July 13, 2025

For this week’s email, click here.

Special thanks to Wayne Dietterick for serving as guest organist today.

ASP Thank you from all the ASP volunteers trip to McDowell County, WV for the amazing outpouring of donations toward our 25th trip with Appalachia Service Project. We raised $4050, with the $1150 raised by the volunteers from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glen Rock, our total donation was $5200. Thank you again!

We are in need of Readers & Ushers. Please sign up in the weekly email.

Salud Mental: Camino de Vida will be offering a four-week series on mental health topics in Spanish, Tuesdays at 6:00 PM beginning July 15. All are welcome. Please share with any Spanish-speaking neighbors and friends. Contact Pastor Haydée.

Christmas at Sea Program: Make hats and scarves for the Seamen’s Church Institute, a group will meet after church July 20, August 3 and 17. Supplies will be provided or bring your own. Contact Linda Walker.

Rummage Sale Clean Up Help: Volunteers are needed after worship TODAY.

LSMNJ Backpacks: We are collecting school items for students in affordable housing. Return filled backpacks by Sunday, July 27. Contact Helen Dachowicz if you have any questions.

Summer Bridges Collection must be delivered to church no later than 9:15 AM on July 27. On July 27 at 5:30 PM we will pack 100 lunches. Sign up in the narthex or in the weekly email.  

Blood Drive, July 31 from 1:00 - 7:00 PM, at St. John’s. See the weekly email to register, walk-ins are welcome.

Evangelism Opportunities: We need members of our congregation to meet our neighbors for Community Night, July 22 and Fiesta Latina, September 19 . Sign up in the weekly email.

Summer Fun Nights, “Summer of Joy”: July 27 and August 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. These gatherings are for EVERYONE—kids, youth, adults, seniors, families, singles, friends, YOU! Each event includes dinner, a Bible story, activities, and worship. Sign up in the weekly email

A Summer BRIDGES Run will be in Rahway on Thursday, August 14. If you wish to participate, please contact Carmen Johnson or Amy Tomlinson.

Bishop Installation, August 23, 2:00 PM: The Rev. Dr. Christa Compton will be installed as the bishop of the NJ Synod at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. All are welcome.

Gathering Expedition: ELCA Youth Gathering is hosting regional weekend getaways for youth (8th–12th grades). Our regional event will take place at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center on September 26–28.