CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH


Your Weekly E-Newsletter Thursday March 7, 2024

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday morning at 2:00 a.m.


Please don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed Saturday night!

Upcoming Events!

PRE-CONCERT ST. PATTY'S DAY DINNER

Friday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m.



Dinner will be served featuring a variety of soups. A Free Will Offering will benefit CareNet Ministries. Volunteers are needed to help with food (soups, bread, desserts), set up and serving.


If you can help, please see the sign up sheet on the kiosk in the Narthex.

Special Concert

March 15, 7:00 p.m.

Fundraiser for CareNet


Wendysue Fluegge returns to Calvary with her daughter Miranda to present an interactive event of meaningful musical

encouragement and gospel proclamation. The concert will be a fundraiser for CareNet Ministry.


$10 entry or baby item donation for CareNet Ministry. Save the date and invite a friend or two to join us!


Join us for dinner, too. See details below.

Lent and Easter Updates

Order Your Easter Flowers Today! Deadline is March 17


We are again obtaining beautiful potted plants from Shady Lane Greenhouses to adorn our altar for Easter services on March 30-31. If you would like to provide an Easter Lily or spring flower, please pick up an order form from the stands near the entrance doors to the Sanctuary. Forms and payment can be deposited in the offering baskets or dropped off in the church office.


Orders are due no later than March 17.

A new Lenten devotional book,


"A Season of Hope" is available on the table in the Narthex.


Additionally, a few copies of "New Life Rising", a devotional from the 2023 Lent/Easter season, are also on the table.

NEW MID-WEEK LENTEN WORSHIP EVERY THURSDAY


Join us in Fellowship Hall on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. through March 21 for a five-week Lenten worship/study, focusing on "Why Did Jesus Have to Die?" Each week the service will be led by a member of one of our Ministry teams. A Participant Book will be handed out each week to guide the study and discussion.

SAVE THE DATE!



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 will be posted on the Coming Events kiosk in the Narthex.

This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise

“…that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

- John 3:15


“You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out, you put your right hand in, and you shake it all about, you do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around, that’s what it’s all about.” We all know the song; it is a favorite childhood game and is often danced at special events. Everyone stands in a circle and follows the instructions; the verse ends with everyone clapping while singing, “That’s what it’s all about!” The song continues with the other hand, and then other parts of the body.


It is a silly game, but the question at the end has become the focus of many philosophical discussions. What if the Hokey Pokey really is what it’s all about? This leads to the question, “What does Hokey Pokey mean?” After all, if that is what it is all about, we should understand what it means. There are many references for background information, but few agree on the origin of the song.


The question is not new. The great philosopher Jimmy Buffett asked in a song, “Maybe it’s all too simple for our brains to figure it out. What if the Hokey Pokey is all it really is about?” Research into the Hokey Pokey is humorous and interesting. Some think that it is a good thing, that an eternity in heaven doing the Hokey Pokey would be a joyous existence. Others think that it would be more like hell. We want a reasoned answer for everything, beginning from a very early age. Every child is apt to drive adults crazy with the “phase of a million questions.”


These questions are not always easy, but we can usually find an answer and teach a lesson. As we grow older, our questions become harder. We spend a lot of time discussing and debating the deep things of life and we often come up with very different answers. We disagree with our neighbors about so many things far more important than the Hokey Pokey. Sadly we make the questions of faith so difficult that we miss the truth of the Gospel. Jimmy Buffett’s answer might be funny but the truth of life really is very simple and it has nothing to do with a silly dance. The answer to our deepest questions is Jesus Christ. He is really what it is ALL about.


Source: Sola Worship Resource - Weekly Devotional



 Fourth Sunday in Lent


March 9-10, 2024

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus

ASSISTING MINISTER: Ed Ramthun

DEACONS:    

Saturday: Ed Ramthun

Sunday: George Sedivec, Pat Foy, Andy Foy, Joanne Schultz

ACOLYTE:

  • Bristol Nowicki

USHERS:

  • Andy and Matt Schatz

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

  • Larry Bonier

LECTOR:

  • Chuck Lukasik

ALTAR GUILD:

  • Jonni Roush

GREETERS:

  • George and Kay Sedivec
  • Bob and Donna Siderits

FELLOWSHIP:

  • Connor Voss

FLOWERS:

  • JoAnne Krause

POWERPOINT OPERATORS:

Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa

Sunday: Chuck Lukasik

LIVESTREAM OPERATOR:

  • Sue Rowe

Our Church Family

New prayer requests or any updates to this current list should be directed to Cindy Zilske in the Church office (office@calvarylc.com).




