CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | |
Your Weekly E-Newsletter - February 6, 2025 | |
This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | |
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“And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’” - Luke 5:10b
It was a typical summer evening in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania when I, along with my brother, cousins, and uncle went fishing at the lake. It was a memorable time in that as quickly as we cast our lines into the water, we’d be catching fish. It was almost as if the fish were fighting as to who would get caught next. Of course, there were many other times when I’ve gone fishing where it seemed like the only thing I accomplished was to drown worms.
We see both of those situations in the reading from the 5th chapter of Luke. Simon Peter and the others relied upon a good catch of fish. This was their livelihood. When Jesus arrived by the lake of Gennesaret, he told Simon to go out into the deep waters and let down the nets for a catch. We can imagine the frustration of Simon who spent many hours fishing, with nothing to show for it. Even so, he obeyed and went out again. This time, there was such an abundance of fish that it almost tore apart their nets.
From this event comes the invitation of Jesus for Peter, James, and John to follow him. They do so willingly, leaving behind all that was important. When we are invited to follow Jesus, what keeps us from laying it all aside to follow him? Perhaps a better question to ask is what is to be gained from following Jesus? What is gained is an abiding relationship that endures beyond this world. We gain the blessings of who Jesus is, that as we walk with Jesus not only do we live with him, we join him on his mission. With Jesus we love the stranger, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit the sick, only to discover that Jesus is already present with these individuals as is stated in Matthew 25:31-45. With Jesus, we abide in the living Word which teaches us how to live lives of loving service.
Even more fundamental to what we do as disciples is the point that discipleship isn’t about creating a list of things to do. Discipleship is about identity. We are made children of God by Baptism, and we are made disciples of Christ when we are yoked together with him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to be fishers of men and women, that all may know and abide in your abundant love. Amen.
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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4th Sunday after the Epiphany
February8-9, 2025
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Pat Foy
DEACONS: Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Lenny Graffin, Darlene Louison, Andy Foy, Ruth Brostowitz
ACOLYTE: Jackson Gall
LECTOR: Lynnette Anderson
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Lizzy Dudzik
USHERS: Ed Ramthun and George Sedivec
ALTAR GUILD: Norene Giuliani
GREETERS: Carol Roe, Jonni Roush, Judy Sayas
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Caryl Braatz
FLOWERS:
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik
This weekend's hymns: "Gather Us In" HS #778; "You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore" WOV #784; "How Great Thou Art" LBW #532
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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 peace to: the family of Judy Klade who passed away on December 24, 2024. Judy and Curt Klade have been members of Calvary since 1969. A memorial service will be held at Calvary on Saturday, February 8. Visitation is at 10:30 a.m., with service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Prayers of sympathy and God's peace to: Lucy Dallman and family on the passing of her husband Tom on February 4, 2025. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Prayers of sympathy and God's peace to: the family of Calvary member Shirley Mahn who passed away on January 30. Funeral arrangements are pending.
New Prayer Requests: Pastor Ken and Marcella Nelson for safe travel to India as they visit our global workers; Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce); Jan Trede (friend of Ernie Kretschmann)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Randy Wizner; Sandie Rupnick; Judy Sayas; Linda Richmond; Ka Thao; John Schwartz; Laura Burger; Nora Giuliani (granddaughter of Norene and Chuck Giuliani); Mike Santell (brother-in-law of Judy Sayas); Ari (friend of Lizzy Dudzik); Keenan (friend of Ka Thao); Dan Franceschini (father-in-law of Brian Kretschmann); 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); 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.
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; Sue Dindorf; Shirley Mahn; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Jeff Edwards (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); 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); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Johanna Nelson, 2/7
Ernie Ernst, 2/8
Bryant Moritz, 2/11
Diane Knappe, 2/13
Philip Voss, 2/14
Lydia Trudell, 2/16
Wayne Johnson, 2/18
Carolyn Gillespie, 2/19
Connor Voss, 2/21
Robert Vollmar, 2/24
Luther Himsel, 2/25
Josh Brooks, 2/26
Sandy Voerman, 2/29
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Sue and Mike Rowe, 2/14 (44 years)
Nicole and Bryant Moritz, 2/20 (16 years)
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Meet Your 2025 Board of Deacons | |
Your 2025 Board of Deacons was installed on Sunday, February 2nd at the Annual Meeting. Pictured above 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. Thank you to the Deacons who have completed their terms: Judy Kestly, Everett Lambert, Sue Rowe and George Sedivec. | |
Church Life Event ... Sign Up Today! | |
Pastor Ken Nelson's Soup & Chili Cookoff
Saturday, March 1, 6 p.m. Fellowship Hall
Sign up sheets and Entry Forms are on the kiosk in the Narthex for this year's Soup & Chili Cookoff! Due to electrical limitations, we can only have (15) entries in the cookoff, so sign up early! Entry forms will be accepted on a first come/first serve basis.
