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Congregation Council

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Melody has a long history at Emanuel as she was baptized and confirmed here. She has previously taught Sunday School and served on the Mutual Ministry commission; three years as Chairperson. Melody is currently serving as a Stephen Minister and as a member of the Council's Executive Committee. Melody lives in Manchester with her husband, Paul, and her sister Robin Weir. She is a Marriage and Family Therapist and is presently employed at Goodwin College as an Instructor in Human Services.

A member of Emanuel for approximately 18 years, Ray is currently Vice President of the Council. He also serves as a member of the Stewardship Committee and as an usher. His wife, Kathy, sings with the New Day Singers at the contemporary worship service. Two sons, Dan and Tim, have graduated college and are living on their own making Ray & Kathy "empty nesters". Ray works for the Town of Glastonbury as Director of Parks and Recreation. His wife, Kathy, teaches in the Colchester Public Schools. They reside in Hebron.

Having been a member of Emanuel for 16 years, Pete was very instrumental in the congregation adopting the "Reconciling In Christ" (RIC) process and becoming a true "Open and Welcoming" family of faith to all of God's children. He is also very involved in music ministry program as a Cantor and singing weekly with the Anthem Choir. Pete lives in Vernon with his husband of 18 years, Dean, and their four dogs. Pete and Dean were the first committed couple to be blessed in 2006 with their Holy Union service at Emanuel in the presence of their family, friends and God.

Melissa Cornell lives in Manchester with her spouse Nancy Healy. Melissa joined Emanuel in October 2011 after determining that Emanuel was the house of worship for her. She plays softball in a women's league in Middletown and works at The Hartford in the Loss Control department.

The Helmke family moved to Connecticut and joined Emanuel Lutheran in 2006. Before joining the council, John was part of the Endowment mission team. You can periodically hear John, his wife Linda, and their children Rachel and Grace playing music during services.

Kristi has been a member of Emanuel since 1975. She was baptized at Concordia Lutheran Church but found her way to Emanuel thanks to her friendship with the Lumpkin Family and the wonderful youth program. She grew up in Manchester but now lives in Coventry withher husband, Paul and their sons, Andrew and Kevin. She am currently an office manager for John E. Hambrook D.D.S., Main Street, Manchester and has been since 1988. Kristi serves on the Stewardship Committee and as a member of the Congregational Council.

Jenifer has been a member of Emanuel her entire life and is the 3rd generation of her family to attend Emanuel. She lives in Bolton with her husband, Andy and their 3 children. Her oldest child, Jeffrey is 14 and enjoyed his trip to New Orleans as part of the Youth Gathering last July 2012. Lillian is 12 years old and currently in the Head 2 Heart program and looking forward to her trip to Detroit in July 2015. Megan is the youngest and she is 8 years old and waiting for Lilli to come home from Detroit with the following Youth Gathering destination that she will attend. All 3 kids take dance classes in Manchester and look forward to their recitals. Jenifer teaches kindergarten in Manchester at Birch Mountain Day School and also keep busy in the Bolton Center School PTA, taking part in Career Day, the Variety Show and the Run to Read 5K race. She feels lucky and blessed to be part of Emanuel.

Christina lives in Manchester, is über curious, loves learning and is a voracious reader! She enjoys being outside whether it be exercising or reflecting and witnessing the natural beauty. Christina adds, "Every moment I spend with with family I feel so happy. "

Darra has been a member of Emanuel for 17 years. She has been serving on Church Council since January 2011. Darra has taught Sunday School and has enjoyed working with children in the Head to Heart Confirmation program for the past 5 years. Her husband Jon has been a member since birth, as well as her two children Jake and Sloane. As a family they participate in assembling/distributing of Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas Caroling to the home bound over the Holidays. Darra works at a Dental Office in Manchester where she is the pay roll and pension plan coordinator.

Rowena resides in Manchester with her three, almost grown children, Stefani, Gary, and Zachary. They have been members of Emanuel for sixteen years, Rowena also serves on the Stewardship Committee, Altar Guild, and as a Communion Assistant.

Sue has been a member of Emanuel for 22 years. She lives in Manchester with my husband Bruce. They have 2 grown daughters, Caitlin and Kelly. Sue was a Sunday school teacher for 6 years and a Confirmation Guide for 4 years. She has served on the Nominating Committee and the Call Committee for Pastor Bill White. She am currently a Communion Assistant and a first time council member.