New Prayer Requests: Scott Grossman; Larry Larsen (brother of Kris Larsen)



Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Donna Siderits; Jan Tschetter; Bob Siderits; Laura Burger; 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 membersJan Chesner, Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Ron Foster; Bev Lawson; Shirley Mahn, Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow


Non-members Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Mark Sturms (cousin of Cindy Zilske); 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); Gareth George (cousin of Judy Sayas); 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)

Ann Derse, 3/7

Tricia Fenske, 3/8

Sue Rowe, 3/10

Gil Thompson, 3/11

Lucy Dallmann, 3/12

Chris Morris, 3/12

Pat Corcoran, 3/15

Sue Dindorf, 3/20

Chet Elliott, 2/20

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

Chris and Rick Spangenberger

3/16 (25 years)



Pat and Wayne Dieck

3/30 (61 years)

Music Ministry

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 9-10 is “Lord, I Need You".


Simply click YOUTUBE to watch it on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify, click SPOTIFY.

Do you have a song or piece of music you'd like to sing or play at Calvary? We'd love to have you be a part of the service. Please sign up on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex and you'll be contacted by Nicole for a date to perform.


Do you have a favorite hymn you'd like included in a weekend worship? A HYMN SUGGESTION BOX has been placed on the table in the Narthex for your suggestions! The cards to list your requested hymn(s) are next to the suggestion box.


Questions? Contact Nicole Moritz at (414) 625-0318.

Youth & Family Ministry

Youth & Family Ministry Schedule


Little Lutherans

PJ's and Prayers, Friday, March 8, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.


Elementary School (1st - 5th grade)

Roller Skating, Sunday March 17, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.


Middle School (6-8th grade)

Youth Group, Sunday, March 10, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.


High School (6-12th grade)

Youth Group, Sunday March 10, 5:00 - 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.

Youth & Family Ministry Event Calendar

March Mission of the Month

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.

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. 


We are currently collecting items for Health Care Kits. A tote bag for donated items will be provided. Please pick up the "shopping list" and empty tote bags from the table in the Narthex.

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 March 31st.

Miscellaneous Resources

This Week's Reflection

from Martin Luther

“Christ alone is, and He alone remains, the Bread of Life. This Bread gives the world eternal life and abolishes death. If He (Christ) gives the world eternal life, it follows that He must drive away death; for the world is born in sin and death and is the devil’s own.”

- Martin Luther - 

Sermon from November 26,1530

Check out what's happening at Calvary - click on the calendar below

Weekly Bible Study with

Pastor Jerry Wittmus


Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.

Study materials are on the table in the Narthex.

Worship Resources

Calvary's Website
Live Stream Link
CONNECTIONS Past issues

Online Resources

NALC Daily Devotion

Facing tough times?

Need a Christian Friend?

Stephen Ministry is here to help.

Free, just like God's love.



Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour. 


If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this important ministry, please contact Scott or Peggy Langelin at 262.853.0018.

Women's Ministries

NEW! Women's Bible Study coming in April



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, focusing on Prayer, will be held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and will be a DVD-based study.


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.


Please send any questions to Janet at janetzastrow@att.net.

 

Women's Book Group

Monday, March 11 2024

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Media Room



"The Book of Lost Friends"

by Lisa Wingate


Bestselling author Lisa Wingate brings to life startling stories from actual “Lost Friends” advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after the Civil War, as newly freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold away.


Louisiana, 1875: In the tumultuous era of Reconstruction, three young women set off as unwilling companions on a perilous quest: Hannie, a freed slave; Lavinia, the pampered heir to a now destitute plantation; and Juneau Jane, Lavinia’s Creole half sister. Each carries private wounds and powerful secrets as they head for Texas, following roads rife with vigilantes and soldiers still fighting a war lost a decade before. For Lavinia and Juneau Jane, the journey is one of stolen inheritance and financial desperation, but for Hannie, torn from her mother and siblings before slavery’s end, the pilgrimage west reignites an agonizing question: Could her long-lost family still be out there? Beyond the swamps lie the limitless frontiers of Texas and, improbably, hope.


Louisiana, 1987: For first-year teacher Benedetta Silva, a subsidized job at a poor rural school seems like the ticket to canceling her hefty student debt—until she lands in a tiny, out-of-step Mississippi River town. Augustine, Louisiana, is suspicious of new ideas and new people, and Benny can scarcely comprehend the lives of her poverty-stricken students. But amid the gnarled live oaks and run-down plantation homes lie the century-old history of three young women, a long-ago journey, and a hidden book that could change everything.

Men's Ministry

Weekly Men's Breakfast

New Time:

Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.

Maxim's Restaurant

18025 W. Capitol Drive

Brookfield


All men are invited to attend!

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


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.

NALC 20/20 Vision Update

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. 




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.



  

Online Giving Link
A few reminders ....

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.

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.

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 for 2024 has been posted on the bulletin board.  Thank you for your support!

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!

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.

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.

CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH www.calvarylc.com

Regular office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - noon 262.786.4010

Questions or comments? Email Sue Rowe at communications@calvarylc.com