BUSINESS NAMEJ FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 75 ISSUE 2. St. Paul s Epistle

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1 BUSINESS NAMEJ FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 75 ISSUE 2 St. Paul s Epistle

2 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 2 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR HUGH Our Journey with Jesus: A Gentle (and Renewing) Lenten Experience Lent begins on March 1st with Ash Wednesday. With the start of Lent comes a new opportunity for each of us to take a new (and renewing) journey with Jesus one that offers a journey to the very heart of our faith. In the past we have offered a number of Lenten opportunities. This year we are keeping things simple and making Lent more gentle. We are also joining our efforts with those of Trinity Episcopal Church of Wethersfield (and maybe others, too!), and so the Our is rather inclusive this year. Both Trinity Church and St. Paul s are experiencing the challenges of a world where organized religions are becoming more and more marginalized. In spite of the challenges we face, we believe that God still has a use for each of our congregations. Our job is to discern what that is. Discernment begins by listening. Listening means becoming quiet. Our primary focus this Lent will be on joining our communities for Wednesday Evening gatherings for food, fellowship, spiritual reflection and gentle, centering worship. The goal of these gatherings is to find ways to deepen our connections to one another by deepening our relationship to God. The first step is to get to know one another and to listen to each other s history, challenges, stories of faith, as well as our hopes and dreams for the future. We will explore some key Bible passages together as a way of clarifying God s promise to us and will for us. By listening to God, and by getting to know each other better, we will be better able to discern how we are to serve our Lord within this community. To make this possible we are proposing the following schedule: Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, March 1 at 12noon and 7PM: 12 noon service at Trinity Episcopal Church, 300 Main St., Wethersfield 7 PM service at St. Paul s Lutheran Church, 371 Wolcott Hill Rd., Wethersfield Ash Wednesday reminds us of the need to begin our Journey with Jesus in a spirit of openness and humility. The beauty of holding these 2 joint services on Ash Wednesday is that members from both congregations are able to choose the worship time that works best for them. It is important to note that both services are being held for all of us, whether we are from St. Paul s or Trinity. Wednesday Nights: Gentle Lent For Five Wednesday Evenings in a row (March 8 - April 5), our two congregations will come together for the purpose of getting to know each other better, and deepening our understanding of our life in Jesus. On a practical note, our program will start each Wednesday night at 6PM and will be over by 8PM. The basic flow of each evening will be to gather at 6PM for a light supper and fellowship. Over the breaking of bread we will have the opportunity to get to know each other s story, be introduced to the scriptural theme of the evening, and then be gently encouraged to discover connections our own stories may have to God s story. Following this time of sharing food, fellowship and faith, we will move into our time of worship as a way of quietly opening ourselves to God s gentle and healing touch. (Continued on page 3)

3 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 3 A Message from Pastor Hugh, Continued While the general outline for each Wednesday night is the same, each host congregation will provide its own unique touches (and timing) to the evening. For the three Wednesday nights at St. Paul s, our worship time will start at 7PM and will be in the form of a Taizé [pronounced Tay-Zay] service. (See accompanying article for a description of this type of service.) The vision that is motivating these gatherings comes straight from St. Paul who wrote in Ephesians 4, There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. (Eph. 4:4-6a) While we have a history of thinking in terms of our differences ( I am a Lutheran. I am an Episcopalian. I am. ), that is not the way the people of God, the body of Jesus, are called to think. Our real identity as the one body of Christ lies not in our denominational histories (as rich as they are!), but in our one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Through our Gentle Journey with Jesus, we will come to know one another more deeply, and (more importantly) we will come to a deeper understanding of that invaluable treasure that we share together. Holy Week Services During Holy Week, we will continue to combine our efforts in our Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. The Maundy Thursday service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Thursday, April 13 at 7PM. The Good Friday Tenebrae, will be held the next evening, April 14, at 7PM. More details will follow in our March Epistle. It is our hope that by sharing our Lenten journey our two congregations will be better able to discern ways we can work together in a common mission of service in the future. Mark Your Lenten Calendar Wednesdays in Lent: Simple Supper, Music, Reflection and Evening Worship 6:00-8:00 p.m. March 8 and St. Paul s March 22 and Trinity April 5... St. Paul s Thursdays in Lent: Bible Study, Sunday s Gospel Trinity 11-12:45 Recovery in Christ Bible Study St. Paul s 10-11:30 Holy Week Wednesday, April 12: Stations of the Cross: Trinity 12:00 noon Maundy Thursday, April 13: Trinity 7:00 p.m. with Eucharist and Foot Washing Good Friday, April 14: St. Paul s 7:00 p.m. with Tenebrae (Continued on page 4)

