Dear friends in Christ at Immanuel,

For longer than I've been around, Immanuel has subscribed to the "every member" plan of The Lutheran magazine, meaning that unless you have asked to not receive it, a monthly issue of The Lutheran appears in your mailbox. (And if it doesn't, and after reading this you want it to, just call or email the church office and we'll be happy to add you to the subscriber list.) We ask for an offering each year (the first envelope in everyone's packet) to cover the cost of having it sent to your home) and each year we receive gifts that cover roughly half the cost. At budget time, we always take a hard look at the $600 we allocate to make up the difference and wonder if it's worth it, but each year we decide that it is and I'm happy about that. I'm happy that everyone gets The Lutheran. I'd be happier if more people read it.

The way I see it, just having it show up in your mailbox is a reminder that you are part of a large and vibrant church beyond Immanuel. And every time you open it and read it, you learn volumes about your church's people, beliefs, struggles, debates, and its global connections and its impressive diversity of people engaged in Christian mission and ministry in and for the sake of the world. You learn that our congregation is like many others all across the country and that its also very different from many that share our Lutheran label. Some articles may upset or offend you. Others will inspire you. And while it is the official publication of the ELCA, it honestly reports the conflicts and controversies and the failures of leaders along with the successes and accomplishments. Every few months, for example, you can find a new list of the congregations (now a few hundred of them, though none in New England) that have voted to leave the ELCA following the 2009 decision to ordain clergy who are in committed, life-long, same-gender relationships.

If you used to read The Lutheran, but stopped because the articles didn't speak to anything you cared about, try again. I think it's gotten better than it was a few years back. The February 2012 issue, for example had an excellent article called "Insiders and Outsiders" written by Bishop Michael Rinehart from the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod (one of the few parts of the country in which Lutherans are even scarcer than in New England). In it he proposed a new policy for congregations: that every decision made by staff, council or committees be made on behalf of those not yet a part of the church, that every sermon choice, hymn or song choice, building or grounds choice be made with outsiders in mind. Why? For reasons both religious and secular. When we become a church for the outsider instead of a church for those already here, we are the kind of church for which God incarnate came to this earth and gave his life. He also quotes management consultant Peter Drucker, who said, "When the rate of change outside an organization exceeds the rate of change inside the organization, the organization is doomed." It makes you wonder. How would Immanuel be different if all decisions were made with as much thought for the needs of those outside the church as the desires of those already here?

And then, in the March issue, Professor Jane Strohl from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary wrote of having asked a class of seminarians to make the case for baptizing a baby to a young couple with little connection to the church. One student answered with the reasons why he had baptized his own daughter: "I knew that there would come a time as she grew when she would recognize the deep cruelty in the world and wonder why there was so much misery. One day she would suffer when people she trusted failed her. She would fail herself, driven by her seflishness and ability to hurt others. He wanted her to grow up among people who could support her in the face of those crushing experiences. She deserved a community that had the concepts and vocabulary (sin, grace, forgiveness, cross and resurrection), the experience and the courage to help her make sense of her life." Remember that the next time the subject of baptism comes up with your children or grandchildren!

• Gather responsibility includes Evangelism (Invitation and Welcome), and Fellowship
• Nurture responsibility includes Worship and Caring Ministries (including Stephen Ministry)
• Grow responsibility includes Stewardship and Christian Education
• Serve responsibility includes Property, Finance and Service to others beyond the congregation

• Financial Audits
• Memorial Funds
• Pastoral Committee (staff support/personnel matters)
• Nominations for council and congregation committees
• Nursery School Board

REPORT FROM THE MAY WEEKDAY RETREAT TO CALUMET:

BOAT RIDE, BIBLE STUDY, BALD EAGLE SIGHTING

A small but delightful group of six people spent Sunday - Tuesday, May 13-15 at Camp Calumet for a May Weekday Retreat. A highlight of the event for us and for Calumet Staff was having Carl Carlson along for another visit to his favorite place on earth after several months of illness and recovery had kept him away. Pastor Dan led four Bible Study sessions on the characters of Genesis called "A Gardener, Two Travellers, and a Cheat." In addition to Carl Carlson, the group included Marion Anderson, Joan Orton and Mark and Elaine Vetter. On Monday morning, the group went for a ride on Calumet's famous pontoon boat, a trip that included the extra delight of seeing a bald eagle perched in a tree by the shore of the lake. Special thanks also to Eileen Connolly who came up at suppertime Monday to join us for the evening and to help transport Carl back to Holden for a medical appointment Tuesday morning. The rest of the group visited a Country Store on Tuesday morning before lunch and the trip home.

SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE BEGINS JUNE 3

WORSHIP AT 8:00 AM AND 9:30 AM

We begin our summer schedule of worship services on Sunday, June 3, with an early service at 8:00 am and a second service at 9:30 am. Those who come at 8:00 am might also experience outdoor worship on the front patio a few times this summer if the weather seems right. This summer schedule continues through Sunday, September 2. We will return to our 8:30 am and 11:00 am schedule on Rally Sunday, September 9 when a new fall term of Sunday School also begins with a Brunch in Lawson Hall at 9:45a.

WOMEN'S CIRCLE NEWS 

MONDAY, JUNE 4 AT 9:30a 

Women's Circle will meet on Monday, June 4 at 9:30a.  We're planning to complete the floral baskets for Lutheran Healthcare, followed by a picnic lunch on the lawn out back (bring your own).  Punch and coffee will be available.  

SENIOR LUNCH - INDOOR PICNIC

TUESDAY, JUNE 12 AT NOON

All Immanuel Seniors (defined as anyone available to come for lunch on a Tuesday!) are invited to the annual summer barbecue lunch on Tuesday, June 12 at noon in Immanuel's gym. Burgers and hot dogs and buns will be provided, and everyone is asked to bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. Please either sign-up in Lawson Hall or call or email the church office to let us know that you are coming so that we can plan accordingly. With the school year ending and our own nursery school celebrating its 40th Anniversary, our theme will be "School Daze" as we sing songs and share memories of our school years.

SAVE THE DATE!

CHURCH PICNIC AND NURSERY SCHOOL  

40TH ANNIVERSARY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 11:00 AM

 SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS 

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLOSING CELEBRATION

Everyone is welcome to join us in the Gym for our Sundae School Closing Celebration on June 3rd after the 9:30 service! Everyone is invited to enjoy ice cream sundaes and other refreshments during the presentations.Bring a snack (cookies, brownies, or juice) to share with everyone.

All Sunday School students will receive certificates. Those with 88% or higher attendance, as well as the class with the best attendance percentage for the year, will be recognized and given small gifts.

All Sunday School teachers and Adult Education leaders will also be recognized with a certificate and a small token of appreciation.

THANK YOU TEACHERS!

God has blessed Immanuel with many dedicated Sunday School Teachers! Remember to thank them for volunteering to share their faith with Immanuel's youth.

Thank You Teachers, for sharing God's love:

Opening Time: Claire Paquette

Preschool: Sarah Carlson, Danielle Wyatt

Kindergarten: Sue Hudson, Julie Bardon

Grade 1: Jeff and Sue Swanberg

Grade 2: Jill Zitzewitz-Bilsel, Sheri Parretti, Tony Parretti

Grade 3: Greta Gridley, Jon Saulnier

Grade 4: Jackie Rhonemus, Sheryl Vernon

Grade 5: Osman Bilsel, Scott Gridley

Grade 6: Ben DeMarsh, Karen Wiegand

Grade 7: Deb and Firmin Sillo

Grade 8 & 9: Priscilla Lavoie, Linn Watt

High School: Amy Herlihy, Tim Langhill

THANK YOU SUBSTITUTES!

Thank you to all those who substituted for our regular teachers this school year!

Sandy Duguay, Leighann Farmer, Kerrie Galvin, Christin George, Paula Janowski, Dorothy Lindberg, Diana Provencher, Lori Rabeler, Charlene Ross, Karen White, Ian Wood

THANK YOU ADULT EDUCATION LEADERS!

