Thursday, March 19, 2026 - Bare Bones of Winter

By Fr. Matt Phillips



Dear Christ Church Family,

I don’t know about you, but as I write this article on Monday afternoon, currently snowed in at my apartment after yet another big snowfall, I’m feeling pretty darn tired of winter. Every year, there comes a point towards the end of each long Wisconsin winter when I feel like the snow becomes less magical and more malicious–when the landscape turns white, cold, and barren once again, seemingly determined to keep Spring and its promise of new life away for as long as possible. 

But it’s not just the weather that can feel long and unyielding; at times, this Lenten season can stretch on in much the same way. As we find ourselves now in the fourth full week of Lent, what may have begun with intention and sincerity can begin to feel heavy. We may be feeling spiritually tired, worn down, perhaps even a little barren ourselves, searching for signs of growth and new life within our souls, and wondering if Easter–like Spring–will ever truly arrive. 

And, as if on cue, this Sunday we’ll hear the story of Ezekiel coming across his own barren landscape: a valley full of dry bones–long lifeless, scattered, and without any sign of hope. And then God asks the question, “Can these bones live?” It’s a question that echoes into our own lives, especially in seasons like this.

But, as Ezekiel tells us, it’s a question that God already knows the answer to. Working through the prophet, God proceeds to bring these scattered bones together, covering them with sinews, flesh, and skin, and finally, the breath of life. That which once seemed lifeless and barren beyond all hope is once again raised to new life. 

And that is the same promise we are invited to hold onto. Even as winter keeps chugging along, Spring is right around the corner. Even as Lent stretches on, Easter is drawing near. The same God who pieced together those dry bones is at work in us as well, even now–quietly, patiently, bringing new life to our bodies and souls even when we can’t yet see it. And by God’s grace, these bones–our bones–will truly live again.

In the hope and promise of new life,

Matt+

Communication Notes

Our Parish Admistrator Lori Sinclair will be away Wednesday March 25th through April 4th. If you have questions about church finances, flower donations, pledging, or building use permission. please contact her prior to then, or wait until her return. All prayer requests may be sent to Julie Thauer

PLEASE let me know if you don't receive the Broadcast by Thursday 4pm each week; even when you know you've subscribed. I'm happy to resend it

 - Julie Thauer - Communications Director

The Fifth Sunday in Lent - March 22

8am service - Holy Eucharist, Quiet service in the chapel



9:30 service - Holy Eucharist, Music with congregational singing. 

NOTE: if you'd like to receive a Sunday morning email with just the links to the Sunday livestream service and scheduled FORUM presentations, send your request to Julie or sign up here:

Palm Crosses: Saturday, March 28th 9.30 a.m. in Great Hall

Anyone (Flower Team) who’s interested in making Palm crosses for Palm Sunday, meet in the Great Hall at 9.30-11 a.m. to fold Palm leaves into crosses 

Palm Sunday

March 29 - 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

The 8am service will gather in the church.

For the 9:30am service we will gather in the Good Shepherd Room.

Helpers are needed! to assist with set up and clean up at the Maundy Thursday Agape Dinner. If you are able to help, please email Anne Davis Thanks so much

Maundy Thursday Dinner and Liturgy

Thursday, April 2 - 6:00 p.m. We commemorate the Last Supper with a catered Greek feast. To support this sacred experience, you are invited to make a free-will offering. Give as the Spirit moves you. (sorry, no childcare available.)

Sign up HERE by Sunday, March 29th.

If you would like to support this experience, but you are not able to attend, you can go here to make an offering. Thank you!

Maundy Thursday Garden Watch in the Chapel

April 2nd 8:00 p.m. - 12pm April 3rd

Stay awake with Jesus in the garden. Sign up for a slot: here 

Good Friday Liturgy

Friday, April 3rd at 12 noon or

All-Ages Service 5:30 p.m.

At noon we will gather for a solemn service featuring special choral music and the proclamation of the cross. An All-Ages service features a hands-on retelling of the Passion Story.

Easter Vigil

Saturday, April 4th at 8 p.m We begin with the Great Fire, telling of salvation history, and the first (and most raucous) A----luia of Easter. A true Easter service: chocolate and champagne to follow.

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 5th at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Christ is risen, A----luia! An Easter Egg Hunt will follow the 9:30 a.m. service!

Easter Celebration Baked Goods Needed

As we come together following the 9:30am Easter celebration for fellowship with one another in the Great Hall, we will be met by our gracious volunteers with decorations, coffee and tea, assortment of finger foods, fruit and as always the delicious baked goods made by our parishioners!

