CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | | Your Weekly E-Newsletter September 4, 2025 | |
NEW! Service of the Word
Next Thursday, September 11th at 11 am, we’ll be adding another worship service. This will be a service of prayer, praise and thanksgiving as we hear God’s Word together and respond to him. This fall we will be meditating on Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Each week we’ll gather on Thursday mornings at 11. Please see Lynnae Douglas with any questions.
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“Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him,
for he is your life and length of days...”
- Deuteronomy 30:19b-20a
Jesus was followed by large crowds; most of them believed, at least to a point. They believed that He could do great things and that He was a charismatic and credible speaker. He had authority they had never seen in any man. They followed until He told them what it meant to be a disciple, because His words were too harsh. He not only asked them to follow Him but demanded that they hate everything else including his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters and even his own life.
We are shocked by Jesus’ command, because it seems contradictory to God’s Law. We are to honor our mother and father. How can we both honor them and hate them? Jesus says this is the cost of following Him. He is not talking about hate the way we understand it, which is defined as an extreme revulsion, distaste, enmity, or antipathy for a person or thing. Jesus expects His disciples to set aside everything that stands in the way of serving God, the things that distract us from Him. It is a matter of priorities, placing God ahead of everything else, including ourselves.
Discipleship means putting Jesus first. The people in the crowds could leave at any moment. They believed but had not committed themselves to Him because He asked the impossible. We want to be free. How do you walk away from everything to bear a cross?
Jesus calls us to willingly give up the freedom we think we have and take up our cross to follow Him, even if it means the loss of everything we love in this world. We’ll find, in the end, that by hating the world and turning to Him, that we’ll have so much more love to give. It is the most difficult choice we’ll ever have to make, but being a disciple will reap the greatest benefits in this life and the next because the God who is faithful to His promises is your life now and forever.
Source: Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024 Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), written by Julie A. Smith.
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Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 6-7, 2025
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Marcus Johnson
ASSISTING MINISTER: Ed Ramthun (Saturday); Lynnae Douglas (Sunday)
DEACONS:
Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Lenny Graffin, Bill Graffin, Ruth Brostowitz
ACOLYTES: Bristol and Piper Nowicki
LECTOR: Ruth Brostowitz
USHERS: Caryl Braatz and Mary Ellen Thiede
ALTAR GUILD: Jan Lukasik
GREETERS: Lenny and Bill Graffin, Phil Hanson, Linda Thorpe
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Eloise Kurth
FLOWERS: Eloise Kurth in celebration of her 99th birthday
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Cindy Rooks
Sunday:
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Jayden Day
THIS WEEKEND'S HYMNS: "Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus", LBW #487; "Jesus Love Me", LBW #588; "Earth and All Stars!", LBW #558
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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 God's peace and grace to: Chet Elliott and family on the recent death of his son, Matthew. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 19. Please see Chet if you would like more information.
New prayer requests: Gil Thompson
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Sara Kalupa; Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus; Everett Lambert; Darlene Louison; Hugh Taufner, Wayne Dieck; Sue Rowe; Risha Armstrong (Rick Kegel's cousin's daughter); Gary and Amy Blobaum (parents of Ben Blobaum); Marlene (mother of Cindy Zilske); Sue Reich (friend of Mary Lau); Henry Alba (friend of Glori Kurth); Sue White (Lisa Grossman's cousin's wife); Craig (son of John and Mary Lau); Anu Smith (wife of Judy Sayas' nephew); Sid (father of Sue Meyer); Ben Askren (friend of Lisa Grossman's daughter)
The Hindi-speaking Yadav Hindus in India, who have limited or no access to the Gospel, with our partners at the World Mission Prayer League.
