LUTHERAN CHURCH

G O D W I T H U S The Newsletter of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford

On Sundays

Sunday Worship Schedule 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel PLEASE JOIN US FOR 10:00 a.m. in the Church

Sunday School begins after the ADVENT a n d CHRISTMAS Children’s Message at the 10:00 a.m. service. WORSHIP AND EVENTS

St. Lucia Festival

Friday, December 4: Performances: 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.

A d v e n t Sunday Worship

1st Sunday Hoops! Sundays, December 6, 13, and 20; 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Services Join Pastor Corgan, Vicar Dominic of Holy Communion and others in the gym on the first Sunday of every month for Christmas Eve some basketball, starting on W o r s h i p December 6. Thursday, December 24: B i b l e The Nativity of Our Lord 5:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve Conversation: Candlelight Festival Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Service of Worship in the Music Room 10:30 p.m.:

Receiving Christmas Prelude 11:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve New Members! Candlelight Festival

Please see page 3. Service of Worship

December 2015 CELEBRATING 126 YEARS IN HARTFORD - 1889-2015 Volume 110/No.12 Contents

4 Children’s Library News

5 St. Lucia Festival Sunday Worship Schedule 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel 6 Council Highlights 10:00 a.m. in the Church

 7 Articles and Announcements Thursday Bible Conversation will be held at 10:00 a.m. in 7 Christmas Brunch the Music Room every 8 “The Lace Altar Rail Cloth” Thursday.

9 Calendar

10 Birthdays and Anniversaries

10 The Annual Meeting

11 Prepare and/or Serve

12 Bring a little joy!

www.emanuelhartford.org

12 Prayer Friends Needed!

Connect with us on Facebook! 13 Giving made simple. . . Emanuel Lutheran Church Staff Please visit http:// Telephone: 860-525-0894 13 A Trip to Germany! www.emanuelhartford.org/ FAX: 860-246-3720 and click on Facebook, John A. F. Corgan, 14 The Emanuel Archives OR visit https:// Senior Pastor: (860-712-1895) www.facebook.com/ [email protected] 16 Those Serving in November emanuelhartford John J. Marschhausen Visitation Pastor: (860-402-8734)

[email protected] 17 Photos and Stories Natalie Bloomquist, A.I.M.,

Director of Christian Education

Using Our Facilities 18 Natalie.Bloomquist The Mission of Emanuel Lutheran Church @emanuelhartford.org 19 Christmas Plant Order Form In response to Christ’s love we: Jonathan Reuning-Scherer, Worship God in joyful celebration, Director of Music Invite others into this community of Christ, [email protected] GOD WITH US (USPS 174-740) Serve those in need in the community and Jane Wunder, Operations Manager is published monthly by in the world, [email protected] Emanuel Lutheran Church, Nurture all people in faith through Chris- Becki Murphy, Coordinator of Ministries 311 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT tian education, [email protected] 06106-1410. Periodicals postage Encourage and support one another paid at Hartford, CT. Postmaster: send in Christian living and fellowship. Karen Rudewicz, address changes to God With Us, 311 Administrative Assistant Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106 [email protected]

Rachid Chelali, Sexton Dominic Smyth, Ministerial Assistant [email protected]

2 F RO M PA STO R CO RG A N

Friends in Christ, We get distracted – fairly easily, • Slow down and practice acts of around this time of year, distracted love, kindness and patience during It's easy to be distracted from from the celebration of the birth of the holiday rush; what's important. At this time of Jesus. year, as the celebration of the birth • As you think about gifts for of Jesus approaches, there are many "Keeping Christ in Christmas," if that Christmas, make plans to become distractions. is the point for some, has nothing to a Secret Santa to a family or do with coffee cups or how we greet individual who doesn't have as Christmas is used by some as an one another. It has everything to do much as you do (I can help you opportunity to push their own with our focusing our attention on identify individuals or families who agenda, an agenda that sometimes is that "holy night," the birth of the would be so grateful for remarkably unrelated to the birth of incarnate God and its history – such help!); Jesus! changing implications. After church on Sunday, the 27th, For instance, some people, who • It is so easy to be distracted from the deliver a Christmas poinsettia to claim to be Christian, protest one heart of the matter. one of our homebound members (I coffee shop's design of its holiday guarantee you will make his/her cup. They claim that by its lack of For Christians, for followers of Jesus, day!); seasonal symbols, like snowflakes, as we celebrate Advent and prepare Santa Claus, etc., the coffee shop is for Christmas, this is a time to reflect • After your feast is over, join others somehow waging war on Christmas. on God's grace, mercy and love from Emanuel on Tuesday, Most of us see this is as quite absurd, revealed in the Christ child. December 29, as we together but here in the national arena, the ". . .for unto you is born this day in prepare and serve a MANNA meal absurd has become reality! the city of , a Savior, who is to some of those in Hartford who don't have a home. One politician claims that once Christ the Lord." elected, he will see that everyone My word of encouragement for all of There are so many ways to keep says "Merry Christmas." That's a us this December: Christ at the center of Christmas and strange comment to make in this none has anything to do with coffee "land of the free." I hear such talk • Be intentional as you celebrate cups or how we greet each other. and wonder about my Muslim friend, Advent and prepare yourselves for my Jewish friend and my atheist the birth of Jesus: God's peace and joy to you and to all friend. Personally, I want to have of God's people during Advent and nothing to do with forcing or • Light a candle each evening and this Christmas season. say a prayer of thanks that God coercing anyone to say anything Joy to the World! so loved the world that Jesus about Christmas! Faith or belief that is required is no longer a faith based was born; Pastor Corgan on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

