CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, February 23, 2023

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

10:30 A.M. IN THE SANCTUARY

A special congregational meeting will be held to determine the members of the Call Committee.

In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be held the following Sunday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m.

This Week's Pondering from Pastor Ken Nelson

“The wind blows where it wills, you hear the sound of it but you do know not where it comes from or whither it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit”

- John 3:8

My mother was fond of quoting a Bible verse that said “The Lord works in mysterious ways, his wonders to behold.” Except I don’t think that phrase is in the Bible, at least not in any version I’ve ever read. Like a lot of things my dear mother said regarding her faith, I think she got the sentiment right if not the exact words. Her second favorite verse was “Charity begins at home”, which of course the Bible does not say either! But the Bible does say “My ways are not your ways, neither are my thoughts your thoughts, says the Lord.” We’ve witnessed some mysterious ways of the Lord in the last few weeks.

About ten days ago at Asbury College in Kentucky, near the end of the Wednesday chapel service, several students lingered to pray near the altar, some to quietly sing and others to just visit with one another. This may not sound all that strange but what was about to happen has been called a true and genuine movement of the Holy Spirit that has engulfed several Christian colleges. It involved students not only from that campus, but hundreds from other colleges in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio. Students are flocking to the campuses to experience what is now a full-fledged revival. This experience has students singing, confessing, praying and generally basking in what is both the convicting love of God and its soft embrace of sinners.

It has become a TikTok sensation, which is the part that has me just a tad worried, but that is the nature of any phenomena these days. It's not ten minutes old before it gets posted out of curiosity and soon “goes viral.” I have read of students so aglow in the grace of God that they never want to leave the chapel at the college. If students do return to their dorms or classes, they quickly return to be a part of what is happening – a blowing of the wind of the Spirit that none of them saw coming and no one is really sure where it is leading. And, as a work of God, maybe that’s all right. Mom may have been right (she was more right than I often gave her credit). The Lord does work in mysterious ways. Sometimes all we can do is stand aside and behold.

On the other hand, the folks at Christianity Today – a magazine founded by the late Dr. Billy Graham and a publication I still read and appreciate - have played an integral part of a movement called “He Gets Us”. This media campaign was intended to introduce Jesus to our increasingly skeptical, un-churched culture. I laud the attempt, even if, as a media campaign. it is well-scripted and about as opposite of the revival at Asbury College as you can get. I wish the folks at “CT” well. I saw two of their ads during this year’s Super Bowl, and my reaction was that they were pretty good (“So that’s what you get for $3 million dollars” for 30 seconds). But also “good for the church to have a say” during a high holy day in our culture – Super Bowl Sunday. Yes, the ads are a bit edgy, but you’re not going to get a spot on that football broadcast if you aren’t edgy (not to mention, with a lot of the other ads…downright weird). But the “He Gets Us” campaign, birthed and funded by folks who’ve spent nearly 70 years trying to relate orthodox faith to our culture, seems to show just how varied indeed are the ways the Lord works.

I may have considered the ad a bit pricey, but then again, “My ways are not your ways says the Lord.” The Asbury College revival will, like all revivals, quiet down, but there is no telling where the wind blown through those students will go”. Nor can we tell what mildly curious or terribly hurting soul, in the midst of shoving a plate of nachos into their bodies during the Super Bowl, might have been led to check out the “He Gets Us” website and give the author and perfecter of our faith – Jesus - the first serious glance of their lives.

I know these are not the sorts of things most of us think about from time to time – college revivals or Super Bowl ads. But in both instances, it seems the Lord is up to something. In Lent, you might add these to your prayers – the Lord does indeed work in many and mysterious ways.

I wish you a blessed week.

Because of a cross,

Pastor Ken Nelson

PS. I am truly sorry that our Ash Wednesday services were cancelled this week. We will observe the beauty and solemnity of Ash Wednesday next Wednesday March 1 at both noon and 7:00 p.m. Of all the things I have to do as a Pastor, predicting the weather and making decisions about holding a church activity in light of threatening weather is about my least favorite. I apologize for any inconvenience our decision yesterday may have caused, and I hope you will join us next Wednesday.

