CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday October 19, 2023 | |
Reflection on this weekend's Scripture reading | |
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As we patiently wait for the pastor God has chosen for us, we will be featuring a devotion or other commentary on a verse or section from the readings for each weekend. Each devotion will note its source.
Our Old Testament lesson this weekend is from Isaiah 45:1-7. The following devotion is from "Places along the Way" by Martin Marty and takes us to Persia where Cyrus ruled.
Persia is unnamed in today's text but we recognize the place because we know that Cyrus was the first to rule there. Cyrus did what kings do. He built towered fortresses and strong walls from which his armies marched to conquer. He called himself king of the world, great king, legitimate king.
The God he did not recognize or even know had other names for him, however: “My shepherd” and the “anointed” of the Lord. From that naming we learn much about how God governs our human affairs.
When Persia became the challenger to Babylon, Cyrus came to be the agent of rescue for exiled Israel. He was the human who made their return from Babylon possible. He was the divine instrument.
God named Cyrus, though Cyrus could not name God. This is astonishing. Cyrus worked the purpose of God, though he did not know God. Maybe we should not readily dismiss secular leaders as being merely secular or think of governments as being godless. They can serve the purposes of God.
Where do people fit who do not know God, who do not believe in the Lord, and yet serve divine intentions? Today we will be open to seeing the care of God through all sorts of people. And we will see such people differently. We may even associate rulers not merely with towers and fortresses and armies but with liberating policies, as God guides them.
Our souls are not satisfied by the actions of those who do not know God, nor have these people come to saving health. But their works of government and justice, of leadership and care, serve the purposes of God.
Help us recognize your work, O Lord, in the acts of those who, not yet knowing you, do your works of justice in the world. Amen
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Meet Your Deacon
THIS WEEKEND
You're invited to spend a little time with your Deacon this Saturday and Sunday following worship. Snacks will be provided. You can identify your Deacon by the nametag signs at each of the tables.
Please stop by to say "hello"!
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Day of Pentecost
21st Sunday
after Pentecost
October 21-22, 2023
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Pat Foy
DEACONS:
· Saturday: Mary Ellen Thiede
· Sunday: Judy Kestly, Bill Graffin, Lenny Graffin
ACOLYTES:
- Amelia Evert and Jackson Gall
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
USHERS:
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
GREETERS:
- Diane Grundman
- Marilyn Hermann
- Everett Lambert
- Joanne Schultz
FELLOWSHIP:
- Tom and Mary Ellen Thiede
FLOWERS:
- Lesley and Roger Evert in celebration of their wedding anniversary
POWERPOINT TECH:
- Jeanette Kalupa/Saturday
- Sue Rowe/Sunday
LIVESTREAM:
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Entry Forms will be on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex. | |
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The Call Committee is excited to announce that we have submitted our complete Congregational Profile! This 10-page document took a lot of effort, discussion, dedication, and prayer. We are happy to share that our profile has been added to the NALC Vacancy list. The video that was created that was included with our Profile submission can be viewed here.
Now, we wait and continue to pray for the pastor the Lord is preparing for our congregation.
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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 grace and blessings to: Landon John Peters, son of John and Lindsey Peters, who will be baptized at the Saturday service.
Prayers of sympathy and God's peace to: Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus and family on the passing of Nancy's brother Doug.
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Bruce Steffens; Sue Rowe; Jan Chesner;. Wolf Knappe (father of Pastor Mark Knappe); Sue Miller (sister of Mary Ellen Thiede); Mark Sturms (cousin of Cindy Zilske); Peter Vang (relative of Ka Thao); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Courtney Cook (friend of Lenny Graffin); Dennis Krupa, Nate Kreiter, Matti Beilfuss (friends of Rick Kegel); Laura Burger (Calvary member and twin sister of Linda Richmond); Ron Parker (brother of Linda Thorpe); 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: Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Ron Foster; Grace Gunnlaugsson; Bev Lawson; Shirely Mahn, Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: 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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Adam Kershek, 10/19
Sandra Sanchez, 10/20
Deb Wolff, 10/20
Herb Grospitz, 10/21
David Kretschmann, 10/21
Natalie Anderson, 10/22
Vivian Peters, 10/25
Dave Cason, 10/26
Connor Morris, 10/29
Erik Zipp, 10/29
Lisa Grossman, 10/30
Nicole Kalupa, 10/30
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Erik and Erica Zipp, 10/20 (16 years)
Lesly and Roger Evert, 10/22 (12 years)
Matt and Hannah Ware, 10/26 (4 years)
Mark and Sheila Kershek, 10/27 (28 years)
Bob and Diana Streicher, 10/28 (34 years)
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Thursday Afternoon Bible Study
Pastor Jerry Wittmus invites you to join him on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for an hour-long Bible study.
He will be leading discussion on the readings for the upcoming weekend. A study sheet is available on the table in the Narthex.
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Pre-Service Hymn Sing!
THIS Sunday, October 22
8:45 a.m.
