BUSINESS NAMEJ MARCH 2017 VOLUME 75 ISSUE 3 St. Paul s Epistle
MARCH 2017 PAGE 2 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR HUGH LENT: A TIME OF CHOOSING On March 1st, we observe Ash Wednesday, and thus begin the season of Lent. Lent, as many are aware, is the period of the church year that rests between Epiphany (with its emphasis on light and illumination) and Easter (where we celebrate Jesus resurrection). Lent is a season of intentional preparation. We begin our 40 day journey (we don t count the Sundays in Lent) in order to better prepare ourselves for a more full-hearted celebration of our Lord s resurrection. We are called to an honesty that seeks the truth, no matter what. It is, to use the language of 12-steps, a time to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. It is a journey inward, guided only by faith. And to get the most out of this period of preparation, it takes discipline. But a question is begging to be asked. Why would any of us want to look that deeply within our souls? In a world where deviancy and decadence have been domesticated, where our culture s attitude towards most things abhorrent is, What ever, why would we want to embark on a journey as challenging as this? One word: Life. Simply put, the disciplines of Lent promise literally to change our lives. They are a means to nurturing a closer relationship with the Source of life (God) and thus to give us life one founded upon the two indispensable footings of freedom and responsibility. The journey of Lent is not one we do on our own. We couldn t take this road alone, for it would overwhelm us. We take our first step down this 40 day long road knowing that our Lord goes with us, and that he has intimate knowledge of our journey because of his own. When Jesus began his ministry, immediately following his baptism by John, he did so by removing himself to the desert for 40 days of fasting, prayer, and temptation. It was there that he found the vision and resources necessary for his eventual journey one that would take him to the executioner s cross. It was because of his journey, that we are able to take that first step on ours. In the painting, Christ in the Desert, by Ivan Kramskoy, we encounter a very human Jesus who appears weighed down by the heaviness of the decisions he must make. Proclaimed The best Christ I ever saw, by the famous Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, we can see in Jesus face signs of the tension and stress that his choice brings. Here we find a Jesus in whom we will see fulfilled those haunting words of Isaiah, He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5) Jesus calls us each to choose. Make a choice this Lent to come to him through the discipline of worship, prayer, and study. Come to him and find life, as you have never found it before. This season we will offer several opportunities to assist you on your journey. The offering is given. The choice is yours. The promise is eternal. Pastor Hugh Haffenreffer
MARCH 2017 PAGE 3 Wednesdays in Lent: Simple Supper, Music, Reflection and Evening Worship 6:00- p.m. March 8 and 15...St. Paul s March 22 and 29...Trinity April 5...St. Paul s Thursdays in Lent: Bible Study, Sunday s Gospel Trinity 11-12:45 Recovery in Christ Bible Study St. Paul s 10-11:30 Holy Week Wednesday, April 12: Stations of the Cross: Trinity 12:00 noon Maundy Thursday, April 13: Trinity 7:00 p.m. with Eucharist and Foot Washing Good Friday, April 14: St. Paul s 7:00 p.m. with Tenebrae (SPECIAL LENTEN CALENDAR AT THE BACK OF THIS EPISTLE)
MARCH 2017 PAGE 4 MARCH ALTAR FLOWERS AND ETERNAL CANDLE MARCH 5TH: Given by the Brancifort family to the Glory of God and in celebration of the lives of Gustav and Augusta Kreiger MARCH 12TH: Given by Helen Peterson to the Glory of God and in memory of all departed friends MARCH 19TH: Given by George and Debbie Howe in memory of Millie Howe MARCH 26TH: Given by Jackie Fischer to the Glory of God ETERNAL CANDLE: Given in loving memory of Lain Pinney by Craig and Ann Marie Pinney MARCH GOSPEL READINGS MARCH 5TH: Matthew 4: 1-11 MARCH 12TH: John 3:1-17 MARCH 19TH: John 4: 5-42 MARCH 26TH: John 9:1-41 ATTENTION ALL ASSISTING MINISTERS AND COMMUNION ASSIS- TANTS (NEW VOLUNTEERS ALSO WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED!) For the month of May we are trying a new scheduling system. There is a sign-up sheet located on the white board in Fellowship Hall. Please check your calendars and sign up for an available Sunday. If you are new to this volunteer in-service ministry, please sign your name and we will contact you to be sure you are comfortable in serving on the given Sunday. You can also call Karen in the church office to put yourself in the rotation. Thanks!
