SUNDAY SERVICE ASSISTANTS

SUNDAY SERVICE ASSISTANTS
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Birthdays
Weddings
December 6
th
28 Anniversary
John & Barbara Spino
December 8
th
36 Anniversary
Roberto & Doris Dias
Date
Assist
As
8:00 AM Service
Greeter
Dec 06
Christine Mahaffey
10:30 AM Service
Balla Family
Noah Balla
Lector
Greeter
Dec 13
Cahill Family
Lisa Cahill
Sadlon Family
Randy Sadlon
Lector
Dec 20
Greeter
Ron & Barbara McGarry
Barbara McGarry
Sitler Family
Ed Sitler
Lector
Greeter
Dec 27
McKenney Family
Rich McKenney
Hovick Family
Phil Hovick
Communion
Assistant:
8 am & 10:30 am
Jim & Joan Pignataro
Doyle Boese
Geoffrey Cleveland Jr.
Alfred Flood
12/06
James Harper
Lore Kutsop
12/7
Gregory Flood
12/8
Nathan Neugebauer
December 9
th
48 Anniversary
David & Patricia Rehrer
12/11
Michael Ayr
12/12
Aaron Bauer
12/14
Jeffrey Felter
December 13
st
1 Anniversary
Glen & Jacklyn Milano
12/15
Christopher Perlee
12/19
Gwendalyn Cahill
December 22
rd
3 Anniversary
Andrew & Julia Lyman
Dillon Cahill
12/21
Martha Lou Dudar
12/22
Kallisto Franson
12/23
Michael Korb
Daniel Sadlon
December 31
th
25 Anniversary
Wayne & Melissa Balla
Baptisms
Lector
Altar Guild
Schedule:
12/01
12/04
Bryan Felter
Kristen Tuder
Jade Glassman
Robert Heeren
Ashley Current
Andrew Lyman
Marcelo Dias
Jane Condon
Karsten Neugebauer
Nathan Neugebauer
Glen Milano
Karsten Neugebauer
12/27
Kevin Boyne
12/30
McKenna Modzelewski
Reaching Your Neighbors through Fellowship –
Missional Communities
PRAYER LIST
Jim Tittel
Barbara Trinca
Virginia Cusmano
Irany Jung
Paul Miklas, Jr.
Rachel Dias
Ron Diaz
Priscilla Miklas
Janet Lyman
Andrea Cipala
Natalie Kril
Ken Balla
Phyllis Vozar
Karl SchifBauer
Helen Killian
Tami Triplett
Betty Wasilak
Ellen Golias
Barbara McGarry
Genevieve Weber
Walter Miklas
Ed Sheehan
John Hacik
Mildred Miklas
Lynne Hogan
IN A HOSPITAL/NURSING FACILITY
Ella Wagner – Genesis (Westfield)
Al Flood – Sunrise (Westfield)
FRIENDS OF OUR CONGREGATION
Elsie Vermilyea (Mitch Bobyack’s mother-in-law)
Sean McGuirk (friend of Friedman Family)
Kaleb Schwarz (Ed & Ethel Musto”s great-grandson)
Stacy Baumgart (Margaret Baumgart daughter-in-law)
Loiva and Fernando Wolff Monteiro (Doris Dias aunt and cousin in Brazil)
Nancy Staugatis (Christopher & Karen Smith’s cousin)
Dwight Kempf (Friend of Harmons)
Ann Gryziek (Friend of Gerda Sadlers)
Logan Sossman (Roberta Frimpter son-in-law)
William Hancock (Friend of Horner Family)
Eileen Borwski ( Sister of Teddy Mihovich)
Olivia Sawyer (student of Ashley Rumzie with Lukemia)
Ray Calvo (Friend of Jim and Joan Pignataro)
Elan Alexander (Friend of the Dias Family)
Rev. Kurt Steinbrueck, Wesley Chapel, FL
Rev. Dr. Carl Krueger
Janet Calvo (Friend of Joan & Jim Pignataro)
Irena Lore Pfeiffer (mother and grandma Dias Family)
Joe Emm (frined of John & Teddy Mihovch)
Clecy Larre (Godmother of Doris Dias in Brazil)
by ROOSEVELT GRAY on May 15, 2015 in LEADER BLOG, REVITALIZING
CONGREGATIONS
Christ-centered fellowship communities are the core of
the Church and its mission. Jesus called 12 disciples
into a fellowship community with him. These disciples
brought others– family, coworkers, neighbors — to
Jesus, creating a larger community of believers. Jesus
then sent 72 disciples out, two by two, to share the
Good News and the kingdom of God. (Luke 10:1)
Many of Christ’s followers became active in missional
community with Him because someone was connected to them, invited,
encouraged and mentored them as a disciple of Jesus. Many became spiritual
game changers for the lives of others; John pointed to Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of
God!” Andrew heard John, believed, and first went and invited his brother Peter.