Worship Resources

Calvary's Website

Live Stream Link

NALC Daily Devotion

This Week's Reflection from Martin Luther

{Eve’s} eyes could not be satisfied with seeing. It was nothing to her now that she possessed the knowledge of God, and that she had a sound and perfect mind. She was not content without the addition of the knowledge of evil also. And this was the very essence of Satan’s poison; her desire to be wise above that which God had spoken to her as his command.

Martin Luther

Luther on the Creation: A Critical and Devotional Commentary on Genesis

Online Resources

Note: If you give online to the Mission of the Month, your funds will be applied to the MOM recipient at the time of your gift.

See the monthly calendar by clicking on the image below.

New Bible Study!

Are human beings sinful by nature? Or is it, rather, that human nature is essentially good, but has become corrupted by sin? Do we actively participate in our conversion to faith, or are we purely passive recipients of salvation from God? If Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, “of one being with the Father,” then is it correct to say that, on the cross, God died? And if so, how can God be God if he is vulnerable to suffering and death?

In a new 5-6 week study throughout the season of Lent, we’ll be taking a look at these and other fundamental questions about the Christian faith as they’re presented to us in the Lutheran Formula of Concord. The Formula is one of the foundational documents of the Lutheran Church and is a rich theological repository with enduring relevance for nurturing and sustaining the ongoing life of the church.

Beginning Wednesday, March 1, please join us in the fellowship hall at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesdays immediately following the weekly Lenten services, which are at noon each Wednesday. Copies of the Formula of Concord (and coffee!) will be provided for participants.

For questions or additional information, contact pastoral intern Ben Blobaum at (224) 392-1834 or bblobaum@calvarylc.com.

Church Council Meeting - February 14, 2023

Bullet Points

Determined the date/time to hold a Special Congregational Meeting for the purpose of establishing a Call Committee
March 12, 2023 (10:30am)
Deacon Board has identified three members to serve on Call Committee
Linda Thorpe
Larry Bonier
Lenny Graffin
Elected three Council members to serve on Call Committee
Peggy Langelin
Scott Langelin
Jon Sayas
Elected Council Officers
Scott Grossman - President
Chris Dudzik - Vice President
Andy Schatz - Treasurer
Karen Pierce - Secretary
Established Committee Council Liaisons
Church Life/Fellowship Committee: Peggy Langelin
Endowment Committee: Pat Dieck
Evangelism Committee: Scott Langelin
Faith Formation: Andy Schatz
Mission and Outreach Committee: Karen Pierce
Personnel Committee: Scott Grossman
Property Committee: Jan Lukasik
Stewardship Committee: Jon Sayas
Worship Board: Chris Dudzik

First Sunday in Lent

February 25-26, 2023

Special Guests:

Jonathan and Carrie Federwitz

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Ken Nelson

ASSISTING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus

DEACONS:

Saturday: Larry Bonier
Sunday: Nancy Wittmus, Diane Grundman, Sue Rowe

ACOLYTES:

Kyle and Jackson Gall

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

Larry Bonier

USHERS:

George Sedivec and Ed Ramthun

LECTOR:

Bill Graffin

ALTAR GUILD:

Norene Giuliani

GREETERS:

Wayne and Bonnie Johnson
Lenny and Bill Graffin

FELLOWSHIP:

Paula and Dave Altman, celebrating the work of Lutheran Bible Translators

FLOWERS:

Rick Kegel in memory of Gail

POWERPOINT TECH:

Sallie Schulz/Saturday
Sue Meyer/Sunday

Fun Events at Calvary!

First Place - SOUP

"Cheeseburger Paradise"

Mary Lau

Click here to get the recipe.

First Place - CHILI

"Chocolate Kiss Chili"

Cindy Zilske

Click here to get the recipe.

The 4th Soup and Chili Cookoff was held on Saturday, February 11. There were six soups and six chilis for everyone to sample. About 60 people attended this evening of good food, fun and fellowship.

Thank you to the Church Life team (pictured here) for their work in putting together this event. Thanks to Thrivent for their financial support and to those who contributed via a Free Will Offering which resulted in $308 being donated to our youth programs.

Kyle Jones and Calvary's youth prepared a delicious dinner of pancakes, jambalaya, scrambled eggs and sausage for our annual Fat Tuesday Dinner on February 21.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Free Will Offering which generated $270 for our youth programs.

