New Jersey 07853
We are sending our newsletter via email to cut the costs of postage and for more timely receipt of the
newsletter. If you have e-mail and would prefer to
receive the newsletter via email, or your contact information has changed recently, please contact
the church office at: 11 Schooley’s Mountain Rd., Long Valley, NJ
07853 or simply send an email to: