CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, June 29, 2023

If you'd like to park in the church parking lot for the July 4 parade, please plan to arrive before they close Calhoun Road around 9:30 a.m. The parade lasts from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30/Noon.


Special Note: The Children's Bike Parade, which starts the parade, will be assembling in our lot near the Gebhardt Road entrance. For safety reasons, please enter the church lot from the Calhoun Road entrance.

This Week's Reflection on the Reading


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 gospel reading for this weekend is from Matthew 10:34-42. These words are from the NIV Study Bible notes on this passage (vs. 34-39):



“Jesus did not come to bring the kind of peace that glosses over deep differences just for the sake of superficial harmony. Conflict and disagreement will arise between those who choose to follow Christ and those who don’t. Yet we can look forward to the day when all conflict will be resolved. . . . Christian commitment may separate friends and loved ones.


In saying this, Jesus was not encouraging disobedience to parents or conflict at home. Rather, He was showing that His Presence demands a decision. Because some will follow Christ and some won’t, conflict will inevitably arise. As we take our cross and follow Him, our different values, morals, goals, and purposes will set us apart from others. Don’t neglect your family but remember that your commitment to God is even more important than they are.”

NEW WORSHIP RESOURCE!



To help navigate the summer weekend worship (Now the Feast and Celebration from the maroon Hymnal Supplement), a one-page "bulletin" has been produced, outlining the Order of Worship and the scripture readings.


They will be available on the stands near the entrance to the Sanctuary or from an usher on Sunday mornings.

This Week's

Reflections from

Martin Luther

God did not give you your gifts for you to tickle yourself with them, but for you to help your neighbor with them when he needs it, and thus by your strength to bear his witness by your piety and honor to cover up his sin and to conceal his shame, as God through Christ has done for you and still does every day.


— Martin Luther —

Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount

Check out what's happening at Calvary - click on the calendar

Find Us on Facebook

Worship Resources
Calvary's Website
Live Stream Link
Online Resources
NALC Daily Devotion

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.

Day of Pentecost

5th Sunday

after Pentecost



July 1-2, 2023



PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus

ASSISTING MINISTER: Jessica Dudzik

DEACONS:    

  • Saturday: Larry Bonier
  • Sunday: Sue Rowe, George Sedivec, Everett Lambert

ACOLYTES:

  • Noah Ciszewski and Sean Moritz

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

  • Lizzy Dudzik

USHERS:

  • Brad Meyer and Jon Sayas

LECTOR:

  • Judy Sayas

ALTAR GUILD:

  • RoJean Holler

GREETERS:

  • Bill and Lenny Graffin
  • Linda Thorpe

FELLOWSHIP:

  • Calvary

FLOWERS:

  • Cindy Zilske in celebration of her 41st wedding anniversary

POWERPOINT TECH:

  • Jeanette Kalupa/Saturday
  • Sue Rowe/Sunday

LIVESTREAM:

  • Kyle Jones

NICOLE'S NOTES


Raising Awareness: Lutheran Heritage


One of the things that draws me to the Lutheran church—and I speak of Lutheranism in general, not one synod in particular—is that there is collectively a greater-than-average awareness of the church’s history, and Lutheran leaders typically make an effort to keep alive the memory of pivotal historic characters. I want nothing more than to maintain that tradition here at Calvary, since I believe we can learn much from the past even as we move forward.


The summer season is exciting for a music director, believe it or not. It’s a time when I can catch up, file “old” sheet music neatly away, learn some new things, and project grand schemes for the upcoming season. One of the exhilarating projects on the horizon is Reformation Sunday, a marvelous opportunity to explore the origins of the Lutheran persuasion. 2023 is year 506 of commemorating an official Protestantism, the stirrings of which began at least a century previous to that.


Each year we sing “A Mighty Fortress,” which is perhaps the most famous hymn to come out of that time period, but there is so much more to the story. I hope to focus on the transition to Luther’s German Mass, which interestingly was a vision for a “non-rigid” liturgy. Congregations in Luther’s time used both German and Latin texts. As a reference, the five points of the historic Mass are Kyrie (Lord have mercy), Gloria (Glory to God), Credo (Creed), Sanctus (Holy), and Agnus Dei (Lamb of God).


