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

June 2019

From the 1 From the Pastor Hails & Farewells CLCC News 2 AmazonSmile In my previous life, I had the pleasure of working Summer Coffee Hours closely with hundreds of military women & men from the various services and different countries. One of the Guardian Angels military traditions that seemed to hold true from service to service, and 3 Head to Heart Service Project country to country, was that of having a “hail and farewell” ceremony to welcome those who were arriving, and to honor those who were departing. These events, though bittersweet, were always meaningful 4 June Church Events to us. It seems we’re always saying “hail” and “farewell” in our lives. And that’s true in our life together as a faith community as well. 5 June 2019 Calendar As a congregation we happily “hail” visitors and new parishioners, and we sadly say “farewell” to friends who move away. In the spring, we “hail” our snowbirds who return to us from having spent the cold winter months Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian in warmer climates - while at the same time, we begin to say “farewell” to 6 those who spend much of their summer away vacationing in cooler climates. We also have profound events through which we say “hail” and Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian 7 “farewell.” Marriages bring a variety of “hails” as the couple begins a new relationship in their life together as husband & wife. Their parents welcome a new daughter or son into their family. There are also 8 Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian “farewells” as couples say good-bye to “the single life,” and parents accept that they are now “sharing” their child with another family. Births & Baptisms are some of our most joy-filled “hails” as a faith 9 June 2019 Lay Minister Schedule community - as a new child of God becomes a part of our life together and we anticipate their growth in faith. Of course, death and funerals are among the saddest times, as we say 10 Transition Times Update farewell to friends and loved ones who have served alongside us and Emanuel’s new Pastor! walked with us in our faith journey. As I write this article I’m very aware that we are getting ready to go through this tradition ourselves, here at Emanuel. As you have just called Caring your new pastor, it will soon be my turn to say “farewell” to you, my 11 ELCA 2018 Mission Support Emanuel friends. But first I want to say that it has been a gift to serve as your pastor. 12 Summer Worship Schedule I have been blessed to walk with you through your transition – as you honored your history, celebrated your present, and envisioned God’s future for Emanuel. And while saying “farewell” is hard (my last Sunday will be June 23), I am excited for you as you take the next step in your faith journey as the people of God in this time and place. “Hails” and “farewells” are a bittersweet part of life. But as people of faith, we know that God walks with us - rejoicing with us as we “hail” a new pastor, a new parishioner, a new ministry - new life; just as God walks with us as we say “farewell” to and people and ministries.

continued on page 10 News from Creative Living Community of Connecticut From Cindy Hall

Creative Living Community of Work Days Connecticut (CLCC) named Saturday, June 1 and June 15 Patrick Byrne, of Bolton, its 9:00 AM to noon (see address below) new Executive Director; Patrick began his tenure with You are welcome to join us for CLCC in mid-March. With an one or both of the work days extensive background in that are scheduled at the CLCC marketing, communications property, 2645 Boston Tpke., and development, Byrne Coventry. There is a list of brings enthusiasm, fresh tasks to be completed for eyes and a keen understanding of Connecticut’s various ages and abilities. non-profit industry to CLCC as its first full-time Be sure to wear sturdy work shoes and bring work Executive Director. gloves. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Gustafson at [email protected]. Byrne comes to CLCC after serving as Director of Development for Family Life Education in Hartford where he helped the organization transform the lives of many vulnerable families and children in Hartford; FLE recently opened a Children’s Wellness Center to help combat childhood obesity within the city. Byrne was Do you shop on amazon.com? instrumental in the marketing, communications and Well, if you do, you have the opportunity to support fundraising efforts for the new facility. Previously, Emanuel just by shopping at Amazon. Byrne spent two years as the Communications and To connect with Emanuel as a charity, follow this Development Associate at Hartford Seminary link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/06-0662122. where he helped secure funding for two endowed chairs, was a crucial piece of annual fund efforts, You will continue to shop at the same Amazon you and aided in numerous marketing efforts for the love, but you will enter the site through a different graduate school. Patrick has also worked for the link. Once you sign up, then each time you shop National MS Society in Hartford, University of Saint you will enter smile.amazon.com in your browser Joseph and Gordon College. and you will automatically be connected with Emanuel as your chosen charity! THIS PROGRAM Incredibly familiar with fundraising efforts in HAS GENERATED QUITE A BIT OF REVENUE FOR Connecticut, Byrne is thrilled to be a part of CLCC EMANUEL SINCE IT BEGAN. IT’S QUICK AND EASY TO and particularly the opportunity to build an SIGN UP, AND YOU ONLY HAVE TO SIGN UP ONCE! experiential living community from the ground up If you have any questions about the program, or if you have for adults with intellectual disabilities. trouble finding Emanuel through the Smile link, please contact Anne Heinrich: [email protected] or call the Byrne is a native of Manchester, attended Church Office, 860-643-1193. Manchester High School (2002) and has his degree from Springfield College (2006) in Springfield, . The Coffee Hour sign up sheet in Aside from his career, Patrick is an avid runner the Office Hallway has many open and founded Manchester Running Company, its 350-member club, and the non-profit MRC Track Sundays this summer! & Field Series; he also is a board member of USA We would love for YOU to fill in your name and host Track & Field-Connecticut. Patrick lives in Bolton Coffee Hour this summer! with his wife Caitlin, their two young daughters, and Border Collie Mara. In his spare time, he enjoys Coffee Hour is held at 11 AM following worship. Food Seinfeld re-runs and Red Sox baseball. for Coffee Hour does not need to be elaborate. Ground coffee is supplied, bring half & half, juice and a few treats! Everyone enjoys this time of fellowship!

