JUNE 2018 VOLUME 76 ISSUE 6 BUSINESS NAMEJ. St. Paul s Epistle YEARS ABOUNDING IN GRACE, FAITH AND LOVE

Transcription

1 BUSINESS NAMEJ JUNE 2018 VOLUME 76 ISSUE 6 St. Paul s Epistle YEARS ABOUNDING IN GRACE, FAITH AND LOVE

2 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR HUGH As I Prepare for My Sabbatical As most know, I am soon to start a 3-month sabbatical. It will start on Sunday, July 1 and end on Sunday, September 30. During that time, the Rev. Dr. Robert LaRochelle, Pastor Bob, will be your acting pastor. I know that you will welcome him warmly. I admit that I am a bit jealous that you will get to have him as your pastor! From the moment I first met him I realized that he is a very kind, loving and nurturing person and a really great pastor. So, enjoy! Why a sabbatical now? The ELCA and the New England Synod have had a long-standing policy that pastors are entitled to a 3-month sabbatical after every 4 years of full-time ministry. I took my first sabbatical during the summer of 2005, after having served for nearly 7 years at St. Paul s. My second came 7 years after that, in This sabbatical is coming 6 years after the last. What is different this time is that I have a very specific goal in mind. During the three months that I will be away, I will be working full-time in order to complete a doctor of ministry degree that I began nearly a decade ago. (No, this will not be a vacation. It will be three months of intense and focused work.) In the event some may not know what the focus of my doctoral work is, it is about bringing the spiritual wealth of the church to support those who are in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. 12 Step programs like A.A. consider themselves to be spiritual without being religious. Thus, while God is mentioned in 12-Step recovery, it is without any specific theological or biblical content. God, in A.A., can be any power greater than myself. What I have discovered over the past 6 plus years is just how hungry people are for something more. They may be turned off to the institutional church, but they are still starving for some spiritual connection and theological content. While my focus was initially on those who are seeking spiritual support in their recovery, who tend to attend recovery meetings in the basements of our churches, I have learned that when you do this work, the worshiping community that meets on Sundays also benefits. While some who attend 12 Step meetings also attend church, many, perhaps most, do not. And those who don t can be divided into two groups: those who never will and those who just might if they are given the opportunity to explore the faith of the church in a safe space. That is what the Bible Study that I have lead for over 6 years has allowed. And I didn t start it with this in mind. Once people come to realize that studying the Bible and exploring the theological riches of the church can make a real difference in their lives, they tend to want more. And if they find a community of church-goers who will welcome them and love them... then they will actually start to join in themselves. And, by the way, this is what has been happening here at St. Paul s. When my 3 months are completed, I am hoping that I will have a finished D. Min. Project ready to be defended. I also am hoping that I will have some teaching materials that will be ready for publishing. It is my eventual hope that other congregations will want to start this kind of ministry for themselves. Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare for this wonderful opportunity that begins in less than one month! Pastor Hugh

3 ST. PAUL S CELEBRATES 75 YEARS On Sunday, June 3rd, our congregation will celebrate its 75th anniversary. One worship service is planned for 10:30 with a luncheon to follow at the Wethersfield Country Club. A NOTE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH We received this note from Trinity Episcopal: Congratulations on your 75th anniversary! It has been such a joy to work and worship with you in our little corner of the Lord s vineyard. We are looking forward to many more years of serving God together. Trinity Episcopal We also received a $75 donation to go along with these kinds words. Helen Peterson is currently living with her daughter Lynn in Vermont. She is doing very well and would love to hear from her St. Paul s family either by sending her a note or by giving her a call. Helen s mailing address at her daughter s home is: Helen Peterson c/o Lynn Maiorani 82 Windy Ridge Road Charlotte VT The home phone is (802)

4 WE WELCOME PASTOR BOB TO OUR ST. PAUL S FAMILY The Rev. Dr. Robert LaRochelle Acting Pastor July 1 September 30, 2018 Home Address and Contact Information: 8 Acorn Drive Broad Brook, CT (860) cell rpbksl@cox.net

