St. Paul s Epistle. An Educational Opportunity for Your Pastor

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1 BUSINESS NAMEJ St. Paul s Epistle An Educational Opportunity for Your Pastor Starting this month I will be taking a course at Hartford Seminary called "Contemporary Religious Trends." As the course description explains, "The contemporary religious world is in a rapid state of flux. With increasing urbanization/suburbanization, emigrating populations and technological advances all adding to continual mission activities, the spiritual contours of the globe are undergoing significant shifts." The question that this course will help answer is, In what ways is the church, especially in North America, being affected/shaped by these changes? And, more importantly, In what ways are we, followers of Jesus (aka the Church) being called by God to respond to these changes? For many years we have asked these very questions. Specifically, we've asked what St. Paul's, as a community of faith, should be doing to respond to the "trends" that have impacted us. It's not only the contemporary "religious" world that is in a rapid state of flux, it is the "world" in general that often seems out of control. And the more things change "out there" the more important it becomes for each of us to renew our faithful walk with God. It is my hope that this course will help both my ability to understand the "trends" that are impacting faith communities in general and St. Paul's in particular. With greater clarity regarding these "contemporary religious trends" we will be better able to navigate our way through them. But there is more to the story. Many may remember that 8 years ago I began a Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) program at Hartford Seminary. For 2 years I worked hard to discern a "project" that could be implemented at St. Paul's and that would serve as the basis for my "dissertation." I failed in that effort. Together we tried a wide variety of programs, initiatives, and the like that never really took hold. After 2 years I withdrew from the program frustrated that I couldn't come up with a meaningful "project" and disappointed with myself for having failed. While I thought my doctoral days were over, God clearly had other plans. As most of us know, in March of 2012 I was invited to start a Bible study for people who were in recovery. The idea was that it would be based on the 12 Steps (with a new step each week). With a bit of apprehension, I agreed to do so. Over the next 4-1/2 years this unanticipated outreach ministry took shape, grew larger and wider, drew in more and more people and actually began to have a direct and positive impact upon the spiritual life of St. Paul's itself. During this time, I never thought of this ministry as having anything to do with my abandoned D. Min. program. It was only when a friend and colleague of mine attended one of our Recovery Bible Studies that it was revealed to me that I needed to complete my doctorate. My colleague (a tenured professor in his own right) would convince me that our Recovery Bible study was unique, powerful, and needed to be shared with the church at large. The Bible Study itself should become the basis of the "D. Min. Project" that had eluded me previously. With the course I'll be starting a week from tomorrow, I will be "dipping my toe in the water," so to speak, once again. If all goes well and I am able to find a way to balance my life, my ministry along with my studies... I'll be taking a 2nd course in January. As I have learned from the Recovery Bible Study... I need to take things "one step at a time." Pr. Hugh Haffenreffer

2 SEPTEMBER ALTAR FLOWERS AND ETERNAL CANDLE SEPTEMBER 4TH - Given by the DeBlois family in honor of God s gift of Autumn on her 15th birthday and for the gift of Hayden on his 2nd birthday SEPTEMBER 11TH - Available for donations SEPTEMBER 18TH - Given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Dorothea Matteson by Doreen and Lynne Matteson SEPTEMBER 25TH - Available for donations ETERNAL CANDLE - Given by the Ruppar family in loving memory of Rev. William and Helen Ruppar SEPTEMBER GOSPEL READINGS September 4th - Luke 14:25-33 September 11th - Luke 15: 1-10 September 18th - Luke 16:1-13 September 25th Luke 16: LUKE 16:10: WHOEVER IS FAITHFUL IN A VERY LITTLE IS FAITHFUL ALSO IN MUCH; AND WHOEVER IS DIS- HONEST IN A VERY LITTLE IS DISHON- EST ALSO IN MUCH CONFIRMATION CLASSES STARTING UP AGAIN Confirmation classes will be held on Tuesday evenings this year, beginning on Tuesday, September 20th.

3 ST. PAUL S FALL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN We will begin discussing our Stewardship/ Pledge campaign for There will be a meeting on Tuesday September 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Anyone who is interested in helping with this campaign is invited to come to the meeting. If you have any questions, you can speak with a council member. OCTOBER 2, 2016 IS PLEDGE SUNDAY CHURCH CHAPTERS The first meeting of St. Paul s Book Club for the fall season will be on Tuesday, October 18th at the home of Sue Agne. We will be discussing the book Brooklyn by Colin Tobin. It tells the story of Ellis Lacey as she arrives in the United States shortly after World War II leaving her family behind in Ireland. Church Chapters members are urged to find the book at local libraries on their own and share when possible. Join us for friendly discussion and great fellowship! ZACHARY S TABLE SEPTEMBER 20TH 5:00 pm Join us for our monthly community meal in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome! MENS S BREAKFAST Thursday, September 15th at 7:30 Denny s in Wethersfield OUR COUNTRY STORE Did you know that our Country Store takes requests for goodies?? There is a notebook in the store where you can write in your suggestions for the store, or make a request for something you would like to have added to the shelves! Perhaps you have something special you would like to donate to the store for sale on a Sunday morning! Contact Carol Farley or Deb Viola if this is something that you can do. Thanks! Be sure to shop each Sunday as the store gears up for the arrival of Fall! PRAY FOR PEACE

