The Concordia Chimes November 2017

Dates to Remember

November 19th - Confirmation of Zachary

Baranowski, E.J. Chiffer, and Orlando Taveras at

worship

A festive potluck with food from many cultures will

help us to celebrate.

November 19th - Manchester’s Interfaith

Thanksgiving Prayer Service at Beth Shalom 4:00

p.m.

November 22nd - Emanuel Lutheran Pasta Dinner,

Dessert and Trivia Night 6:00 p.m.

November 22nd - Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist at St.

Mary’s Episcopal Church with Emanuel Lutheran

and Concordia .7:00 p.m.

December 3rd – The first Sunday of Advent

December 5th - Installation of Rev. Ann Lovejoy

Johnson at St. Mary’s 7:00 p.m.

December 7th - Community/Neighborhood Tree

Lighting, Carols and Cider

The Rev. Douglas Barclay

Pastor

pastor@concordiamanchester.org

Office:860.649.5311 Cell:410.225.3360

Kate Bozzo

Parish Administrator

office@concordiamanchester.org

Office:860.649.5311

Laura Hart

Concordia Nursery School Director

Office: 860.649.9349

concordianurseryschool@gmail.com

www.concordianurseryschool.org

The Rev. Joseph E. Bourret

Pastor Emeritus

Home: 860.633.6138

Richard Hicks

Minister of Music Emeritus

Bible Study on Sundays 8:45 am

Worship on Sundays at 10:00 am

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 9:00 am –2:00 pm

Concordia Lutheran Church

40 Pitkin Street

Manchester, CT 06040

office@concordiamanchester.org

www.concordiamanchester.org

Phone: 860.649.5311

Fax: 860.432.9972

The deadline for submitting articles or

items for The Chimes is the 20th of each

month. The next edition of the Chimes will

be published at the end of October.

From the Pastor’s Desk

November 2017

Dear Concordians,

Wow! What a month it has been. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

From a new roof and steeple repairs to Pledge Sunday for “This Holy

House” to the joint worship with Emanuel Lutheran Church and the

Oktoberfest to the Roman Catholic and Lutheran Synod 500th

Anniversary of the Reformation Vespers you pulled out all the stops!

I rejoice in this small but amazingly mighty congregation. Simple as that.

After a bit of time away next week for vacation, I will return to celebrate with you on November 19th

the confirmation of three young people at Concordia and Ministerio Nueva Creación, our Spanish-

speaking ministry. Zachary Baranowski, E.J. Chiffer, and Orlando Taveras will be confirmed in the

faith of their baptism. Through the rite of Affirmation of Baptism, we will rejoice with them in the

gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. A festive potluck with food from many cultures will

help us to celebrate.

That same day at 4 p.m. on the 19th, we will gather at the synagogue, Beth Shalom, our neighboring

brothers and sisters, to celebrate Manchester’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service. Tris Carta,

president of the Manchester Road Race will be the guest speaker that afternoon.

Later that week, on Nov. 22 all are invited to gather at Emanuel Lutheran Church at 6 for a Spaghetti

Dinner (RSVP to Concordia’s office) and then head over to St. Mary’s at 7 p.m. for our annual

Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist with our three congregations. Our Joint Choirs will be singing and

Concordia’s former organist, Allan Conway, will be the musician that evening. You will have the

chance to hear a great sermon from St. Mary’s new rector, The Rev. Ann Lovejoy Johnson.

Please also put on your calendars the Installation Service for Rev. Ann Lovejoy Johnson on Tuesday,

December 5 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s. Once again, our choirs will be singing together and I am honored

to be preaching at the installation as a sign of our close companionship and common work through

the years as Lutherans and Episcopalians.

With all the events and opportunities to come together, I wanted to also say a brief word about how

we show hospitality at Concordia. I’ve been working through this in my own mind and heart as well.

Here’s a simple charge that I’ve come up with that I want you to consider: When we have even one

guest at Concordia, each Concordian immediately stops being a “parishioner” and is

transformed into a “host” for that guest or guests. That means that where we would normally

consider coming to church for “ourselves” to hear the word and share in the Eucharist, we all of a

sudden become the ones who ensure that others feel at home and welcomed to the table. This moves

us from simply being “consumers of liturgical services” (not my term, borrowed from a veteran

pastor) to “guests of and hosts for the Lord Jesus.” To put is scripturally, “Do not neglect hospitality,

because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Just allow that to percolate a

bit in your minds and hearts. This is the difference between living to and for ourselves and living to

and for the Lord.

Finally, I offer you this prayer of blessing for your Thanksgiving tables and in whatever context you

might celebrate with whomever you consider “family” this Thanksgiving.