Several hymns came out of this effort which are still preserved in our hymnal today. “Kyrie! God, Father” is LBW 168. This is based on an existing ecclesiastical chant. A setting by Heinrich Schuetz can be found here. https://youtu.be/b09qgdsR4Vo


“All Glory Be to God on High” LBW 166 is a versification of the “Gloria” by Nikolaus Decius, another German monk who became a pastor. Click the link for a version by Michael Praetorius. https://youtu.be/xvhpPCqMX1k


“We All Believe in One True God” LBW 374 is Luther’s versification of the Nicene Creed, founded upon a century-old version. Here is a stunning rendition by the 2010 Lutheran Summer Music community in Decorah, Iowa. (link) https://soundcloud.com/user-135479103/we-all-believe-in-one-true-god-wir-glauben-all-an-einen-gott#t=1:10


“Isaiah in a Vision Did of Old” LBW 528 is Luther’s attempt to place the venerable “Holy, Holy” passage in its Biblical context, Isaiah 6:1-4. The melody is derived from an 11th century Sanctus. https://soundcloud.com/user-135479103/isaiah-in-a-vision-did-of-old-jesaia-dem-propheten


“Christ, Lamb of God” LBW 103, and “Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless” LBW 111 are both settings of the Agnus Dei which was introduced to the liturgy sometime in the eighth century, from John the Baptist’s cry, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

If you have a hymnal on your bookshelf at home, take it out and meditate on the words of these hymns. Give thanks to God for those who brought us the Gospel in our own language.

4th of July Hospitality Tent

Bottled Water, Cookies & Help

are Needed!


Calvary's 4th of July hospitality tent is a great outreach opportunity appreciated by many. Please sign up on the kiosk in the Narthex to bring bottled water, cookies, and/or to help. Bottled water should be dropped off in Room 103.

Church Life Committee Events

STARRY NIGHTS

Friday, August 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center

CHICKEN WIRE EMPIRE



We will take your chairs over to the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center so that we can all sit together for a night of fun music and fellowship. A sign-up sheet will be on the Opportunities kiosk in the Narthex next week. Bring a friend or two!







A possible new event!

BATTER UP!

Lake Country DockHounds baseball game

Sunday, August 27 at 1:35 p.m.

So that we can determine interest when ordering group tickets, please let us know if you'd be interested in attending by using the survey link below.


Thank you!

Would you be interested in attending the Dockhounds game?
Yes
No

Endowment Committee Update


The Endowment Committee has had an active start to 2023. The Committee has the responsibility for the investments of the funds and the use of the funds for education, outreach, and program ministries. In 2022, the Committee pledged its support of the Dr. Leonard Sax presentations at Calvary in 2023 with a $6,000 grant. The Committee received many positive comments and was pleased to have Calvary connected with many outside organizations and individuals. This fall, the Endowment Committee will be supporting another event as Calvary and The Milwaukee Chapter of The American Guild of Organists hosts James Kealey, the First Prize and Audience Prize winner of the 2022 American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance. It is expected that this performance will attract many visitors to Calvary. The Endowment Committee desires to have Calvary become a well-known entity in the community.


The Endowment Committee continues to support outside organizations. SOLA Publications provides NALC materials including the materials used by Calvary in Bible Studies and weekly liturgy. Unfortunately, SOLA sustained damage to their roof from the winter rains and has reached out for assistance. The Endowment Committee has committed $1,500 to this need. In addition, a newer NALC congregation in Pensacola, FL, Epiphany Lutheran, has requested support from its sister congregations to aid with the purchase and construction of their multi-purpose transitional worship space. The Endowment Committee has also committed $1,500 to this request.

With the fiduciary oversight of the investments, the Committee has also decided to take advantage of the more stable, higher returns provided by certificates of deposit and a money market fund moving some investments out of the stock and bond funds.


If you would like more information regarding the Endowment Committee, please reach out to Ernie Kretschmann, Pat Dieck, Lee Tyne, Jane Taufner, or Dean Schmelzer.

Faith Formation

Register today for this summer's VBS!


Launch kids on a cosmic quest where they’ll have a blast shining Jesus’ light to the world. Stellar rockets kids on an out-of-this-world adventure that’s light years of faith-building fun.


Volunteers are needed! Please sign up via the link below. We couldn't do our VBS without the help of so many wonderful volunteers. Please consider helping us again this year!

Vacation Bible School

July 31 - August 4

9:00 a.m. - Noon

Details and Registration Here!

Our Church Family

Photos of the Church Council and Board of Deacons are posted on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. Deacons are listed along with their respective Alpha groups beside their names. Church Council members are listed with their committee liaisons by their names.

New prayers 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 on: Judy Sayas and family as they welcome a healthy new granddaughter, Bethany Anastasia Sayas, born on June 23.


