THE CHIMES

SAINT PAUL’S EVANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CHURCH 910 Marne Highway

Hainesport, NJ 08036-2666

Office Phone No.: 609.267.0740 Fax: 609.267.3798

E-Mail: stpaulslutheran@comcast.net Website: stpaulsh.org

The Reverend Dr. David B. Jost Senior Pastor

The Reverend Laura Esposito Associate Pastor

Denisemarie Ramos, Director of Music

reJOYce Christian School For children 2 1/2 years—Kindergarten

JOYfull House Extended Care Program For children ages 3—13

609.267.1443 Karen Boettge, Director

Sunday School Director: Beverly Grazioli, beverly.j@outlook.com

All Congregation Council meetings are open to YOU. Congregational Council Minutes are available after each month’s meeting. You can find copies of the minutes on the table in the narthex. Please feel free to take a copy and become better informed. Copies of the Church Constitution are also available in the office.

ST. PAUL’S MISSION STATEMENT

Rooted in God’s unconditional love, the congregation of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

commits mind, body, spirit and treasure to make all people disciples of Christ, to share God’s abundance and

to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed.

CHIMES articles are due on the 2nd Friday of each month, or as announced. Please leave articles in the church secretary’s mailbox,

e-mail them to stpaulslutheran@comcast.net or bring them to the church office between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.

CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEMBERS

St. Paul’s Church Staff

Senior Pastor The Reverend Dr. David B. Jost Associate Pastor The Reverend Laura Esposito Sexton Dennis Mroczkowski Business Manager Karen McMahon Church Secretary Corrine L. Mattson

Our Music Ministers Director of Music Denisemarie Ramos Ark Angels Band Capstone Band Same Spirit Band The Christus Choir Praise Band Cherub Choir Director Karen Boettge Chapel Choir Directors Jackie Smith Chi Rho Choir Director Sandra Jost Handbell Director Jackie Smith Chorale Director Pastor David Jost

reJOYce Christian School Director Karen Boettge JOYfull House Supervisor Teachers Casey Fox Elaine Jardine Renee Ranfone Carin Sutton Teachers’ Aides Christopher Evans

Julie Pratt Macy Pratt

Kathleen Stoltzfus

Worship Services:

Saturday, 7:30 PM

Sunday, 8:00 AM Sunday, 9:30 AM Sunday, 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:30—11:30 AM On Disciples First Sundays, Sunday School is from 12:45—1:45 PM

Staff E-mail Addresses:

Pastor Jost: drdavidjost@comcast.net Laura Esposito laura.esposito@comcast.net Denisemarie Ramos: navigator268@yahoo.com

Karen Boettge: rejoyceschool@comcast.net Corrine Mattson: stpaulslutheran@comcast.net Karen McMahon: stpaulsfinance@comcast.net

Pastor David Jost Pastor Laura Esposito

Vice President Paul Welch

Treasurer Frank Johnson

Congregation Secretary Sasha Makuka

Recording Secretary Marybeth Johns

Fellowship Team Ann Lopez Donna DeCillis

Property Committee Rob Dolge Eric Van Laarhoven

Discipleship Team Erick Soles Paul Welch

Finance Team Bill Lynch

Stewardship Education Team

Frank Johnson

Social Ministry Committee Jennifer Cripps Louise Hikade

Mutual Ministry Team Paul Welch, ex officio

Worship Team

reJOYce School Board Bill Lynch

Youth, Adult & Family Ministries Sasha Makuka Karen Platt Evan Schwarzmann

609.265.1059 609.828.2213 856.296.2112

856.234.0781

609.723.3126

609.929.7508

609.261.0445 609.267.9616

856.206.9313 609.702.1745

609.265.2285 609.296.2112

609.261.1389 856.234.0781 609.261.1980 856.778.0044

856.296.2112

609.261.1389 609.723.3126 609.261.4153 609.267.3057

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Dear People Who Are Hard Working and Generous, sometimes known as Elves , (I call you that because the second part of that greeting is a subordinate Claus) According to the November 16th edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer, people who want to visit with Santa Claus at the Cherry Hill Mall will have to pay a $35.00 to $50.00 entrance fee to sit on the old fellow’s lap and be photographed doing so. I don’t know about you, but nothing says “the Spirit of Christmas and sharing” like paying $50.00 to sit on the lap of Santa Claus. I suppose the cost of coming down from the North Pole has escalated through the years, so this charge is necessary. I haven’t been to Petco lately, but I’ll bet the cost of reindeer food has gone through the roof! And if minimum wage jumps up to $15.00 an hour, someone has to cover the cost of the elves’ employment. We live in a different age nowadays. Gone are the days of hitching the horses up to the sleigh to go over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house. Now, we get in our cars and sit in traffic, swearing out loud at the others drivers stuck in the same jam. Gone are the days of grabbing your sled and going to the nearest hill and scooting down the hill. Now, Mom or Dad has to escort the children to a pre-approved site and supervise the playtime. Gone are the days when stocking stuffers were inexpensive items from Woolworth’s, or a new toothbrush. Now, we reach in the stocking and pull out $100 gift cards and all sorts of electronic devices. And, it seems, the days when going to the store to see Santa - for free - are behind us. Now even that, like so much else about Christmas, has a price tag attached to it. Perhaps, for the church to be more relevant to the world, the church should think about adding fees and charges to what is offered at Christmas.

You want your favorite carol sung at the service you attend? That’ll be $10.00, please. Would you like the greeters to shake your hand and say “Merry Christmas!”? That’ll be twenty dollars in American currency. Would you like communion on Christmas Eve? Would you like the wine in a plain plastic cup, or would you like it in a plastic cup covered with Christian symbols of Christmas (snowman, snowflake, wreath)? Now we’re talkin’ BIG bucks! I realize that over the years there has been more and more commercialization of

Christmas. We’ve moved from the stable to the mall; we lost Biblical interest and honed in on the Internet. Santa Claus is coming to town is perceived to be a more positive message than the Magi are coming to Bethlehem. My complaining about all this is not going to change things. We are the people we are and we will always strive for convenience and the things that carry the most meaning for us. So, I have a favor to ask of all you faithful readers: before you lay down fifty dollars for a photo-op with Santa, consider using that money as an offering to your church, or a contribution to Lutheran World Hunger Relief. Before you consider that

pricey opportunity to be photographed sitting in the lap of Santa, consider the priceless opportunity of making a difference in the lives of sisters and brothers who attend Bridge of Peace in Camden, people who are removed from the lap of luxury. I really think Christmas gets defined in what we do for others rather than what we do for ourselves. As I read the Bible, that seems to be what God was doing on that first Christmas in Bethlehem. I have two friends, Mitch and Andy, and if you really need a Santa-photo fix, I have connections. Merry Christmas and God’s blessings for a wonderful New Year! Your faithful correspondent, Dr. Alphonse Cantrell

(On Nov. 17, the mall cancelled the fee.)

The Omega Page

THE CHIMES - December 2015

Newsletter for members and friends of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Pastor’s Corner Page 2

Pastor Esposito Page 3

Music Matters Page 4

Disciples 1st Sunday Page 4

Appreciate You Page 5

Social Ministry Page 6

Golden Oldies Page 7

reJOYce School Page 8

Epiphany Page 9

Calendar Page 10

Stewardship Page 12

Advent Lunches Page 13

Youth & Family Page 14

Thank Yous Page 15

New Members Page 16

Evangelism Page 17

Sunday School Page 18

December 20 Service Page 19

Omega Page Page 20

3:00 – a service geared toward young children.

5:00 – our Praise Band will offer the leadership of this service.

8:00 – a traditional service.

11:00 – a traditional service

Communion is offered at every service.

Friday, December 25th, Pastor Esposito will offer a simple Christmas Day observance at 10:00 AM.

Early Christmas Eve Service for those who cannot make services on the 24th or who are busily involved in worship that night.

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While I look forward to the coming of the New Year, I am not as anxious for it to

arrive as I have been in the past. Both Dennis Mroczkowski and Corrine Mattson will be retiring at the end of 2015. Both have been good and faithful servants for our congregation and their absence among us will be noticed! Dennis began his tenure as our sexton in 2008. It took him a few days to get used to my sense of humor, but then he learned (quickly) to dish it out to me as fast as I could give it to him. In addition to being a hard worker and a conscientious employee, Dennis has lived in this community for quite sometime. That has benefited our congregation every time a job needed to be done that was too big for a sexton. Dennis would tell us “I have a buddy…” and the solution to the problem would occur. It also has meant that when an emergency has risen, Dennis has not been far away. He has made himself available at odd hours of the day (four AM on a Sunday morning snow day) and for social activities as well as weekday chores (setting up tables; taking down tables; setting them up again; taking them down again). Dennis has always been aware of our financial situations and has always sought out ways to save the congregation some money. But in doing so, he has always made sure that the cost-savings have not affected our abilities to do ministry. He has been a good and faithful servant in the name of Christ. Corrine came to us in the summer of 2005 and expanded the role of the church secretary in her time with us. She has brought her technological wizardry to us in the creation of the e-Chimes, and she is responsible for the look of our worship screens and announcements. In addition, her cheery voice and personality are made evident in every phone call or office visit. But Corrine has not enhanced us just through her professional responsibilities. She has blessed us with allowing us to get to know

her husband Vern, as well as her children and grandchildren. Many people have been greeted with a broad Hannah smile upon entering the office, and all of us who have been involved with our Tuesday night ministries have appreciated the creativity of Shannon and the enthusiasm of her children. When I met with former bishop Roy Riley over the summer to ask him questions about leadership, I asked him what he had looked for in recommending a pastor to a congregation. Bishop Riley answered “The heart of a pastor.” Corrine has shown us the heart of a pastoral care agent, a devoted Christian woman who exudes the spirit of Christ in all she says and does. We have been blessed through her presence in our office. She has been a good and faithful servant in the name of Christ. What now? We are in the process of conducting interviews for both positions and hope to have recommendations for the Council soon. Both Dennis and Corrine are willing to stick around to help train the new folks, so that will bless us in this time of transition. It will require some changes on our part, as the rest of the staff learns to rebuild our team, but it will be time and efforts well spent. So, sometime in December, take time for a word of prayerful thanksgiving: “Almighty God, through your Son Jesus Christ, you gave the holy apostles many gifts and commanded them to feed your flock. You equip your people with abilities that differ according to the grace given them, and you call them to various avenues of service. We give you thanks for the ministry of Dennis and Corrine among the people of God in this place. As they have been a blessing to us, so now send them forth to be a blessing to others; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.” In peace, Pastor David Jost

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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church invites you to join us for

an Evening of

Christmas Spirit, as we prepare to celebrate

the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. December 20th

6:00 p.m.

