BUSI NESS NAMEJ. St. Paul s Epistle

Transcription

1 OCTOBER 2018 BUSI NESS NAMEJ VOLUME 76 ISSUE 9 St. Paul s Epistle

2 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR BOB Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul s Church: With this article, I wish to extend a big THANK YOU to you, the people of St. Paul s. As I conclude my three months serving as your Pastor, I want you to know the depth of my gratitude for the many ways you have made me and Tricia feel so welcome! As Pastor Hugh returns from his sabbatical to continue his ministry as your Pastor, I will be reporting to him on what I observed here- a congregation with a deep commitment to one another and to the mission and future of this church! I have been impressed with a lot about this church in my brief time here. From what I understand, we had a good summer attendance wise. Your level of enthusiasm for worship was obvious and you were most supportive of my efforts in leading worship over these past few months. Your desire to engage in serious learning about our Christian faith and the applicability of what we believe to the way to seek to shape our lives has been noteworthy. From the earliest Adult Forums in July to the most recent ones in September, your desire to explore and reflect upon your faith has been absolutely praiseworthy- and certainly made my time very enjoyable! Now, I can t get into a lot of individual thanks because a. I would be using a lot of space and b. I might make a mistake and leave out a name! The bottom line is that so many of you in so many ways have been so kind to me and so very helpful in ways I hope and pray that you know. As I leave, I do so completely convinced that in this modern era of the church, a time of immense change and one in which traditional church institutions have struggled in so many ways, this Lutheran tradition, which is the heritage of this congregation, has the capacity to make enormous, significant, and necessary contributions to the work of Jesus, both around the world and in our local homes and communities. May you, the good people of St. Paul s, heirs of and willing participants in this tradition, enjoy a wonderful future! Keep me in your prayers, as you shall always be in mine. And, St. Paul s, as you move past this wonderful anniversary year into the future MAY YOU STAY FOREVER YOUNG! In Jesus always and with great thanks, Pastor Bob Rev. Dr. Robert R. LaRochelle Pastor Bob will be leaving us on September 30th. Pastor Hugh returns from his sabbatical on October 2nd.

3 A POEM FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT AND FOR PRAYER. Thought you might enjoy this, one of my favorite poems, as we enter these coming days of Fall and then Winter... The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod. And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things; And though the last lights off the black West went Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings. Many of you have asked about Pastor Bob's book CROSSING THE STREET. It will remain in circulation here at St. Paul's and, along with some other books he has written, are available for circulation here. They are on the bookshelf in our Fellowship Hall. Pastor Bob Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ Pastor Bob THANK YOU, PASTOR BOB, FOR LEADING AND NURTURING US DURING YOUR TIME HERE AT ST. PAUL S THESE LAST THREE MONTHS. WE WERE BLESSED TO HAVE HAD YOU AND TRICIA WITH US!

4 OCTOBER ALTAR FLOWERS AND ETERNAL CANDLE OCTOBER 7TH: Given to the Glory of God and in celebration of Raynah s 9th birthday by the Mourad family OCTOBER 14TH: Given to the Glory of God and in memory of Mom West by Mike and Kathy Coyle OCTOBER 21ST: Given to the Glory of God for the marriage celebration of Joshua and Felicia Viola by the Viola and Fischer families OCTOBER 28TH: Given to the glory of God by the Byrd Family OCTOBER ETERNAL CANDLE: Given by Craig and Ann Marie Pinney in memory of loved ones OCTOBER 7TH Mark 10: 2-16 OCTOBER 14TH OCTOBER GOSPEL READINGS Mark 10: OCTOBER 21ST Mark 10: OCTOBER 28TH-REFORMATION SUNDAY John 8: 31-36

5 OCTOBER 2018 STOCKHOLDERS DINNER Join us for our Tex-Mex adventure to the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering Stock Holders' Dinner planned for November 2, We'll tell you how we learned about God's call, love, hope, grace and Jesus changes everything. Hope to see you there! Didn't buy stock but still want to come? See Autumn, Marina or Brenda and they can provide you with a certificate for $10 a share.

