god with usgod with us the newsletter of emanuel lutheran hurch in hartford ... next month we are...
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G o d W i t h U s T h e N e w sl e t t e r o f E m a n u el L u t h e r an C h u r c h i n H a r t f o r d
August 2019 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 3 0 Y E A R S I N H A R T F O R D - 1 8 8 9 - 2 0 1 9 Volume 114/No. 7
www. emanuelhartford.org www. facebook.com/emanuelhartford
T his week a group of 88 Lutherans from Grand Forks, North Dakota, sixty-nine
youth and nineteen chaperones, are spending the week doing service learning
in Hartford.
The group, which consists of youth from two large Lutheran churches in Grand
Forks and a couple kids from smaller churches, is led by my dear friend, Aaron, the former youth
director at my congregation in Casselton, who is now a pastoral intern, and his wife, Nichole, the church
education coordinator.
They came to Hartford last April to research and lay the groundwork for this week.The group is staying
at the University of Hartford and during their time here, they have been or will be volunteering at
Mosaic, doing painting and landscaping, through a program with Hands on Hartford where they will do
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From the Pastor
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Contents
From the Pastor .................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Since You Asked ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Mission Possible/Mission Accomplished ................................................................................................................... 5
Food Pantry ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
HAMMO September 6-8 .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Faith & Family Day at the Yard Goats .......................................................................................................................... 6
Celebrating their 80th or more Birthday in August ............................................................................................... 7
Celebrating their 50th or more Anniversary in August ........................................................................................ 7
Prayer Requests ................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Gift of Flowers ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Worship Ministries for August ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Members of the Church Council ..................................................................................................................................... 8
June Council Highlights ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Guardian Angels Needed ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Another Opportunity to Kick in a Brick ................................................................................................................... 10
Emanuel’s Calendar of Events for August ............................................................................................................... 11
Volunteers Needed ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
Emanuel Lutheran Church Staff
The Reverend Dr. Paula V. Mehmel Senior Pastor—extension 2 PastorPaula@emanuelhartford. org
The Reverend Elizabeth Krentz-Wee Visitation Pastor—extension 3 PastorElizabeth@emanuelhartford. org
Jonathan Reuning-Scherer Director of Music Jonathan.rs@emanuelhartford. org
Jeff Potter Christian Education Jeff.Potter@emanuelhartford. org
Jane Wunder Operations Manager—extension 5 Jane.Wunder@emanuelhartford. org
Naomi Ngoma Community Life & Outreach —extension 4 Naomi.Ngoma@emanuelhartford. org
John Franzis Administrative Assistant—extension 0 John.Franzis@emanuelhartford. org
Rachid Chelali Sexton
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From the Pastor
park clean up and work at the YWCA, helping with restoration work at a women’s shelter in New Britain,
and on Thursday, August 1, they will be coming to Frog Hollow with gloves and bags and help with a
community clean up.
For the Frog Hollow clean up, our youth have been invited to join them, along with a group of youth
from the Youth Service Corp. After a morning of work, the crew will head to Misquamicut Beach for an
afternoon at the ocean (for many North Dakotans, and some of our kids, this will be the first time they
have seen the ocean).
Earlier this summer, another group of youth and parents joined us from Vermillion, Ohio. Their pastor is
an old friend and they spent the week in Hartford volunteering with Mosaic, working with community
gardens, learning and working with Hands on Hartford, and helping us with our Love Your Block Party,
among other things. After the block party, the Ohio youth and our youth headed to Hammonasset Beach
State Park for some time by the shore and then a trip to Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale restaurant.
These youth trips came about because my friends contacted me, I connected them with Naomi, who
assisted them in finding places they could contact for lodging and places where they could volunteer. We
then arranged for our youth to work with their youth during the visits.
The reason I am writing about this is because these are the kinds of collaborations I love to see happen,
not only with churches across the country but in our own neighborhoods. Emanuel has a history of
collaboration. Hands on Hartford began in 1969 as Center City Churches, a collaborative relationship
with other churches in the Hartford area, which has proven to be an amazing example of how people can
accomplish more when they work together.