An Evening to share with others the FAITH of believing in our risen Lord.

An Evening for all ages to share in the HOPE

of our story, the birth of our Savior.

An Evening to experience the peace and LOVE

of the Christmas Season through music, readings and prayer.

Please share this invitation with those around you,

family and friends.

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Sunday School – Totally Worth It!

I wish I could have videotaped November 15th’ 5th and 6th Grade Sunday School lesson. Let me share the highlights with you… We were talking about being ready instead of afraid when Jesus returns to Earth. I asked the kids when has God been with us? They named some good times and successes they experienced such as soccer championships and their birthday parties. Pretty awesome, right? Then I said, “Let’s go back to the beginning. What are major events where God played a role?” They named the beginning of world, which we ultimately called ‘creation’. They named, “Adam and Eve, Moses, Abraham, David… Jesus.” Wait! They got Moses and Abraham out of order… Most importantly, they talked about faith and the Bible and God! This video tape gets better… I asked, “Tell me about the Holy Spirit” as I almost cringed. Let’s face it; the Holy Spirit is a tough concept and it’s not exactly easy to show a picture of the Holy Spirit. The kids called out, “The Holy Spirit helps us keep God in our hearts.” Another said, “The Holy Spirit helps us come together. WOW!!! All I can say is I heard the angels sing! Our Sunday School friends are really developing an understanding of the trinity… of God, of Jesus, and wow, the Holy Spirit!

Come to a service on Dec 12 – 13! St. Paul’s 5th and 6th Graders will share why they are thankful for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!

I know you will want to celebrate their efforts to celebrate their growing faith. Come, you will be inspired by what they have to share! Pastors Jost and Pastor Laura: I will be sad to see these kids leave Sunday School, but I can’t wait for you to have these kids in confirmation. You will need to be on your toes. These kids have a deep understanding of faith, God’s love, and Jesus’ Joy! On another note, Sunday School’s annual Jesus’ Birthday Party will be held on December 20 during our Sunday School time! Thank you to Lisa Burke for her monetary support by partnering with Thrivent. I am humbled by your support, Lisa! A kind thank you! Bring your children every week! We have faith in God, a lot of Jesus Joy and we are learning that the Holy Spirit rocks our world! Bev Grazioli, beverly.j@outlook.com 856-912-7468

Sunday School ~ The Video Tape Worth Replay-

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From

Pastor Esposito,

Associate Pastor

As we head into Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, I have been thinking a lot about worship and the many forms and styles of worship around the catholic church. I confess that as a pastor I often feel as though I don’t get an opportunity to worship because I am busy making sure everything is in place and people are fulfilling their roles in worship. So I will also confess that it is nice to go somewhere and have an opportunity to simply worship instead of leading worship. Why is worship so important? It is the center of our life of faith. It is central to everything we do: it unites us in celebration, it helps us grow in faith, it nurtures us and sends us out into the world. While worship can vary from place to place and worship service to worship service in things like use of a worship book or projection screen, bread or wafers, organ, piano, or guitars and drums, leaders wearing robes or not, incense or no incense, etc; there are some common patterns and elements. First, we gather. We encounter God’s word. We share the meal at the Lord’s table and we are sent out into the world. Worship really is more about what God is doing and our response to God. So worship is the response of all God’s people for all that God has done for us, saving us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are always looking for people to assist with worship: like altar guild who helps set up and clean up for worship services, lectors who read the lessons and lead us in prayer, clickers who work the projection screen, serve as ushers - assist folks in finding seats, giving direction during the worship service, like how to go up

for communion, collecting offering and being attentive to the service and the pastors in case any additional assistance is needed—and acolytes who light and snuff the candles, to choir and band members to help lead us in song, people to help distribute communion and take communion to those unable to attend worship. Come celebrate God’s presence in our midst—celebrate all that God has given and has done for us. Come worship the Lord. I look forward to worshipping with you.

Order by December 9th

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MUSIC MATTERS by Denisemarie Ramos

‘TIS THE SEASON, a Top Ten List EVANGELISM is hard, but Christmas carols are easy. When you combine the two, inviting your friends and family to church becomes a pleasure. This year our “Christmas before Christmas Eve” service will take place on December 20th at 6:00 PM. There will be your favorite carols that you love to sing along with, candle-light Silent Night, a Christmas play, communion, Christmas trees, special musical guests, and of course readings of the story surrounding the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here are the top 10 reasons why you may want to attend this service. (10) You have family members you would like to celebrate a Christmas Eve service with but other obligations get in the way. (9) You have friends you want to share Christmas with, but family commitments keep you from doing it. (8) You will be out of town on Christmas and won’t be able to attend services at St. Paul’s, but want to spend Christmas with your church family. (7) You love Christmas so much that you want to add some extra Christmas goodness to your season. (6) You love to see a good Christmas Play written and directed by Larry Burke. (5) You love to sing traditional Christmas carols even when you aren’t in your car listening to the radio. (4) You are serving at the Christmas Eve services and want to just relax and take in the story and songs of our Savior’s birth.

(3) You love to hear Clarence Watson play the trombone, and Jeovani Ortiz play the alto saxophone while you sing your heart out. (2) You can’t wait to bring your neighbors to St. Paul’s and know this is a great excuse to invite them to church. And the top reason to attend the “Christmas before Christmas Eve” service is (1) ‘TIS THE SEASON!

Disciples First Sunday December 6 Sign up for lunch by November 29

12:15 (optional) fellowship luncheon This month’s lunch will be lasagna, salad and breadsticks. If you are unable to partake in this meal due to allergies or other concerns, feel free to pack your own lunch and join us in the Parish Hall. 12:45 Learning Opportunities: In the Music Room: Larry Burke presents:

Advent Traditions of Germany In the Parish Hall: for kids young and old

– Veggie TALES: The Story of St. Nicholas

In the Sanctuary: Liann Cline will perform harp music selections as well as answer any harp related questions.

AND, at 1:15, ALL are to join Pastor and Mrs. Jost as they teach Christmas Carols and host a sing-along of classic favorites.

1:45 Dismissal

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You Are Always Welcome Before my recent release from the hospital, I was given a handful of forms to complete and sign. One was rather perplexing, asking what method of teaching worked best for me. Several options were offered, each with a box to check if I felt it applied to me; e.g. reading, listening, demonstration, practice. I was tempted to add another, my wife; but I thought better of it. After some thought, I checked the boxes for listening, demonstration, and practice. But I also believe that yet another method might have been offered; -- visual aids. When you think about it, visual aids are often used to facilitate the learning process; and they can be used in a variety of ways. As Christians, for example, many of us, perhaps without even giving it a thought, demonstrate our faith without even saying a word. How often, for example, do you notice someone with a cross hanging around their neck or pinned to their lapel? Simple acts of kindness or encouragement can work wonders, such as applauding the singing of our children’s choirs and their music directors during worship, or visiting a shut in, or giving a recent visitor a cookie patrol bag filled with a Bible and a dozen freshly-baked cookies. Or when we pray before a meal in one of our favorite restaurants, and even asking diners at a nearby table if there is anyone they would like to include in our prayers. All kinds of ways to express our faith to others.

I recently had occasion to thank our good friend, Harold Yoos, for one of the nicest gifts we had ever received. It’s a framed, handmade display of three crosses he had affixed to a gray shingle left over after our old bell tower had been torn down many years ago. What made it so beautiful was the simplicity which Harold had so artfully represented Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross. Another of God’s beautiful visual aids

which we treasure is a framed painting of Warner Salmon’s Christ at Heart’s Door, showing our Lord knocking on the door of an unbeliever’s heart, hoping to be invited in. But the door can only be opened from within, for there is no handle on the outside of the door. Jesus wants earnestly to be invited into our hearts so that he can abide in us and befriend us because he loves us so. I can’t but wonder how nice it would have been if the artist had painted yet another picture showing the door slightly ajar as Christ is shown seeking entry and asking, “ Is anybody home? May I please come in?” then, hearing the owner’s reply, “Oh, yes, Lord, please do come in. You are always

welcome.” Sadly, some may never open the door to their hearts. But, of one thing we can be certain—Christ will never stop knocking. Dave Pagenkopf

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Please donate clean with caps and remove labels prescription medicine bottles. The container is on the food cabinet in narthex. The empty bottles are needed for patients in Malawi, Africa, as the hospitals there have no containers. The patients often

lose pills, they become wet or children eat them. there are over 700 hospitals in Africa that can use our recycled bottles. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

New Members Welcomed

November 22nd!

JoAnn & Gary Moschetto 69 Saint David’s Place Southampton, NJ 08088 (H) 609-388-5191 (C) 609-313-3642 Kathy & Stephen Louie, Gabriella, & Isabella 6 S. Deer Place Hainesport, NJ 08036 (H) 609-784-8338 (C) 215-840-6180

From the Trenton Rescue Mission Dear Friend of the Rescue Mission, WE DID IT! Thanks to your efforts, the Rescue Mission of Trenton was able to SMASH the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS© title for the Largest collection of clothing for recycle/donation -a record that has never been broken in the United States! With the aid of all of our amazing Champions, such as yourself, the Mission broke the record, bringing in 179,550 items of clothing -that's almost 90,000 pounds of clothes! This is an extraordinary feat and we truly so grateful for your support. Not only have you aided the Mission in breaking a Guinness World Records title, you subsequently have aided us in helping our community that is in need. Coordinating this monumental effort was a lot of hard work by all that were involved, but it was extremely heartwarming and enlightening to see communities from all over the state -and across state lines- join together for a common cause. Because of your efforts, the Mission will be able to provide necessary clothing items to those in need in our community and continue to provide comfort to each and every individual that comes through our doors. YOU had a hand in breaking a world record and selflessly helping your neighbors in need -we are incredibly proud of your efforts and applaud each participant for collaborating, donating and spreading the word! The Guinness World Records effort has come to an end, but the work of the Mission is never over!

