CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | | Your Weekly E-Newsletter - June 19, 2025 | | Listening for the Promise | | |
And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. - Luke 8:36-39
Jesus casts “a legion” of demons out of a man who had become a social menace. Under demonic possession, the man had worn no clothes and had lived among the tombs. He had been guarded and bound with chains and shackles. But whenever the demons seized him, he broke these chains and shackles and was driven into the desert. Finally, when Jesus cast the demons out of him, they entered a herd of pigs and drove this herd into the sea. The presence of these pigs tells us that Jesus was in Gentile territory among a people who did not know the God of Israel.
When the people of the city and the surrounding countryside heard what Jesus had done, they came out to see it for themselves. When they arrived, they saw this formerly crazy man sitting calmly at Jesus feet, clothed, and in a sound mind. But rather than thanking Jesus for what he had done, they were seized with fear and asked Jesus to leave. Why did they react this way?
As mentioned above, these people were Gentiles who did not know the God of Israel. In Jesus’ action they clearly saw an act of divine power, but they did not know the character of the God who had wielded this power. In the Christian understanding, God’s power is constrained by his wisdom, knowledge, goodness, and holiness. Thus, God’s acts of power are always good and wise, not arbitrary. However, since these Gentiles were likely polytheists, they probably viewed Jesus’ act as an event of raw divine power devoid of any moral constraint. As far as they knew, Jesus was just a powerful magician who had overcome the demons. So they asked him to leave.
Until God opens our eyes to see Jesus and opens our hearts to receive him, you and I are in the same boat. We may even acknowledge Jesus’ divinity but be terrified of it. However, God has his ways of breaking through. In this case, Jesus told the man to return home and tell everyone what God had done for him. Through his witness people would not only see the undeniable work of grace in his life, but over time would also come to see the gracious character of the miracle-working God who had done it. And maybe then, they could receive Jesus into their hearts after having once sent him away.
Source: Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024 Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), written by Julie A. Smith.
| |
|
Church Council met on Tuesday, June 17th. Key points from that meeting are below:
- Family campout THIS SATURDAY evening on the church property.
- Learn more about Stephen Ministry this Sunday during fellowship time.
- A subcommittee is being formed to examine building security. Contact Gordy Gunnlaugsson to learn more.
- Sign up today to donate your time, bottled water and/or cookies for the July 4th parade hospitality tent.
| | | |
|
|
July 4 Parade Hospitality Tent
The City of Brookfield's annual July 4th parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and we are in a prime location along the parade route. As we have done for many years, Calvary has a hospitality tent with complimentary bottled water and cookies. How can you help?
- Provide a case of bottled water (please drop off in classroom #103)
- Provide cookies of any kind (please leave in church kitchen by July 3rd)
- Sign up to volunteer the day of the parade
A sign-up sheet is on the kiosk in the Narthex. Please sign up today! Contact Andy Schatz with any questions.
| | | | | | |
Second Sunday after Pentecost
June 21-22, 2025
| | |
PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Marcus Johnson
ASSISTING MINISTER: Saturday: Ed Ramthun Sunday: Pat Foy
DEACONS: Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Kevin Wahlgren, Judy Sayas, Lisa Grossman, Ken Miller
ACOLYTES: Eli Douglas
LECTORS: Sallie Schulz
USHERS: Andy and Matt Schatz
ALTAR GUILD: Lorna Reiter
GREETERS: John and Mary Lau, Keith and Karen Pierce
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: John and Mary Lau
FLOWERS: Jan and Ray Chesner in celebration of their 67th anniversary
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik
This weekend's hymns: "O Christ, Our Hope", LBW #300; "Wonderful, Merciful Savior", Listen to it here: YouTube or Spotify; "Rock of Ages", LBW #327
| | |
Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” -Luke 18:16
We welcome two newest members to our Calvary family. Lucia Rose Douglas (daughter of Lynnae and Caleb Douglas) and Timothy Gene Johnson (son of Pastor Marcus and Stacie Johnson) were baptized on Sunday, June 15th. Pictures from the baptisms are on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.
| | |
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 grace and peace to: Sue Wizner and family on the passing of Randy on June 17. Funeral arrangements are pending.