Thank you to everyone who led Adult Sunday School classes this year!

Jill Zitzewitz-Bilsel, Kathy Cranson, Ken Cranson, Dave Farabaugh, Bill Higgins, Elaine MacNutt, Barbara Peacock, Gail Raney, Sue Swanberg, Mark Vetter, Tom Wiegand, Ian Wood

2012-2013 SUNDAY SCHOOL - FIRST DAY & REGISTRATION

Our first day of Sunday School in the fall is currently scheduled for September 9th.

The 2012-2013 Sunday School Registration Form is now available (online and in printed form). All families are asked to fill one out each year. Please return your completed registration form by June 30th. You can pick up a copy of the form at Immanuel, or use the form posted on Immanuel's Website.

2012-2013 VOLUNTEER SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Each year we need new teachers, assistants, and substitutes to join our dedicated volunteer staff.

If you like to spend time with children and youth, and you would like to share your faith with Immanuel's younger generation by teaching Sunday School, please speak to Sandy Bardon.

The Sunday School Teacher Orientation Meeting is scheduled after worship on August 26th.

APRIL ATTENDANCE

April Average - 49 students each Sunday

       April 1 - 60                                                        

       April 15 - 35                                          

       April 22 - 50                               

       April 29 - 52                                                                                                     

Congratulations to the 13 students with perfect attendance in April!

Jackson & Brayden Allaire; Andrew & Samantha Bardon; Kyla & Kaylin Farmer; Elise Gridley; Connor & Bryan Herlihy; Katie & Travis Moran; Alexander & Zachary Rhonemus

MAY ATTENDANCE

May Average - 42 students each Sunday

       May 6 - 49                                                        

       May 13 - 36                                           

       May 20 - 42                                                                                                                               

Congratulations to the 17 students with perfect attendance in May!

Jackson Allaire; Andrew & Samantha Bardon; Jake & Toriana Dumas; Molly Ellis; Kyla & Kaylin Farmer; Becca & Trey Galvin; Emma & Tyler George; Connor & Bryan Herlihy; Elizabeth Langhill; Zachary Rhonemus; Hailey Trudeau

NURSERY SCHOOL NEWS

Welcome June.... We hope that all the mothers had a wonderful Mother's Day. We are very busy with the end of the school year coming so soon. The preschoolers had a busy May with visiting Southwick's Zoo and watching their caterpillars turn into butterflies. They also invited all of their Moms to come in and enjoy a muffin with them for "Muffins for Moms". June will be a very busy month with the graduate picnic and graduation on June 8 at 6pm. We are so proud of all 11 of our graduates. We wish them lots of success in Kindergarten and we will miss them very much.

The Kona Ice Truck will be here at Immanuel on Wednesday June 6 at 12pm. A nice frozen icee will be available starting at $2.00 a piece. Please stop by and say hi and have a icee.  

The Nursery School will celebrate our 40th anniversary this September. On August 26, 2012, combined with the church picnic, we will celebrate this milestone. All former alumni and staff are invited to attend from 11am-2pm. Please help us spread the word throughout the community. All we ask is call 508-829-5391 or email ilnsholden@yahoo.com if you will be attending and how many. We will have an afternoon of fun planned.

The Nursery School currently has full-time infant openings and will have part time Toddler openings starting in the fall. Please call Kristine at 508-829-5391 for information and rates. You can also email ilnsholden@yahoo.com.

Enjoy the warmer weather,

Kristine Whittemore, Nursery School Director

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) 

AUGUST 6 - 10 

Sonrise National Park is Gospel Light's newest Vacation Bible School program and one that I think the children of Immanuel will enjoy. There is not only the theme of enjoying God's beautiful world but doing it safely and with respect. When we decide to go on a hike or go camping we make plans and pack all sorts of things to take with us so that we are prepared for whatever happens. But we need to be reminded that the most important survival tool and skill that we will ever need is our faith in Christ. We can spend a lifetime wandering aimlessly unless we ask God to go with us and guide us. We'll spend a week learning about the True Peace, True Love, True Hope, True Power and True Riches that God provides through the stories of Jesus calming the waters, feeding the 5000, resisting temptation, and caring for his flock, as well as Paul and Silas' release from prison.

