S a i n t E p i s t l e P a u l s Published Monthly by Saint Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 371 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109 March 2007 Volume 65, Number 3 THE POSSIBLE IMPOSSIBILITY? IT S NEVER TOO LATE Lent can seem totally overwhelming at times. Our lives are so busy, already. And the idea of having to take on one more task, no matter how beneficial it may promise to be, can seem too much to handle. Adding more discipline to our overly burdened life can seem too much to bear. What is more, Lent is partway over. If we haven t started our Lenten disciplines by now, why bother? The reality, however, is, first, that the discipline to which Lent invites us is not about adding another layer upon an Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld s God Shows Abraham Stars already too-full life. Rather it is about undertaking a kind of life-saving triage discerning that which draws us closer to God from those things that push us away, and saying yes to the former and no to the latter. It s not about adding more. It s far more radical and important than that. It is about turning our lives around and over to God. The second reality is that it s never too late to start. The challenge for most of us is that we don t really want this kind of change because we don t really think it s all that necessary. Our lives may be busy and chaotic, to be sure, but their our lives, and we can do with them what we want. We re basically OK the way we are. And besides, we tell ourselves, the kind of change we might want for our lives is impossible to realize. The personal obstacles we face are too big. Right? Years ago I volunteered at the Augusta Mental Health Institute in Augusta, Maine. I remember a patient there whose name we ll call Jerry. When Jerry was on the outside, in the real world, he would succumb to binge drinking and would end up destroying his life, health and relationships with alcohol. Evidence of this was the fact that Jerry was missing about half of each foot. Years earlier, during the winter while he was drinking heavily, Jerry had passed out outdoors and by the time he was revived, he had suffered so much frost bite on his feet that half of each had to be amputated. Jerry found out that I was planning to enter the ministry. In a moment of candor, Jerry told me that he had no need of God and thought it a sign of personal weakness in those who did. My life has been quite fine without him, he told me. Since I was volunteering in a state facility, it would have been inappropriate for me to try to convince him otherwise. But, oh, how his inability to discern his own reality has haunted me ever since. Are we any different? When we shun the disciplines that lead to the life God has for us, it s as if we are trying to convince ourselves, and others, that we are fine the way we are. Perhaps its the loss of control we fear, or the unknown of the disciple s pilgrimage that we avoid. To this we can only offer this promise: the payoff for our efforts will be nothing less than new life. But to the second question that the kind of obstacles we are facing are too big even for God to do anything about I point you to Abraham. Yes, t h e Abraham. The lesson for the 2nd Sunday in Lent introduces us to a childless Abram (he was yet to be called Abraham ) who encounters God in a vision. In that vision God shows Abram the stars in the sky and tells him that his descendants would be as numerous as they. Impossible! we might have said, had we been there. Abram was too old to have children and his wife Sarai was far beyond child bearing years herself. Why would God torment poor Abram with such an impossible promise? But this is where faith comes in faith that not only clings to a promise that is given, but then steps out in obedience in the power of that promise. It was this kind of faith that opened Abram and Sarai to God s righteous- Continued on next page
ness, to his grace and to the possible impossibility of his promise. And it is this same faith trust that bears fruit in obedience that we are called to as well. Too late to start such a journey of faith? Never. Will our lives really be different if we do? Yes, if we journey by faith: trusting and obedient faith. But here s a catch: we can t do this alone, and that brings us back to Lent and the disciplines that we are called to embrace... together. During our 6-1/2 week journey through Lent, St. Paul s is offering a number of opportunities for people to grow in their faith: from Sunday worship, Wednesday Evening Prayer, Wednesday morning Bible studies, and a Sunday Evening video series. All of these events are offered to serve one common purpose: to grow disciples of Christ. And it is this growth of faith that we do best when we do it together. If you haven t yet made up your mind about participating in one or more of these Lenten opportunities, do so now. It s not too late to experience that which God makes possible: new life. Pastor Hugh Haffenreffer ABOUT THIS MONTH S ARTWORK The print on the first page of this Epistle is by the German Lutheran religious painter and designer, Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, and is entitled God Shows Abraham Stars. It depicts that moment in Genesis 15:5 where we read, [God] brought [Abram] outside and said, Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them. Then he said to him, So shall your descendants