In the past year, we have been pursuing more collaborative relationships in terms of our worship
life.The partnership with the Trinity Choristers has added to the beauty of our services and it was
amazing to hear the joint choirs of South Church and Emanuel on Good Friday.
Next month we are also beginning what we hope is a long and fruitful relationship with the UConn
Health through their Connecticut Community Health Science Initiative for community engagement. On
September 14 from 11:00 AM—1:00 PM we will be hosting their landmark healthy lifestyle program,
“JUMP-CT”, a community-based event to promote information sharing and physical activity for health
and wellness. Look for more information about this in the September God With Us and in the weekly
email blast's They loved what we have been doing with SPROUT and Friday Night Program and are
excited to help expand our outreach.
In the weeks and months ahead, I am hopeful that we will continue to search out opportunities with our
neighbors to see how we can work together “in the city for good” on projects where we can partner with
others who share our values and mission. Some may be religious, like our partnerships with Trinity and
South Church and expanded connections with local youth groups. Others may be secular, like this
(Continued from page 1)
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Since You Asked…. Why do you use the older version of the Lord’s Prayer, since the language is
archaic? I have used it since I arrived here because it was the prayer used at that time. That said, I am
aware of the push among some to use the alternative version in the ELW. Right now, more and more
churches are using that version. The advantage of using it is that it moves from merely being routine and
makes you think about the words and the words are ones we use commonly. However, the disad-
vantage is that the “traditional” version is the shared language of faith. I can see both sides. To that end,
we will start doing with the Lord’s Prayer what we have done with other elements of the liturgy and
blend it. For some seasons we will use the newer version and others we will use the older one. On
Christmas Eve we sing a version to the tune of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. Some people will love it.
Some will hate it. But it is a way to respond that is faithful to all on an issue that doesn’t have a correct
answer. Unless you say “But we need to say it the way it was originally said.” My Aramaic is not good
enough to lead us in that each week.
Since you asked...Why don’t you provide more information about people’s health issues on Face-
book or the email blasts on announcements at church? I had a few people who have been upset
that I have not been more explicit when asking for prayers for someone or in sharing concerns at wor-
ship and some upset that I haven’t announced someone’s birthday or event when they told me during
worship. I have a hard and fast rule that I will not deviate from under any circumstances because it is a
matter of pastoral ethics. I will not make an announcement about a person unless I have been given ex-
plicit permission from them to do so, or in the case of severe illness, permission by their family. If a per-
son moves to a new assisted living facility or the like, I wait for them to tell me when I can make it
known. When something is put on Facebook or in a prayer request, you can be assured it has been
(Continued on page 5)
relationship with UConn Health. Some may be connected with the national church, like the Guardian
Angel Training we are hosting in September.
If you are aware of any collaborative opportunities, don’t hesitate to let the church staff know. We want
to use our space and our energy to further the work of the Gospel in the city for good.
The body of Christ is, as we are reminded in the Scriptures, many members, and when we work
together, we are helping reflect the light of Christ in a darkened world. This is who we are called to be.
(Continued from page 3)
Since You Asked...
From the Pastor
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Since You Asked...
Mission Possible/Mission Accomplished
cleared by the family. My number one priority has been and always will be the person to whom I am
ministering and their desire to control the flow of information.
Since You Asked… The Council approved forming an AMMPARO Welcoming Church Team at the
Council meeting in July. What does that mean? This means we have a group of people who desire to
work with the AMMPARO program of the ELCA to be a church that welcomes migrants. AMMPARO is an
acronym which represents Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation
and Opportunities. This simple act of Christian hospitality reflects our response to the teaching of Jesus
Christ, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for
me.” (Matthew 25:40) The AMMPARO Welcoming Church Team focuses on four commitments:
Spiritually and pastorally accompany migrants in our community congregation;
Physically accompany migrants as needed to medical, legal and pastoral resources;
Pray for the children and families; and
Prayerfully consider participation in ELCA advocacy.