MARCH 2017 PAGE 5 CHURCH CHAPTERS St. Paul s Book Club will meet on Tuesday, March 14th at 6:30 at the home of Sue Agne. We will be discussing the book A Man Called Ove by Fredric Bachman. This is the wonderful story of a grumpy but kind man who has a positive effect on his diverse neighbors. It is a wonderful story! All are welcome! MEN S BREAKFAST MARCH 16TH 7:30 AM Denny s Restaurant, Wethersfield SPRING BAKE SALE AND COOKIE WALK Saturday, April 8 th 9:00 to 1:00 We are calling on all our talented bakers to help prepare a delightful assortment of baked goods just in time for the Easter holidays. A general fundraiser is being planned for Saturday, April 8 th, open to the public, from 9 to 1, to be held in our Fellowship Hall. So please, take a few moments to go through your recipes and decide on several favorites. Two sign-up charts, one for baked goods and one for cookies, are posted on the white board in the Fellowship Hall. It would be helpful to know the name of the item so as to avoid duplication. We re hoping to again present a tempting selection of cookies for our Cookie Walk area together with Bob s Famous Ginger Cookies- as well fill a number of tables with a wide variety of bakery (Breads, Coffeecakes, Cinnamon Rolls, Hot Cross Buns, Cakes, Pies,) Mark the date Saturday, April 8 th on your calendar and let s show the citizens of Wethersfield and surrounding areas what we have to offer.
MARCH 2017 PAGE 6 ZACHARY S TABLE MARCH 21ST 5:00 PM Come share God s love with our friends and family All Are Welcome! ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE MARCH 1ST 7:00 PM Members in Service: Assisting Minister: Bill Fischer, Jr. Communion Assistant: Patty Bengtson Reader: Joan Kratzer Acolyte: Cameron Cheyney Altar Guild: Deb and George Howe Finance: George Howe ALTAR GUILD NOTES We are looking for metal or plastic one pound coffee cans. If you have these, please donate your extra cans to St. Paul s. We use them to deliver altar flowers after the service on Sunday mornings. Also, please return any altar linens you may have at home. We greatly appreciate your kindness in washing these for our services. WEDNESDAY NIGHT LENTEN SUPPERS St. Paul s will be hosting suppers during the season of Lent at 6:00 PM before the evening service. On March 8th and 15th and April 5th the suppers will be at St. Paul s. On March 22nd and 29th, the suppers will be at Trinity Episcopal. Please speak with Deb Viola if you would like to help with the dinners here at St. Paul s. Thanks, Deb, for organizing this! ANNUAL STATEMENTS Your 2016 statement needed for tax purposes is available on the table in Fellowship Hall. 2017 envelopes are also on the table if you have not yet picked them up. Please contact Mary Procyk if you have any questions. EASTER MEMORIAL GARDEN If you wish to purchase a plant for Easter Sunday, plants will be $16.00 each. Please have your order into the church office by April 2nd and indicate if you would like to keep your plant or wish to have it delivered to a church member in need of some cheer. Payment should be into the church office by April 2nd. An order form is on page 15 and will also be in the Weekly Epistle during the month of March.
