CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday October 26, 2023 | |
October is Pastor Appreciation Month
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Pastor Appreciation Month is a great time to show our pastors how much we care. By expressing our gratitude and appreciation, we can let them know that their hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed.
This is also an opportunity to encourage them in their faith and let them know that they are making a difference in your life and the lives of others.
We are thankful for the services of Pastor Jerry Wittmus, Pastor Mark Knappe and Pastor Caleb Douglas for serving during our time of transition until a new Pastor is called.
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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.
It’s Reformation Sunday! The Psalm for this weekend is Psalm 46, and the devotion below focuses on Martin Luther. How fitting. It is taken from the "One-Year Book of Psalms".
”Dueling with the Devil”
Martin Luther was a brash, bold bear of a man. He knew about power, but he also knew about fear. Terrified by the power of God displayed in a fierce thunderstorm, young Martin vowed to serve the Lord as a monk. He tore into his monastic duties with a vengeance, fearing that he would displease God if he didn't do every good deed possible.
But God was slowly softening Luther’s heart, assuring him of love and not simply judgment. From the Scriptures, Luther learned that the righteous would find eternal life by trusting Christ and that they couldn't earn it with good deeds. He realized that God was not a demanding tyrant but a refuge, a comfort, a help.
The rest is history. Luther's doctrine of “salvation by faith” sparked the Protestant Reformation, transforming the way millions of people would understand God. He wrote many books and essays, but Luther’s most famous work is a hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” based on Psalm 46. There are few texts that portray faith in God as powerfully as this song.
Luther's life wasn't easy. He was arrested, tried, excommunicated, hunted, hidden, and betrayed. But Luther knew that he need not fear the “ancient foe” and all his attacks, for God was his refuge, a “bulwark never failing”.
This weekend's worship will be an adaptation of "The German Mass" written by
Dr. Martin Luther in 1526 to recognize the annivesary of the Lutheran Reformation.
Pastor Caleb Douglas will be presiding at both services.
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Day of Pentecost
22nd Sunday
after Pentecost
Reformation Sunday
WEAR RED!
October 28-29, 2023
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Caleb Douglas
ASSISTING MINISTER: Lee Tyne (Saturday) and Jessica Dudzik (Sunday)
DEACONS:
· Saturday: Larry Bonier
· Sunday: Pat Foy, LInda Thorpe, Everett Lambert
ACOLYTES:
- Amelia Evert and Xavier Griese
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
USHERS:
- Caryl Braatz and Jim Brostowitz
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
GREETERS:
- Wayne and Bonnie Johnson
- Bill and Lenny Graffin
FELLOWSHIP:
- Marilyn Hermann and Everett Lambert
FLOWERS:
- Diana Streicher in celebration of her 34th anniversary
POWERPOINT TECH:
- Cindy Rooks/Saturday
- Chuck Lukasik/Sunday
LIVESTREAM:
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Ben Blobaum's Ordination
November 5 at 4pm
A group of folks are going to travel to Flanagan, Illinois on Sunday, November 5th to attend Ben Blobaum's Ordination to the Holy Ministry of Word and Sacrament and Installation to the Office of Pastor.
If you'd like more information on the carpool(s) being formed, please contact Janet Zastrow at (262) 649-3524 or (262) 352-5254.
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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.
Campaign materials will be available in the Narthex on Saturday and Sunday, October 28-29. Materials not picked up this weekend will be mailed. 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!
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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).
Prayers of sympathy and God's peace to: Mary Ellen Thiede and family on the passing of her sister Joyce Bowman on October 20.
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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Dave Cason, 10/26
Connor Morris, 10/29
Erik Zipp, 10/29
Lisa Grossman, 10/30
Nicole Kalupa, 10/30
Larry Bonier, 11/1
Jim Kalupa, 11/1
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
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Matt and Hannah Ware, 10/26 (4 years)
Mark and Sheila Kershek, 10/27 (28 years)
Bob and Diana Streicher, 10/28 (34 years)
Harold and Shelby Rose, 11/11 (56 years)
Bill and Lenny Graffin, 11/24 (34 years)
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November Youth Group Events:
Birthday Party for Everyone!
Friday, November 17
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Eve Pie Social
WednesdayNovember 22
6:45 - 8:30 pm.
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, December 10, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
High School (9-12th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday, November 19, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Up All Night! Lock In, December 1 8:00 p.m. - December 2 8:00 a.m.
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THIS SUNDAY!
Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 29
11:15 a.m. - Noon
Church Parking Lot (indoors if raining)
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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. | | |
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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 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.
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October Mission of the Month
Broomtree Ministries and Shepherd's Canyon
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October's Mission of the Month supports two ministries focused on providing pastoral retreat ministries. A representative from Broomtree Ministries will be with us this Sunday.
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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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!
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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
All men are invited to attend!
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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
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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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