CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday November 2, 2023 | |
A Message from the Bishop
In the wake of the ongoing conflict between Isarel and Hamas, our hearts are heavy with sorrow and concern for the people and the nations involved. The Reverend Bishop Dan Selbo has provided information on how we can help, as well as suggested prayers for mercy, healing and peace.
The link below will take you to the NALC document provided by the NALC to be shared with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
NALC Letter
| |
|
Reflection on this weekend's Scripture 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.
This weekend, our psalm is Psalm 149, the next to last psalm in the Book of Psalms. This devotion from "The One-Year Book of Psalms" takes a little glimpse ahead into a word we’ll hear often in the coming weeks – “Hallelujah!”
“Hallelujah!”
The last five psalms all begin and end with the same word in Hebrew: Hallelujah! In English, of course, it means, “Praise the Lord!”
In December the glorious strains of Handel’s Messiah will ring forth, with its “Hallelujah Chorus” as the thrilling high point. Over fifty times the words Hallelujah is sung.
When the “Hallelujah Chorus” was developing in George Frideric Handel’s mind, he said, ”I did think I saw all heaven before me and the great God Himself!” But Handel”s circumstances looked quite dismal. Though he had been a successful musician earlier in his life, he had gone bankrupt, and by the time he was in his fifties, his career seemed behind him. He began writing biblical oratorios, composing his Messiah when he was fifty-six.
Can you imagine how he must have felt when the king of England attended the performance of his new oratorio and rose to his feet at the singing of the “Hallelujah Chorus”? All the audience stood as well, starting a custom that is still followed today.
In Psalm 149 the psalmist begins by praising God and then finds, in verse 4, blessing coming back upon him. That's what Handel discovered, too, and you‘ll discover it as well. Always start by taking time to praise God, and don't worry if your “Hallelujah Chorus” does not sound like Handel’s. With a chorus of angels behind you, it will sound great.
| | |
|
|
Day of Pentecost
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
November 4-5, 2023
| |
|
PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Scott Langelin
DEACONS:
· Saturday: Larry Bonier
· Sunday: Diane Grundman, Pat Foy, Everett Lambert
ACOLYTES:
- Noah Ciszewski and Sean Moritz
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
USHERS:
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
- Marge Tyne and Shirley Brodell
GREETERS:
FELLOWSHIP:
FLOWERS: Fay Heyen in memory of Sam and Don
POWERPOINT TECH:
- Jeanette Kalupa/Saturday
- Sue Rowe/Sunday
LIVESTREAM:
| |
|
Our God is a giving God and freely gives. This year’s Stewardship campaign begins October 28 and culminates with Commitment Sunday, November 12, with a celebration during Fellowship time. The table tents in Fellowship Hall give a brief description of the different ministry teams and committees in the church.
Campaign materials were mailed this week to those who were not able to pick up their packet last weekend. Any questions should be directed to the Stewardship Committee – Judy Kestly, Jon Sayas, Keith Pierce or Cindy Rooks.
Calvary is so very blessed by your giving – thank you!
| |
 | |
New prayer requests or any updates to this current list should be directed to Cindy Zilske in the Church office (office@calvarylc.com).
Prayers of sympathy and God's peace to: Pat Dieck and family on the recent passing of her sister-in-law Anniliese Fischer Ratzburg.
