CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter Thursday March 21, 2024 | |
Palm Sunday Service Note:
If you are joining us for worship this Sunday morning, please take a palm from the tables in the Narthex and gather there to join Pastor Jerry for the beginning of the service. You will then join the procession into the Sanctuary during the Opening Hymn (walking down the center aisle and then up the side aisle that is closer to where you'd like to sit) before taking a seat in the pews. If you're unable to walk with the procession, please feel free to take a seat in the Sanctuary before the service begins.
Saturday evening's worship will begin in the Sanctuary. Palms will be on tables in the Narthex for you to take one before service begins.
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You're invited to join us on Sunday, March 31 following Easter worship for a Continental Breakfast in Fellowship Hall. A sign-up sheet with breakfast food options is posted on the Coming Events kiosk in the Narthex. | |
NEW! Women's Bible Study begins April 2nd
Janet Zastrow and Nancy Wittmus will be co-facilitating a Women's Bible Study, beginning on Tuesday, April 2nd at 9:30 a.m. The Study will be based on the book Jesus Followers written by the daughter and granddaughter of Billy Graham. They share inspiring stories from their family life that offer compelling insights for leaving a legacy of faith.
Passing on our faith does not happen passively—it’s something we intentionally pursue with prayer and joy. Yet many of us struggle to know what it looks like to live out a contagious faith in today’s world. We long for spiritual wisdom on how to ignite faith in our children, grandchildren, and others we encounter.
Jesus Followers offers practical ideas, biblical teaching, and inspiring true stories from Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright for effectively running the race of faith and passing the Baton of Truth to the next generation.
Jesus Followers not only offers a glimpse into the living rooms and prayer closets of a faith-filled family, but it also equips you with the wisdom, motivation, and practical ideas for consistently and joyfully sharing your faith.
A sign-up sheet is on the Coming Events kiosk in the Narthex. Please sign up if you are interested in participating so that study materials can be ordered for you. The cost of the book is $10.50.
Please send any questions to Janet at janetzastrow@att.net.
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This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise
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“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also.” -- Psalm 31:9
Jesus knew long before He arrived in Jerusalem that it would be His last visit to the beloved city. He warned the disciples and the crowds that the Son of Man had to be lifted up, persecuted, and killed. Jesus knew the time was coming when the world would turn away from Him. I wonder how it felt, then, to arrive in Jerusalem to a cheering crowd.
We describe the Palm Sunday parade as a triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but was it a triumph to Jesus? Did He embrace their praise? He knew that in just days that same crowd would be shouting for His crucifixion. Jesus loved His people. He wanted the best for them, but it must have been difficult even for Him to accept the cross. There was so much left to do. There were still sick people to be healed and poor who needed encouragement. There were many who had not heard the promise of God’s Kingdom. His disciples still did not understand. The donkey ride into Jerusalem was part of the plan, but must have seemed premature. How could He leave them now? They weren’t ready to continue on their own. The psalmist knew the tug of war that goes on in the hearts of people struggling to be obedient to God’s will. Even Jesus prayed that His Father might find another way. After all, how could death be the answer?
Nevertheless, Jesus did not listen to the demands of the crowd. He did not save Himself; He obeyed the will of His Father. God’s promises could only be complete through death, the final enemy. The amazing grace of God was realized through the most incredible act of sacrifice: the beloved Son, the Priest-King, offered Himself as the Lamb to be slain for the sake of God’s people. Jesus accepted the praise of the crowds on Palm Sunday, but just days later He also accepted the anguish and loneliness of the garden and the cross.
Through it all, He trusted in God. He willingly died on the cross to fulfill the promise of God’s unfailing love for His people. We are delivered by His blood from the greatest enemy: death. By His grace we are forgiven and through Him we have life in His Kingdom forever.
