BUSINESS NAMEJ DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 76 ISSUE 11 St. Paul s Epistle
A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR HUGH Advent: Are we ready to receive? On Sunday, December 2, the Church begins a new Church Year as we entered the season of Advent. While it may seem obvious, it is worth repeating that Advent is a time of preparation. This preparation is not about maxing out credit cards and purchasing material gifts for the purpose of assuaging our guilt or buying the love of our children or friends. It is rather a time to prepare our hearts for the reign of Christ in our life, and through us, in the world. [Should we point out the inherent contradictions found in giving video games or other toys as Christmas gifts that glamorize violence and killing? "Peace on earth," anyone?] While this point is made with such seasonal regularity as to become, well, "trite," it is still an important point to make. So how do we prepare to receive the gift of Christmas? The first step and always the first step is for us to make time to receive the gift. Making time isn t easy to do. Our lives are so full of everything else that it may seem impossible to make time to nurture our own spirit. Yet, it is by putting first things first that all the other stuff, including the pressures and challenges, take their rightful place in our lives: at the back of the line. We prepare for the gift of Christmas by engaging in one or more of the four elements of spiritual renewal (the "quadrilateral" (four-sides) of Christian discipleship): worship, Bible study, fellowship and service. Any effort we make during Advent to prioritize these will ensure that Christmas becomes the gift that leads to a new lease on life, and not another burdensome obligation. Below are some of the ways that we, at St. Paul s, will be preparing for Christmas. Let s put first things first this season and open our hearts to God s love as we share that love with those in need. Opportunities During Advent Pastor Hugh Haffenreffer Worship: On Sundays, December 2, 9 and 23, each service will include the lighting of the Advent candle, accompanied by a special Advent blessing, that will help us on our journey toward Christmas. On Sunday, December 16, our Sunday School children and our older youths will present Star of Love, a Christmas pageant for the whole congregation. This will involve the whole congregation as we, together, celebrate in story and song the birth of our Lord, Jesus. Please plan to invite your family, friends, and neighbors to this special Christmas treat! [Note: there will be no 8AM service on the 16 th.) Continued on the next page
A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR HUGH, CONT D On Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24, St. Paul s will celebrate Jesus birth with a setting based on the St. James Christmas Service. This is the same setting that we have used for the past several years. The St. James Christmas Service has set the words of the traditional liturgy to familiar Christmas carols. Our early service is scheduled for 5 PM, and will be geared a bit more toward children and families including a special Christmas message with Marvin. The choir will present festive Christmas anthems to further set the tone. During our late service, at 9 PM, we will turn the lights down a bit lower to create a more reflective atmosphere. Both services will include Holy Communion. Faith Forum: On each Sunday in Advent, except for the 16 th when we hold the annual Christmas Pageant, we will come together at 9 AM, between the services, to explore the meaning of Advent and Christmas. Specifically, we will ask, how do the readings and the theme for each Sunday reflect God s unconditional love (God s grace) for us? What difference does this gift make in our lives? And how might our own lives become a means by which this gift is given away to others? Fellowship and Service: Sunday, December 2: Christmas Caroling to our homebound members. As a way to set the key note for others, as they prepare for Christmas, let s come together to share the gift of Christmas with others through song. We will have pizza around 12 noon for all who would like some. Then, approximately at 1PM, we will begin our journey to those who might enjoy some Christmas cheer. This is a great intergenerational event that offers both fellowship and service. All voices are welcome! A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE HOLIDAY FAIR COMMITTEE On behalf of the congregation, I would like to take a moment to thank you all for the hard work and dedication you give to make our annual fair such a huge success. As I walked around the church on Saturday, I was so impressed by the participation among our church members in each area of the fair. The many meetings, the countless hours using your time and talents, and your ceaseless energy continue to make this event one that is much anticipated and enjoyed not only by St. Paul s members but by our Wethersfield community. We all greatly appreciate your efforts! Dick Agne, Council President
Holiday Fair Wrap-up Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! The Holiday Fair committee would like to thank the entire St. Paul s congregation for sharing their time, talent, treasures, prayers, and patronage for this year s fair. This annual fair would not have been possible without the grace of God and your generosity. The response from the community and everyone in attendance was very complimentary, commenting on how well the fair is organized and the kindness of all involved. If you have not been able to participate or attend the fair we highly recommend it. Through all of our efforts, over $5,700 was raised for charity with 50% being donated to the American Red Cross assisting their efforts in aiding Americans during time of need and the remaining funds going to help further ministries here at St. Paul s. The next Holiday Fair meeting will be held on December 9th at 9am. During this meeting we ll review the 2018 fair and begin to prepare for 2019. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Pastor Hugh will be on vacation beginning Monday, December 3rd through Monday, December 10th. He will return to the office on Tuesday, December 11th. Pastor Maureen Hawksley will be covering in the event of a pastoral emergency and can be reached at (860-754-4371) and will also be preaching on Sunday, December 9th.