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: Bev Lawson; Shirley Mahn; Sue Rowe; Maxine Weisbrodt; Jan Chesner; Grace Gunnlaugsson; Sis Kealey (mother of Sue Rowe); Laura Burger (Calvary member and twin sister of Linda Richmond); Ron Parker (brother of LInda Thorpe); Laura (daughter of Hugh and Jane Taufner); 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); Mary (sister-in-law of Jane Taufner); Lynn Strickland (father of Nicole Moritz);Tony Shemberger (father of Amy Blobaum); Ray-Ann, granddaughter of David Ernst


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; Donna Schroeder; Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow


Non-membersJan 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); 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); Susan Petropoulos (sister of Wayne Johnson); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)

Harold Rose, 6/30


Ruby Himsel, 7/2

Jeff Friese, 7/3

Sophia Liu,7/3

Kyle Gall, 7/4

Elliot Jones, 7/5

Judy DeBruine, 7/6

Mady Peters, 7/6

Chris Cason, 7/8

Katie Rooks, 7/8

Kris Springer, 7/8

Bruce Hanke, 7/10

Lorna Reiter, 7/11

John Peters, 7/13



George and Carol Rooney, 7/1 (56 years)

Dave and Paula Altman, 7/2 (45 years)

Jackson and Tiffany Schlieve, 7/12 (8 years)

Wayne and Bonnie Johnson, 7/15 (33 years)

Scott and Peggy Langelin, 7/18 (41 years)

Jerry and Nancy Wittmus, 7/18 (35 years)

Cable and Sarah Gall, 7/29 (16 years)

Keith and Karen Pierce, 7/30 (34 years)

Mission and Outreach

JuneMission of the Month

NALC International Mission

through the World Mission Prayer League



The World Mission Prayer League (WMPL) is an official ministry partner of the NALC. WMPL grew out of a God-given burden to pray for the unreached interiors of Africa, Asia, and Latin America in the 1930’s. A band of students, pastors and friends in the Minneapolis area joined together in prayer that the Lord of the harvest would send laborers into his harvest.

 

WMPL says of itself … we are committed to pray, as Jesus commands his followers in Matthew 9:38 – “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” We are a … community of men and women who are committed to prayer - the “working method” of our mission. 

 

The World Mission Prayer League exists to see that populations with limited or no access to the Gospel experience the love of Christ and that believers and communities of believers in the Americas and elsewhere engage in active and collaborative participation in living out their roles in the great commission.

 

Our Mission of the Month offerings will:

 1.    Directly support the work of the World Mission Prayer League;

 2.    Support a “Ministry Fund” for our missionaries and support for orphans whose parents died of

COVID.


We hope you will learn more about WMPL – their website is www.wmpl.org, and generously support the mission work Calvary does in India through this wonderful Lutheran ministry.



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.

Women's Ministry

Janet Zastrow, expert seamstress, invites the women of all ages to join her for Sewing Circle this summer (date and time to be determined). Janet has been teaching Amruth Busi, daughter of Radha Vaddavalli, how to sew. Several examples of what they have made together are pictured here.


Janet is looking for adults who sew to participate, as well as donations of patterns, which have become quite expensive to purchase!. There is a bin in the Narthex to collect the patterns, This is a great opportunity for inter-generational fellowship.


If you're interested in helping Janet with this wonderful ministry, please send an email to her at janetzastrow@att.net.

Are you a knitter, crocheter or loomer? Would you like to participate with a group of crafters who meet regularly to create prayer shawls, lap blankets, scarves, hats, mittens, and much more? These items are given to those in need.


You will enjoy the fellowship of fellow crafters as they work on projects and share suggestions and ideas to grow this ministry.


If you would like additional information, please contact Pat Dieck (262.790.1298) or Evelyn Ceci (262.389.7251).

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Second and Fourth Thursdays

9:30 a.m. - Fellowship Hall

Worship Attendance and Giving Options

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.

Men's Ministry

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!


Fellowship Hall

Thursday, July 20

6:00 p.m. Supper

Study to follow


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


A few reminders ....

Who Is Your Deacon?

Do you know who your Deacon is? Check out the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall - there is a photo of all the Deacons, along with a listing of their respective alpha groups.


Your Deacon is there for you! To pray for you, to answer any questions you may have about Calvary or to just get to know you. They are a valuable part of our ministry here at Calvary!


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:



  1. My cell phone is (262) 818-6792 (call or text)
  2. My email is nanjer248@hotmail.com
  3. 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

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!

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!

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.

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.
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.

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