MARCH 2017 PAGE 7 Our Sunday School children are collecting pet supplies for the CT Humane Society until the end of April. Please place your donations in the collection box in Fellowship Hall. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Here is the CT Humane Society s wish list: Clay litter ***CHS is urgently in need of this item.*** Cat, dog and small animal toys (we especially need cat toys!) ***CHS is unable to accept catnip toys.*** Kong toys (any size appreciated for both cats and dogs) Snuggle Safe microwave heat disks New or gently used towels, blankets, bedding (must be machine washable) 2 gallon zip-lock bags New litter boxes Cat scratchers by STRETCH AND SCRATCH CareFresh or recycled newspaper bedding for small animals Dryer sheets (Bounce brand only) Paper towels Yesterday's News litter Large garbage bags, (heavy duty only, 55 gal.) Reusable grocery bags Slow feeder bowls KMR Kitten bottles Ballpoint pens Warming disks Royal Canin BabyCat wet and dry Friskies kitten wet and dry Busy bones Nylabones Denta Stix Sunday School Calendar: Sunday, March 5th- Family Sunday Sunday, March 19th- Bring A Friend SUNDAY, MARCH 19TH Volunteers are needed for the 2017-2018 Sunday School year beginning in September. We are looking for a new coordinator for Sunday School and 1-2 teachers. No experience is necessary. See Cathy Evans for more information.
March 2017 PAGE 8 UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. PAUL S Ash Wednesday Service March 1st 12:00 PM Trinity Episcopal 7:00 PM St. Paul s Lenten Calendar of services, Bible Studies and Holy Week Services are on page 3 and on page 13 in this Epistle Palm Sunday April 9th Easter Sunday April 16th Church Chapters Book Club Tuesday, March14th 6:30 A Man Called Ove Men s Breakfast Thursday, March 16th 7:30 AM Denny s in Wethersfield Zachary s Table Tuesday, March 21st 5:00 COOKIE WALK AND BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH 9:00-1:00 FELLOWSHIP HALL ST. PAUL S ANNUAL CONCERT MAY 21ST-3:00 PM FEATURING THE EBIN ROSE TRIO AND TALENT FROM ST. PAUL S
MARCH 2017 PAGE 9 A PEEK AT ST. PAUL S PAST NOVEMBER 21, 1943 St. Paul s members in procession from the store chapel (where Leo s Pizza is presently located on Wolcott Hill Road) to the new Griswold House Chapel (where our present PE building stands). The Griswold House was used as St. Paul s Chapel from 1943-1967. The parsonage where Pastor Schilke (pictured at the front door on the left side) and his family lived was located upstairs on the second floor.
MARCH 2017 PAGE 10 AS SEEN RECENTLY AT ST. PAUL S
MARCH 2017 PAGE 11 MEMBERS IN SERVICE - March 2017 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE MARCH 5TH MARCH 12TH MARCH 19TH MARCH 26TH APRIL 2ND ASSISTING MINISTER Patty Bengtson Mary Procyk Sue Agne Deb Viola Jerry Vaillancourt Bill Fischer, Jr. Deb Viola Jerry Vaillancourt COMMUNION ASSISTANT Sue Agne Joan Kratzer Curt Leonard Carol Hughes Walter Ruppar ACOLYTE READER Lillian Doerschler Dave Bayek Carol Bruce Jeanette Serafine Sue Agne ALTAR GUILD Jennie Dotts Deb Howe Bob Bowman Bill Fischer, Jr Winnie Sawrun Ann French Deb Howe MaryAnn Mead Mary Procyk FELLOWSHIP HOSTS Patty and Russ Bengtson Pam Speno & Lillian Doerschler Mary Procyk Deb & George Howe COUNTER George Howe Heather Christensen Mary Procyk Lillian Doerschler Kathy DiMartino USHERS Brian Beckwith Deb Viola Brian Beckwith Brian Beckwith Brian Beckwith Bill Fischer, Sr. Bill Fischer, Sr. Bill Fischer, Sr. Bill Fischer, Sr. Jerry Hansen Walter Ruppar Walter Ruppar Walter Ruppar Walter Ruppar MARCH TAPING - Deb & George Howe
