CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | |
Your Weekly E-Newsletter - March 13, 2025 | |
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Dear Calvary Family,
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalms 27:14
On behalf of the Call Committee, I would like to thank you for your prayers, patience, faith and trust as we all navigated the call process throughout the past two years. In case you haven't heard, we had a special congregational meeting on Sunday, March 9 for the sole purpose of voting to call Rev. Dr. Marcus Johnson as our next Senior Pastor. The vote passed with an overwhelming majority! I am thrilled to report that Pastor Marcus has accepted the call and the paperwork is filed with the synod office. We would also like to thank Pastor Jerry for his time and dedication to Calvary and its members during this time of transition.
So much work has been done to get us here. I would like to recognize the members of the call committee, Church Council, personnel committee, the working group, and our Mission District Deans for their diligence, hard work, and countless hours during the call process. The Holy Spirit was with us at every turn and guided us to this wonderful place.
We are looking to welcome Pastor Marcus to this new role in the beginning of June. He will be here to lead worship several weekends between now and then as he and his family wrap up the school year and pack for their move to Wisconsin. We will keep you apprised of important dates and celebrations as they are planned in the upcoming months.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
God is Good! All the Time!
Angie Schatz
Call Committee Chair
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This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | |
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“‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
- Luke 13:34-35 -
Jesus and his disciples have been on a long journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. Their trip begins in chapter 9, verse 51 of Luke’s gospel. It is indeed a long journey. It would have been about 80 miles (129 km). Certainly, he and his disciples would have rested along the way. And as they sojourned through the desert, they would have stopped in towns as well. Throughout the journey, Jesus teaches those with whom he comes in contact. He shares parables, heals the infirm, and performs miracles. And even after all this, so many still reject Jesus as the Son of God. So many reject God’s promise of love and salvation. And as Jesus is making his way to the cross, this rejection pierces his heart, much like the Roman soldier’s spear would on Good Friday.
The verses above from Luke 13:34-35 illustrate Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem. He is deeply saddened, heartbroken even. Jesus expresses a deep sorrow and longing to gather Jerusalem under his protection like a mother hen gathers her chicks, but the city stubbornly rejects this offer, highlighting the tragic consequences of refusing God's grace and love; essentially, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem's impending judgment due to their unwillingness to repent and accept his message.
An article in the National Geographic several years ago provided a picture of God’s love for us. There had been a forest fire in Yellowstone Nation Park. Forest rangers hiked up a mountain to see and gauge the damage. One of the rangers found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. The ranger was rather grossed out as one can imagine. So, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he hit it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother’s wings. The loving mother bird, aware of the impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. She had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.
This is the kind of love and protection Jesus strives to preach about. He wants nothing more than to gather us unto himself, to protect us and save us from sin, death, the devil and all his empty promises. May we be reminded of the depth of God’s love for us as we continue through the season of Lent.
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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Second Sunday in Lent
March 15-16, 2025
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Pat Foy
DEACONS: Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Andy Foy, Darlene Louison, Judy Sayas, Ken Miller
ACOLYTE: Jackson Gall
LECTOR: Larry Bonier
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Lizzy Dudzik
USHERS: Keith and Karen Pierce
ALTAR GUILD: Jan Lukasik
GREETERS: John and Mary Lau; Keith and Karen Pierce
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Fay Heyen
FLOWERS: Fay Heyen
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Sue Rowe
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik
This weekend's hymns: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory", LBW #104; "O God, My Faithful God", LBW #504; "I Run to Christ", CCLI #6603362 - Listen to it here: SPOTIFY or YOUTUBE;
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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: Stan Strykalski (friend of Ernie Kretschmann)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Tom Thiede, Paula (granddaughter of Eloise Kurth); Randy Wizner; Sandie Rupnick; Ka Thao; John Schwartz; Elaine Nap (friend of Sue Rowe); Gary and Margie Orten (friends of John and Mary Lau); Be (friend of Andy Schatz's co-worker); Jan Trede (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Mike Santell (brother-in-law of Judy Sayas); 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); Nate Kreiter (friend of Rick Kegel); Bonnie Nelson (former Calvary member); Jack Banker (brother-in-law 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); 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 as they move forward in the Call process.
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; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; 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)
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Pat Corcoran, 3/15
Sue Dindorf, 3/15
Chet Elliott, 3/20
Shirley Jordan, 3/22
Ellie Sayas, 3/23
Kay Sedivec, 3/23
Kevin Wahlgren, 3/23
Ava Schlieve, 3/27
Nancy Wittmus, 3/27
Sandy Moths, 3/30
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Chris and Rick Spangenberger, 3/16 (26 years)
Pat and Wayne Dieck, 3/30 (62 years)
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2025 Stewardship Campaign
Time & Talent Responses
As part of the 2025 Stewardship Campaign, the congregation was asked to provide where they currently share or would like to share their time and talents.
