Activities/News | Grace Lutheran Church Phillipsburg NJ

Grief and You

An online adult education offering of the Northwest Cluster of Lutheran Churches.

Presenters: Pastor Jack DiMateo and Deacon Karen Kelly. Each of our presenters is an ordained person and former hospice chaplian.

Dates and Time: Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26  7:00 -8:00 PM

We all experience grief at some point in our lives. Loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship, loss of an opportunity… these are some of sources of grief. Sometimes, grief we initially experienced some time ago comes back to visit us like the proverbial bad penny. Grief often raises questions in our mind to which we seek answers:

• How can I get through this?
• Is this normal?
• How long will I feel this way?
• As a Christian, should I even feel grief?
• Why don’t my family/friends understand?

If you are actively grieving, know someone who is, or just want to be able to help someone who is grieving, we invite you to this special online adult learning opportunity.

In the four sessions we will cover:

• Identifying Grief Patterns
• What is Normal? /Dealing with Thoughts & Feelings
• Coping Strategies
• The Spiritual Dynamics of Grief

Our Next Big Event: 2nd Annual Jazz & Jambalaya Anti-Addiction Event

Join us in our fight against addiction. So many lives are lost, destroyed and fundamentally changed due to all forms of addiction. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, shopping are all potential addictive sources.

Our Jazz & Jambalaya event is a presentation of our Feed My Sheep Ministry. This ministry brings people together around food. On the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17 in 2026) we prepare a wonderful meal, host the Vintage Jazz Band, and present a silent auction in order to raise funds in the fight against addiction.

Tickets ARE NOW sale! Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Businesses, organizations and families might consider  sponsoring a table for $250. Table sponsors receive 8 (eight) tickets and will have their name in the program and displayed at the event. Sponsored tables will be the best available seating. Click on the link below, complete the form using a credit or debit card. You will get a confirmation email and we will either send the tickets to you or hold them at the “Will Call” table at the door.

We use the proceeds of this event to support partner agencies in the fight to educate, prevent and treat addiction or to support the work of recovery.

If you would like more information, would like to volunteer to help or donate (money or goods to the silent auction) please call 908.859.0884 or email gracelutheranpburg@gmail.com.

Calling all musicians, poets, actors, comedians, (and audience members!):  Join our GLC Last Friday Open Mic night!!

We are kicking off a monthly series of family-friendly open microphone nights on Friday, February 27.  These will be held on the last Friday of each month (hence the name!) in Luther Hall. Our goal for these sessions is to provide a safe, sober, and fun evening of entertainment, while raising money for local charities.

What are the hours for the open mic?

Doors to Luther Hall will open at 6:30PM.  Performances will run from 7PM to 10PM(ish).

Is there an admission fee?

We ask that you please make a cash donation as you are able. Also, snacks and soft drinks will be available for purchase. All proceeds will be donated to local feeding and sheltering charities.

 How do I sign up to perform at the open mic?

Just show up starting at 6:30PM the night of the open mic and put your name on the list to perform.  Performers will be called to take the stage in the order in which they signed up.

How long will I be able to perform?

Each performer (individual or group) will be allotted a maximum of 15 minutes stage time.  Musicians will be allowed maximum of 15 minutes or 3 songs, whichever comes first.

What can I perform?

Songs, skits, poetry readings, comedy routines…all are welcome.  These can be original material or covers of existing material, and both secular and faith-based performances are welcome.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  As this is a family-friendly event, all performances must be PG-rated:

Keep the language clean.  Words in the Bible are OK. All other of THOSE kinds of words (you know which ones) are not welcome.

No material glorifying alcohol or drug abuse is allowed.  (If planning to sing a country music song, that still leaves plenty of songs about pickup trucks, dogs, and mama).

No material inciting violence or espousing hatred of others is allowed.

If I am a musician planning to perform, what do I need to bring?

Just bring your instrument.  We will supply the backline, including amplifiers, vocal mics, instrument mics, cables, and PA/mixer.

Please do not bring drum kits.  If you play the drums and would like to participate by playing on a kit, contact David Gulick to discuss. Feel free to bring cajons and hand-held percussion instruments (maracas, tambourines, etc.). We will have some of these already on hand.