CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | | Your Weekly E-Newsletter - May 15, 2025 | | Listening for the Promise | | |
“If God then gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
- Acts 11:17
Since the beginning, the Christian church has had factions, groups that disagree with each other. Sometimes those disagreements have been over silly things, sometimes over extremely important things. Today there are around 40,000 different Christian denominations.
The first division in the church had to do with Jews and Gentiles. These two groups of people had never worshipped together before. In fact, they weren’t even supposed to eat meals together. And now, they were all together in the church. The early Christians had a hard time figuring out how to deal with that. Some people thought the two groups could each continue to do their own thing. Others thought that the customs of one of the groups should become the customs of everyone. Others couldn’t really see what all the fuss was about.
This disagreement got quite unpleasant in the early church. The different sides accused each other of not teaching the right things. They accused each other of not understanding what Jesus had come to do. They accused each other of blindly clinging to their own traditions.
Eventually the leaders of the church came to understand that the distinctions they were making such a big deal about just didn’t make sense. What mattered was that God had given them all the same gift, the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. It didn’t matter what kinds of foods they ate. It didn’t matter who their parents were. It didn’t matter if they washed their hands a certain way or observed all the laws of the Old Testament. What mattered was that Jesus had given them new life — everlasting life.
The same gift that Jesus gave to those first Christians is the gift he gives to us. We have all sorts of different customs and traditions. We disagree on things that are important and things that are silly. But finally, what unites all of God’s chosen ones is that we have been made right with him through Jesus. We have been given the gift of salvation, not because of our merit, but because Christ decided to give it.
Source: Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024 Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), written by Julie A. Smith.
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The Mission and Outreach Committee invites you to join them for a unique opportunity! (Keep reading as there is food involved!!) On Saturday, June 7th, following the 5pm worship service, there will be a special presentation focused on June’s Mission of the Month, World Mission Prayer League (MWPL-India). This informational session will be presented by our Global Worker Partners, Pastors Nijhar and Neeraj who are working with the NALC International Missions in Ranchi, North India. They will be sharing their recent experiences and successes of training and equipping evangelists at the Navin Doman Theological College to build relationships with non-Christian neighbors.
Those in attendance will also have the chance to partake in enjoying an authentic Indian Dinner prepared by Nawabi Hyderabad House-Biryani Place. Please sign-up on the sheet located on the Coming Events kiosk in the Narthex to help with planning and food ordering. Children are welcome!
Bakers are also being recruited to provide desserts for this event (see sign-up sheet).
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Join us after worship on Sunday, May 25 in Fellowship Hall for a reception to thank Pastor Jerry Wittmus for his service during the Call Process. There is a box on the table in the Narthex to collect any cards you may want to give to Pastor Jerry, and they will be given to him at the reception. If you’d like to contribute towards a group gift, please make checks payable to Calvary, designate it “Pastor Jerry Gift” and drop it off in the office or place in the offering basket.
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Calvary Clean Up Day
Calvary Clean Up Day is Saturday, May 31, starting at 8 am. Many hands make light work. Please come when you can and leave when you must. Focus will be on trimming bushes, trees, etc.; weeding, and possibly spreading some mulch. Please bring your trimmers, gloves, and other appropriate tools for the job. We will try to wrap up work by noonish.
Please sign up in the Narthex so the team can plan accordingly. Thank you!
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An Investment Opportunity
That Pays Lifetime Dividends!
The Calvary youth announce the Public Offering of Calvary Youth Stock. The Calvary Youth Stock allows you to invest financially and at the same time, reap spiritually. Stock proceeds will be used for youth programs. This includes the Youthworks Mission Trip to Nashville Tennessee in July, where 8 youth and 2 adults will be serving in the name of Jesus! They will be joining other youth from across the country for this meaningful week. Stock proceeds will also support our youth who attend Lutherdale Bible Camp in Elkhorn, WI.
The purchase of youth stock does so much more than just provide money for summer camp, mission trips, and other youth programming. It is a way to have a sense of ownership in the growing faith of our amazing youth. As a stockholder you will receive updates from our youth on their experiences, as well as a stock certificate. Not only is your stock purchase tax deductible, it will also appreciate with the growth in our youth’s faith.
Due to high interest in this great performing investment, we will be offering 150 shares for purchase at a cost of $25 per share. Stock will be sold during May in the Narthex following Sunday worship, while shares remain available. You can also purchase your stock share(s) online using the following link: STOCK SALES.
Thank you for investing in the enrichment of the faith of our youth.