2 Guardian Angels Head to Heart Service Project From Cindy Hall

Guardian Angels: Some Lutheran World Relief History! In 1945, World War II left an estimated one-fifth of If you are looking for an the world’s Lutherans homeless. Here in the United opportunity to help migrant States, Lutheran churches in at least 20 states youth, consider this. mobilized to help in Europe through a new agency “Guardian Angels,” an ELCA called Lutheran World Relief. AMMPARO program, offers physical, spiritual and Much has changed in nearly 75 years. But in emotional accompaniment of migrant minors and thousands of congregations, in millions of offerings their families. The Synod’s Immigration and and in uncounted prayers, U.S. Lutherans continue Refugee Task Force hopes to start a program at to support Lutheran World Relief’s work. Lutheran Hartford’s immigration court. Two volunteers, one World Relief was there in the late 1940s, when using Spanish-speaking skills, and the other, note 800,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes taking skills, will work together. They will talk with by the creation of the state of Israel … in the early migrants and their families before their court time 1950s when Hong Kong, Korea and Bangladesh and then be in the courtroom. It’s been found that and much of Asia was mired in strife … during the with “Guardian Angels” present, judges and 1970s and ’80s, when civil wars and drought officials treat the young person with more plagued Africa. Today, Lutheran World Relief respect! operates in East and West Africa, Latin America, Watch the ELCA video: Guardian Angels: Asia and the Middle East, helping some of the An Introduction, https://vimeo.com/157458987 world’s poorest communities build the resilience they need to thrive. On Saturday, September 14 at 9:30 AM, Mary Emanuel’s Head to Heart Confirmation Youth are Campbell, Director of AMMPARO, will train us challenging the congregation to help them in a 3+ hour session at Emanuel Lutheran the items needed to assemble 100 HEALTH CARE Church, Hartford, CT. Guardian Angels will KITS this summer! commit to volunteer two times a year, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the On Sunday, June 16th, the Head to Heart Youth month. will launch this Summer Service project and their request for items. To sign up or ask for more information, contact Doreen Rinas at [email protected]. EACH PERSONAL CARE KIT will include the following:  ONE light-weight bath-size towel (between 20” If you or a loved one are grieving, you are x 40” and 52” x 27”), dark color recommended welcome to access a series of FREE videos through the link listed below. There are seven  TWO or three bath-size bars of soap equaling videos in all covering various topics and most are 8 to 9 oz., any brand, in original wrapping about an hour in length. The following topics are  ONE adult-size toothbrush in it’s original covered in the videos: Caring for a Loved One packaging with Alzheimer's, The Transforming Power of Caregiving, Changed Forever, Footprints on our  ONE sturdy comb, remove packaging Hearts, Grieving a Sudden Death of a Loved One,  ONE metal nail clippers (attached file optional), Helping Children Grieve, Helping Parents Grieve, remove packaging Hope for Healing following a death by Suicide, Grieving the Loss of a Pet. Donations will be received in the boxes at the front of the church through mid August when the kits If you would like to access these will be assembled. videos from Paraclete Press, visit: Thank you in advance for the support of this http://paracletevideostreaming.com/ service project led by Emanuel’s Head to Heart USERNAME: grief password: 1530 Confirmation youth!