New Prayer Requests: Lynda Weis and Michael Naughton (sister and nephew of Sue Rowe)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Ellie Sayas; Barb Snyder; Sandie Rupnick; John Schwartz; Ka Thao; Bob Armstrong (friend of Rick Kegel); Elaine Santos (friend of Jonni Roush); Sonny Bitseedy (friend of Glori Kurtz); Tom Schatz (father of Andy Schatz); Wolfgang Schulz (brother-in-law of Salllie Schulz); Bobby Scharer (cousin of Cindy Zilske); Kara Kretschmann (daughter-in-law of Ernie Kretschmann); Stan Strykalski (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Gary and Margie Orten (friends of John and Mary Lau); Be (friend of Andy Schatz's co-worker); Jan Trede (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); 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)
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); 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; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: 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); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
| | | |
Jan Tschetter, 6/24
Glori Kurth, 6/25
Keith Pierce, 6/25
Caryl Braatz, 6/26
Harold Rose, 6/30
Ruby Himsel, 7/2
Jeff Griese, 7/3
Sophia Liu, 7/3
Kyle Gall, 7/4
Judy DeBruine, 7/6
Mady Peters, 7/6
Chris Cason, 7/8
Katie Rooks, 7/8
Lorna Reiter, 7/11
| |  | |
Dale and Marti Altmin, 6/19 (60 years)
Terry and Sandy Moths, 6/20 (44 years)
Ray and Jan Chesner, 6/21 (67 years)
Deron and Lynnette Anderson, 6/26 (32 years)
Bob and Ann Jazgar, 6/27 (61 years)
George and Carol Rooney, 7/1 (58 years)
Dave and Paula Altman, 7/2 (48 years)
Jackson and Tiffany Schlieve, 7/12 (11 years)
Wayne and Bonnie Johnson, 7/15 (36 years)
Scott and Peggy Langelin, 7/18 (44 years)
Jerry and Nancy Wittmus, 7/18 (38 years)
Dave and Sue Friday, 7/28 (35 years)
Cable and Sarah Gall, 7/29 (19 years)
Keith and Karen Pierce, 7/30 (37 years)
| | | Christian Education Opportunities | | |
Join Pastor Marcus on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for a weekly Bible Study. Each week's study will focus on the Scripture readings for the upcoming weekend. Bring a friend - all are welcome!
| | PHOTOS FROM SCAM/KIDS PRESENTATIONS | | Calvary was pleased to host two presentations this week by a representative of the Wisconsin Department of Consumer Protection - "Common Scams and Frauds Targeting Seniors" and "Internet Safety for Kids". Relevant and important information was shared with attendees at both sessions. A copy of the information shared in Keeping Children Safe Online is available on the table in the Narthex or it can be accessed HERE. | |
| |
FREE BOOKS!
Several donations of Christian-based books have been given to us to pass along to Calvary members. Be sure to stop by the table in the Narthex and take whatever you'd like.
| | | | Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | | |
Backyard Campout
June 21-22 -- THIS WEEKEND!
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m.
All families are invited!
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're in for a night to remember!
If you want to participate and need any camping supplies, please let Angie know. She has you covered! If the weather doesn't cooperate, we will camp out in the Narthex.
| | | VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! | | |
TRUE NORTH VBS
August 4 - 8, 2025
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. daily
Welcoming Explorers: Age 3 - Completed 5th grade
Brochures with more information are on the kiosk in the Narthex.
THE SUPPLY BOARD AND VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP SHEET IS UP IN THE NARTHEX. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AND SEE IF THERE ARE THINGS OR TIME YOU CAN PROVIDE FOR THIS SUMMER'S VBS.
| | Mission and Community Outreach | | |
June Mission of the Month
NALC International Mission
through the World Mission Prayer League
| | |
The World Mission Prayer League (WMPL) is an official ministry partner of the NALC. WMPL grew out of a God-given burden to pray for the unreached interiors of Africa, Asia, and Latin America in the 1930’s. A band of students, pastors and friends in the Minneapolis area joined together in prayer that the Lord of the harvest would send laborers into his harvest.
WMPL says of itself … we are committed to pray, as Jesus commands his followers in Matthew 9:38 – “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” We are a … community of men and women who are committed to prayer - the “working method” of our mission.
To support this important Mission of the Month, you may include it in your weekly offering envelope or designate the donation as "Mission of the Month" in your online giving.
| | | |
The World Mission Prayer League exists to see that populations with limited or no access to the Gospel experience the love of Christ and that believers and communities of believers in the Americas and elsewhere engage in active and collaborative participation in living out their roles in the great commission.
Our Mission of the Month offerings will:
- Directly support the work of the World Mission Prayer League;
- Support a “Ministry Fund” for our missionaries and support for orphans whose parents died of COVID.
We hope you will learn more about WMPL – their website is www.wmpl.org, and generously support the mission work Calvary does in India through this wonderful Lutheran ministry.
| | |
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
Thursday, June 19 at 6 p.m.
Thursday, July 17 at 6 p.m.
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 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.
| | |
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.
| | | | |
