CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | Your Weekly E-Newsletter - August 15, 2024 | |
This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise
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“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” -Ephesisans 5:6
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Many of us have heard this little rhyme before, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. Words matter in our daily lives. What we say to one another matters. It’s been said that if we recieve 99 compliments during the day and 1 insult, we remember the one negative insult over and above the 99 positive compliments.
During the time of Paul’s ministry, how a Christian presented him or herself mattered. Paul warned them to watch their behavior and their language, not to fall into the practice of making crude jokes or impure comments which have no place in Christian community. Why? What harm could crude humor really have? The fear was that this kind of behavior could lead one into darkness. In other words, it could lead a Christian away from the light of Christ.
The Ephesians struggled, living in a world that rebels against God and his teachings. We, too, face the same struggles. Like the Ephesians, we are faced with temptations each and every day to stray from God’s law. But we also know that we can rely on Christ’s Word and the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us through a world that would prefer to do things its own way. May we use our words to encourage one another, build one another up, and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others rather than using our words to harm others, to bring them down, to spread rumors.
God’s eighth commandment states, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Martin Luther explains, “We should fear and love God so that we do not betray, slander, lie, or gossip about our neighbors, but defend them, speak well of them, and put the most charitable construction on all that they do.”
Prayer: Forgiving Father, help us to use our words to bring life to others. Forgive us when we harm others with our words, and give us strength to stand against those who deceive. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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The need for pastors in the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) is pressing and ever-growing. In the next decade, the number of NALC clergy reaching retirement age will double, and more and more congregations are joining the NALC without pastors. Despite the daunting numbers, there is encouraging news: the NALC is committed to proactive measures now to ensure we have pastors ready for the future. As part of our 20/20 Vision, we are investing in essential tools and resources to this end.
In 2022, the NALC appointed Pastor Jeff Morlock as the director of vocational discernment. Pastor Morlock’s call focuses on identifying potential seminary students and guiding them through their discernment journey. Thanks to our collective commitment to raising up future church leaders, we have already identified over 200 individuals considering a call to ministry in the NALC.
The North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) hosted a June intensive course - a week-long summer session where seminarians across the NALS Network gather for learning and fellowship. Two years ago, this course was attended by 14 attendees; this year, the room was filled with 38 seminarians and pastors. God is blessing our efforts to raise up future pastors, deacons, and leaders for the NALC.
To fill our pulpits, we must remain dedicated to this work. Our growth so far is a testament to the 20/20 Vision Initiative. Together, we have committed to raising $5 million to support the NALC’s 20/20 Vision to ensure a legacy of faith today, tomorrow, and forever. Support for the 20/20 Vision Initiative has already allowed us to step out in faith in many ways. When it comes to raising up future church leaders, we’ve been able to invest in discernment resources for future pastors and deacons, call a director of vocational discernment, and launch programming for individuals of all ages to explore their call to ministry.
We invite you to support the 20/20 Vision Initiative, helping the NALC continue its focus on discernment and the development of future church leaders. The need for faithful church leaders is urgent, but we can respond now. Contributions to the NALC's 20/20 Vision Campaign need to be designated as "NALC" either on your giving envelope or on your check. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Rooks at finance@calvarylc.com.
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NALC MISSION DISTRICT CONVOCATION
Saturday, October 5, 2024
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wausau, Wisconsin
Save the Date - All are welcome to attend/ Two Calvary delegates are needed.
More information to come.
Questions? Contact Pastor Mark Knappe (solideogloria1@mac.com) or Ernie Kretschmann (erniekretschmann@gmail.com)
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13th Sunday after Pentecost
August 17-18, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Larry Bonier
DEACONS:
Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Andy Foy, Everett Lambert, George Sedivec, Darlene Louison
ACOLYTE: Jackson Gall
LECTOR: Lee Tyne
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Larry Bonier
USHERS: Caryl Braatz and Ruth Brostowitz
ALTAR GUILD: Jonni Roush
GREETERS:
- Marilyn Hermann and Everett Lambert
- John and Mary Lau
FLOWERS: Larry and Susie Bonier in celebration of their 51st anniversary
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Larry and Susie Bonier
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Cindy Rooks
Sunday: Sue Rowe
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik
HYMNS THIS WEEKEND: "Rock of Ages", LBW #327; "Break Now the Bread of Life", LBW #235; "Shout to the Lord", CCLI 1406918 Listen here: YouTube or Spotify
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Monthly Hymn Sing
Sunday, August 25
8:45 a.m.
Nicole invites you to come to the Sanctuary early to prepare for worship by singing some of your favorite hymns.
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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: George Rooney and family on the passing of his sister Sheila Funk on August 12.
