CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday January 4, 2024 | |
Reflection on this weekend's Scripture reading | |
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Our Old Testament lesson this weekend is from Genesis 1:1-5. The devotion below is on verse 2 and it is in Chad Bird’s "Unveiling Mercy".
“The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
Genesis 1:2
“The Hovering Spirit of God”
God doesn’t work remotely from his creation. He’s right in the thick of things, even when – maybe especially when – they are dark, formless, void, and waterlogged. The Ruach Elohim, God’s Spirit, isn’t soaring high in the ether, peering down on the world far below. No, he’s hovering and fluttering on the face of the waters, unafraid of getting wet.
Ruach can mean, spirit, wind, or breath. All three fit what the Holy Spirit does. Like the wind, he blows where he wishes (John 3:8), sometimes over wet creations, and sometimes down into valleys of dry bones (Ezek. 37:1). This spirit who made us is the very vivifying “breath of the Almighty” (Job 33:4). He is also the absolving exhalation of Jesus, blown on his disciples that they might re-create sinners by the power of absolution (John 20:22).
This Spirit, who hovered over creation’s waters, alighted on Jesus at the Jordan
(Matt.3:16). Once more, he’s in the thick of the things of creation, working with the Word to put us in communion with the Father. He sticks close to water, repeating his opening act at every baptism, uniting us to the “one baptism” of Jesus (Eph. 4:5), so that in him we might be people fully alive.
O Lord, “cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me”
(Ps. 51:11).
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Baptism of Our Lord
December 30-31, 2023
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Pat Foy
DEACONS:
Saturday: Larry Bonier
Sunday: Lenny Graffin, Bill Graffin, Judy Kestly
ACOLYTE:
USHERS:
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
GREETERS:
- John and Mary Lau
- Keith and Karen Pierce
FELLOWSHIP:
FLOWERS: Jessica and Chris Dudzik in celebration of their anniversary
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Sue Rowe
Sunday: Chuck Lukasik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR:
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Annual Meeting Date
January 28, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - Congregational Annual Meeting (Contingency date is February 4, 2024)
January 21, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - Informational Meeting
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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).
God's blessings for faith and fellowship for : our Middle School and High School youth and chaperones attending the Winter Retreat at Camp Timber-Lee this weekend.
New prayer requests: Eric Dix (Linda Thorpe's son-in-law's brother); Jim Sanborn (friend of Linda Thorpe); Drake Ferber (Judy Sayas' neighbor's son)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Laura Burger; Kris Larsen; Jean (friend of LInda Thorpe); Richard and his wife (friends of Joanne Schultz); Justin Rowe (son of Sue Rowe); 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); Wolf Knappe (father of Pastor Mark Knappe); Sue Miller (sister of Mary Ellen Thiede); Peter Vang (relative of Ka Thao); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); 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; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Mark Sturms (cousin of Cindy Zilske); Ron Parker (brother of Linda Thorpe); Mary (sister-in-law of Jane Taufner); 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)
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Hadley Brooks, 1/4
Kyle Jones, 1/4
Ed Ramthun, 1/5
Jonni Roush, 1/5
Sean Corcoran, 1/7
Joanne Juno, 1/7
Ernie Kretschmann, 1/7
Tiffany Schlieve, 1/7
Jim Selas, 1/7
Carol Corcoran, 1/9
Ka Thao, 1/9
Liam Brooks, 1/11
Carol Roe, 1/11
Olivia Schlieve, 1/12
Marge Tyne, 1/13
Tom Thiede, 1/15
Chris Dudzik, 1/16
Natalie Voss, 1/16
Erik Wahlgren, 1/16
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Chris and Jessica Dudzik, 1/7 (18 years)
Pat and Carol Corcoran, 1/12 (61 years)
Dave and Chris Cason, 1/17 (43 years)
Alex and Margaux Baumgarten, 1/25 (4 years)
Jiafu and Sophia Liu, 1/27 (24 years)
Joel and Linda Richmond, 1/30 (42 years)
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Church Life Fellowship Opportunity | |
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"The Savannah Sipping Society"
Sunset Playhouse Theater Event
Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
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TICKET SALES ARE NOW OPEN!
In this delightful, laugh-a-minute comedy, four unique Southern women, all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by fate—and an impromptu happy hour—and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years.
Tickets are $19/each. We have a limited amount of tickets so please sign up on the "COMING EVENTS" kiosk in the Narthex. Payment can be dropped in the Offering basket or in the church office. Ticket sales will close on Monday, February 19th - no exceptions for late orders.
Wheelchair seating is available in the theater. If you'd be interested in carpooling from Calvary to the Sunset Theater, please note that on the sign-up form.
Hope you can join us!
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January Mission of the Month | |
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AbleLight (formerly Bethesda) is a national Christian non-profit organization headquartered in Watertown, Wisconsin that provides support services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at program locations across the U.S. They are in eight counties in Wisconsin.
They work to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by giving them the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. They seek to be a champion of change by supporting independence and community inclusion.
They make a difference every day in the lives of those they support though advocacy, raising awareness and promoting independence.
They ensure communities understand the unique abilities people with disabilities have and encourage everyone to become advocates for people’s rights and independence.
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Some of AbleLight's current and future initiatives include:
- Smart home technology to enhance daily living
- Financial Support Services (they currently provide financial management for more than 700 clients)
- Bethesda College of Applied Learning
- Independent housing choices that offer true community inclusion
- Behavioral Support Services (for people of all ages)
- Faith resources made available online and free-of-charge through Concordia Publishing
For more information about AbleLight, please click here.
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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Little Lutherans
PJ's and Prayers, Friday January 26, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
PJ's and Prayers, Friday, March 8, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Elementary School (1st - 5th grade)
Tubing at the Rock!, Sunday January 21, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Youth Group, Sunday February 11, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Roller Skating, Sunday March 17, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday, February 25, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Winter Retreat, Camp Timber-Lee, January 5-7, 2024
Snow Tubing, Sunday February 4, 11:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
High School (6-12th grade)
Winter Retreat, Camp Timber-Lee, January 5-7, 2024
1st & Bowl, Sunday, January 28, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Youth Group, Sunday February 4, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Mini-Golf, Sunday March 3, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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.
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Women's Book Group
Monday, January 8
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray
The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan's personal librarian—who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept in order to make her dreams come true, from New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict and acclaimed author Victoria Christopher Murray.
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture on the New York society scene and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps build a world-class collection.
But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle's complexion isn't dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white — her complexion is dark because she is African American.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths to which she must go—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
There are six books and a sign-up sheet located on the back counter in the media room.
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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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Weekly Men's Breakfast
Wednesdays at 7 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, January 18th
6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
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Severe Weather Announcements
With winter in full swing, we are reminded that weather can definitely impact traveling to church. And with that, inclement weather could necessitate the cancelling of worship.
In the event this should happen, you will receive an e-mail stating that the church is closed. We will also be sharing this with local TV stations (WISN-TV 12 and FOX6) so that it will be included in their scrolling list and on their website of closures.
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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 for 2024 has been 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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