CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter - Thursday May 9, 2024 | |
This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise
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“But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”
- John 17:13
The joy of Christ is not just a future promise, it is a present reality. Those who believe in the Son of God have eternal life. It is not the promise of a place we will go one day; it is the promise of the life we live for today.
We are stuck between the promise and the reality, yet even here we have the life of joy He has promised. Eternal life is for those who dwell in the word of God. We are made holy by God’s Word. Our relationship with Christ makes us different. We are not taken out of the world but sent into the world. We must be careful that we do not become like the world; everything we do is dependent on our identity In Christ.
It isn’t easy. The world hated Jesus and they will hate us, but we need not live in fear or worry. Jesus’ prayers are heard and answered and He has prayed for us. Through His prayers, Jesus assured the disciples that they were to be part of something much bigger than themselves. We have been assured, along with the disciples, that God will never abandon us.
It might not seem like God will never leave us, especially in times when we feel particularly alone. On Ascension Day Jesus returned to His Father in heaven, leaving behind the world in which He had lived for thirty or so years. He left behind the people He loved, called into service, and taught about the Kingdom.
He left them with a promise, but He left them alone and they did not receive the Holy Spirit until Pentecost. For those ten days, the disciples were stuck between the ministry they did with Jesus and the ministry they would do in His name. They may have felt abandoned, alone, and afraid, wondering to themselves how could they do the work without Him?
This Sunday we experience that very brief moment of abandonment with the disciples. Though we know that the promise has been fulfilled, that the Holy Spirit is with us, we also know fear, worry, and doubt when it seems like God has abandoned us. This is when the words of Jesus are such a comfort to us; by His Word we know that we are not alone. We have the life He promised, the life of joy with Him here and now and forevermore.
Source: Sola Worship Resource - Weekly Devotional
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Join us for these events! | |
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"BUILD A BED" EVENT
Saturday, June 22
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
PDC Facility
700 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI
Sign Up today!
20 spots have been reserved for Calvary volunteers. It's an online process and here's the link to register: SIGN UP
Please join fellow Calvary members to help get kids who are currently sleeping on the floors in our community into real beds! We had a fantastic turnout last year and it was a great experience for everyone. The minimum age to participate is 12 with a parent, or 16 and older can come with a group with adult leader.
Questions? Please reach out to Karen Pierce at k5pierce@att.net. If you have difficulty signing up, Karen will be happy to help you through the registration process.
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LAKE COUNTRY DOCKHOUNDS BASEBALL GAME
The Church Life Committee has planned a fun outing to see the Lake Country Dockhounds play the Lincoln Saltdogs on Sunday, June 30 at 1:05 p.m. The team plays at the Wisconsin Brewing Company Park, located in Oconomowoc just south of I-94 at the Hwy 67 exit.
Our seats are located in the QuadDocks section on the right field side (see photo below) and are $30 each (which includes entry and two beverages - soda or beer). Parking is an addtiional $5.
Only 20 tickets were purchased - requests will be filled on a first come/first serve basis. Please sign up by June 9th.
A sign up sheet is posted on the Coming Events kiosk in the Narthex. Please drop your payment in the offering basket or church office.
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The Lake Country DockHounds are a professional baseball team based in Oconomowoc. The Dockhounds play in the American Association of Professional Baseball, an official Partner League of Major League Baseball. | | | |
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Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 11-12, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Larry Bonier
DEACONS:
Saturday: Pat Foy
Sunday: Judy Kestly, Darlene Louison, Ruth Brostowitz, Joanne Schultz
ACOLYTE: Jackson Gall
LECTOR: Sallie Schulz
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Scott Anderson
USHERS: Jane Krause and Caryl Braatz
ALTAR GUILD: Jan Lukasik
GREETERS:
- Diane Grundman
- Marilyn Hermann
- Everett Lambert
- Joanne Schultz
FLOWERS: Scott and Lisa Grossman in celebration of their 47th anniversary
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Bill and Lenny Graffin
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Sue Rowe
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik
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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: Debbie and Karen (friends of Linda Thorpe); Diane Rutsch (friend of Mary Lau)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Sue Rowe; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Laura Burger; Bob Lillith (nephew of Juanita Osowski); Cathy Dudzik (mother of Chris Dudzik); Eric Dix (Linda Thorpe's son-in-law's brother); Mary Nelson (friend of Linnda Thorpe); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Creig Moritz (brother of Bryant Moritz); Melinda Santoyo (niece of Sallie Schulz); Taylor (granddaughter of Lenny Graffin); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Larry Larsen (brother of Kris Larsen); Nick Budney (son of friend of Lenny Graffin); John Kretschmann (brother of Ernie Kretschmann); Jim Sanborn (friend of Linda Thorpe); Drake Ferber (Judy Sayas' neighbor's son); Jean (friend of Linda Thorpe); Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Sandy (friend of Linda Thorpe); Jim Walters (cousin of Krista Dentice); Courtney Cook (friend of Lenny Graffin); Matti Beilfuss (friends of Rick Kegel); Lou Dangler (friend of Evelyn Ceci); Paul Mahn (son of Shirley Mahn); Amy Clark (friend of Megan Scott); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce).
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.