New prayer requests: Ka Thao
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Randy Wizner; Chuck Lukasik; Sue Vollmar; Jon Sayas; Janet Zastrow; Pat Treutelaar; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Laura Burger; Sue Rowe; Barbara Runge (friend of Jeanette Kalupa); Nancy Berth (friend of the Calvary Knitting Group); Eric Dix (Linda Thorpe's son-in-law's brother); Vikki (friend of Cindy Zilske); Jack Banker (brother-in-law of Mary Lau); Dan Scruggs (cousin of Juanita Osowski); Sheila Funk (sister of George Rooney); Brian Nowak (cousin of Ernie Kretschmann's niece); Diane Rutsch (friend of Mary Lau); 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); Jean (friend of Linda Thorpe); Matti Beilfuss (friend of Rick Kegel); 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; Shirley Mahn; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter
Non-members: Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Drake Ferber (Judy Sayas' neighbor's son); 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); Susan Petropoulos (sister of Wayne Johnson); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Jenny Brostowitz, 8/16
Scott Langelin, 8/16
Josh Morris, 8/16
Nicole Wahlgren, 8/16
Don Krause, 8/17
Pam Messer, 8/18
Isabelle Peters, 8/18
Jon Sayas, 8/18
Dave Schuelke, 8/18
Kim Krause, 8/20
Betty Ring, 8/20
Madeline Voss, 8/20
Olivia Peters, 8/22
Marcella Nelson, 8/25
John Schwartz, 8/26
Sara Kalupa, 8/27
Shirley Mahn, 8/27
Jayden Day, 8/28
Kathleen Firzlaff, 8/28
Julie Matthes, 8/29
Bob Jazgar, 8/30
Jan Chesner, 8/31
Joel Richmond, 8/31
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Lucy and Thomas Dallman, 8/16 (55 years)
Hugh and Jane Taufner, 8/16 (55 years)
Jim and Nancy Marsho, 8/17 (56 years)
Larry and Susie Bonier, 8/18 (51 years)
John and Lindsey Peters, 8/22 (15 years)
Bob and Mary Smith, 8/22 (54 years)
Gerhard and Sallie Schulz, 8/23 (49 years)
Carol and Ed Witzke, 8/24 (56 years)
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BACKYARD CAMPOUT
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 - 17
Friday 7:00 p.m. - Saturday 9:00 a.m.
Bring your tent and sleeping bag for a night under the stars. We will be camping in the Calvary backyard.
Yard games, campfire and lots of laughs - you are in for a night to remember! If you have any questions, please contact Angie Schatz at youthdirector@calvarylc.com.
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Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, August 25 - 9 a.m. Worship
It is hard to believe that the new school year is right around the corner! All students, teachers and anyone else who uses a backpack are invited to bring their backpacks to church on Sunday, August 25 to participate in our annual Blessing of the Backpacks.
It is a wonderful opportunity for our congregation to show its support and offer their prayers to those heading back to school.
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There are 15 spots being held for Calvary volunteers to help with the September "Build a Bed Workshop" on September 7 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The event is held at 700 Walnut Ridge Drive in Hartland. If you have any questions, please reach out to Karen Pierce at kpierce@att.net.
If you're able to help, please use the link below to sign up. Confirmation emails will be sent to all volunteers from Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
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BUILD A BED WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE is in need of new twin size sheets and pillowcases (please do not provide Twin XL sheets). When a bed is delivered to a child, it comes complete with a mattress and bedding. Your donations can be placed in the box in the Narthex by September 6th. Karen Pierce will be delivering the sheets at the Build a Bed Workshop event on September 7th.
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AUGUST MISSION OF THE MONTH
Opportunity International is helping to end extreme poverty in our lifetime. They believe that empowering individuals to work their way out of poverty and give their children a quality education is the most sustainable way to transform their lives, their families, and their communities.
Opportunity International serves 10 million hardworking families in 23 countries around the world. They have big plans for the world: A place without poverty where people can live with dignity and purpose. Their clients have ambitious dreams for their futures, but lack the opportunities needed to make those dreams a reality. They go where others won’t to give these inspiring people access to business loans, savings accounts, financial training, and community support—all which empower these entrepreneurs to work their way out of poverty and build a new sustainable future for themselves and their families.
To date, they have created or sustained more than 20 million jobs by giving entrepreneurs the tools they need to thrive. With our support, they will reach millions more clients—and those clients will change the world.
•Vision: Their vision is a world in which all people have the opportunity to achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose.
•Mission: By providing financial solutions and training, they empower people living in poverty to transform their lives, their children’s futures and their communities.
•Motivation: They respond to Jesus Christ’s call to love and serve the poor. They seek to emulate the Good Samaritan, whose compassion crossed ethnic groups and religions. They serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
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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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Women's Book Group
Monday, September 9
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"A Fever in the Heartland"
| Copies of the book are available in the church office. If you'd like to borrow one, please sign it out on the sheet next to the books. | | |
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The Roaring Twenties --the Jazz Age-- has been characterized as a time of Gatsby frivolity. But it was also the height of the uniquely American hate group, the Ku Klux Klan. Their domain was not the old Confederacy, but the Heartland and the West. They hated Blacks, Jews, Catholics and immigrants in equal measure, and took radical steps to keep these people from the American promise. And the man who set in motion their takeover of great swaths of America was a charismatic charlatan named D.C. Stephenson.
Stephenson was a magnetic presence whose life story changed with every telling. Within two years of his arrival in Indiana, he’d become the Grand Dragon of the state and the architect of the strategy that brought the group out of the shadows – his message endorsed from the pulpits of local churches, spread at family picnics and town celebrations. Judges, prosecutors, ministers, governors and senators across the country all proudly proclaimed their membership. But at the peak of his influence, it was a seemingly powerless woman – Madge Oberholtzer – who would reveal his secret cruelties, and whose deathbed testimony finally brought the Klan to their knees.
"A Fever in the Heartland" marries a propulsive drama to a powerful and page-turning reckoning with one of the darkest threads in American history.
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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, August 15
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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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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Facing tough times?
Need a Christian Friend?
Stephen Ministry is here to help.
Free -- just like God's love.
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this important ministry,
please contact Scott or Peggy Langelin at 262.853.0018.
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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 2024 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 September 2 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
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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