CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter - June 13, 2024 | |
Happy Father's Day
from your Deacons
Deacons wll be in the Narthex following worship this weekend with a small gift for the fathers.
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This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise
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“And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord;
I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord;
I have spoken, and I will do it.”
-Ezekiel 17:24
It has been said that one way to dispose of an old, tattered bible is to bury it in the earth and plant a tree on top of it. Why? The idea is that the bible was written down on paper — paper that came from a tree. Burying it beneath a new tree allows the tattered pages to be returned to the earth, to nourish the new growing tree. Then, perhaps, that tree might one day be used to make paper for a new bible. And so the cycle comes full circle.
We find countless images of trees throughout Scripture. Here in this passage from Ezekiel we have a few verses that are reminiscent of Jesus’ parables. The Lord uses the images of a tree and birds as a way to talk about the Kingdom of God. Birds find refuge in a tree. It’s a place of safekeeping for them. Ezekiel speaks of a “sprig of Judah” in verse 22. This image might sound a lot like Isaiah 11: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.”
This “shoot” or “sprig” we know to be Jesus Christ. Jesus grows like any human being, from a tiny infant into an adult. As he becomes an adult, he is sent forth to complete the work and mission God intended for him. As this tree grows and spreads its branches, birds will f lock to it, finding refuge in its shade and branches. All the other trees will know that this tree is different.
All the other trees will know God and will fear God, acknowledging his power and wisdom. It is God who brings the low tree high and the high tree low. It is God who dries up the green tree and makes the dry tree flourish. God is the one with the authority and power to make these things happen. It is not up to you and me. God is bigger than the human authorities and power. He always has been, and he always will be.
And that’s great news for us because God is always ready to restore us to life and salvation with him, finding refuge in him, much like a bird finds safety and refuge in a large tree. The image of birds in a tree also drums up the image of a family tree. Indeed, we are members of the family of God. May we find refuge and security in Jesus Christ, the source of life and salvation.
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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How Are Hymns Chosen for Worship?
If you have ever wondered how the hymns are chosen for worship, you’re not alone! Do we just flip through the hymnbook and hope for the best? Do we put numbers in a hat? Do we just go with the music director’s favorites? Where do we start?
The starting point for hymn selection is actually the Lectionary. The Lectionary is a pre-selected collection of readings from the Bible that can be used for worship, study or other theological applications. Here at Calvary, as part of the NALC, we use the Revised Common Lectionary which follows the liturgical year in a 3-year cycle and provides scriptural recommendations that complement the current season of the liturgical year.
The Worship Board utilizes the seasonal liturgical calendar and lectionary provided through a subscription to SOLA Publishing. A helpful feature of that subscription is a planning sheet with the current readings for each Sunday as well as a list of hymn recommendations. I like the recommendations, although I go beyond those by using the classifications in the hymnal (Advent, Lent, Pentecost) or the thematic search on CCLI (the subscription service we use to download contemporary anthems). The Scripture readings provide the themes and subthemes we aim to support with appropriate hymns and contemporary songs. Often, the sermons are based on these themes; the selected music then aims to help interpret the readings. The mood created by those themes is not always flamboyant and cheerful, as seen in our Holy Week music. Sometimes as a church, we wish to contemplate heavier truths in response to the ideas presented in the readings.
The sources of our worship songs are mainly the three books in the pews: the green Lutheran Book of Worship (1978), the blue With One Voice (1995), and the maroon Hymnal Supplement (1991). More contemporary/popular-style songs are found in our files (such as Twila Paris’ Lamb of God) or on CCLI (such as offerings by Phil Wickham, the Gettys, and Andrew Peterson). We are unapologetically cautious and proprietary about the sources we choose because we want the theology reflected in the songs to comport with what we confess as a church. It is important that the songs used in worship are suitable to the worship of an almighty God.
Sometimes the pastor will choose a theme to complement the season. For instance, during Pastor Ken’s last Advent season here, he chose to highlight four of the best-known Biblical canticles: Zechariah’s song, “Blessed Be the God of Israel,” Mary’s Magnificat, Simeon’s song “I Have Seen the Salvation of the Lord” and the song of the angels “Peace to Earth, Good Will Toward All.” These sorts of emphases make it really enjoyable to select hymns and anthems to amplify them.
Hymn suggestions from the congregation are always welcome and we will do our best to incorporate them where they are most suitable to the season of worship. Singing joyfully together is one of the best ways we can celebrate our unity as Christians and create peace on earth.
CELEBRATION RINGERS are hosting a Summer Training Choir Session starting June 30 continuing through August 18! This opportunity is open to kids 7+, young people, and folks of all ages. Mini-rehearsals will be held after church for about 10-15 minutes and we will focus on basic technique and accompanying a familiar hymn. Experienced ringers will come alongside to help and demonstrate techniques. If you’ve ever wanted to ring and wondered where to start, seize the opportunity to make a joyful noise!
HEY KIDS! The organist, Nicole, occasionally needs an assistant. Her legs are too short to reach the random chime button (AKA the Zimbelstern). If you can sit by the organ and hit the button when I nod, you’re hired! Additionally, I need someone to turn the page while I’m playing the postlude. Please text me and let me know if your child is willing to volunteer to be the Organist’s Assistant, and I will communicate the days I need help. Thanks so much!
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CALVARY CLEAN UP - THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 15 | |
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We will be doing our annual clean up of the church property on Saturday, June 15 from 8:30 a.m. until noon. We will be raking, trimming bushes/shrubs, weeding and hauling the refuse to the Recycling Center.
