S a i n t P a u l s E p i s t l e Published Monthly by Saint Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 371 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109 May 2007 Volume 65, Number 5 PENTECOST: STILL FULL OF SURPRISES I don t know why it is, but each time I read a passage from scripture or better, meditate on it I see something that I hadn t before. I suppose this is why we refer to the Word of God as living, it is constantly nudging and poking at us in order for our faith to stay fresh and alive. And so it is with my most recent reading of the first lesson for Pentecost Sunday. It s from Acts, chapter 2, which begins with the words, When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. (Acts 2:1) What I had never really asked before, perhaps because I always assumed the a n s w e r, was, Who are they? And with a little investigative work reading chapter one first you find out that they refer not only to Jesus eleven Apostles (without Judas, of course), but that these eleven were together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. (Acts 1:14, emphasis added.) What struck me as new was the fact that when the Holy Spirit came upon these gathered disciples, there were women there, too. Why is this new? Well, unlike today, most of ancient Middle Eastern society (and not-so ancient, as well) women were considered less than second class citizens. A woman who did not have a husband or father or son was particularly vulnerable to becoming exploited and marginalized. She had no legal standing in her society and therefore was, along with orphan, the unique focus of the Old Testament prophetic concern that warned ancient Israel to seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow, as a way of fulfilling Torah (God s law). (Isaiah 1:17) I bring this up because, in the same way that women Jean Restout, II, Pentecost 1732. Oil on canvas. Musée du Louvre, Paris were the first to be visited by the resurrected Christ, on the day of Pentecost, there were women among the first recipients of the Holy Spirit s outpouring. And how typical of Jesus that was. Never one to be constrained by cultural norms, wherever Jesus walked, every action he took, every word he spoke, seemed to poke a finger in the eye of the powers and principalities that would uphold any status quo that rested on the exploitation of others. With his insistent talk about the Kingdom of God, he called his followers to maintain an allegiance to God, and to adhere to a set of principles, that implicitly overturned the very order of this world winners becoming losers, losers becoming winners... and women becoming equal par - ticipants with men in it all. With Pentecost, Joel s prophetic vision comes true: Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit. (Joel 2:29) And with this vision true, we who are recipients of this same Spirit, received as it was in our baptism, are recipients, too, of a call or special mission. In the power and under the call of this Spirit we are to fill the world with surprises: we bring hope where the world expects despair; we extend love where the world knows only hate; we forgive the enemy and make the foreigner our kin; and we shine a light that overcomes even the most tenacious darkness. And we do all this or, I should say, we are called to do all this while surrounded by the faithderived knowledge that we don t do this alone. Where the Spirit is, God is. And where God is, even the impossible can become real. May surprises continue to abound. Pr. Hugh Haffenreffer
ABOUT THIS MONTH S ARTWORK Jean Restout (the younger) (1692-1768) was a French Neoclassical painter, born in Rouen, France to a family of painters. Under the tutelage of his famous uncle and leading religious painter of Paris, Jean Jouvenet, Restout became the most famous painter of his family. At the age of 25 he was elected as a member of the Royal Academy, where he would fill many posts with great distinction, including becoming a professor of drawing. Restout was best known for his large-scale religious scenes, including his famous La Pentecôte, or Pentecost. This enormous work, (over 15 feet tall and 25 feet wide), was originally painted for the refectory of the Abbey of Saint-Denis. Here the Apostles, positioned around Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the other women, are receiving from the Holy Spirit (not visible here) shooting sparks, or flames, that give them the gift of tongues and empowers them to go forth to evangelize the world. What stands out clearly in this painting is the figure of Mary. While all the others present seem to be fleeing before this fiery outpouring, Mary stands tall and unafraid. One of the other women (to our right) seems to recognize Mary s unique status and is bowing before her. As the mother of God s son, Mary s life has been one of absolute faith and submission. In this depicted moment, her complete trust and confidence before God stands in sharp contrast to the fear and timidity of the cowering disciples. Please remember in your prayers those who mourn the recent loss of loved ones: The Families of: Doris Marie (Wabrek) Anderson October 1, 1935 to April 11, 2007 Funeral Service: April 16, 2007 Gigi Carson January 10, 1968 to April 23, 2007 Memorial Service: April 27, 2007 Dorothy Van Ostrand Mehl September 23, 1917 to April 24, 2007 Funeral Service: April 28, 2007 LIFE LINE SCREENING Thursday, May 31st St. Paul s Lutheran Church will be hosting Life Line Screening on Thursday, May 31, 2007. Life Line Screening will offer four screenings using Doppler Color Flow Ultrasound: 1. Carotid Artery Screening-looks for plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to stroke. 2. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) test -checks for an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominal aorta leading to a ruptured aortic artery. ; 3. An Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) - screens for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in the lower extremities.. 4. Bone Density screening tests both men and women for the early detection of osteoporosis. You must pre-register by calling 1-800-324-1851. For St. Paul s members, The cost is $35-$45 each or all four for $119.00. 2
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS. Thank you to everyone that has helped this year with Sunday School. I really appreciated the support. Thank you to Debbie Viola, Heather Christensen, Bill Fischer, Jackie Prill, Nancy Malinguaggio, Rebecca Malinguaggio, LeeAnne Creevy, Pam DiNatalie, Rick Seip, Amanda Viola, Crystal Brozynski, Patty Bengtson, Margaret DeBlois, Carol Farley, Christine Intravia, Ellie Bengtson, Emily Lourigan Sunday School will end May 20th. The children will have their own celebration during the regular hour and sing at the 10:30AM worship service. On June 10th teachers and anyone interested in helping with Sunday School in the Fall will meet during the Sunday School hour. We will try to select Rotations for next year. I am really looking for individuals to take a Rotation and plan and lead the unit. I would like to divide the leadership. I will still be available to help, but not always be present. Please come and join us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, Alice H. Ruppar Sunday School Coordinator Dates to remember: May 20 last day of Sunday School June 10 Christian Education Planning, 9AM * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A great granddaughter for Helen Ruppar 6th great grandchild 1st girl finally!! Miriam Catherine 7 lbs., 5 ozs., 20 Joins brothers Andrew and Matthew Mom: Christine Blake Dad: Doug Blake all of Windsor, CT Congratulations to all!! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Have you seen the new picture next to the white board in Fellowship Hall?? It is an enlargement of a postcard showing the house that was our old church and parsonage in 1940-50. Dan Hube had the picture matted and framed and it hangs above the table he made several years ago. Thank you Dan. 3
AUTISM SPEAKS WALK FOR AUTISM RESEARCH On June 10, I will be participating in Autism Speaks Walk for Autism Research fund-raising event. Following is an excerpt from a letter from Jackie, my daughter-in-law: Our son, Jack, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. Jack is a bright, happy, energetic boy who loves his family...and struggles with Autism. He works hard everyday to beat the challenges of Autism so that he can play, communicate, and interact like any other child. We, as his family, have worked hard alongside him, always encouraging and pushing Jack. It is HARD, emotional, and exhausting work, but we believe that we can beat Autism. While it has been an incredibly difficult year in coping with this disorder, we have found great support in both local and national Autism groups. We have a great sense of hope for the future with the mass efforts of groups like Autism Speaks, to bring awareness and find a cause and cure for Autism. Autism Speaks has made great strides in a short period of time. They are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. Most importantly, they are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, or form relationships with others. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has significantly increased, from approximately four in 10,000 in the early 1990s to one in every 150 births today. Despite the strikingly high prevalence, autism research remains one of the lowest funded areas of medical research by both public and private sources. Few disorders are as devastating to a child and his or her family. While some people with autism are mildly affected, most people with the condition will require lifelong supervision and care and have significant language impairments. Many children with autism will never be able to tell their parents they love them. Our family is currently getting ready for the Autism Speaks annual signature event, Walk for A u t i s m R e s e a rc h, by forming the team "Jumpin' Jacks" and gathering as many walkers and donations as we can! The walk is taking place on Sunday June 10, 2007 at Elizabeth Park in Hartford, CT. To make a donation: You may make a check payable to Autism Speaks and give it to me at church or mail your check to: Jackie Procyk 70 Middlebrook Rd. West Hartford, CT, 06119-1028 I will post more information about the Walk for Autism plus a picture of Jack on the bulletin board. Jack s twin sister, Julia, is a perfectly normal delightful three year old. Thank you for your prayers and concern, Mary Procyk 4