John 2:35-45. Andrew brought Peter, Philip brought Nathaniel.
They saw Jesus, in action, in communities, using cultural, current, and common
communication to engage in conversation with people and changing lives for
eternity. These followers, disciples of Jesus, reached out to their neighbors and
their missional communities grew. They came. They saw. They followed. The
invited others into a community of followers of Jesus.
They used what they had and who they were to invite people from their community
to be a disciple of Christ. Fishermen sought fishermen; tax collectors to tax
collectors, women to women, neighbors to neighbors, encouraging, inviting and
engaging each other in their respective communities to be in a community with
Christ. As the early Christian community came together after the ascension, there
were 120 men and women in this missional fellowship (Acts 1:15) praying and
participating together as a disciple-making, evangelistic community. The disciples
continued to build community, as they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the
Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and
Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch…and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly
in Jerusalem. Acts 6:7
As the church grew, Christs’ disciples, including Paul, built Christ-centered
communities out of households of faith. Spirit-inspired believers worshiped in
community; they gladly hosted and attended missional gatherings, changing their
lives and the lives of others, because they were all in a community of believers.
Today, many of our churches demonstrate this missional outreach, as good
neighbors sharing the Good News of Christ. And you can too!
Ten Simple Ideas!
 Community Block Parties
 Public Servant Appreciation Events
 Health Care Screening
 Senior and Single Parents House Repair and Yard clean up
 Mentoring and Tutoring Classes
 Back to School Supplies Giveaways
 Shopping Assistance for Shut-ins and Elderly
 Food and Clothing Banks
 After School and Summer Camp Activities, and Schools.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me help people see Jesus in a community of faith. Open my
heart in your love to those around me, so that I share Your Good News. In Jesus’
Name, Amen.
The LCMS is joining Giving Tuesday
on November 11, 2015 in MINISTRY NEWS, NATIONAL0
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is joining Giving Tuesday and
asking people around the world to make a difference through charitable
giving on a single day, Dec. 1.
The LCMS’ “Give Graciously, Give Globally” effort will benefit the
church’s Global Mission Fund. Gifts to the fund are immediately directed
wherever the opportunity for ministry is most critical in the world to carry
out Witness, Mercy, Life Together work.
Giving Tuesday follows on the heels of Cyber Monday, Small Business
Saturday and Black Friday — annual promotional events that profit the retail
industry and kick off the holiday shopping frenzy. In an about-face of this
intense consumerism, Giving Tuesday was conceived as a day for amplifying
small acts of kindness through charitable giving in an effort to change the
world for the better.
The Global Mission Fund impacts people around the world and in our own
backyard through acts of Christian compassion, wherever the opportunities
are greatest at the time the gift is made.
Will you help?
Visit lcms.org/givingtuesday to learn more and get resources to share with
your congregation, co-workers, family and friends and go
to lcms.org/givenow/givingtuesday to make a gift.
THE FORGOTTEN HOLIDAY – Christmas Day
Christmas Day attendance 2014 – 23
No, it is not Ascension Day – that day has been
forgotten by the church a long time already. No, it is not
Reformation Day – even Lutherans have forgotten that.