NEW MEMBERS TO BE RECEIVED Sunday, December 6 If you’d like to make Emanuel your church home,

please contact Pastor Corgan at [email protected] or 860-525-0894. Thanks. 3

Children’s

Library News

The Children’s Library is excited about several new Christmas books that have arrived. Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer tells the story of Humphrey, a camel that carried the wise men to Bethlehem. We all know the story of the three wise men, but what about the camels that carried them? This wonderful story tells of Humphrey’s long, cold journey. On the way he loses his blanket but does acquire a new one. When he gets to pageant. She accepts the Bethlehem, he is so drawn to the assignment and decides that this love that is surrounding Jesus that is her gift to Jesus and everything he willingly gives up his new blanket must be perfect. Of course this to the Christ child. doesn’t happen and, after many disappointments, Hayley learns On one quiet night, creation that everything doesn’t have to whispered a secret. In Song of the be perfect because Christmas is Stars: A Christmas Story by Sally about Christ, not about glittering Lloyd-Jones, the skies shout to the lights or an impressive show. seas while the waves roared the secret to the whales. The message These are but a few books in our of “It’s time! It’s time!” spreads wonderful collection of Christmas through all of nature and God’s materials. Make sure you visit the creations. The moment of the Christ library to see the many books, child’s arrival had come and all of videos and DVDs that celebrate the creation shouted in celebration. birth of Jesus.

The wonderful author Max Lucado tells the story of two charming mice in Itsy Bitsy Christmas. Itsy and Bitsy St. Lucia Rehearsal Schedule Some Important Information hear that the King is coming to for our Ministry and Committee Wednesday, December 2 – Bethlehem and they set off to find Leaders 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. “dress” Him. Along the way they are told If you submit names for our monthly rehearsal, sanctuary that they are too small and newsletter (God With Us), under the unimportant for any king. When section of those serving for the Friday, December 4 – 4:00 p.m. they are about to give up, they learn month, please know that Becki arrival. 5:00 p.m. performance. that Christ the King comes for Murphy will contact you if anyone 8:00 p.m. performance. everyone. This delightful story helps signs up online with our new children understand God’s love and Schedule updates and “SignUpGenius” form. that Christ comes for all, despite downloadable music files can be whether they are little or big, young As usual, you will submit your list of found at: or old. names to Karen by the 15th of the month to be included in the next http://www.reuningscherer.net/ Joyce Meyer tells a humorous tale of “God With Us” newsletter. Email or lucia Hayley Hippo in The Perfect call Karen if you have any questions - Please contact Nancy Altschuler Christmas Pageant. Hayley is asked thanks! to direct the annual Christmas at [email protected]. 4 St. Lucia FFFestivalFestival DCE lxtÜá December 4, 2015 at 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. at Emanuel!

The photo above was taken by Patty Swanson. pattyswanson.com

Please join us for the St. Lucia Festival, which is presented by the adults and young people of Emanuel Lutheran Church.

We’ll have Swedish refreshments and crafts available after each performance. Tickets may be purchased at the door and are $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children, 12 and under.

5

Council 315 Capitol Avenue Update: Jane Sandberg Mission Annual Wunder noted that there have been Funds: Pastor Corgan presented the Highlights no showings yet and little interest in Sandberg Annual Funds Team the property. Our realtor, Shimkus, recommendations for spending the October Church Council Murphy & Lemkuil, has suggested a remaining $19,011 in 2015 funds: Highlights reduction in price. Other alternatives Mosaic $1000

Council President Mark Hopper are being pursued including Calumet $3000 called the meeting to order and discussions with Schochet Associates Camp Calumet Scholarship Fund Pastor Corgan led devotions on All about the possibility that Capitol $2000 Sunday, encouraging everyone Towers might find the property Fresh Food—Manna $2000 to think about people in our lives useful in solving parking problems. Outreach Food Packaging in Feb 2016 $1000 who have helped us grow in faith. Stewardship Committee Report: Burns School $5000 The minutes of the September 22, Chet Brodnicki noted the schedule Billings Forge $1000 2015 Council meeting were for the Generosity Campaign and Loaves and Fishes $1985 accepted. follow-ups to pledge Sunday. SPROUT (Grocery Gift Cards) $1750 Senior Pastor’s report: Pastor Memorial Bequest: Pastor Corgan Grace Academy $100 Corgan reported on the Bishop’s announced that Emanuel has Alzheimer’s Association $120 Convocation Service at Emanuel on received a significant bequest from The recommendation was moved, 10-19-15 during which Bishop the estate of Justina and Evert seconded, and approved Elizabeth Eaton preached. Bishop Olson. An allocation plan was unanimously. Hazelwood hosted a luncheon presented, endorsed by the Olsons’ recognizing Synod donors to executor, which includes additions to Facility Use Guidelines: Council Lutheran World Hunger; Emanuel the Accessibility Project Fund, Capital unanimously adopted a new policy member Barbara Erskine was Needs, Sandberg Mission, Samaritan and guidelines for the the use of thanked for her major gift to the and Youth Endowment funds, gifts to Emanuel facilities by members. This Lutheran World Hunger Appeal. Camp Calumet and New England document is similar to the that Bishop Eaton commented favorably Synod, a Ministry Reserve fund to previously adopted for outside on our outreach ministry and the support the operating budget, and an groups but altered in terms of quality of our music and our amount to underwrite the Memorial fees. The policy will be helpful in sanctuary. Garden/Courtyard Project. The clearly outlining expectations