Serving in the Military: 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 (U.S. Air Force, grandchild of Ardath Olson); 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; Ron Foster; Bev Lawson; Shirley Mahn; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: 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); Barb Anderson (friend of Lisa Grossman); 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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Bristol Nowicki, 5/11
Hayley Smith, 5/11
Marilyn Hermann, 5/12
Odin Brooks, 5/13
Jeanette Kalupa, 5/14
Linda Thorpe, 5/15
Emma Schlieve, 5/18
Kurt Duch, 5/21
Doug Ranger, 5/22
Donna Ziegler, 5/22
Janet Zastrow, 5/23
Andy Schatz, 5/24
Gunnar Zipp, 5/25
Dale Altmin, 5/26
Xavier Griese, 5/26
Thomas Jenke, 5/26
Tom Sadowsky, 5/29
Bonnie Vasatko, 5/29
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Tony and Krista Dentice 5/10 (10 years)
Scott and Lisa Grossman 5/14 (47 years)
Bill and Betty Clayton 5/15 (59 years)
Jeffrey and Melissa Griese 5/19 (20 years)
Chris and Leah Morris 5/30 (26 years)
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Several of our Elementary Youth spent the afternoon laon May 5th at Discovery World Museum, Milwaukee's world-class facility on Lake Michigan’s shoreline. A new discovery is always just around the corner, from exploring the underwater wonders of the Reiman Aquarium to launching rockets and hopping aboard the “semi-truck” of the Great Lakes. | |
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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 NALC Continental Youth Gathering, when nine of our youth will travel to Boerne, TX this July to participate in this first ever Synod-wide conference. 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 only 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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Youth & Family Ministry Schedule
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Movie and Pizza, Friday May 10, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
High School (6-12th grade)
Senior Send-Off Youth Group, Sunday May 19, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
If you didn't get a chance to pick up the bulletin with upcoming Youth & Family Ministry events, you can link below to see all the fun activities planned for us. Paper copies are also on the Opportunities kiosk in the Narthex.
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
July 29- August 2, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Ahoy! We are going into an amazing undersea adventure where we will experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. At SCUBA VBS, kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about! Each dive site is supervised by masters of their trade, leading fun-filled activities guaranteed to help kids dive deeper into their personal friendship with God!
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! If you can help, please sign up on the Registration Page.
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For more information, click HERE for details. Registration is now open! | |
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Would you like to become familiar with the modern songs used in our worship ahead of the busy weekend?
We have two options to listen to the hymn for the upcoming services that are not included in the hymnals. Links to these songs are included below:
For this Sunday, "Yet Not I But Christ in Me" LINK.
You can also listen to it on Spotify, click SPOTIFY.
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It's a birthday party! Janet Zastrow invites you to celebrate her birthday with her on Thursday May 23 from 10am - noon in the Fellowship Hall. The party is a benefit for CareNet Prenancy Center (our November Mission of the Month). Please bring a baby item or two that will be donated to CareNet in lieu of any gifts for Janet.
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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.
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
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The focus of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene initiative (WaSH) is to ensure that no Compassion-assisted child has to drink contaminated water or use unsafe sanitation facilities. Compassion provides the resources and infrastructure that help protect each child's health as they make their journey out of extreme poverty.
Safe-water Infrastructure
Children who have access to safe water are protected from waterborne diseases and are more likely to succeed in school. A nearby safe water source also helps to ensure girls get an education instead of spending hours each day collecting water for their family.
Proper Sanitation
Providing adequate toilets or latrines prevents open defecation, which leads to the rapid spread of disease through communities and puts children in physical danger. Combined with hand-washing facilities, latrines not only protect children’s health but foster dignity
and self-respect.
Hygiene Education
Compassion provides personal hygiene kits and hygiene education so children can form
good habits that will safeguard their health for a lifetime. From basic hand-washing to dental hygiene, Compassion-assisted children learn to care for themselves and lead by
example.
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, May 13, 2024
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill
In every person's story, there is something to hide... The ornate reading room at the Boston Public Library is quiet, until the tranquility is shattered by a woman's terrified scream. Security guards take charge immediately, instructing everyone inside to stay put until the threat is identified and contained. While they wait for the all-clear, four strangers, who'd happened to sit at the same table, pass the time in conversation and friendships are struck. Each has his or her own reasons for being in the reading room that morning—it just happens that one is a murderer.
Award-winning author Sulari Gentill delivers a sharply thrilling read with The Woman in the Library, an unexpectedly twisty literary adventure that examines the complicated nature of friendship and shows us that words can be the most treacherous weapons of all.
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Women's Bible Study
Janet Zastrow and Nancy Wittmus are co-facilitating 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.
All women are invited to attend. Bring a friend. There is no cost for the study materials. Please send any questions to Janet at janetzastrow@att.net.
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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, May 16
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 and by whom.
Thank you!
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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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Giving to the NALC Campaign | |
Just a reminder that 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.
For an update on the NALC's 20/20 Vision campaign, click on the link below to watch an update from Bishop Selbo. This video highlights the work we are doing, the ways in which gifts to the initiative are already being used, and the impact future gifts will have in our shared witness and mission.
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Your 2024 Board of Deacons
Front row (l-4) 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-4) 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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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. (If you'd prefer, you can leave the flowers at church to be enjoyed in the church office.)
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.
Please check in with the office staff so we know 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.
The Office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.
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