60 Church Street Emanuel Lutheran Church Manchester, CT 06040 A Member of the New England Synod of the (860) 643-1193 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Fax (860) 645-0830 a “Reconciling In Christ” Congregation

Website: www.emanuelmanchester.org

April 2019

From the Pastor 1 From the Pastor The Easter Message… 2 Early Communion Workshop Don’t Be Afraid! Grief Videos Come & See! Go & Tell! Easter will soon be upon us! A time we are filled with joy 3 Holy Week Worship Services as we watch our children enjoy their Easter baskets, and see their surprised smiles when they find the special treats at Emanuel’s Easter Egg Hunt … as they show off their new Easter dresses, shirts, 4 April Church Events shoes, and yes – even some Easter bonnets. Memorial Bricks We are blessed as we gather together to worship our Risen Lord! Passion Story Readers Needed Hearts filled with Alleluias! Easter Services filled with favorite hymns, special music, beautiful flowers, and the joy of our community of faith in 5 April 2019 Calendar fellowship. A time we are especially blessed to welcome “the stranger in our midst” - inviting new faces to join with us in worship, fellowship, and service; to hear God’s Word, to trust in God’s promise, and to know 6 Transition Times Update God’s love. Easter is a day filled with joy-filled surprises. And as we listen to God’s Word, if we really listen to the Easter Story, we’ll hear the Good News 7 April 2019 Lay Minister Schedule about the best surprise…the most joy-filled surprise ever. One thing’s for certain, the women at the tomb on that very first Easter Sunday were surprised! First by an earthquake; but that was nothing Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian compared to the surprise of an angel appearing to them, like a lightning 8 bolt, out of nowhere. While (as is customary for angels) - the first thing the angel says is, Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian “Do not be afraid” - the women’s fear is understandable. I think we’d have 9 AmazonSmile to admit that, under those circumstances, we too might be more than a little afraid. But there’s more to this declaration than just reassurance and comfort. 10 Sound of Emanuel Concert This messenger has a message…and he wants the women to stop being afraid so they can focus on this message from God. The angel tells them that Jesus has been raised, just as He said He 11 Caring would be. That’s why the women came to the tomb. They remembered Jesus’ words; they remembered Jesus said He would be raised after three days, and they came to see. The angel invited them to do just that. He rolled the stone away so the women could see that Jesus was no longer Easter Plants Order Form 12 there. The angel says, “Come, see the place where He was laid.” And they encounter their next surprise - the empty tomb - God’s promise fulfilled! But that’s not the end of the story; far from it. In so many important The Church Office ways, it’s only the beginning - for these faithful disciples…and for us. will be CLOSED, The angel sends these faithful women on a mission, “Go and tell your Friday, 4/5, Friday, 4/19 brothers and sisters in Christ that Jesus has been raised from the dead… and Monday, 4/22. He’s going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see Him.” As they set out on their mission, they encounter their next and best surprise… because while they’re on their journey, Jesus meets them. continued on page 2 From the Pastor… (continued from page 1)

Jesus repeats the angel’s message. He tells them Early Communion Workshop not to be afraid, and He gives them a command that can best be translated…“Keep going and keep Join us for our Early Communion telling!” The women are supposed to tell the Workshop to be held in Luther disciples to go to Galilee; Jesus would meet them Hall on April 7th (following the there. second service approximately Why did Jesus tell these women not to be afraid? 12:00 noon – 1:30 PM). After all, they have the privilege of being the first to This event is for any child who is interested in see the Risen Lord, they are the first to worship learning about communion, and welcomes the Him, the first to be commissioned by Him, the very whole family to come and learn together, ask first disciples to proclaim the Easter message… questions and share in fellowship. We make this Jesus is Risen! Clearly they recognize Jesus. They workshop an interactive experience so that the kids fell at his feet and worshipped Him. So why does He can learn through the enjoyment of each other. We need to tell them “not to be afraid”? will start with a light lunch for all in Luther Hall Perhaps Jesus was telling them they need not be followed by a skit and behind-the-scenes hands on afraid ever again. They need not be afraid to experience in the church. The children will also witness to the Resurrection, to spread the good have the opportunity to "stump" the Pastor with any news of God’s love for all people, to live their faith in questions they may have. We will conclude with a the public eye. They need not be afraid because special communion craft to celebrate this special Jesus was with them in Jerusalem, in Galilee, wher- day. They will also receive a booklet to reinforce ever they were sent. And that promise is for us too. these concepts and an adult booklet for parents. Emanuel friends…the heart of the Easter mission Please RSVP to the Church Office (860) 643-1193, message can be summed up in three easy sign up during Sunday School or by email to phrases… Don’t be afraid! [email protected]. Come and see! The names of the children will be printed in the Go and tell! church bulletin on Easter Sunday (the day they  Don’t be afraid! The Promise of God’s mercy actually will take communion for the first time, and love is for all people, all times, all places. If unless otherwise specified). If you choose to have you are seeking those promises, they are yours! them receive communion for the first time other  Come and see! We gather together as a faith than Easter Sunday, please let the office know and community to be both nurtured & challenged by their name will be printed in the bulletin on the day God’s Word, to be strengthened & nourished by they receive communion. the Lord’s Supper. We are claimed & gathered, so we might…  Go and Tell! Better yet… “Keep going and keep st If you or a loved one are grieving, you are telling!” Think about it. If the 1 century disciples welcome to access a series of FREE videos had not kept going and kept telling the Easter through the link listed below. There are seven message of the Resurrection of Jesus…of God’s st videos in all covering various topics and most are forgiveness and love…we in the 21 century about an hour in length. The following topics are would be lost without the promise and hope of covered in the videos: Caring for a Loved One God’s love & eternal life. with Alzheimer's, The Transforming Power of Don’t be afraid! Come and See! Go and Tell! Caregiving, Changed Forever, Footprints on our Hearts, Grieving a Sudden Death of a Loved One, … And let our Risen and Living Lord surprise you Helping Children Grieve, Helping Parents Grieve, with joy by the new things that He will do within Hope for Healing following a death by Suicide, and through you…within and through our faith Grieving the Loss of a Pet. community. We just need to “take up our Cross” and follow where God leads. If you would like to access these May the joy-filled surprise of Easter videos from Paraclete Press, visit: warm your heart and bless your life! http://paracletevideostreaming.com/ Blessed to be a blessing! USERNAME: grief password: 1530 Pastor Maria 2 3 Church Events