DECEMBER ALTAR FLOWERS AND ETERNAL CANDLE DECEMBER 2ND: Given to the Glory of God in memory of James W. Johnson and Erin Burbank by LeAnn Power DECEMBER 9TH: Given to the Glory of God and in memory of Paul Gerken, Lester Maassel, and John and Paul Fleming and in Thanksgiving to all who served our country in war DECEMBER 16TH: Christmas Pageant DECEMBER 23RD: Given to the Glory of God DECEMBER 24th: Christmas Memorial Garden DECEMBER 30TH: Christmas Memorial Garden DECEMBER ETERNAL CANDLE: Given to the Glory of God and in memory of Eugene Whistle Farley by the DeBlois Family DECEMBER 2ND DECEMBER GOSPEL READINGS Luke 21: 25-36 DECEMBER 9TH Luke 3: 1-6 DECEMBER 16TH Luke 3: 7-18 DECEMBER 23RD Luke 1: 39-45 (46-55) DECEMBER 30TH Luke 2: 41-52
Presented by the children of St. Paul s Lutheran Church December 16th A Christmas Cookie & punch reception will be held downstairs in the Parish Education Building immediately following. Please Join us!
Once again, a great thank you to Julie Perry and Kim Parsons for teaching Sunday School. December brings us to the children's Christmas program. Heather Christensen is coordinating this effort. Please let Heather know how your child will participate. We need everyone's participation. Help is needed to coordinate costumes, cookie and punch reception and extra hands during rehearsals and the day of the program and set up of the scenery. MANY HANDS MAKE THE WORK LIGHT. Rehearsals will be held every Sunday in December during Sunday School as well as on Saturday, December 15. The program is at on Sunday, December 16th. Costume fittings will be scheduled. Please watch for emails or announcements. Thank you. Julie Perry, Kim Parsons Heather Christensen, Alice Ruppar SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS DATES December 2 Rehearsal December 9 Rehearsal December 15 Rehearsal 9:00 AM December 16 Program and reception There will be no Sunday School during the month of January. COOKIE AND PUNCH RECEPTION FOLLOWING THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT It is a St. Paul s tradition to follow our Christmas Pageant with a cookie reception. WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are looking for a volunteer to co-ordinate this gathering and we are also looking for bakers and a punch maker! Please watch for a sign-up sheet and put your name down to help!
DECEMBER 2018 NEW ACOLYTE TRAINING CLASS COMING IN JANUARY WATCH FOR THE DATE! JOIN WILLIAM AND BECOME A ST. PAUL S ACOLYTE! We would like to thank everyone once again for supporting us either financially, spiritually or emotionally to help make the trip to Texas possible. The Stock Holders' Dinner was a success and we hope everyone enjoyed the choice of food (some for the first time we heard). We also hope that from our presentation at the dinner, you experienced on a smaller scale what we experienced in that God's call, love, hope, grace and Jesus changes everything! It is an experience we will never forget and would not have been possible without all your support! And for that, we truly thank you! Autumn, Marina and Brenda
2019 God s s Creation Wall Calendars for SALE! The Youth Group will be selling God s Creation wall calendars all month for $10 each, in the Fellowship Hall! These calendars are perfect for scheduling your appointments all year long and also make wonderful gifts. Each calendar is packet with beautiful pictures of God s creation and Biblical quotes. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! Under the guidance of George and Deb Howe, we will be decorating the church for the Christmas Season on Sunday, December 23rd following the late service. This is a big job! Please consider lending a hand to make the faster and the church be more beautiful
ZACHARY S TABLE 5:00 PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH Join us for our free community monthly meal in the lower PE building EXTRA HANDS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED! MEN S BREAKFAST 7:30 AM DECEMBER 20TH Denny s Restaurant, Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield Join with the men of our congregation for food and fellowship! THE DECEMBER EPISTLE FINAL DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 16TH Please get your articles to Sue Agne no later than the third Sunday of the month. Items can be emailed to me at: susanagne@yahoo.com Thanks, in advance, for your help and cooperation! Prayers for Timothy Ruppar and Family Tim Ruppar leaves for his second deployment with his 246 th Fire Fighting Unit this month. It will be an 8-month deployment. Tim leaves his state police job and his family- wife Sarah and children Dylan and Rylee- to support the United States of America while stationed in Romania. Once I have a mailing address, I will make it available so you can send letters to Tim. Please keep Tim and his family in your prayers. Thank you. Walter Ruppar ADULT FELLOWSHIP DECEMBER EVENT DECEMBER 8TH-3:00PM Our own Missy will be participating in a Christmas concert at the Hartford Saengerbund located in Newington. The Christmas Concert is at 3 PM on December 8th and is free.