No, it is not Thanksgiving Day – football stadiums and
stomachs are full on that day – not churches. No, it is not
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday – too sad – let’s just
celebrate Easter.
Now we can add Christmas Day to the forgotten holiday, as well.
Do you know that, like some years, when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday,
that more and more churches do not have worship on that day because they
already had services on Christmas Eve? Can Somebody explain this to me?
Me, I prefer Christmas Day over Christmas Eve! As Yogi Berra
once said, “Nobody goes there anymore it is too crowded.” Well, it is too
crowded on Christmas Eve! Why? – because too many people have
forgotten Christmas Day. Somehow people’s thinking has been such that if
they fulfill their “obligation” Christmas Eve or the kids “show”, that should
cover them for another year. The annual $50 offering actually amounts to
less than $1 a week for the Lord Baby Jesus and His Church whose birth
we “celebrate.”
Oh, Christmas Eve is alright, I guess. When I was a Kid we had the
annual Christmas Eve Children’s program, I’m sure many of you did too.
Now we have Candlelight Services, at least, for the singing of “Silent
Night.” Most families are together in worship, the kids are home from
college, many have rushed their Christmas Dinner or will eat later, and a
few have already had their Christmas “cheer.” But really it is nice to see the
church full and hear everybody say, “it should be like this every Sunday.”
But it isn’t – it isn’t even half full the next day. Average attendance
at Zion is Eve – 225 Day – 50. “Nobody goes there anymore”, not as Yogi
would say, “because it’s too crowded”, but because we’ve “been there,
done that!”
But me, I prefer Christmas Day! After the festivities of the night
before are over, the phone calls made to family far away, the luminary
flickered away, the gifts opened the night before and that morning, the new
clothes put on, there is nothing like coming back to the church (again) to
worship Christ the new-born King. The communion liturgy is set to the
tune of Christmas carols, the handshake of real Christmas peace is given,
more familiar carols are sung, and those in attendance really feel the joy of
Christmas. Those are just a few of the things I like on Christmas Day. After
all, it is Jesus’ birthday and it’s a cause to celebrate – not once, but twice.
Try it – you’ll like! I imagine it won’t be too crowded – there will
be plenty of room for you. Let’s put the MASS back in Christmas Eve and
Day!
…The Stewardship of Vocation
Sacrifice
We live in a command/demand push-button society that loathes
sacrifice. Many parents shields their children from giving up things by
lavishing them with material things. Is it any wonder that society has to
put up with a multitude of selfish, demanding, obnoxious brats who
never really grew up to be productive assets? Christian children,
however, versed in Scripture, learn the beauty of sacrificial living &
giving through the sacrificial life and redemption of Jesus. The Christian
virtue of sacrifice should prevail to govern the pursuit and fulfillment of a
vocation.
Patience
Jesus, fulfilling rabbinical law, waited until he was thirty to enter his
public ministry. The normal time of theological preparation is currently
eight years for Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastors. It takes time
and patience to reach a vocational goal. Once Jesus entered His
teaching ministry, he was both adored and despised. He was not a
prosperity preacher inviting people to jump aboard a golden chariot full
of free-bee goodies pulled by stunning white stallions. He talked about
self-denial, patience in suffering and faith-filled trust in god’s will.
(Matt. 16:24) Prayerful patience is a must in pursuing and fulfilling a
vocation.
Failure
Failures should be stepping stones to success and not a dismal pit of
demise. To His enemies, Christ’s agonizing suffering, crucifixion and
death depicted ultimate failure. Not so. His divine vocation was perfectly
fulfilled. He achieved the goal of eternal life for us through His sinless
life and redeeming sacrifice. Our occupations sometimes become roller
coaster rides of reversals, setbacks and failures. Their effect, leading to
anger, disappointment and depression, can lead to drink, drugs and
defeat. Instead of wallowing in the mud of self pity, stand tall. Pick up
the pieces . Put the puzzle parts of life together. Construct a beautiful
picture vision of your vocation fulfilled to God’s pleasure by meeting
challenges and failures with patient sacrifice, prayerful faith and
Christian determination.