Ruth Circle Do you want to know about a resource that is available to seniors in Connecticut? This is your opportunity to hear about the services provided Please sign up for Altar or Lectern Flowers to by Masonicare because at the April 2, 2019 meeting memorialize a loved one or celebrate a special of Ruth Circle, The Reverend Carl Anderson, Vice President for Mission Effectiveness for Masonicare, 860Passion-643- 1193 to check if a special date is available. Story Readers Needed will be the guest speaker. The program begins at for Palm Sunday 7:30 PM in Luther Hall. Please join us for this We will be reading The Passion of informational and spiritual program. Our Lord According to Luke during Hostesses for the evening: Sylvia Hellstrom and both worship services on Palm Diane Gawlinski. Sunday, April 14th. We need eight Masonicare is the Wallingford-based not for profit provider of people – ideally we would like six senior healthcare and living. Rev. Anderson is responsible for the men and two women - from both our organization’s Ethics committee, community benefit and social 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services to read the responsibility and spiritual services, spiritual care throughout the state. various parts of the Passion Story. If you are willing to participate, please contact Nancy in the Church Healing Prayer Worship Office at 860-643-1193 or by email to: Sunday, April 7th [email protected]. Thank you for Healing Prayer is available for all who would like to your help. receive it during both worship services at 8:45 & 10:30 AM. On the first Sunday of the month, IT’S TIME TO ORDER MEMORIAL BRICKS we also collect donations for the Samaritan Fund in If you would like to have a Memorial Brick the Narthex. included in the Service of Dedication on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 10:00 AM in Emanuel’s Memorial Garden, please get your order Healing Prayer Sundays are held on the first th Sunday of every month at Emanuel. form in to the Church Office by Sunday, April 28 . The Healing Ministers are located in the Narthex. Order Forms are located in the Narthex and in the After taking communion, those who wish to have Church Office. healing prayer may proceed down the side aisles Please contact Nancy Whiton (860-643-1193 or and through the back doors to the healing minis- [email protected]) if you have any ter. We have made these changes in order to provide a quieter questions. and more private environment. Please note, if you are unable to attend worship on the first Sunday of any month, but would like THINK SPRING! EASTER IS COMING APRIL 21! healing prayer, please contact Lynne Gustafson, Daffodils, multi-colored tulips, and lilies from Parish Nurse ([email protected]) or Pastor Maria Woodland Gardens will be used again to decorate ([email protected]) in person or by email and they Emanuel’s church sanctuary for Easter. Our prices will arrange a convenient time and place to pray prayers will be the same this year: the lilies are $9.50 each, of healing with you. You may also call the Church Office and the daffodils or tulips are $8.50 each. (860-643-1193) for help. They may be ordered “in memory of”, “in honor of”, Mid-week Lenten Services or “in gratitude for”. Holden Evening Prayer: April 10, 7 PM at Emanuel Please complete the order form (on the back page of Stations of the Cross: April 3, 7 PM at St. Mary’s this Visitor) and enclose your check, earmarked Easter flowers, payable to Emanuel Lutheran Women’s Breakfast Church by Monday, 4/8. Wednesday, April 17th at 8:30 AM Order as many as you would like…it will make The Vernon Diner, Vernon Emanuel even more beautiful, colorful, and fragrant. Flowers may be brought home following the Easter The Women’s Breakfast Group meets at the Vernon morning services or when the Church Office reopens Diner on the third Wednesday of the month. on Tuesday, 4/23. All women of the congregation are welcome! 4 5 Transition Times Update From Pastor Maria Hammons

Transition Times update … Now What? Things are moving along … here’s the latest status:  Call Committee Chairperson, Danielle Berneski, informed the congregation that the Call Committee received the profile of a new pastoral candidate from the Synod Staff, and have held two interviews with the candidate, and also heard them preach during a “neutral site” visit, i.e. not Emanuel and not the Pastor’s current church. The Call Committee voted unanimously to move forward with the candidate. The candidate is excited about moving forward in the process with Emanuel.  The Call Committee met with Emanuel’s Congregational Council to “present” the candidate’s profile to the Council and explained the reasons they feel the candidate is a good match for Emanuel. Before that meeting, they contacted the candidate’s references and shared the feedback they received with the Council (the candidate also contacted Emanuel’s references during this time).  Council will now schedule a time to meet with the recommended Candidate. Council can vote for the candidate to move forward to the congregation, or they can inform the Call Committee and Bishop of the reason they do not feel this person is a good match for Emanuel. If that happens, the Synod staff works to identify additional candidates and the process begins again with the Call Committee.  Once Council approves a candidate – and the candidate accepts and expresses their desire to move forward to the congregation – a financial package is negotiated by the Executive Committee with the candidate (with the review/approval of the full Council and the Bishop). Please remember the Call Committee’s and Council’s work related to the call process is strictly confidential. They aren’t permitted to talk about the candidates or interviews. Chairperson, Danielle Berneski, and Councl President, Steve Lazarus, will make periodic Sunday announcements to keep the congregation informed. Please honor the need for confidentiality.  A special congregational meeting is then held on a Sunday morning, starting with worship, so parishion- ers can experience the candidate as they preach and preside. A representative of the Bishop will be present. The day before the worship service a reception will be held at Emanuel so the congregation and candidate have a chance to meet in a social setting.  After worship, the candidate is asked to wait elsewhere, while the Synod representative leads the meeting. There will be a time for questions and discussion, after which the congregation will vote to approve the candidate as Emanuel’s new pastor, and then vote to approve the financial package.  Once the votes are completed and the candidate is approved, Emanuel’s newly-called Pastor is invited back to the sanctuary and enthusiastically welcomed by the congregation.  A start date is set with the new Pastor. If needed, the Synod Staff will help arrange for Supply Pastors for Sunday coverage until the new Pastor begins.  The Pastor’s first Sunday should be a Celebratory Worship Service (one service Sunday). The pastor and their family are warmly welcomed at worship and a celebration is held following the Service! And Emanuel’s faithful journey continues!