This is different from a sanctuary church, which requires facilities Emanuel does not have and would
also require a congregational vote. As a congregation we have already sponsored AMMPARO training
last October and are hosting Guardian Angel Training this September to accompany children to immi-
gration court. We have several members who are committed to being part of this team and if you are
interested in being part of the Welcoming Church Team, let Pastor Paula know.
(Continued from page 4)
A s a congregational members, there are many ways we can give and support the church. The
Church Council at the July meeting suggested that it might be a good idea to let members of the
congregation know of ways they can support the mission of the church with financial gifts to specific
projects. These will often be items that are not included in our annual budget and provide people with a
chance to make an impact in a direct way. Most of the time they will be for the whole congregation, but
occasionally, they may be for members who may need some extra help. Each month we will list items
under “Mission: Possible” and when the goal is achieved, we will acknowledge it by listing “Mission Ac-
complished.” Some of these items can also be supported by a Thrivent Action Team Grant. If you are in-
terested in supporting any of these, you can place a check in the offering plate, mail it, or designate it in
Tithe.ly. You can also contact Pastor Paula for more information.
Mission: Possible
Tapered banner on the wings of the church and repainting the Emanuel Sign. The Council ap-
proved placing two 36 inch banners, letting everyone know that Emanuel is an “RIC” church and “All
(Continued on page 6)
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Mission Possible/Mission Accomplished
are Welcome”. We will also be re-painting the Emanuel Sign with fresh paint and adding the RIC
Symbol, a Handicapped Accessible Symbol and our Hours above the sign. The repainting was ap-
proved in the capital plan but we are looking for donations for the banners and small additions to the
sign.
Cushions/Arm Chairs. A task force will be making recommendations to provide better seating for
those with mobility issues. While no decisions have been made yet, if you would like to support this
idea, Pastor Elizabeth and Jane are working with Chet Brodnicki and Gary Troutman on it and you
can let them know your support.
Free Trade Coffee We are planning on serving Free Trade Coffee during coffee hour. If you wish to
support this endeavor, which will be slightly more expensive than the coffee we are currently serv-
ing, but will support ELCA mission outreach in Africa, you can make a special offering or put it in the
basket during coffee hour.
A freezer for a member of the congregation Normally, we won’t put items like this here, but be-
cause the bulletin board with these needs is blocked during the summer due to the worship set up,
we are adding it here. A member is looking for a low cost freezer to help with a possible start up
business. There are limited funds, so if you hear of anyone or have a freezer for sale, please let Pastor
Paula or Naomi know and they will connect you.
(Continued from page 5)
G ame time is at 6:05pm. The game will feature a pregame faith forum, post-game fireworks display
and post-game community leadership ceremony. Tickets are $12 each. Contact Naomi if you would
like to purchase tickets.
Faith & Family Day at the Yard Goats—August 24th
Food Pantry
W e gratefully acknowledge ongoing the contributions to the food pantry from the congregation.
The food pantry is rapidly growing and we would like to request: Coffee, oil, sugar, canned corn,
flour, pancake mix, individually wrapped paper towels and toilet paper, shampoo and conditioner, soap,
body wash, male and female deodorant, adult diapers and women sanitary pads. To volunteer, contact
Naomi.
HAMMO September 6-8
T he cost for HAMMO is $100 to cover food, transportation and registration. Payment can be made by
credit card at https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/834412 or by check to Emanuel (include
HAMMO on the subject line). If you can provide coolers, canopies, tents, stoves, tarps for us to use,
please let Naomi, Lance or Melissa know. Hammo is intended for youth in grades 8-12. Payment should
be received by August 10th, 2019. For further information visit the HAMMO website at: http://
www.hammoconnect.com/.
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Please remember the following individuals in your prayers.