Want to see what 179,550 items of clothing looks like? Check out these sites!

http://6abc.com/news/rescue-mission-of-trenton-breaks-world-record-with-largest-clothing-drive-/1086083/

http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20151115/rescue-mission-of-trenton-breaks-guinness-world-record

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Candle

Decorating

Thursday, December 3

1:00 PM In the

Music Room

This has been a tradition since Donald Schupp was our pastor at St. Paul’s. It’s a Moravian tradition. Each color on the candles represents a church season. The “tutus” are made out of colored tissue. Each “tutu” is precisely cut by hand.

It’s a reverent tradition held by many of our long-time members, especially when we sing “Silent Night” on Christmas Eve.

This is a true labor of LOVE!

If you have questions, please contact Margie Coughlin at (609) 267-6833.

This month we would like to appreciate Marilyn Phifer. Marilyn purchases votive candles and lighters to make sure the prayer stations are available to you each week in worship.

She also faithfully changes the paraments and makes sure there is oil in the candles in the chapel every week! In addition, she makes sure the 8-day candles in the sanctuary and the chapel are burning.

This is a behind-the-scene volunteer job that you might not think about, but it is a very important ministry!

The next time you see Marilyn, thank her for her faithful help with these tasks. Let her know you appreciate her!

Volunteers do so many jobs at St. Paul’s that

really enhance the ministry. You are very much

appreciated!

Sunday School Happy Birthday,

Jesus! Celebration

Sunday, December 20th

10:30 AM

Please Join Us!!

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December Food Collection

Canned meats

Soups

Macaroni and cheese

Paper towels

Thank you for helping those

struggling this Christmas!

All items welcome!

Christmas Gifts for Families!

The Christmas Gifts for the Giving Tree (tags are on the tree in the narthex) are due

back to church no later than December

6th. Please bring the gifts unwrapped with the gift tag attached. If you are purchasing a gift card, there will be a box in the church office on Corrine’s

desk for your convenience.

If anyone took a gift tag and did not sign their name and phone number on the sheets provided, please call Carin Sutton (856) 780-5443.

If you did not get a gift tag from the tree and would like to help, please purchase a gift card from Acme or ShopRite and bring it to the church office. We will be giving these to the parents of the children for whom we are collecting gifts.

Thanks to everyone who helped to sell the Christmas Gift Cards this year. Ann Macintosh, Brenda O’Rourke, Karen McMahon, Sharyn Lyden, Pat Headrick. My thanks each of you. Lois Uetz A belated thank you goes to Kim Platt for also helping serve the Oktoberfest for seniors! Thank you to everyone who helped with the Veterans Fellowship! Also, we really enjoyed seeing all the military service photos that were provided. This will become a yearly event, so start looking for those photos! Thank you to Janice Steinberg and to all the chili cookers for your help with the November Family Fun Tuesday! The leftover chicken nuggets were taken to Extended Hand Ministries. The children had fun assembling the bags of candy for our community helpers! State Trooper Fisk made an appearance to receive the bags for the troopers. Thank you to Betty Brink and Peggy Ferraro for organizing the Thanksgiving baskets! Note: We will be collecting coats the weekend of January 16 & 17! The coats will be taken to the Christian Caring Center.

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Dear Friends: Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your thoughts, prayers, cards, and visits for recovery from my recent surgery. They are being answered – BIG

TIME! Prayers matter. Thanks again. Dave Pagenkopf Thank you for your prayers, calls and beautiful cards during my stay in the hospital! It meant a lot to me. God Bless, Marilyn Adams The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia is a gift to students who have been called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and serve the church through a variety of ministries. Without your financial support, our students would be unable to fulfill their call to public ministry. You are a gift to students as your support allows the mission of LTSP to continue. On behalf of our new President, Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, students and faculty and staff, we thank you for your financial gift of $132.00 to Leadership Fund. It is through gifts like yours that God’s will to send out disciples to preach, teach, serve, and lead is fulfilled. Your servant in Christ, Mrs. Kathleen A. Afflerbach, AiM Director Donor Services [The following gift was a result of the Car Show in September] Dear caring friend, Thank you so much for your generous gift of $3,697.50 on 10/20/2015 to Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). I cannot thank you enough for your support of the thousands of truly deserving servicemen and women who

have been wounded in our current military conflicts. Our work begins at the bedsides of injured warriors as they undergo rehabilitation and return to civilian life, but it certainly doesn’t stop there. As a result of their injuries, these brave heroes will face greater challenges today finding assistance and jobs that will enable them to procide for their families. Their battle against the long-term effects of combat will continue throughout their lives. Only with your continued support is WWP able to reach these wounded service members. Through your generosity, WWP provides them with the assistance they need in order to regain their independence and begin rebuilding their lives. You give these injured warriors and their families hope for a brighter future. Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to assisting this new generation of injured heroes. These men and women who have served with honor deserve our respect and support. Again, I cannot thank you enough for your partnership with WWP. Sincerely, Steven Nardizzi Chief Executive Officer Wounded Warrior Project Thank you from reJOYce Christian School families & students to the anonymous donor who has given $5,000 toward our new playground structure. We truly appreciate your generosity! Thank yous were received from the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal for two gifts: $20 to the Nepal Area Earthquake and $25.00 to Lutheran Disaster Response. Thank you for providing help, hope, and healing for those recovering from disaster. The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director

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Youth News—December

Three of our youth attended the Among the Wolves middle school retreat from November 13-15 and had a wonderful time! Melissa Headrick graciously volunteered to chaperone the group. During the retreat the group packed school supplies for refugee children living in New York and over 1000 pairs of socks for homeless people. Socks are rarely donated yet greatly needed by the homeless. On the retreat the girls made a prayer labyrinth. They plan to make a smaller version to use here at St. Paul's. Catechism class will meet December 2 and December 16 from 7-8:30 in the study house. Attendance at the November 25 Thanksgiving Eve service and the January 6 Epiphany service is encouraged. Class resumes on January 13th. The Senior High youth group plans to meet on December 13 (Details to be determined). For their November meeting they held a “Charlie Brown” Thanksgiving celebration. They have also been asked to assist with the Advent Night

starting at 5:00 PM on November 29th in Parish Hall. Sandy Sambucci

From Bev Grazioli, Sunday School Director 1) Jesus' Birthday Party

Dec. 20 10:30 - 11:30

Grades PreK- Grades 4; Helpers: Grades 5-6 During Sunday School time. Come sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and play birthday celebration games.

Thanks to Lisa Burke for using Thrivent Dollars to support this celebration! 2) What are Our children learning in Sunday School? Find out on Dec 12-13! The 5th and 6th Graders are sharing at all services! Come out and support our fantastic Sunday School friends while they tell why they are thankful for God's love, Jesus' Joy, and how the Holy Spirit rocks our world! Sunday School is just awesome, and our young friends need our support! 3) Grades 5 - 6 December Event Come Christmas Caroling on Dec 20 at the Lutheran Home! The residents really enjoy our visiting - it's an unexpected bright spot in their day! Well finish our cards, have pizza, and then go following Sunday School.

Youth & Family Ministry

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December Card Shower to:

Covered Dish Luncheon

Thursday, December 10, 2015 11:30 AM in the Parish Hall

Bring your favorite covered dish and a $5.00 gift for exchange.

Beverage and dessert will be provided. Come out and celebrate

this wonderful Christmas Season.

Questions? Call Laura Pagenkopf 267-0669 or Joan Thompson 267-1470

Mildred Guenther

2201 Creek Rd

Hainesport, NJ 08036

Have Mercy on Us – a Volunteer Opportunity!

Did you know that a large number of incarcerated people actually suffer from a mental health disorder. Once on appropriate medication, these offenders come to understand appropriate behavior and can re-enter our society as well-balanced persons. The problem that has existed for a long time is that people being released from prison are usually without medical insurance. So they become well-balanced in prison and upon release are off their medications. This system doomed to defeat must be corrected. That is where the Burlington County Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul needs your help. We have been able to form a collaborative agreement with many groups (Board of Chosen Freeholders, County Social Services, Jail/Prison administration etc.) to work together so that an offender being discharged has the medical care that they need to help prevent this avenue of reoccurring imprisonment. When someone has to go to jail to get medical care there is something terribly wrong. If you would be able to volunteer one day a month – a Wednesday – from 1pm to 3pm – to assist offenders to fill out Medicaid forms, please continue to read this!!! You would have to be a person with a clean criminal history and be willing to be present in an all- purpose room in the jail or prison. You would go through an orientation so that you would have a comfort level prior to the beginning of this volunteer activity. This is a secure environment so you will not be at risk. Still interested? Did you feel that n.u.d.g.e. (Notice the Urge to Do Good on this Earth)? Call Marge McGinley at (609)267-0209, ext. 306 or mcginley@parishofsacredheart.org

8

reJOYce School news for December

Waiting, waiting, and waiting! That’s what Advent is all about. Each week we’ll learn a little more about the Christmas Story until – at last! – Baby Jesus is here! We will focus on the Nativity Story as the core of Christmas; count-down to Jesus’ Birthday; decorate our own classroom trees; and learn about Christmas Traditions in other countries. It’s going to be a busy month! Walk by the music room and you’re sure to hear Christmas bells ringing as we sing our holiday favorites. We’d like to invite everyone to come and shop at our Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale on Saturday, December 12th, 9AM – 1PM, in the Parish Hall. This event is a fund-raiser for our Playground Renovation Project. We hope you can join us – and bring a friend! Our preschool students have been busy mixing and baking items for the bake sale table. Mrs. Boettge’s homemade jams will also be available – check out some new flavor combinations like strawberry-peach and pomegranate-white grape. Do you like to shop on-line? If you already shop at Amazon, you can go through http://smile.amazon.com, choose “St Paul Lutheran Church” as your organization and 0.5% of your purchase will be donated back to reJOYce. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all our staff to all our students and their families, our neighbors, our church community, and to each other! Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!

reJOYce and JOYfull House will be closed for the Christmas break from December 22nd through January 3rd. Classes resume on Monday, January 4th. Space is still available in some of our classes. For enrollment information, please call Karen Boettge at 267-1443 or drop on by the reJOYce office. Pictures of our classes in action can be viewed on our school website: www.rejoyceschool.org.

