St. Paul s Epistle PASTOR S MONTHLY MESSAGE MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3. Our Journey to Easter: a liberating paradox.

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1 BUSINESS NAMEJ MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3 St. Paul s Epistle PASTOR S MONTHLY MESSAGE Our Journey to Easter: a liberating paradox. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries there was a leader of the Hasidic Jewish community in Poland by the name of Rabbi Simcha Bunem. Rabbi Simcha would always carry two slips of paper with him, one in each pocket. On one piece of paper were the words, Bishvili nivra haolam, which translates for my sake the world was created. On the other were the words, V anokhi afar v efer I am but dust and ashes. It is said that Rabbi Simcha would read the message written on each piece of paper as was needed. When times were challenging and he felt diminished by either the events surrounding him or the powers over him, he would take out the first. And when he felt a tinge of superiority over others, or forgot just how temporary this life was and how essential our reliance upon God is, he would take out the second. During Lent we have had the opportunity to reflect in various ways on these two truths: we have been blessed by a God who is overwhelmingly generous; who has created us in his image; who has claimed us as his children. We are also dust, and to dust we will one day return. It s a strange and paradoxical reality. Like two sides of a single coin they must be bound together or else they each lose their meaning. But, if we are honest, we would rather avoid any talk of dust or ashes. We are much more comfortable skipping over Lent (especially Good Friday) and going straight to Easter. But if we do so, we lose out. We waste an opportunity. We cannot celebrate the good news of Easter not fully if we haven t also come to terms with the reality of Good Friday. We cannot appreciate the extravagant nature of grace, if we have never fully grasped its costliness. It s like those two pieces of paper: If I carry only the first, the one that proclaims that the universe was created for me, I will end up feeling entitled, superior, smug, or worse. If I carry only the second, the one proclaiming that I am but dust and ash, I will end up stripped of hope, feeling worthless, useless or worse. Together they bring deeper meaning to my life. The tears of sorry that arise from my coming to terms with my having been broken by sin are transformed into tears of joy upon encountering the freedom of God s loving and restoring mercy. It s not too late to take advantage of the opportunities available this Lent. You owe it to yourself (and your God) to do so. Pr. Hugh.

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3 MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3 PAGE 3 Worship Opportunities in Lent, Holy Week and Easter Sundays and Thursdays: Winning With the Hand You re Dealt. Sundays, March 6 and 13 from 12:15 to 1:30 pm Our journey continues as we explore the last 2 cards that we ve been dealt by God in life: Consciousness (all the tapes that play in our heads and hearts that can sabotage our achieving the lives God wants for us) and Choices (the God-given ability to exercise free-will and intentionally choose how to play each of our cards in life). These sessions will be repeated each following Thursday (March 10 and 17) at from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Wednesday Evenings: Wednesday Evening Prayer. Wednesdays, March 2, 9 and 16 at 7:00 pm. We are using the Holden s Evening Prayer by Marty Haugen. The message for each Wednesday night will highlight a simple insight from that week s theme: God can transform the most challenging obstacle into a gracefilled opportunity (March 2); God can change our self-defeating attitudes and broken hearts into new and joyous ones (March 9); God gives us the gift of free will to make wise, faithful and healthful choices. Thursday Evenings: Thursday Evening Worship. Thursdays, March 3, 10 and 17 at 7:00 pm. Again, our week s theme is explored through a unique, multi-media worship experience. Drill down into each theme one more time during this hour of power. Holy Week: Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday: Sunday, March 20 at 8:00 and 10:30 am. Experience the paradox of the human heart as we begin with enthusiastic cheers of Hosanna! as we remember Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and then turn to jeers of Crucify him! as we join in the reading of the Passion Narrative Jesus arrest, trial, crucifixion and death. Maundy Thursday: Thursday, March 24 at 7pm. On the night in which he was betrayed... On Maundy (or Holy) Thursday we enter into the two dimensions of Jesus last evening with his friends: the Lord s Supper (as told by the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark and Luke) and the new command (in Latin, mandatum novum, from where we get the Maundy for this Thursday) to love one another as I have loved you. Good Friday: Friday, March 25 at 7 pm. Join us for a Tenebrae (Latin for shadows or darkness ) service where we meditate upon the traditional seven last words of Christ. As we journey through these words and ponder their meaning for our lives, the lights dim to signifying the extinguishing of the light of Christ. This is a journey into our own hearts, too. The Resurrection of our Lord: Easter Sunday: Sunday, March 27 at 8:00 and 10:30 am. Never have there been a more important greeting than The Lord is risen!, spoken by Jesus disciples. On Easter Sunday we gather to affirm that the light was not overcome by the darkness. That in Christ we are promised new and radiant lives. That no obstacle in life (not even death) can define our existence. Join us as we celebrate our new lives in Christ with words and songs and prayers! Our choir will sing at both services. Easter Breakfast: 9:00 10:30 AM

