CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, September 7, 2023 | |
Rally Day Church Picnic this Sunday
following worship!
All are welcome even if you didn't get a chance to sign up. If you are able, please bring a dish to pass - but it's not required to attend.
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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.
The psalm for this weekend is taken from Psalm 32:1-7. The devotion below focuses on verses 1-5 and is taken from the One Year Book of Psalms.
“A Lesson in God’s Forgiveness”
You may recall the story: King sees woman. King takes woman. King has woman's husband killed. This plot could have been played out in any ancient culture, but this was Israel, where the king answered to a higher authority.
When the prophet Nathan charged David with his sin of adultery and murder, David openly confessed his sin, writing the deeply personal Psalm 51. Talk about airing your dirty laundry! David's mea culpa became a part of the nation's hymnbook so that future generations could read of David's repentance and confession.
Psalm 32 seems to be the sequel to Psalm 51. After David confesses his sin, he receives God's forgiveness. In Psalm 51 David says that he wants to teach God's ways to other sinners, leading them to repentance, and in Psalm 32 David is teaching God's forgiveness to other sinners.
When Martin Luther was asked which psalm was the best psalm, he replied, “The psalms of Paul.” His questioners knew that the apostle Paul didn't write any of the psalms, so they asked him what he meant. He answered that he was referring to psalms 32, 50, 130, and 143. “They all teach,” Luther said, “that the forgiveness of sin comes, without the law and without works, to the man who believes. This is just what Paul says, and that is why I call them the psalms of Paul.”
Like David, confess your sins to God, and experience the joy of his forgiveness.
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Day of Pentecost
15th Sunday
after Pentecost
September 9-10, 2023
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Scott Langelin
DEACONS:
- Saturday: Larry Bonier
- Sunday: Linda Thorpe, Bill Graffin, Marilyn Hermann
ACOLYTES:
- Jackson Gall and Ava Morris
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
USHERS:
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
GREETERS:
- Wayne and Bonnie Johnson
- Bill and Lenny Graffin
FELLOWSHIP: RALLY DAY PICNIC
FLOWERS:
- Dudzik family in celeration of Lizzy and Will's birthdays
POWERPOINT TECH:
- Jeanette Kalupa/Saturday
- Sue Rowe/Sunday
LIVESTREAM:
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WISCONSIN UPPER MICHIGAN
MISSION DISTRICT CONVOCATION
October 6-7, 2023
Calvary Lutheran Church
Calvary is pleased to again host the annual Mission District Convocation of the North American Lutheran Church on October 6-7. This year we will be honored with the presence of our Bishop, Dan Selbo. Bishop Selbo will address the Convocation on Saturday, October 7 and preach at the closing worship liturgy. We invite you to attend and meet your fellow brothers and sisters from our Mission District as we all seek to do the Lord's will among us.
DETAILS: The Convocation will begin on Friday, October 6 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m., followed by the James Kealey concert at 7:00 p.m. Registration on Saturday will be from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and concludes with a worship service at 1:00 p.m. Bishop Selbo will be presiding over the closing liturgy.
Please register through the office. Registration is $15. Checks should be made payable to: Wisconsin/Upper Michigan, Mission District. Food and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by October 1st.
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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 Request: Pastor Mark Knappe
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.
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Wayne Dieck; Bev Lawson; Sue Rowe; Donna Schroeder; Maxine Weisbrodt; Jan Chesner; Grace Gunnlaugsson; 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); Becky (friend of Jane Taufner); 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); Andy Jacobs (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); Gary Zikmund (friend of George Sedivec); Tony Shemberger (father of Amy Blobaum)
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; Shirely Mahn, Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Mary (sister-in-law of Jane Taufner); Jan Janchan (friend of Jonni Roush); 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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Elton Juno, 9/7
Sue Sadowsky, 9/7
Mary Wenzel, 9/7
Eloise Kurth, 9/9 -- Happy 97!