Serving in the Military: Marshall Owen (nephew of Ken Miller serving in the U.S. Marines); ITCS Augustin Juarez (son-in-law of Ken Miller serving in the U.S. Navy); Alex Olson (grandchild of Ardath Olson serving in the U.S. Air Force); 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: Sandie Rupnick; John Schwartz; Ka Thao; Jan Chesner; Pat Corcoran; Sue Dindorf; Jonni Roush; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Bobby Scharar (cousin of Cindy Zilske); Kara Kretschmann (daughter-in-law of Ernie Kretschmann); Jeff Edwards (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Ron Parker (brother of Linda Thorpe); Lauren (granddaughter of Scott and Peggy Langelin); Dennis Reich (friend of John and Mary Lau); Pastor Mark Gehrke (son of Lois Gehrke); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus); Bob Armstrong (cousin of Rick Kegel); Wolfgang Schulz (brother-in-law of Salllie Schulz); Gary and Margie Orten (friends of John and Mary Lau); Be (friend of Andy Schatz's co-worker); Keenan (friend of Ka Thao); Sandy B. (friend of Randy and Sue Wizner); Amy Bronner (friend of Ed Ramthun); Ann (cousin of Mary Lau); Brenda Schmidt (relative of Judy Kestly's friend); Paul Queck (sponsor of Ka Thao); Chris Bogusch (son-in-law of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus); Bonnie Nelson (former Calvary member); Jack Banker (brother-in-law of Mary Lau); Creig Moritz (brother of Bryant Moritz); Larry Larsen (brother of Kris Larsen); John Kretschmann (brother of Ernie Kretschmann); Paul Mahn (son of Shirley Mahn); Amy Clark (friend of Megan Scott)
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Aaron Duch, 9/4
Jeanne Duch, 9/4
Emma Leonard, 9/4
Anna Baumgartner, 9/5
Sue Sadowsky, 9/7
Lulu Koster, 9/9
Eloise Kurth, 9/9
Jane Taufner, 9/9
Craol Witzke, 9/11
Timothy Johnson, 9/12
Addie Meyer, 9/12
George Rooney, 9/12
Terry Moths, 9/13
Kris Lewandowski,9/14
Elijah Himsel, 9/15
Richard Rooks, 9/15
Will Dudzik, 9/16
Cable Gall, 9/16
Ken Nelson, 9/16
Carole Wegner, 9/16
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Phil and Mary Hanson, 9/6 (45 years)
Joe and Diane Grundman, 9/7 (51 years)
Dave and Carolyn Schuelke, 9/12 (33 years)
Andy and Angie Schatz, 9/23 (25 years)
John and Mary Lau, 9/27 (56 years)
Bob and Carol Braatz, 9/30 (64 years)
| | | Christian Education Opportunities | | |
Join us all year as we grow in Jesus together! Below is a summary of our offerings this year during our Formation hour from 10:30-11:30 each Sunday, from September 7th to May 17th.
Nursery: Birth - 3 years: A staffed nursery will be available from 10:30-11:30. Songs, stories and fellowship time will be offered for the youngest of our flock.
Children Ages 4 years – 5th grade: Our class for the early and upper elementary years encourages wonder at the Story of all stories—God's loving plan to save us in and through his Son. We will use God's Big Story curriculum which will invite our children to enter into the narrative of God's boundless love and faithfulness for all of his children. Drop off for all kids will be in our gathering space, Room 109, and then our PreK-1st graders will be dismissed to Room 103 with Cindy Rooks for their lesson and response time, while the 2nd - 5th graders will remain in room 109 with Stacie Johnson. Please be sure to pick your child up from Room 103 if they are 4 years - 1st grade, or from Room 109 if they are 2nd grade - 5th grade.
Middle School: Our 6th-8th graders will come together for Confirmation instruction and prayerfully study Luther's Small Catechism, while also deepening our understanding of why we as Lutherans worship the way we do. We will cover a variety of topics that will spark wonder and inspire our students to grow in their understanding of how to live as a follower of Jesus. Class will meet in Room 106 with Lynnae Douglas.
High School: Our high schoolers will resume their time of study together in the Youth Room. This will be a time to grow in Christ together as they consider how the Gospel transforms their hearts and helps them be a light and a witness in the world. Class will meet each week with Angie Schatz.
Adults: We encourage you to attend the study this fall on 1 Corinthians with Pastor Marcus called "Following Christ in a Sinful Age." We know it'll be an encouragement to you!
Questions? Please reach out to Lynnae Douglas
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NEW BIBLE STUDY!
Pastor Marcus leads a Bible Study on
Fridays at 2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!
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The Amazing Grace Small Group is going to be viewing the multi-season series The Chosen beginning September 17th. You are invited to join them in watching this series about the life of Christ. The series will be shown on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 9:00am in the media room. If you have any questions, please contact Ruth Brostowitz.
Here are the dates to mark on your calendar:
- September 17
- October 1 and 15
- November 5 and 19
- December 3 and 17
| | Mission and Community Outreach | | |
Calvary is partnering with Brookfield Lutheran Church to assist with recovery from our recent flood. If you or someone you know has been impacted, or you would like to help persons who have been affected, please contact Mary (Coordinator of Disaster Recovery at Brookfield Lutheran) at (262) 408-0669. They have flood buckets with cleaning supplies (see listing below of flood bucket contents) that you can pick up, as well as individuals or teams of volunteers to help homeowners who are in the process of doing flood cleanup. Flood Buckets can also be picked up at Calvary for you to share with those affected by the floods.
If you are able to give of your time to assist with clean-up efforts, they will find a team for you to join. Please contact Pastor Ken Nelson at (701) 818-0353 for more details. Pastor Nelson will be working through Brookfield Lutheran this week and next so you could join him as well.