Treasurer’s report: Treasurer allocation plan was moved, seconded regarding how facilities and Marschhausen presented the and approved unanimously. equipment are used, and also sets guidelines for covering the extra Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss John H. Stadtlander Conference costs incurred by the church for Budget Performance for September Room: In 2010, Emanuel pledged setup and/or cleaning. This policy and Year to Date. There is a $25,000 (based on a congregation becomes part of Emanuel’s downturn in income due to market pledge campaign) to name a Continuing Resolutions. losses and the Faith Budget and conference room at the Lutheran Pledge line items being behind plan. Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Contract/Purchase Order Expenses are in line ($3000 under PA, in memory of Pastor John H. Policy: Council also unanimously budget). Stadtlander. To fulfill a still approved another Continuing

Courtyard Project Plan: Bernie outstanding commitment on this Resolution concerning the policy and Johnson from the Property pledge, it was moved that Council procedures for signing contracts and Committee reported that plans are approve the expenditure of $3,566 to purchase orders. This document under development for renovating complete the funding process for the provides clear written policy for the courtyard and Memorial Garden, naming of this conference room, to signing and securing of contracts and including new hardscape with be paid from endowment fund #106, purchase orders that legally engraved pavers, landscaping, the John H. Stadtlander Memorial encumber the congregation. Fund. (This endowment fund was irrigation and granite memorial Accessibility Building Committee established in 2002 and currently has stones. Council expressed support for Update: Mark Hopper reported that a balance of $91,781.) The motion the project concept. Bernie will a project kickoff meeting was held was seconded and carried present detail plans to Council for with the architect and newly retained unanimously. final approval once firm costs are Construction Manager. The overall available. project schedule is being developed. 6 th Committee, Ministry or Task 125 Anniversary Banner EMANUEL SENIORS TOGETHER Your year-end As you are aware, the 125 th Force Leader: report is due in the church office by Anniversary banner continues to be January 4, 2016. Karen will send you posted on one of the towers and some helpful information to help you there have been questions raised as get it done quickly and easily. to when it will be taken down. At this BRUNCH Thanks! time, the banner won’t be taken down as there is an expense “Emanuel Seniors Together” involved in contracting for a bucket Christmas Brunch, Thursday, loader to remove it. However, a December 10 at 12:00 Noon. decision will be made by the Council Please join us for a wonderful time once the work on the towers begins of singing Christmas Carols and as there is a need for a bucket enjoying delicious food! There will loader at that time. We will keep you be a special presentation that day informed. from the Connecticut Historical Society: From Hula Hoops to High A Blood Pressure Screening by Fashion: Remembering G Fox in the our Parish Health Ministers will Bible 1950’s. In the 1950s, just about be held on Sunday, December 13. Readings every major city had a landmark The screening will be held in the department store. In Connecticut, it

Music Room after the 10:00 a.m. was G. Fox & Co. in Hartford! This For the Month of December service. presentation will bring you back in December 6 time to Fox’s heyday as we go from Second Sunday in Advent floor to floor and recall departments Volunteer Opportunities “ of the Exile” ranging from accessories on the on Sundays Isaiah 40:1-11 “street” floor, to designer dresses on

If you are interested in December 13 6, and ending at Toyland on 11. volunteering to be a Greeter Third Sunday in Advent You’ll also learn about Beatrice Fox or a Lector, please contact the “Rebuilding the Temple” Auerbach, the remarkable woman coordinators below. Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13 who made every visit to Fox’s so enjoyable and set the standard for Greeters: Eileen Mitchell, December 20 customer service. We promise to 860-688-4867 or Fourth Sunday stir pleasant memories of date nut [email protected] in Advent bread in the Connecticut Room, “Zechariah’s Song” Lectors: Lynn Sherman, back to school shopping, and the Luke 1:5-13, 57-80 wonderful Christmas season at G. 860-523-1702 December 24 Fox & Co.! You may sign up with Thank you Eileen and Lynn for Christmas Eve Brook Nowak in Luther Hall. your service to these important “The Birth of Jesus” ministries . Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

December 25 SPROUT Calling All E-mail Addresses Christmas Please be sure to keep the parish “The Magi” office updated with your most Luke 2:8-20 current email address. More and December 27 more communications are sent out First Sunday of Christmas This program invites children from through electronic means rather than Mark 1:1-20 paper mailings. If you have our Frog Hollow neighborhood to come on Saturday mornings, eat a any questions, please contact

Karen at office@ healthy breakfast, play active games emanuelhartford.org. in the gym and leave with a bagged Thank you. lunch. Please contact Terri Dwyer at (860)521-0714 or e-mail her at [email protected] for more 7 information.

The Story of Emanuel’s

November 1 was All Saints Sunday LACE ALTAR RAIL CLOTH

On that day we gave thanks for all Early in 1930, Emanuel received a gift, along with a letter from Sweden, which the saints of God, including the provided touching moments as it was read to the congregation. The gift was saints of Emanuel who entered the beautiful hand-crocheted lace edging on the altar rail cloth displayed today. their eternal rest during the past The Altar Guild felt this gift, which has been stored for many years, should be year, since November 2014. We seen and appreciated by our congregation on All Saints’ Sunday. Following is give thanks for each of them and the letter, which accompanied this special gift of love, from this true ‘’ for their lives of faithfulness and whose name we do not know. service:

Richard C. Smith December 2, 2014 Clarence Gustafson December 19, 2014

Kenneth W. Johnson December 26, 2014 Carolyn K. Liljedahl January 30, 2015 Ruth S. Aronson February 15, 2015