New prayer requests: Jill Walters (cousin of Krista Dentice); Lynn Weber (godmother of Angie Schatz); Karly Bambanek (friend of Joanne Schultz)
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)
| | |
|
Sheila Kershek, 11/2
Diana Streicher, 11/2
Mary Lau, 11/3
Sue Wizner, 11/3
Susie Bonier, 11/4
Ed Ramthun 11/5
Jean Reinemann, 11/6
Andy Foy, 11/7
Kent Klade, 11/7
Lesly Evert, 11/8
Karen Pierce, 11/12
Peggy Langelin, 11/14
Chuck Lukasik, 11/14
Craig Schmidt, 11/15
Paula Altman, 11/16
Gael Hirth, 11/17
Darlene Louison, 11/17
Rich Baumgartner, 11/18
Pat Dieck, 11/23
Jacklyn Warber, 11/23
Terry Bzdusek, 11/24
Bonnie Johnson, 11/26
Allison Mayer, 11/26
Sarah Gall, 11/27
| |  |
|
Harold and Shelby Rose, 11/11 (56 years)
Bill and Lenny Graffin, 11/24 (34 years)
Al and Rhonda Rodriguez, 12/23 (51 years)
Ron and Jean Holman, 12/26 (70 years)
Bob and Donna Siderits, 12/26 (63 years)
Jeremy and Nicole Nowicki, 12/28 (13 years)
Ben and Amy Blobaum, 12/29 (3 years)
Rick and Carol Treadwell, 12/29 (50 years)
Ken and Amanda Olstinski, 12/31 (2 years)
| | |
 | |
Birthday Party for Everyone!
Friday, November 17
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
We are having a party to celebrate everyone - all at once! You will be sitting with others from your birthday month, to make your "team". Each team will be working together on trivia questions, fun group activties, and, of course, decorating your cake!
A sign-up sheet is on the kiosk in the Narthex. Join is for this great intergenerational event - all are welcome!
Thanksgiving Eve Pie Social
Wednesday, November 22
Worship at 7:00 p.m. /Social to follow
Little Lutherans
PJ's & Prayers
Friday, November 10, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Elementary School (1st - 5th grade)
Duck Pin Bowling, Saturday, November 18 , 10:45 a.m. - Noon.
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday December 10, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday, November 19, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
December 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
High School (9-12th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday, November 12, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Up All Night! Lock In, December 1: 8:00 p.m. - December 2: 8:00 a.m.
| |
Several of our youth traveled to the "World's Largest" Corn Maze in northern Illinois on October 21. This maze is 28 acres of winding trails with 24 checkpoints! | | |
|
Even the chilly weather couldn't stop our annual Trunk or Treat event!
Thank you to everyone who dressed up and provided yummy goodies for our trunk or treaters!
| | |
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. | | |
|
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 table 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.
| | |
|
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 place 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.
| |
November Mission of the Month
| |
|
Care Net Pregnancy Center is a newer mission for Calvary and we are thrilled to be part of those helping to fund and spread its good work. Several of us have visited and volunteered on site and have witnessed the work of God that this group does. A representative from CareNet will be with us the weekend of November 18-19 to share more information on the important work they are doing.
Mission: To share the love of Christ and the hope of the Gospel with women facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Services: Pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, life-affirming options counseling, material support for mom and baby, classes and groups for pregnant and new moms and post-abortion counseling.
Last year they performed 904 pregnancy tests and 967 ultrasounds. They gave out over 60,000 diapers and met with 1,474 different women.
So far this year they have had over 160 women take classes, and each woman takes an average of about 10 classes.
Approximately 70% of women considering abortion choose life after visiting Care Net.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
Save the Date!
We are excited to have Award-winning artist Erin Krebs joining us for a free Holiday Concert on Friday, December 1 at 7pm. Invite your friends and family to join us for this
night of special holiday music!
To learn more about this very talented artist, please click HERE.
|
|
|
You're invited to join us for our next "Hymn Sing"
Sunday, November 19
8:45 a.m. (before service)
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!
|
| | |
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.
| | | |
Worship Attendance 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.
| |
|
|
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.
| |
|
Weekly Men's Breakfast
Wednesdays at 7 a.m.
Maxim's Restaurant
18025 W. Capitol Drive
Brookfield
All men are invited to attend!
| | |
|
Monthly Men's Gathering
Fellowship Hall
Thursday, November 16, 2023
6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
| | |
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.
| |
|
|
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.
| | | |
|
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!
| |
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!
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
