the bethany messenger -...

Volume 2013 Issue 1 January, 2013

Dear People of Bethany,

Looking back on this past month, I can't help but think of the opening words of "A Tale of Two Cities." "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." We have certainly experienced both. Together we have celebrated the beginning of a new chapter in the life of our congregation. My early weeks as your pastor have been filled with so many joys. There is much to cele-brate: our close knit community of faith, our vibrant worship life and music ministry; our active social ministry and community out-reach; our ministry among and with the sen-ior members of our congregation; our inclu-sion of persons with special needs; our min-istry with children and youth, including our exceptional Sunday School and Pre-School.

There is so much to be thankful for.

This has also been a time of deep sorrow. Because of its sheer magnitude, the New-town tragedy has touched not only the peo-ple of Newtown and the first responders who directly experienced this horrific crime, it has affected us all. The scope of the trauma that was inflicted is unimaginable. I am so grateful that, as a congregation, you have been so supportive of my role in minis-tering to those whose lives have been for-ever changed by what took place at Sandy

Hook Elementary School.

I would like to also thank you for the gener-ous outpouring of support at my installation. The offering that was collected, over $700, will be used to help provide much needed assistance to our CT State Troopers as they begin the long and difficult process of heal-ing from the emotional and spiritual wounds that they now bear. Even the members of

the Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) and State Troopers Offering Peer Support (STOPS) will require their own opportunity to debrief and process this event. Much of what is needed is well be-yond the means of their already tight budget, and I have been assured that the funds we provide will directly benefit those most in

need of assistance.

On Friday December 28 we observed the Feast of the Holy Innocents. On this day we are reminded that Jesus was born into a time that in many ways is not unlike our own. According to Matthew's gospel, Herod the Great, concerned about losing his throne, ordered the execution of all young male chil-dren in the town of Bethlehem. The birth of Jesus is forever linked to the death of these innocent children. So too, the Christmas season will for many of us always be con-nected to what took place in Newtown. Let us also remember that the birth of Jesus is also inextricably linked to his death and res-urrection. As Luther once said, the shadow

of Christ's cross falls even upon the manger.

Our Christian faith, and the good news of Christmas is that God enters into the full-ness of human existence. God in Christ en-ters into our world and experiences profound joy and deep sorrow. God the Father even experiences the death of his own Son. And yet, that death is not in vain. Christ's death and resurrection defeats the power of sin and death once and for all. May the gift of Emanuel, "God with us," comfort us in our sorrow, give us courage and strength to look

forward to the future and bring us peace.

In Christ's love,

The Bethany Messenger


Statistically

Speaking...

Attendance...

2011 2012

Is Your Pledge Up to Date

Our Sunday School is looking for a few volunteers! We are in need of a few teachers to team teach, a few assistants, and substitutes. It is very easy and only takes one hour per week. If interested, please contact

Nancy Balinskas at 860-828-3826 or Krisie Friedmann at 860-225-3187.

A big Thank You to all the children and adults who did a fantastic job to make this year's Christmas pageant such a suc-cess! Kitty Richheimer and

LouAnn Smith.

ELAINE RUTH HOOG MEMORIAL CONCERT On January 27th at 4:00 p.m. Bethany will again sponsor The Elaine Ruth Hoog Me-morial Concert. This concert commemorates the life of Elaine Hoog who died as a young girl when hit by a car near the church. She was the daughter of Pastor Emeritus Winton Hoog and his wife Ruth. Linda Hilliard, Elaine’s sister, facilitates the planning and programming for this impor-tant event in the life of our church. All proceeds from the concert support a scholarship in her memory at the Donohue School of Music. If you cannot attend the concert a Memorial Donation may be made by sending a check to Bethany Lutheran Church designated to the Elaine Ruth Hoog Concert Fund.

(Continued on page 6)

Pledge activity thru December 31, 2012 —

Pledges needed over first 53 Sundays to reach our Budget: $167,644

Received over the first 53 Sundays: Pledges : $162,297

Deficit: ($5,347)

8 am /10/30 am 8 am / 10:30 am

December 2 26 / 97 35 / 92

December 9 41 / 89 36 / 87

December 16 44 / 231 28 / 116

December 23 33 / 264

Dec. 24, 5 pm 134 136

Dec. 24, 11:15 57 47

December 25 28 16

December 30 9:30—44

New England Synod Regional Gathering—Winter 2013 will be held Saturday, February

2, 2013 at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Wash-ington Street, Middletown, 8:30 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Registration forms are available in the church office or by calling Robin at 860-635-4618,

Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.