4 MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3 PAGE 4 A SPECIAL EASTER SUNDAY TRADITION We need your assistance in decorating the large Cross in the Sanctuary on Easter morning. Each family should bring in a single fresh flower to put on the Cross. Mark your calendars as a reminder and join in this St. Paul s tradition. Thank you! EASTER MEMORIAL GARDEN If you wish to purchase a plant for Easter Sunday, plants will be $12.00 each. Please have your order into the church office by March 13th, and indicate if you would like to keep your plant or wish to have it delivered to a church member in need of some cheer. Payment should be into the church office by March 13th. The order form can be find at the end of this Epistle. ORDER EARLY PLEASE AN ORDER FORM IS IN THE BACK OF THIS EPISTLE OR CAN BE FOUND AT CHURCH. EASTER SUNDAY BREAKFAST 9:00-10:30 Please contact Brian Beckwith or Debbie Viola if you would like to help on Saturday (set-up) or on Sunday. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall. Free Will Offering Join us for This Annual St. Paul s Tradition MARCH GOSPEL READINGS March 6th - Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32 March 13 John 12: 1-8 March 20th - Luke 22: 14-23:56 March 27th - Luke 24: 1-12

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6 MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3 PAGE 6 March 6th - MARCH ALTAR FLOWERS AND ETERNAL CANDLE March 13th - Craig & AnnMarie Pinney in memory of Craig s brother, Lain Pinney, on the one year anniversary of his passing (March 12, 2015) March 20th - Evans Family in honor of Haley and Elizabeth s 10th Birthday March 27th - Easter Memorial Garden Eternal Candle - Craig and AnnMarie Pinney in memory of Craig s brother, Lain Pinney, on the one year anniversary of his passing (March 12, 2015) Altar Flowers/Eternal Candle We are implementing a new format for signing up for altar flowers and the Eternal Candle: Sign your name on the flower chart located on the bulletin board in the hallway. Fill out a Flower/Eternal Candle request form located next to the flower chart. Return the completed form either to the bulletin board or place in the offering plate. Please return the form at least one week prior to requested date. Contact Debbie Howe or Karen Landry with any questions. Thanks! PRAYERS AND FINANCIAL HELP NEEDED Jerry and Joanna Hansen have started the next part of the medical journey moving them closer to the time when Jerry can have his heart surgery. They received the good news that all tests and procedures can be done in New Haven, Connecticut and they will not have to travel to Nashville, Tennessee as was originally thought. While most expenses will be covered, some, such as food and other miscellaneous expenses, will not. Joanna will be spending much of her time in New Haven with Jerry and will not be working during this time. If anyone would like to help out the Hansens with a financial contribution, they have set up a GoFundMe page where donations may be received: gofundme.com/jandj2015