Hans G. Erickson

February 27, 2015

Donald G. Olson March 9, 2015 E. Kenneth Grahn “There is not really much to say about me. I came to Hartford May 23, 1897. March 20, 2015 I was in America almost ten years; of those years I was in Hartford about 3 Helga Mazeika years, but my friends there became so dear to me. I always felt at home. April 21, 2015 I journeyed back to Sweden in 1907. During all the time since then, it has been so wonderful to get letters and the church paper from my friends there. Everett F. Johnson May 12, 2015 How did the thought of an altar cloth come to me? Well, when I read in your Theodora Z. Rosenlof newspaper about the huge undertaking you were involved in with building the May 29, 2015 church, I thought: How wonderful it would be to join in, but what could I do? Yes, I could crochet some lace for the altar. It will be a greeting to my friends. Constance Sundkvist August 19, 2015 I wrote and asked one of my friends for the altar measurements at Emanuel. Robert C. Johnson The altar lace we have here in our church is so beautiful that I decided to make September 2, 2015 one for you with exactly the same pattern.

Justina V. Olson I started my work the first of April, 1926. Since I was not allowed to remove September 5, 2015 the cloth from the church, I sat in the church three times to copy the pattern. Clarence McCarron And my, how I froze! Even though I was dressed in a hat, wool sweater, winter October 21, 2015 coat and galoshes, I froze terribly. But during the whole time I thought what fun it would be when the cloth was finished. Often my prayer to God was that I

continue to be healthy and keep my eyesight so that I could finish the work.

Everything went well. I didn’t tire. Whenever I had some free time, I cro-

cheted. For two years and four months, I have been working on it. And then I

sent the laces to America with friends. I hope they are welcome.”

8 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 9:30 am: Staff Meeting 6 - 8 pm: St. Lucia 9:30 am: Crafty St. Lucia Festival No SPROUT Dress Rehearsal in Painters, Luther Hall the Sanctuary Performances at 9:30 am: Prayer 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. Shawl Ministry 7 - 8:30 pm: with a reception 10 am: “Bible Stephen Ministry following each WxvxÅuxÜ Conversation,” Supervision in the performance in the Music Room Conference Room Choir Rehearsal: 7 - 8:15 pm: 6:30 pm: Bell Choir Confirmation No Friday Night Class Program 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Second Sunday of Advent 6:30 pm: Finance 9:30 am: Staff Meeting 9:30 am: Crafty Friday Night Program 10 am - 12 noon: 8 and 10 am: Services of Committee Meeting Painters, Luther Hall 3:30 - 9:00 pm SPROUT in Luther Holy Communion - Sunday 7 pm: Church Council Hall/Gym 9:30 am: Prayer in Luther Hall School Shawl Ministry New Members Received Prayers for Healing 10 am: “Bible Conversation,” After the 10:00 am service: in the Music Room 1st Sunday Hoops! In the Gym 12 Noon: “Seniors Together” Christmas Brunch

Choir Rehearsal: 6:30 pm: Bell Choir

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Third Sunday of Advent 9:30 am: Staff Meeting 7 - 8:15 pm: 9:30 am: Crafty Friday Night Program 10 am - 12 noon: 8 and 10 am: Confirmation Painters, Luther Hall 3:30 - 9:00 pm SPROUT in Luther 7 pm: Executive Services of Holy Class Hall/Gym Committee Meeting 9:30 am: Prayer Shawl Communion Ministry Sunday School 7 - 8:30 pm: Stephen Ministry 10 am: “Bible Deadline for After 10 am Service: Blood Supervision in the Conversation,” “God With Us” in the Music Room Pressure Screening in the Conference Room Music Room Choir Rehearsal: 6:30 pm: Bell Choir 1:30 - 4 pm: Seifel Recital

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:30 am: Staff Meeting Christmas Eve Church Office Closed

8 and 10 am: 5:00 pm: Merry Christmas! Services of Holy Candlelight Communion Festival Service of Worship Sunday School 10:30 pm: Christmas Prelude 11:00 pm: Candlelight Festival Service of Worship

27 28 29 30 31 First Sunday of No Staff Meeting Church Office Closed

Christmas 8 and 10 am: Emanuel to New Year’s Eve at Services of Holy prepare and serve a Emanuel Communion MANNA Meal 5 pm: Service of Sunday School 11 am: Meal Worship 1 pm: The Wedding of preparation in Janice Favreau and John Luther Hall Kitchen Pelkey 5 - 8:30 pm: Emanuel

to serve the meal at Christ Church Cathedral

9 Birthdays and Anniversaries are noted each month for persons who are:

80 years of age and every year  thereafter.

 Married for 50 years and every year thereafter.

The Annual Meeting of Special Emanuel Birthdays During Emanuel Lutheran Church December! will be held on Sunday, Vera Biorklund - December 4 January 31, 2016 following Karin Stetson - December 10 Marjorie Acker - December 13 the 10:00 a.m. service.