Source: Sola Worship Resource - Weekly Devotional
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Palm Sunday
March 23-24, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Larry Bonier
DEACONS:
Saturday: Larry Bonier
Sunday: Pat Foy, Darlene Louison, Ruth Brostowitz, Lenny Graffin
ACOLYTE:
USHERS: Ed Ramthun and George Sedivec
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
GREETERS:
- Paula Altman
- Bill and Lenny Graffin
- Diane Grundman
- Joanne Schultz
FELLOWSHIP:
FLOWERS:
- Lukasik/Pfeiffer family in memory of Doloris Pfeiffer
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Cindy Rooks
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR:
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New prayer requests or any updates to this current list should be directed to Cindy Zilske in the Church office (office@calvarylc.com).
Prayers of sympathy and God's grace to: the family of Calvary member Gloria Strei who passed away on March 14 at the age of 99.
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Scott Grossman; Laura Burger; Taylor (granddaughter of Lenny Graffin); Eleonara Ramthun (mother of Ed Ramthum); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Mike Burkhardt (nephew of Helga Willett); Larry Larsen (brother of Kris Larsen); Nick Budney (son of friend of Lenny Graffin); John Kretschmann (brother of Ernie Kretschmann); Lisa Haggadone (daughter of Sallie and Gerhard Schulz); Jim Sanborn (friend of Linda Thorpe); Drake Ferber (Judy Sayas' neighbor's son; Jean (friend of Linda Thorpe); Richard and his wife (friends of Joanne Schultz); Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Peggy (niece of Judy DeBruine); Sandy (friend of Linda Thorpe); Gerald van Zyverden (nephew of Lisa Grossman); Jim Walters (cousin of Krista Dentice); Lynn Weber (godmother of Angie Schatz); Karly Bambanek (friend of Joanne Schultz); Peter Vang (relative of Ka Thao); Courtney Cook (friend of Lenny Graffin); Nate Kreiter, Matti Beilfuss (friends of Rick Kegel); Sharon Anderson (mother of Deron Anderson); Lou Dangler (friend of Evelyn Ceci); Paul Mahn (son of Shirley Mahn); Hunter Green (nephew of Andy and Angie Schatz); Tom Schatz (father of Andy Schatz); Susie Barnhart and Amy Clark (friends of Megan Scott); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce).
Please continue to pray for: God’s guidance and support for our Call Committee, and that the Holy Spirit is working in the heart of the pastor He wishes to call as the next pastor of Calvary.
Serving in the Military: Kevin Butler (son of Heidi Powers, serving in the U.S. Army); Ben DeYoung (son-in-law of George and Kay Sedivec, serving in the U.S. Air Force); Alex Olson (U.S. Air Force, grandchild of Ardath Olson); Kyle Pierce (son of Karen and Keith Pierce, serving in the U.S. Army); Nicole Wahlgren (serving in the U.S. Army National Guard); all military chaplains; and all veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.
For All Men and Women Serving: Police Officers, Firefighters, EMT's; Health Care workers and First Responders.
Serving in the mission field: Our NALC missionaries and missionaries everywhere bringing the gospel to the ends of the Earth.
Long-term prayer list: Calvary members: Jan Chesner, Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Ron Foster; Bev Lawson; Shirley Mahn, Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Jan Tschetter; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Ron Parker (brother of Linda Thorpe); Lauren (granddaughter of Scott and Peggy Langelin); Dennis Reich (friend of John and Mary Lau); Curt (friend of Larry Bonier); Pastor Mark Gehrke (son of Lois Gehrke); Barb Anderson (friend of Lisa Grossman); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); Susan Petropoulos (sister of Wayne Johnson); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Shirley Jordan, 3/22
Ellie Sayas, 3/23
Kay Sedivec, 3/23
Kevin Wahlgren, 3/23
Ava Schlieve, 3/27
Nancy Wittmus, 3/27
Richard Kressin, 3/28
Sandy Moths, 3/30
Jane Krause, 4/1
Ben Sayas, 4/3
Roberta Stepp, 4/4
Matt Ware, 4/5
Bob Siderits, 4/6
Scott Anderson, 4/7
Chris Spangenberger, 4/9
David Treadwell, 4/9
Krista Dentice, 4/10
Carol Treadwell, 4/10
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Pat and Wayne Dieck 3/30 (61 years)
Jim and Jeanette Kalupa 4/4 (32 years)
Rich and Tina Baumgartner 4/20 (33 years)
Tom and Sue Sadowsky 4/20 (39 years)
Tom and Mary Ellen Thiede 4/24 (48 years)
Chuck and Jan Lukasik 4/25 (43 years)
Chuck and Norene Giuliani 4/26 (44 years)
Ed Ramthun and Cathy Way 4/27 (22 years)
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL '24
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July 29 - August 2, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Ahoy! We are going into an amazing undersea adventure where we will experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. At SCUBA VBS, kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about! Each dive site is supervised by masters of their trade, leading fun-filled activities guaranteed to help kids dive deper into their personal friendship with God!
