CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday February 22, 2024 | |
Lenten Study and Devotional Materials | |
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 STARTS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22.
Join us in Fellowship Hall on Thursdays from 12-12;30 p.m. from February 22 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.
| | |
|
Order Your Easter Flowers Today!
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.
| | |
|
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!
| | | |
Reflection on this weekend's Scripture reading | |
Our New Testament lesson for this weekend is Romans 5:1-11. This devotion is from “Best-loved Passages of the Bible”.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:1-4
“Access to the Throne of Grace”
Ask any up-and-coming sales person what she needs the most to make her deals, and she’ll reply, “That’s simple –- access!” To get ahead, you have to be able to get to the top, to access the decision maker – – the big cheese. If not, you’ll get the runaround.
The process of the Christian life revolves around access. Christians have access, says Paul, to the very grace of God! We stand in the throne room of grace before our God. Consider that location -- it is the Holy of Holies. And it is our home.
No, how did we get there? The door of access to the throne of grace is justification by faith. This is the doctrine Martin Luther called the “one solid rock.” Justification, Luther stated, is this: “By faith alone in Christ, without works, we are declared just and saved.” The action of Christ alone opens the door of access to the throne. All other doors are locked and shut! We stand in grace through faith because of Christ. There is no stronger position in heaven or on earth.
Because our God has made grace accessible, we can rejoice through every trial and difficulty because our Hope in the glory of God is already sure. Life’s difficulties can be faced squarely when we stand in God’s accessible grace!
Dear Lord, thank You for the door of access to Your eternal grace. May I remain strong through trials, because of the grace in which I stand. Amen
| |
|
Second Sunday in Lent
February 24-25, 2024
| |
PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Jessica Dudzik
DEACONS:
Saturday: Pat Foy
Sunday: Mary Ellen Thiede, Bill Graffin, Lenny Graffin
ACOLYTE:
USHERS:
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
GREETERS:
- John and Mary Lau
- Keith and Karen Pierce
FELLOWSHIP:
FLOWERS: Kalupa family in memory of Heide Hummel
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday:Sam Sayas
Sunday: Chuck Lukasik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR:
| |
|
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 to Kay Sedivec and family on the passing of her brother Marty Nolet on February 21, 2024.
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Donna Siderits; Jan Tschetter; Bob Siderits; Laura Burger; Kris Larsen; 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; 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)
| | |
Robert Vollmar, 2/24
Luther Himsel, 2/25
Josh Brooks, 2/26
Sandy Voerman, 2/29
Jeremy Nowicki, 3/3
Matt Schatz, 3/5
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)
| | |
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 February 24 - 25 is “Create in Me A Clean Heart"
Simply click this link to watch it on YouTube.
| |
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 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)
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.
| | |
February Mission of the Month | |
You can also find out more on their website: llbt.org
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.
| |
The February focus of the Mission of the Month is support for Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT). We support the work of the Federwitz families involved in Bible Translation work in Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea.
Our monetary gifts in February will support bringing The Good News and literacy to those in great need of hope, love, peace and salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Please pray for all those involved in Lutheran Bible Translators.
Fifty-one years ago, Reverend Dale and Alvina Federwitz began their missionary career with LBT among the Mandigo people in Liberia. In 1980 they began their work translating the New Testament into the Kuwaa language. This was completed in 1988. They served as advisors and coordinators in Liberia and Cameroon until Dale's death in July of 2002. Alvina has continued to work with 16 language groups in Ghana.
As the four Federwitz chiildren finished their education in the United States, they, in turn, have worked as missionaries in West Africa and Papua, New Guinea. Nathan Federwitz is in the process of finishing his pilot training in North Carolina, following his father Jonathan's footsteps to be be a missionary pilot. And the beat goes on ...
| |
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.
| |
Women's Bible Study
Janet Zastrow is interested in starting a Women's Bible Study and is looking for a co-leader. The Study would be held at Calvary on Tuesday mornings or afternoons. Once a co-leader has been identified, more information will be shared as to the start date and topic to be covered. Please address 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.
| |
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
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.
| | | | |