CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter - Thursday April 4, 2024 | |
This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise
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“Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.”
- John 20:24
Perhaps Thomas should have believed; after all Jesus told them that He would die and rise again. Jesus comforted them with the promise that He would not abandon them. There were witnesses to the risen Lord. The Roman guards were frightened. The women saw the empty tomb. Peter and John confirmed their story. Mary met Jesus in the garden. Two followers met Jesus on the road to Emmaus. The disciples saw Jesus in the Upper Room.
Why should Thomas have doubted?
He doubted because he was separated from the fellowship of believers. We call him “Doubting Thomas” as if his doubts are worse than those of the other disciples, but did they believe at first? Did they believe the women? What did Peter and John believe when they found the empty tomb: that Jesus was alive, or that His body was missing? When Jesus first entered the room, they thought He was a ghost. They had to see the proof, too.
Thomas tried to deal with the loss of Jesus on his own; he left the fellowship of believers and missed experiencing the Living Christ. We experience the presence of Christ in the fellowship of believers. Thomas was not there and he missed it all. He missed the appearance of Jesus and the giving of the Holy Spirit. He missed the words of peace that helped the others overcome their fear and grief. He was apart from the body and he could not believe until he had an encounter with the living Christ. Jesus did not chase after Thomas; He waited for Thomas to return to the fellowship of believers. When Thomas saw Jesus, he made the true confession: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas was again in fellowship with the other disciples and together they learned how to be apostles so that they could carry on His work.
In the story of Thomas we see how important it is to be part of the body of Christ. We can’t do it alone; we will doubt if we are separated from the fellowship of believers. We need the Church to believe. We experience Jesus through the witness of those first disciples, including Doubting Thomas, and through the witness of all Christians that came before us. The Holy Spirit blesses us with the faith and hope to be witnesses beside them.
Source: Sola Worship Resource - Weekly Devotional
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Second Sunday of Easter
April 6-7, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Kevin Wahlgren
DEACONS:
Saturday: Pat Foy
Sunday: Joanne Schultz, George Sedivec, Darlene Louison, Ruth Brostowitz
ACOLYTE:
USHERS: Brad Meyer and Jon Sayas
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
GREETERS:
FELLOWSHIP:
FLOWERS:
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Cindy Rooks
Sunday: Sue Meyer
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 Wayne Johnson on the passing of his sister Kay Acton
New prayer requests: John Just (friend of Lee Tyne); Don Grossman (brother of Scott Grossman)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Scott Grossman; Laura Burger; Taylor (granddaughter of Lenny Graffin); 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); 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; 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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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
Dawn Hanke, 4/12
Jan Lukasik, 4/12
Michele Schmidt, 4/13
Norm McGarvie, 4/13
Rhonda Rodriguez, 4/16
Sue Meyer, 4/17
Gerhard Schulz, 4/18
Mark Trudell, 4/18
Heidi Powers, 4/19
Cathy Wahlgren, 4/19
Dave Altman, 4/21
Nicole Nowicki, 4/22
Megan Scott 4/22
Ruth Brostowitz, 4/23
Lois Gehrke, 4/23
Jerry Wittmus, 4/24
Lee Tyne, 4/25
Mary Ellen Thiede, 4/27
Matt Powers, 4/29
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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
July 29- August 2, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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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.
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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 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.
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Women's Bible Study
Janet Zastrow and Nancy Wittmus are co-facilitating a Women's Bible Study, on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. The Study is 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.
All women are invited to attend. Bring a friend. There is no cost for the study materials. Please send any questions to Janet at janetzastrow@att.net.
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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 this Sunday, "The Lord Almighty Reigns" LINK.
You can also listen to them on Spotify, click SPOTIFY.
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APJRIL MISSION OF THE MONTH
In Milwaukee alone, between 1500 – 2000 people are homeless and of those, over 90% have substance abuse problems. An estimated 80% of the current 20,000+ inmates in the Wisconsin prison system are incarcerated because of drug related activities. When men are released from prison, they often times lack the strength and foundation needed to lead a drug and alcohol free life. They struggle to find jobs, housing, and even individuals who will help them down the road of recovery.
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Serenity Inn provides a comprehensive, seven month transitional living program. This program addresses the physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs of its residents. Serenity Inn's mission is to offer an opportunity for holistic recovery from addiction and alcoholism to men who need it most, in a compassionate community of accountability. Their vision is a world where addicts and alcoholics who choose recovery may find it.
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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NALC Disaster Relief Efforts | |
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Tying Fleece Blankets
Fleece blankets are being collected to deliver to the NALC Disaster Relief warehouse. Pick up a blanket in the Narthex, bring it home to tie and return it to Calvary by April 21.
Questions? Contact RoJean Holler at rojeanholler@gmail.com.
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Health Care Kit Collection
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.
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Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities | |
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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.
There is a sign up sheet on the COMING EVENTS kiosk in the Narthex so you can see who else is interested in going (carpool opportunities).
NOTE: You will also need to 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, April 18
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 | |
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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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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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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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