6 A BIG THANK YOU to Julie Perry and Kim Parsons for getting Sunday School started. We had a blessing of backpacks on September 16th. The kids received a tag they could put on their backpacks for the school year. Please return registration forms to Alice Ruppar. Be sure to include the photo permission. Thank you!! CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS STARTING SOON! Watch for start up plans for Confirmation, acolyte training and, at a later time in the year, for First Communion instruction. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS DATES The first Sunday of each month is Family Sunday. Our church school children can sign up to shadow our worship service volunteers. October 7, 14, 28 November 4,11, 25 December 2,9 Christmas program practice begins December 16 Christmas Program No classes in January OCTOBER 7th IS FAMILY SUNDAY with the children singing Vacation Bible Camp songs. Let's welcome Pastor Hugh back singing with spirit and energy. Thank you, Missy! Sunday School class will be held October 14th and 28th. Classes will not be held every week. Please sign up to do your part each week and for Family Sunday. Thank you from, Julie Perry Kim Parsons Alice Ruppar CAN YOU HELP ORGANIZE A FUNDRAISER FOR OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM?? If there is anyone who would be able to plan a fundraiser, please contact Julie Perry, Kim Parsons or Alice Ruppar. We have previously held fundraisers at Rita's, Friendly's and Bertucci's. These food evenings have worked well and provided family time for all while supporting our Sunday School. Please consider helping!!

7 CHILDREN ARE OUR GREATEST TREASURE. THEY ARE OUR FUTURE. - NELSON MANDELA St. Paul s Youth Join us after the second service Sunday, October 28, 2018 to discuss current opportunities and brainstorm what activities the youth would like to do this school year. After the meeting we ll go on an outing of the youth s choice (bowling, mini golfing etc). Lunch and snacks will be provided. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Lynne Matteson or Erica DeBlois

8 ZACHARY S TABLE 5:00 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH Join us for our free community monthly meal in the lower PE building EXTRA HANDS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED! MEN S BREAKFAST 7:30 AM OCTOBER 18TH Denny s Restaurant, Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield Join with the men of our congregation for food and fellowship! THE NOVEMBER EPISTLE DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 21ST 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 THERE WILL BE ONE SERVICE ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH AT 9:30 FOR OUR ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL BUDGET MEETING KATHY DIMARTINO HAS A NEW LAST NAME! Please make the change in the directory to Kathy Routhier. ST. PAUL S ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE will be completing work on creating the flash drive of our 75th celebration. We will get a copy to those of you who requested one as soon as they are done! Thanks for your patience! ST. PAUL S PAINTING PARTY COMING IN OCTOBER Our Fellowship Hall is in need of sprucing up! The walls need to be painted and we are hoping to have it looking shiny and bright in time for our Fall Fair. Please watch for the date to be announced-we need your help to get this done!

9 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY On Sunday, November 4th, we will celebrate All Saints Sunday. The service will be in honor of those who have passed away since November If there is a friend or relative you wish to remember who has passed away in the last year, please write their name along with your name (so we can verify spelling) on the sheet provided in Fellowship Hall by October 28th. You may also call the church office to add a name to the list. These names will be read during the service on Sunday. In addition, if you would like to place a white rose near the altar on All Saints Sunday in memory of ANY loved one who has died (not just in the last year), please enclose a $3.00 donation in an envelope marked with your dedication and name. Please return it to the church office by October 28th. House of Flora has been kind enough to provide the roses. CONGREGATIONAL 2019 BUDGET MEETING ON NOVEMBER 4TH St. Paul s congregation will gather on Sunday, November 4th for our annual budget meeting. There will be one service at 9:30. The budget will be available to church members two weeks before on October 21st and October 28th. Please plan to attend this important meeting as we look ahead to another blessed year here doing God s work through the members of St. Paul s. Finance - Counters needed The third quarter report on your contributions will come out in October. Please check to make sure you are on track and everything is accurate BEFORE the end of the year. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR COUNTING! Are you looking for another way to serve the church? If you like working with figures (or maybe just don t mind numerical calculations), this is an opportunity for you. On a given Sunday it requires one to two hours of time to open all of the envelopes, add the items up on the calculator and make the weekly deposit to the bank. I need more counters right now because I try to have enough counters so that each person has only four/five Sundays per year. If you will give it a try, you will be given as much help/instructions as you want until you feel comfortable doing it on your own. If you could give it a try, please call or see me before Thanksgiving. A huge thank you to my many faithful counters. Without you, it would not be possible!! God bless you. Mary Procyk

