CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | | Your Weekly E-Newsletter October 9, 2025 | | Water Main Break Update - Important Information | | |
The water main break on Tuesday, August 5 at Calvary fortunately happened before the floods. In addition, the damage was limited due to the water sensors in the basement. As a result, we were able to have the break fixed in three days. Unfortunately, it resulted in the cancellation of the last three days of Vacation Bible School.
While the break is fixed, the resulting damage to mechanicals is not. The floods in the Milwaukee area have impacted the timing of the repairs/replacement of the mechanicals. The furnace in the basement servicing the office has been replaced.
The critical open items are the boilers which heat the Sanctuary and some of the classrooms. It has been a challenge to get quotes for the boilers, due to the demand for services after the floods.
| |  | |
We expect to have the information to make a decision on the boilers in the next week with the likelihood it will take a couple of weeks for the work to be completed. Thus, there will not be heat in the Sanctuary until November. Please plan to dress for worship with this in mind as it seems like real fall is in the air. Other repairs open include replacing the fire door and frame, cleaning the air handler, and understanding any longer term impacts.
Calvary does have insurance for the resulting damage but is still in discussion with the insurer regarding the coverage of the actual water main repair. We also need to come to agreement on the replacement value of the replacements/repairs.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this process.
| |
Save the Date - New Event! "Sweets & Solas"
Come celebrate Reformation Day following the first service on October 26th. We will watch the kids put on a skit describing the beginning of the Reformation, we'll hear from Nicole Moritz on some of the most important Reformation Hymns, and Pr. Marcus will discuss the 5 Solas.
Lots of great food and something to enjoy for everyone. Hope to see you there!
| | |
“Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you.”
- Ruth 1:16
Faithful Determination
Has anyone ever gone out of their way to make sure that you were cared for, protected, or not left alone? Perhaps when you were ill there was someone who would not leave your bedside, or when you found yourself without a job there was someone who took you under their wing to provide for you until you got back on your feet. That kind of devotion, as we see in Ruth for her mother-in-law Naomi, is a rare trait indeed. There are so many other options people might choose instead of faithful devotion to someone in need. For Ruth, there was no other option. This wasn’t because there weren’t any other opportunities. She could have done something else, but her heart and mind were set on staying with Naomi, even when it meant going to Bethlehem where she would be a stranger and foreigner.
There are no details in this story that elucidate Ruth’s reasons for choosing to stay with her mother-in-law. We only know that she was determined. It is fitting that Ruth proclaimed that Naomi’s home would be her home, and Naomi’s people would be her people, and most importantly, that Naomi’s God would be her God. Her God would be none other than the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the God of faithfulness and steadfast love. Ruth certainly exhibited those same characteristics.
As followers of Jesus, we, too, are called to exhibit those godly traits of faithfulness and devotion. Jesus acted as an example for us repeatedly when he healed the sick, cast out demons, and called sinners to come and follow. He never left anyone behind, and the epitome of his steadfast love was exhibited on the cross of Calvary. Our lives are a gift to us from the Creator. Those lives are meant to be used doing what God has done and what God’s people have done. In this way, people are drawn to the Lord of life. They experience firsthand the mercy of the living God. Who do you know that’s been left behind — abandoned because of their circumstances, or, worse yet, because of others’ selfishness and self-centeredness? There is a great blessing for us who care for God’s people, especially in times of need. It is a mutual blessing we receive when we care for the needs of others.
Source: Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024 Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), written by Julie A. Smith.
| | | | |
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 12, 2025
| | |
PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Marcus Johnson
ASSISTING MINISTER: (9:00 a.m.) Larry Bonier and (11:45 a.m.) Ed Ramthun
DEACONS: 9:00 a.m.) Bill Graffin, Darlene Louison, Ken Miller (11:45 a.m.) Ed Ramthun
ACOLYTES (9:00 a.m.): Eli Douglas and Peter Johnson
LECTOR (9:00 a.m.) Mary Ellen Thiede
USHERS (9:00 a.m.): George Sedivec and Mary Ellen Thiede
ALTAR GUILD: RoJean Holler
GREETERS (9:00 a.m.): George and Kay Sedivec, Paula Altman, Helga Willett
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: George and Kay Sedivec
FLOWERS: Pat and Joyce Foy (in celebration of their 25th anniversary)
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Sunday: (9:00 a.m.) Chuck Lukasik and (11:45 a.m.) Jayden Day
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Jayden Day
THIS WEEKEND'S HYMNS: "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", LBW #543; "Freely, Freely""; Listen to it here: YOUTUBE or SPOTIFY ; "Alabare", WOV #793.
| |
| |
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: Cathy (Chris Dudzik's mother)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Gil Thompson, Sara Kalupa; Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus; Everett Lambert; Darlene Louison; Hugh Taufner, Wayne Dieck; Sue Rowe; Nancy Berth (friend of Janet Zastrow); Greg Pascucci (friend of Janet Zastrow); 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)
| | | | | | | |
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
Sandra Sanchez, 10/20
Deb Wolff, 10/20
Herb Grospitz, 10/21
David Kretschmann, 10/21
Natalie Anderson, 10/22
Vivian Peters, 10/25
Dave Cason, 10/26
Lisa Grossman, 10/30
Nicole Kalupa, 10/30
| | | |
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)
| | | |
A Note from Nicole Moritz
The American Institute of Organ Builders contacted me several months ago and asked that I “demonstrate” our organ for them, meaning they wanted a brief musical recital of short pieces (of the type that I would play as prelude) that showed off the various stops (pipe sounds) of the organ. I was more than happy to take the opportunity to showcase our organ in the community, so I printed a program complete with the stops I was using for each piece. About 150 people (organ builders and assistants) showed up. The little program concluded with a hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” which they sang with gusto.
| | |
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 November 2, 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 | | |
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, October 5, 2025
9:00 a.m. worship: 115
11:45 a.m. worship: 15
Unique Livestream views: 23
| | 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.
| |
| |
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.
| | | | |
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.
| | | | |