3 Church Events

Healing Prayer Worship Sunday, June 2nd Healing Prayer is available for all who would like to receive it during our single worship service at 10 AM. On the first Sunday of the month, we also collect donations for the Samaritan Fund in the Narthex.

Healing Prayer Sundays are held on the first Sunday of every month at Emanuel. The Healing Minister is located in the Narthex. After taking , those who wish to have healing prayer may proceed down the side aisles and through the back doors to the healing minister. Women’s Breakfast We have made these changes in order to provide a Wednesday, June 19th at 8:30 AM quieter and more private environment. Please note, The Vernon Diner, Vernon if you are unable to attend worship on the first The Women’s Breakfast Group meets at the Vernon Sunday of any month, but would like healing prayer, Diner on the third Wednesday of the month. please contact Lynne Gustafson, Parish Nurse All women of the congregation are welcome! ([email protected]) or Pastor Maria ([email protected]) in person or by email and they will arrange a convenient time and place to pray prayers of healing with you. You may also call the Church Office (860-643-1193) for help. Dan Purtell is thrilled to announce that after Pentecost Sunday years of discernment, work, study and prayer he June 9th—Worship at 10 AM has been called to be the pastor of Bethlehem If you ARE attending worship, Please wear RED. Lutheran Church in Sturbridge, MA. He feels very blessed and thankful to all the We will be honoring and blessing our members of Emanuel for their amazing support High School Graduates at the over the years. 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, June 16, 2019. The Ordination of Daniel Purtell Samuel Dolcelli Cynthia Folsom will be held at Benjamin Grant Luke Hebert Emanuel Lutheran Church on Grace Helmke William Lyon Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 4:00 PM Lillian Minicucci Jessica Polito in the Sanctuary Kyle Polito All are invited to this special event and a reception will follow in Luther Hall.

Please sign up for or Lectern Flowers to memorialize a loved one or celebrate a special

860-643-1193 to check if a special date is available. 4 5 Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian... From Eric Heinrich

Ask Emanuel’s Seminarian, Eric Heinrich a question about Lutheran Theology or about a Lutheran Tradition. As a project for one of his seminary classes this spring semester, Eric accepted questions from the congregation, researched the questions and provided answers. Answers were posted on the kiosk in Luther Hall and we’ve been sharing a couple of the answers each month in the Visitor newsletter. The following answers are the last four.

What is that candle in the red glass that is always burning and what is its purpose? The candle might be referred to as a “sanctuary lamp” or “eternal flame”. Over the years I have heard discussion about its presence in the church and many people are unclear about it. That could be because it is not something that ever seems to be mentioned during worship, it is just present and constantly burning. If you grew up in a church that has one it is just something you expect to see. It is not something that is found in all churches including all Lutheran churches. I remember as a kid asking about it and being told that it is an eternal flame to represent the eternal presence of God. The actual history of the use of such lamps is not entirely clear. There are some indications that it may be connected to references found in Exodus. Exodus 25:31-41 spells out how to build a and to include a lamp stand. Further on in Exodus chapter 27:20-21 there are more instructions about lamps.1 Exodus 27:20-21(NRSV) You shall further command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of beaten olives for the light, so that a lamp may be set up to burn regularly. In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that is before the covenant, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the Lord. It shall be a perpetual ordinance to be observed throughout their generations by the Israelites. The use of sanctuary lamps today appears to have a connection to a Roman Catholic practice which started in the 12th century. The Roman Catholic practice is done to have the candle burning near consecrated elements left over from the to signify Christ being present in the sacramental elements. The Roman Catholic churches have what is called a tabernacle (a box to hold the elements), the sanctuary lamp is positioned near that. Some churches that are not Roman Catholic have a similar practice where a candle surrounded by a clear glass is near an aumbry. The aumbry is a box attached to the side of the altar to house the elements. The use of an aumbry and a candle near it is most common in Episcopal churches and sometimes can be found in a Lutheran church. The protestant use of the candle such as what one can see in our worship space likely began from the Roman Catholic practice. We do not have an aumbry housing sacramental elements instead it serves as a reminder of the eternal presence of God.2 It should be understood, that even if the candle goes out, God is always with us. The translation of our church name, “Emanuel” in Hebrew is God is with us. In Exodus 27:20-21 it states, “Aaron and his sons shall tend to it from evening to morning before the Lord.” Our sanctuary lamp is tended to by the altar guild. The candle burns for seven days and is replaced every Saturday.