Wanted: New members for our reJOYce School Board! We are seeking one CHURCH member for a three-year term and two PARENT members (who can also be church members) each for a one-year term. New terms begin

in March. Qualifications: a desire to spread the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ to the families in our reJOYce School and a willingness to help at reJOYce School events, to help with reJOYce School fund-raising, and to listen/share ideas at reJOYce School Board meetings (held once each month.) If you are motivated to GIVE your time & talent to reJOYce as a School Board member, please contact Karen Boettge (609 267-1443), Pastor Laura Esposito (609 267-0740) or Marilyn Phifer (609 518-1887).

13

Advent Lunches: “From Birth to Death and Everything In

Between”

Once again, we will be hosting Advent soup lunches in our Parish Hall on three of the Wednesdays of Advent. This year, the theme is “From Birth to Death and Everything In Between”. Just as Advent is a season of preparation, these three presentations will be about preparation for things that happen in life. On Wednesday, December 2, someone from the medical profession will help us understand what life is like in the hospital’s maternity area where new life begins over and over again. What are first time parents told at the time of birth? What advice is helpful and what advice is not? On Wednesday, December 9, Dan Ruotolo of Ruotolo and Spewak and Co., a public accounting firm just down the road from us in Mount Laurel, will help guide us through those “in between” years, years of earnings and savings, bank accounts and investments, stocks and bonds, and financial planning. He has advice for us, but nothing to sell. On Wednesday, December 16, we will welcome Alison Reinhard from Perinchief Chapels in Mount Holly, who will be here to tell us about funeral planning. Because earthly death is the last act of earthly life, it is a reality we all have to face. Planning one’s funeral makes life a lot easier for family members and church staff. She will have advice for us, but no sign up sheets. There is a display in the narthex where people can sign up to bring bread and/or soups,

so please avail yourself of this educational/fellowship opportunity.

Wednesdays: December 2, 9, 16

12:10 PM

St Paul’s Christmas Post Office

Beginning the weekend of November 28th/29th St. Paul’s Post Office will be open in the Narthex for the Christmas season. This will allow members to “mail” their Christmas card greetings to other members by simply dropping their cards unstamped in the Narthex mail box. We will then separate the cards by name and make them available for pick up in the Narthex. THE CARDS WILL NOT BE MAILED. This is a way for members to send other members their greetings without incurring the expense of postage. It’s up to you, of course, but you may want to consider spending your “savings” by donating the amount you saved to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.

12

“I have no gift to bring” You have probably heard or sung that part of the famous Christmas song. It is from the very famous, completely made up story of the Little Drummer Boy. That's right, I said it. The Little Drummer Boy is made up. It is NOT in the bible. There is no Book of Ringo shoved in between Matthew and Mark to tell story of the most famous percussionist that never lived or traveled with the 3 wise men: John, Paul and George. But, the story of our rhythmic friend IS an important lesson in stewardship. A lesson in giving. Have you seen Pastor Jost's cell phone lately? It is sporting a very cool Spider-man sticker. When you ask Pastor where it came from, he will tell you very proudly that “when you are a Poppy, you accept every gift you are given with a smile” Isn't that what our relationship with God is all about? When you are God, you accept every gift you are given with a smile. Have you forgotten the childlike feeling that whatever gift you bring to the table will bring a smile to God? Somewhere on our journey into adulthood, we forget that feeling. Stewardship is also a gift, but it comes with a bad reputation of always being about money. The Stewardship team does its very best to remind folks that everyone has a gift to bring. We talk about TIME and TALENT, as well as treasure. The problem is that time and talent are not tangible, you can’t touch them or hold them in your hand. What kind of gift is it, what expression of love, if after it's over there's nothing to hold? There are so many great gifts that can be given through talents and time. Gifts that make God smile.

Sorting the food for the Thanksgiving baskets…

Delivering flowers to shut ins….

Making prayer shawls….

Participating in clean up day here at church….

Offering to help unload someone's groceries into their trunk for them in the parking lot.

Those are all great ways, but kind of overt. They are visible, somewhat tangible.

What about subtle things, that God knows about...maybe the recipient doesn't even know they have received a gift. Maybe you don't even know you’ve given one. Gifts like…..

Paying a compliment to someone.

Yielding to another driver.

Acknowledging someone’s circumstances or feelings.

Showing compassion and empathy

Just listening can sometimes be a gift. I'd like to share a story of two of the best gifts that I can identify. I have a new teaching assistant and we have spent the past 2 months getting to know each other and our students. It's been going well. Last week, a student in our class unexpectedly had a grand mal seizure. We handled the event professionally. We kept all the children safe. She took responsibility for the class and called the office. I stayed with our student until he got the medical care he needed. Where’s the gift? The first gift came during snack time that day. One of our little friends said “ I'm going to tell my mom to take me to the store and buy flowers. We can drive them to his house and he will feel better.” The gift of compassion for a friend from a four year old. It was powerful to witness. God smiled. I know I did. The second gift was for me. It came in the form of a simple text at 4:30 that afternoon from my assistant, it simply read “just checking to make sure you are OK. You did an amazing job today.” And while I silently shed the first of many tears over the day's event, God smiled. Everyone has a gift to bring. Aram the Little Drummer Boy, you and me….we all have it in us to make God smile. Lisa Burke Stewardship Education Team

9

The Tradition (and welcome) Continues

In January 1995, the parishes of St. Paul’s Lutheran and Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic churches got together to observe and celebrate Epiphany. Even though both congregations had been sharing space in Hainesport, it was the first time the two congregations ever got together for a worship and fellowship opportunity! But Father Dan Sullivan was new to Queen of Peace and Pastor David Jost was new to St. Paul’s, so what did they know about separation history? A tradition was begun which has continued uninterrupted through the ensuing two decades: everyone gathers at St. Paul’s for a sumptuous meal, and then everyone regathers at Our Lady Queen of Peace for a meaningful and stirring prayer service, in which the Christmas and Epiphany stories are recounted. Through the years, some great friendships have developed as a result of this Epiphany observance, and a lot of good conversations have helped break down some of the barriers that used to exist between Lutheran and Roman Catholics. (Recently, Pope Francis even floated the idea that Lutherans might be able to commune in a Roman Catholic Church!) Not only does this Epiphany service bring together our two faith communities, but it also demonstrates to the larger community our oneness in Christ.

In 2016, our celebration will be on Wednesday, January 6, and we hope you will carve out some time on your calendar to come and join your sisters and brothers in Christ as we end the Twelve Days of Christmas and welcome the light of Epiphany.

reJOYce

Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale

December 12

9:00 AM—1:00 PM

Fund-raiser for

the reJOYce Playground

Renovation

Pastoral Acts for October

Baptisms: None. Funerals: Hans Albrecht. Weddings: None.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 6:30 PM Children’s Choirs 6:30 PM Study—SH 7:00 PM AA (C) 7:30 PM Same Spirit/Capstone

2

9:00 AM Aerobics (PH)

9:00 AM Needle/Thread (Q) 12:10 PM Advent Lunch

6:00 PM Weigh In (SH) 6:30 PM RV Alum (S) 7:00 PM Cub Scouts (PH) 7:00 PM Catechism (SH)

3

6:30 AM Men’s Prayer Bfst

10:00 AM Bible Stdy (SH)

1:00 PM Candle Dec (MR)

6:30 PM Ark Angels 7:00 PM Boy Scouts (PH) 7:30 PM AA (SH) 7:30 PM Christus Choir (MR)

4

8:00 AM Friday Fellowship

7:00 PM NJ Schl of Music (S)

5

2:00 PM NJ Schl of Music (S)

7:30 PM Worship

8:00 PM NA (MR)

6

8:00 AM Worship

9:30 AM Worship 11:00 AM Worship 12:15 PM Disciples 1st Sun 12:45 PM Sunday School 2:45 PM NJ Schl of Music (S) 7:00 PM Chorale (MR)

7

9:00 AM Aerobics (PH) 6:30 PM Praise Band (S) 6:30 PM Shawl Sharers (SH) 7:00 PM Bible Study (SH) 7:00 PM AA (PH) 7:30 PM Handbells (S) 8:30 PM NA (MR)

8

6:30 PM Children’s Choirs 6:30 PM Study—SH 7:00 PM AA (C) 7:30 PM Same Spirit/Capstone

9

9:00 AM Aerobics (PH)

9:00 AM Needle/Thread (Q) 12:10 PM Advent Lunch

6:00 PM Weigh In (SH) 6:30 PM RV Alum (S) 7:00 PM Cub Scouts (PH)

10

6:30 AM Men’s Prayer Bfst

10:00 AM Bible Stdy (SH)

11:30 AM Golden Oldies

6:30 PM Ark Angels 7:00 PM Boy Scouts (PH) 7:30 PM AA (SH) 7:30 PM Christus Choir (MR)

11

8:00 AM Friday Fellowship

12

11:00 AM Cub Scouts

7:30 PM Worship

8:00 PM NA (MR)

reJOYce Bazaar

13

8:00 AM Worship

9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship Sr. High YG Activity TBD

14

9:00 AM Aerobics (PH)

6:30 PM Praise Band (S)