Inger Swanson - December 14 There will be one service only Ellie Olson - December 18

at 10:00 a.m., so that all

Special Emanuel Anniversaries members may worship

During December! together and attend the

Elaine and Lanard Krause Annual Meeting. December 15, 59th

Baptized into God’s family on November 8:

Connor James Cleary, son of

Johanna and Ryan Cleary, born on September 3, 2015. Godparents The Church Council and I want you to are Amanda Turco and Jeffrey Confirmation Youth gatherings be aware of this, trusting that some Cleary. The Water Carrier was for middle school students and of you will begin to make donations Geneva Swanson. Congratulations parents are held twice a month on Wednesday evenings. Please as you're able. For some, I know, and God’s blessings to the newly there is little or no discretionary see calendar on page 9. For more baptized and his family! money available in your personal information contact Natalie budget. For many others of us, that is Nicholas Hugh Thogmartin, son Bloomquist. not the case. Please consider this of Stephanie and Christopher need and opportunity prayerfully Thogmartin, born on January 26, Faith Budget and share as generously. 2011. Godparents are Lauren Pastor Corgan The faith budget is that portion of Diloreto and Jovanni Valentini. our operating budget that both The Water Carrier was Geneva enables Emanuel to meet its ministry The First Sunday of Swanson. Congratulations and commitments and provides God’s blessings to the newly opportunity for each us to share over C h r i s t m a s baptized and his family! and above our regular pledges. Sunday, December 27 For 2015, the budget approved at One Service only at the annual meeting includes a faith 10:00 a.m. budget line item of $37,000. College Students and Modeen Scholars leading us in worship

10 P R E P A R E

AND/OR S E R V E

Join us on Tuesday, December 29, as we together prepare and serve a MANNA meal to some of those in Hartford who don't have a home.

11:00 a.m. - Emanuel will prepare the meal in the

Luther Hall kitchen

5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Emanuel will meet at Christ Church Cathedral to serve the Meal

Contact: David Kiersznowksi

Courtyard and Memorial Garden the front of the parish building, they may be obtained in the Church Renovation irrigation, fencing and granite Office. The total project cost is Plans are under development for a memorial stones with the names of approximately $65,000, funded by much needed renovation of the those interred in the Memorial the Justina and Evert Olson bequest, courtyard and Memorial Garden. As part of the project, the Rev. Eugene Mitchell Memorial Garden. Bernie Johnson from engraved memorial pavers will be Garden fund, income from the sale of Property Committee has been sold for $100 each during a campaign engraved pavers, and other working with a landscape designer that will run from now through the donations. Council unanimously and other contractors on a project end of January to give members and approved the full project at its that would include replacement of friends the opportunity to purchase November 17 meeting. Work is the existing sidewalks with pavers, an engraved paver in memory of expected to begin in the spring of removal of existing trees/shrubs, loved ones or honoring family, 2016 with completion by Memorial planting of new trees, shrubs and events, or committees. Order forms Day. perennials in the courtyard and along are being sent to the congregation, or

11 secret for three years until they are Prayers and best wishes to revealed just days before Pastor Corgan as he prepares Affirmation of Baptism Sunday. for retirement.

Would you consider serving as a He will be missed. prayer friend? Early adolescence is a difficult time, and the academic and - Monsignor Charles W. Daly social pressures society places on our middle school youth are Brighten someone’s day by tremendous. You can make a difference in their lives by keeping taking our beautiful altar them intentionally in prayer and flowers to them! reminding them that Jesus is with Each Sunday after the late service, them always, and that they are in we try to make arrangements for your thoughts and, most the delivery of the altar flowers to Bring a little joy! importantly, your prayers. our hospitalized and/or shut-in members. Claudia Bellis and Brook Emanuel’s Distribution of Christmas The benefits of this ministry flow Nowak do a great with our Poinsettias - Are you willing to both ways. God created us to be in flower ministry. If you'd be willing to deliver a poinsettia to a member or relationship with others, and this help on a Sunday with a delivery, friend of Emanuel? Together, we ministry not only brings joy to both please look for Claudia or Brook in can be sure that each of the the Prayer Friend and the or near the Luther Hall kitchen. Christmas poinsettias will end up in confirmation youth but also Thanks. You'll surely brighten the home of someone who needs a meaning and a depth of faith that someone's day! little lift. Some of the people who comes from regular, simple, down- receive our poinsettias may be alone to-earth prayer. and without family this holiday There is no standard profile for a season. Your volunteering can make Prayer Friend! They are individuals, a difference! couples, families and friends The poinsettias can be picked up teaming together to serve. All are from the church for delivery important and meaningful partners Clarence McCarron died on October following the 11:00 p.m. service on in this ministry. 21, 2015. A Service of Thanksgiving Christmas Eve; or on Sunday, for his life was held on November 6, December 27, after the 10:00 a.m. Please call, e-mail or speak with me at church for more information or to 2015. service in Luther Hall (one service that day). Thank you. offer your service. Ann Ekwall Palmberg died on October 27, 2015. Ann was a To see a list of Committees and long-time member and the sister Prayer Friends Needed! of Walter Ekwall Ministries of Emanuel and ways by Natalie Bloomquist you can participate, please go to Pat Polowitzer died on November 9, Each student in Emanuel’s our website! 2015.