be. Born in 1794 in Leipzig Saxony (Germany), Schnorr began his instruction under his father Hans, a draftsman, painter and engraver. At the age of 24 Schnorr became part of a group of religious painters known as the Nazarenes. He spent some time with them in Rome, rejecting the trends that modern art was taking and embraced earlier romantic styles. Later in life, following a visit to London, he was commissioned to design over 200 woodcuts portraying Biblical scenes. His compositions, while often crowded and chaotic, are extremely inventive in his approach to his subject. His God Shows Abraham Stars is one of these prints. What stands out to me, as I study this piece, is how Schnorr captures the awe-inspired moment. Abram seems to be cowering as he receives God s promise. As a Lutheran, perhaps Schnorr realized that we grow in grace when we walk humbly with God. BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS We are delighted to announce the safe arrival of Aiden Eric Bengtson, born on Feb. 20 to Ryan and Sherry Bengtson. Aiden s grandparents are John and Sherry Bengtson and his Great Grandparents... Charlie and Ellie. Oh, did we tell you that he weighed in at 9-1/2 lbs and measured 20? Welcome Aiden! Also celebrated is the arrival of Zachary John Niederfringer, born to Steve and Rebecca. Zachary s grandparents are Karol and Alan and his great grandparents are... Pen and Sallyann Wolf. Zachary arrived at 7 lbs., 7 ozs, and 20. Welcome to you, Zachary! On behalf of the Anderson and Ladden families, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your messages of sympathy, cards, flowers, food and most of all your love during this very sad time. The loss of a young son and grandson is very difficult to understand. With God s guidance and love, we trust our faith will help us through a time of many unanswered questions. Again, thank you for everything and please keep us in your prayers. In God s love, Vicki Anderson and family Something to ponder from Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. It remains an abstract idea, a myth which has a place for the Fatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son.... There is trust in God, but no following of Christ. Cost of Discipleship 2
Celebration Sunday On Sunday February 11, 2007 we had a great reason to celebrate as our regular church service was prepared for by the Sunday Church School (SCS) students, lead by the Superintendent of SCS Alice Ruppar and our Minister of Music Melissa Cheyney. This coincided with the end of the third rotation of the SCS year in which the children studied the story of Joseph and the Dream Coat. The Children had fun picking out the music that would be sung during the service and the Teenagers did an awesome job of decorating the sanctuary in vibrant colors for the Celebration. The service started with the SCS students processing into the sanctuary (lead by Celia Cheyney wearing a colorful dream coat) waving brightly colored ribbons attached to a wand. Then the Choir joined the students at the front of the sanctuary to sing the first Hymn God Had A Plan For Joseph (which the entire congregation joined in singing). The first lesson of the day was read by Louise Lostocco (with great feeling and emotion for the story of Joseph and the Dream Coat) {Genesis 37 & 45}. Louise also read the second lesson of the day and was celebrating her 55th Wedding Anniversary along with her husband Paul, which falls on February 14th (Valentines Day). From the lectern, Jay Viola did a flawless reading of A Joseph Litany with the congregation responding (L) Behold, I am with you (R) And will keep you wherever you go. For the Sermon Pastor Hugh incorporated the Children, Rosie and the story of Joseph and the Dream Coat (Oops. How could I almost forget Marvin, who had on a brightly colored dream coat which he thought made him better than everyone else, he even tried to bully them around). Pastor explained the meaning of the coat to Marvin and the Children did an excellent job adding in the missing pieces of the story for Marvin. During the offertory anthem the Choir joined the children at the front of the sanctuary to sing Song of Joseph. The service was wrapped up (no pun intended) by the children doing a cheer in the middle of the Brothers Rap lead by Lutheran Christian Rapper: B. Willie Fish a. k. a Wm. Fischer, Jr and a closing Hymn sung by the entire congregation. There was not a frown in church that day as everyone left with a smile on their face and a saving grace for the future/week to come. We would also like to thank the following people: Pastor Hugh - For creating the Bulletin/Program for the service. SCS Teachers - Who teacher the children the word of God week in and week out. Debbie Viola - Who worked with our external vendor in authorizing the use of the music sung in church for the celebration. Amanda Piscitello, Jamie Piscitello, Erica DeBlois, Roxanne DeBlois & Crystal Brozynski - For decorating the sanctuary. All the Children - Who prepared the Celebration and shared the story of Joseph and the Dream Coat with the congregation. Thanks be to God for giving the Children an opportunity to plan the Sunday service for the congregation. 3