The Stewardship of Vocation
By Rev. Thomas Soltis, SELC Stewardship Director
Vocation
The word, “vocation”, has its origin in the Latin word, “vocation”, meaning,
“call”. A synonym would be, “occupation”. God created individual abilities
within people and calls them to pursue specific functions in life. Christian
stewardship involves managing those talents in a productive, Godpleasing way.
Choosing a Vocation
What are you going to be when you grow up?, Is a common question put
to little children. A fireman, policeman, or astronaut!, is a frequent reply,.
Teens should be more realistic and seriously ponder the implications of a
particular vocation. Arriving at an answer should not be haphazard.
Waiting for a special dream, miraculous sign or traumatic vision is not the
way to go. Common sanctified sense coupled with prayer for guidance
should point the way. The following questions should be answered:
What am I good at?
What do I enjoy and love to do?
Will my vocation be God-pleasing?
It would be also wise to consult mature Christians for advice.
Vocational Success
The goal in one’s occupation, of course, is to be successful. Success
does not come easily. It is not automatic. The road to success involves
determination, hard work and prayer. Some college graduates
optimistically look for immediate success on the basis of a scholastic
degree. What jaw dropping disappointment when the job they get doesn’t
fit their degree and is somewhat disagreeable. Expecting immediate
success is unrealistic. Even when the job position fits the degree, much is
to be done. The read to success is paved with sacrifice, patience and
failure, three words people do not like to hear. A review of the lives of
successful people in history will reveal struggles, setbacks,
disappointments and failures. The life of Abraham Lincoln, for example,
was not an easy one. But sacrifice, patience and facing up to failures led
to success. The same holds true for St. Paul, Jan Hus, Martin Luther,
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo. Galileo, George Washington, Einstein
and a host of others.
December 2015
December 6
"The Voice"
Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz
The voice of John the Baptist calls us to repent and trust in the Savior
Who walked in our shoes.
(Luke 3:1-20)
December 13
"The Lord is Near"
Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz
God's message is simple and straightforward: Jesus is near-put your
trust in Him!
(Philippians 4:4-7)
December 20
"The Gift in the Manger"
Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz
From the manger to the cross to resurrection life, God is in the giving
business for all of us to receive and believe.
(Luke 2:8-12)
December 27
"No Regrets"
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour: Rev. Ken Klaus
Jesus invites you to leave your burden of regret at the foot of His
cross.
(1Timothy 1:16)
Preschool News
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According to the legend, a desert wanderer happened upon a spring of cool,
crystal-clear water. The water was so delightful, he decided to bring the
king a sample of it. Barely quenching his own thirst, he filled his leather
canteen and began his lengthy journey in the hot desert sun to the palace.
The entire school is participating in Kindness for
Christopher each month on the 24th in honor of a child who
lost his life in a tragic accident in NJ.
We donate to the food pantry for the church and to other
charities with the children.
When he finally reached his destination, the water had become stale
because of the old leather container in which it had been stored. The king
graciously accepted the gift of his faithful subject. He tasted it with an
expression of gratitude and delight, and the wanderer went his way with a
joyful heart.
What is kindness for Christopher?
During this Christmas season, in what spirit are we going to be receiving
and giving our gifts? Are we going to be like the wise men who came in
search of the newborn King, bringing their gifts and bowing before Him in
adoration? Matthew 2:11 records, “And going into the house they saw the
Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him.” And
they offered to the Christ Child the gifts they had brought for Him, “gold
and frankincense and myrrh.” They gave with love and adoration from
their hearts.
10-year-old Christopher D’Amico was killed in a
pontoon boating accident on Lake Hopatcong in
June of 2015.
His family in Christopher’s memory has asked
that starting July 24th, 2015 everyone do one
kind deed and post it on their Facebook page to inspire others to do the
same.
“Christopher's vibrant personality was infectious. He can still spread his
smiles from Heaven through the work of others. Acts of kindness can
come in all forms, and can be as small as buying a stranger a cup of
coffee as you wait to pay for yours, or (for children) helping a neighbor
clean up their yard. Post photos and acts of kindness so we as a
community can keep his legacy alive.”