Betty-Lois Benson † David Parmelee † Erin Krentz † Edgar Krentz † Lee Sherman †
Jonathan Fairchild † Burt Hedling † Mary Few † Caleb Gray †
Peggy Zachariasen † Carol Johnson † Karin Gottier
Homebound: Elaine Wilson † Joan Feldmann † Doris Barron † Barbara Erskine † Betty Fairchild †
Inger Swanson † Beverly Swanson
Celebrating their 80th or more Birthday in August
Barbara Bjorkland (Aug 5), Emerrene Bailey (Aug 8), Virginia Morse (Aug 9),
Jean Bronson (Aug 11), Abby Stadtlander (Aug 11), Margaret Zachariasen (Aug 11),
Jeannette Urban (Aug 18), Ramona Pergande (Aug 18).
Celebrating their 50th or more Anniversary in August
Chet and Glenna Brodnicki (Aug 20)
Date for Altar Flowers: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
In Honor/Memory of: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Given by: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please Contact the Church Office (860-525-0894) if you have any questions.
Gift of Flowers
F lowers are such an important part of our wor-
ship experience, our ongoing ministry and our
congregational life! Beautiful flowers grace the
chancel area at the altar each Sunday. These same
flowers are then lovingly arranged in smaller bou-
quets and personally delivered to homebound
members, bereaved families or those recuperating
from illness. Your gift of altar flowers can truly
touch so many – from those worshipping in our
beautiful sanctuary to those unable to physically
be with the congregation on Sunday mornings.
These flowers may be given in memory of a loved
one now gone or in honor of those still living; they
can celebrate a special occasion such as a baptism,
anniversary or birthday; they can be an expression
of our thanksgiving to God for his many blessings.
Please make checks payable to Emanuel Lutheran
Church and note “Altar Flowers” on the memo line.
Place your check for $30 along with the order
form below in the offering plate or mail it to the
church office.
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Worship Ministries for August
Assisting Ministers
Aug 4 Janice Favreau
Aug 11 Mebret Farquhar
Aug 18 TBD
Aug 25 Lynn Sherman
Greeters
Aug 4 Ruth Anderson
Aug 11 Lois House and Susan Maher
Aug 18 Bobbee Canfield
Aug 25 Carol Dennler and Lorraine McCann
Communion Preparers (8:00 AM)
Aug 4 TBD
Aug 11 Xavier Morales
Aug 18 TBD
Aug 25 TBD
Communion Preparers (9:30 AM)
Aug 4 Marjorie Johnson
Aug 11 Val & Craig McDonald
Aug 18 TBD
Aug 25 Bobbee Canfield
Lectors (8:00 AM)
Aug 4 Amy Couch
Aug 11 Alejandro Morales
Aug 18 Pam Olson
Aug 25 Randy Olson
Lectors (10:00 AM)
Aug 4 Rhiannon Kiersznowski Aug 11 Elizabeth Kieschnick
Aug 18 Janice Favreau
Aug 25 Melanie Sinche
`
Sarah Parmelee, President .......................................................................................... [email protected]
Linnea Bloomquist, Vice President .................................................................... [email protected]
Jim Flanders, Exec At Large .......................................................................................... [email protected]
Bobbee Canfield, Treasurer .................................................................................... [email protected]
Mindy Olson, Secretary ...................................................................................................... [email protected]
Eric Protulis .................................................................................................................................... [email protected]
Karen Rock ..................................................................................................................... [email protected]
Chet Brodnicki ...................................................................................................................... [email protected]
Eric Carlson ..................................................................................................................... [email protected]
Jacob Fulmer ............................................................................................................................. [email protected]
Melissa Johnson ............................................................................................................. [email protected]
Quan Jennings ................................................................................................................. [email protected]
Deepak Pedada ................................................................................................................ [email protected]
Gary Troutman............................................................................................................................... [email protected]
Yvonne Gardner.................................................................................................................... [email protected]
Members of the Church Council
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June Council Highlights
C ouncil Vice President Linnea Bloomquist called the meeting to order and Pastor Paula led a
devotional discussion of Peter Steinke’s To Make a Difference (chapter 2). Council discussed
building a sense of community, developing a diversity of discipleship, and the importance of establishing
the values of Emanuel. If values are built on a biblical foundation, they will allow for accountability and
direction and will facilitate decision making.