Confirmation ministry has a secret 1. www.emanuelhartford.org May the comfort and hope of the Prayer Friend who remains with him 2 . Click on the black tab at the top resurrection be with the family and or her throughout the three years of of the page titled, “Serve.” friends of this saint. confirmation instruction. Through 3 . Scroll down and on the right prayer, the Prayer Friend has an side of the page you’ll see the impact on the life of the student logo for Sign Up Genius. Click on through intercession to God. Prayer it! Friends pray regularly for their assigned confirmation student and send simple correspondence and special wishes on birthdays, baptismal anniversaries and holidays. Their identity remains a 12 Giving made simple. . . you pre-authorize from your bank where Luther translated the New account and deposits it in Emanuel’s Testament, Luther House, and St. with Simply Giving operating account. Emanuel George’s Church in Eisenach. Many people already take receives weekly confirmations of advantage of today’s technology to these deposits, insuring that your • Visit Coburg Fortress one of the manage their finances and pay bills gift is then posted to your Emanuel largest surviving medieval effortlessly and on time. There are account. You predetermine when fortresses in Germany. similar ways to contribute to church these automatic deductions are to on an ongoing basis and/or pay your • Tour Worms, where the Imperial terminate or change. And if you pledge. The Simply Giving program Council passed judgment on think you’ll miss the tradition of endorsed by Thrivent Federal Credit Luther in 1521. Visit Trinity placing something in the offering Union is a convenient, safe way for Church where Luther presented plate each Sunday, Simply Giving individuals to make automatic his case, and the famed can provide cards that indicate payments to Emanuel through Reformation Monument. you’re a Simply Giving participant. electronic funds transfer (EFT) • In Mainz, visit the Gutenberg directly from checking or savings It’s a good program that can Museum, and enjoy a romantic accounts. Using Thrivent’s Simply enhance your stewardship Rhine River cruise through the Giving program is a real win-win: experience. Simplify your giving - prettiest part of the Rhine Valley. join the growing number of people • no more remembering to write Next is Rothenburg, a medieval participating in Simply Giving at checks and grab your envelopes walled town famous for its Emanuel. Christmas ornaments, to see St. as you leave the house for worship on Sunday - or worry Any questions can be directed to ’s Church and its renowned about keeping up with your Jane Wunder at 860-525-0894 or Blood Altar.

pledge while on vacation, [email protected]. • Follow in Luther’s footsteps and • it eliminates the need for paper visit St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in envelopes; it’s a greener, more Nuremberg and then onto th cost effective solution to ongoing Celebrate the 500 Anniversary Augsburg, where Luther and his giving - it can reduce the $1,600 of the Reformation in Germany! followers proclaimed their beliefs. Emanuel spends per year on contribution envelopes for This very special trip focuses on • In Munich visit Marienplatz with members, Martin Luther. Pastor Corgan its Old and New Town Halls. In the endorses and supports this journey. evening, enjoy a farewell dinner • it provides Emanuel’s operating budget with a predictable, steady Tour Overview: 11 days including at your hotel. flow on the receipt of your arrival and departure days • Recapture your knowledge of the financial commitment - which history of the Lutheran Church, improves cash flow through the • Starting in Berlin, visit the Kaiser enjoy the fellowship of others, year. Wilhelm Memorial Church and take pictures of Brandenburg and renew your faith.

Gate and the Holocaust Simply Giving is, quite honestly, Please call me to answer questions Memorial. you have about this exciting simple to use and set up. A form is available in the church office (we • In Wittenberg, see Luther House, opportunity. Lisa Martin can send it to you via USPS mail or and visit St. Mary’s Church and 860.929.0708 email). Check out the details at Melanchthon House. Continue to Simply Giving at Leipzig to visit the Thomaskirche, Please remember to bring in www.simplygivingbythriventcu. where J.S. Bach worked. com/ - this will bring you to the donations of food (canned, non VANCO Services website which • Visit Luther’s Birthplace Museum, perishable) for the MANNA Food administers the Simply Giving Luther’s Death House Museum, Pantry - we have a collection program. St. Andrew’s Church, and St. Peter box in Luther Hall. Thanks! & Paul Church in Eisleben, and You can choose to give weekly or the Augustinian Monastery and monthly. You can use Simply Giving Merchant’s Bridge in Erfurt. Large print worship bulletins are whether or not you have formally available each Sunday morning. • Journey to Wartburg Castle, pledged. Simply Giving Please let an usher know if you automatically deducts the amount 13 would like one.

The Samaritan Fund The Emanuel Just to remind you, the loose hoped to be completed before the Archives offering received on the first Sunday frost set-in, was delayed, but as the of the month goes to the Samaritan The Building Begins, cut stones arrived all was forgotten. Fund. The Samaritan Fund, the Cornerstone is Visions of and the building of the temple in Jerusalem by King administered by Pastor Corgan, Placed is used to assist people in need. restored the excitement by John Starkes and interest. By April 1913, attention focused on the cornerstone project The Prayer Shawl Ministry It is June of 1912, Emanuel’s new with a plea for building pledges for Please remember, there are always parsonage on Capitol Avenue is those that had been overlooked in prayer shawls available for anyone in finished and very beautiful in the the fund drive, all in the interest of need of this symbol of love and eyes of their new pastor, Dr. having their names included with the caring. Speak to Helen Johnson (860- Youngert and his family. With enough archives to be placed in the capsule 649-6661) or Karen in the church funds remaining from the initial of the cornerstone at the time of its office. drive, plans turn to building the new laying. That event would be April 27, church with an on-going fund raising a significant date to commemorate New Flower Chart effort at full speed, among the the birth of the Augustine Synod, Dr. In order to encourage people to sign congregation and community. Youngert’s birthday, wedding up for altar flower donations, please Architectural plans are accepted, as anniversary and his graduation from note the “Flower Chart” on the prepared by A.F. Simmour of the Seminary. bulletin board near the kitchen in Bloomington, Illinois, with Luther Hall. You may use this chart construction estimates of $53,000 to Of course there were great crowds of to pick a Sunday, or Sundays, when $62,280 to be considered. There was people for that event, city you would like to donate altar difficulty in the additional costs of representatives, church dignitaries flowers. Checks (indicating the date $11,250 for granite, so it was voted from all over, and those high ranking for flowers on the memo line) may be by the congregation to build just the seats of the New England Conference sent to the church office or placed in basement so as to have a place for for the service of laying the stone. the offering plate with the form from worship as soon as possible while Even the streets about the site were the blue sheet. We hope to have reviews were made. lined with flapping flags and banners. flower donations for every Sunday of A great speech was offered as found The intent was to have a fully the year! Thanks for your help. in the book, God With Us, by Norma modern church while striving to keep Westlund Sandberg, page 28. it true to the simple Lutheran style. Please visit our website at: The dimensions would be 120 feet www.emanuelhartford.org Construction continued into the long by 64 feet wide. Once the summer and the congregation was The website can be added as a basement was finished for worship able to move into the basement for button on your SmartPhone or use and paid for, the temple itself their first services of worship in tablet. Recent updates to the would be worthy of the Swedish August of 1913. Dr Youngert was website include Sermons, FAQ’s, Lutheran desire. installed as pastor of Emanuel at the and Newsletters. dedication service. The congregation was very optimistic Listen to MP3 files: as the spirit and the economy of the *Source – God With Us– 1889-1989 , http://emanuelhartford.org/worship/ community was strong, even to be by Norma Westlund Sandberg sermons/ confident that all the Swedish folk of