10 OCTOBER 2018 St. Paul s 2018 HOLIDAY FAIR Saturday November 17th 9am 2pm Planning has already begun for this year s fair. Please keep the date open and consider being a part of the fun and festivities. There are many ways to support the fair: prior to, during, or afterwards. Please find the sign-up sheets attached on the whiteboard in the Fellowship Hall. We are also currently accepting gently used items, including jewelry for Grandma s Attic up until November 11th (please no clothes, furniture, or tools). If you would like more information please feel free to attend our next planning meeting on October 14th or contact: Wm. Fischer, Jr. Thank you, The Holiday Fair Committee PLEASE CONTACT DEBBIE VIOLA IF YOU CAN HELP OUT IN THE KITCHEN ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE FAIR OR ON SATURDAY DURING THE FAIR. THANK YOU!

11 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AUGUST 2018 MEETING Finance: Funds were received at the end of June from the Schnabel Account. Discussion on Fair Funds remaining and how money will be allocated and distributed. Property: We are saving money on electricity because of the solar panels. Three bids were received for repaving of the driveway; Highland Paving was chosen. The congregation will be asked to vote in September after two weeks notice is given regarding the vote ($5700 is more than council can approve). Damages to curbs and asphalt have been repaired. A new snow plowing service will be chosen for this coming winter. Pastor s Report: Pastor Bob presented his written report to the council. Outreach: Blanket making workshop for Soldier s Angels went well in July next one is planned for September 23rd. Communication: Erica DeBlois is continuing her work on creating the new website. Hospitality: Summer concerts were enjoyed; the committee will be meeting at the end of September to plan events for the fall. Christian Education: Alice Ruppar distributed a Sunday School schedule; there is a big age gap among the active students. 1st Sunday of each month is Family Sunday; 2nd and 4th Sundays will be Sunday School classes. Jen Baldoni resigned as Coordinator-Alice serving for the interim. Funds are needed for materials. Worship and Music: Acolytes announcement; new member for Altar Guild; plans for year s services were announced. Old Business Follow-up on prospective members with Pastor Hugh when he returns Summary still needed on Synod Assembly Vacation Bible Camp was a success for the 5 children that attended Summary coming on the Youth Assembly in Houston More discussion and vetting needed for the Youth Theater proposal

12 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AUGUST 2018 MEETING, Cont d New Business: 2 lights will be repaired Tim Malinguaggio said the state needs to issue a permit for the chair lift installation Budget Workshops will be set up with the goal of having the 2019 proposed budget available on October 21st and October 28th for the congregation to review before the meeting on November 4th. A new contract has been signed with Salem Church. The Mutual Ministry Committee should resume regular meetings with Pastor Hugh. It is led by the vice president and includes the council member and two members of the congregation. The regular discussions with Pastor Hugh are designed to learn how best to support the Pastor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 PM. SOLDIER'S ANGELS BLANKET UPDATE Thank you to everyone who stayed after church on September 23rd to help with the blanket project. We made 13 more no-sew fleece blankets that will be sent to members of the military who have been injured while serving our country. It was another successful day of service and fellowship! Stay tuned... We still have fleece to make several more blankets so watch for more details in the coming months. Thank you again to all who have supported this project! THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE

13 OCTOBER 2018 AS SEEN RECENTLY AT ST. PAUL S

14 UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. PAUL S BUDGET WORKSHOP OCTOBER 2ND 5:30 PM ZACHARY S TABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH 5:00 PM WORSHIP AND MUSIC MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH 6:30 PM HOLIDAY DATES 11/25 DECORATE THE CHURCH FOR ADVENT 12/2 CHRISTMAS CAROLING 12/16 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 12/24 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 5:00 9:00 MEN S BREAKFAST THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18TH 7:30 AM Denny s in Wethersfield YOUTH MEETING SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28TH 12:00 PM ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL BUDGET MEETING ONE SERVICE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH 9:30 AM ST. PAUL S ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17TH 9:00-2:00 CHRISTMAS CAROLING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2ND TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED