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For more information, click HERE for details. Registration is now open! | |
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Youth & Family Ministry Schedule
Little Lutherans
PJ's and Prayers Pajama Party! Friday May 3, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Elementary School (1st - 5th grade)
Youth Group, Sunday April 7, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Discovery World, Sunday May 3, 11:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Youth Group & Bowling, Sunday April 14, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Movie and Pizza, Friday May 10, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
High School (6-12th grade)
Youth Group, Sunday April 14, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Senior Send-Off Youth Group, Sunday May 19, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
If you didn't get a chance to pick up the bulletin with upcoming Youth & Family Ministry events, you can link below to see all the fun activities planned for us. Paper copies are also on the Opportunities kiosk in the Narthex.
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Would you like to get familiar with the modern songs used in our worship ahead of the busy weekend?
We have two options to listen to the upcoming weekend's hymns that aren't found in our hymnals. The worship song for March 16-17 is "Jerusalem".
Simply click YOUTUBE to watch it on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify, click SPOTIFY.
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March Mission of the Month | |
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You can also find out more on their website: NALC Disaster Response
To support this important Mission of the Month, you may include it in your weekly offering envelope or designate the donation as "Mission of the Month" in your online giving.
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As you know, Calvary Lutheran Church is a congregation of the North American Lutheran Church. The NALC Disaster Response Fund provides resources for natural disaster victims in the United States.
When a disaster occurs, funds are used to:
- alleviate human suffering;
- provide transitional assistance;
- enable those affected to begin the rebuilding process.
In addition to funds received, the NALC Disaster Response team collects and distributes items that can be given out to disaster victims.
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Health Care Kit Collection for Disaster Response
Health Care Kits are needed. Please pick up a tote bag or two from the table in the Narthex and fill with the items shown on the list. Many of these items can be obtained from local Dollar Tree or Wal-Mart.
Filled bags should be returned to the bin under the tables in the Narthex by April 21st.
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SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE
"BUILD A BED" EVENT
JUNE 22, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Please join fellow Calvary members to help get kids who are currently sleeping on the floors in our towns into real beds! Last year we came out in force and participated in their Build Day. There was truly a task for everyon!
The minimum age to participate is 12 with a parent, or 16 and older can come with a group with adult leader. More information will be shared in the coming weeks. Questions? Please reach out to Karen Pierce at k5pierce@att.net.
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NALC Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Mission District Women's Spring Event!
Saturday, April 27
St. John's Lutheran Church of Nekimi
491 Old Oregon Road, Oshkosh, WI
GUEST SPEAKER: Marcella Nelson
Registration from 9-10a.m. Program will end at 3pm with communion service to begin at 1pm.
Coffee Hour and Lunch will be served. Fee of $20 will be collected at registration.
You can sign up several ways: There is a sign up sheet on the COMING EVENTS kiosk in the Narthex. Or you can RSVP to Karen Bisser at 920-268-3019 or nekimi_stjohns@live.com. Please RSVP no later than April 15th.
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Women's Book Group
Monday, April 8 2024
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post"
So begins another average evening for Marjorie Merriweather Post. Presidents have come and gone, but she has hosted them all. Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek, Michigan, Marjorie was inspired by a few simple rules: always think for yourself, never take success for granted, and work hard—even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds. Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love and to give more than she got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar's treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Hollywood's biggest stars, Marjorie Merriweather Post lived an epic life few could imagine.