This year we need 13 people to bring 2 dozen pieces each of homemade baked goods to the church kitchen by April 4.

Please use this Link to sign up.

Many thanks and blessings! Susan Dreyfus

Special Easter Offering: You may offer a special Easter gift of music, flowers, or general offering to the church, in memory or thanksgiving of a loved one. To give: 1) take a picture of the envelope mailed to you and send it to Lori Sinclair. If you did not receive an envelope, send Lori your name(s) and the name(s) of those you are remembering, written as you would like your text to appear in the Easter bulletins. For the purposes of printing the bulletin, envelopes must be returned to the church office no later than Wednesday, March 25th.  

THIS SUNDAY

March 22, 2026 10:45am in the Great Hall 
The FORUM

Habitat for Humanity

Kristi Sebald Volunteer Services & Events Manager

For 40 families, 2026 will be the year they help build their new Habitat homes in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Habitat helps break down barriers for first-time homebuyers and helps preserve homeownership through our Critical Repair program. Affordable housing

means more than a decent place to sleep at night. Studies show safe, affordable

housing leads to improved health, education and financial stability.

Though the foundation of Milwaukee Habitat is built on the principles of Christian

ministry, we never ask our families, volunteers, or supporters to accept the tenets of any

particular faith. Habitat welcomes partners from all backgrounds to better serve people

of all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, or creed.

If you affirm the universal need for decent and affordable housing, then you’ll find a

home in our mission.

Coming up on April 19, 2026 
The FORUM

Caught in a Whirlwind!

The Book of Job and William Blake
John HIckey

The Book of Job raises many confusing questions, like: Why do bad things happen to good people? Does God make bets with Satan? And, why does a crocodile make God great? We may find answers in William Blake’s illustrations. Or maybe not. After all, God’s ways are not our ways. Presented by Rev John Hickey on Sunday April 19 after the 9:30 servic-

The FORUM Archive:

Past Presentations can be found here on our YouTube Channel

RECENT:

March 8, 2026 Sendiks Expansion update - Don Allen - Sr. Warden

March 1, 2026 Sacred Music in the season of Lent - Michael Batcho
February 8, 2026 The Gospels, Who came first and does it matter? - Rev. Julian Hills

NEW EVENT

Sign up for service on a Habitat project

If you're interested in a hands-on opportunity for service with our Christ Church group on a Habitat project, please sign up for the Christ Church Habitat for Humanity mailing list! 
Email Andrew Jetton (outreach chair) for more information

New Fiction Book Discussion...interested?

Back before COVID, a group of women met to discuss works of fiction. Let's do it again!

If interested please submit your responses to the form found here by Wednesday, March 25th. Contact Monica Liberatore with any questions. Link to sign-up form here:

The Feasts of 2026 - What are they?

The Feasts of 2026 are about to begin! 


An all-parish fundraiser started over 15 years ago, with parties or events hosted by members of the church in either their homes or in the Great Hall or Good Shepherd Room.

The Feasts are described with details, date and price: HERE

Click the link to see what's in the works

They are open to all, with sign-ups at church. The hosts donate the party and This year, all proceeds will go towards the Summer Youth Mission Trip! We have some events planned, but need help with additional parties. 

We would love to hear from you with any and all ideas! 

We will be at the Feast table in the Good Shepherd Room after the 8:00 and 9:30 am Sunday services to answer your questions, or have you sign up!

Thanks, Denise Kobussen and Kathy Stanford, Co-Chairs

Featured FEASTS! with more on the way!

CHECK OUT these upcoming feasts at the Feast Table this Sunday: (more NEW events are scheduled!)

• Pulled Pork BBQ - March 28th in the Great Hall
• Mexican Train Dominoes - April 18th
• Book Lovers Luncheon pt 2 - Thursday, April 16th
• Authentic Italian Dinner! - Friday April 24th
• Flavors of the Basque Country - May 2nd
• Tasty Lunch and Dessert Delight - May 4th
• The Christ Church Amazing Race! - Saturday June 6th

See Denise or Kathy this Sunday at the Feast Table to sign up and find out more!

Help Us Help Others

Sign up to serve!

Provide a dessert or help serve a meal at the Saint Vincent De Paul site at All Peoples Church  

NEXT Serving date: April 20, 2026

You are all much appreciated!  Contact Lynne Schley if interested!