6:30 PM Cadette Troop (SH) 7:00 PM Bible Study (SH) 7:00 PM AA (PH) 7:30 PM Handbells (S) 8:30 PM NA (MR)

15

6:00 PM Family Fun Tuesday 6:30 PM Children’s Choirs 6:30 PM Study—SH 7:00 PM AA (C) 7:30 PM Same Spirit/Capstone

16

9:00 AM Aerobics (PH)

9:00 AM Needle/Thread (Q) 12:10 PM Advent Lunch

6:00 PM Weigh In (SH) 6:30 PM RV Alum (S) 7:00 PM Cub Scouts (PH) 7:00 PM Catechism (SH)

17

6:30 AM Men’s Prayer Bfst

10:00 AM Bible Stdy (SH)

6:30 PM Ark Angels 7:00 PM Boy Scouts (PH) 7:30 PM AA (SH) 7:30 PM Christus Choir (MR)

18

8:00 AM Friday Fellowship

19

7:30 PM Worship

8:00 PM NA (MR)

20

8:00 AM Worship

9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Sunday School/ Happy Birthday Jesus! 11:00 AM Worship 5Th & 6th Grade Caroling 6:00 PM Christmas Eve Celebration

21

9:00 AM Aerobics (PH) 7:00 PM Bible Study (SH) 7:00 PM AA (PH) 8:30 PM NA (MR)

22

6:30 PM Children’s Choirs 7:00 PM AA (C) 7:30 PM Same Spirit/Capstone

23

8:00 AM Friday Fellowship

9:00 AM Chimes Assembly 6:00 PM Weigh In (SH)

24 3:00 PM Worship

5:00 PM Worship

8:00 PM Worship

11:00 PM Worship

25

10:00 AM

Worship

Church Office Closed

26

7:30 PM Worship

8:00 PM (NA)

27

8:00 AM Worship

9:30 AM Worship 11:00 AM Worship

28

6:30 PM Praise Band (S) 7:00 PM AA (PH) 8:30 PM NA (MR)

29

7:00 PM AA (C) 7:30 PM Same Spirit/Capstone

30

6:00 PM Weigh In (SH)

31

6:30 AM Men’s Prayer Bkfst

8:00 AM Friday Fellowship

2015

Church Bldg H - Hearth Room M - Music Room N - Narthex O - Church Office PH - Parish Hall

Ed - Education Wing S - Sanctuary Study House (SH) C - Conference Room

G - Great Room L - Library Q - Quilt Room B - Basement

12

“I have no gift to bring” You have probably heard or sung that part of the famous Christmas song. It is from the very famous, completely made up story of the Little Drummer Boy. That's right, I said it. The Little Drummer Boy is made up. It is NOT in the bible. There is no Book of Ringo shoved in between Matthew and Mark to tell story of the most famous percussionist that never lived or traveled with the 3 wise men: John, Paul and George. But, the story of our rhythmic friend IS an important lesson in stewardship. A lesson in giving. Have you seen Pastor Jost's cell phone lately? It is sporting a very cool Spider-man sticker. When you ask Pastor where it came from, he will tell you very proudly that “when you are a Poppy, you accept every gift you are given with a smile” Isn't that what our relationship with God is all about? When you are God, you accept every gift you are given with a smile. Have you forgotten the childlike feeling that whatever gift you bring to the table will bring a smile to God? Somewhere on our journey into adulthood, we forget that feeling. Stewardship is also a gift, but it comes with a bad reputation of always being about money. The Stewardship team does its very best to remind folks that everyone has a gift to bring. We talk about TIME and TALENT, as well as treasure. The problem is that time and talent are not tangible, you can’t touch them or hold them in your hand. What kind of gift is it, what expression of love, if after it's over there's nothing to hold? There are so many great gifts that can be given through talents and time. Gifts that make God smile.

Sorting the food for the Thanksgiving baskets…

Delivering flowers to shut ins….

Making prayer shawls….

Participating in clean up day here at church….

Offering to help unload someone's groceries into their trunk for them in the parking lot.

Those are all great ways, but kind of overt. They are visible, somewhat tangible.

What about subtle things, that God knows about...maybe the recipient doesn't even know they have received a gift. Maybe you don't even know you’ve given one. Gifts like…..

Paying a compliment to someone.

Yielding to another driver.

Acknowledging someone’s circumstances or feelings.

Showing compassion and empathy

Just listening can sometimes be a gift. I'd like to share a story of two of the best gifts that I can identify. I have a new teaching assistant and we have spent the past 2 months getting to know each other and our students. It's been going well. Last week, a student in our class unexpectedly had a grand mal seizure. We handled the event professionally. We kept all the children safe. She took responsibility for the class and called the office. I stayed with our student until he got the medical care he needed. Where’s the gift? The first gift came during snack time that day. One of our little friends said “ I'm going to tell my mom to take me to the store and buy flowers. We can drive them to his house and he will feel better.” The gift of compassion for a friend from a four year old. It was powerful to witness. God smiled. I know I did. The second gift was for me. It came in the form of a simple text at 4:30 that afternoon from my assistant, it simply read “just checking to make sure you are OK. You did an amazing job today.” And while I silently shed the first of many tears over the day's event, God smiled. Everyone has a gift to bring. Aram the Little Drummer Boy, you and me….we all have it in us to make God smile. Lisa Burke Stewardship Education Team

9

The Tradition (and welcome) Continues

In January 1995, the parishes of St. Paul’s Lutheran and Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic churches got together to observe and celebrate Epiphany. Even though both congregations had been sharing space in Hainesport, it was the first time the two congregations ever got together for a worship and fellowship opportunity! But Father Dan Sullivan was new to Queen of Peace and Pastor David Jost was new to St. Paul’s, so what did they know about separation history? A tradition was begun which has continued uninterrupted through the ensuing two decades: everyone gathers at St. Paul’s for a sumptuous meal, and then everyone regathers at Our Lady Queen of Peace for a meaningful and stirring prayer service, in which the Christmas and Epiphany stories are recounted. Through the years, some great friendships have developed as a result of this Epiphany observance, and a lot of good conversations have helped break down some of the barriers that used to exist between Lutheran and Roman Catholics. (Recently, Pope Francis even floated the idea that Lutherans might be able to commune in a Roman Catholic Church!) Not only does this Epiphany service bring together our two faith communities, but it also demonstrates to the larger community our oneness in Christ.

In 2016, our celebration will be on Wednesday, January 6, and we hope you will carve out some time on your calendar to come and join your sisters and brothers in Christ as we end the Twelve Days of Christmas and welcome the light of Epiphany.

reJOYce

Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale

December 12

9:00 AM—1:00 PM

Fund-raiser for

the reJOYce Playground

Renovation

Pastoral Acts for October

Baptisms: None. Funerals: Hans Albrecht. Weddings: None.

8

reJOYce School news for December

Waiting, waiting, and waiting! That’s what Advent is all about. Each week we’ll learn a little more about the Christmas Story until – at last! – Baby Jesus is here! We will focus on the Nativity Story as the core of Christmas; count-down to Jesus’ Birthday; decorate our own classroom trees; and learn about Christmas Traditions in other countries. It’s going to be a busy month! Walk by the music room and you’re sure to hear Christmas bells ringing as we sing our holiday favorites. We’d like to invite everyone to come and shop at our Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale on Saturday, December 12th, 9AM – 1PM, in the Parish Hall. This event is a fund-raiser for our Playground Renovation Project. We hope you can join us – and bring a friend! Our preschool students have been busy mixing and baking items for the bake sale table. Mrs. Boettge’s homemade jams will also be available – check out some new flavor combinations like strawberry-peach and pomegranate-white grape. Do you like to shop on-line? If you already shop at Amazon, you can go through http://smile.amazon.com, choose “St Paul Lutheran Church” as your organization and 0.5% of your purchase will be donated back to reJOYce. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all our staff to all our students and their families, our neighbors, our church community, and to each other! Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!

reJOYce and JOYfull House will be closed for the Christmas break from December 22nd through January 3rd. Classes resume on Monday, January 4th. Space is still available in some of our classes. For enrollment information, please call Karen Boettge at 267-1443 or drop on by the reJOYce office. Pictures of our classes in action can be viewed on our school website: www.rejoyceschool.org.

Wanted: New members for our reJOYce School Board! We are seeking one CHURCH member for a three-year term and two PARENT members (who can also be church members) each for a one-year term. New terms begin

in March. Qualifications: a desire to spread the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ to the families in our reJOYce School and a willingness to help at reJOYce School events, to help with reJOYce School fund-raising, and to listen/share ideas at reJOYce School Board meetings (held once each month.) If you are motivated to GIVE your time & talent to reJOYce as a School Board member, please contact Karen Boettge (609 267-1443), Pastor Laura Esposito (609 267-0740) or Marilyn Phifer (609 518-1887).

13

Advent Lunches: “From Birth to Death and Everything In

Between”

Once again, we will be hosting Advent soup lunches in our Parish Hall on three of the Wednesdays of Advent. This year, the theme is “From Birth to Death and Everything In Between”. Just as Advent is a season of preparation, these three presentations will be about preparation for things that happen in life. On Wednesday, December 2, someone from the medical profession will help us understand what life is like in the hospital’s maternity area where new life begins over and over again. What are first time parents told at the time of birth? What advice is helpful and what advice is not? On Wednesday, December 9, Dan Ruotolo of Ruotolo and Spewak and Co., a public accounting firm just down the road from us in Mount Laurel, will help guide us through those “in between” years, years of earnings and savings, bank accounts and investments, stocks and bonds, and financial planning. He has advice for us, but nothing to sell. On Wednesday, December 16, we will welcome Alison Reinhard from Perinchief Chapels in Mount Holly, who will be here to tell us about funeral planning. Because earthly death is the last act of earthly life, it is a reality we all have to face. Planning one’s funeral makes life a lot easier for family members and church staff. She will have advice for us, but no sign up sheets. There is a display in the narthex where people can sign up to bring bread and/or soups,

so please avail yourself of this educational/fellowship opportunity.