Danielle Berneski, Chairperson Lisa Little - Council Representative Karin Buus Campfield Heinrich Carol Kohl Ron Lehrach Marc Polito

6 7 Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian... From Eric Heinrich

Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian, Eric Heinrich a question about Lutheran Theology or about a Lutheran Tradition. As an ongoing project for one of his seminary classes this semester, Eric is accepting your questions! He’ll research the questions and provide an answer for you. There is a kiosk in Luther Hall where you’ll find one envelope with blank forms for you to write your questions and another envelope to leave the question for Eric to pick up. If you are unable to make it to church, but still want to ask Eric a question, you may email it to: [email protected]. Answers will be posted on the kiosk as well as monthly in the Visitor newsletter. Thanks in advance for your help with this project!

What is the significance behind the Luther Rose? The Lutheran Rose was designed by Lazarus Spengler a friend and supporter of Martin Luther. Spengler is also known for writing hymns. On July 8, 1530 Luther wrote a letter to Lazarus Spengler regarding the design of the Luther Rose. The letter reads as follows: Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal which you sent me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason about why my seal is a symbol of my theology. The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. “For one who believes from the heart will be justified” (Romans 10:10). Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is , it does not kill but keeps alive. “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17) but by faith in the crucified. Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose is white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3;John 20-12). Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal. This is my compendium theologia (summary of theology). I have wanted to show it to you in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ our beloved Lord, be with your spirit until the life hereafter. Amen. Thoughts from your Seminarian: The first scripture that Luther quotes regarding the design of the Luther Rose is Romans 10:10. Romans was written as a letter from Paul to the Romans. It is the sixth book of the New Testament. Luther calling attention to Romans 10:10 and its message corresponds directly to the Lutheran theological belief of sola fida which is Latin for by faith alone. You may have also heard of “sola gratia” (by grace alone) and “sola scriptura” (by scripture alone). The three solas work together for the basic foundation of Lutheran theology. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone according to scripture alone. One may look upon this and think scripture is provided to us. It is the word of God. Grace also is a gift provided to us by God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sola Fida (faith) is also a gift from God and of the three “solas” it is one in which we have some control over. It is up to us to nurture our faith and to provide opportunities for it to grow. Of course all of us are on a faith journey and our faith will have highs and lows. We will all have doubts on our faith journey but that does not mean that God is unable to shine God’s grace upon us. Questioning our faith and God’s existence is all a part of faith. In the book of John 20:19-29 we find the story of “doubting Thomas”. Thomas is often given a bad rap being labeled as a “doubter”. I would suggest that Thomas did not doubt any more than any of the other disciples would have if they had not been present when Jesus revealed his wounds to them. Also, when Thomas did have the opportunity to meet with Jesus, Jesus did not hesitate to allow Thomas to see and feel his wounds. It seems to me that God did not fault Thomas for wanting the same experience that the other disciples had. The Luther rose thus provides a symbol of God’s grace for us as Lutherans. - -luthers-seal (accessed 3/2019) 8 Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian... From Eric Heinrich