4 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 4 A Message from Pastor Hugh, Continued What is Taizé? Taizé is a small village in southern France that was founded over 70 years ago by Brother Roger and is home to a monastic community devoted to prayer and reconciliation that gathers for prayer three times every day. The characteristic of Taizé worship is its use of a simple repetitive prayer set to musical lines. The duration of the repetitive songs is neither timed nor numbered. The assembly is called to immerse itself in the simple but profound harmonies and let itself be carried by this sung prayer. Another characteristic of Taizé worship that has been a welcome gift to Lutheran worship is its generous use of silence. It is in the silence between words and song that the Spirit is given space to speak to us. Pastor Hugh

5 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 5 FEBRUARY ALTAR FLOWERS AND ETERNAL CANDLE FEBRUARY 5TH: Given by Lynne Matteson to the Glory of God FEBRUARY 12TH: Given by Joan Kratzer to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for God s blessing on our and all relationships FEBRUARY 19TH: Given by Ann French in memory of Paul Unk French FEBRUARY 26TH: Given by Judy Gerken to the Glory of God and in loving memory of my Aunt Ida Gerken ETERNAL CANDLE: Given in loving memory of Ann Marie Pinney s Dad in heaven forever missed. FEBRUARY GOSPEL READINGS FEBRUARY 5TH: Matthew 5:13-20 FEBRUARY 12TH: Matthew 5: FEBRUARY 19TH: Matthew 5: FEBRUARY 26TH: Matthew 17: 1-9

6 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 6 APPLE REHAB SAYS THANKS! St. Paul s received the following letter from Apple Rehab in Rocky Hill: Following the Annual Meeting on January 22nd, St. Paul s Council welcomed three new members. For the coming year 2017, our council members and church officers are: President: Russ Bengtson Vice President: Missy Cheyney Secretary: Jen Farley Council Members: Dick Agne, Erica DeBlois, Jackie Fischer, Jerry Hansen, Stephanie Lohmann, Rick Seip Thank you all for serving on St. Paul s Council. ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE MARCH 1ST 7:00 PM Members in Service: Assisting Minister: Bill Fischer, Jr. Communion Assistant: Patty Bengtson Reader: Joan Kratzer The residents at Apple Rehab Rocky Hill extend their warmest thanks and gratitude for St. Paul s generosity. Our residents were thrilled by the highly personalized gifts that your parishioners took the time and effort to choose for them. While unwrapping the gifts, we were awed by the thought that went into each selection. All of you went above and beyond what we could have done without your help. We are happy that the connection between our Nursing Home and your Parish resulted in an unforgettable holiday season for our residents. I would also like to mention the time that Deb Viola gave to make this holiday season special for Apple Rehab. Sincerely, Rebecca Veniscofsky, Administrator Chris Ellegard, Recreation Director VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE STILL NEEDED We continue to have a need for additional volunteers to fill roles during our worship service. Please continue to give prayful consideration to serving in this way. You will be enriched! ZACHARY S TABLE FEBRUARY 21ST 5:00 PM Come share God s love with our friends and family All Are Welcome!

7 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 7 A PEEK AT ST. PAUL S PAST This is a photo of a dinner held here at St. Paul s many years ago! Take a look and see if there is anyone you recognize. We ll give you a hint! One of the little boys sitting with his family on the right side of the picture looking at the camera attends St. Paul s each Sunday!

8 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 8 AS SEEN RECENTLY AT ST. PAUL S SUNDAY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

9 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 9 AS SEEN RECENTLY AT ST. PAUL S ZACHARY S TABLE GATHERING

10 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 10 AS SEEN RECENTLY AT ST. PAUL S ST. PAUL S NEWEST COUNCIL MEMBERS