Flood Buckets
1 five-gallon bucket with lid
1 jug bleach (1/2 gal. or smaller)
2 large trash bags (Contractor 3 mil)
1 roll paper towels
2 rags
Comet or scouring cleanser
Pine Sol or liquid cleaner
Scrub brush
Gloves, 1 pair each: • rubber • leather • cotton
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Disaster Relief Help Needed!
In the early morning hours of July 4, 2025, torrential rains in the Hill Country of Texas unleashed a catastrophic flash flood along the Guadalupe River. Significant rains continue to fall in other areas of the Texas Hill Country. This has become a mass casualty event with dozens of fatalities and unaccounted for individuals. The loss of property is anticipated to be enormous.
Hardest hit were the communities of Hunt, Ingram, and Kerrville in Kerr County, Texas. Zion Lutheran Church in Kerrville is well connected to the entire region and is organizing to assist their community as it begins to recover.
Specifically, we have identified ways that people can assist at this time
- Pray. Please remember all who are suffering through this tragedy. Please pray for safety for first responders who are participating in search, rescue, and recovery efforts. Please pray for miracles of discovering the missing alive. Please pray for consolation for all who mourn the loss of life and property. Please give thanks to God for the precious gift of each day lived.
- Provide Gift Cards for groceries and basic needs from Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Gift cards can be put in the envelope and in the Calvary offering basket. Please include your name.
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As the body of Christ seeks to care for those impacted by the flooding, we are receiving donations to be used exclusively to respond to these tragic events. You can give online through this link.
| | September Mission of the Month | | |
Reedem & Restore Center is a new mission for us. This organization is committed to the prevention, intervention, and restoration of women that have been trapped into the sex trafficking industry. They are dedicated to walking alongside women in SE Wisconsin coaching and connecting to needed resources to become whole.
They currently offer the following services to women that have been out of the ‘no life’ for a time:
- Survivor support group
- Mentorship
- Friendship
- Coaching
- Case Management
- Social Outings
- Financial Assistance
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They have the first Redeemend Home for women in Waukesha County. It is a 12-24 month restorative care home that provides mental, physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual healing for the women.
For each woman to have HOPE & FREEDOM, it is a fight through all the layers of trauma. Their home environment will enable women to have a good foundation to continue to build a new life. Restoration is
To support this important Mission of the Month, you may include it in your weekly offering envelope (designate donation next to Mission of the Month) or select the donation as "Mission of the Month" in your online giving.
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Women's Book Group discussions will resume on Monday
Following a brief summer break, the Women's Book Group will resume their regular schedule on Monday September 8. They will meet in the Media Room at Calvary at 12:30 p.m. Book Kits for the September book selection are in the Church Office. All are welcome to participate! Contact Terry Bzdusek if you have questions.
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Knitters, Crocheters and Other Crafters Unite
The Calvary knitters group has combined with the Spring Creek Church crafters and we now meet every Thursday at 9:30am at Spring Creek Church. (Enter thru the front door and the receptionist will direct you.) Everyone is invited to join us where we knit, loom, crochet and engage in any craft that brings us joy!
Our group is involved in various ministries, including:
- CareNet
- Vets
- Homeless
- Cancer Centers
- Nursing Homes
- Calvary’s Mitten Tree
Come craft with us and enjoy the fellowship of other crafters as we use our talents to help others.
Please contact Pat Dieck with any questions at pdieck@mail.com
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Weekly Men's Breakfast
Every Wednesday 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
6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 16
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
| | | Worship Attendance and Giving | | 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 LINK.
We appreciate your taking the time to complete this each week. It helps us know that our Live Stream is being viewed.
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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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Your 2025 Church Council
Pictured are: (l-r): David Vogel, Andy Schatz (Secretary), Phil Hanson (Co-Vice President), Keith Pierce (President), Jill Voss, Ernie Kretschmann, Gordy Gunnlaugsson (Treasurer) and Scott Langelin. Not pictured: Peggy Langelin (Co-Vice President)
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Your 2025 Board of Deacons
Not sure who your Deacon is? A listing of each Deacon's alpha group is posted on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.
Pictured are: Front row (l-r): Darlene Louison (Secretary); Ruth Brostowitz, Lenny Graffin (Scheduler), Lisa Grossman, Judy Sayas. Back row (l-r): Andy Foy, Pat Foy (co-chair), Ed Ramthun (co-chair), Bill Graffin and Ken Miller. Not pictured: Kevin Wahlgren.
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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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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.
The 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, fruit, etc.) for Sunday hospitality time, there is a sheet on the bulletin board outside of Fellowship Hall. You may bring the treats (six dozen) and drop them off in the kitchen, or you can pay $30 to the church office and the treats will be purchased for you. Please check the appropriate column when you sign up so the Hospitality coordinator will know what to expect.
The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board. Thank you for your support!
| | 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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