Larry Bonier sang several songs, including one that he sang to his children when they were young.

Following our Fat Tuesday Dinner, Nicole Moritz introduced our Talent Show participants.

It was an evening of fun and fellowship!

Megan and Matt Schatz entertained with music.

Grace Moritz showed us her gymnastic talent.

Marcella Nelson played several Norwegian tunes on her accordion.

Pastor Ken Nelson read a few cowboy poems, written by published author and the "Grand Dame of Cowboy Poetry" Elizabeth Ebert, mother of Calvary's Jonni Roush.

Faith Formation

Looking for a daily devotional? There are several options available on the tables in the Narthex. Portals of Prayer and Christ in Our Home are available in small and large sizes.

The North American Lutheran Church also offers a daily online devotional. The link to this resource is always available through the CONNECTIONS under the Worship Resources section at the top. Here's a link.

Looking for an online devotional? Between work, family, friends, and more, it can be hard to find time to dig into your Bible. Daily Bread Ministries’ Daily Video Devotionals make it easy to engage with God’s Word, featuring short faithful messages sent to your email inbox every day.

Watch on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, and know that God is always with you, no matter how chaotic life gets. Link HERE to sign up to receive a daily link.

Lent Devotionals

Watch for Lent devotionals in the Narthex. Loved and Freed is from the NALC. Also available is New Life Rising: Easter Season Devotional 2023. Use these resources to enrich your faith during Lent in addition to weekly Lenten Worship at noon on Wednesdays.

Care Net Pregnancy Center -- URGENT NEED!

Care Net Pregnancy Center is in need of new or gently used size 18-24 month and 2T WINTER CLOTHES to keep these little ones warm. Warm inside clothing is needed more but outside clothing is also appreciated.

A bin is in the Narthex. Thank you!

Women's Ministry Book Group

Women’s Book Group – Monday, March 13

Harnischfeger Room -Brookfield Public Library

12:30 – 2:00 pm

The Paris Bookseller

When bookish young American Sylvia Beach opens Shakespeare and Company on a quiet street in Paris in 1919, she has no idea that she and her new bookstore will change the course of literature itself.

Shakespeare and Company is more than a bookstore and lending library: Many of the prominent writers of the Lost Generation, like Ernest Hemingway, consider it a second home. It's where some of the most important literary friendships of the twentieth century are forged--none more so than the one between Irish writer James Joyce and Sylvia herself. When Joyce's controversial novel Ulysses is banned, Beach takes a massive risk and publishes it under the auspices of Shakespeare and Company.

But the success and notoriety of publishing the most infamous and influential book of the century comes with steep costs. The future of her beloved store itself is threatened when Ulysses' success brings other publishers to woo Joyce away. Her most cherished relationships are put to the test as Paris is plunged deeper into the Depression and many expatriate friends return to America. As she faces painful personal and financial crises, Sylvia--a woman who has made it her mission to honor the life-changing impact of books--must decide what Shakespeare and Company truly means to her.

Our Church Family

Robert Vollmar, 2/24

Jim Brostowitz, 2/25

Luther Himsel, 2/25

Josh Brooks, 2/26

Sandy Voerman, 2/29

Jeremy Nowicki, 3/3

Matt Schatz, 5/3

Myrna Mavroff, 3/6

Ann Derse, 3/7

Tricia Fenske, 3/8

Malorie Harder, 3/10

Sue Rowe, 3/10

Gil Thompson, 3/11

Bryant and Nicole Moritz, 2/20 (14 years)

Kyle Jones and Lauren Beeson, 3/1 (11 years)

Rick and Chris Spangenberger, 3/16 (24 years)

Craig and Michele Schmidt, 3/28 (53 years)

Wayne and Pat Dieck, 3/30 (60 years)

God's peace and prayers of sympathy to the family of Chet Elliott on the passing of Christine Elliott (former wife and Calvary member)

Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Pastor Jerry Wittmus; Maxine Weisbrodt; Ellie Sayas; Jan Chesner; Grace Gunnlaugsson; Tom Kurtz; Jonni Roush; Elaine Wempen (aunt of Ed Ramthun); Robin Johnson (friend of Grace Gunnlaugsson); Andy Jacobs (friend of Evelyn Ceci); Mary (sister-in-law of Jane Taufner); Lynn Strickland father of Nicole Moritz); Kira (daughter of a friend of Jessica Dudzik); Susie Barnhart (friend of Megan Scott); Tony Shemberger (father of Amy Blobaum); Ray-Ann, granddaughter of David Ernst; Elizabeth Stem (niece of Evelyn Ceci); Sarah Green (sister of Andy Schatz); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)

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: Pat Corcoran; Ron Foster; Beverly Lawson; Shirley Mahn; Myrna Mavroff; Donna Schroeder; Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Ruth Young; Janet Zastrow

Non-members: Gerry Fosdal (friend of Linda Thorpe); Tom Bruns (brother of Carol Rooney); Lauren (granddaughter of Scott and Peggy Langelin); ; Joe Dentice (father of Tony Dentice); Mike Andrae (husband of former Calvary member Luisa Andrae); Nicole Sayas (daughter in law of Judy Sayas); 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); Rose Luther (friend of Nicole Moritz); Judy Grospitz; Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); John Nielson (brother of Judy Kestly); Susan Petropoulos (sister of Wayne Johnson); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce)

If you have any new prayer requests, please contact the church office at 262.786.4010 or via email to office@calvarylc.com.

Worship Attendance and Giving Update

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.

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.

Online Giving Link

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.

Mission and Outreach

February Mission of the Month

Lutheran Bible Translators

The February focus of the Mission of the Month is support for Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT). We support the work of the Federwitz families involved in Bible Translation work in West Africa and Papua New Guinea.

Our monetary gifts in February will support bringing The Good News and literacy to those in great need of hope, love, peace and salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Please pray for all those involved in Lutheran Bible Translators.

Fifty-one years ago, Reverend Dale and Alvina Federwitz began their missionary career with LBT among the Mandigo people in Liberia. In 1980 they began their work translating the New Testament into the Kuwaa language. This was completed in 1988. They served as advisors and coordinators in Liberia and Cameroon until Dale's death in July of 2002. Alvina continued to work with 16 language groups in Ghana, until her death.

As the four Federwitz chiildren finished their education in the United States, they, in turn, have worked as missionaries in West Africa and Papua, New Guinea. Nathan Federwitz completed his pilot training in North Carolina, following his father Jonathan's footsteps to be be a missionary pilot. And the beat goes on ...

You can also find out more on their website: l lbt.org. Join us on February 25 and 26 to meet the Federwitzes and hear more about their mission work.

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.

Men's Ministry

Weekly Men's Breakfast

RESUMES March 15, 2023

Wednesdays at 7 a.m.

Maxim's Restaurant

18025 W. Capitol Drive

Brookfield

The restaurant seating has been reconfigured in compliance with social distancing requirements.

All men are invited to attend!

Monthly Men's Gathering

Thursday, March 16

Fellowship Hall

If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com

A few reminders ....

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.

CLICK HERE FOR Imposter Scam Info from State of Wisconsin

Scam Emails from "Pastor Ken"

You may have recently received an email from Pastor Ken (or another member of the Calvary staff) requesting assistance for an important matter. These are NOT from Pastor Ken and are imposter scams. You will never receive an email from Pastor Ken or staff requesting your assistance in this way.

Please take a minute to check out the information from the State of Wisconsin which contains very helpful information about Imposter Scams.

Copies of this information is also on the Resources kiosk in the Narthex.

Severe Weather Announcements

With winter in full swing, we are reminded that weather can definitely impact traveling to church. And with that, inclement weather could necessitate the cancelling of worship.

In the event this should happen, you will receive an e-mail stating that the church is closed. We will also be sharing this with WISN-TV 12 and FOX6 so that it will be included in their scrolling list and on their website of closures.

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 sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex, near the door to Fellowship Hall.

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 2023 has been posted on the bulletin board. Thank you for your support!

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!

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.

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.

Facing tough times? Need a Christian Friend?

Stephen Ministry is here to help. Free, just like God's love.

Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this important ministry, please contact Scott or Peggy Langelin at 262.853.0018.

CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH www.calvarylc.com

Regular office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - noon 262.786.4010

Questions or comments? Email Sue Rowe at communications@calvarylc.com