11 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 11 CHURCH CHAPTERS St. Paul s Book Club will meet on Tuesday, February 7th at 6:30 at the home of Carol Bruce. We will be discussing the book The Aviator s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. Join us for friendly discussion and great fellowship! Get a jump on our March book: A Man Called Ove by Fredric Bachman. We will meet at the home of Sue Agne on March 14th to discuss this great book about a curmudgeon of a man who helps (in his own way) the neighbors on his street. Don t miss this great one!!! MEN S BREAKFAST FEBRUARY 16TH 7:30 AM Denny s Restaurant, Wethersfield OUR FOOD PANTRY The food pantry thanks everyone for their ongoing generous support - the need going into the new year is CANNED TUNA and CANNED FRUIT. If you have any questions, please speak with Dave Bayek or a member of the Outreach Team. A NOTE FROM OUR CHURCH SECRETARY Thank you for the generous Christmas gift I received. It was most thoughtful of you all. I m blessed to be part of the St. Paul s Church family. May you all have a Healthy, Happy New Year, Fondly, Karen Landry THRIVENT FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES IN FEBRUARY We will have two opportunities in February to meet with Jake Kinney from Thrivent Financial. The first will be on February 12th during Coffee Hour and the second on February 19th for a workshop after the late service. Jake will lead a workshop that will provide information and guidance on ways to use your giving as expressions of faith. He will explore ideas, options, and resources that align with your values so that you can give in a way that makes sense to you. There is a flyer in Fellowship Hall that will explain the workshop in more detail. Lunch will be served. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall if you plan to attend the workshop on February 19th. Be sure to read Jake s letter on the Ministry of Generosity on page 12 in this newsletter.

12 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 12 THE MINISTRY OF GENEROSITY In the second of his letters to the people of Corinth, the Apostle Paul talks about the sharing of resources so that no one in the community has to do without. He inspired generosity when he told them in 2 Corinthians 8:13-15, Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Giving is an expression of our faith. It s a way to show our generosity, faithfulness and willingness to help those that Paul described as having too little. For God so loved the world that he gave let s joyfully follow his example and do the same. Giving provides an opportunity to: Connect with others. As with the people of Corinth, giving allows us to rely on one another and help when there s a need. Be part of something bigger. Find a cause that you are passionate about and see how you can be of service to them. Make a difference. Your support can make a direct impact on organizations and the people they serve. There are endless ways to support the causes that matter to you. Giving can be contagious and jump-start a generosity movement throughout your community. Your willingness to give back invites others to do the same. This article provided compliments of Thrivent Financial and Jacob Kinney, FIC (860) Jacob.Kinney@thrivent.com

13 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 13 Our Sunday School children are collecting pet supplies for the CT Humane Society until the end of April. Please place your donations in the collection box in Fellowship Hall. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Here is the CT Humane Society s wish list: Clay litter ***CHS is urgently in need of this item.*** Cat, dog and small animal toys (we especially need cat toys!) ***CHS is unable to accept catnip toys.*** Kong toys (any size appreciated for both cats and dogs) Snuggle Safe microwave heat disks New or gently used towels, blankets, bedding (must be machine washable) 2 gallon zip-lock bags New litter boxes Cat scratchers by STRETCH AND SCRATCH CareFresh or recycled newspaper bedding for small animals Dryer sheets (Bounce brand only) Paper towels Yesterday's News litter Large garbage bags, (heavy duty only, 55 gal.) Reusable grocery bags Slow feeder bowls KMR Kitten bottles Ballpoint pens Warming disks Royal Canin BabyCat wet and dry Friskies kitten wet and dry Busy bones Nylabones Denta Stix Sunday School Calendar: Sunday, February 5th Family Sunday Sunday, February 19th No Sunday School Volunteers are needed for the Sunday School year beginning in September. We are looking for a new coordinator for Sunday School and 1-2 teachers. No experience is necessary. See Cathy Evans for more information.

14 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 14 UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. PAUL S Church Chapters Book Club Tuesday, February 7th 6:30 The Aviator s Wife Thrivent Events at St. Paul s Coffee Hour: February 12th Generosity Workshop: February 19th 12:30 PM Zachary s Table Tuesday, February 21st 5:00 ST. PAUL S ANNUAL CONCERT MAY 21ST-3:00 PM FEATURING THE EBIN ROSE TRIO AND TALENT FROM ST. PAUL S Men s Breakfast Thursday, February 16th 7:30 AM Denny s in Wethersfield Ash Wednesday Service March 1st 7:00 pm Palm Sunday-April 9th Easter Sunday April 16th Mark Your Lenten Calendar Wednesdays in Lent: Simple Supper, Music, Reflection and Evening Worship 6:00-8:00 p.m. March 8 and St. Paul s March 22 and Trinity April 5... St. Paul s Thursdays in Lent: Bible Study, Sunday s Gospel Trinity 11-12:45 Recovery in Christ Bible Study St. Paul s 10-11:30 Holy Week Wednesday, April 12: Stations of the Cross: Trinity 12:00 noon Maundy Thursday, April 13: Trinity 7:00 p.m. with Eucharist and Foot Washing Good Friday, April 14: St. Paul s 7:00 p.m. with Tenebrae