Wednesdays: December 2, 9, 16

12:10 PM

St Paul’s Christmas Post Office

Beginning the weekend of November 28th/29th St. Paul’s Post Office will be open in the Narthex for the Christmas season. This will allow members to “mail” their Christmas card greetings to other members by simply dropping their cards unstamped in the Narthex mail box. We will then separate the cards by name and make them available for pick up in the Narthex. THE CARDS WILL NOT BE MAILED. This is a way for members to send other members their greetings without incurring the expense of postage. It’s up to you, of course, but you may want to consider spending your “savings” by donating the amount you saved to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.

14

Youth News—December

Three of our youth attended the Among the Wolves middle school retreat from November 13-15 and had a wonderful time! Melissa Headrick graciously volunteered to chaperone the group. During the retreat the group packed school supplies for refugee children living in New York and over 1000 pairs of socks for homeless people. Socks are rarely donated yet greatly needed by the homeless. On the retreat the girls made a prayer labyrinth. They plan to make a smaller version to use here at St. Paul's. Catechism class will meet December 2 and December 16 from 7-8:30 in the study house. Attendance at the November 25 Thanksgiving Eve service and the January 6 Epiphany service is encouraged. Class resumes on January 13th. The Senior High youth group plans to meet on December 13 (Details to be determined). For their November meeting they held a “Charlie Brown” Thanksgiving celebration. They have also been asked to assist with the Advent Night

starting at 5:00 PM on November 29th in Parish Hall. Sandy Sambucci

From Bev Grazioli, Sunday School Director 1) Jesus' Birthday Party

Dec. 20 10:30 - 11:30

Grades PreK- Grades 4; Helpers: Grades 5-6 During Sunday School time. Come sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and play birthday celebration games.

Thanks to Lisa Burke for using Thrivent Dollars to support this celebration! 2) What are Our children learning in Sunday School? Find out on Dec 12-13! The 5th and 6th Graders are sharing at all services! Come out and support our fantastic Sunday School friends while they tell why they are thankful for God's love, Jesus' Joy, and how the Holy Spirit rocks our world! Sunday School is just awesome, and our young friends need our support! 3) Grades 5 - 6 December Event Come Christmas Caroling on Dec 20 at the Lutheran Home! The residents really enjoy our visiting - it's an unexpected bright spot in their day! Well finish our cards, have pizza, and then go following Sunday School.

Youth & Family Ministry

7

December Card Shower to:

Covered Dish Luncheon

Thursday, December 10, 2015 11:30 AM in the Parish Hall

Bring your favorite covered dish and a $5.00 gift for exchange.

Beverage and dessert will be provided. Come out and celebrate

this wonderful Christmas Season.

Questions? Call Laura Pagenkopf 267-0669 or Joan Thompson 267-1470

Mildred Guenther

2201 Creek Rd

Hainesport, NJ 08036

Have Mercy on Us – a Volunteer Opportunity!

Did you know that a large number of incarcerated people actually suffer from a mental health disorder. Once on appropriate medication, these offenders come to understand appropriate behavior and can re-enter our society as well-balanced persons. The problem that has existed for a long time is that people being released from prison are usually without medical insurance. So they become well-balanced in prison and upon release are off their medications. This system doomed to defeat must be corrected. That is where the Burlington County Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul needs your help. We have been able to form a collaborative agreement with many groups (Board of Chosen Freeholders, County Social Services, Jail/Prison administration etc.) to work together so that an offender being discharged has the medical care that they need to help prevent this avenue of reoccurring imprisonment. When someone has to go to jail to get medical care there is something terribly wrong. If you would be able to volunteer one day a month – a Wednesday – from 1pm to 3pm – to assist offenders to fill out Medicaid forms, please continue to read this!!! You would have to be a person with a clean criminal history and be willing to be present in an all- purpose room in the jail or prison. You would go through an orientation so that you would have a comfort level prior to the beginning of this volunteer activity. This is a secure environment so you will not be at risk. Still interested? Did you feel that n.u.d.g.e. (Notice the Urge to Do Good on this Earth)? Call Marge McGinley at (609)267-0209, ext. 306 or mcginley@parishofsacredheart.org

6

December Food Collection

Canned meats

Soups

Macaroni and cheese

Paper towels

Thank you for helping those

struggling this Christmas!

All items welcome!

Christmas Gifts for Families!

The Christmas Gifts for the Giving Tree (tags are on the tree in the narthex) are due

back to church no later than December

6th. Please bring the gifts unwrapped with the gift tag attached. If you are purchasing a gift card, there will be a box in the church office on Corrine’s

desk for your convenience.

If anyone took a gift tag and did not sign their name and phone number on the sheets provided, please call Carin Sutton (856) 780-5443.

If you did not get a gift tag from the tree and would like to help, please purchase a gift card from Acme or ShopRite and bring it to the church office. We will be giving these to the parents of the children for whom we are collecting gifts.

Thanks to everyone who helped to sell the Christmas Gift Cards this year. Ann Macintosh, Brenda O’Rourke, Karen McMahon, Sharyn Lyden, Pat Headrick. My thanks each of you. Lois Uetz A belated thank you goes to Kim Platt for also helping serve the Oktoberfest for seniors! Thank you to everyone who helped with the Veterans Fellowship! Also, we really enjoyed seeing all the military service photos that were provided. This will become a yearly event, so start looking for those photos! Thank you to Janice Steinberg and to all the chili cookers for your help with the November Family Fun Tuesday! The leftover chicken nuggets were taken to Extended Hand Ministries. The children had fun assembling the bags of candy for our community helpers! State Trooper Fisk made an appearance to receive the bags for the troopers. Thank you to Betty Brink and Peggy Ferraro for organizing the Thanksgiving baskets! Note: We will be collecting coats the weekend of January 16 & 17! The coats will be taken to the Christian Caring Center.

15

Dear Friends: Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your thoughts, prayers, cards, and visits for recovery from my recent surgery. They are being answered – BIG

TIME! Prayers matter. Thanks again. Dave Pagenkopf Thank you for your prayers, calls and beautiful cards during my stay in the hospital! It meant a lot to me. God Bless, Marilyn Adams The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia is a gift to students who have been called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and serve the church through a variety of ministries. Without your financial support, our students would be unable to fulfill their call to public ministry. You are a gift to students as your support allows the mission of LTSP to continue. On behalf of our new President, Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, students and faculty and staff, we thank you for your financial gift of $132.00 to Leadership Fund. It is through gifts like yours that God’s will to send out disciples to preach, teach, serve, and lead is fulfilled. Your servant in Christ, Mrs. Kathleen A. Afflerbach, AiM Director Donor Services [The following gift was a result of the Car Show in September] Dear caring friend, Thank you so much for your generous gift of $3,697.50 on 10/20/2015 to Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). I cannot thank you enough for your support of the thousands of truly deserving servicemen and women who

have been wounded in our current military conflicts. Our work begins at the bedsides of injured warriors as they undergo rehabilitation and return to civilian life, but it certainly doesn’t stop there. As a result of their injuries, these brave heroes will face greater challenges today finding assistance and jobs that will enable them to procide for their families. Their battle against the long-term effects of combat will continue throughout their lives. Only with your continued support is WWP able to reach these wounded service members. Through your generosity, WWP provides them with the assistance they need in order to regain their independence and begin rebuilding their lives. You give these injured warriors and their families hope for a brighter future. Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to assisting this new generation of injured heroes. These men and women who have served with honor deserve our respect and support. Again, I cannot thank you enough for your partnership with WWP. Sincerely, Steven Nardizzi Chief Executive Officer Wounded Warrior Project Thank you from reJOYce Christian School families & students to the anonymous donor who has given $5,000 toward our new playground structure. We truly appreciate your generosity! Thank yous were received from the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal for two gifts: $20 to the Nepal Area Earthquake and $25.00 to Lutheran Disaster Response. Thank you for providing help, hope, and healing for those recovering from disaster. The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director

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Please donate clean with caps and remove labels prescription medicine bottles. The container is on the food cabinet in narthex. The empty bottles are needed for patients in Malawi, Africa, as the hospitals there have no containers. The patients often

lose pills, they become wet or children eat them. there are over 700 hospitals in Africa that can use our recycled bottles. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

New Members Welcomed

November 22nd!

JoAnn & Gary Moschetto 69 Saint David’s Place Southampton, NJ 08088 (H) 609-388-5191 (C) 609-313-3642 Kathy & Stephen Louie, Gabriella, & Isabella 6 S. Deer Place Hainesport, NJ 08036 (H) 609-784-8338 (C) 215-840-6180

From the Trenton Rescue Mission Dear Friend of the Rescue Mission, WE DID IT! Thanks to your efforts, the Rescue Mission of Trenton was able to SMASH the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS© title for the Largest collection of clothing for recycle/donation -a record that has never been broken in the United States! With the aid of all of our amazing Champions, such as yourself, the Mission broke the record, bringing in 179,550 items of clothing -that's almost 90,000 pounds of clothes! This is an extraordinary feat and we truly so grateful for your support. Not only have you aided the Mission in breaking a Guinness World Records title, you subsequently have aided us in helping our community that is in need. Coordinating this monumental effort was a lot of hard work by all that were involved, but it was extremely heartwarming and enlightening to see communities from all over the state -and across state lines- join together for a common cause. Because of your efforts, the Mission will be able to provide necessary clothing items to those in need in our community and continue to provide comfort to each and every individual that comes through our doors. YOU had a hand in breaking a world record and selflessly helping your neighbors in need -we are incredibly proud of your efforts and applaud each participant for collaborating, donating and spreading the word! The Guinness World Records effort has come to an end, but the work of the Mission is never over!

Want to see what 179,550 items of clothing looks like? Check out these sites!

http://6abc.com/news/rescue-mission-of-trenton-breaks-world-record-with-largest-clothing-drive-/1086083/

http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20151115/rescue-mission-of-trenton-breaks-guinness-world-record

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Candle

Decorating

Thursday, December 3

1:00 PM In the

Music Room

This has been a tradition since Donald Schupp was our pastor at St. Paul’s. It’s a Moravian tradition. Each color on the candles represents a church season. The “tutus” are made out of colored tissue. Each “tutu” is precisely cut by hand.