Giving from the Heart
Website
http://www.facebook.com/KindnessForChristopherD
After he had gone, others in the king’s court tasted the putrid water and
asked why the king had pretended to enjoy it. “Ah,” responded the king, “it
was not the water I tasted, but the spirit in which it was given.
The shepherds adored Him, too. They heard about Jesus from the angels as
they sat outdoors watching their sheep and ran to Bethlehem to see the
Christ Child. They didn’t have gifts to bring as the Magi did, but they, too,
responded in adoration. Luke writes, “And when they saw it, they made
known the saying that had been told them concerning the Child. And all
who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them” (Luke 2:17-18).
God gives gifts to each of us and uses us to tell the Good News of the birth
of His Son Who came to bring us forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Some
of us, like the Wise Men, are blessed with monetary gifts to be used to
support mission and ministry. Others of us are more like the shepherds,
able to “make known… [what has] been told [us] concerning the Child.”
By God’s grace, all of us can respond by giving our time, talent, and
treasures from hearts filled with God’s love. In these ways, we adore our
Savior.
Blessings on your stewardship journey!
VESELY VIANOCE VICARS
In Slovak, that’s Merry Christmas Vicars. We encourage you to remember
our past and present vicars with Christmas greetings. Listed below are their
addresses:
2007-2008:
Rev. Michael and.
2001-2002:
Debbie Dunne
Rev. and Mrs. Mark Eisold
70 River Rd
Calle Matier 212 #402
Montville, NJ 07045
San Borja, Lima,
PERU 47
2002-2003:
Rev. Joseph Weatherell
321 Winsor Street
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
2003-2004:
Rev. and Mrs. Jeff Perry
1428 N. Kokomo Ave
Derby, Kansas 67037
2004-2005:
Rev. Erik Iverson
1655 Airport Road
PO Box 869
Seeley Lake, MT 59868
2005-2006:
Rev. and Mrs.
Kermit Rickenberg
2221 Rock Dr.
Kissimmee, FL 34759-6016
2006-2007:
Rev. and Mrs. Mark Fakih
5003 Windsor Oaks Drive
Fort Wayne, IN
46835
2008-2009:
Rev. Peter and Carrie Ill
517 West Laurel
Millstadt, IL 62260
…LWIM News
The LWIM Christmas Party will be held at
Tristan's Restaurant in Cranford
on Thursday December 10th at 6:30
P.M. Cost is $35.00. Please join us. See Jane
Condon if interested.
2009-2010:
Rev Gaven Mize
1523 16th St SE
Hickory, NC 28602
2010-2011:
Rev. Rocco and
Janine Mallardi
1924 Homes Rd
Hays, KS 67601
2011-2012
Rev. Travis and
Nichole Lauterbach
700 Aztec Cir 1 C
Mesquite, NV 89027
2012-2013
Rev Nathan and
Anna Neugebauer
P.O. Box 38
Revillo, SD 57259
We will be selling
cookies platters again
this year.
They will be
available
December 20th
We have a few different tray options, so
pricing will be a little different. Bring
you money and get ready for great
homemade deliciousness.
VESELY VIANOCE VICARS ( Continued)
Rev. Naveen Nischal
& family
2506 N Main Ave
Scranton, PA 18508
2013-2014
Jon and Bethany Franson
& family
127 11 Stellhorn Rd
New Haven, IN 46774
The LWIM will be selling a variety of
beautiful handcrafted angels which will be
available on
November 29th,
the first Sunday of Advent.
They make great gifts and a great gift for
yourself as well!!!
The Newark Children's Christmas Party
will be held
Saturday, December 19th
There is a gift list for gifts needed in the narthex.
We also need volunteers to bake cupcakes, and a
few volunteers to help with the Christmas
program and the craft.
Contact Cathy Friedman if interested,
@ 732-266-6120.
Donations for pizza and snacks are also
appreciated.