15 October 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT :30 PM Budget Workshop CHOIR 7:30 PM 10am AA 7pm AA 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY THURSDAY GROUP 10am AA 6:45PM AA 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA Worship: 8:00 & 10:30AM FAMILY SUNDAY CHOIR 7:30 PM 10am AA 7pm AA 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY THURSDAY GROUP 10am AA 6:45PM AA 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA Worship: 8:00 & 10:30AM Sunday School: OUTREACH MTG 11:45 AM 5:00 ZACHARY S TABLE 6:30 WORSHIP &MUSIC MTG CHOIR 7:30 PM 10am AA 7pm AA Mens Brkfst 7:30 AM 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY THURSDAY GROUP 5:30 PM AA 10am AA 6:45PM AA 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 21 Worship: 8:00 & 10:30AM Council Meeting 7:00 PM 24 CHOIR 7:30 PM 10am AA 7pm AA 25 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY THURSDAY GROUP 26 10am AA 6:45PM AA 279am SALEM CHURCH 4:00 SALEM CHURCH PROGRAM 7:30 pm AA Worship: CHOIR 7:30 PM 8:00 & 10:30AM 10am AA Sunday School: 7pm AA REFORMATION SUNDAY 12:00 Youth Meeting

16 MEMBERS IN SERVICE - OCTOBER 2018 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE DATE OCTOBER 7TH OCTOBER 14TH OCTOBER 21ST OCTOBER 28TH NOVEMBER 4TH ASSISTING MINISTER 8:00 AM Deb Viola 8:00 AM Donna Camillo 8:00 AM Mike Coyle 8:00 AM Kathy Coyle ONE SERVICE 9:30 Kathy Coyle Jerry Vaillancourt Bill Fischer, Jr Mary Procyk Deb Viola COMMUNION ASSISTANT Curt Leonard Sue Agne Jeanette Serafine Walter Ruppar Rick Seip READER Carol Bruce Bill Fischer, Jr. Joan Kratzer Jeanette Serafine Mary Procyk ALTAR GUILD Mary Procyk Marlene Mourad Jennie & Chuck Dotts Mary Procyk Patty Bengtson Deb Howe Lynne Matteson ACOLYTE Sasha Schake TBA TBA TBA TBA COUNTER Heather Christenson Mike Coyle Mary Procyk Lillian Doerschler Mary Procyk USHERS 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM Brian Beckwith Brian Beckwith Brian Beckwith Brian Beckwith Brian Beckwith Brenda & Autumn DeBlois Brenda & Autumn DeBlois Brenda & Autumn DeBlois Brenda & Autumn DeBlois Curt Leonard Walter Ruppar FELLOWSHIP Mike & Kathy Coyle Mary Procyk MaryAnn Mead Jan Pergande Jackie Fischer DeBlois Family Patty & Russ Bengtson TAPING Jan Pergande Jan Pergande Jan Pergande Jan Pergande Autumn DeBlois

17 WHERE AT ST. PAUL S CHURCH ARE WE? Can you find this month s featured part of St. Paul s? The answer will be in the November Epistle. ANSWER TO LAST MONTH S MYSTERY: This is one of the tall straight leaves on the snake plant (also known as Mother-in Law s tongue ) standing in the corner of Fellowship Hall nearest the class door to the outside. It s near the pink chairs.

18 OCTOBER 2018 VOLUME 76 ISSUE 9 ST. PAUL S LUTHERAN CHURCH 371 WOLCOTT HILL ROAD WETHERSFIELD, CT PASTOR: Rev. Hugh Haffenreffer Office: Cell: pastor@st.paulswethersfield.org OFFICE MANAGER: Jo-Ann Formica Jo-Ann@stpaulswethersfield.org MINISTER OF MUSIC Melissa Cheyney SUPERINTENDANT OF SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL: Alice Ruppar (interim) 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