4 ST.PAUL S ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC September 11, 2016 Noon 3:00 P.M. Provided...Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Buns, Drinks, Plates, Napkins, Cups and Plasticware. BRING A PAN OF SOMETHING TO SHARE AND A CAN OR NON-PERISHABLE ITEM TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FOOD PANTRY. KID S GAMES GOOD FOOD GREAT FELLOWSHIP! SIGN UP TODAY SHEETS ARE ON THE WHITE BOARDS IN FELLOWSHIP HALL JOIN IN THE FUN!

5 JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL BRUNCH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH 9:00-10:30 AM "CAN WE TALK (while we eat)?" On Sunday, September 25 you are invited to a delicious brunch and an important conversation. We need to talk about how St. Paul's can best respond as a community of faith to the unique needs of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) sisters and brothers. Why do we need to talk about this when we are already a loving and welcoming church? There are many good reasons to start this important conversation. Here are three: 1) The New England Synod is already a "Reconciling in Christ" (RIC) Synod. This means that this synod has officially committed itself to explicitly affirm and support the faith, dignity and rights of those who identify as LGBTQ. In addition, a growing number of our sibling congregations throughout New England have become RIC congregations. Today within an hour's drive from St. Paul's there are 9 Lutheran Congregations (and 1 campus ministry) that are official members of the RIC community, including Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester and First Lutheran Church, Ellington. As part of the New England Synod, dedicated to the promotion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all persons, we have been strongly encouraged (urged, even) by our Synod to consider how we might bring the Good News to all persons, especially LGBTQ persons who are least likely to have experienced it. 2) There are many so-called churches that label themselves as "Christian" and yet promote a condemning, even hateful message toward LGBTQ persons. This has had the tragic consequence of leading LGBTQ persons, especially youths, to conclude that not only does the Church reject them, God rejects them, too. Let us be crystal clear about this: That is an anti-christian, anti- Gospel, toxic and dangerous lie. There is no room in the true body of Christ for a cancerous message like that. 3) We communicate as much by what we say (or advertise) as we do by what we do not say. We can all agree that we are welcoming, loving, caring and supportive of all persons, including LGBTQs. But our "silence" as a congregation can lead others especially those young persons who walk by our church on their way to high school to conclude that we do not care about them nor do we welcome them. If we truly believe "all are welcome," we need to let our LGBTQ neighbors know it. What is the goal of the Informational Brunch? We want to start a conversation in an open, honest, safe and respectful way. Not everyone will be coming from the same place. We get that. But that doesn't mean we should avoid having faithful conversations about difficult subjects. On the 25th we want to start that conversation. This will be the start of an important journey seeking God's will for how we can intentionally and explicitly extend our welcome to ALL. COME AND JOIN US ON THIS SUNDAY MORNING There we will have information about the Reconciling in Christ movement and (we hope) answers to any questions that may come up. WE NEED YOUR VOICE IN THE CONVERSATION To learn more about the Lutheran "Reconciling in Christ" community, go to

6 SAVE THE DATE! Holiday Fair Saturday November 19th 9AM 2PM Come one. Come all. To a Holiday Fair planning meeting on: Sunday Sept. 9:00 a.m. Planning for St. Paul s highly anticipated annual Holiday Fair is well underway. We would love to have you join us to share your thoughts and ideas. Chairpersons are needed for various booths. We will also discuss the benefiting charities for the fair. 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 Sept. 18 9:00 a.m. as we continue to prepare for this year s fair. Please Note: Donations are currently being accepted for Grandma s Attic, items for the country store, and crafters to help assemble homemade craft items. Thank you, The Holiday Fair Committee All Are Welcome!

7 Sunday School News Sunday School begins Sunday, September 11th at 10:30 a.m. Children should bring their backpacks for a special blessing from Pastor Hugh. We welcome all children ages 3 through 5th grade. Please complete the registration form and bring it with you on the first day of Sunday School. Registration forms are available in Fellowship Hall or by contacting our church office. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Cathy Evans: (cathyfevans@hotmail.com) AUTUMN IS A TIME TO PLAY. LET S THANK GOD FOR EVERYDAY!