Please also sign up if you are planning to attend/judge. Bring a friend or two and come to enjoy some great food, fun and fellowship!
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Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | |
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3:16 Valentine Party
Friday, February 14
6:30 - 8:00 p. m.
Spend your Valentine’s Day with the One who Loves you Most—GOD!
We will have games, crafts, activities, and (of course) snacks, celebrating the BEST valentine of all—Jesus.
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Tubing at Sunburst!!
Sunday, February 16
11:45am - 3:15pm
EVERYONE IS INVITED! We are heading up to Sunburst for some EPIC fun in the snow. Meet following Sunday School to eat a bag lunch from home, then we will carpool to the hill. We will be tubing for 2 hours and carpool home again.
Please note: Only 1 rider per tube, each person must ride separately. You may hold two tubes together. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall.
Cost $15, (optional: extra money for snacks)
Advanced Sign-up is required using the button below. Please sign up by Wednesday, February 5
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Family Fun at the Milwaukee Wave Game!
Sunday, March 2
Game starts at 4:05 p.m.
Tickets are $20 per person (each person will receive a MKE Wave Winter Hat or Drawstring Bag) Your choice!
Sign-up Due: February 16
Sign-up in church on Coming Events kiiosk iin the Narthex or through thelink below.
We will be sitting together at the game, everyone is on their own for transportation and concessions.
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Mardi Gras Dinner
Tuesday, March 4
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
All are invited to join us for a delicious dinner prepared by our Calvary youth! We will have some Mardi Gras favorites, along with some yummy homemade treats.
A Free Will Offering will be taken to support the Summer Youth Activities.
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Christian Education/Bible Study | | |
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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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Calvary Library Re-Organization
The Calvary Library, located near the Sanctuary entrance doors on the west end of the building, has been sorted and reorganized. A huge thank you to Pastor Ken Nelson who spent many hours reviewing and organizing the books into manageable categories.
We have an extensive array of titles ranging from personal devotion to reference works for more in-depth Bible study. There is no catalog, color-coded categorizing, or “checking out” process – just peruse sections of the library at your leisure and take any volumes you wish for as long as you wish. When you are finished, we ask you to place books in the box labeled “returns”, and our staff will see that they are returned to their proper section.
On the South side of the library there are the following categories of books:
· Bible Atlas’ and Christian Art
· Adult Christian Fiction
· Parenting
· Giving/Stewardship
· Advent/Christmas Stories and Devotions
· Lent/Easter Devotions
· Evangelism/Discipleship
· Christian Humor
· Congregational Life Resources
· Christian Non-Fiction
· Christian Living
· Prayer
· Grief
· Heaven
· Aging/End of Life
· Devotions for Women, Men, and Families
· General Devotional Reading
North Side Categories are:
· Bible/Theological Reference Books
· Lutheran Theology/History
· Bible Commentaries
· World Religions
· Lutheran Themed Bible Studies
· Bibles
· Paraphrase Bibles
· Bible Studies divided by author, books of the bible or Christian topics
· Bible Dictionaries
· Bible Handbooks (various topics such as people, places and bible facts)
In addition, Calvary has a large collection of group Bible and Christian- themed studies, many with DVD’s, Leader Guides and participant books, by such popular authors as Max Lucado, Philip Yancey, and Steven King (of SOLA Lutheran Publishing). These are stored in the Media Room in the Christian Education wing of the church. If you are not sure where this is, ask our staff or stop in and they can guide you to them.
Finally, in the entry of the church there is a library of children’s books, organized by Bible theme, story bibles, as well as Christmas and Lent/Easter books. This is just around the corner from the main library.
We hope you will make use of our library soon. If you would like to donate something to our library, please bring books to the church office so that our staff can place them in our stacks.
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Mission of the Month - NALC Disaster Response | |
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Calvary's February Mission of the Month is NALC Disaster Relief. Due to the extensive and devastating damages caused by Hurricane Helene and the numerous wildfires in California, the need for relief funds is vast. Currently, The NALC Disaster Relief is requesting money to provide help to the people affected by these disasters.
Your donation is greatly appreciated. Checks may be made payable to Calvary Lutheran Church, earmarked either M.O.M or NALC Disaster Relief. Thank you.
Mission Committee
NALC Disaster Relief
Paula Altman & Judy Sayas
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Women's Book Group
Monday, February 10, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"The Maid"
by Nita Prose
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Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.
Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.
But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?
A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.
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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
Thursday, February 20 at 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 | |
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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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.
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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