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This Sunday we will be singing an Easter hymn by Martin Luther that should be rescued with all haste from obscurity. Only in recent times have congregations neglected this robust hymn which has been made famous through the music of J. S. Bach. The composition in question is LBW 143, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands,” or "Christ Lag in Todesbanden." Its melody is by Luther and Johann Walter. Both the text and the melody were based on earlier hymns or chants. It was published in 1524 in the Erfurt Enchiridion (early Lutheran hymnal) and in Walter's choral hymnal Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn. Various composers, including Pachelbel, Bach and Telemann, have used the hymn in their compositions. If you wish to pursue the history further, please go to the Wikipedia page for Christ Lag in Todesbanden here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_lag_in_Todes_Banden,_BWV_4
Here are the words to stanza 1:
Christ lay in Death's dark prison,
It was our sin that bound Him;
This day hath He arisen,
And sheds new life around Him.
Therefore let us joyful be
And praise our God right heartily.
So sing we Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
In the Calvary Lutheran Spotify playlist “Songs for Sunday,” I have included a “classic” recording of the hymn, as well as modern praise band rendering, and also the famous Bach cantata, BMV 4, “Christ Lag in Todesbanden” which is a set of 8 pieces (mostly choral) based on or inspired by the hymn, intended for worship. The latter is one of the great treasures of Western civilization, and well worth your time. A blessed Easter season to all!
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Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 17-18, 2025
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Marcus Johnson
ASSISTING MINISTER: Saturday: Pat Foy Sunday: Ken Miller
DEACONS: Saturday: Pat Foy
Sunday: Lenny Graffin, Darlene Louison, Lisa Grossman, Ken Miller
ACOLYTE: Eli Douglas
LECTORS: Lenny Graffin
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Pastor Marcus
USHERS: Andy and Matt Schatz
ALTAR GUILD: Mary Ellen Thiede
GREETERS: George & Kay Sedivec, Paula Altman, Helga Willett
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Scott & Lisa Grossman
FLOWERS: Scott and Lisa Grossman
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Amelia Evert
Sunday: Sallie Schulz
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik
This weekend's hymns: "With High Delight, Let Us Unite", LBW #140; "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands", LBW #134, Listen to it here: YOUTUBE or SPOTIFY; "Christ is Risen He is Risen Indeed" CCLI #1688, Listen to it here: YOUTUBE or SPOTIFY
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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 Nadine Schuelke who passed away on May 8. Arrangements are still pending.
Prayers of sympathy and God's peace to: the family of Donna Schroeder who passed away on May 11. Her service will be held at Calvary on Friday, May 16 with visitation from 9-11 a.m. and service to follow.
New prayer requests: Ken Miller
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Ellie Sayas; Barb Snyder; Randy Wizner; Sandie Rupnick; John Schwartz; Ka Thao; Sonny Bitseedy (friend of Glori Kurtz); Linda DePietro (friend of Sue Rowe); 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); 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)
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)
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Linda Thorpe, 5/15
Emma Schlieve, 5/18
Kurt Duch, 5/21
Donna Ziegler, 5/22
Janet Zastrow, 5/23
Andy Schatz, 5/24
Dale Altmin, 5/26
Xavier Griese, 5/26
Tom Jenke, 5/26
Tom Sadowsky, 5/26
Bonnie Vasatko, 5/29
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Bill and Betty Clayton, 5/15 (60 years)
Jeff and Melissa Griese, 5/19 (21 years)
Ken and Lisa Miller, 5/24 (13 years)
| | | Hope You Can Join Us and Bring a Friend! | | |
Do you answer calls from phone numbers you don't recognize? Your voice may be recorded to use in a scam. Did you know that scammers can also utilize Artificial Intelligence to record and manipulate your voice so that it can be used to scam others.
Online crimes against children have increased dramatically and parents need to be more aware of the websites their children are visiting. In many cases, they think they are "talking" with other kids, when in reality it is an evil person trying to get into their lives.
The Church Life Committee is pleased to sponsor the following two presentations described below that will be held at Calvary on June 18th. The information will be shared by Ben Merens, Outreach Specialist with the Division of Trade & Consumer Protection (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection WDATC). As Wisconsin's lead agency for consumer protection, this Bureau provides information, education, mediates complaints, investigates cases, and takes enforcement actions to fight fraudulent and deceptive practices that harm consumers. And these practices are becoming more prevalent every day!
Join us and bring a friend! These presentations are free and open to the public.
There will be time for refreshments and questions.
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Wednesday, June 18
2:00 p.m.
COMMON SCAMS & FRAUDS TARGETING SENIORS
The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss the details of common scams that target seniors. This will include the warning signs of a scam and what to do if you or someone you know falls victim to a scam or fraud. Helpful fact sheets will be available.