It’s a reverent tradition held by many of our long-time members, especially when we sing “Silent Night” on Christmas Eve.

This is a true labor of LOVE!

If you have questions, please contact Margie Coughlin at (609) 267-6833.

This month we would like to appreciate Marilyn Phifer. Marilyn purchases votive candles and lighters to make sure the prayer stations are available to you each week in worship.

She also faithfully changes the paraments and makes sure there is oil in the candles in the chapel every week! In addition, she makes sure the 8-day candles in the sanctuary and the chapel are burning.

This is a behind-the-scene volunteer job that you might not think about, but it is a very important ministry!

The next time you see Marilyn, thank her for her faithful help with these tasks. Let her know you appreciate her!

Volunteers do so many jobs at St. Paul’s that

really enhance the ministry. You are very much

appreciated!

Sunday School Happy Birthday,

Jesus! Celebration

Sunday, December 20th

10:30 AM

Please Join Us!!

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MUSIC MATTERS by Denisemarie Ramos

‘TIS THE SEASON, a Top Ten List EVANGELISM is hard, but Christmas carols are easy. When you combine the two, inviting your friends and family to church becomes a pleasure. This year our “Christmas before Christmas Eve” service will take place on December 20th at 6:00 PM. There will be your favorite carols that you love to sing along with, candle-light Silent Night, a Christmas play, communion, Christmas trees, special musical guests, and of course readings of the story surrounding the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here are the top 10 reasons why you may want to attend this service. (10) You have family members you would like to celebrate a Christmas Eve service with but other obligations get in the way. (9) You have friends you want to share Christmas with, but family commitments keep you from doing it. (8) You will be out of town on Christmas and won’t be able to attend services at St. Paul’s, but want to spend Christmas with your church family. (7) You love Christmas so much that you want to add some extra Christmas goodness to your season. (6) You love to see a good Christmas Play written and directed by Larry Burke. (5) You love to sing traditional Christmas carols even when you aren’t in your car listening to the radio. (4) You are serving at the Christmas Eve services and want to just relax and take in the story and songs of our Savior’s birth.

(3) You love to hear Clarence Watson play the trombone, and Jeovani Ortiz play the alto saxophone while you sing your heart out. (2) You can’t wait to bring your neighbors to St. Paul’s and know this is a great excuse to invite them to church. And the top reason to attend the “Christmas before Christmas Eve” service is (1) ‘TIS THE SEASON!

Disciples First Sunday December 6 Sign up for lunch by November 29

12:15 (optional) fellowship luncheon This month’s lunch will be lasagna, salad and breadsticks. If you are unable to partake in this meal due to allergies or other concerns, feel free to pack your own lunch and join us in the Parish Hall. 12:45 Learning Opportunities: In the Music Room: Larry Burke presents:

Advent Traditions of Germany In the Parish Hall: for kids young and old

– Veggie TALES: The Story of St. Nicholas

In the Sanctuary: Liann Cline will perform harp music selections as well as answer any harp related questions.

AND, at 1:15, ALL are to join Pastor and Mrs. Jost as they teach Christmas Carols and host a sing-along of classic favorites.

1:45 Dismissal

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You Are Always Welcome Before my recent release from the hospital, I was given a handful of forms to complete and sign. One was rather perplexing, asking what method of teaching worked best for me. Several options were offered, each with a box to check if I felt it applied to me; e.g. reading, listening, demonstration, practice. I was tempted to add another, my wife; but I thought better of it. After some thought, I checked the boxes for listening, demonstration, and practice. But I also believe that yet another method might have been offered; -- visual aids. When you think about it, visual aids are often used to facilitate the learning process; and they can be used in a variety of ways. As Christians, for example, many of us, perhaps without even giving it a thought, demonstrate our faith without even saying a word. How often, for example, do you notice someone with a cross hanging around their neck or pinned to their lapel? Simple acts of kindness or encouragement can work wonders, such as applauding the singing of our children’s choirs and their music directors during worship, or visiting a shut in, or giving a recent visitor a cookie patrol bag filled with a Bible and a dozen freshly-baked cookies. Or when we pray before a meal in one of our favorite restaurants, and even asking diners at a nearby table if there is anyone they would like to include in our prayers. All kinds of ways to express our faith to others.

I recently had occasion to thank our good friend, Harold Yoos, for one of the nicest gifts we had ever received. It’s a framed, handmade display of three crosses he had affixed to a gray shingle left over after our old bell tower had been torn down many years ago. What made it so beautiful was the simplicity which Harold had so artfully represented Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross. Another of God’s beautiful visual aids

which we treasure is a framed painting of Warner Salmon’s Christ at Heart’s Door, showing our Lord knocking on the door of an unbeliever’s heart, hoping to be invited in. But the door can only be opened from within, for there is no handle on the outside of the door. Jesus wants earnestly to be invited into our hearts so that he can abide in us and befriend us because he loves us so. I can’t but wonder how nice it would have been if the artist had painted yet another picture showing the door slightly ajar as Christ is shown seeking entry and asking, “ Is anybody home? May I please come in?” then, hearing the owner’s reply, “Oh, yes, Lord, please do come in. You are always

welcome.” Sadly, some may never open the door to their hearts. But, of one thing we can be certain—Christ will never stop knocking. Dave Pagenkopf

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Sunday School – Totally Worth It!

I wish I could have videotaped November 15th’ 5th and 6th Grade Sunday School lesson. Let me share the highlights with you… We were talking about being ready instead of afraid when Jesus returns to Earth. I asked the kids when has God been with us? They named some good times and successes they experienced such as soccer championships and their birthday parties. Pretty awesome, right? Then I said, “Let’s go back to the beginning. What are major events where God played a role?” They named the beginning of world, which we ultimately called ‘creation’. They named, “Adam and Eve, Moses, Abraham, David… Jesus.” Wait! They got Moses and Abraham out of order… Most importantly, they talked about faith and the Bible and God! This video tape gets better… I asked, “Tell me about the Holy Spirit” as I almost cringed. Let’s face it; the Holy Spirit is a tough concept and it’s not exactly easy to show a picture of the Holy Spirit. The kids called out, “The Holy Spirit helps us keep God in our hearts.” Another said, “The Holy Spirit helps us come together. WOW!!! All I can say is I heard the angels sing! Our Sunday School friends are really developing an understanding of the trinity… of God, of Jesus, and wow, the Holy Spirit!

Come to a service on Dec 12 – 13! St. Paul’s 5th and 6th Graders will share why they are thankful for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!

I know you will want to celebrate their efforts to celebrate their growing faith. Come, you will be inspired by what they have to share! Pastors Jost and Pastor Laura: I will be sad to see these kids leave Sunday School, but I can’t wait for you to have these kids in confirmation. You will need to be on your toes. These kids have a deep understanding of faith, God’s love, and Jesus’ Joy! On another note, Sunday School’s annual Jesus’ Birthday Party will be held on December 20 during our Sunday School time! Thank you to Lisa Burke for her monetary support by partnering with Thrivent. I am humbled by your support, Lisa! A kind thank you! Bring your children every week! We have faith in God, a lot of Jesus Joy and we are learning that the Holy Spirit rocks our world! Bev Grazioli, beverly.j@outlook.com 856-912-7468

Sunday School ~ The Video Tape Worth Replay-

3

From

Pastor Esposito,

Associate Pastor

As we head into Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, I have been thinking a lot about worship and the many forms and styles of worship around the catholic church. I confess that as a pastor I often feel as though I don’t get an opportunity to worship because I am busy making sure everything is in place and people are fulfilling their roles in worship. So I will also confess that it is nice to go somewhere and have an opportunity to simply worship instead of leading worship. Why is worship so important? It is the center of our life of faith. It is central to everything we do: it unites us in celebration, it helps us grow in faith, it nurtures us and sends us out into the world. While worship can vary from place to place and worship service to worship service in things like use of a worship book or projection screen, bread or wafers, organ, piano, or guitars and drums, leaders wearing robes or not, incense or no incense, etc; there are some common patterns and elements. First, we gather. We encounter God’s word. We share the meal at the Lord’s table and we are sent out into the world. Worship really is more about what God is doing and our response to God. So worship is the response of all God’s people for all that God has done for us, saving us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are always looking for people to assist with worship: like altar guild who helps set up and clean up for worship services, lectors who read the lessons and lead us in prayer, clickers who work the projection screen, serve as ushers - assist folks in finding seats, giving direction during the worship service, like how to go up

for communion, collecting offering and being attentive to the service and the pastors in case any additional assistance is needed—and acolytes who light and snuff the candles, to choir and band members to help lead us in song, people to help distribute communion and take communion to those unable to attend worship. Come celebrate God’s presence in our midst—celebrate all that God has given and has done for us. Come worship the Lord. I look forward to worshipping with you.