PANTRY NEEDS THIS WEEK:

Wish List:

Syrup
Baked Beans
Grape Juice
Jam/Jelly

All Peoples Church Pantry LOVES your red Sendik's grocery bags.....

AND your Sendik's brown paper bags with HANDLES! 

Keep saving them, bring them to church, and drop off in the red wagon or give to Lynne Schley. Thank you!

Sip & Shop2 
SAVE the DATE!

WHEN:  Saturday May 16, 2026,

Noon-4pm

SIP AND SHOP 2 - sign up on SUNDAY March 22 after the 9:30 service

$20 to attend. Items on the day of the sale will not be priced. You pay what your heart tells you. We hope all will be very generous as all proceeds will go to The Sojourner Peace Center. 

Also please clean out your closets and donate clothing, coats, footwear, scarves, hats, costume jewelry. Must be in excellent condition.

Take any donated items to room 11 in the church lower level (near Sunday School rooms)

items you might wish to donate, there is storage ability in room 11 in the church basement. 

QUESTIONS: call Maureen McCabe (414-254-6483) or Anne Hynek (414-254-6181) 

Music this Week at Christ Church

by Michael Batcho

This Sunday we welcome clarinetist David Draper. He will join me on two of the voluntaries. Neither was written for the clarinet and organ; however, both are easily adaptable for these instruments. For the prelude we will play Aria, Opus 51, by Belgian organist/composer Flor Peeters. I'm a fan of his music (and play a lot of it) because of their well-crafted melodies and imaginative harmonies. Aria was written in 1943 as the slow movement for a trumpet and piano sonata. Peeters later transcribed it for solo organ, which is now the most frequently performed. Its melancholy tune renders it appropriate for the Lenten season.

During communion David and I will play Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart. One of his renowned sacred works, Mozart composed it in 1791 for the Feast of Corpus Christi. As a choral motet, it is not often performed by a solo instrument. Nonetheless, the soprano melody line lends itself to be played in that manner.

Charles Burney was a late 17th c. - early 18th c. English organist, composer and music
historian. He served as the organist at a number of different London sites, including St. Dionis Church and the Royal Hospital. Burney's compositional output took place from the late 1740's through the 1760's. This Sunday's postlude is his Fugue in f minor. It is one of the movements from Six Cornet Pieces, which dates from 1751. Eventually Burney turned from musical composition to text writing. His four-volume A General History of Music was ground-breaking at the time and established him as the leading musicologist of the period.

Good Friday Women's Ensemble

It's been the tradition at Christ Church to have a women's ensemble sing for the 12 noon Good Friday liturgy and I'd like to invite any woman who likes to sing to participate.

There will be two rehearsals, both on Tuesday evenings:

March 24, March 31 - Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM.

Since there is a bit of music to prepare, attendance at both rehearsals is expected.

The service is on Friday, April 03, at 12 noon.

We should conclude around 1:15 or so.

Though helpful, previous choral experience and the ability to read music aren't required.

Contact Michael if you have any questions or would like to sign up.

Sunday School

runs from 9:15-10:05 AM in the lower level classrooms. 

Middle School and High School

The next middle school and high school youth group meeting is this Sunday, March 15th 5-7pm

Find printable program calendars by clicking here. Sign up for the monthly family newsletter here.

Summer Mission Trip Information

Find printable program calendars by clicking here. Sign up for the monthly family newsletter here.

NEXT HDTF:

April 5th

Handing Down the Faith Sundays

Designed to encourage deeper understanding of and more engagement with the liturgy for children. The clergy will offer brief explanations and invite children to participate and observe in specific ways. All children of any age and ability are welcome to participate as they feel comfortable.

Coming soon! 
Get those broken electronics ready to recycle!
We will have an interim collection box in the Good Shepherd room on the ledge at the entrance to the nave near the ramp.

4 CONVENIENT DROP-OFF SITES DURING TWO WEEKENDS IN APRIL. Starting April 18th. See flyer for details

Join us for next chapter from 
The Gospel of Mark 

You are invited to come look at Mark 9, the transfiguration of Jesus, and see how it might lead to our transfiguration as well. All welcome. We will meet from 4:30 to 5:45 pm on Tuesday March 24^th in the Good Shepherd Room.  

Drop-ins welcome!

View this lovely music video Loaves and Fishes that captures our last study on Mark 8

The organizers include Penny Cruse, Sue Toman and Father Matt. Please feel free to ask any of us questions. There are no prerequisites or homework.  