ONE THE CAMPAIGN TO MAKE POVERTY HISTORY The One Campaign is a new effort to rally Americans, One by One, to the cause of ending poverty in our world through political action, to direct an additional ONE percent of the U.S. budget toward developmental aid to the poorest countries. Currently, less than one percent of the U.S. budget is spent on nonmilitary foreign assistance. (Millennium Campaign). The Millennium Developmental Goals are to eliminate extreme poverty by 2015. More than 180 countries, including the United States have endorsed the goals, which include: 1. Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger 2. Achieve Universal Primary Education 3. Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women 4. Reduce Child Mortality 5. Improve Maternal Health 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases 7. Ensure Environmental Sustainability 8. Create a Global Partnership for Development Become a ONE Lutheran! 1. Sign the declaration at: www.elca.org/advocacy 2. Join the ELCA e-advocacy Network at: www.elca.org/advocacy 3. Tell a friend about the campaign 4. Wear a wristband (Order at above website or see the Pastor) 5. Learn more about the campaign at the above website Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute (Psalm 82:3) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Happy birthday in May 2 Jeremiah Bengtson 5 Bill Caughman Cheri England 7 Louise Lostocco Dot Vanturas 8 Allan Acker 9 Russ Bengtson AnnMarie Grottke 10 Linda Anderson Harriett Fritsch Helen Peterson 10 Jennifer Farley 12 Jacob Turek 21 Shirley King Mark Olson 28 Elizabeth Baumgartel 29 Bob Bowman Joan Kratzer 30 Jerry Vaillancourt 5
ST. PAUL S MEMBERS IN SERVICE FOR MAY ACOLYTES: Linda Anderson, Coordinator, 659-4094 May 6 Josh Marzano 13 Kaitlin Anderson 20 Katie Grottke 27 Amanda Piscitello Jun 3 Erica DeBlois ALTAR GUILD: Linda Anderson, Coordinator, 659-4094 May 6 Helen Peterson, Mary Susla 13 Bernice Noeker, 20 Ann French, Winnie Sawrun 27 Linda Anderson Jun 3 Carol Farley, Debbie Howe ASSISTING MINISTERS: Kathy Coyle, Coordinator, 529-5983 May6 Steve Harz 8AM, Kathie Daly 10:30AM 13 Emily Lourigan 8AM, Jim Newmark 10:30AM 20 Mike Coyle 8AM, Mary Procyk 10:30AM 27 Art Bruce 8AM, Jerry Vaillancourt 10:30AM Jun 3 Sallyann Wolf 8AM, Kathy Coyle 10:30AM COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: Sue Agne, Coordinator, 563-0776 May 6 Mike Coyle 13 Mary Procyk 20 Sallyann Wolf 27 Dick Agne Jun 3 Sue Agne EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: Kathy Coyle, Coordinator, 529-5983 MOTHER S DAY Month of May: May 13 FELLOWSHIP HOUR HOSTS: Helen Peterson, Coordinator, 666-4340 May 6 Carol Hopkins and Pat Scirocco 13 Kathy and Mike Coyle 20 Debbie and Amanda Viola 27 Sallyann and Penrose Wolf Jun3 Ellie and Charles Bengtson FINANCE: Mary Procyk, Coordinator, 257-4793 DAY OF PENTECOST May 6 Lillian Doerschler May 27 13 Helen Peterson 20 Lois Woy 27 Harriett Fritsch Jun3 Betty Lamo LECTORS: Lillian Doerschler, Coordinator, 529-1939 May 6 Carol Bruce 13 Art Bruce 20 Mary Procyk 27 George Howe MEMORIAL DAY Jun3 Louise Lostocco May 28 NURSERY: Ann French, Coordinator, 529-3245 May 6 AnnMarie & Katie Grottke 13 Stephanie Lohmann 20 Josh & Amanda Viola 27 Crystal Brozynski, Roxie DeBlois Jun 3 TAPING OF SUNDAY SERVICE: Crystal Brozynski, Coordinator, 828-5306 Month of May: Jan Pergande USHERS: Penrose Wolf, Coordinator, 8:00AM (529-9537) Louise Lostocco, Coordinator, 10:30AM (529-3079) Month of May Mark Bierbaum8:00AM George and Debbie Howe 10:30AM 7
Epistle Saint Paul s SAINT PAUL S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH 371 Wolcott Hill Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 www.stpaulswethersfield.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Time Sensitive Material Please do not delay delivery SAINT PAUL S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH CHURCH SCHEDULE Worship:.......... 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday Church School:...... 9:00 a.m. Adult Study Class:.......... 9:15 a.m. OFFICERSAND STAFF Rev. Hugh R. B. Haffenreffer, Pastor...Office: (860) 529-5397 Cell Phone: (860) 966-7360 pastorh@stpaulswethersfield.org Council President...Brian Beckwith Treasurer...Russell Correll Financial Sect y...mary Procyk Minister of Music...Melissa Cheyney Superintendent of Sunday Church School...Alice Ruppar Office Secretary...Marianne Doolittle REMINDERS: May 6 The Rev. Richard Burgess, Officiant 20 Last day of Sunday Church School June 10 Christian Education Planning, 9 AM May 2007