CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter - September 19, 2024

Hymn Sing This Sunday at 8:45 a.m.


Nicole will be leading our monthly Hymn Sing this Sunday at 8:45 a.m. She will take your requests from the hymnals and will play it for all to sing along. It's the perfect way to prepare your hearts and minds for worship!

This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise

“A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

– James 3:18



 Justice or Mercy?


Who is my enemy? Strangely enough, that’s not a biblical question. I find it intriguing that a quibbler once asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” But no one ever seems to have asked for an enemy identification. We know who our enemies are — or do we?


One psalmist petitions, “O Lord, save me by your name and vindicate me by your might” and as for those enemies, “put an end to them” (Psalm 54:1, 5b). The prophet Jeremiah credits God with revealing his enemies’ evil deeds, at which the prophet prays, “Let me see your vengeance upon them” (Jeremiah 11:20b). The Old Testament is full of such prayers for retribution— humanly inspired and divinely implemented. With enemies clearly in their sights, petitioners appeal to God as Judge, Jury, and Executioner.


For followers of Jesus, the difficulty of these prayers is twofold: Either we empathize with their victim perspective and so pray for God’s vengeance on our own enemies, or we assume the judge’s position ourselves and condemn those petitioners who have obviously failed to be Christlike in attitude. But in both those temptations we are in danger of forgetting the cross. And the cross changes everything! At the foot of the cross, we see Jesus — only Jesus — exalted. There we see the Divine Sacrifice, submitted to God’s judgment and suffering for us. By the cross we are humbled; we dare not climb on the garbage heap of self-righteousness to condemn anyone.


Jesus tells his disciples in advance that he will soon be delivered into the hands of evil men who will kill him. The disciples might have shown some sympathy, if not empathy. But they don’t. Instead, they blow past his suffering and argue among themselves about who will be glorified with him. Knowing how blind they were to their own sins and how deaf they were to God’s word, Jesus takes up a defenseless child to shame them for their selfish ambition and show them the love that should humble them.


Lord, make us peacemakers as we see the enemy in ourselves and the mercy of God in Christ.

 


Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing

18th Sunday after Pentecost


September 21-22, 2024

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jeanette Thorp

ASSISTING MINISTER: Saturday: Ed Ramthun Sunday: Kevin Wahlgren

DEACONS:   Saturday: Ed Ramthun

Sunday: Bill Graffin, Everett Lambert, Darlene Louison, Andy Foy

ACOLYTES: Jackson Gall

LECTOR: Lynnette Anderson

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Angie Schatz

USHERS: Jon Sayas and Mary Ellen Thiede

ALTAR GUILD: Marge Tyne and Shirley Brodell

GREETERS:

  • Wayne and Bonnie Johnson
  • Scott and Peggy Langelin

FLOWERS: Kalupa family in memory of Harry Kalupa and Victor Muth

FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Bill and Lenny Graffin

POWERPOINT OPERATORS:

Saturday: Cindy Rooks

Sunday: Jessica Dudzik

LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik


HYMNS THIS WEEKEND: "Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness", "Children of the Heavenly Father", LBW #474, "You are My All in All", CCLI # (Listen to it here: YouTube or Spotify);


You can also use the QR code below to also take you to the videos with the song that will be available to view from your phone or tablet.

YouTube video

Spotify

Youth Ministry

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Superheroes of the Bible

September Hero Trait: Bravery



This month we will be learning about people who were brave in their faith! 


Our month started with a visit from Peter the Apostle! He came to fellowship hour and spent time with our Sunday School kids telling them about his life, his faith, and how to be brave with God! 


Be sure to check out our Hall of Heroes for more information.

 

INTERGENERATIONAL EVENT


Phones Down, Game Night!

Friday, October 11

6:30 - 8:00 pm



From Candy Land to Cribbage, and Ping Pong to Jenga we will have entertaining, “no technology” games for ALL AGES! 

 

Join us for a fun-filled evening of laughter and light-hearted competition. Everyone is welcome to participate. All games will be easy-to-learn board games and card games. Treats will be served.

 

Our Church Family

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: Shirley Mahn, Nate Kreiter (friend of Rick Kegel)


Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Ka Thao; Jon Sayas; Pat Treutelaar; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Laura Burger; Sue Rowe; Dave and Barb (friends of Glori and Eloise Kurth); Karen Haberkorn (friend of Sue Rowe); 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); Dan Scruggs (cousin of Juanita Osowski); 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 membersJan Chesner; Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow


Non-members: Vikki (friend of Cindy Zilske); 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); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)

Brad Meyer, 9/19

Ann Jazar, 9/20

Bill Graffin, 9/24

Sean Moritz, 8.27

David Vogel, 9/27

Leah Morris, 9/29

Emily Brooks, 9/30


Audrey McGarvie, 10/2

Kris Larsen, 10/2

Grace Moritz, 10/3

Angie Schatz, 10/3

Andy and Angie Schatz, 9/23 (24 years)

John and Mary Lau, 9/27 (55 years)

Bob and Caryl Braatz, 9/30 (63 years)


Jon and Sandy Voerman, 10/5 (39 years)

Wayne and Carole Wegner, 10/5 (61 years)

Norm and Audrey McGarvie, 10/7 (63 years)

Rich and Cindy Rooks, 10/9 (37 years)

Mark and Lydia Trudell, 10/9 (42 years)

Kurt and Jeanne Duch, 10/10 (43 years)

Brian and Kara Kretschmann, 10/10 (4 years)

Church Council

Church Council's monthly meeting was held on September 17. Below are the key points from that meeting.