March 2017 MARCH 2017 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 7pm AA pm CHOIR 2 10 am RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 3 4 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 5 Family Sunday WORSHIP: & 6 7 8 7pm AA 6:00 Confirmation 7:30 CHOIR 9 10 am RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 10 11 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 12 WORSHIP: & SUNDAY SCHOOL TURN YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR! 13 14 CHURCH CHAPTERS 6:30 PM 15 7pm AA 6:00 Confirmation 7:30 CHOIR APRIL EPISTLE DEADLINE 16 7:30 AM Men s Bkfst Dennys 10 am RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 17 18 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 19 WORSHIP: & SUNDAY SCHOOL Outreach Mtg: 12:00 PM 20 21 ZACHARY S TABLE 5:00 22 7pm AA 6:00 Confirmation 7:30 CHOIR 23 10 am RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 24 25 9am SALEM CHURCH 7:30 pm AA 26 WORSHIP: & SUNDAY SCHOOL 27 28 7:00 PM CHURCH COUNCIL 29 7pm AA 6:00 Confirmation 7:30 CHOIR 30 10 am RECOVERY BIBLE STUDY 10:00am THURSDAY GROUP 31
MARCH March 2017 2017 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT LENTEN CALENDAR St. Paul s Trinity & Salem Churches 1 12:00 PM Trinity Church 7:00 PM St. Paul s Church 5 6 7 8 Lenten Supper and Service 6:00- St. Paul s Church 12 13 14 15 Lenten Supper and Service 6:00- St. Paul s Church 19 20 21 22 Lenten Supper and Service 6:00- Trinity Church 26 27 28 29 Lenten Supper and Service 6:00- Trinity Church 2 10:00-11:30 AM Recovery Bible Study-St. Paul s 11-12:45 AM Gospel Bible Study Trinity 9 10:00-11:30 AM Recovery Bible Study-St. Paul s 11-12:45 AM Gospel Bible Study Trinity 16 10:00-11:30 AM Recovery Bible Study-St. Paul s 11-12:45 AM Gospel Bible Study Trinity 23 10:00-11:30 AM Recovery Bible Study-St. Paul s 11-12:45 AM Gospel Bible Study Trinity 30 10:00-11:30 AM Recovery Bible Study-St. Paul s 11-12:45 AM Gospel Bible Study Trinity 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 31
MARCH 2017 PAGE 14 WHERE AT ST. PAUL S CHURCH ARE WE? 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 April Epistle along with another picture to identify! Answer to February Scavenger Hunt: This is the key to the church organ that Missy turns on every Sunday to fill the church with beautiful music!
MARCH 2017 PAGE 15 Your order form and payment can be placed in the offering plate on Sunday morning or left in the church office. Thanks! 2017 EASTER MEMORIAL GARDEN PLANT ORDER FORM Please print name(s) exactly as you want it (them) to appear: Given in memory of: By: Amount$ (Note: Cost of per plant cost is $16) Checks should be made out to St. Paul s Lutheran Church
MARCH 2017 VOLUME 75 ISSUE 3 ST. PAUL S LUTHERAN CHURCH 371 WOLCOTT HILL ROAD WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109 860-529-5397 PASTOR: Rev. Hugh R. B. Haffenreffer Office: 860.529.5397 Cell: 860.966.7360 pastorh@stpaulswethersfield.org OFFICE MANAGER: Karen Landry Karen@stpaulswethersfield.org MINISTER OF MUSIC Melissa Cheyney SUPERINTENDANT OF SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL: Cathy Evans COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Russ Bengtson rbengt@sbcglobal.net COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT: Missy Cheyney missycheyney@yahoo.com COUNCIL SECRETARY: Jen Farley jlmbear@sbcglobal.net TREASURER: Roy Lewis FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Mary Procyk mprocyck@stpaulswethersfield.org