5 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR BOB As you know, Pastor Hugh will be on sabbatical from July 1 through the end of September. During that time, I will be providing pastoral services and support here at St. Paul s. I look forward to meeting you at the 75th anniversary celebrations on June 3 which my wife Tricia and I will be attending. I am writing this brief article both as a way of introducing myself and of providing you with information about contacting me during the time I will be serving among you. Over the past year, I have been doing a lot of supply preaching in churches throughout the state. Prior to that, I most recently served as Pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Windsor from late 2014 through the end of August in I have also served as pastor of churches ( UCC) in Union, Connecticut ( 11 ½ years) and Manchester ( 2 years). My service as pastor in Windsor was approved by Bishop Hazelwood under the provisions of the Formula of Agreement between the ELCA and several other ecumenical partners. My own ecumenical roots are quite deep, having been raised a Roman Catholic, ordained a Catholic clergyperson ( Permanent Deacon) and serving as a teacher and Counselor in Catholic high schools as well as a Christian Education Director and Youth Minister in several Catholic churches in the Greater Hartford area. My journey into Protestantism is detailed in a book I wrote entitled Crossing the Street. This book is intended to express what I firmly believe- that we as Christians need to seek UNITY with one another. This intentional thrust toward Christian unity is one of the great gifts Lutheran Christianity offers the universal church and it is a joy for me to serve within a tradition so wonderfully ecumenical! In addition to my service within the church, I have also had a career of over forty years in education, including nearly thirty years as a Counselor in public schools as well as in Catholic schools as described above. During my years in education, I have also spent a good deal of time coaching. I have served both as a varsity basketball and baseball coach, with baseball being my primary athletic interest. In the interest of full disclosure, I am an incorrigible Red Sox fan! My wife Tricia and I were married in 1980 in Wethersfield at Sacred Heart Church and we have three adult children and one granddaughter. I was born and raised in Putnam, Connecticut and am a graduate of Marianapolis Preparatory School. I hold degrees from the College of the Holy Cross (where I did extensive study in Martin Luther under the tutelage of a Lutheran pastor/professor), Boston College, Central Connecticut and a Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary. In addition to the book I mentioned above, I have written six other books on a variety of religious topics. They are all accessible online ( My author page is available at When I begin here on July 1, I will be sure to provide SPECIFIC INFORMATION to you regarding when I will be holding office hours. I will also be available by appointment as well. Those who know me will tell you that I am quite accessible by telephone, text and . My cell phone number is and my is rpbksl@cox.net. I am excited about serving this wonderful church. I have had several meetings with Pastor Hugh and met with Church Council a few months back. I look forward to getting started and to having the opportunity to get to know you and to serve you in this wonderful community of Christian faith! In Jesus always, Pastor Bob LaRochelle Rev. Dr. Robert R. LaRochelle

6 JUNE 3RD: JUNE ALTAR FLOWERS AND ETERNAL CANDLE Given to the Glory of God and for God s gift of Erica on her 22nd birthday by the DeBlois family. JUNE 10TH : JUNE 17TH: JUNE 24TH: Given to the Glory of God and in celebration of and grateful for our 60th wedding anniversary by Gary and Carole Hughes Given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Todd Bruce by Carol Bruce and in honor of our 45th wedding anniversary by Dick and Sue Agne Available for Donations JUNE ETERNAL CANDLE: Available for donation JUNE GOSPEL READINGS JUNE 3RD: Matthew 25: JUNE 10TH: Mark 3:20-35 JUNE 17TH Mark 4: JUNE 24TH Luke 1:57-67 (68-80) DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO REAP THE BENEFITS FROM OUR SOLAR PANELS! A BIG THANK YOU TO BRIAN BECKWITH I just have to express a heartfelt thank you to Brian Beckwith on behalf of everyone at St.Paul's for the excellent repair of the railing at the rear of the P.E. Bldg. It was damaged a while back by an unknown party, (no one has come forward to take the blame), so he and a co-worker came down and fixed it. If you didn't know it had been hit, you would never know it had been repaired. I don't mean to embarrass him, but people need to know...things don't fix themselves; we have people like Brian doing things all the time around St.Paul's helping to keep us up and running. God's grace at work. Russ THE LAST ELECTRIC BILL WAS $ THE LATEST BILL IS $56.00!!!!