8 SOME NEW FEATURES IN OUR MONTHLY EPISTLE THIS FALL We will be introducing some new features in our monthly Epistles as we move through the fall months. In September, we are adding A Peek at St. Paul s Past. St. Paul s has a rich history. It is always exciting and thoughtful to reflect on the rich history of our church from our start down the road through all the good works and activities we are presently doing here. Our memories are full of interesting tidbits that our new members will appreciate and our older members will get a kick out of remembering. PLEASE think about a story you might have to share-contact Sue Agne ( and susanagne@yahoo.com) Thanks and Enjoy! A PEEK AT ST. PAUL S PAST (from Russ Bengtson) Recently in a conversation at church, Art and Carol Bruce were discussing with Patty who was a life-long member at St. Paul s. My name came up, and later on I responded to Patty that I remembered going to Sunday School in the old Griswold house that was the second home of St. Paul s; the first being a storefront where Leo s Pizza and the barber shop are now next to D&D Market. Wouldn t you know, the following week we were going through some family documents and came across these two cards sent to my parents from St. Paul s at my birth and then again later upon my first birthday. I stand corrected!

9 AS SEEN RECENTLY AROUND ST. PAUL S

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11 UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. PAUL S WE RETURN TO TWO SERVICES SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH 8:00 AND 10:30 AM ST. PAUL S ANNUAL KICK OFF PICNIC SEPTEMBER 11TH NOON-3:00 ZACHARY S TABLE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH 5:00 PM SUNDAY INFORMATIONAL BRUNCH BEING AN ALL WELCOMING CHURCH SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH 9:00-10:30 PLEDGE SUNDAY OCTOBER 2ND FELLOWSHIP EVENT CHILI AND CHEESECAKE COOK OFF SUNDAY OCTOBER 16TH 12:00 ST. PAUL S ANNUAL CHURCH FAIR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH 9:00 2:00

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13 September 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat am Salem Church 7:30 pm AA WORSHIP 9:00 AM 7pm AA 7:30 Choir 10 am Recovery Bible Study 10:00am Thursday Group 9am Salem Church 7:30 pm AA :30am WORSHIP: 8:00 & 10:30 SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:30 CHURCH PICNIC 12:00-3:00 Stewardship/Pledge Meeting 6:30 PM 7pm AA 7:30 Choir Men s Breakfast 10 am Recovery Bible Study 10:00am Thursday Group 9am Salem Church 7:30 pm AA 18 WORSHIP: 8:00 & 10:30 FALL FAIR MTG 9:00 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 10: :00 Zachary s Table Confirmation 6:00 PM 21 7pm AA 7:30 Choir am Recovery Bible Study 10:00am Thursday Group am Salem Church 7:30 pm AA WORSHIP: 8:00 & 10:30 SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:30 INFORMATIONAL BRUNCH 9-10:30 7:00 Parish Admin & Church Council 7pm AA 7:30 Choir 10 am Recovery Bible Study 10:00am Thursday Group

14 4th TBA Patty Bengtson TBA Carol Bruce Bob Bowman Jerry Hansen September September 11th September 18th September 25th October 2nd Assistant Minister 8:00 Deb Viola 10:30 Kathy Coyle 8:00 TBA 10:30 Jerry Vaillancourt 8:00 TBA 10:30 Mike Coyle 8:00 Deb Viola 10:30 Kathy Coyle Comm Asst. Acolyte Reader Ushers Altar Guild Sue Agne TBA Patty Bengtson Kathy Coyle Cameron Cheyney Walter Ruppar Dave Bayek TBA Lillian Doerschler Mike Coyle TBA George Howe September Taping: Jan Pergande 8:00 Brian Beckwith 10:30 Bob Bowman Jerry Hansen 8:00 Brian Beckwith 10:30 Bob Bowman Jerry Hansen 8:00 Brian Beckwith 10:30 Bob Bowman Jerry Hansen 8:00 Brian Beckwith 10:30 Bob Bowman Jerry Hansen Jennie Dotts Deb Howe Bob Bowman Bill Fischer, Jr. Mary Ann Mead Deb Howe Fellowship Hour Hosts Russ and Patty Bengtson Finance Helen Peterson Jackie Fischer Kathy DiMartino LeAnn and Andy Power Patty Bengtson George and Deb Howe Winnie Sawrun Ann French Pam Speno Mary Ann Mead Patrick Farley Linda Johnston Bob Bowman

15 WHERE AT ST. PAUL S CHURCH ARE WE? ANOTHER NEW FEATURE IN OUR MONTHLY EPISTLE 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 October Epistle along with another picture to identify!

16 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