Assisting

Minister: 8:00 a.m. Deb Gustafson

10:30 am Ryan Griscom

Altar Guild: Carol Frago

Ushers: Bob Veillette, Clark McAdams,

Joe Courchaine

Acolytes: 8:00 a.m.—

10:30 a.m.—

Coffee

Hour: 1/6

1/13 8 am— Angel Carlin

10:30— 3rd Grade Class

1/20

1/27

Altar

Flowers: 1/6

1/13

1/20

1/27

Counters: Russell Smith & Elaine Jarvis

Empty Spaces Indicate that Volunteers are Needed—Please see the sign up sheets

VOLUNTEERS: These assignments are arbitrar-

ily made based on past willingness to serve. If you

find that you cannot serve on a Sunday when you

have been scheduled, please try to find a replace-

ment. Also, it is important that you call Robin in

the office (860-635-4618) by Thursday, when

other arrangements have been made, so the changes

can be put into the Sunday bulletin.

The 2013 Coffee & Flower Sign-up Sheets are avail-

able on the revolving ki-osk in the narthex.

Please take a

look at the sign-up sheets to see if there is a conven-ient date for you to sign-

up for.

Volunteers for February 3rd:

Assisting Minister: 8:00 a.m.— Ellen Arendt 10:30 a.m.— Audrey Veillette

Acolyte: 8:00 a.m.— 10:30 a.m.—

Altar Guild: Barbara Spada Ushers: Bruce & Christian Gustafson,

John Trousdale Altar Flowers: Coffee Hour: Counters: Terri Clark & Ann Naughton


CHRISTMAS 2012 A TIME OF REFLEC-TION AND HOPE

The musicians of Bethany have had an es-pecially busy season in 2012. Starting with the Advent concert, the month was punctu-ated by a number of special events and celebrations. Among the highlights were the following: INSTALLATION OF PASTOR PAUL This was an inspiring and memorable after-noon for us all. The church was filled with worshippers and well-wishers as Pastor Paul was installed officially as Pastor of Bethany Church. In addition, he was awarded his Doctorate from the Hartford Seminary. Family, friends and fellow clergy joined in celebration of this very special event. Choirs, soloists, instrumentalists joined voices and instruments to com-memorate this important event and it was with great pride and joy that we officially welcomed him and his family into our con-gregation. CHRISTMAS AT BETHANY

As we look back over the days of Christ-mas 2012, for many of us, music was the sustaining, supporting, comforting and re-joicing of the season. We were all deeply impacted by the tragedy at Newtown and, in our music, we tried to reflect our feelings of sadness, but also to uplift in song the promise of Christmas.

For many, the words of In the Bleak Winter were particularly poignant and this simple hymn was a meaningful moment for many in the congregation. On Christmas morning, the words of I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day held a promise of hope and renewal. CHRISTMAS PAGENT This was an outstanding and joyful moment for all! With record attendance and a cast of players that filled the front of the Sanctuary, who could not have been more filled with the good news of the season. Lou Ann Smith and Kitty Richhiemer, co-directors, and all who participated both as cast mem-bers and behind the scenes are due a big Thank You. It was great to hear the ringing voices of Go Tell it On the Mountain and the Prelude and Postlude Music provided by our young musicians was outstanding. The arrival of a Christmas “special guest” accompanied by a “dynamic vocal duo” was an added “treat with treats” for us all. WELCOME Pastor Paul. MANY THANKS TO ALL The dedication of our musicians is truly out-standing at Bethany. The Folk Group, Beth-any Choir, special groups and soloists de-serve a major vote of thanks. Their enthusi-asm and willingness to serve is an inspira-tion to me. It is also inspiring to have our young, talented members such a part of our musical life. O, Holy Night as sung by Kendra Oates at the 5: o’clock service was i n s p i r i n g t o a l l a n d Kenzie Friedmann singing with Liz at the candlelight service was an added treat for us all. Finally, we who plan, co-ordinate and per-form the duties of musicians are grateful to



Jan. 2 - REBECCA OLDMAN

JAN. 5 - ZACHARY WIERNASZ

JAN. 7 - CHRISTOPHER GALLETTA

JAN. 8 - KEVIN DELANEY

JAN. 9 - RUTH HOOG

JAN. 11 - GLEN JOHNSON

JAN. 14 - GRACE DURKIN

- RUSSELL SMKITH

JAN. 15 - JESSE ERDMANN

- NICOLE GOOSEN

JAN. 18 - DEBORAH JOHNSON

- WILLIAM SWANSON

JAN. 20 - DESTINEE FORTUNATO

JAN. 21 - ALEXANDER ADAMOWICZ

- JAMIE HAYS, JR.