7 MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3 PAGE 7 ADULT FELLOWSHIP In January, friends gathered to sample great cheese and interesting wines-a very pleasant evening. Our next Adult Fellowship will be an opportunity to see the spring musical performance by the Greater Hartford Academy Black Box Theater, 359 Washington Street, Hartford. We will car-pool as in the past and park in their free, safe facility located in the complex itself. WHAT : WEST SIDE STORY WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH AT 7:30 PM COST: $10.00 PER PERSON Please see Art or Carol Bruce to buy your ticket. More Details to Follow! Ladies, Looking for a little daily guidance and words for thought? Visit the website of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church ( and sign up for Daily Grace. These short daily s will give you the opportunity to reflect, pray and prepare for each day of your faith journey. BLESSING BAGS Our Sunday School is still collecting toiletries and other items for the Blessing Bags they will make for the homeless and those in need. With the items collected throughout the month of March, the kids will make bags that will be delivered to a local shelter. The first round of bags were distributed by our Sunday School families to individuals in need. Thanks for your generous support in the last few months and please give as you are able in March. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Farley. CHURCH CHAPTERS March 8th 6:30 Sue Agne s Home This month, we will be reading Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. It tells the story of two women, Vivian and Molly, one old and one young. The Orphan Train, which carried orphan children to adoptive families before the start of the Great Depression, played a part in the lives of both women. We learn their stories as they talk with each other throughout the novel. Books are reserved at the Wethersfield Public Library under St. Paul s Book Club. Upcoming Book: Sophie s Choice Please call Sue Agne for more information.

8 MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3 PAGE 8 ZACHARY S TABLE UPDATE February Zachary s Table was not as well attended as our previous meals but the hardy souls who did come out had a great meal. The weather was a factor as it was forecasted to be very rainy and windy and may have kept some folks in. We had a good number of volunteers (thanks everyone) and our guests were very appreciative of the meal as usual. The room looked festive with pink and red tablecloths for Valentine s Day - and each guest found some homemade candy at their place setting, thanks to Carol Farley. Donations continue to be generous and we seem to be continuing on our path to a selfsustaining operation. Thank you to those who keep giving to keep this ministry going forward. ST. PAUL S GIVING TREE As you know, we have been very lucky this winter with little snow. For the month of February, we chose the focus of snow removal. We will continue that focus for March since we never know living in New England what Mother Nature has planned for us! There will also be the monthly wild cards so please feel free to make a designated donation to a ministry of your choice. Thanks! MENS BREAKFAST Our Men s Breakfast continues to meet each month on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Denny s Restaurant in Wethersfield at 7:30 AM. Join in this fellow fellowship! PRAY FOR PEACE

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10 MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3 PAGE 10 UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. PAUL S CHURCH CHAPTERS MARCH 8th AT 6:30 SUE AGNE S HOME WEDNESDAY EVENING SERVICES 7:00 PM MARCH 2ND, 9TH, AND 16TH ZACHARY S TABLE TUESDAY, MARCH 15TH 5:00 PM HOLY WEEK SERVICES PALM SUNDAY MARCH 20TH-8:00 AND 10:30 AM EASTER EGG HUNT 12:00 PM MAUNDY THURSDAY MARCH 24TH-7:00 PM GOOD FRIDAY MARCH 25TH-7:00 PM EASTER MARCH 27TH 8:00 AND 10:30 AM EASTER BREAKFAST-9:00-10:15 WELCA SPRING GATHERING APRIL 30TH GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH IN BRISTOL ADULT FELLOWSHIP APRIL 30TH WEST SIDE STORY

