CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | |
Your Weekly E-Newsletter - December 12, 2024 | |
This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | |
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“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
- Philippians 4:4
True Joy and Peace
The Christmas season is supposed to be a happy time, but the hustle and bustle makes it stressful. Demands from co-workers and family give us little room to rest. Exhaustion leads to illness, which makes everything harder. There is not enough time to do everything, not enough energy to accomplish all the tasks, and not enough laughter to get us through. It is made especially difficult when faced with people who expect that smile on your face at every moment. “What is the matter with you, it’s Christmas!”
We can’t be happy all the time, though it sounds like this is what Paul expects; we are to rejoice in the Lord always. In everything we do, in everything we are, we are to live in the joy that is found in our relationship with God. We are to trust that God is greater than our exhaustion and busy-ness. During Christmas we recognize the coming of God in flesh, we honor and remember the child in the manger. However, we aren’t waiting just for Christ the King to come again. He is here now, dwelling amongst us, walking with us, guiding us, loving us with a tender and compassionate love. We can rejoice in the Lord always because He is always with us. In good times and bad, we can trust God because He is always faithful to His promises.
The joy and peace of Christmas is not what most people are seeking at this time of year. As a matter of fact, it is the very seeking of external joy and peace that makes us even more stressed. As we chase after laughs and good feelings, we lose sight of the real source of our joy and peace. We are to keep our eyes, and our hearts, on true joy. When peace dwells in our hearts, we have a whole new perspective about the world around us. Instead of being stressed by too much, we remember the one thing that truly brings joy: Jesus.
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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Third Sunday of Advent
December 14
Lessons and Carols
December 15
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Larry Bonier
DEACONS: Saturday: Jim Kalupa (communion assistant)
Sunday: Bill Graffin, Lenny Graffin, Andy Foy, Darlene Louison
ACOLYTE(S): Jackson Gall
LECTOR: Saturday: Jim Kalupa Sunday: Phil Hanson, Ellie Sayas, Sallie Schulz
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Lizzy Dudzik
USHERS: Mary Ellen Thiede and Caryl Braatz
ALTAR GUILD: Tom and Sue Sadowsky
GREETERS: Wayne and Bonnie Johnson, SBill and Lenny Graffin
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Sue Rowe
FLOWERS: Calvary Lutheran Church
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Chuck Lukasik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
This weekend's hymns (Saturday): LBW #34 "O Come, Emmanuel"; LBW #32 "Fling Wide the Door"; LBW 27 "Lo, He Comes With Clouds"
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Order your Christmas Poinsettias Today!
Order forms are on the table in the Narthex for this year's poinsettias to decorate the altar on Christmas. Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls provides these top quality plants. You have a choice of red, white or pink plants at $25/each.
Order forms are on the table in the Narthex and on the Coming Events kiosk. COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 and can be dropped off in the church office or placed in the offering baskets.
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Mittens, Gloves, Scarves and Hats, oh my!
The "Mitten Trees" are up and ready for your donations of hats, mittens, gloves and scarves! You'll see the two trees in the Narthex already adorned with some beautiful items from the Calvary Knitting Group.
Thank you to the Mission & Outreach committee for sponsoring this annual collection which will be donated to keep those less fortunate warm this winter.
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New Entry Door Policy
Church Council, along with representatives from the Brookfield Police Department, recently conducted a review of our building security. As a result of this review, the door by the nursery (Door #2) will remain locked at all times on Sundays. This door will always be available as an exit door.)
Please use one of the other doors to enter the church.
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Advent Devotionals Available | |
Two options for Advent devotionals are available on the table in the Narthex. Please feel free to pick up your copy when you're here!
The NALC also offers an Advent devotional and you can access it here: AWAKENING EXPECTATION
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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
New Prayer Requests: Phillip (son of Pastor Jeanette Thorp); Pastor Jeanette and Dennis Thorp and family
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Linda Richmond; Shirley Mahn, Ka Thao; Nadine Schuelke; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Laura Burger; Ann (cousin of Mary Lau); Jeff Edwards (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Brenda Schmidt (relative of Judy Kestly's friend); Micaela (daughter of Scott and Lisa Grossman); Paul Queck (sponsor of Ka Thao); Chris Bogusch (son-in-law of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus); Nate Kreiter (friend of Rick Kegel); Bonnie Nelson (former Calvary member); Barbara Runge (friend of Jeanette Kalupa); Nancy Berth (friend of the Calvary Knitting Group); Jack Banker (brother-in-law of Mary Lau); Brian Nowak (cousin of Ernie Kretschmann's niece); Creig Moritz (brother of Bryant Moritz); Taylor (granddaughter of Lenny Graffin); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Larry Larsen (brother of Kris Larsen); John Kretschmann (brother of Ernie Kretschmann); Lou Dangler (friend of Evelyn Ceci); Paul Mahn (son of Shirley Mahn); Amy Clark (friend of Megan Scott)
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.
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.
The victims of hurricane Helene and all Christians worldwide.