Most gracious God, according to your wisdom the deep waters are opened up and clouds drop

gentle moisture. We praise you for the return of planting and harvest seasons, for the fertility of the

soil, for the harvesting of the crops, and for all other blessings that you in your generosity pour out

on all people. Give us a full understanding of your mercy, that our lives may show respect and care

for your creation.

In your love you have given the people of this land gifts of abundance beyond what our forebears

knew or could imagine. Mercifully grant that we may not be so occupied with material things that we

forget spiritual gifts, and thus, even though we have gained the whole world, lose our souls.

God of abundance, you have poured out a large measure of earthly blessings: our table is richly

furnished, our cup overflows, and we live in safety and security. Teach us to set our hearts on you

and not these material blessings. Keep us from becoming captivated by prosperity, and grant us in

wisdom to use your blessings to your glory and to the service of humankind; through Jesus Christ

our Lord.

Amen.

Installation of Pr. Persida Rivera Mendez as

Associate Pastor at Christ Congregational in

Newington

Stewardship

Did you think we’d forget?

November is a wonderful time of year with fall upon us, and apart from a fairly hefty storm the day

of The Reformation 500th Anniversary Celebration, it’s been a very mild weather thus far. It is also a

time of Thanksgiving, and therefore the perfect time to consider our Stewardship commitment for the

upcoming year.

Hat’s off to all who pledged to the “For This Holy House” capital campaign. This is an exciting time

at Concordia! We have recently witnessed a shiny new looking steeple, a new roof on the church,

and word has it the stove hood is on the way. The Reformation 500th Anniversary Celebration saw a

packed church and lively worship service. All things we can rejoice in our church and worship God

in thanksgiving for all He has done in our lives.

As stewards, we give generously to take care of what God has entrusted to us. Our church is our

spiritual home in which as Christians we’re commissioned to further the ministry in and around this

community of faith. We have joyful work ahead to not only repair and improve the church but also to

fling open the doors and invite others in to share in our worship. In the coming weeks, you’ll hear

more about our stewardship program and our plans ahead.

Because God has given so graciously, we can respond as Paul encourages: “The point is this: the one

who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap

bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under

compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in

abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good

work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

The Stewardship Committee

David Smith, Chair

Pastor Barclay

Carol Stoneman

Nancy Lynn Knauff

Just sayin’

I find you have to get what amusements you can out of life and sometimes in the midst of mundane

everyday things, you can find a bit of levity that makes everything okay. My niece talks a mile a

minute and often says ridiculously silly things and when I question her on them, and she realizes

she’s wrong or there’s an error in her thinking, she says: Just sayin’

Isn’t that great! Two little words miraculously makes something completely wrong, illogical, or just

plain stupid, okay.

So, this is my Just sayin’ story:

There was a squirrel on level G1 of the parking garage where I work. It’s part of a massive

underground complex beneath the Plaza Building off Columbus Boulevard in Hartford. The poor guy

must have scurried in one day and couldn’t find his way out. The place is like Fort Knox to get in

and out of. There’s actually a transponder on my windshield that automatically opens the door upon

driving up and abruptly closes it once the car is clear. I noticed the little guy on leaving one night.

Then, two days later, there he was again! The lowest level, level G1, that’s actually six stories

underground. How’s he going to live down here? Then I was thinking: it’s dry and warm enough,

and people are always dropping bits of snacks around, but not much water, other than what drips off

the cars on rainy days.

I decided to take matters into my own hands. I got a plastic cup and filled it with water and placed it

in an unobtrusive area. Now I’ll let you in on a little secret: My wife buys me these granola bars to

take to work in case I get hungry on nights I work late, but I really don’t like them very much. So, I

began to leave them for the squirrel - and to my delight - the little guy ate them up! I also knew he

drank the water because there were little bits from the granola bars at the base of the cup. It was a

perfect system!

Just think of it, eight floors above, billions of dollars are being transacted, and below is this little life

scurrying around eating bits of donuts dropped on floor and awaiting his granola and water resupply.

This went on for several months until one day I saw the security guards set up the trap. Sure enough,

he was caught, and they released him outside, no doubt a lot fatter than when he arrived due to all

high-quality granola bars he consumed. It made me happy to keep him going, and to get rid of those

granola bars. Just sayin’!

David Smith

Emanuel Lutheran

Pasta Dinner, Dessert and Trivia Night

Wednesday, November 22nd at 6:00 PM in Luther Hall

Take a break from your Thanksgiving preparations and join us for a fun-filled evening of fellowship,

food and fun! We'll feast on pasta, bread, salad and dessert. All ages welcome! Come for the dinner

or just come for dessert and trivia! There is no cost to attend. A free will offering will be taken and

all proceeds will benefit Emanuel's Youth attending the National Youth Gathering in Houston in

June 2018. If you require a gluten-free meal, please specify when you make your reservation. Please

RSVP to aheinrich@emanuelmanchester.org or call the church office by Thursday, November 16.