Of the 92 pledge cards returned, 44 returned/completed the time and talent section of the card. In addition, three (3) of the cards returned separated the activities of the husband and wife for a total of 47 responses. Four (4) of those returned only checked categories versus activities. Five (5) others returned checked some activities and some categories without detail on the activities.
A total of 178 activities were checked with an average of four (4) per response with most checking one (1) or two (2) activities.
The card did not easily identify whether the member was currently involved or wanting to get involved in an activity. A review of the activities for worship, identified seven (7) responses wanting to get involved in ushering, greeting, and/or lecturing. A quick review of the other activities appears to be current members of those areas. However, this information will be shared with the respective leader in the activity.
The office has also been working with a group to highlight the opportunities for involvement at Calvary. The 2024 Committee Report included many more areas and encouraged members to reach out to a committee member or the office to get involved. A link to this Report is found below. In addition, we will work with the groups to do a short temple talk before service.
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Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | |
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Youth & Family Ministry Schedule - April
Little Lutherans
PJ's and Prayers, Friday, April 25, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Elementary School (K- 5th grade)
Adventure Rock, Saturday, April 12, 9:00 -11:00 a.m.
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Let's Go Bowling! Sunday,April 13, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
High School (6-12th grade)
Youth Group, April 13, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
If you didn't get a chance to pick up the upcoming Youth & Family Ministry flyer outside the Sanctuary, you can link below to see all the fun activities planned.
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Christian Education/Bible Study | |
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LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
"The Road to Coronation"
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., begins on March 6th
The study by Harry Wendt looks at, and compares, the four Passion Narratives. Sessions will be facilitated each week by a member of one of our Ministry Teams. Study Materials will be available at the study and are being provided at no charge to the participants. Come when you can!
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"The Easter Code"
A 40-Day Journey to the Cross
The "Easter Code" is a call to freedom during the days of Lent. In the pages of this devotional book, you will be walking with Jesus along the journey to Jerusalem. Each devotion contains a devotional thought, a "code word" for the day, a Scripture and a daily prayer. The "code word" helps unlock the blessing of each day's reading.
Devotional books are available on the table in the Narthex.
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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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NEW! Enjoy a Christian Movie
First and Third Tuesday of the Month
Join Janet Zastrow on Tuesday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. to watch the first in a series of Christian films created by the Kendrick Brothers. You may have heard of some of their movies which were shown in theaters around the country (War Room, Facing the Giants, Overcomer). Who are these Christian film makers? Click here to learn a little more about the Kendrick Brothers: LINK
The first film that Janet will be showing is "Fireproof", originally released in 2008. Here is a short synopsis of that movie: After seven years of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that Catherine wishes she had never married. As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb’s father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day adventure he calls “The Love Dare.” Wondering if it’s even worth the effort, Caleb agrees, but more for his father’s sake than for his marriage. Along the journey, however, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God … and, with God’s help, truly love his wife. But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever … rescuing his wife’s heart.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Janet Zastrow at janetzastrow@att.net.
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Mission of the Month - LUTHERAN BIBLE TRANSLATORS | |
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The March focus of the Mission of the Month is support for Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT). We support the work of the Federwitz families involved in Bible Translation work in Papua New Guinea, Liberia and the Ivory Coast of Africa.
Our monetary gifts in March will support bringing The Good News and literacy to those in great need of hope, love, peace and salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Please pray for all those involved in Lutheran Bible Translators.
Fifty-one years ago, Reverend Dale and Alvina Federwitz began their missionary career with LBT among the Mandigo people in Liberia. In 1980 they began their work translating the New Testament into the Kuwaa language. This was completed in 1988. They served as advisors and coordinators in Liberia and Cameroon until Dale's death in July of 2002. Alvina has continued to work with 16 language groups in Ghana.
As the four Federwitz chiildren finished their education in the United States, they, in turn, have worked as missionaries in West Africa and Papua, New Guinea. Nathan Federwitz is in the process of finishing his pilot training in North Carolina, following his father Jonathan's footsteps to be be a missionary pilot, while his cousins (third generation of the Federwitz family) continue their LBT work in Africa. And the beat goes on ...
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.
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Women's Book Group
Monday April 14, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"Lessons in Chemistry"
by Bonnie Gamus
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Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.
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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, March 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 LINK.
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 2025 Board of Deacons
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.
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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.
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 for staff placement on the shelves.
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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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