If you can help, please sign up on the Coming Events kiosk in the Narthex.
There's truly a job for everyone. Please bring your rakes, trimming tools and gloves. Refreshments and a free t-shirt will be provided. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ernie Kretschmann, erniekretschmann@gmail.com
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Photos from last year's Calvary clean up | |
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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
Please sign up today! 20 spots have been reserved for Calvary volunteers. WE STILL NEED MORE PEOPLE TO SIGN UP!
It's an online registration 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
JUNE 30 AT 1:05 p.m.
TICKET SALES END on Monday, June 17.
PLEASE SIGN UP ON THE COMING EVENTS KIOSK IN THE NARTHEX.
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 and are $30 each (which includes entry into the ballpark and two beverages - soda or beer). Parking is an addtiional $5.
Please drop your payment in the offering basket or church office.
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DOCKHOUNDS PRIZE PACKAGE!
One lucky person who purchases a ticket to the game will win a DockHounds prize package consisting of two seat cushions, a Louie mascot bobblehead, a can coozie and a string bag. (See photo below)
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4th Sunday after Pentecost
Father's Day
June 15-16, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Lee Tyne
DEACONS:
Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: George Sedivec, Lenny Graffin, Bill Graffin, Andy Foy
ACOLYTE: Sean Moritz/Noah Ciszewski
LECTOR: Jon Sayas
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Angie Schatz
USHERS: Scott and Lisa Grossman
ALTAR GUILD: Jonni Roush
GREETERS:
- Bill and Lenny Graffin
- Judy DeBruine
FLOWERS: Don and JoAnne Krause in celebration of their 63rd anniversary
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: George and Kay Sedivec
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Sallie Schulz
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
HYMNS THIS WEEKEND: "Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds", "Good Good Father" and "This Is My Father's World, LBW #554)
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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: Tom Bruns (brother of Carol Rooney)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Janet Zastrow; Judy DeBruine; Pat Treutelaar; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Laura Burger; Jeff Edwards (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Zander Crowe (great-grandson of Janet Zastrow); Brian Nowak (cousin of Ernie Kretschmann's niece); Bob Weis (brother-in-law of Sue Rowe); Debbie and Karen (friends of Linda Thorpe); Diane Rutsch (friend of Mary Lau); Bob Lillith (nephew of Juanita Osowski); Eric Dix (Linda Thorpe's son-in-law's brother); Mary Nelson (friend of Linda Thorpe); 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); Sandy (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.
Serving in the Military: 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 (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; Bev Lawson; Shirley Mahn; Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter
Non-members: 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); 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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Fay Heyen, 6/17
Jan Tschetter, 6/24
Glori Kurth, 6/25
Keith Pierce, 6/25
Caryl Braatz, 6/26
Harold Rose, 6/30
Ruby Himsel, 7/2
Jeffrey Griese, 7/3
Sophia Liu, 7/3
Kyle Gall, 7/4
Elliot Jones, 7/5
Judy DeBruine, 7/6
Mady Peters, 7/6
Chris Cason, 7/8
Katie Rooks, 7/8
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Lee and Marge Tyne 6/9 (62 years)
Ken and Marcella Nelson 6/15 (39 years)
Don and JoAnne Krause 6/17 (63 years)
Randy and Sue Wizner 6/18 (42 years)
Dale and Marty Altmin 6/19 (59 years)
Terry and Sandy Moths 6/20 (43 years)
Ray and Jan Chesner 6/21 (66 years)
Deron and Lynnette Anderson 6/26 (31 years)
Bob and Ann Jazgar 6/27 (60 years)
George and Carol Rooney, 7/1 (57 years)
Dave and Paula Altman, 7/2 (47 years)
Jackson and Tiffany Schlieve, 7/12 (10 years)
Wayne and Bonnie Johnson, 7/15 (35 years)
Scott and Peggy Langelin, 7/18 (43 years)
Jerry and Nancy Wittmus, 7/18 (37 years)
Cable and Sarah Gall, 7/29 (18 years)
Keith and Karen Pierce, 7/30 (36 years)
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Save the date for these upcoming services
with special musical guests.
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Gail Pike, Handbell Soloist
Sunday, July 7
9:00 a.m. service
Nancy Wittmus' sister Gail is a talented handbell musician and she will be sharing her talents with us during the service on July 7.
You won't believe what one person can do with a table of handbells!
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Polka Service
Sunday, July 14
9:00 a.m. service
Chris Dudzik and his dad John will be providing the music for a polka worship on Sunday July 14 at 9 a.m.
It's an uplifting and joyful way to praise God during our liturgy!
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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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COLLECTING FLOOD BUCKETS AND KITCHEN KITS
Calvary's support of the NALC Disaster Relief continues. Our efforts in June will focus on Kitchen Kits (a new request) and Flood Buckets. Supply lists for each of these are on the table in the Narthex. Calvary will provide the cookbooks for the Kitchen Kits. This could be a great project for families, small groups, friends or individuals.
Let's restock the NALC warehouses! Please return Kitchen Kits and Flood Buckets to the bins beneath the tables in the Narthex by June 30th.
If you have any questions, please contact Judy Sayas or Paula Altman from the Mission & Outreach Committee.
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June Mission of the Month | |
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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.
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.
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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.
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 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, June 20
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.
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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. | | |
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NALC Monthly Newsletter
Stay up to date on happenings in the NALC by reading their monthly newsletter, NALC News.
Click the link below to view the current issue.
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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
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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
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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 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.
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