Here's the FAQ (Frequently Asked the city would contribute towards Questions) link to our website: the completion of such a project; http://emanuelhartford.org/ they had no doubt at all as work aboutus/faqs/ progressed full speed into December The Calendar is on page 9 of our of 1912. newsletter, “God With Us.” Of course the winter of Connecticut

has its own mind to delay progress Please contact Becki Murphy at [email protected] with frost and cold so that the cement work on the foundation, if you have any questions.

14 CALUMET LUTHERAN MINISTRIES AT OSSIPEE LAKE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

A Calumet LutherHostel for cases found in Emanuel’s Seniors was held forests where on October 13 - 16, 2015 fields converted back to the wild. It Was a Great Fall Get-a-way! Our Senior Hostel offered If stones could talk, what would other attractions they say? This Lutherhostel to fill our days; included a special presentation an evening of by Mr. Kevin Gardner on music by a "Discovering New England Stone collector of Walls." Kevin’s informal talk unusual covered a few of the main topics looked just like the stonewash accordions from the past, each of his book about New England we’d see along the road. unique as the instrument was stone walls, The Granite Kiss , developed. Most of us had no touching on history, technique, Most interesting was the idea just how the music is created stylistic development, and background history of the by such a device. aesthetics. He explained how and millions upon millions of rounded why New England came to Our three-day Calumet hostel acquire its thousands of miles of gray stones that covered the New England countryside when the also included a visit to a nearby stone walls, the ways in which early settlers first arrived, the 19th century village museum not they and other dry stone results of the glaciers that shaped far from Calumet in southeast structures were built, how their the land tearing the layers of Maine, a chance to enjoy the styles emerged and changed over stone and rock to pieces as the beautiful colors of hills and lakes time, and their significance to the ice moved to grind them at the peak of Autumn. Also an famous New England landscape. incredible slide show of eventually into the rounded rock Interestingly, as Kevin spoke to that covered the land. photographs of the Hubble Space the good-sized assembly the Explorer Satellite returned. second evening at Calumet, most Over those early colonial times watched him as he spoke of the much of the stone was used as stone walls, but also observed ballast for empty ships sailing some interesting activity taking back to Europe where they were place on the table before him as quickly sold for building. What we he kept reaching into a couple see now comes from the rocks bowls of grey pebbles and stones, uncovered as farmland soil was assembling a miniature stone wall turned and is now used for on the surface. When complete it property boundary walls, in some

“Christ in our Home” The Altar Flower Form and the Poinsettia Order Be sure to look in the back of the Nave, outside the Chapel and in Luther Hall on Sundays. There you will find Form is on page 19 of this newsletter the October, November, December complimentary issue of Christ in our Home, a wonderful devotional that offers daily opportunities for reflection and prayer. Each day provides a short Bible text with a brief, thoughtful message and simple prayer. 15 Communion Preparers Sound and Recording Serving in Dec. 6 Bobbee Canfield and Dec. 6 Mal Doyle December Marjorie Johnson Dec. 13 Kyle Bellis Dec. 13 Val and Craig Dec. 20 Rhiannon Acolyte and Crucifer McDonald Kiersznowski Dec. 6 Johnson Dec. 20 Open Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Brynn Murphy Dec. 24 Christmas Eve-Open 5:00 p.m. Kelly Dec. 13 Trey Hazard Dec. 27 Bobbee Canfield Caldwell; 11:00 p.m. Hannah Karim Tyler Dec. 20 Fairchild Communion Servers Dec. 27 Emma Barresi Harrison Arcand Dec. 6 Open Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Dec. 13 Open Sunday School Aide Schedule Volunteers needed Dec. 20 Open December 6 for 5:00 and Dec. 27 Open PreSchool - Kindergarten: 11:00 p.m. Lindsey Anderson Dec. 27 Gunnar Johnson Greeters Grades 1 and 2: Lindsay Altschuler Matthew Anderson Dec. 6 Dr. Craig and Grades 3 and 4: Rhiannon Valerie McDonald Kiersznowski Altar Flowers Dec. 13 Hannah Bloomquist Grade 5: volunteer needed Dec. 6 Open and Kristen Wieber December 13 Dec. 13 Open Dec. 20 Sunday School PreSchool - Kindergarten: Dec. 20 Open Children Ally Graulich Dec. 27 There will be no Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Grades 1 and 2: Matt Graulich regular altar flowers 5:00 p.m. Grades 3 and 4: Lindsay Varney on this Sunday - The Lee Sherman Grade 5: volunteer needed four poinsettia family plants will be 11:00 p.m. Ushers in the altar area. The Corgan family 8:00 a.m. Nelson Gottier

