CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, July 6, 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.
This weekend, our gospel is from Matthew 11:25-30. The following devotion is on verse 28 and is from Come Boldly: Timeless Daily Encouragements on Prayer. It is a collection of writings from many great Christian thinkers. This one is written by Ole Hallesby, one of Norway’s leading theologically conservative Christian teachers and devotional writers. He was an outspoken opponent of the Nazi occupation of Norway and was arrested and detained at a concentration camp during WW II. He worked as a seminary professor in Oslo until his death in 1961.
When You Yourself Are a Prayer
We can spend time in silence together with people whom we know really well. That we cannot do with others. We must converse with them, entertain them either with interesting or profound things as the case may be. But with our own dear ones we can speak freely about common and insignificant things. In their presence, too, we can be silent.
It is not necessary to maintain a conversation when we are in the presence of God. We can come into His presence and rest our weary souls in quiet contemplation of Him. Our groanings, which cannot be uttered, rise to Him and tell Him better than words how dependent we are upon Him.
As evening drew nigh, and our little fellow had played until he was tired, I noticed that he drew closer and closer to his mother. At last he found the place he was longing for, mother's lap. He did not have a great deal to say then either. He simply lay there and let his mother caress him into sleep.
We, too, become tired, deathly tired, of ourselves, of others, of the world, of life, of everything! Then it is blessed to know of a place where we can lay our tired head and heart, our heavenly Father's arms, and say to Him, “I can do no more. And I have nothing to tell you. May I lie here a while and rest? Everything will soon be well again if I can only rest in your arms a while.” You yourself are a prayer to God at this moment. All that is within you cries out to Him. And He hears all the pleas that your suffering soul and body are making to Him with groanings which cannot be uttered. But if you should have an occasional restful moment, thank God that you already have been reconciled to Him, and that you are now resting in the everlasting arms.”
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Family Events This Month! | |
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Family Water Day - Sunday, July 9 (after church)
Join us for water games and pizza following worship on Sunday, July 9th (after church) . We will gather outside for some good old-fashioned water games (slip 'n slide, water balloons and more!) Plan on getting wet - all are welcome!!
Lunch will be provided.
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Family Game Day - Sunday, July 23 (after church)
Come hang out and play board games, card games, and more as Calvary families have fun hanging out together.
Lunch will be provided. Questions? Please contact Kyle Jones at youthdirector@calvarylc.com
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Worship - Why? Reason?
Worship is the primary thing that draws us together, nourishes our faith and sends us out to serve. One addition to worship here at Calvary is our Sunday morning livestream, for those who are not able to attend in person.
Worship is about one hour out of a whole week. Does this have an effect or difference? Yes, it is a foundation for a way of life that connects and impacts each of us and our daily lives beyond Sunday morning.
What are the parts of worship and their meaning that we take part in each Sunday morning? Let’s find out -
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Confession and Absolution - We begin each service with Confession. We are admitting our mistakes and asking God to forgive us. In turn, we hear the Words of Absolution. This act prepares us to do this in all our relationships. We ask for forgiveness, receiving it and giving it to others.
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Kyrie and Song of Praise – We pray in song for God’s mercy and peace for all. We live assured that that is what God provides. The words of the songs we sing become words for our way of life and being in the world.
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Scripture and Sermon – We hear God’s Word as it is read from the Bible. The preacher proclaims that these words make a difference in our lives and transform us. This is the word that gives us direction and assurance of God’s love.
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The Apostle’s Creed – Here, we pledge allegiance to our Triune God. Many have died for this faith. There are countless things in life that compete for our loyalty. The Creed reminds us that God, and what he has done for us is #1. It is a statement of what we believe and hold to be true.
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Prayers of Intercession – We ask God to help and enter into situations which we are committed to and concerned about. These prayers from us are to be part of the answer, in our giving, serving, visiting, sharing, etc.
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Sharing the Peace – We receive the peace of Christ and then we share it with others. In our daily lives, we become agents of Jesus’ peace.