Reservations are required, and seating is limited, so don't delay with your RSVP!

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service — An ecumenical

Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 7

p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. We will be joined by members

of St. Mary’s Episcopal and Emanuel Lutheran Churches.

THANK YOU!

We would like to thank the following individuals for making the 500th Anniversary reception a huge

success. We received numerous comments about Concordia’s hospitality.

Gail Adams Jackie Britton Jane Casserly

Susan Bourret Irma Vincens Julie Chiffer

Wendy Donagher Mimi Boxwell Sandy Baranowski

Tina Sollinger-Ruggerio Ruth Sprong Marion Slater

Jan Bellino Luanne Rehmer Dan Burnett

Steve Graefe Phil Stoneman Paul Goodrich

Jan Salvatore Jeanine Barber Linda Lange

From the 500th Reception Committee: Elaine Briggmann, Carol Burnett, Kay Corl, Petey Goodrich

and Carol Stoneman

Concordia will adopt 8 families for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, which will include gifts. In

addition to MACC, Concordia will also continue our support of Dinda House (Thanksgiving and

Christmas meals and gift cards) and April Time Residential Home (gift cards at Christmas).

We will also be partnering with Highland Park School to provide turkeys at Thanksgiving.

Starting Sunday, November 5th, we will begin sign-ups for food donations (or you can adopt a

family) for Thanksgiving as well as volunteer opportunities for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas

seasons. Sign-up sheets will be in Brandt Lounge on Sundays or in the Church office during the

week. As usual, you can also give a monetary donation to Concordia’s seasonal sharing efforts.

Thanking you all in advance for your thoughtfulness and generosity towards feeding and caring for

the greater community.

Outreach Committee

CONCORDIA SEASONAL SHARING

Nursery School Helpers

Pack 144 Cub Scouts doing

Concordia’s Fall Clean Up

Cottage Meeting at Carol and Dan

Burnett’s

Roofing the Nave

Oktoberfest

Flower and food prep for the Reformation

Quincentennial of the Reformation

Prayers of the Community

Prayer requests may be made to the parish office. The names will be held in prayer for one month,

unless otherwise requested. (*Member of Concordia) (Request by Member of Concordia) (New

Intention)

Prayer requests may be made to the parish office. The names will be held in prayer for one month,

unless otherwise requested. (*Member of Concordia) (Request by Member of Concordia) (New

Intention) Those who are sick or in any need,

*The Homebound

*Art Hube

Kristin Ortolani

Tammy

Shirley M.

Lynn

*Ron Schack

Twylar

Sis

Chris Erwin

Irene Donagher

John Henry

Szczerkowski

*Ella Hube

Rita

Cathreen Salesses

Artie

Desmond

*Bing Bowen

*Laura McKay

Donna

Ann

Sandie

*Millie Scott

Alice

*Jim Noyes

Judy Guido

John Scofield.

*Carol Bowen

Nancy

*Jane Nekiunas

Walter Hanson

*Tessie Kehl

*Ernie Scott

Richard Erickson

Lou Khee Zhee

The Intentions of this Community:

-Concordia Nursery School Students and their families.

-The work of MACC

-For our Cub Scout Pack

-For Pra. Mendez and Ministerio Nueva Creacion

-For Pr. Simpson and the people of New Horizons.

-For Families in Crisis.

Concordia’s Calendar:

EVERY SUNDAY

Bible Study – 9

Worship 10

Counters 10

New Horizon Church -12:30

New Creation Ministry- 1

EVERY MONDAY

AA - 5:30

EVERY TUESDAY

Clergy Text Study - 11

EVERY THURSDAY

Champion Youth Cheer – 5

Choir – 7

EVERY FRIDAY

AA - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday November 19-

Affirmation of Baptism

(Confirmation) with Nueva

Creación

Thanksgiving Service @ Beth

Shalom B’nei Israel- 4

Wednesday November 22-

Emanuel Lutheran’s Pasta

dinner

Joint Thanksgiving Eve

Eucharist at St. Mary’s with

Emanuel and Concordia- 7

Sunday November 26- Hayden

Eccleston Baptism (Tentative)

December 5th - Installation of

Rev. Ann Lovejoy Johnson at

St. Mary’s 7:00 p.m.

December 7th -

Community/Neighborhood Tree

Lighting, Carols and Cider

20

As Lutheran Christians, Concordia understands that God is calling us to be:

• A Christian community with responsibility to support each other, our neighborhood, and the larger

community

• A Gathered Assembly marked by the practices of prayer, study, reflection and worship

• Selfless Disciples who communicate and practice the faith through acts of faithful stewardship, service

and forgiveness

CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH

40 Pitkin Street

Manchester, CT 06040

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED