Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, April 27, 2023

“When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and if does not find it. Then it says, “I will return to the house I left.” When it arrives, if finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. The it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.”   

Matthew 12:43-45

In this passage, Jesus is referring to people who, despite his many “signs” that he was Israel’s Messiah, they demanded more signs and they did not believe even those.  The message of these words of Jesus is unbelief – and he likens unbelief to being “empty”, like a house swept clean in which any idea, including evil ones, can take up residence.   I wish to emphasize that this parable of our Lord’s is about faith, or a lack of it, and could apply to any of us.   

This parable also brings to mind the plight of people in our country living with an addiction, and for that reason I invite you to join us this coming Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary for an important conversation about another form of ‘spirit’ (demon) – the demon of addiction.   Addiction is a serious issue faced by millions of Americans of all ages, sexes, ethnicity, and economic status.  Few American families are unaffected by it.  If you will, addiction to substances discriminates against no one.   According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, nearly 30 million Americans have an alcohol use problem – defined as addiction or dependence and daily use.  Nearly 140 million people over the age of 12 have used an illegal drug in their lifetime, and of these, nearly 35 million developed an addiction to that substance, the most common being opioid addiction.    

Nearly 700,000 Americans over the age of 12 have died in the last 20 years from a drug or alcohol overdose, or a combination of the two. The rate of death is increasing, despite the fact the federal government spends $35 billion a year on drug control.  This coming Sunday, James Nichols from our April Mission Partner Serenity Inn, will speak briefly at our worship service. At 10:30 a.m. he’ll be joined by Amy Blobaum for an extended discussion of their personal experiences with addiction and their current professional involvement with people battling addiction.  

Many people who are addicted are incarcerated for their drug use or a crime they committed as a result of their substance abuse. Unfortunately, most individuals only “dry out” during their incarceration. Their access to drugs and alcohol is removed for a time but not their desire. They may return unprepared for the circumstances or surroundings that led them to become addicted in the first place.  Most receive little if any treatment while in prison.  In Wisconsin it is estimated that at least one in five prison sentences issued are now for drug offenses. 

Our Mission partner Serenity Inn knows that after incarceration a man needs something to fill his life with purpose, lest his “swept clean” life be filled again with those demons that lead to substance abuse.  They provide a Christ-centered transition opportunity for men, paired with housing and job services.  They seek to minister to the “whole person". James will speak about their work. Amy is currently employed as an Addiction Counselor, having finished her degree in that field after her time in prison ended.  

Both Amy and James will tell their stories of how by the grace of God, together with supportive communities, they have confronted and overcome their addictions. Theirs are encouraging stories.  Not everyone’s is. Many families in Calvary have seen the lives of loved ones come to a tragic end.  Our talk on Sunday is about raising awareness of the prevalence of drug and alcohol addiction. We want to strengthen our congregation’s partnership with those seeking to combat it and help people recover from it.  

Please join us for this important discussion.  

Because of a cross

Pastor Ken Nelson

Fourth Sunday of Easter

April 29-30, 2023

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 iincludes the High School Mission Trip when nine of our youth will travel to Imperial, PA this June to participate in a variety of service projects in the community. 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 and mission trips. 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 the weekends April 29-30 and May 6-7. You can also purchase your stock share(s) online using the following link: Home | Calvary Lutheran Church (myvanco.com)

Thank you for investing in the enrichment of the faith of our youth.

Handmade Card Sale

Several years ago the youth of Calvary created beautiful handmade cards for all occasions. 

These three-dimensional cards will be available for purchase the weekends of April 29-30 and May 6-7 in the Narthex.

Packets (2-4 cards) are $6 each or two packets for $10. These cards will be cherished by your recipients or make great gifts. Plan now to get these beautiful cards.

All proceeds will benefit our Youth programs.

Join us for a Women's Prayer Breakfast on Saturday May 13 at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. The devotional message will be given by Marcella Nelson.

Breakfast bagels

Muffins

Fruit

Beverages

All ages are welcome - come and bring a friend!

Women’s Book Group – Monday, May 8

Harnischfeger Room -Brookfield Public Library

12:30 – 2:00 pm

The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis



Eight months since losing her mother in the Spanish flu outbreak of 1919, 21-year-old Lillian Carter's life has completely fallen apart. For the past six years, under the moniker Angelica, Lillian was one of the most sought-after artists' models in New York City, with statues based on her figure gracing landmarks from the Plaza Hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge. But with her mother gone, a grieving Lillian is rudderless and desperate --- the work has dried up and a looming scandal has left her entirely without a safe haven.

So when she stumbles upon an employment opportunity at the Frick mansion --- a building that, ironically, bears her own visage --- Lillian jumps at the chance. But the longer she works as a private secretary to the imperious and demanding Helen Frick, the daughter and heiress of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick, the more deeply her life gets intertwined with that of the family --- pulling her into a tangled web of romantic trysts, stolen jewels and family drama that runs so deep, the stakes just may be life or death.

Nearly 50 years later, mod English model Veronica Weber has her own chance to make her career --- and with it, earn the money she needs to support her family back home --- within the walls of the former Frick residence, now converted into one of New York City's most impressive museums. But when she --- along with a charming intern/budding art curator named Joshua --- is dismissed from the Vogue shoot taking place at the Frick Collection, she chances upon a series of hidden messages in the museum: messages that will lead her and Joshua on a hunt that not only could solve Veronica's financial woes, but could finally reveal the truth behind a decades-old murder in the infamous Frick family.

April Mission of the Month

Serenity Inns

In Milwaukee alone, between 1500 – 2000 people are homeless and of those, over 90% have substance abuse problems. An estimated 80% of the current 20,000+ inmates in the Wisconsin prison system are incarcerated because of drug related activities. When men are released from prison, they often times lack the strength and foundation needed to lead a drug and alcohol free life. They struggle to find jobs, housing, and even individuals who will help them down the road of recovery.

Deaths from heroin overdose in Wisconsin and nationwide have become a public health crisis. According to Ashley Luthern of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, (Feb. 18, 2015), “Heroin-related deaths in Milwaukee County skyrocketed by 72% last year compared with 2013, according to data released by the Milwaukee County medical examiner’s office.” In 2014 as in 2013, there were more heroin-related deaths in Milwaukee County (119 in 2014) than motor vehicle deaths (74 in 2014). The national trend is at least as tragic with a 39% increase in heroin deaths from 2012 to 2013, the latest year that data is available.

Serenity Inn provides a comprehensive, seven month transitional living program. This program addresses the physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs of its residents.

Serenity Inn's mission is to offer an opportunity for holistic recovery from addiction and alcoholism to men who need it most, in a compassionate community of accountability. Their vision is a world where addicts and alcoholics who choose recovery may find it.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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