1 ELCA Worship Formation and Liturgical Questions, https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/What_is_a_sanctuary_lamp.pdf (Accessed 4/19/2019)

2 ELCA Worship Formation and Liturgical Questions, https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/What_is_a_sanctuary_lamp.pdf (Accessed 4/19/2019)

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

What is the meaning behind the ? A new Paschal candle comes out each year at the time of the . A fire is typically lit at the Vigil and the Paschal candle is lit from that source. The candle is inscribed with a cross, an alpha and omega and the current year before it is lit. The symbolism is to serve as a reminder that Christ is always with us. The following words are said at the time of the inscribing, “Christ yesterday and today (cross), the beginning and the end (Alpha and Omega). His are all times (2) and ages (0); to Christ be glory and dominion (year), through endless ages (year). Amen”. Usually five grains of are stuck into the cross with wax nails representing the five wounds of Christ. The candle is lighted during the liturgy for each of the fifty days of Easter.1 In many churches the Paschal candle is placed near the altar during the fifty days of Easter and then at Pentecost it is moved to a stand near the Baptismal font. The position near the font is to serve as a reminder that in our baptism we are crucified and resurrected with Christ. During a baptism a small candle is lit from the Paschal candle and given to the sponsors for symbolic representation of Christ’s resurrection. During funerals the Paschal candle is lit and placed at the head of the casket. Again, this is to serve as a reminder that we have been raised with Christ.2

1 (accessed 5/10/19).

2 (accessed 5/10/19).

What is meant by the “theology of the cross”? My understanding is that God comes to us through the cross. It is not up to us to fully understand all that God is doing. It is not for us to speculate all of God’s reasoning. That is where faith comes into the picture. It is our faith in God’s presence in Christ on the cross which brings us closer to God. What Luther called his theology of the cross was revolutionary during his time. Luther was bucking the system in a way by declaring that the scholastic theological view of the time was inaccurate. Luther saw what was being presented by most theologians as a “theology of glory”. A theology of glory might look at Christ’s death on the cross as being for the best without seeing the horror in it. Trying to rationalize happenings that only God can understand is not a theological approach that works. Instead with the theology of the cross there is no denying the pain and suffering brought to Christ by the cross. Some might say, “Where is God in a terrible situation?” Luther focused on humans not being able to see all there is to God. Theologian Timothy J. Wengert articulates the theology of the cross in the following words: “The correlate of a theology of the cross is not one of glory, but instead of resurrection. It is because God raises the dead that people of faith can be confident in entrusting their lives into God’s care.”1 Luther wrote the following words to help us better understand the theology of the cross, “The person does not deserve to be called a theologian who looks upon invisible things of God as though they were clearly perceptible in those things which have actually happened. He deserves to be called a theologian, however, who comprehends the visible and manifest things of God seen through suffering and the cross”.2 He presented his theology as a theology of the cross on April 26, 1518. That was when he presented twenty-eight theological and twelve philosophical theses for disputation in Heidelberg, Germany. The disputation at Heidelberg challenged the medieval belief of salvation which was taught by the theology of glory.

