CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter Thursday March 28, 2024

HOLY WEEK/EASTER WORSHIP

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP


Maundy Thursday

March 28 at 7:00 p.m.


Good Friday

March 29

Interactive Family Service - 10 a.m.

Traditional Service - 7 p.m.



EASTER WEEKEND WORSHIP



Saturday, March 30 - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 31 - 9:00 a.m.


You're invited to join us on Sunday following Easter worship for a Continental Breakfast in Fellowship Hall.

THANK YOU TO OUR EASTER FLOWER DONORS


Thank you to those who purchased flowers to adorn our altar this Easter. You may take your flowers home after the Sunday 9 a.m. worship.


(A listing of the individual flower orders will be in the back of the Sanctuary by the PowerPoint station if you need a reminder of what you ordered. )

Carolyn Gillespie in memory of Garry Gillespie

 

Marilyn Hermann in memory of Leland Hermann

 

Laura Jurgella in memory of Greg Thorpe

 

Fay Heyen in memory of Family Members

 

Ernie Kretschmann in memory of Laurie Kretschmann

 

Darlene Louison in memory of Duane Louison

 

Chuck & Jan Lukasik in memory of our parents

 

Keith & Karen Pierce in honor of all blessings received

 

Linda Richmond in memory of her mother Esther Schmauss

 

Carol Roe in memory of Dean Roe

 

Sue Rowe in memory of her mother Dorothy Kealey

 

Sandie Rupnick in memory of John Rupnick

 

Judy Sayas in memory of Dave Sayas; Jean & Leo Hock; and Helen & Ray Sayas

George & Kay Sedivec in memory of Martin Nolet

 

Robert & Diana Streicher in memory of Bruce & Ruth Steffens and Brett Streicher

Linda Thorpe in honor of my family

 

David Vogel in memory of Bonnie Vogel

 

Helga Willett for all God's blessings

 

New Women's Bible Study!

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 10:00 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. There is no cost for the study mater


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

This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise


“And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.”

- Mark 16:6



A boulder blocked the entrance to the tomb. It was sealed and Roman guards watched over it. There was no chance for tampering. The disciples were in hiding, afraid to show their faces to the world. They did not know what awaited them. If Jesus, who was so good and truthful, was dead, what must become of them? As morning approached, the women awakened to the sad task of preparing Jesus’ body for permanent burial. They were surprised by what they saw. The tomb was empty.


What amazing love is this? Tears cloud our eyes when we hear the proclamation of the Gospel and sing the Alleluias in an atmosphere of brightly colored banners, sweet smelling flowers, and talented musicians. It is no wonder we become emotional on Easter Sunday. The emotion is a mixed bag: we regret our own failures and we rejoice that God loves us with a grace that is greater than any human can comprehend. We don’t deserve His loving embrace, and yet Jesus reached out His hands to draw us into His heart for eternity. He lived, died, and rose again so that we might be saved. We are overcome with awe and thanksgiving.


He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! How will you respond to this good news? Will you be like the women who were afraid? Will you be like the disciples who did not believe the story? Will you be like Peter who had doubts but went to the tomb to see? Will you be like Mary who wept because the body of her Lord was missing? Will you hear His voice and believe?


This is a joyous time for Christians, but there are still those in our world who are afraid, who do not believe, and who continue to weep because they do not know the joy. This joy is part of the promise. Christ’s death and resurrection give us life, not only in the future eternal promise, but also in the here and now. We are Easter people, not just on this Resurrection day, but every day. Today we can take a moment to experience the emotions that flood our hearts as we worship our amazing God and then go out into the world with that joy taking God’s grace to those who still need to believe. 


Source: Sola Worship Resource - Weekly Devotional



Resurrection of Our Lord

March 30-31, 2024

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus

ASSISTING MINISTER: Kevin Wahlgren

DEACONS:    

Saturday: Ernie Kretschmann

Sunday: George Sedivec, Bill Graffin, Lenny Graffin, Judy Kestly

ACOLYTE:

  • Amelia Evert

USHERS: Andy and Matt Schatz

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

  • Angie Schatz

LECTOR:

  • Ruth Brostowitz

ALTAR GUILD:

  • Jan Lukasik

GREETERS:

  • Diane Grundman
  • Marilyn Hermann
  • Everett Lambert
  • Joanne Schultz

FELLOWSHIP:

  • Easter Continental Breakfast

FLOWERS:

  • Easter flowers

POWERPOINT OPERATORS:

Saturday: Cindy Rooks

Sunday: Jeanette Kalupa

LIVESTREAM OPERATOR:

  • Sam Sayas

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: John Schwartz; Kay Acton (sister of Wayne Johnson)


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 membersJan Chesner, Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Ron Foster; Bev Lawson; Shirley Mahn, Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; 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)

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


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)

Youth & Family Ministry


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL '24

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!


VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! If you can help, please sign up on the Reigration Page.

Register Here!

For more information, click HERE for details. Registration is now open!


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 5, 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.

Youth & Family Ministry Spring Calendar

Christian Home School group's "Battle of the Books"

The youth and their families were very thankful to Calvary for the use of our facilities.

If you were at Calvary on a Thursday morning in March, you may have noticed quite a bit of activity and young people! Calvary was pleased to host the “Battle of the Books” for the Waukesha Area Christian Home School Organization. 


The youth read 30 preselected books over the past months and met to “battle” or answer trivia questions about the books over three Thursdays in March. 

Music Ministry

Would you like to become familiar with the modern songs used in our worship ahead of the busy weekend?


We have two options to listen to the hymns for the upcoming Holy Week services and links to each of them are included below:


For Maundy Thursday: "Behold the Lamb of God"

 

For Good Friday: "Via Dolorosa"

 

For Easter, there are two hyms: "All We Sinner Sang" by Crowder and 

"See What a Morning"


You can also listen to them on Spotify, click SPOTIFY.



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. 

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. DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 21 so that Health Kits can be included in the NALC "Stuff the Truck" event.

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.

Women's Ministries

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.

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.



Men's Ministry

Weekly Men's Breakfast

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, April 18

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

Miscellaneous Resources

This Week's Reflection

from Martin Luther

This is the first sermon our Lord delivered after his resurrection and, without doubt, also the most comforting; although in words very brief, but exceedingly kind and tender, and spoken first of all to his beloved Mary Magdalene, and through her also to his disciples after their deep woe, grief and sorrow...that he might comfort and gladden them by his resurrection.-


Martin Luther

Sermon on Mark 16

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.

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 is 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