11 MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3 PAGE 11 People serving in MARCH ACOLYTES: March 6- Cameron Cheyney&William Perry 13- Marina Perry 20 Brenda DeBlois 24- Needed (Maundy Thursday) 25- Needed (Good Friday) 27- Zach Parker & Ryan Farley ALTAR GUILD: Debbie Howe, Coordinator, March 6- Deb Howe & Mary Ann Mead 13 Bob Bowman & Bill Fischer, Jr. 20- Mary Procyk 24- Deb Howe & Bill Fischer, Jr. 25- Deb Howe & Mary Procyk 27- Deb Howe, Jennie Dotts, Winnie Sawrun & Ann French ASSISTING MINISTERS: March 6-8:00- Patty Bengtson 10:30- Jerry Vaillancourt 13-8:00- Debbie Viola 10:30- Mary Procyk 20-8:00- Art Bruce 10:30- Bill Fischer, Jr. 24- Bill Fischer, Jr. (Maundy Thurs) 27- Easter Sunday 8:00- Art Bruce 10:30- Patty Bengtson COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: Sue Agne, Coordinator, March 6- Curt Leonard 13- Carole Hughes 20- Dick Agne 24- Sue Agne (Maundy Thursday) 27- Sue Agne TAPING: Jan Pergande, Coordinator, March George Howe Thank you for your service FELLOWSHIP HOUR HOSTS: Winnie Sawrun, Coordinator March 6- Deb & George Howe 13- Patty & Russ Bengtson 20- Pam Speno & Steph Lohmann 27- Easter Breakfast FINANCE: Mary Procyk, Coordinator March 6- READERS: Heather Christiansen 13- Kathy DiMartino 20- Lillian Doerschler 24- Mary Procyk (Maundy Thursday) 25- Mary Procyk (Good Friday) 27- Mary Procyk Lillian Doerschler, Coordinator, March 6- Bill Fischer, Jr. 13- Carol Bruce 20- Jerry Vaillancourt 24- Sue Agne (Maundy Thursday) 25- Needed (Good Friday) 27-8:00 Joan Kratzer 10:30-Mary Procyk USHERS: Brian Beckwith, 8AM Coordinator; March Brian Beckwith Louise Lostocco, 10:30AM Coordinator, March 6- Russ Bengston & Dick Kratzer 13- Russ Bengtson & Mark Olson 20- Russ Bengtson & Mark Olson 24- Needed (Maundy Thursday) 25- Needed ( Good Friday) 27- Russ Bengtson & Mark Olson

12 M a rc h Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 6pm Confirmation 7pm AA EVENING PRAYER 7:45 Choir 10 am Recovery Bible Study Thursday Group LENTEN PROGRAM 7pm Worship 3 4 9am Salem Church 7:30 pm AA 5 WORSHIP: 8:00 & 10:30 12:15 LENTEN PROGRAM :30 CHURCH CHAPTERS 9 6pm Confirmation 7pm AA EVENING PRAYER 7:45 Choir 10 am Recovery Bible Study Thursday Group LENTEN PROGRAM 7pm Worship am Salem Church 7:30 pm AA WORSHIP: 8:00 & 10:30 SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:30 12:15 LENTEN PROGRAM :00 ZACH S TABLE EPISTLE DEADLINE 16 6pm Confirmation 7pm AA EVENING PRAYER 7:45 Choir 17 7:30 Men s Brkfst 10 am Recovery Bible Study Thursday Group LENTEN PROGRAM 7pm Worship 18 9am Salem Church 7:30 pm AA 19 PALM SUNDAY 20 WORSHIP: 8:00 & 10:30 SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:30 12:00: EGG HUNT EASTER WORSHIP: 8:00 & 10:30 EASTER BREAKFAST: 9:00-10: :30 Parish Admin 7:00 Council 23 6pm Confirmation 7pm AA 7:30 Choir pm Confirmation 7pm AA 7:30 Choir 10 am Recovery Bible Study Thursday Group 7:00 MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE :00 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 9am Salem Church 7:30 pm AA 26

13 St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church Wethersfield, CT I hereby agree that my photo can be taken and used in either The Epistle or the Website for the church s use only. If Applicable: I hereby agree that my child/children s photo can be taken and used in either The Epistle or the Website for the church s use only. Please list all family members and sign the form to give your permission for pictures to be taken and used as stated above. Print Name of Each Family Member Signature Please return to church and put in the offering plate or give to Erica DeBlois or Sue Agne. Thanks! 2016 Easter Memorial Garden - Easter Lily Order Form Given in memory of: Please print name(s) exactly as you want it (them) to appear Given by: Please print name(s) exactly as you want it (them) to appear Amount $ (Note: cost per plant is $12) Checks should be made to the order of St. Paul s Lutheran Church

14 MARCH 2016 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3 PAGE 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: debviola@stpaulswethersfield.org COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT: Russ Bengtson rbengt@sbcglobal.net COUNCIL SECRETARY: Sue Agne susanagne@yahoo.com TREASURER: Roy Lewis FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Mary Procyk mprcyck@stpaulswethersfield.org