As you read this, it is likely the darkest day of Holy Week, Good Friday, when we observe the passion of our Lord. Jesus' suffering and death on the cross leads us into the darkest depths of hell, both scripturally and in our lives. The horror of Christ's sacrifice is accompanied by the realization that he willingly did this for us. The depth of gratitude that brings can be unfathomable, if not unnerving.
Sunday all that ends, and we celebrate that Christ is Risen. The hymn, The Strife is O'er (ELW 366), recounts the full journey Jesus takes, acknowledging the horrors of the Passion which brings more joy to the celebration of the Resurrection.
The strife is o'er, the battle done; now is the victor's triumph won! Now be the song of praise begun. Alleluia!
The pow'rs of death have done their worst; Jesus their legions has dispersed. Let shouts of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!
The three sad days have quickly sped, Christ rises glorious from the dead. All glory to our risen head! Alleluia!
Christ closed the yawning gates of hell; the bars from heav'n's high portals fell. Let hymns of praise his triumph tell. Alleluia!
Lord, by the stripes that wounded you, from death's sting free your servants too, that we may live and sing to you. Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Don't settle for Easter Lite, join us for the entire deal, tonight at 7 p.m. for Good Friday contemplation of the cross, and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. to celebrate Christ's Resurrection. Both services will be available on YouTube but do join us in person.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Fred
Empty Tomb
Silver sky shimmers hope at dawn,
sorrow rolls away on the great stone
Inside the empty tomb, strips of linen
rest upon the cool earth
Angels deliver triumphant news, fear
mingles with joy
Death begets life, for all who believe
there's a promise of salvation
Today there's a joyous celebration!
"Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed!"
–Maryann Medore
Zufall Health-Another look: Migrant Workers
Migrant workers in Dover? It is not a scenario we picture. It does exist. Many of us here at Trinity have observed day laborers standing on the Dover corners near the railroad tracks waiting to be “chosen” to work with landscapers for the day. Also, not too far from the Dover center, produce farms employ workers, who harvest vegetables and fruits (mostly berries, pumpkins and apples) in season. Many of these workers travel within our state and into neighboring states for harvesting opportunities. With a transient life, personal health can be a challenge. Language and immigrant status are barriers facing many of these workers causing them to be fearful to seek medical, dental and prescriptive drug help when they need it.
Zufall upholds overcoming the disparities of immigrations status, as well as disparities of race, religion, sexual orientation, or other demographic factors. Migrant workers need to be healthy to be able to be productive in their work. Information about transmitted disease such as Zika should also be available. In some farm areas, the Zufall Health Van goes to where the workers are working and service them at the end of the day. If the worker is near one of the 23 Zufall Centers, they will find staff to bridge language barriers and calm fears. Anyone who could benefit from services identified above can contact the Dover Zufall Center at 18 West Blackwell St. 973-328-9100 or info@zufallhealth.org It is amazing the scope and the availability of Zufall’s services. It is appropriate to conclude our Lenten outreach by addressing some of the needs of local field or landscape workers, by requesting clothing and other items used to safely work in the outdoor sun and heat. Look for the donation tally sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex for what has been given so far. Many thanks to those who have already donated about 150 pairs of socks, 10 hats, about 50 shirts, 12 packs of wipes, as well as some of the other requested items. Please note that any monetary donations will be used to purchase additional items on the requested list by members of the Living 4 Giving Team. If you would still like to purchase an item or two, the following items have been suggested by Zufall:
–colored dark socks
–colored dark undershirts
–rain ponchos
–hats with brims and neck protection (if possible)
–sunscreen
–umbrellas
–cleansing wipes such as baby wipes
If you wish to make a monetary donation, please make out checks to “TLC” with “Zufall” on the memo line. If you prefer to give a cash donation, just place it in the container marked "Zufall."
Wishing an Easter season filled with love and thanksgiving for you, your friends, and your family.
The Living 4 Giving Team
Next week: A first accounting of this Lenten outreach.
TLC Council Members welcome you!
Your Church Council's meetings always have been open to TLC members. We continue to meet via Zoom, and we cordially invite you to attend, too. See your Church Council members at work for you and for Trinity Lutheran Church. Click hereto join the Zoom Council meeting on Tuesday, April 11, at 7 p.m.
The Council will meet as an executive body, but the meeting will be opened to the public.
Click hereto view the Council agenda, so you can contribute during the meeting with your input or questions. Click here to view the minutes from the March meeting.
If you would like someone added to or deleted from our prayer list, please let Kathy McFarland know by Wednesday. Thank you.
Trinity members Marion Holtzman
Ann Marie Stager
Friends and family of TLC members
Elaine Tracy (Bev Dominkowitz's friend)
Deanna Ryan-Meister (Charlie Haas's friend)
Pastor Bob Kriesat (Mabel Roy and Linda Gallup's friend)
Carol Rothenburgh (Dawn Rothenburgh-Rollins's mother)
Dan McFarland (Kathy McFarland's husband)
Gary Knodler and Scott Moser (Donna Hopping's friends)
Sue Nobelman (Carol Johnson's friend)
Gene Cutler (Becky Wawroski's friend)
Michael Sergent (Pauline Chrenko's cousin)
Ray Fullam (Carol Johnson's friend)
Joe Sandford (Samantha Kindberg Sandford's husband)
Laura (Elaine and Gary Tarantino's friend) Becky Lilja (Rev. Sara Lilja's sister)
Barbara Houser (Neil Holtzman’s sister)
Easter Day April 9, 2023 Sunday's worship service will be in-person and online.
Rev. Fred Becker, Pastor (pastor@tlcnj.org) Kathy McFarland, Church Administrator (office@tlcnj.org) Katie Serbeck, Technology and Social Media Coordinator
(serbeckk1@gmail.com) Lynn Sienkiewicz, RN, Parish Nurse
Julie Sauder, Organist
Kevin Seidel, Choir Director
Ralph Gonzalez, Sexton
Judy Miller, Executive Director of Faith Kitchen