7 ZACHARY S TABLE 5:00 PM TUESDAY, JUNE 19TH Join us for our free community monthly meal in Fellowship Hall MEN S BREAKFAST 7:30 AM JUNE 21ST Denny s Restaurant, Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield Join with the men of our congregation for food and fellowship! THE SUMMER EPISTLE DEADLINE IS JUNE 17TH Please get your articles to Sue Agne no later than the third Sunday of the month. Items can be ed to me at: susanagne@yahoo.com WE START OUR SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH. THERE WILL BE ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT. ST. PAUL S SUMMER FELLOWSHIP Watch for more details to come on a few fellowship ideas during June, July and August. We are planning on attending some free town musical concerts as well as a Bees baseball game in New Britain. We are confirming dates and will make them available soon. Please contact Carol Bruce or Sue Agne for more information or to share any fellowship ideas you would like to see at St. Paul s. CONGRATULATIONS, ERICA! Erica DeBlois graduated Cum Laude from the Honors Program at Central Connecticut State University on 5/19/2018 with a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Congratulations to her on her amazing accomplishments! WE HAVE A NEW OFFICE MANAGER! We welcome Jo-ann Formica to St. Paul s as our new office manager. Jo-ann will start Tuesday, June 5th. Her office hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00-2:00. Stop by and say hello!

8 WE WISH BRENDA, AUTUMN, MARINA AND THEIR CHAPERONE KIM PARSONS SAFE TRAVELS AND GODSPEED ON THEIR JOURNEY TO HOUSTON AS THEY HEAD TO THE YOUTH CONVENTION! THANK YOU LADIES FOR REPRESENTING ST. PAUL S AT THIS YEAR S GATHERING! VACATION BIBLE CAMP Music, Games, Bible Adventures and More! Monday-Thursday * June 25-June 28 5:30 Dinner 6:00-8:00 Camp Open to Ages 4 thru completed 5th grade $25 child/$40 family Bring a friend! Don t miss the fun! Completed 6th grade thru adult are invited to be chaperones Registration Deadline is Sunday, June 3rd

9 SAVE THE DATE! Holiday Fair Saturday November 17, AM 2PM Come one Come all To a Holiday Fair planning meeting on: Sunday June 10 th (after the 9:30am church service) Planning for St. Paul s highly anticipated annual Holiday Fair is well underway. We would love for you to join us and share your thoughts/ ideas. Chairpersons are needed for various booths. If you would like to learn more about the fair, participate on fair day, share your time, talent(s), and treasure(s) please considering joining us on Sunday June 10 th as we prepare for this year s fair. Donations are currently being accepted for Grandma s Attic. All Are Welcome! Thank you, The Holiday Fair Committee

10 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE APRIL 2018 MEETING Finance: No unusual items were noted in the financial summary of the budget. Offering envelopes for 2019 will be ordered by Mary to take advantage of an early order discount. Property: Several property items will be addressed and repaired: light bulbs for outside lights, noises from the furnace will be investigated, the lower door by the ramp will be repaired. The trees branches hanging onto our property from the neighbor s yard will be trimmed by Emil Bengtson. Pastor s Report: Pastor will use some vacation time in May and June. Pastor will attend the Synod Assembly June 7-9th. There are 7 prospective members to bring into membership at St. Paul s. Outreach: The third anniversary of Zach s table is coming up in May. Russ puts the message sign outside each week help would be appreciated. Christian Education: Sunday School kids did an Earth Day clean-up. Kim Parsons and Julie Evans are the only two teachers and they need help-there is a wide age range of kids; online curriculum is currently used would paper be better? Cost comparison will be investigated. New Business: Carol Bruce donated Calumet Camperships in memory of Arthur and a letter was sent to St. Paul s. Karen Landry resigned to take a new position. A committee was formed to find a replacement. A recognition gift will be given to Karen for her service to St. Paul s. The church s insurance policy has been updated at a lesser cost ($225) for workman s comp insurance. An updated list of contactable persons for local law enforcement and the fire department will be updated. Next Meeting is May 22nd.

11 JUNE 2018 AS SEEN RECENTLY AT ST. PAUL S THANKS TO GEORGE AND DEB HOWE FOR HANGING THE RED BANNERS ON THE ALTAR. THANKS TO OUR THURSDAY GARDEN ANGELS (BOB, JAN AND LILLIAN) WHO KEEP OUR SPRING FLOWERS AND BUSHES LOOKING BEAUTIFUL!

