CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter - Thursday May 23, 2024 | |
The Church Office will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.
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This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise
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“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”
-John 3:5-6
Light and darkness. These two contrasting themes have intrigued me over the years as I continue to read through God’s Word. In the coming weeks, you may find that I will revisit these themes in our weekly devotions. In our Gospel reading for Holy Trinity Sunday, we have this passage from John, chapter 3. Nicodemus is a member of the council, a Pharisee.
But there’s something about Jesus that piques his interest. And so Nicodemus goes to find Jesus, but he does so at night, in the dark. The darkness can hide Nicodemus from the other members of the council. The darkness can serve as a veil of protection for Nicodemus. It is ironic that it is in the darkness, that Nicodemus receives the light of Christ in their conversation.
Nicodemus assumes that one must do something to inherit eternal life. Jesus explains patiently to Nicodemus how one must go through a conversion and be born again. One must be born of water and the Spirit. In other words, anyone (man, woman, infant, child, elderly) must be born of water and Spirit.
Why? Because we have all been born into sin. We have inherited the sin from Adam and Eve. This is what we call original sin. And we can’t do anything ourselves to get rid of that. But God can and he does. He uses the water of Holy Baptism to wash us clean, and he gives us the gift of his Holy Spirit to have faith in what he is doing.
Jesus explains to Nicodemus (and to us) that baptism is necessary for salvation. This is the way that God brings children into his family, through baptism. Jesus further explains to Nicodemus that this conversion is not something we can do on our own. We cannot do anything to inherit eternal life.
This conversion through baptism is God’s work, and it is his alone. God works through his word of promise. It is God who calls us, gathers us, and enlightens us through the gift of his Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Gracious, heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for calling me and claiming me as your own child through the gift of baptism. Help me to focus on your will for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Source: Sola Worship Resource - Weekly Devotional
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They Are Flocking to Calvary!
Is there a safer place to build a nest than in the lettering of a church? Local birds have chosen our outdoor signage to make their homes this spring. If you are outside, check it out. It's pretty fascinating to see!
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Welcome to Our Newest Members | |
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Mike Bennett
Mike is transferring to Calvary from St. James Lutheran Church in northern Illinois where he was a member for 30 years. He chose to come to Calvary for denominational and theological reasons and our association with the NALC. He is a retired CFO and has three grown children. Mike has joined the Psallite Choir and fills in for the Celebration Ringers as needed. His interests include brass band, concert band, symphony orchestra, prison ministry, Bible study and men's ministry. Mike and his wife Carol live in Kenosha.
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Ken Miller
Ken is transferring to Calvary from North Cape Lutheran Church in Franksville. He is a retired U.S. Navy veteran (E7) of 20 years sering as a Sonar Technician. Ken was drawn to Calvary based on our teachings and beliefs in the NALC. He has two grown daughters and four grandchildren. He is a trained Stephen Mnister, Lay Preacher and Lay Reader. Ken is a recovering alchoholic, who has personally achieved 38+ years of sobriety. His interests include sports and travel, adult Bible study, men's ministry and serving meals at Serenity Inn. Ken and his wife Lisa reside in New Berlin.
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POKER WALK FOR WATER TO BENEFIT COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL
Church Life sponosred the annual Walk for Water last Saturday to raise funds for Compassion International. Participants took a 1.4 mile walk around the neighborhood, collecting playing cards along the route to form a poker hand. The top two hands in both adult and youth categories received gift cards to either Target or Culvers. Special thanks to Thrivent for their support which was used to purchase food, water and gift cards. Thank you to everyone who participated!
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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
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. | | |
CALVARY CLEAN UP - 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.
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.
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Photos from last year's Calvary clean up | | |
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Holy Trinity Sunday
May 25-26, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Lee Tyne
DEACONS:
Saturday: Cindy Rooks
Sunday: Lenny Graffin, Bill Graffin, George Sedivec, Judy Kestly
ACOLYTE: Noah Ciszewski
LECTOR: Lenny Graffin
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Lizzy Dudzik
USHERS: Andy and Matt Schatz
ALTAR GUILD: Lorna Reiter
GREETERS:
- John and Mary Lau
- Keith and Karen Pierce
FLOWERS: Calvary
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Everett Lambert
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Sallie Schulz
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
MUSIC THIS WEEKEND: We have two options to listen to the hymn for the upcoming services that are not included in the hymnals. Links to "I Believe" are included below.
YouTube LINK
You can also listen to it on Spotify, click 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).
New prayer requests: Judy DeBruine; Pat Treutelaar; Zander Crowe (great-grandson of Janet Zastrow); Brian Nowak (cousin of Ernie Kretschmann's niece)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Sue Dindorf; Sue Rowe; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Laura Burger; 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); Melinda Santoyo (niece of Sallie Schulz); 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 Augustin 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; Ron Foster; Bev Lawson; Shirley Mahn; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
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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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
Kathy Gall, 6/1
Gordy Gunlauggson, 6/3
Preston Meyer, 6/5
JoAnne Phillips, 6/5
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Ken and Lisa Miller, 5/24 (12 years)
Chris and Leah Morris 5/30 (26 years)
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)
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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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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 May and 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. 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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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
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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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.
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Women's Book Club Meeting
June 10, 12:30 p.m.
The Women's Book Club will be meeting on Monday, June 10 at 12:30 p.m. in the Media Room. This meeting will be to select the books that will be read when the Club resumes its monthly meetings in the fall..
Please email any suggested book titles with the author's name to Ellen (etsegar@hotmail.com) so a list can be compiled. A brief description about the book would also be helpful. Any questions should be directed to Terry Bzdusek.
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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 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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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-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.
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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