Theology by the Pint – 
Thursday, March 26, 5:30 p.m. 
in the Good Shepherd Room

Snacks and beverages are provided.

Topic: Theories of Atonement

What images or metaphors for Christ's saving work have most shaped your understanding of the atonement? Why do you think Christians have developed so many different explanations for the atonement throughout history? What might be gained—or lost—when Christians try to reduce the mystery of the cross to a single theological theory? 

To learn more about this event, please email the Rev. Matt Phillips.

*Theology by the Pint is a casual gathering for conversation where participants are encouraged to listen to others’ perspectives without judgment and to seek better understanding. Regardless of differences, we strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and to respect the dignity of every human being.

To learn more about Theology by the Pint or Gatherings for Guys contact Fr. Matt

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Be a part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Christ Church 

make a knitted, crochet or quilted shawl or blanket or square of love and warmth for others ( All Peoples church as well as Christ Church). 

Monthly Meetings: are on the 1st Wednesdays 

from 2-3:00pm in the Mission Conference Room off the Great Hall.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, April 1st, 2 PM . We have fun praying, knitting or crocheting, and catching up - sharing community needs.

Your handmade creativity can make a big difference! We pray for the recipient as we stitch.



DONATE YARN PLEASE If you have some unused yarn at home, we'd love you to donate it! Please leave it in the Conference Room - know it will be put to good use. (You don’t need to attend meetings to contribute prayer shawls or yarn). 

Questions? Please ask Rev Mary Trainor or Sybil Bell

Happy Hour(s) NOW 4:30-6pm Thursdays

CCLC Happy Hour Thursdays

at Lyn Slater's house - 6350 N. Lake Dr. WFB

(Driveway parking available)

 Come after your day’s events to socialize with church women. We end with prayers; yours are welcome. 

(No RSVP. Come when you can)

*Soft drinks and wine ($3) offered*

To receive the weekly group email, please contact Kathy Stanford.

Men's Book Group led by Greg Bell

Meetings: next meeting time and date to be determined. Team Wellness is seeking a new chair or two new co-chairs. If you’re interested in leading our efforts, please reach out to Kari Foote.

RUN Club

Please join Kari Foote and Maggie Dietrich at 7:30 am on Tuesday mornings for a run! Meet at red door (office entrance)

WALK Club

Help! Seeking a new leader for a weekly walking club! Reach out to Betsy Head or Kari Foote for more information! 

In-Person Centering Prayer group

This group will meet on Fridays throughout the year and will be led by Janis Blean-Kachigan and Helen Benton.

Meetings will begin at 11:15 am and will end at 11:45 am. We meet in the JT room (John Thompson)

Leaflets will be available about Centering Prayer, based on the teaching of Abbot Thomas Keating as found in his book, Open Mind, Open Heart.

We especially welcome people who have had no experience of Centering Prayer and would like to learn this ancient way of praying.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact

Janis Blean-Kachigan or Helen Benton.

News from the Diocese and Around the Community

Serving This Sunday: March 22, 2026



8:00 am Service in the Chapel

Greeter & Usher: Christopher Hagerup

Acolyte & Reader: Randy Dean
Newcomer Host: Paula Stone

Coffee Hospitality: 8:00am -  Mary Kay Anderson

9:30 am Service in the Nave

This service is also live-streamed here

Greeters - Diane Holzman, Mike McDonagh

Ushers - *Steve Schley, Lynne Schley, Pete Tomasi

Crucifer - Jack McMahon

Torchbearers - Seth Flanders, Emily Flanders

Lectors -  Susan LaBudde, Tim Kobussen

Prayer Reader - Sung by the Cantor during Lent

Eucharistic Ministers - Clergy, Maggie Dietrich, Susan Lovern, Lee Dreyfus

Newcomer Hosts - Dan Cotrone and Luke Sinclair

Altar Guild: Team 4 - Pam Eversfield, Carol Crowley, Christine Walker, Paula Hogan

Flower Team: Flowers are omitted for Lent

Coffee Hospitality: 9:30 Susan and Lee Dreyfus Jr

Healing Prayer: Dcn. Nancy Hills 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays. 
Fr. Matt Phillips 2nd and 4th Sundays

Weekly AV Set-up & Sound Mixing: provided by parish volunteer Todd Gaulke



Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,

License # A-714398. All rights reserved.

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Christ Church | 5655 N. Lake Drive Whitefish Bay, WI | 414-964-3368 |  www.christchurchwfb.org