12 JUNE 2018 AS SEEN RECENTLY AT ST. PAUL S THANKS PATTY, DANIELLA AND LYNNE FOR FIXING THE WALL LIGHT IN FELLOWSHIP HALL. WE THANKED KAREN LANDRY FOR HER SERVICE AS OUR OFFICE MANAGER FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS. A PLAQUE ON A WOODEN TABLE ON THE ALTAR.

13 ARE YOU MISSING A JACKET OR A COAT? Check the hangars in our coat rack hallway. There are some items waiting to be claimed! WHO AM I? I AM A CHILD OF GOD. WHAT AM I? I AM LOVED BY GOD. WHY AM I? I AM HERE TO SPREAD GOD S LOVE.

14 UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. PAUL S ST. PAUL S 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SUNDAY, JUNE 3RD 10:30 SERVICE 12:30 LUNCHEON NEW ENGLAND SYNOD ASSEMBLY JUNE 7-9TH WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS WE SWITCH TO OUR SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE ON JUNE 10TH. ONE SERVICE AT ZACHARY S TABLE Tuesday, JUNE 19th 5:00 PM MEN S BREAKFAST Thursday, JUNE 21st 7:30 AM Denny s in Wethersfield VACATION BIBLE CAMP JUNE 25-28TH 5:30-8:00

15 June 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 9am SALEM CHURCH ANNIVERSARY GATHERING 6:30-8:30 PM 7:30 pm AA 3 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 10:30 SERVICE 12:30 LUNCHEON am AA 7pm AA CHOIR: 7:30 PM 7 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 8 9 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA SYNOD ASSEMBLY Worship: Fair Planning Mtg 10:15 AM 10am AA 7pm AA 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 17 Worship: OUTREACH MTG 10:15AM :00 ZACHARY S TABLE WORSHIP & MUSIC MTG 6:30 PM 7:00 PM COUNCIL MTG 20 10am AA 7pm AA 21Mens Brkfst 7:30 AM 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 24 Worship: :00 PM PARISH ADMIN & COUNCIL MTG 27 10am AA 7pm AA 2810:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA VACATION BIBLE CAMP 5:30 8:00 PM ELCA YOUTH CONVENTION HOUSTON, TEXAS 6/27-7/1

16 MEMBERS IN SERVICE - JUNE 2018 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE DATE JUNE 3RD JUNE 10TH JUNE 17TH JUNE 24TH JULY 1ST ASSISTING MINISTER ONE SERVICE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 10:30 AM Deb Viola Bill Fischer, Jr. Patty Bengtson Deb Viola Mary Procyk COMMUNION ASSISTANT Walter Ruppar Joan Kratzer Curt Leonard Sue Agne Walter Ruppar READER Carol Bruce George Howe Lillian Doerschler Jerry Vaillancourt Deb Viola ALTAR GUILD Patty Bengtson Mary Procyk Deb Howe Mary Ann Mead & Deb Howe Bob Bowman Bill Fischer, Jr. ACOLYTE Zachary Parker No Acolytes during summer worship COUNTER Heather Christensen Mike Coyle Mary Procyk Lillian Doerschler Mike Coyle USHERS 10:30 AM George & Deb Howe George & Deb Howe George & Deb Howe George & Deb Howe TBA Curt Leonard Brian Beckwith FELLOWSHIP 75th Anniversary Luncheon Youth Mary Ann Mead & Lillian Doerschler Patty & Russ Bengtson Dick and Sue Agne TAPING Walter Ruppar Walter Ruppar Walter Ruppar Walter Ruppar No Summer Taping

17 JUNE 2018 WHERE AT ST. PAUL S CHURCH ARE WE? Answer to the May Scavenger Hunt: These are the solar panels on the Parish Education building roof that have already shown some savings on our electric bill. WHERE AT ST. PAUL S ARE WE WILL RETURN IN SEPTEMBER!!

18 JUNE 2018 VOLUME 76 ISSUE 6 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: Jennifer Baldoni COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Dick Agne agne23@yahoo.com COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT: Jerry Hansen jerryhansen1957@gmail.com COUNCIL SECRETARY: Rick Seip rlseip@aol.com TREASURER: Roy Lewis FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Mary Procyk mprocyck@stpaulswethersfield.org