Easter Breakfast 2007 April 8th 8:45-10:00 Families and friends of the congregation are invited to attend the Annual Easter Breakfast sponsored by St. Paul s Youth Group. Please complete this form to let us know how many people to expect from your family. Name: will attend the Easter Breakfast from our family. I/we would like to donate: lbs Butter lbs Link Sausage* dozen White Eggs* Complete Pancake Mix Coffee Cakes dozen rolls half gallon Milk large cans Frozen OJ bottles of Pancake Syrup *Sausage and eggs should be brought to the church by Thursday, April 5th. All other items should be dropped off no later that Saturday, April 7th. A free will offering will be received. 4
Easter Memorial Flowers Memorial gifts will be used to purchase Easter lilies for the church chancel on Easter Sunday. There are special flower envelopes for your donations enclosed with this newsletter or that canbe picked up at the church or you may use a plain envelope clearly marked Easter Flowers. Make sure your name and the names of those you wish to be remembered are listed clearly on the envelope and also please indicate on the envelope whether or not you wish to have your donated plant following the Easter services. All available plants are delivered to our shut-ins. We will order the plants from Patrissi s Nursery and we expect the cost of one plant to be $10.00. Please get your flower envelope into the church office by Palm Sunday, April 1. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday, MARCH 2, 1PM Incarnation Church 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield Theme United under God s Tent by Women of ParaguayRefreshments following service Representing St. Paul s are Lillian Doerschler, Mary Procyk and Winnie Sawrun * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hymnal racks have been rebuilt.. Our new red Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) hymnals now stand upright in the hymnal racks. We have noticed over the last few weeks that the racks in back of the pews have been rebuilt. Don Krug has removed each rack and built it back toaccommodate our new hymnals. The more narrow size originally accommodated our old red hymnals. Then in the late 1970s when the green LBW hymnals arrived, followed years later with our With One Voice additions, Don took off the original racks and joined oak pieces to enlarge and match the wood on the racks. Thank you very, very much Don for your superb craftsmanship and dedication to making worship a little nicer for our congregation. Speaking of old hymnals. If you would like to have a Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW ) hymnal, it s yours for the taking. The hymnals are in the Fellowship Hall behind the conference table, on the floor. Boxes of them are along the south wall. Across from the boxes are hymnals in letter alphabetical order, also on the floor, according to the donors of them. These piles may help you find a hymnal which you originally donated in memory or honor of someone. Please take one. If you are at home and unable to come, but would like a hymnal, please call anyone in the Thursday Morning Group or leave a message at Church. ***************************************************************************** MARCH BIRTHDAYS 3 Don Krug 17 MaryAnn Amanek 5 Jackie Fischer 18 Jennie Dotts 7 Carol Bruce 21 Thomas Grottke Karen Harz Carrie Lupoli 14 Mary Procyk 29 Joseph Ciarcia 5
ST. PAUL S MEMBERS IN SERVICE FOR MARCH ACOLYTES: Linda Anderson, Coordinator, 659-4094 Mar 4 - Gretchen Schultz 11 - Roxanne DeBlois 18 - Kaitlin Anderson 25 - Josh Marzano Apr 1 - Amanda Viola March 11 ALTAR GUILD:Linda Anderson,Coordinator, 659-4094 set clocks ahead 1 hour. Mar 4 - Patty Bengtson, Bernice Noeker 11 - Judy Lundin, Mary Procyk 18 - Helen Peterson, Mary Susla 25 - Ann Baledes, Elaine Strecker Apr 1 - Patty Bengtson, Bernice Noeker ASSISTING MINISTERS:Kathy Coyle, Coordinator, 529-5983 Mar 4 - Patty Bengtson8AM, Kathie Daly 10:30AM 11 - Kathy Coyle 8AM, Jim Newmark 10:30AM 18 - Art Bruce 8AM, Jerry Vaillancourt 10:30AM April 1 Palm Sunday 25 - Mark Bierbaum 8AM, Steve Harz 10:30AM Apr 1 - Mike Coyle 8AM, Mary Procyk 10:30AM COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: Sue Agne, Coordinator, 563-0776 Mar 4 - Dick Agne 11 - Walter Ruppar 18 - Jim Newmark 25 - Lillian Doerschler Apr 1 - Joan Kratzer EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: Kathy Coyle, Coordinator, 529-5983 Month of March: FELLOWSHIP HOUR HOSTS: Winnie Sawrun, Coordinator, 529-7588 Mar 4 - Mary Procyk & Tracy Newmark 11 - Christine & Rick Intravia 18 - Linda & Joseph Ciarcia 25 - Sandra & Ken Slowik Apr 1 - Joanna & Allen Piscitello Mar. 17 St. Patrick s Day FINANCE: Mary Procyk, Coordinator, 257-4793 Mar 4 - Betty Lamo 11 - Cindy Seip 18 - Penrose Wolf 25 - Bob Bowman Apr 1 - Russ Correll LECTORS: Lillian Doerschler, Coordinator, 529-1939 Mar 4 - George C. Howe 11 - Dave Bayek 18 - Marge Gentino 25 - Judy Gerken Apr 1 - Sue Agne NURSERY: Ann French, Coordinator, 529-3245 Mar 4 - Russ Correll & Kaitlin 11 - Crystal Brozynski, Roxie DeBlois 18-25 - Margaret DeBlois & Erica Apr 1 - Grace Durkin & Angela M., Ashley, Stephanie USHERS: Penrose Wolf, Coordinator, 8:00AM (529-9537) Louise Lostocco, Coordinator, 10:30AM (529-3079) Month of Mar - McDonald family 8:00AM Carol Farley, Crystal Brozynski 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 Non-Profit Organization U. S. POSTAGE PAID HARTFORD, CT Permit No. 3654 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: Sunday evenings in March: Lenten Program Great Souls. 4:30-6PM Wednesdays: Bible Study, 10:30AM; Soup &Salad, 6PM; Evening Prayer, 7PM March 2007