Dec. 27 Shirley August 10:00 a.m. Head Usher: Assisting Ministers Arnie Benson; Dec. 6 Brook Nowak Lectors - 8:00 a.m. Captain: Dec. 13 Janice Favreau Dec. 6 Nancy Gray Coons; Ushers: Dec. 20 Mal Doyle Dec. 13 Randy Olson James Ashwell Dec. 27 Alan Meeds Dec. 20 Carol Dennler, Celine Coons, Dec. 27 No 8:00 p.m. Service Childcare in the Nursery Russ Bjorklund, Dec. 6 Open Lectors - 10:00 a.m. Gary Bloomquist Dec. 13 Open Dec. 6 Monique Jennings Dec. 20 Open Dec. 13 Deborah Corgan Dec. 27 Open Dec. 20 Joy Elwell, Henry Sinche, Mebret New Year’s Eve Children’s Library Farquhar, Charles At Emanuel Dec. 6 Monica Swanson Sinche, Brynn Thursday, December 31 and Diane Troutman Murphy. Dec. 13 Nancy Gray Dec. 27 Alan Meeds 5:00 p.m. - Service of Worship Dec. 20 Closed Dec. 27 Closed Dec. 24 Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. Diana Coffee Hour Sherman and Lee Dec. 6, 13, and 20: Hosted by the Sherman; 11:00 p.m. Coffee Hour Kathy Haller and Committee Janice Favreau Dec. 27 College Students and Modeen Scholars

16

On Sunday, November 15, the Youth Group led and worked at our church neighborhood clean up!

The Youth raked, swept and bagged leaves on Hungerford Street from the intersection of Capitol Avenue to Russ Street. Many thanks to them and all of you who supported this event.

During worship on November 8 the Youth Group shared a “Detroit A joyful moment in Sunday School on November 15! Moment.” In addition, they helped serve at Coffee Hour. Thank you to the Doyle and Hansen families who hosted the Coffee Hour.

17 All classes gathered together on November 15 as a Sunday School Family to sing, play Jesse Tree Bingo, and make ornaments for daily Advent devotions at home. Each child brought home their ornaments, daily Bible readings and a Spark Story Bible to borrow during Advent.

Using Our Facilities

Emanuel is so fortunate to have such wonderful facilities - a gymnasium, classrooms, a comfortable lounge, Luther Hall fellowship space with a well-equipped kitchen, conference space and two beautiful worship spaces in the church and chapel. Outside groups often use our facilities, and last year the Council approved "facility use guidelines," an application form, insurance requirements, and use fees to guide the use of our facilities by outside groups. We are also glad to make Emanuel's spaces available to members, and now have guidelines for member use , adopted last month by Council, which clarify for everyone how spaces/equipment may be used. There is no "use" fee for members, but a small charge to cover our sexton's extra time spent opening/closing the church, furniture setup/take down, and cleanup/trash removal. And, of course, personal events/activities can only be scheduled as other church sponsored activities permit. If you'd like more information, please call Jane Wunder.

18 Groups vow unity ahead of the next chapter and figure out how we proceed toward this observance, Reformation anniversary we’re going to be Christians together we give thanks for our mutual on this planet,” said Bishop James baptism into Christ Jesus and our By Laura Crimaldi, Globe Staff Hazelwood in an interview irrevocable commitment to full November 12, 2015 Wednesday. He leads the New visible unity.” Nearly 500 years ago, German monk England Synod of the Evangelical One way Hazelwood and O’Malley Martin Luther was said to have nailed Lutheran Church in America, which are encouraging Lutherans and a list of questions and debate topics has about 66,000 members. Catholics to commemorate the on Catholicism to the door of Castle In a letter made public Thursday, Reformation is by reading Church in Wittenberg, Germany, and Hazelwood and Cardinal Sean P. Francis’s encyclical on climate changed the world. O’Malley, archbishop of the Roman change and the environment, Now as the anniversary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, “On Care for Our Common Home,” Protestant Reformation approaches announced plans to mark the which was published in June. in October 2017, local Catholic and anniversary by pushing for unity The letter urges the faithful to read Lutheran church leaders said they and collaboration between the and discuss the encyclical in small are celebrating their common Christian denominations. groups. Service projects, academic ground and uniting to confront “Our common ground lies in the life- and arts events, and a joint service environmental problems. Their giving Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy are also being planned, the letter divisions, they said, are history. Spirit. We share one baptism into said. “I would say 500 years ago we had a Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior,” There are about 1.8 million Catholics split and it’s about time for us to start Hazelwood and O’Malley wrote. “As in the Boston Archdiocese.

Christmas Poinsettia Order Form Cost: $18.00 each Deadline is December 13, 2015

In Honor/Memory of: ______

Given by:

Phone number: Person responsible for payment:

Altar Flowers—$45.00

Please use the form below for a flower donation and place it in In Honor/Memory of: ______the offering plate or mail it to the church office. Thank you. ______

Today’s Date: ______Given by: ______Date for Flowers: ______Phone Number: ______Questions? Call the Church Office 525-0894 God With Us Periodical Emanuel Lutheran Church Postage Paid at Hartford, CT 311 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106

Address Service Requested

LUTHERAN CHURCH

Emanuel Lutheran Church Opposite the State Capitol Grounds The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Pastor John Corgan: Cell Phone: 860-712-1895 Church Office: 860-525-0894 Fax: 860-246-3720

Sunday Worship Schedule 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel 10:00 a.m. in the Church

Sunday School Sunday School begins after the Children’s Message at the 10:00 a.m. worship service.