Jane Taufner, 9/9
Carol Witzke, 9/11
Addie Meyer, 9/12
George Rooney, 9/12
Terry Moths, 9/13
Kris Lewandowski, 9/14
Erica Zipp, 9/14
Elijah Himsel, 9/15
Rich Rooks, 9/15
Will Dudzik, 9/16
Ron Foster, 9/16
Cable Gall, 9/16
Ken Nelson 9/16
Carole Wegner, 9/16
Linda Richmond, 9/17
Hugh Taufner, 9/17
Mark Knappe, 9/18
Mallory Zipp, 9/18
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Mitch and Beth Foster, 9/7 (32 years)
Joe and Diane Grundman, 9/7 (49 years)
Dave and Carolyn Schuelke, 9/12 (31 years)
Andy and Angie Schatz, 9/23 (23 years)
John and Mary Lau, 9/27 (54 years)
Bob and Caryl Braatz, 9/30 (62 years)
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Gemutlichkeit Night!
Saturday, September 23 at 6:15 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Calvary members who traveled to Oberammergau last September invite you to an adult-only evening of fellowship, fun and some German food, beer and wine!
Photos from their trip will be shared.
No cost to attend; however, a Free Will Offering will be accepted to offset the costs of food and beverages.
Sign up deadline is September 16 - look for the sheet on the Opportunities kiosk in the Narthex.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ruth Brostowitz.
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Angie Schatz would like to invite parens to a brief Youth and Parent meeting on Sunday, September 17 at 11:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. She will be talking about the plans for our Youth & Family Ministry program, upcoming events, and the best way to keep in contact with you and your child(ren).
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1st - 5th Graders
Mini Golf & Ice Cream
Saturday, September 16
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
We will meet at Tee Aire Golf in Brookfield. We will play the 18-hole course and then head over to the neighboring Culver's for a treat.
Cost: $5/person
Please sign up on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex.
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Family Fun!
Backyard Outdoor Movie
Saturday, September 16
7:00 p.m.
We will be watching "Prince of Egypt", an awesome animated, family, Christian movie (PG rating, 1:37 minutes). Bring a lawn chair or blanket for a night of family fun in the Calvary backyard, near the playground.
Please sign up on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex.
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High School Youth
Disc Golf & Ice Cream
Sunday, September 17
3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
We will play 18 holes of disc golf at Valley View Disc Golf in New Berlin and stop for ice cream on our way back to church. No previous experience needed - just come and have fun!
Cost: $5/person
Please sign up on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex.
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Friends are always welcome to join us for any Youth & Family Ministry events! | |
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Sign up today for 2023/2024 Sunday School Program
Students and volunteers are invited to sign up for Sunday School, which will run from September 17 through May 19
10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Please use the link below to register.
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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. | | | |
CELEBRATION RINGERS - We are recruiting!
WE NEED YOU! If you can swing a bell and count to four, you are eligible to play in the bell choir! Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 5:30. On Sunday, September 17, we will have a “get to know you” session for anyone interested in playing bells. You can ask any questions you would like! Please contact Nicole Moritz, Music Director, at 414.625.0318.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
That’s a Latin phrase that means “to God alone be the glory.” It’s been quoted by church musicians ever since the famous Bach stamped it all over his manuscripts. That’s what we aim to do in our choir as we learn and practice new music and bring life to historic music. We need your voice! If you’re interested in joining us, please contact Nicole Moritz, Music Director, at 414.625.0318.
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Pre-Service Hymn Sing!
Sunday, September 17
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! This will be repeated again in October and November.
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ORGAN CONCERT WITH JAMES KEALEY
FRIDAY OCTOBER 6 AT 7:00 P.M.
In co-sponsorship with the American Guild of Organists, Milwaukee Chapter, Calvary Lutheran will be hosting an organ concert given by the 2022 winner of the National Young Artists’ Competition in Organ Performance, James Kealey. More information about James' musical accomplishments is outlined below.
We do have the opportunity to reduce our costs for artist housing (hotel) if someone is able to provide housing for Mr. Kealey for the nights of October 4, 5 and 6 (leaving the 7th). This is Wednesday night, Thursday night, and Friday night. If you are able or willing to provide a room for our guest organist, please let Nicole Moritz know right away. She may be contacted at 414-625-0318.
James' previous engagements include recitals at Westminster Abbey UK; Methuen Memorial Music Hall, MA; St John the Divine, NYC; and recitals for many AGO chapters around the country. Upcoming engagements include concerts across the U.S.A., including a solo organ recital at the 2024 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists in San Francisco.
A native of Great Britain, James came to the U.S.A. having held positions at notable English Cathedrals. He received his undergraduate degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, and worked as Senior Organ Scholar to the Chapel Choir there in their series of live broadcasts, international tours, CD recordings, weekly services, and concerts.