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2ND We will come together at 12:00 noon for pizza and then head out to share our love for Christmas through the singing of Christmas Carols with those who are homebound or in nursing homes. All are welcome! All are welcome to join in the Christmas Spirit. THE SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE We are once again participating in this annual program of giving for children of families in need. The Angel tree on the piano in the sanctuary is decorated with numbered paper angels with the age and gender of a child who is in need of a gift. Contributors remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child described on the tag. We are asking that all gifts be returned (unwrapped and with tag attached) by Tuesday, December 11th. Please call Bernice Noeker if you have any questions. Thank you! CHRISTMAS CARD TREE 2018 Rather than spend a lot of money each year on tasteful but expensive Christmas cards for members of St. Paul s, we have used our Christmas Card tree to send season s greetings to each other. The money saved has gone to the Wethersfield Fuel Bank to help pay the winter heating bills of our needy neighbors. This year the Outreach Committee has expanded upon this plan. We have determined that Outreach Funds will be used to match the amount contributed by the congregation. This matched money will be maintained here at church to be used by any needy families within the parish. If no need is brought to our attention, this additional money will be given to the Wethersfield Fuel Bank at some point in the future. When we think of the word home, we automatically think of warmth. For some people these words don t go together during the winter. We can help. Thanks. Outreach Committee
Notes from Finance - New Envelopes, Status reports Important Donations must be received by Sunday, December 30, 2018 to be on your 2018 year end statement which is used for taxes. Over the past several years, you have had the same envelope number, and as people come and go, the numbers on the envelopes are no longer in alphabetical sequence. Next year, I will renumber the envelopes in order to return them to alphabetical sequence which will make some of the book work easier. Your 2019 envelopes will be available December 30, 2018. Please do NOT use your 2018 envelopes after January 1, 2019. Remember, contributions made through December 30 (the last Sunday in 2018) will be credited to 2018 and all contributions received after that date will be recorded in 2019. Just a note to make the counter s job a little easier When using your envelopes, it is helpful (but not required) to put your name and the amount on the outside of the envelope. If you are making contributions for several different purposes (ex. Weekly offering, Flowers, Easter, Lent ), it is helpful to the counter if you would make separate checks. If possible, put the checks in the envelope designated for that purpose or a separate envelope with your name, the purpose and your 2019 envelope number (if you know it). If all of this sounds too complicated to remember, please know that we will gratefully accept your gifts in any form and hopefully we will record them accurately. If you do not currently have envelopes and would like to have them, please let me or Pastor know. If you have envelopes, you will get an Annual Statement at the end of the year for tax purposes. Likewise, if there are envelopes for individuals who will not be using them, please let me know so that they can be assigned to someone else. A huge thank you to my many faithful counters who assist faithfully year after year. Without you, it would not be possible!! God bless you. Mary Procyk 860-257-4793
DECEMBER 2018 AS SEEN RECENTLY AROUND ST. PAUL S THANKS TO JAN AND BOB FOR PLANTING THE NEW SHRUBS IN OUR ST. PAUL S MEMORIAL GARDEN. ANOTHER SUCESSFUL ST. PAUL S HOLIDAY FAIR
DECEMBER 2018
DECEMBER 2018 MORE PICS FROM THE FAIR
DECEMBER 2018 PICS FROM THE ZACHARY S TABLE
IT S NOT TOO SOON TO ORDER PLANTS FOR OUR CHRISTMAS MEMORIAL GARDEN! ORDER YOUR POINSETTIAS The poinsettia orders for the Christmas Memorial Garden can be dropped off at the church office on or before December 11th. It is important that you let us know ahead of time whether you will be taking a plant. All remaining plants will be delivered to our homebound members. The poinsettias will be ordered from House of Flora in Hartford. The cost will be $16.00 per plant. 2018 Christmas Memorial Garden Poinsettia 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 Please indicate with a check if you will be taking your plant or would like to donate it to a homebound member. Amount (Note: $16.00 per plant) Checks should be made to the order of St. Paul s Lutheran Church Memo: 2018 Christmas Memorial Garden
UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. PAUL S PIZZA AND CHRISTMAS CAROLING DECEMBER 2ND 12:00 NOON ADULT FELLOWSHIP DECEMBER 8TH GERMAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT 3:00 PM DECEMBER 24TH CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 5:00 PM 9:00 PM SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT DECEMBER 16TH ONE SERVICE ZACHARY S TABLE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH 5:00 PM MEN S BREAKFAST THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20TH 7:30 AM Denny s in Wethersfield DECEMBER 30TH ONE SERVICE 9:30 AM DECORATE THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 23RD AFTER THE LATE SERVICE
MEMBERS IN SERVICE DECEMBER 24th and January 6th DECEMBER 24TH DECEMBER 24TH JANUARY 6TH JANUARY 6TH 5:00 PM 9:00PM 8:00AM ASSISTING MINISTER COMMUNION ASSISTANT DEB VIOLA BILL FISCHER, JR. PATTY BENGTSON JERRY VAILLANCOURT JOAN KRATZER SUSAN AGNE N/A WALTER RUPPAR READER VOLUNTEER NEEDED SUSAN AGNE N/A SUSAN AGNE ALTAR GUILD BOB BOWMAN BILL FISCHER, JR, DEB HOWE LYNNE MATTESON MARY PROCYK CAROL BRUCE MARY PROCYK CAROL BRUCE ACOLYTE TBA TBA TBA TBA COUNTER MARY PROCYK MARY PROCYK N/A MARY PROCYK JEANETTE SERAFINE DOREEN MATTESON USHERS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BRIAN BECKWITH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FELLOWSHIP N/A N/A N/A DICK & SUE AGNE TAPING N/A N/A N/A DAVE BAYEK Thanks to everyone for meeting the early deadline for the December Epistle and to Patty Bengtson for her help with the printing and stapling of the Epistle this month!
