CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday December 7, 2023 | |
Save the Dates!
Congregational Annual Meeting: January 28, 2024, 10:30 a.m.
Informational Meeting: January 21, 2024, 10:30 a.m.
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Lessons & Carols - Sunday, December 10, 9 a.m.
If you are attending this service, please be sure to grab a bulletin from one of the ushers.
Our Lessons and Carols service this year celebrates the Great "O" Antiphons, closely connected with the season of Advent, originating sometime in the eighth century and preserved via the Latin tongue, but translated here into English. They are the antiphons that traditionally accompanied the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23.
They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient Biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well.
Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. The well-loved Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmauel” is based on these seven ancient prayers.
O Sapienta (Wisdom) of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!
O Adonai (Leader) of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! Hebrew Names of God: El Shaddai, God Almighty. This is a fascinating name because it is only used 7 times in the whole Bible. It was first used in the Book of Genesis, when God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as ‘El Shaddai’. The name Yahweh, the true God who saves, was not used until the book of Exodus when God revealed himself to Moses: Exodus 6:2-3 “God also said to Moses, ‘I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord [Yahweh] I did not make myself known to them”. So, what does El Shaddai mean? Why did he only appear to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as El Shaddai, and what can you and I take away from knowing that name? All the references to El Shaddai paint a picture of a God who is mighty to do as He says. What He says comes to pass. You only need to look in Genesis 1: ‘And God said, “let there be light, and there was light.’ He is Almighty. He has spoken.
Adonai means “master” or “Lord,” showing God has sovereignty over us. One of the most prominent names used for God in the Old Testament is the name Adonai. Adonai is a Hebrew word that translates as "Lord" of "Lord Master" from its derivation "sovereignty". People throughout the Old Testament also used the word Adonai when addressing humans who were master or lord over them.
O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse’s) stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!
O Clavis David (Key of David), opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
O Oriens (Radiant Dawn), splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
O Rex Gentium (King of all nations) and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
O Emmanuel, (God Among Us) our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
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Upcoming Advent and Christmas
Worship Services & Resources
There will not be mid-week Advent services this year. However, an Advent daily devotional book, "This is My Son", is available on the table in the Narthex.
Sunday, December 10 - Lessons & Carols (9 a.m. worship)
Sunday, December 17 - Family Christmas Program (9 a.m. worship)
Saturday, December 23 - 5 p.m. Service (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
Sunday, December 24 - 9 a.m.. Service (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
Sunday, December 24 - 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Monday, December 25 - 9 a.m. Christmas Day Service
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Reflection on this weekend's Scripture reading | |
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The Psalm for this weekend is Psalm 85. This devotion is from “The One-year Book of Psalms.”
“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
Psalm 85:8
“Party Time in Jerusalem”
The time of captivity had ended for the Israelites, and many had returned to their homeland from Babylon. Nehemiah had masterminded the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, and it was time for a worship service.
Ezra the priest brought out the scroll of God’s law, and read it from early morning until noon. Apparently these words were new to many of the people.
Ezra praised the Lord, and the people shouted, “Amen!” as they lifted their hands and bowed to the ground. Then the assistant priests began circulating among the people, explaining what the law said. As the people recognized how far they had strayed from God’s ways, they began to weep.
But Nehemiah and Ezra tried to cheer up the people by telling them, “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” And then people ate, drank, and had fun (Nehemiah 8:1-12)
Psalm 85 also shows us a nation in transition. As in the days of Ezra, disaster was turning to success, and the people were praising God for it. Like the worshipers in Nehemiah 8, they recognized their past sins, but trusted God for forgiveness and looked forward to God’s favor in the days to come. Above all, they “listened carefully” to what God had said ---- that’s a prescription for revival in any nation.