Marjorie's journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father's barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C. W. Post's Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire and reshape the American way of life, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother, and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more, making history in the process. Before turning thirty she amassed millions, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. But it was her life-force, advocacy, passion, and adventurous spirit that led to her stunning legacy.
And yet Marjorie's story, though full of beauty and grandeur, set in the palatial homes she built such as Mar-a-Lago, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. A wife four times over, Marjorie sought her happily-ever-after with the blue-blooded party boy who could not outrun his demons, the charismatic financier whose charm turned to betrayal, the international diplomat with a dark side, and the bon vivant whose shocking secrets would shake Marjorie and all of society. Marjorie did everything on a grand scale, especially when it came to love.
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Weekly Men's Breakfast
Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.
Maxim's Restaurant
18025 W. Capitol Drive
Brookfield
All men are invited to attend!
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Monthly Men's Gathering
Fellowship Hall
Thursday, March 21
6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
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Worship Attendance and Giving | |
Giving to the NALC Campaign | |
Just a reminder that contributions to the NALC's 20/20 Vision Campaign need to be designated as "NALC" either on your giving envelope or on your check. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Rooks at finance@calvarylc.com.
For an update on the NALC's 20/20 Vision campaign, click on the link below to watch an update from Bishop Selbo. This video highlights the work we are doing, the ways in which gifts to the initiative are already being used, and the impact future gifts will have in our shared witness and mission.
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Online giving provides options!
While cash and checks are always welcome, the “Give Online” button on the Calvary Lutheran Church website provides another option. And, with the expansion of our vendor’s software, the options are now expanded and customized. In addition to giving to the General Operating Fund, Building Fund and Mission of the Month, you can now specify contributions for Altar Flowers, Sunday Morning Fellowship Treats, NALC, etc.
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Please note that contributions to the Mission of the Month are allocated to the organization for the month in which the donation is made
If you have any questions or would like to make a pledge, please contact Cindy Rooks, Finance Secretary, via email at finance@calvarylc.com or (262) 786-4010.
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Do you need a new Church Directory? | |
The Calvary Church Directory is available electronically or in paper format. If you'd like an electronic copy, please send an email to Sue Rowe at communications@calvarylc.com.
There are also printed copies available in the church office.
If there are any changes to your phone, email or address, please advise the Church office. Any updates should be submitted to Cindy Zilske at office@calvarylc.com.
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Sanctuary Flowers
A wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion or remember a loved one is by sponsoring flowers at our altar. The cost is $35 and you may take them home following the Sunday morning worship. (If you'd prefer, you can leave the flowers at church to be enjoyed in the church office.)
The 2024 sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex, near the door to Fellowship Hall.
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We invite you to provide
Hospitality Treats on Sunday
We invite you to stay after worship on Sunday mornings and enjoy fellowship time and a treat/cup of coffee in Fellowship Hall.
If you'd like to provide treats (donuts, bagels, etc.) for Sunday hospitality time, there is a sheet on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. You may bring the treats (six dozen) and drop them off in the kitchen, or simply add a “P” behind your name, pay $30 to the church office and the treats will be purchased for you.
The sign up sheet is posted on the bulletin board. Thank you for your support!
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Live Stream Attendance Link | |
If you watch our services via the Live Stream, please take a minute to let us know. There is now a link called "Online Worship Attendance" on the page where you access each week's service.
We appreciate you taking the time to complete this each week. It helps us know that our Live Stream is being viewed and by whom.
Thank you!
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The right side of the Sanctuary (as you face the altar) is equipped with a hearing loop system which transmits an audio signal directly into a hearing aid via a magnetic field. This greatly reduces background noise, competing sounds, reverberation and other acoustic distortions that reduce clarity of sound.
Most hearing aids are equipped with a t-coil and connecting to this system is an easy switch on the hearing aid. If you need assistance during worship with this system, please reach out to an usher or any staff member.
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The church office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. The door that is closest to the office (NW corner) will be open during those hours.
Please check in with the office staff so we know you are in the building.
The office phone number is (262) 786-4010. Feel free to leave a message if you call after hours and we will contact you the next day.
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