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The Offering – What we put in the offering basket is a commitment to the work of the Lord and a symbol that we intend to return our whole lives to God. There is joy in giving that fosters God’s work in the world.
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The Meal - Jesus is the host and is the gift in this meal. It is the love of Christ for the world. It feeds and nourishes us – washes us clean – so that we can live a new day.
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The Blessing and Sending – These come right after the meal where we have been fed so that we can now feed the world. We become vessels that share the Good News of Jesus Christ in our words and through our actions.
Worship - Why? Reason? Because that one hour of worship is a central and formational part of our whole week, living in God’s Word and as God’s people.
Worship - Why? Reason? It's about coming together. Keep Smiling. Keeping Shining. Keep Praying.
Pastor Jerry Wittmus
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Day of Pentecost
6th Sunday
after Pentecost
July 8-9, 2023
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Caleb Douglas
ASSISTING MINISTER: Lee Tyne
DEACONS:
- Saturday: Mary Ellen
- Sunday: Pat Foy, Bill Graffin, Lenny Graffin
ACOLYTES:
- Xavier Griese and Addie Meyer
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
USHERS:
- Jim Brostowitz and Caryl Braatz
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
GREETERS:
- Paula Altman
- Evelyn Ceci
- Judy DeBruine
FELLOWSHIP:
- July 4th Hospitality Tent cookies
FLOWERS:
POWERPOINT TECH:
- Jeanette Kalupa/Saturday
- Sue Meyer/Sunday
LIVESTREAM:
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Church Life Committee Events | |
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SIGN UP NOW -- 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 is posted on the Opportunities kiosk in the Narthex.
Chairs should be taken to classroom #103 the week of July 31st. You will be responsible for taking your chairs after Starry Nights performance. In the event of rain, you will be contacted by a member of the Church Life committee.
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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.
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| Would you be interested in attending the Dockhounds game? | | | |
Endowment Committee Update | |
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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.
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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!
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Vacation Bible School
July 31 - August 4
9:00 a.m. - Noon
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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. | |
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New prayers requests or any updates to this current list should be directed to Cindy Zilske in the Church office (office@calvarylc.com).
New prayer requestsd: Wayne Dieck; Dennis Krupa, Nate Kreiter, Matti Beilfuss (friends of Rick Kegel)
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); 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-members: 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); 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)
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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
Alexis Peters, 7/15
Robert Zimmermann, 7/19
Radha Vaddavalli, 7/20
Lindsey Peters, 7/21
Sandie Rupnick, 7/21
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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)
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School Backpack Collection for NALC Disaster Response
Calvary will again be collecting school backpack supplies. These are distributed to families who have experienced natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and fires. The empty backpacks and lists of needed school supplies are in the narthex. If you have a gently used backpack to fill and donate feel free to use that as well. Filled backpacks can be placed into the plastic tubs under the tables in the narthex.
The school supply shopping list is shown below and copies are on the table in the Narthex.
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HOPE STREET MINISTRY
a Greenhouse for People on 26th and Capitol
Hope Street Ministry helps broken men, women and children cultivate hope and provides protection from the outside elements, and most importantly, supports growth together in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Hope Street Ministry is home to about 40 men, women and children whose lives have been profoundly affected by the toxic environment they grew up in, their own poor choices, or drug and alcohol abuse.
Empowered by the active Grace of Christ, the staff, volunteers, and members create a nurturing community for people to live, learn and develop new habits to flourish.
Their programs include:
- Integrative Wellness: Improving diet, sleep, exercise and managing stress
- Addiction support with AODA counselors and group work
- Forgiveness
- Education with GED assessment and tutoring
- Family Dynamics - relational boundaries and parenting skills
- Life Skills and Job Preparedness
- Healing from Trauma-including sexual abuse
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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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.
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Worship Attendance and Giving Options | |
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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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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. | |
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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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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
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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!
If you'd like more information about serving as a Deacon, please contact Mary Ellen Thiede or George Sedivec.
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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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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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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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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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