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Day of Pentecost
2nd Sunday of Advent
December 9-10, 2023
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Larry Bonier
DEACONS:
· Saturday: Sue Rowe
· Sunday: Lenny Graffin, Bill Graffin, Everett Lambert
ACOLYTES:
- Jackson Gall and Xavier Griese
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
USHERS:
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
- Marge Tyne and Shirley Brodell
GREETERS:
- Diane Grundman
- Marilyn Hermann
- Everett Lambert
- Joanne Schultz
FELLOWSHIP:
FLOWERS: Schatz Family
POWERPOINT OPERATOR:
- Cindy Rooks/Saturday
- Chuck Lukasik/Sunday
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR:
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The Incredible, Unforgettable Calvary Bake Off! | | |
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If you were joined us last Sunday for the Incredible, Unforgettable Calvary Bake Off, you were able to taste some mighty tasty baked goods! We had (11) entries, consisting of cakes, breads, bars, cookies and cheesecake.
The samples were eaten, votes were cast and the top three winners were named. Each received a small plaque and a $10 Panera gift card.
Congratulations to our top three winners!
1st Place: Ellie Sayas (Lemon Raspberry Cake)
2nd Place: Mary Lau (Texas Almond Crunch Cookies)
3rd Place: Janet Zastrow (Basque Cheesecake)
Thank you to the Church Life Committee for this new, fun event!
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Next Church Life Event:
"The Savannah Sipping Society"
Sunset Playhouse Theater Outing
Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
In this delightful, laugh-a-minute comedy, four unique Southern women, all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by fate—and an impromptu happy hour—and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years.
Sign up and ticket sales will be promoted in January.
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Celebration of Life - Grace Gunnlaugsson
The Gunnlaugsson family invites friends and loved ones to attend a Celebration of Life for Grace on Monday, December 11 at 3:00 p.m. at Calvary.
There will be a short reflection on Grace's life in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception and reminiscing in Fellowship Hall. Light refreshments will be served.
Grace's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of kindness and love will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
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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).
God's blessings and grace to: the family of Mary Ellen and Tom Thiede on the birth of their newest grandson Carson Thomas Thiede, born to Jordan and Joanne Thiede on December 1.
New prayer requests: None
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Laura Burger; Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Peggy (niece of Judy DeBruine); Sandy (friend of Linda Thorpe); Gerald van Zyverden (nephew of Lisa Grossman); Jim Walters (cousin of Krista Dentice); Lynn Weber (godmother of Angie Schatz); Karly Bambanek (friend of Joanne Schultz); Wolf Knappe (father of Pastor Mark Knappe); Sue Miller (sister of Mary Ellen Thiede); Peter Vang (relative of Ka Thao); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Courtney Cook (friend of Lenny Graffin); Nate Kreiter, Matti Beilfuss (friends of Rick Kegel); Sharon Anderson (mother of Deron Anderson); Lou Dangler (friend of Evelyn Ceci); Paul Mahn (son of Shirley Mahn); Hunter Green (nephew of Andy and Angie Schatz); Tom Schatz (father of Andy Schatz); Susie Barnhart and Amy Clark (friends 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: Dan Berger (serving in the U.S. Marines); 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); Karmen Thomas (friend of Tony and Krista Dentice 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 (PTSD).
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, Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Mark Sturms (cousin of Cindy Zilske); Ron Parker (brother of Linda Thorpe); Mary (sister-in-law of Jane Taufner); 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); Gareth George (cousin of Judy Sayas); 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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Nadine Schuelke, 12/11
Caleb Liu, 12/14
Brian Kretschmann, 12/15
Amanda Olstinski, 12/15
Bob Smith, 12/15
Ray Chesner, 12/17
Donnie Dentice, 12/17
Pat Treutelaar, 12/18
Ingrid Nelson, 12/19
Judy Sayas, 12/19
Ron Holman, 12/20
Carol Rooney, 12/20
Margaux Baumgarten, 12/21
Dean Schmelzer, 12/22
Rick Treadwell, 12/22
Ed Witzke, 12/23
Lynnette Anderson, 12/24
Mike Anderson, 12/24
Wayne Dieck, 12/25
Joe Grundman, 12/25
Hannah Ware, 12/27
Trinity Cebertowicz, 12/27
Lenny Graffin, 12/28
Gabrielle Hanke, 12/29
Judy Klade, 12/31
Sallie Schulz, 12/31
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Al and Rhonda Rodriguez, 12/23 (51 years)
Ron and Jean Holman, 12/26 (70 years)
Bob and Donna Siderits, 12/26 (63 years)
Jeremy and Nicole Nowicki, 12/28 (13 years)
Ben and Amy Blobaum, 12/29 (3 years)
Rick and Carol Treadwell, 12/29 (50 years)
Ken and Amanda Olstinski, 12/31 (2 years)
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Christmas Poinsettia Plant Order Form
Red, white and pink poinsettia plants are available to purchase again this year and will be used to decorate the altar for our Christmas Eve/Day services. The plants are from Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls and are top quality with two plants per 7-1/2" pot. The plants (available in red, white or pink) are $25 each and can be taken home following the Christmas Day worship service at 9:00 a.m.