In lieu of Prelude music, would you like to get a chance to sing your favorite hymn or worship song as your prepare for service? You can bring your hymn request with you, or email to Nicole in advance at music@calvarylc.com.
Nicole will also offer some brief "Tips and Tricks" for better singing so that we can all be more confident. We can all learn to sing on a higher level than we currently do - there are many ways to do that. She'd like to give you some "tricks" to think about the next time you sing ... let's unite our voices and sing to the glory of God!
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Bibles were presented to several of our youth last Sunday by Angie Schatz during the Children's Message. | |
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October Youth Group Events:
Elementary School (1st - 5th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday October 22, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Duck Pin Bowling, November 18, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Corn Maze, Saturday, October 21, Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday, November 19 , 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
High School (9-12th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday, November 12, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
"Garcade", December 3, 2023, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 29
11:15 a.m. - Noon
Church Parking Lot
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Friends are always welcome to join us for any Youth & Family Ministry events! | |
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 Opportunties kiosk in the Narthex. | | |
Mission & Outreach Opportunities | |
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BUILD A BED OPPORTUNITY
Saturday, November 11
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Waukesha
(30) beds will be built on this day and given to children in Waukesha County.
Minimum age to particiate is 12. There's truly something for all abilities. Please sign up on the kiosk in the Narthex.
We are also collecting NEW twin size (no XL) sheets and pillows for the beds that are built.
Please place your donated items in the tub beneath the table in the Narthex by Nov. 6th.
If you have any questions, please contact Karen or Keith Pierce.
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If you'd like to fill a shoebox or two for Operation Christmas Child, empty shoe boxes are in the Narthex under the tables.
A label is inside each box with instructions on how to pack the shoebox along with gift ideas. DO NOT seal your shoebox(es). Please palce a check on top of your gifts in the box for shipping ($10 check made payable to Calvary Lutheran Church). Calvary will send one check for shipping when boxes are sent.
Please return your filled shoebox no later than November 12th.
If you have any questions, please contact Diane Knappe.
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October Mission of the Month | |
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October's Mission of the Month supports two ministries focused on providing pastoral retreat ministries - Broomtree Ministries and Shepherd's Canyon.
Wouldn't you like to help in making possible a counseling ministry for the restoration of hurting clergy couples and other professional church workers? Is there a need for such a ministry? Absolutely! Check out the facts below.
- 20% of pastors are "in crisis" - they are just "hanging on," coping with the issues they face day-to-day
- Among Protestant clergy, an incredible number quit the ministry every month!
- Only 50% of pastors entering the ministry today will make it five years
- 8O% of pastors say that the ministry has had a negative impact on their family
- Upwards of 70% of pastors fight depression
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Broom Tree Ministries provides spiritual retreats for pastors and their spouses. The retreats are designed to provide uninterrupted time with God in rest, reflection, and beauty. Broom Tree prioritizes good food and lots of time with spouses. Our guests consistently experience "aha" moments that bring clarity and challenge for the next season of ministry. Since 1997 we have been strengthening the church one pastor at a time.
Broom Tree retreats are held in Michigan and more information
can be found at
http://broomtreeministries.org
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Each Shepherd's Canyon seven-day retreat includes up to four client couples (singles are welcome), two counselors - male and female - and a retreat chaplain.
Our twelve retreat therapists have a combined 250 years of counseling experience! All counseling is Bible-based. Shepherd's Canyon Retreats are held at Standing Stones Retreat Center near Wickenburg, AZ.
Learn more about Shepherd's Canyon at www.StandingStonesAz.org.
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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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Facing tough times? Need a Christian Friend?
Stephen Ministry is here to help. Free, just like God's love.
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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.
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Women's Book Group
November 13, 2023 - 12:30 p.m.
Media Room
"Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman"
A new, fascinating account of the life of Agatha Christie from celebrated literary and cultural historian Lucy Worsley.
"Nobody in the world was more inadequate to act the heroine than I was."
Why did Agatha Christie spend her career pretending that she was “just” an ordinary housewife, when clearly she wasn’t? Her life is fascinating for its mysteries and its passions and, as Lucy Worsley says, "She was thrillingly, scintillatingly modern." She went surfing in Hawaii, she loved fast cars, and she was intrigued by the new science of psychology, which helped her through devastating mental illness.
So why - despite all the evidence to the contrary - did Agatha present herself as a retiring Edwardian lady of leisure?
She was born in 1890 into a world that had its own rules about what women could and couldn’t do. Lucy Worsley’s biography is not just of a massively, internationally successful writer. It's also the story of a person who, despite the obstacles of class and gender, became an astonishingly successful working woman.
With access to personal letters and papers that have rarely been seen, Lucy Worsley’s biography is both authoritative and entertaining and makes us realize what an extraordinary pioneer Agatha Christie was—truly a woman who wrote the twentieth century.
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Worship Attendance/Giving and Giving Options | |
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
The restaurant seating has been reconfigured in compliance with social distancing requirements.
All men are invited to attend!
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Monthly Men's Gathering
Fellowship Hall
Thursday, October 19, 2023
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 2023 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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