CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | | Your Weekly E-Newsletter October 2, 2025 | |
Calling all youth, Preschool - High School!
If you would like to participate in our Reformation Day skit, please contact Lynnae Douglas ldouglas@calvarylc.com. We will have practices and a time of fellowship together on Sunday, October 12 and Sunday October 17 following Sunday school from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pizza included!
| | |
Wisconsin/Upper Michigan Mission District Convocation
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025.
Registration beginning at 9:30 A.M.
Registration fee is $25.00. Lunch is provided.
Where: Peace Lutheran Church, Caroline Wisconsin.
Purpose: To gather for worship, fellowship and being about the Lord’s mission of mercy and truth in Wisconsin/UP and beyond.
This is a one-day event from 9:30-3:00. All disciples of the NALC are invited to this annual gathering. Looking forward to being called, gathered and enlightened in the Lord’s mission of mercy and joy. If you'd like to attend, please contact Pastor Mark Knappe at solideogloria1@mac.com
| | |
“If (your brother) sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
- Luke 17:4 -
A Christian is Duty-Bound to Forgive
As a pastor, every time I preach about forgiveness, it never fails that someone will catch up to me after worship saying, “I hear what you’re saying about forgiveness, but ... .” It seems to be our natural inclination to want to find a loophole around Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness. Perhaps that is because it is one of the hardest things for us to do in this life of faith. It’s no wonder that upon hearing this instruction, the disciples said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Please, help us! We can’t do this on our own!
And isn’t that the point? On our own, we do not have the ability or the will to forgive the sins that others commit against us. Our pride and our feelings are at stake. It’s so much easier to hold on to grudges and be angry than it is to let it all go and be free of it. But Jesus knows that carrying a grudge is a burden on us. He simply wants us to be free from all distractions so that we might live life abundantly and in that joyful “shalom” that comes only from the God who forgives without ceasing.
Luther wrote about this in his explanation of the Lord’s Prayer:
For just as we daily sin much against God, and yet He forgives everything through grace, so we, too, must ever forgive our neighbor who does us injury, violence, and wrong, shows malice toward us, etc. If, therefore, you do not forgive, then do not think that God forgives you; but if you forgive, you have this consolation and assurance, that you are forgiven in heaven, not on account of your forgiving, for God forgives freely and without condition, out of pure grace, because He has so promised, as the Gospel teaches, but in order that He may set this up for our confirmation and assurance for a sign alongside of the promise which accords with this prayer. (Large Catechism)
And so we see that it is our duty and obligation to forgive. When we need help in that area of our lives, we simply say what the disciples said: “Lord, increase my faith!” We know we cannot do it alone, but the good news is that the Holy Spirit is always willing and ready to assist us in our duty. We cannot wiggle out of it — for we want others to know the grace of God in the same way we do.
Source: Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024 Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), written by Julie A. Smith.
| | | | |
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 5, 2025
| | |
PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Marcus Johnson
ASSISTING MINISTER: (9:00 a.m.) Lynnae Douglas and (11:45 a.m.) Ed Ramthun
DEACONS: 9:00 a.m.) Andy Foy, Kevin Wahlgren, Lisa Grossman (11:45 a.m.) Ed Ramthun
ACOLYTES (9:00 a.m.): Bristol and Piper Nowicki
LECTOR (9:00 a.m.) Judy Sayas
USHERS (9:00 a.m.): Keith and Karen Pierce
ALTAR GUILD: Jan Lukasik
GREETERS (9:00 a.m.): Carol Roe, Jonni Roush, Judy Sayas
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Judy Kestly
FLOWERS: Audrey and Norm McGarvie in celebration of their 64th anniversary
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Sunday: (9:00 a.m.)Amelia Evert and (11:45 am)-Jayden Day
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Jayden Day
THIS WEEKEND'S HYMNS: "O Jesus, I Have Promised", LBW #503; "Where Charity and Love Prevail"; "Magnificent, Marvelous, Matchless Love" Listen to it here: YOUTUBE or SPOTIFY
| | |
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: Nancy Berth (friend of Janet Zastrow); Greg Pascucci (friend of Janet Zastrow); Caryl Braatz and family with prayers of thanks to God for his grace and protection