Serving in the Military: Marshall Owen (nephew of Ken Miller serving in the U.S. Marines); ITC Agustin Juarez (son-in-law of Ken Miller serving in the U.S. Navy); 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 (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: Jan Chesner; Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Pat Treutelaar; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Jean Asleson (friend of Linda Thorpe); 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); Curt (friend of Larry Bonier); Pastor Mark Gehrke (son of Lois Gehrke); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Caleb Liu, 12/14
Brian Kretschmann, 12/15
Amanda Olstinski, 12/15
Bob Smith, 12/15
Ray Chesner, 12/17
Donnie Dentice, 12/17
Pat Treutelaar, 12/18
Ingrid Nelson, 12/19
Judy Sayas, 12/19
Ron Holman, 12/20
Carol Rooney, 12/20
Margaux Baumgarten, 12/21
Dean Schmelzer, 12/22
Rick Treadwell, 12/22
Ed Witzke, 12/23
Lynnette Anderson, 12/24
Mike Anderson, 12/24
Wayne Dieck, 12/25
Joe Grundman, 12/25
Lenny Graffin, 12/28
Ken Miller, 12/28
Sallie Schulz, 12/31
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Al and Rhonda Rodriguez, 12/23 (52 years)
Ron and Jean Holman, 12/26 (71 years)
Bob and Donna Siderits, 12/26 (64 years)
Jeremy and Nicole Nowicki, 12/28 (14 years)
Rick and Carol Treadwell, 12/29 (51 years)
Amanda and Ken Olstinski, 12/31 (3 years)
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Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | |
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Holiday Gift Wrapping!
THIS Saturday, December 14
9:00 am - Noon
Looking for some help? The Calvary youth are here for YOU! We will lovingly wrap each gift, and tie it with a beautiful bow! The youth will even carry your gifts to and from your car!
Items need to be dropped off at Calvary on December 14 between 9 a.m. and noon. All you need to do is complete and attach the gift tags and we will do the rest. Gifts can be picked up on Saturday December 14 from Noon to 1 pm, or on Sunday morning following our worship service.
All proceeds go to the Youth Summer Programs. Cost: It's up to you! Donations are greatly appreciated.
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Garcade
Sunday, December 15
11:30 – 2:30 pm
Hang out with us for “All You Can Play” classic retro arcade games and pinball.
No skill (or quarters) required! Age: Grades 6-8
Cost: $5 per person
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Weekly Bible Study with Pastor Jerry Wittmus
Pastor Jerry's weekly Bible Study is held on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. You will be studying the scripture readings for the coming weekend. Study text will be placed in the Narthex prior to the Study.
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Women's Bible Study
First and Third Tuesday of the Month
Janet Zastrow has resumed 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 "The Battle Plan for Prayer".
"The Battle Plan for Prayer" begins with prayer’s core purpose, its Biblical design, and its impact throughout history. Participants will be guided scripturally through the fundamentals of how effective prayer works. They will be inspired towards a closer, more intimate relationship with God, while being shown how to develop specific prayer strategies for each area of life. Prayer can accomplish what a willing God can accomplish. It should be our first plan of attack in all of life’s battles, not our last resort. If you want to experience the joy of mightily answered prayer, then it’s time to engage with God at another level.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Janet Zastrow at janetzastrow@att.net.
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Mission of the Month - Lutheran Seminaries | |
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In December we raise up a vital Mission of the Month supporting the training of pastors for service in the North American Lutheran Churches.
Bolstered by an interdependent network of five campuses, the North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) is part of God’s movement in this culture, time and place. Over the next decade, hundreds will be raised and formed in the Great Tradition of confessional and evangelical Lutheran Faith. The NALS is singularly focused on forming pastors and church leaders with an education that is shaped by Christian tradition and bound by the Holy Scriptures.
Upheld by world-class faculty, students have time and opportunity to reflect on the depth and beauty of their faith and be properly formed. The NALS has a commitment to truly cultivate the foundation and the deep roots necessary for tomorrow’s pastors and church leaders to be the stewards of classic, orthodox, biblical theology in preparation for Word and Sacrament ministry in the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). lick here to be directed to the NALS website for more information.
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OUR MISSION
ILT, as an institution of higher education, shall preserve, promote and propagate the classical Christian tradition from a Lutheran perspective.
OUR VISION
Centered in the Word of God and the Cross of Christ, ILT students will be grounded in the Bible, rooted in the classical Christian tradition, understand the contemporary cultural horizon, and think critically in the proclamation and advancement of the Gospel. Click here to learn more about ILT.
Please consider supporting these seminaries in their godly work.
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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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NALC Disaster Relief Update | |
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Women's Book Group
Monday, January 13, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"Remarkably Bright Creatures"
by Shelby Van Pelt
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For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
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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, December 19
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
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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.
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 2024 Board of Deacons
Front row (l-r) Lenny Graffin, Sue Rowe, Darlene Louison,
Joanne Schultz, George Sedivec
Back row (l-r); Ed Ramthun, Judy Kestly, Andy Foy, Pat Foy,
Ruth Brostowitz and Bill Graffin. Not pictured: Everett Lambert
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Your 2024 Church Council
Front row (l-r) Joanne Schultz, Peggy Langelin, Jan Lukasik
Back row (l-r); Ernie Kretschmann, Andy Schatz, Scott Langelin, Pat Dieck, Keith Pierce Not pictured: Chris Dudzik
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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.
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, 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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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. THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING, NOVEMBER 28.
Please check in with the office staff so we know that 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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