Why is it whenever I go to a Roman Catholic church and they recite the Lord’s prayer they never seem to say the whole thing? I am assuming by this question you mean that it does not conclude with “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.” The Lord’s prayer can be found in both the gospel of Matthew and Luke. In the gospel of Matthew it says, Pray then in this way: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. (Bible version NRSV, Matthew 6:9-13) You will notice that in the bible, the ending that we as Lutherans usually recite is not included. So, while you may think our Roman Catholic friends are omitting something, that is not the case, instead we Lutherans choose to add what is known as a “doxology”. A doxology is a simple saying of praise for God. While I could give you a brief answer off of the top of my head, I also did a little additional research referring to a source by Dr. Jerald C. Joersz, a former associate executive director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations. During the history of Christian churches and denominations, different groups have chosen to include or not include the doxology ending to the prayer. “Old English translations (such as Tyndale’s New Testament from 1534 and the King James Version from 1611) included the closing doxology as part of the text from Matthew ”(Joersz). Most recent modern English translations do not include it. It is generally understood that the original text from Matthew would not have included it. A common practice had always been that Jewish people would conclude prayers with words of praise and it is also believed that some ancient Christians added words of praise following the last petition of the Lord’s prayer.When Luther translated the Bible from Greek to German, he included the doxology ending because it was in the Greek version that he used. It should be noted that in his Small Catechism of 1529 he did not use it.(Joersz) If you attend different churches, you will likely find that most of our Roman Catholic friends do not include the doxology in the same way as us and most of our protestant friends. Often times in the Roman Catholic church the doxology is included as words said by the priest following an inserted prayer known as the embolism. I encourage you to check out the various translations of the Lord’s prayer that exist. Even though we as Lutherans include the doxology, you might still find different language and translations used from parish to parish. The prayer is a significant part of the Christian faith and different versions are fine provided they are true to the bible and bring the person praying closer to God.

-there-different-versions-of-the-lords-prayer-3-2010/ (accessed 3/15/2019)

Do you shop on amazon.com? Well, if you do, you have the opportunity to support Emanuel just by shopping at Amazon. To connect with Emanuel as a charity, follow this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/06-0662122. You will continue to shop at the same Amazon you love, but you will enter the site through a different link. Once you sign up, then each time you shop you will enter smile.amazon.com in your browser and you will automatically be connected with Emanuel as your chosen charity! THIS PROGRAM HAS GENERATED QUITE A BIT OF REVENUE FOR EMANUEL SINCE IT BEGAN. IT’S QUICK AND EASY TO SIGN UP, AND YOU ONLY HAVE TO SIGN UP ONCE! If you have any questions about the program, or if you have trouble finding Emanuel through the Smile link, please contact Anne Heinrich: [email protected] or call the Church Office, 860-643-1193. 9 10 Caring Emanuel Staff (860) 643-1193 April Birthdays Pastor Maria Hammons Linda Hempstead 4/2 Beverly Fuss 4/19 [email protected] Marilyn Stavnitsky 4/3 David Morsey, Sr. 4/25 Ext. 301 Margaret Gustafson 4/10 Cindy Hall, Deacon [email protected] Pastoral Acts Ext. 303 Funerals Dr. Jun Lee Donna Wogman Director of Music [email protected] Donald Wirta Ext. 307 Danielle Berneski and Julie Kamp Co-Directors of Family Ministries [email protected] Ext. 304

Nancy Whiton Administrative Assistant [email protected] Ext. 309

Anne Heinrich Church Secretary [email protected] Ext. 300

Kathy Hatch Property Supervisor [email protected]

James Hamilton Co-Treasurer [email protected]

Rosemary Johnson Co-Treasurer [email protected]

Eric Carlson Financial Secretary [email protected]

Lynne Gustafson Parish Nurse [email protected]

Steven Lazarus Council President [email protected]

Dear Family of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Berk Little Thank you for your generous gift of $3,803.75 ($718.75 from Souper Bowl and Worship Support Specialist $3,085 from quarterly pledge) to MACC Charities. It has been an exceptionally Brianna Gustafson long and cold winter and your help with our programs and services will bless Worship Support Specialist so many people who are struggling. When community shows up, nothing is impossible. Kindness wins, Beth Stafford Executive Director/CEO of MACC Charities

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