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Gil Thompson, 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); Marlene (mother of Cindy Zilske); Sue Reich (friend of Mary Lau); Sue White (Lisa Grossman's cousin's wife); Craig (son of John and Mary Lau); Anu Smith (wife of Judy Sayas' nephew); 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: Sid (father of Sue Meyer); Henry Alba (friend of Glori Kurth); 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)
| | | |
Kris Larsen, 10/2
Grace Moritz, 10/3
Angie Schatz, 10/3
Cathy Roldan, 10/8
Zack Griese, 10/9
Everett Lambert, 10/9
Jill Voss, 10/10
Shirley Brodell, 10/11
Judy Kestly, 10/11
Carolyn Schuelke, 10/11
Sue Friday, 10/12
Gideon Himsel, 10/12
Elise Baumgartner, 10/18
Adam Kershek, 10/19
| |  | |
Jon and Sandy Voerman, 10/5 (40 years)
Wayne and Carole Wegner, 10/5 (62 years)
Norm and Audrey McGarvey, 10/7 (64 years)
Rich and Cindy Rooks, 10/9 (38 years)
Kurt and Jeanne Duch, 10/10 (44 years)
Brian and Kara Kretschmann, 10/10 (5 years)
Herb and Judy Grospitz, 10/11 (50 years)
Pat and Joyce Foy, 10/14 (25 years)
George and Kay Sedivec, 10/16 (54 years)
Lesley and Roger Evert, 10/22 (14 years)
Mark and Shelia Kershek, 10/27 (30 years)
Bob and Diana Streicher, 10/28 (36 years)
| | |
| |
If you are a homebound member and would like to be included on our visitation schedule, our Visitation Team would love to come and bring you communion. Please reach out to Mary Ellen Thiede (maryethiede@gmail.com) or Lynnae Douglas (ldouglas@calvarylc.com) to receive more information.
| | | |
Do you know someone, or are you interested in being a member of Calvary Lutheran Church? Good news! We are having a New Members orientation meeting on Saturday October 18 from 9am-10am, led by Pastor Johnson. That will be followed by reception into membership on Sunday Nov. 2nd, at the 9am service. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the Calvary church office at 262.786.4010.
| | | | 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 a.m. each Sunday, through May 17th.
Nursery: Birth - 3 years: A staffed nursery will be available from 10:30-11:30 a.m. 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.
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 at ldouglas@calvarylc.com.
| | | |
FRIDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY!
Pastor Marcus leads a Bible Study on
Fridays at 2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!
|
|
The Amazing Grace Small Group is viewing the multi-season series "The Chosen". 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 Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the media room. If you have any questions, please contact Ruth Brostowitz.
Here are the future dates to mark on your calendar:
- October 15
- November 5 and 19
- December 3 and 17
| | October Mission of the Month | | |
October's Mission of the Month supports two ministries focused on providing pastoral retreat ministries. - BROOM TREE MINISTRIES and SHEPHERD'S CANYON RETREAT MINISTRY.
Wouldn't you like to help in making possible a counseling ministry for the restoration of hurting clergy couples and other professional church workers? Is there a need for such a ministry? Absolutely! Check out the facts below.
- 20% of pastors are "in crisis" - they are just "hanging on," coping with the issues they face day-to-day
- Among Protestant clergy, an incredible number quit the ministry every month!
- Only 50% of pastors entering the ministry today will make it five years
- 8O% of pastors say that the ministry has had a negative impact on their family
- Upwards of 70% of pastors fight depression
| | 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 | | | |
Broom Tree Ministries provides spiritual retreats for pastors and their spouses. The retreats are designed to provide uninterrupted time with God in rest, reflection, and beauty. Broom Tree prioritizes good food and lots of time with spouses. Our guests consistently experience "aha" moments that bring clarity and challenge for the next season of ministry. Since 1997 we have been strengthening the church one pastor at a time.
Broom Tree retreats are held in Michigan and more information can be found at
http://broomtreeministries.org
| | | |
Each Shepherd's Canyon seven-day retreat includes up to four client couples (singles are welcome), two counselors - male and female - and a retreat chaplain.
Our twelve retreat therapists have a combined 250 years of counseling experience! All counseling is Bible-based. Shepherd's Canyon Retreats are held at Standing Stones Retreat Center near Wickenburg, AZ.
Learn more about Shepherd's Canyon at www.StandingStonesAz.org.
| | | Women's Book Group October Discussion | | |
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!
| | | |
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 | | |
Attendance for Sunday, September 28, 2025
9:00 a.m. worship: 108
11:45 a.m. worship: 19
Unique online views: 27
| | 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.
| | |
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.
| | |
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)
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
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.
| | | | |