15 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 15 MEMBERS IN SERVICE - FEBRUARY 2017 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE FEBRUARY 5TH FEBRUARY 12TH FEBRUARY 19TH FEBRUARY 26TH MARCH 5TH ASSISTING MINISTER 8:00 Deb Viola Bill Fischer, Jr. 8:00 Patty Bengtson Jerry Vaillancourt 8:00 Sue Agne Bill Fischer, Jr. 8:00 Needed Patty Bengtson 8:00 Patty Bengtson Mary Procyk COMMUNION ASSISTANT Sue Agne Mary Procyk Carole Hughes Joan Kratzer Joan Kratzer ACOLYTE Dylan Ruppar Needed Needed Needed Needed READER Sue Agne Mary Procyk Winnie Sawrun Patty Bengtson Jeanette Serafine ALTAR GUILD Winnie Sawrun & Ann French Mary Ann Mead & Deb Howe Mary Procyk Patty Bengtson Jennie Dotts & Deb Howe FELLOWSHIP HOSTS Pam Speno & Stephanie Lohmann Winnie Sawrun Jackie Fischer Dick and Sue Agne Patty & Russ Bengtson COUNTER Kathy DiMartino Patrick Farley Bob Bowman Debbie Viola George Howe USHERS 8:00 Brian Beckwith 8:00 Brian Beckwith 8:00 Brian Beckwith 8:00 Brian Beckwith 8:00 Brian Beckwith Jerry Hansen Dave Bayek Jerry Hansen Dave Bayek Jerry Hansen Dave Bayek Jerry Hansen Dave Bayek Dick Agne Needed FEBRUARY TAPING - George Howe

16 February FEBRUARY SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 10am AA 7pm AA 6:00 Confirmation 7:30 CHOIR 2 10 am RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 3 10am AA 4 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 5 FAMILY SUNDAY WORSHIP: 8:00 & 6 7 CHURCH CHAPTERS 6:30 PM 8 10am AA 7pm AA 6:00 Confirmation 7:30 CHOIR 9 10 am RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 10 10am AA 11 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 12 WORSHIP: 8:00 & SUNDAY SCHOOL THRIVENT COFFEE HOUR am AA 7pm AA 6:00 Confirmation 7:30 CHOIR EPISTLE DEADLINE 16 MEN S BREAK- FAST 7:30 AM 10 am RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 17 10am AA 18 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 19 WORSHIP: 8:00 & Outreach Meeting 11:45 THRIVENT WORKSHOP 12: ZACHARY S TABLE 5: am AA 7pm AA 6:00 Confirmation 7:30 CHOIR am RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 24 10am AA 25 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 26 WORSHIP: 8:00 & SUNDAY SCHOOL :00 PM CHURCH COUNCIL MARCH 1 ASH WEDNES- DAY SERVICE 7:00 pm

17 FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 17 WHERE AT ST. PAUL S CHURCH ARE WE? Can you locate where this picture was taken at St. Paul s? Look around to see if you can find the answer to this month s scavenger hunt. The answer will be in the March Epistle along with another picture to identify! HINT: The church would not sound as wonderful as it does without this key! Answer to January s Scavenger Hunt: This clockwise turning door handle to the outside of the church is located in Fellowship Hall opposite the choir room.

18 FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 75 ISSUE 2 ST. PAUL S LUTHERAN CHURCH 371 WOLCOTT HILL ROAD WETHERSFIELD, CT PASTOR: Rev. Hugh R. B. Haffenreffer Office: Cell: pastorh@stpaulswethersfield.org OFFICE MANAGER: Karen Landry Karen@stpaulswethersfield.org MINISTER OF MUSIC Melissa Cheyney SUPERINTENDANT OF SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL: Cathy Evans COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Russ Bengtson rbengt@sbcglobal.net COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT: Missy Cheyney missycheyney@yahoo.com COUNCIL SECRETARY: Jen Farley jlmbear@sbcglobal.net TREASURER: Roy Lewis FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Mary Procyk mprocyck@stpaulswethersfield.org