MEMBERS IN SERVICE - DECEMBER 2018 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE DATE DECEMBER 2ND DECEMBER 9TH DECEMBER 16TH DECEMBER 23RD DECEMBER 30TH ASSISTING MINISTER 8:00 AM Kathy Coyle 8:00 AM Deb Viola ONE SERVICE 8:00 AM Donna Camillo ONE SERVICE 9:30 AM Patty Bengtson Jerry Vaillancourt CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Mary Procyk Mike Coyle COMMUNION ASSISTANT Jeanette Serafine Susan Agne CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Kathy Coyle Joan Kratzer READER Patty Bengtson George Howe CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Dave Bayek Mary Procyk ALTAR GUILD Mary Procyk Carol Bruce Deb Howe Mary Ann Mead CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Patty Bengtson Volunteer Needed ACOLYTE TBA William Perry TBA TBA TBA COUNTER Mary Procyk Geroge Howe Heather Christiansen Mike Coyle Bob Bowman Jeanette Serafine Doreen Matteson USHERS 8:00 AM Brian Beckwith Jerry Hansen Curt Leonard 8:00 AM Brian Beckwith Jerry Hansen Curt Leonard ONE SERVICE Jerry Hansen Curt Leonard 8:00 AM Brian Beckwith Jerry Hansen Curt Leonard ONE SERVICE 9:30 AM Jerry Hansen Curt Leonard FELLOWSHIP Le-Ann Power Jan Pergande Mike & Kathy Coyle CHRISTMAS PAGEANT COOKIE RECEPTION Margaret & Brenda DeBlois Patty & Russ Bengtson TAPING Autumn DeBlois Autumn DeBlois Autumn DeBlois Autumn DeBlois Autumn DeBlois
December 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Pizza and Caroling December 2nd 12:00 Noon 1 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 2Worship: 8:00 & 10:30AM Faith Forum 9:00 AM Sunday School: 3 4 5Confirmation 6-7:30 PM CHOIR 7:30 PM 10am AA 7pm AA 6 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY THURSDAY GROUP 7 10am AA 89am SALEM CHURCH Adult Fellowship-Gather at 2:00 9Worship: 8:00 & 10:30AM Faith Forum: 9:00 AM Sunday School: 10 11 Worship & Music mtg 7:00 PM 12 Confirmation 6-7:30 PM CHOIR 7:30 PM 10am AA 7pm AA 13 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY THURSDAY GROUP 14 10am AA 15 9am SALEM CHURCH PAGEANT PRACTICE 9:00 AM 16 ONE SERVICE AT 10:30 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 17 185:00 ZACHARY S TABLE 7:00 COUNCIL MEETING 19 Confirmation 6-7:30 PM CHOIR 7:30 PM 10am AA 7pm AA 20Mens Brkfst 7:30 AM 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY THURSDAY GROUP 21 10am AA 22 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 23Worship: 8:00 & 10:30AM Faith Forum 9:00 AM 24 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 5:00 PM 9:00 PM 25 26 CHOIR 7:30 PM 10am AA 7pm AA 27 10:00 AM RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY THURSDAY GROUP 28 10am AA 29 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 30 Worship: 31 ONE SERVICE 9:30
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 January Epistle. ANSWER TO LAST MONTH S MYSTERY: This is the cross atop the baptisimal font on the altar.
DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 76 ISSUE 11 ST. PAUL S LUTHERAN CHURCH 371 WOLCOTT HILL ROAD WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109 860-529-5397 PASTOR: Rev. Hugh Haffenreffer Office: 860.529.5397 Cell: 860-966-7360 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