2014 – 2015
Glen and Tami Triplett
& family
TBA
CHRIST IS OUR PEACE
Sunday, November 29
8:00 am – Worship
10:30 am – Communion
11:30 am – Wreath Making & Advent Lunch
Wednesday, December 02
6:30 pm – Fellowship Meal hosted by Luther League
7:30 pm – Mid-week Advent Worship
Sunday, December 06
8:00 am – Communion
10:30 am – Worship
Wednesday, December 09
6:30 pm – Fellowship Meal hosted by Lutheran Women’s In Mission
7:30 pm – Mid-week Advent Worship
Sunday, December 13
8:00 am – Worship
10:30 am – Communion
Wednesday, December 16
6:30 pm – Fellowship Meal – TBA
7:30 pm – Mid-Week Advent Worship
Sunday, December 20
8:00 am - Communion
10:30 am – Sunday School Christmas Pageant
12:30 pm – Christmas Carolling
Thursday, December 24 – 7:30 pm – Christmas Eve Worship
Philippians 1:6 (ESV) “And I am sure of this, that he who began a
good work in you will bring it to completion in the day of Jesus
Christ.”
In the movie “My Cousin Vinny”, the question is asked by the
defense counsel of the chief witness, if the tire tracks at the crime
scene could have been made by a certain kind of car. She replied,
“No,” then explained why. She was asked again, “Are you sure?”
“I'm positive,” she replied.
St. Paul writes, that he is sure, other translations have confident, or
certain, that He who began or started the good work in you will
bring it to completion, to finish, or perfect it, in the day of Jesus
Christ.
That good work was initiated in our lives through the water and the
word in our baptism. Through the working of the Holy Spirit we are
then enabled to do that good work and good works. It is the Lord
who begins that life of faith in us and He will bring it to completion
in the day of Jesus Christ.
As we begin another church year, we look forward in anticipation to
celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior into our world as we
gather around the manger throne of baby Jesus. He came into the
world to begin that good work of salvation and He finished that
work with the victory over sin and death in His glorious resurrection
and ascension.
It is because of all that Christ has done that we can be assured that
having that good work done in our lives will be brought to
completion in the day of the Lord. Advent is just the beginning.
Are you sure? Blessed assurance – Jesus is mine. Christ is our
Peace. Amen.
Friday, December 25 -10:30 am Christmas Day Communion
Pastor Andy
2015
Sunday
November 29
Monday
Tuesday
8:00 am Worship
9:15am Sunday School/
Adult Bible Study
10:30 am Communion
11:30 Advent Wreath
Making
7:30 pm
Confirmation class
13
07
08
7:30 pm LWIM
Meeting
6:30 pm Kids Choir
7:30pm Choir
7:00 pm Elders
7:30 pm
Confirmation class
14
8:00am Worship
9:15am Sunday School/
Adult Bible Study
10:30am Communion
Thursday
Friday
03
04
05
09
10
11
12
18
19
6:30 pm – Meal :
Luther League
7:30 pm - Worship
LWIM Christmas Party
8:00 pm - Hand Bells
15
16
17
6:00 pm LWIM
assemble cookie trays
for sale and shut-ins
6:30 pm – Meal
Soup and Sandwich
7:30 pm - Worship
7:30pm Choir
7:30 pm
Confirmation class
Preschool Christmas
Program
8:00 pm - Hand Bells
20
21
Saturday
02
6:30 pm – Fellowship
Meal host - LWIM
7:30 pm – Worship
7:30pm Choir
06
8:00am Communion
9:15am Sunday School/
Adult Bible Study
10:30am Worship
Wednesday
01
22
23
24
9:00 SS Rehearsal
9:30 am – Newark
Christmas Party
25
26
****** Pastor
8:00am Communion
10:30am Sunday School
Christmas Pageant
LWIM Christmas cookie
sale
12:30 pm Christmas
Caroling
6:30 pm Kids Choir
7:30pm Choir
Preschool Christmas
Program
7:30 pm
Confirmation class
10:30 am – Communion
7:30 pm
27
8:00am Worship
9:15am Sunday School/
Adult Bible Study
10:30am Worship
28
29
and Family Away December 26 to December 31********************
30
31
29