If you'd like to order a plant or two, please complete an order form (available in the Narthex on the kiosk) or printable from the link below. Completed forms and payment can be dropped off in the office or in the offering baskets. Deadline for ordering plants is Monday, December 11.
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Community Outreach Opportunities | |
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The "Mitten Trees" are up and ready for your donations of hats, mittens, gloves and scarves! You'll see the two trees in the Narthex already donned with some beautiful items from the Calvary Knitting Group.
Thank you to the Mission & Outreach committee for sponsoring this annual collection which will be donated to keep those less fortunate warm this winter.
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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
DECEMBER 28, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
The Church Life Committee is pleased to partner with students from Brookfield Central High School in hosting a Community Blood Drive.
How can you help? The Red Cross is looking for donations of Christmas cookies or baked goods to offer to participants at the conclusion of their donation. If you are able to provide anything, please send an email to communications@calvarylc.com so that we can advise the Red Cross.
If you'd like to sign up to donate blood, please click on the SIGN UP button below. All donors will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt and be entered for a chance to win a $25 Lou Malnati's gift card! Plus, thanks to Prime Video & their new film CANDY CANE LANE, you will get a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and 65" Amazon Fire TV! There will be 12 winners! Terms: rcblood.org/Amazon.
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December Mission of the Month | |
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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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n December we raise up a vital Mission of the Month supporting the training of pastors for service in the North American Lutheran Churches. We have been blessed to have Ben Blobaum with us this year as a pastoral intern. Ben is a graduate of the North American Lutheran Seminary in Ambridge, PA.
Why is this important? The NALC is growing and the need for pastors trained for our Synod is crucial to us and congregations like ours in the NALC. Current pastors in other Synod traditions have received training in preparation for serving in NALC congregations; however, many of those pastors are nearing retirement.
The NALC has grown from 17 congregations at inception to over 500. Initially there was only one seminary in Ambridge, PA; however, due to growth and demand, the Lutheran Institute of Technology (ILT) in Brookings, SD also trains pastors for the NALC. The ILT is an online institute with undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs.
Please consider supporting these seminaries n their godly work. Click here to be directed to the NALS website for more information.
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Youth Lock In - December 1 | |
Middle School Youth Garcade December 3 | |
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Elementary School (1st - 5th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday December 10, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday, December 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Middle School/High School (6-12th grade)
Winter Retreat, Camp Timberlee, January 5-7, 2024
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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Women's Book Group
Monday, January 8
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray
The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan's personal librarian—who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept in order to make her dreams come true, from New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict and acclaimed author Victoria Christopher Murray.
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture on the New York society scene and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps build a world-class collection.
But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle's complexion isn't dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white — her complexion is dark because she is African American.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths to which she must go—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
There are six books and a sign-up sheet located on the back counter in the media room.
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Worship Attendance and Giving | |
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The end of 2023 is fast approaching. Have you --
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· returned your 2024 pledge card?
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· planned to make your remaining 2023 contributions by
Sunday, December 31, 2023?
The Office will be closed on Monday, December 25, and Monday, January 1.
Wishing you a very blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year!
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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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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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Weekly Men's Breakfast
Wednesdays at 7 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, January 18th
6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
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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 for 2024 has been posted on the bulletin board. Thank you for your support!
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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 you 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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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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