Consent Agenda and Approval of Minutes and Reports
Pastor Paula introduced the concept of a consent agenda and the plan to adopt this process formally
next month. Items including meeting minutes, staff reports and financial reports will be sent out
electronically at least three days in advance of each meeting for review. Individual questions can be
addressed one-on-one before the meeting, and larger questions can be raised for discussion during the
meeting.
In keeping with the idea of adopting a consent agenda, a motion to approve the minutes of the May 21,
2019 council meeting, the Operations Manager Report, the Outreach Coordinator Report, and the
Treasurer’s Report was made and seconded. These documents had been provided to the council via
email on June 22, 2019. After a brief discussion, the motion passed.
A request was made that Pastor Elizabeth provide a visitation pastor’s report prior to next month’s
meeting so that the council and congregation can have the opportunity to review a summary of the
wonderful work she has been doing with sick and homebound members.
Pastor’s Report
Pastor Paula provided updates on the following items:
Space Task Force: A new arrangement with the Buccaneers basketball group will be implemented in
July to better match hours of use with fees.
Green Team: Pastor has not yet had anyone express interest in being part of a “Green Team” to
explore ways in which Emanuel can become more environmentally friendly.
Welcome and Engagement Team: Team members Eric Protulis and Rick Liljedahl shared updates on
their efforts to promote who Emanuel is and what Emanuel does. Eric plans to ask members of the
congregation to record short testimonial videos to be posted on social media to help promote
Emanuel.
AMMPARO: Pastor asked the council to review a document distributed online by AMMPARO
(Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) prior
to next month’s meeting. At the next meeting, council will discuss and vote on officially becoming a
Welcoming Congregation, which will let people know that this is a safe and welcoming community.
(Continued on page 10)
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June Council Highlights
Other Business
In response to two of Emanuel’s education funds currently not having sufficient balances to allow 2019
grant awards, Council approved a motion to allocate a total of $8,000 from the Shirley August bequest;
$4,000 to be transferred into the A. Elizabeth Jacobson Education Fund; and $4,000 to be transferred
into the Philip & Gertrude Nestor Education Fund.
A General Scholarship Fund Team has been created, consisting of Eric Protulis, Yvonne Gardner, Mindy
Olson and Pastor Paula.
(Continued from page 9)
I f you are looking for an opportunity to help migrant youth, consider this. “Guardian Angels,” an ELCA
AMMPARO program, offers physical, spiritual and emotional accompaniment of migrant minors and
their families. The Synod’s Immigration & Refugee Task Force hopes to start a program at Hartford’s
immigration court. Two volunteers, one using Spanish-speaking skills, and the other, note taking skills,
will work together. They will talk with migrants and their families before their court time and then be in
the courtroom. It’s been found that with “Guardian Angels” present, judges & officials treat the young
person with more respect! Watch the ELCA video: Guardian Angels: An Introduction,
https://vimeo.com/157458987
On Saturday, September 14 at 9:30 a.m. Mary Campbell, Director of AMMPARO, will train us in a 3+-hour
session at Emanuel. Guardian Angels will commit to volunteer two times a year, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, on
the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. To sign up or ask for more information, contact Doreen Rinas at
Guardian Angels Needed
A fter church services some Sunday, take a minute to wander through
our Memorial Garden courtyard and read the stones. About 175
engraved pavers were installed; members and friends ordered pavers in
memory/honor of loved ones, special events and Emanuel committees.
Whether you’re inspired to etch a name, an event or a quote in stone, the
courtyard has ample space for more engraved
pavers!
If you are interested in adding an engraved paver to Emanuel’s courtyard,
now is the time. The cost for one engraved paver is $100. It may include up
to three lines of 16 characters each. Forms can be found in Luther Hall on
the large bulletin board, or request one via email to either
[email protected] or [email protected].
We’ll be accepting orders through August 15 – so think about kicking in a brick!
Another Opportunity to Kick in a Brick!
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Emanuel Lutheran Church
311 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Office: 860-525-0894 Emergency: 860-365-9510
www.emanuelhartford.org
www.facebook.com/emanuelhartford
Volunteers Needed