In the spring of 2020, James completed his Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Organ Performance and Literature. In 2021 he was honored to be named one of The Diapason’s “20 under 30”, an accolade awarded to the most successful young artists in the field.
Currently, James serves as full time Associate Director of Music/Organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY. In this capacity he accompanies the Chancel Choir and directs the Third Church Choristers. Alongside this position, James is a candidate for the Doctor of Music Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY in the studio of Prof. David Higgs.
James is represented in North America by Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc.
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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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September Mission of the Month | |
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To support this important Mission for the Month, you may include it in your weekly offering envelope or designate the donation for Mission of the Month in your online giving.
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To learn more about Redeem and Restore, please click HERE to read their 2022 Annual Report.
A representative from Redeem & Resotre will be with us to share more information on Sunday, September 24.
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Reedem & Restore Center is a new mission for us. This organization is committed to the prevention, intervention, and restoration of women that have been trapped into the sex trafficking industry. They are dedicated to walking alongside women in SE Wisconsin coaching and connecting to needed resources to become whole.
They currently offer the following services to women that have been out of the ‘no life’ for a time:
- Survivor support group
- Mentorship
- Friendship
- Coaching
- Case Management
- Social Outings
- Financial Assistance
They have the first Redeemend Home for women in Waukesha County. It is a 12-24 month restorative care home that provides mental, physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual healing for the women.
For each woman to have HOPE & FREEDOM, it is a fight through all the layers of trauma. Their home environment will enable women to have a good foundation to continue to build a new life. Restoration is possible because of HOPE!
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Women's Book Group
September 11, 2023
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
(Books are available in the kit in the church office.)
Looking at real estate isn’t usually a life-or-death situation, but an apartment open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes a group of strangers hostage. The captives include a recently retired couple who relentlessly hunt down fixer-uppers to avoid the painful truth that they can’t fix their own marriage. There’s a wealthy bank director who has been too busy to care about anyone else and a young couple who are about to have their first child but can’t seem to agree on anything. Add to the mix an eighty-seven-year-old woman who has lived long enough not to be afraid of someone waving a gun in her face, a flustered but still-ready-to-make-a-deal real estate agent, and a mystery man who has locked himself in the apartment’s only bathroom, and you’ve got the worst group of hostages in the world.
Each of them carries a lifetime of grievances, hurts, secrets, and passions that are ready to boil over. None of them is entirely who they appear to be. And all of them - the bank robber included - desperately crave some sort of rescue. As the authorities and the media surround the premises, these reluctant allies will reveal surprising truths about themselves and set in motion a chain of events so unexpected that even they can hardly explain what happens next.
Proving once again that Backman is “a master of writing delightful, insightful, soulful, character-driven narratives” (USA Today), Anxious People “captures the messy essence of being human….It’s clever and affecting, as likely to make you laugh out loud as it is to make you cry” (The Washington Post). This “endlessly entertaining mood-booster” (Real Simple) is proof that the enduring power of friendship, forgiveness, and hope can save us - even in the most anxious of times.
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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, September 21, 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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Who is your Deacon? Who is on our Church Council?
Who are the Call Committee members?
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Check out the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall where we have photos of the members of these ministry teams.
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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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Message from Pastor Jerry Wittmus
The Council's decision regarding supply preaching and congregational pastoral care is deeply appreciated. I will preside and preach the first weekend of every month, and any other time as needed. I will also be providing pastoral care, as outlined below:
- Pray for Clavary, its members, and the mission of the church.
- Call/visit members who request pastoral care, hospitlized, family death, etc.
- Consult with Visitation Committee
- Preside over Funerals, weddings, baptisms
- Attend the monthly Stephen Ministry meetings
- Provide monthly communion to Calvary members at Ruby Commons apartments
- Any other duties/responsibilities as directed by the Council.
If you have any pastoral needs, I am the pastor on call and can be reached in the following ways:
- My cell phone is (262) 818-6792 (call or text)
- My email is nanjer248@hotmail.com
- Through the Church office (262) 786-4010
My motto is "We do ministry together". With the Holy Spirit guiding us, God's work will be done and ministry will continue here at Calvary Lutheran Church. Good communication is the key as we serve and help each other.
Peace and blessings to all.
Pastor Jerry Wittmus
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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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