1 Timothy J. Wengert, (Grand Rapids Michigan, Baker Publishing Group) p. 736.

2 Michael Stoltzfus, Journal of Lutheran Ethics, (1/11/2001) p. 11. (accessed 4/15/2019).

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

Why do we have two creeds? I would imagine the two that you are referring to are the Apostles’ Creed and the . You might find it interesting to learn that we as Lutherans actually have three creeds. The third creed being the . Allow me to provide some information about each of the three creeds. All three creeds have historical significance in the church. Apostles’ Creed: The Apostles’ Creed as we know it has been around since the eighth century. The Apostles’ Creed is based upon the Old Roman Creed that was used in the West as early as the third century. The often used it as the baptismal creed. The Book of Concord states specifically, “Parts of this older creed opposed or was opposed by certain gnostic alternatives to orthodox by the stressing the identity of the creator with the Father of Christ, Christ birth in the flesh, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of the “flesh”. There were other creeds being used too. The Apostles’ Creed was well accepted by Western culture and became a part of western baptismal liturgy. The Apostles’ Creed was rumored to have been created by the Apostles directly, with each one coming up with a part of it. During the fifteenth century that idea was questioned, and it seems more likely that it is just written to contain apostolic ideals of the early church.1 Nicene Creed: The Nicene Creed dates back to 325 when Emperor Constantine was bothered by disagreements in the church and was looking for one creed that could unite. He organized the council of Nicea, which was a meeting of to hash things out. While it dates back to 325 there were other councils that continued to discuss the content. A group known as the Pneumatomachians denied the Holy Trinity. The council of Constantinople wanted to make sure the Holy Spirit was lifted up as significant and added language to expand upon discussion of the Holy Spirit. There was also the council of Epesus in 431 and the council of Chalcedon in 451 that supported what came to be known as the Nicene Creed. The creed became recognized by both the Eastern and Western churches as being a part of the liturgy of the Eucharist.2 Athanasian Creed: The Athanasian Creed is thought to have probably been written during the fifth century. It was long believed to have been written by theologian Athansius. That is most likely not the case. It is believed to probably have its origin in France and became popular during the time of Charlamagne. It is very lengthy as compared to the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. Some of its length could be due to its message to condemn heretical teachings.3 The Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed can be found in the Evangelical (ELW) book on page 104 and 105 respectively. It is noted in the ELW that, “The Nicene Creed is appropriate during , Christmas, Easter, and on festival days: the Apostles’ Creed during and at other times.”4 While I am unable to answer this question directly, I am hoping a little bit of background into the creeds will be of help. I think it is noteworthy that each of the three sections of the Nicene Creed begin with “We” and each of the three sections of the Apostles’ Creed begin with “I”. I also think it is interesting that in Luther’s Small Catechism, Luther writes, “The Creed”. The Creed actually being the Apostles’ Creed.5 All three creeds are recognized by the Lutheran church as they all appear in The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

1 Robert Kolb and Timothy J. Wengert, The Book of Concord, The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000) pp. 19-20.

2 Robert Kolb and Timothy J. Wengert, The Book of Concord, The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000) pp. 20-21.

3 Robert Kolb and Timothy J. Wengert, The Book of Concord, The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000) p. 21.

4 Evangelical Lutheran Worship, (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2006) pp. 104-105.

5 Evangelical Lutheran Worship, (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2006) p. 1162.

8 9 Transition Times Update From Pastor Maria Hammons

From the Pastor… continued from page 1 That is why, as a faith community, we say “Farewell & Godspeed” - praying that God goes with those to whom we have to say farewell - protecting them and guiding them, and giving them friends along the way, so they might fare-well. By the way - did you know that the word “fare” comes from the Old English word “faran” which means to journey? Hmmm...“to journey well” does that sound familiar? May all the “hails & farewells” of your life bring you ever closer to the One who is always constant, always faithful, always present … in, with, and among us all. Fare-well & Godspeed Emanuel friends! With prayers for the journey! Pastor Maria I know not the way God leads me, but well do I know my Guide. Martin Luther

The People of Emanuel are blessed & overjoyed to announce that we’ve called Pastor Stephanie Kershner as our new pastor!

Please mark your calendar and join us in welcoming Pastor Stephanie on her first Sunday with us, July 14th!

10 Caring Emanuel Staff (860) 643-1193 June Birthdays Pastor Maria Hammons Maylord Hempstead 6/5 Barry VanCamp 6/20 [email protected] Ronald Erickson 6/15 Charles Billmyer 6/22 Ext. 301 Lincoln Goff 6/17 Cindy Hall, [email protected] Pastoral Act Ext. 303 Funeral Dr. Jun Lee Eugene Montany Director of Music [email protected] Dear Emanuel Lutheran Church, Ext. 307 What a gift you’ve given! Thank you for your generous gift of $1,200.00 to Danielle Berneski and Julie Kamp Co-Directors of Family Ministries Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) ministries through [email protected] ELCA Good Gifts for vaccinations for children. Ext. 304

Your Good Gift is a very good gift, indeed. With resources like seedlings Nancy Whiton and seminary courses, vaccinations and vegetable gardens, Bibles and Administrative Assistant [email protected] blankets, you’re equipping God’s people—around the world and around Ext. 309 the corner—with what they need to live abundant lives. Anne Heinrich Thank you for your leadership in the vital ministries that we do together— Church Secretary and for your very good gift! [email protected] Ext. 300 In God’s abundant grace, Kathy Hatch Christina Jackson-Skelton, Executive Director, Mission Advancement 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]

Berk Little Worship Support Specialist

Brianna Gustafson Worship Support Specialist

11 Emanuel Lutheran Church 60 Church Street Manchester, CT 06040

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

at 10:00 AM. 10:00 at

September 8th, September — 26th May

during the summer. the during

on Sunday mornings Sunday on

Single Worship Service Worship Single Emanuel will have a have will Emanuel