  • Endowment committee distributed $3,000 to Serenity Inn.
  • Coffee with the Deacons to be held Sunday, October 13.
  • Reformation Sunday is October 27. Xavier Griese will be confirmed.
  • Annual meeting to be held Sunday, February 2, 2025. Alternate date is Sunday, February 9, 2025. Informational Meeting to be held Sunday, January 27, 2025

Christian Education

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.

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 Jesus Followers written by the daughter and granddaughter of Billy Graham. They share inspiring stories from their family life that offer compelling insights for leaving a legacy of faith.


Passing on our faith does not happen passively—it’s something we intentionally pursue with prayer and joy. Yet many of us struggle to know what it looks like to live out a contagious faith in today’s world. We long for spiritual wisdom on how to ignite faith in our children, grandchildren, and others we encounter. 


Jesus Followers offers practical ideas, biblical teaching, and inspiring true stories from Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright for effectively running the race of faith and passing the Baton of Truth to the next generation.

 

Jesus Followers not only offers a glimpse into the living rooms and prayer closets of a faith-filled family, but it also equips you with the wisdom, motivation, and practical ideas for consistently and joyfully sharing your faith.



NALC Updates

20/20 Vision Initiative Fall 2024 Impact Report

Impact Report Highlights

·    Raising Up Future Church Leaders................page 6

·    Strengthening Area Support................page 8

·    Expanding Our Global Witness................page 10

·    Life Together at the Bonhoeffer House................page 12

·    Nurturing Young Believers................page 14

·    Collaborative Focus at the Continental Office................page 16


Download the Impact Report


We have committed to a financial goal of raising $5 million to support the four components of our vision: Grow, Serve, Renew, and Fulfill. We are nearly halfway to our goal. To date, we have raised over $2.3 million. Will you consider supporting our shared work? You can donate through the NALC links below or directly to Calvary through this link.

Make a Pledge

Donate Now

WIUMNALC logo

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.



Questions? Contact Pastor Mark Knappe (solideogloria1@mac.com) or Ernie Kretschmann (erniekretschmann@gmail.com)

Outreach Ministries

Reedem & Restore Center is a new mission for us. This organization is committed to the prevention, intervention, and restoration of women that have been trapped into the sex trafficking industry. They are dedicated to walking alongside women in SE Wisconsin coaching and connecting to needed resources to become whole.


They currently offer the following services to women that have been out of the ‘no life’ for a time:


  • Survivor support group
  • Mentorship
  • Friendship
  • Coaching
  • Case Management
  • Social Outings
  • Financial Assistance


They have the first restorative care home for women in Waukesha County. It is a 12-24 month restorative care home that provides mental, physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual healing for the women.


For each woman to have HOPE & FREEDOM, it is a fight through all the layers of trauma. Their home environment will enable women to have a good foundation to continue to build a new life. Restoration is possible because of HOPE!


To learn more about Redeem & Restore, click HERE.









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.

Women's Ministries

Women's Book Group

Monday, October 14

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Media Room



"The Little Liar"


Beloved bestselling author Mitch Albom returns with a powerful novel of hope and forgiveness that moves from a coastal Greek city during WWII to America in the golden age of Hollywood, as the intertwined lives of three young survivors are forever changed by the perils of deception and the grace of redemption.


Eleven-year-old Nico Krispis has never told a lie. His schoolmate, Fannie, loves him because of it. Nico’s older brother Sebastian resents him for both these facts. When their young lives are torn apart during the war, it will take them decades to find each other again. 



Nico’s innocence and goodness is used against his tightly knit community when a German officer barters Nico’s reputation for honesty into a promise to save his loved ones. When Nico realizes the consequences of the betrayal, he can never tell the truth again. He will spend the rest of this life changing names, changing locations and identities, desperate to find a way to forgiveness—for himself and from the people he loves most.


Men's Ministry


Weekly Men's Breakfast

Wednesdays 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

Thursday, September 19

If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com


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.


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.



  

Online Giving Link

Miscellaneous Resources

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

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

This Week's Reflection

from Martin Luther

If we want to be wise, we must become fools and let God’s Word be the eternal truth.


-Martin Luther -

Sermon on Luke 2:21, 1531

Check out what's happening at Calvary - click on the calendar below

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.


Worship Resources

Calvary's Website
Live Stream Link
CONNECTIONS Weekly Newsletters

Online Resources

NALC Daily Devotion
NALC Newsletter

A few reminders ....

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.

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, 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!

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.

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.

CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH www.calvarylc.com

Regular office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - noon 262.786.4010

Questions or comments? Email Sue Rowe at communications@calvarylc.com