Order by December 9th

2

While I look forward to the coming of the New Year, I am not as anxious for it to

arrive as I have been in the past. Both Dennis Mroczkowski and Corrine Mattson will be retiring at the end of 2015. Both have been good and faithful servants for our congregation and their absence among us will be noticed! Dennis began his tenure as our sexton in 2008. It took him a few days to get used to my sense of humor, but then he learned (quickly) to dish it out to me as fast as I could give it to him. In addition to being a hard worker and a conscientious employee, Dennis has lived in this community for quite sometime. That has benefited our congregation every time a job needed to be done that was too big for a sexton. Dennis would tell us “I have a buddy…” and the solution to the problem would occur. It also has meant that when an emergency has risen, Dennis has not been far away. He has made himself available at odd hours of the day (four AM on a Sunday morning snow day) and for social activities as well as weekday chores (setting up tables; taking down tables; setting them up again; taking them down again). Dennis has always been aware of our financial situations and has always sought out ways to save the congregation some money. But in doing so, he has always made sure that the cost-savings have not affected our abilities to do ministry. He has been a good and faithful servant in the name of Christ. Corrine came to us in the summer of 2005 and expanded the role of the church secretary in her time with us. She has brought her technological wizardry to us in the creation of the e-Chimes, and she is responsible for the look of our worship screens and announcements. In addition, her cheery voice and personality are made evident in every phone call or office visit. But Corrine has not enhanced us just through her professional responsibilities. She has blessed us with allowing us to get to know

her husband Vern, as well as her children and grandchildren. Many people have been greeted with a broad Hannah smile upon entering the office, and all of us who have been involved with our Tuesday night ministries have appreciated the creativity of Shannon and the enthusiasm of her children. When I met with former bishop Roy Riley over the summer to ask him questions about leadership, I asked him what he had looked for in recommending a pastor to a congregation. Bishop Riley answered “The heart of a pastor.” Corrine has shown us the heart of a pastoral care agent, a devoted Christian woman who exudes the spirit of Christ in all she says and does. We have been blessed through her presence in our office. She has been a good and faithful servant in the name of Christ. What now? We are in the process of conducting interviews for both positions and hope to have recommendations for the Council soon. Both Dennis and Corrine are willing to stick around to help train the new folks, so that will bless us in this time of transition. It will require some changes on our part, as the rest of the staff learns to rebuild our team, but it will be time and efforts well spent. So, sometime in December, take time for a word of prayerful thanksgiving: “Almighty God, through your Son Jesus Christ, you gave the holy apostles many gifts and commanded them to feed your flock. You equip your people with abilities that differ according to the grace given them, and you call them to various avenues of service. We give you thanks for the ministry of Dennis and Corrine among the people of God in this place. As they have been a blessing to us, so now send them forth to be a blessing to others; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.” In peace, Pastor David Jost

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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church invites you to join us for

an Evening of

Christmas Spirit, as we prepare to celebrate

the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. December 20th

6:00 p.m.

An Evening to share with others the FAITH of believing in our risen Lord.

An Evening for all ages to share in the HOPE

of our story, the birth of our Savior.

An Evening to experience the peace and LOVE

of the Christmas Season through music, readings and prayer.

Please share this invitation with those around you,

family and friends.

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Dear People Who Are Hard Working and Generous, sometimes known as Elves , (I call you that because the second part of that greeting is a subordinate Claus) According to the November 16th edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer, people who want to visit with Santa Claus at the Cherry Hill Mall will have to pay a $35.00 to $50.00 entrance fee to sit on the old fellow’s lap and be photographed doing so. I don’t know about you, but nothing says “the Spirit of Christmas and sharing” like paying $50.00 to sit on the lap of Santa Claus. I suppose the cost of coming down from the North Pole has escalated through the years, so this charge is necessary. I haven’t been to Petco lately, but I’ll bet the cost of reindeer food has gone through the roof! And if minimum wage jumps up to $15.00 an hour, someone has to cover the cost of the elves’ employment. We live in a different age nowadays. Gone are the days of hitching the horses up to the sleigh to go over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house. Now, we get in our cars and sit in traffic, swearing out loud at the others drivers stuck in the same jam. Gone are the days of grabbing your sled and going to the nearest hill and scooting down the hill. Now, Mom or Dad has to escort the children to a pre-approved site and supervise the playtime. Gone are the days when stocking stuffers were inexpensive items from Woolworth’s, or a new toothbrush. Now, we reach in the stocking and pull out $100 gift cards and all sorts of electronic devices. And, it seems, the days when going to the store to see Santa - for free - are behind us. Now even that, like so much else about Christmas, has a price tag attached to it. Perhaps, for the church to be more relevant to the world, the church should think about adding fees and charges to what is offered at Christmas.

You want your favorite carol sung at the service you attend? That’ll be $10.00, please. Would you like the greeters to shake your hand and say “Merry Christmas!”? That’ll be twenty dollars in American currency. Would you like communion on Christmas Eve? Would you like the wine in a plain plastic cup, or would you like it in a plastic cup covered with Christian symbols of Christmas (snowman, snowflake, wreath)? Now we’re talkin’ BIG bucks! I realize that over the years there has been more and more commercialization of

Christmas. We’ve moved from the stable to the mall; we lost Biblical interest and honed in on the Internet. Santa Claus is coming to town is perceived to be a more positive message than the Magi are coming to Bethlehem. My complaining about all this is not going to change things. We are the people we are and we will always strive for convenience and the things that carry the most meaning for us. So, I have a favor to ask of all you faithful readers: before you lay down fifty dollars for a photo-op with Santa, consider using that money as an offering to your church, or a contribution to Lutheran World Hunger Relief. Before you consider that

pricey opportunity to be photographed sitting in the lap of Santa, consider the priceless opportunity of making a difference in the lives of sisters and brothers who attend Bridge of Peace in Camden, people who are removed from the lap of luxury. I really think Christmas gets defined in what we do for others rather than what we do for ourselves. As I read the Bible, that seems to be what God was doing on that first Christmas in Bethlehem. I have two friends, Mitch and Andy, and if you really need a Santa-photo fix, I have connections. Merry Christmas and God’s blessings for a wonderful New Year! Your faithful correspondent, Dr. Alphonse Cantrell

(On Nov. 17, the mall cancelled the fee.)

The Omega Page

THE CHIMES - December 2015

Newsletter for members and friends of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Pastor’s Corner Page 2

Pastor Esposito Page 3

Music Matters Page 4

Disciples 1st Sunday Page 4

Appreciate You Page 5

Social Ministry Page 6

Golden Oldies Page 7

reJOYce School Page 8

Epiphany Page 9

Calendar Page 10

Stewardship Page 12

Advent Lunches Page 13

Youth & Family Page 14

Thank Yous Page 15

New Members Page 16

Evangelism Page 17

Sunday School Page 18

December 20 Service Page 19

Omega Page Page 20

3:00 – a service geared toward young children.

5:00 – our Praise Band will offer the leadership of this service.

8:00 – a traditional service.

11:00 – a traditional service

Communion is offered at every service.

Friday, December 25th, Pastor Esposito will offer a simple Christmas Day observance at 10:00 AM.

Early Christmas Eve Service for those who cannot make services on the 24th or who are busily involved in worship that night.

THE CHIMES

SAINT PAUL’S EVANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CHURCH 910 Marne Highway

Hainesport, NJ 08036-2666

Office Phone No.: 609.267.0740 Fax: 609.267.3798

E-Mail: stpaulslutheran@comcast.net Website: stpaulsh.org

The Reverend Dr. David B. Jost Senior Pastor

The Reverend Laura Esposito Associate Pastor

Denisemarie Ramos, Director of Music

reJOYce Christian School For children 2 1/2 years—Kindergarten

JOYfull House Extended Care Program For children ages 3—13

609.267.1443 Karen Boettge, Director

Sunday School Director: Beverly Grazioli, beverly.j@outlook.com

All Congregation Council meetings are open to YOU. Congregational Council Minutes are available after each month’s meeting. You can find copies of the minutes on the table in the narthex. Please feel free to take a copy and become better informed. Copies of the Church Constitution are also available in the office.

ST. PAUL’S MISSION STATEMENT

Rooted in God’s unconditional love, the congregation of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

commits mind, body, spirit and treasure to make all people disciples of Christ, to share God’s abundance and

to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed.

CHIMES articles are due on the 2nd Friday of each month, or as announced. Please leave articles in the church secretary’s mailbox,

e-mail them to stpaulslutheran@comcast.net or bring them to the church office between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.

CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEMBERS

St. Paul’s Church Staff

Senior Pastor The Reverend Dr. David B. Jost Associate Pastor The Reverend Laura Esposito Sexton Dennis Mroczkowski Business Manager Karen McMahon Church Secretary Corrine L. Mattson

Our Music Ministers Director of Music Denisemarie Ramos Ark Angels Band Capstone Band Same Spirit Band The Christus Choir Praise Band Cherub Choir Director Karen Boettge Chapel Choir Directors Jackie Smith Chi Rho Choir Director Sandra Jost Handbell Director Jackie Smith Chorale Director Pastor David Jost

reJOYce Christian School Director Karen Boettge JOYfull House Supervisor Teachers Casey Fox Elaine Jardine Renee Ranfone Carin Sutton Teachers’ Aides Christopher Evans

Julie Pratt Macy Pratt

Kathleen Stoltzfus

Worship Services:

Saturday, 7:30 PM

Sunday, 8:00 AM Sunday, 9:30 AM Sunday, 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:30—11:30 AM On Disciples First Sundays, Sunday School is from 12:45—1:45 PM

Staff E-mail Addresses:

Pastor Jost: drdavidjost@comcast.net Laura Esposito laura.esposito@comcast.net Denisemarie Ramos: navigator268@yahoo.com

Karen Boettge: rejoyceschool@comcast.net Corrine Mattson: stpaulslutheran@comcast.net Karen McMahon: stpaulsfinance@comcast.net

Pastor David Jost Pastor Laura Esposito

Vice President Paul Welch

Treasurer Frank Johnson

Congregation Secretary Sasha Makuka

Recording Secretary Marybeth Johns

Fellowship Team Ann Lopez Donna DeCillis

Property Committee Rob Dolge Eric Van Laarhoven

Discipleship Team Erick Soles Paul Welch

Finance Team Bill Lynch

Stewardship Education Team

Frank Johnson

Social Ministry Committee Jennifer Cripps Louise Hikade

Mutual Ministry Team Paul Welch, ex officio

Worship Team

reJOYce School Board Bill Lynch

Youth, Adult & Family Ministries Sasha Makuka Karen Platt Evan Schwarzmann

609.265.1059 609.828.2213 856.296.2112

856.234.0781

609.723.3126

609.929.7508

609.261.0445 609.267.9616

856.206.9313 609.702.1745

609.265.2285 609.296.2112

609.261.1389 856.234.0781 609.261.1980 856.778.0044

856.296.2112

609.261.1389 609.723.3126 609.261.4153 609.267.3057