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Wednesday, June 18
7:00 p.m.
INTERNET SAFETY FOR CHILDREN
The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss safe practices for children while accessing the internet. Children often have access to the internet at home, school, or even a friend's house and they access the internet on a variety of different devices. Parents should be aware of their children's online activities to keep them safe. Topics will include gaming, downloading apps, sharing photos, and clicking on links. Consumer Protection Bureau will also discuss laws that give parents control over what information a business can collect on a child and how that information can be used. This is an important presentation for all parents to attend!
| | | Theater Outing - Sunset Playhouse | | |
The Church Life Committee is sponsoring a theater outing to Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove on Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $19/each, sold on a first come/first serve basis (we have secured 30 tickets.) Our seats are in the first four rows of the theater (wheelchair seating is available). This performance is appropriate for all age groups. Ticket order forms are on the table in the Narthex, and will be available to purchase until June 5 or until tickets sell out, whichever comes first.
What will we be seeing? The performance is MISS HOLMES, a smart fast-paced Sherlock Holmes with a twist! When an anonymous note sends a newlywed wife looking for help, Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson work together to uncover the secrets surrounding a corrupt police inspector whose wives have a habit of turning up dead.
Miss Holmes possesses one of the greatest deductive minds of her generation. Dr. Watson struggles to make a difference at the only hospital in London that will hire female doctors. This clever reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic characters pits its heroines not only against cunning criminal masterminds, but also against the rigid and restrictive rules of Victorian society.
“Being the world’s greatest detective is even harder when one is metaphorically doing it backward and in high heels.” –Chicago Tribune
| | Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | | |
SUPERHEROES OF THE BIBLE
Hero Trait: LOYAL!
Be sure to check out our "Hall of Heroes" by the classrooms for more information.
| | In April we learned about people who were loyal in their faith, even when it's hard! Our month started with a visit from Mary Magdeline! She came and spent time with our Sunday School youth telling them about her life, her faith, and what it was like to be loyal to our Lord. | | | In May, we are learning about being repentant! (that's a big word!) God is so loving, he forgives us time and time again, allowing for second chances and sometimes event third or fourth chances! We were blessed have a visit from Jonah, straight out of the whale! | | | 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
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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.
| | Mission and Community Outreach | |
Birthday Party/Baby Shower to benefit CareNet
Janet Zastrow invites you to join her on Friday, May 23rd at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall to celebrate her 88th birthday with a baby shower for CareNet Pregnancy Services in Milwaukee. Guests are asked to bring a donation of baby items such as diapers, wipes and baby wash. They also accept donations of new and gently used maternity clothes, baby clothes and other baby items such as strollers, bouncy seats, infant toys, etc.
| | | | Mission of the Month - COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL | | |
Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. This is done in a variety of ways. For the Calvary congregation, we are most familiar with their Water of Life and Child Sponsorship programs. Dave DeBruine will be with us on Sunday, May 18 to share a little more information about Compassion International.
In prior years, our focus has been on the Water of Life program to purchase water filtration systems. Thankfully, this program has been so successful that there is a limit of how many new systems they need each year. The Water of Life program is part of the larger “WaSH” program which stands for Water Sanitation and Hygiene. Donations directed to WaSH might be used for Water of Life but if all the units have already been acquired for the year, the funds would be used for wells, filtration systems, water storage or sanitation facilities.
Every $1 invested in Water and Sanitation Priority Initiative creates a $4 return because whole communities spend less on healthcare and more on education and in the local economy.
The Most Popular Interventions include:
- Drilling wells
- Facilitating waste collection and management
- Providing water filtration systems
- Installing rainwater harvesting systems
- Building water storage and pumping systems
- Providing hygiene education
- Building septic systems
- Training community members on equipment maintenance
- Constructing toilets and washrooms
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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NEW! Enjoy a Christian Movie
First and Third Tuesday of the Month
Join Janet Zastrow on Tuesday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m. to watch a Christian films created by the Kendrick Brothers.
The next film that Janet will be showing is "Lifemark Inspired". David’s comfortable world is turned upside down when his birthmother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only held once. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David embarks on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of "War Room" and "Fireproof"—comes "Lifemark Inspired", inspired by an incredible true story that celebrates the gift of life.
The prior movies "Overcomer", "Fireproof", "Courageous" and "Show Me the Father" are available in DVD format for you to borrow to watch at home. The church office has the copies and they can be checked out anytime.
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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, May 15 at 6:00 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.
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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 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)
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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. Additionally, "Meet Your Deacon" fellowship time will be held on Sunday, May 18th following worship.
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.
| | 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, 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!
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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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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 Monday, May 26 in observation of Memorial Day.
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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