JAN. 23 - HANNAH HERREWYN

JAN. 25 - THEODORE SULLIVAN

JAN. 26 - LISA SACKS

JAN. 29 - CHRISTOPHER ADAMCZYK

- KENNETH MACKIEWICZ

- ROBERT THOMAS

JAN. 30 - THEUNIS GOOSEN

JAN. 31 - JOHN HERREWYN

Jack & Edie McKnight

January 7, 1962

Lisa & Robert Kehayias

January 14, 1990

Venance & Melissa Lorenz

January 17, 1997

Theunis & Colleen Goosen

January 21, 1995

Steve & Kitty Richhimer

January 21, 1990

Stan & Sue Mackiewicz

January 31, 1987

J A N U A R Y

the congregation who are so attentive, ap-preciative and encouraging for the efforts put forth to make the worship life of Bethany a rich and inspiring experience. LOOKING AHEAD With Advent and Christmas now a memory, we look forward to the music of Epiphany, Lent and Easter. We are always in need of singers and instrumentalists and welcome all to participate in our choirs, or smaller singing groups. Even if you can’t make a commitment for every Sunday please come and join us as you can. All are welcome: “Come and Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord!” —Allan Nelson

(Continued from page 4)


The

February

Messenger

Deadline is:

January 15th

BLOOD PRESSURES

We be taken on Sunday, January 27, 2013.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA WELCA will be hav-ing the annual breakfast gathering at The Armory in Middletown on Monday, January 7, 2013. We will meet in the church parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and plan to carpool. All women of Bethany are invited . Please contact Linda Samuelson by phone or email by Friday, January 4th if plan-ning to join the group, as we are making a res-ervation for breakfast. Telephone...860-635-1093 [email protected]

Gifts to this fund are matched by

Thrivent.

COME, JOIN SAINTS ALIVE

Come join Saints Alive on the third Thursday of each month. During the pre-Christmas season we visited Cromwell Gardens for a spectacular tour of the greenhouses. We never expected to see acres of poinsettias growing right in the center of town-it was truly

amazing.

In December we enjoyed our annual Christmas Party and as a special project we decorated the Church Lounge with some of our favorite Christmas decorations. In January we will be celebrating Epiph-any with a “special gift” celebration, in February our Valentine Tea and then in March, we will be venturing out into the “Sound” for a “seal watch”. Even if you aren’t a senior (whatever that means) but are interested in one of our pro-grams, feel free to come-visitors are always wel-come!

ADVENT WALL HANGING IN MEMORY OF LYDIA WOGMAN

Have you noticed the beautiful new Ad-vent wall hanging in the Entry Hall? It has been given in loving memory of Lydia Wogman, mother of Pastor Wogman. Mrs. Wogman was a loyal supporter of Bethany, always interested in what we were do-ing. She regularly received our weekly bulletins and reviewed them with great interest - to al-ways be informed as to what we were doing. She was intensely proud of the ministry of her son and daughter-in-law and thus it

(Continued from page 2)

seemed fitting that this beautiful hanging is given in her honor.

WE RECEIVED A FEW THANK YOU’S 1. If you haven't printed up the newsletter yet,

and it looked like you haven't, could you in-clude a little "thank you" to the members for the cards and emails expressing condo-lences at the passing of my mother, Lydia. Also, take her off the "Lutheran" and any


mailto:[email protected]


The Stewardship Committee thanks all of you your continuing generous support of Bethany’s

ministry.

Steve Anderson Ryan Griscon Charlie Frago Chuck Balderston Bernie Nelson Terry Clark

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

Congratulations Bethany! THANK YOU!

This year’s Stewardship Campaign has resulted in $156,411 pledged from 70 pledg-ing units, an increase of more than $8,000 over last year! Forty-Nine percent of our givers were able to increase their giving by almost seven percent this year. We have also received eleven Estimate of Giving cards from people who are pledging for the first time. We now have 70 pledging units. Thank you to everyone for your generous commitment to Bethany!