There will be a meeting to discuss the program and handout materials to teachers and helpers on Monday, June 11 at 7:30p in Room 6 at church. If you want to volunteer in some other capacity please come too.

As yet, we are in need of two more adult leaders for the older classes. We are hoping that the young people who assisted us last year will come back and help us again this year. There are classes for pre-school children, those entering kindergarten, those entering grades 1 & 2, grades 3 & 4 and grades 5 & 6. Class size is limited to 10 children. Registration forms can be picked up in the volunteer office and are available on line at the Sunday School website. Registration closes June 30. Fees remain the same as last year. The hours are 9 to noon August 6 through 10.

There will be a bushel basket in the volunteer office for people to drop off needed items such as the Business Reply Cards inside magazines and glossy calendars for trash origami projects, jumbo craft sticks, skill sticks, brown lunch paper bags and bottle caps that are the pry off type. We'll also need healthy snacks in individual wrappers such as Smartfood, raisins, cranberries, goldfish, pretzels, applesauce, diced fruit cups, dried fruit sticks, 90 calorie snack bars.

We will have a registration table set up at Sunday School closing.

For more information contact Kathy Cranson at kkcran2@aol.com. 

 

CALUMET CAMPERSHIPS

THEY ARE BLESSED TO GIVE AND TO RECEIVE!

Last summer, seven Immanuel children and youth were awarded $150/week camperships to Camp Calumet. Three Campership recipients (Julianna Bardon, Callie Christenson, Lily Christenson) received 2 week camperships and four others (Hannah Ricker, Jacob Ricker, Jennifer Ross, Rachel Ross) received one-week camperships. Immanuel is happy to support famiglie who want to send their children to our Synod's beautiful camp on Ossippee Lake in New Hampshire.   

June 8-10, 2012, Springfield, MA

 

Sue Swanberg, Dave Farabaugh and Kate Connolly have been appointed by Immanuel's Council to serve as Lay Voting Members to the 2012 New England Synod Assembly. The Synod Assembly must be 60% lay voting members and 40% clergy. Immanuel's delegation, thanks to the several retired pastors, one synod staff pastor and a Synod Officer (Jeff Swanberg, Synod Treasurer) in our midst, includes six clergy voters and four lay voters for a total of ten voting members.

 

The most important item on this year's agenda will be the election of a new Bishop for the New England Synod. A first nominating ballot will open the Assembly, with any ordained pastor in the ELCA eligible. After an opportunity for those nominated to remove their name from consideration, the remaining names will become the second ballot later Friday afternoon. The top seven vote-getters in that ballot become the third ballot, but before that vote is cast Saturday morning, the seven candidates will appear at a Friday evening forum to answer questions already posted on the Synod's website, selected from questions suggested by Area Assemblies held in April. The field is then further reduced to the top three vote-getters, who each get to address the Assembly, then another ballot to reduce the field to two, then by late Saturday afternoon, a new bishop will be elected.

 

Jeff Swanberg is also up for re-election as Synod Treasurer (unopposed). Other Synod officers and several Synod Council positions will also be up for election. Voting Members to the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will also be elected. A 2013 Synod budget will be adopted. Reports will be received from partner organizations and from the ELCA Churchwide representatives. The Assembly will be live-streamed on the web, so if you want to check-in on the presentations and elections, visit www.nesynod.org and look for the Synod Assembly links. And since the Assembly doesn't conclude until noon on Sunday, Pastor Ron Jackson will be coming back early to lead worship at Immanuel on Sunday, June 10.

MEN'S MINISTRY - BROTHERS SERVING OTHERS

NEXT WORK DAY IS SATURDAY, JUNE 9

Saturday, June 9 is the next work day for Men's Ministry.  As usual, we'll meet at the church at 7:00a.  If you have never served at Men's Ministry, please consider yourself invited.  No commitment and no skill set required.  Just come and lend a hand.