The following chart summarizes the 2013 pledging by showing the number of

pledges and the dollar amounts.


other mailing lists she might be on. Pastor Wogman

2. Dear friends in Christ, Thank you for the

touching farewell and all of your warm wishes and kind words about the ministry we shared in this past year. It was a gift to serve as your Interim pastor. I am deeply grateful and honored by your very generous gift to Calumet in honor of my ministry among you. It will, I am certain, help to change a life, deepen faith, connect communities and pro-vide respite for those seeking peace...all while sharing joy in God's word. It is a gift that keeps blessings flowing. Your gifts of a jewelry box and locket with such kind in-scriptions will be lovely reminders of each of you. Social Ministry’s gift was enjoyed by my family and I wore the bracelet immediately! I give thanks for the Spirit that binds us to-gether and continue to keep your ministry, Pastor Paul, and each of you in my prayers. Blessings, Pastor Sara

3. From the ELCA thanking Bethany for their

donation of $375 to Hurricane Sandy. As the ELCA, we do more together than we ever could do alone. We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world — together. Thank you for your support!

FACING YOUR FAITH A New Year can bring new opportunities, new ways of thinking, new ways of de-veloping yourself. The Christian Clergy Council of Crom-well, CT sponsors each January an opportunity for people to come together to study and learn about issues related to daily Christian living. This program is called the Cromwell Ecumenical

Bethany’s bits ‘n Pieces... (Continued from page 6)

Lay School of Theology (CELST).

The theme this year, Living and Praying with Jesus, will be presented in two parts: Janu-ary 13 and 27, 2013. Father Bart Kawacki, Pa-rochial Vicar at St. John Church will do the ple-nary presentations (45minutes) and address the topics: “Take Up the Cross and Follow Me, ‘Living in the Spirit of Christ’” (January 13; and, “Teach Us How To Pray, ‘Praying in the Spirit of Christ’” (January 27). The second part to each evening will be break out sessions from which a person could choose one each night. These include: Praying with Our Imagination. God has

given us the wonderful gift of imagination which we can use to create, to cope, to plan and even to pray. This presentation will demonstrate how we can use this mental gift to communicate with our God and especially to pray for our loved ones. Presenter: Fr. Bart A. Karwacki, OFM Conv. Praying Through Scripture. Spiritual Reading is a way of praying through scripture. This longest used practice in the Christian Church is called "Lectio Devina." In it the Holy Spirit leads us from our first hearing and under-standing a scripture into reflecting, expressing and resting with God in its message. Come learn this way of personal prayer and practice it together. Presenter: Rev. Dr. Mary Miller, chap-lain at Covenant Village of Cromwell. Taize Prayer. "Feeling meditative?

Come join us.. Taize is named after a region in France, where monks developed a kind of musi-cal prayer. The prayers are usually small pieces of scripture or psalms, sung in repetition to tra-ditional music. The hope is that repeating the words will allow them to sink deeper into our hearts and minds. The songs also provide a good atmosphere for any who would like to come and pray in silence." Presenter: Kevin Lester, associate pastor, Hilltop Covenant Church.



BIBLE STUDY Tuesday Mornings in the Fireside Room

T h e T u e s d a y morning Bible Study group continues to meet weekly at 6:45 a.m.—7:45 a.m. We study the Scriptures for the following Sunday, enjoy cof-fee, tea, and light refreshment, and share the leadership responsibility. We invite you to join this lively discus-sion. If 6:45 is too early, speak to the Pas-tor about starting another Bible Study group. Studying God’s word is a wonderful way to Build Your Faith—Bring a Friend!

Spiritual Exercises, Ignatian Prayer. This type of praying includes: how to pray back-ward through your day, finding consolation or desolation through prayer. Presenter: Fr. Mark Curesky, OFM Conv., pastor, St. John Catholic Church. Each session includes time to actually practice the form of prayer that has been so helpful to people across the centuries. So, PLEASE JOIN US at Bethany Lu-theran Church, Cromwell, January 13 & 27 at 7:00 PM as we celebrate the Week of Prayer For Christian Unity.

DID YOU KNOW? That the Middletown area has a “Warming

Center”? This is the second year that four area churches have been the site of the Warming Center. The churches are: First Baptist (November & December), The Church of the Holy Trinity (January), South Congregational Church (February), and First Methodist Church (March). The Warming Center is the project of the City of Middle-town’s Mayor’s task force on homelessness. Most of the support comes from the City’s Health Department which awarded a $10,000 grant to St. Vincent DePaul Place for the 2012-2013 winter season.

That we have a newsletter geared toward

homebound members? Do you know any-one who might be interested in being on our mailing list? If so, please let Robin know. We would be happy for mail a copy to them each week. If you would like more informa-tion, please give Robin a call Monday—Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bethany’s bits ‘n Pieces... (Continued from page 8)

SIMPLY GIVING Would you find it helpful to have your offerings debited directly from your bank account as you proba-bly do with other obligations? Beth-any offers electronic giving for those of you who wish to have your contribu-tions transferred electronically to the church’s account. If you travel, this is particularly helpful in keeping up with your intended offerings. One simple, easy to use authorization form can be-gin or change your electronic contribu-tion amount. Contact Robin in the church office Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 635-4618, for more de-tails.


Happy “2013” from the preschool staff and students. We wish eve-ryone a very happy, healthy and safe new year. On January 29th and 30th, the students will be having their profes-sional class and individual photos taken.

Our Open House will be held on Saturday, January 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for perspective students to come to Bethany to see the pre-school, meet the teachers, and obtain registration information. If you have a child that would be eligible for the 3 year of 4 year old classes, please feel free to stop by during our Open House. We would be happy to meet with you. Also, if anyone knows of a family with a child that would be eligible, we would ap-preciate you letting them know about our Open House as well. Or you can have them call Robin in the office at 860-632-0597 to received registration information. We appreciate your help! - Cheryl Harrington, Director

SCS BULLETIN BOARD FOR JANUARY

3rd Grade Class

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT WIHS is looking for a Station Manager as follows: The Station Manager should have 5+ years experience in non-commercial Christian Radio, college education, good management skills, on-air broadcast experience, pastoral sensitivities, excellent writing and verbal com-munication abilities and a active commitment to Christian Radio ministry. The Station Manager is the “in-charge” person to direct and manage the Christian Radio ministry of WIHS. Duties include overseeing administrative staff (office operations) and broadcast staff (on-air and pro-duction operations), responsible for Station on-air programming, serve as principal correspon-dent for the station, be active in promoting the station in community/church relationships, and supervise the Property Manager. Send resume and personal statements Christian beliefs and views of Christian radio by email to: [email protected]. (No phone calls please)

It’s that time of year again to start teaching our children what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. They never get tired of hearing the

story about baby Jesus being born. They are all excited about the roles they were given for the pageant, as we are about to watch it. My class would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! — Missy Duteau


You are cordially invited to attend the 2nd planning meeting for the Women of the ELCA Hartford/Central and Eastern Conference 2013 Spring Gather-ing. We need you, and your ideas to make it happen!

When: Feb. 16th Snow date: Feb. 23rd

10-12 pm Refreshments will be served!

Where: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

355 Camp St. Bristol, CT 06010

How to get there: From 84 East or West - take Route 72, exit 33 towards Bristol.

From West it will be a left exit. From East, it will be a right exit. Take Exit 1 (CT 177/N. Washington St.) Right on to (CT 177) N. Washington St.

At 2nd light (about 1.5 miles) take left on to Northwest Drive. Follow road to end. Take a right onto Camp St. Gloria Dei is .01 mile on left. If you get lost, 860 582-0629 or 860 620-4166.

To enter church: Through the side door nearest the parking lot and go

right, down the stairs, into the meeting room which is the second door on

the left!



Inside This Issue…

...Pastor Paul’s Message

...Elaine Ruth Hoog Memorial Concert

...The Organ Loft

...Stewardship Update

...CELST Week of Prayer for Christ-

ian Unity, Jan. 13th & 17th

Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Paul Krampitz

Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Winton M. Hoog

Council Vice President: Mike Balinskas

Organist / Director: Allan R. Nelson

Folk Choir Director: Liz Friedmann

Cherub Choir Directors: Danielle O’Linn &

Kim Brisson

Church Council: Chuck Balderston, Mike Balinskas,

Charlie Frago, Ryan Griscom, Diane McAdams,

Ann Naughton, Danielle O’Linn, Kitty Richheimer,

Russell Smith, Jim Sullivan, & Pastor Paul Krampitz

Church Secretary: Robin Scotti

Church Office: (860) 635-4618

Fax: (860) 635-4618 (please call first]

Preschool: (860) 632-0597

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

Web Site: bethanylutherancromwell.org

February Messenger Deadline:

January 15, 2013

Our

Church

Staff:

W O R S H I P S C H E D U L E

Sunday Worship with Holy Communion:

8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Office Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, M—F

Bethany Lutheran Church ELCA

50 Court Street

Cromwell, CT 06416

the bethany messenger -...

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