CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, October 6, 2022

This Week's Pondering from Pastor Ken

“Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason, I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.”

I Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV)

This past Sunday, my colleague and our intern Ben Blobaum preached on II Timothy 1:1-14. Ben emphasized verses 13-14, which say “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Ben wisely conveyed that the pattern of sound teaching and the “good deposit” was Jesus, his words and way of life, that confirmed He was the Son of God and is the source of our salvation and hope.

The letters of Paul to Timothy are vitally important ones, for Timothy emerges from the shadows of Paul’s tutelage to become Paul’s appointed successor to the apostolic ministry of which Ben spoke this past weekend. Timothy is not an apostle, in the strict definition of the term – an apostle being someone who saw the risen Christ and was commissioned directly by him to spread the gospel to all the world. Timothy is a prominent “second generation” disciple, and that is why Paul counsels him to “follow the pattern of sound teaching” which I gave you. It is why Paul could commend Timothy to the church in Corinth – a tough “first call parish” if there ever was one, as well as to Thessalonica (I Thessalonians 3:1-4) and eventually to Ephesus (I Timothy 1:3-4).

Timothy became one of the church’s first seasoned pastors, and his ministry would be “apostolic” only insofar as he “imitated” Paul. Many people ask today "What is a Christian?" Some would add the term “disciple” to that. But to me, a Christian is by definition a disciple of Jesus. The answer that I think best fits the question “What is a Christian?” is someone who imitates Jesus, and his apostles. Christians use the word of God as Paul charged Timothy to use it – as the pattern of sound teaching, and therefore sound living. Christians regard the word of God the way Paul told Timothy to regard it in II Timothy 3:16 - as a word which was “God breathed … useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”… so that the Christian is “equipped for every good work.”

Yes, it sounds like a boast, and elsewhere Paul (particularly in Romans 7, but also Galatians 1) would admit his sinfulness. He would refer to himself as an “earthen vessel”, fragile and leaky but into which had been poured the treasure of the gospel, and this to the glory of God (II Corinthian 4:7). But Paul also knew his way of life was guided by the Holy Spirit and, this pattern, if imitated, would keep Timothy from failing in his inherited apostolic ministry. He urges him in II Timothy 3:10 to remember “his way of life, his purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions and sufferings.”

In my message this week, I will pick up where Ben left off and consider the words of Paul to Timothy about how to be and raise up other teachers and preachers in the church. Paul uses some interesting metaphors to describe what such leaders would be like … soldiers, athletes, and farmers. Paul would eventually say, in II Timothy 2:15, that his young friend should, “Do your best to present yourself as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” And while this epistle of II Timothy is primarily addressed to leaders in the church, I believe its message applies broadly to all Christians.

They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. It turns out, imitation is the way God in Christ Jesus makes Christians out of us, too.

I hope this finds you well.

Because of a cross,

Pastor Ken Nelson

Worship Resources

Live Stream Link

Prior Sermons

NALC Daily Devotion

This Week's Reflection from Martin Luther

on this weekend's Scripture lessons

A penitent heart is a rare thing and a great grace; one cannot produce it by thinking about sin and hell. Only the Holy Spirit can impart it.

- Martin Luther

March 1521

Online Resources

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.

Calvary's Website

See the monthly calendar by clicking on the image below.

Trunk or Treat RSVP

Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 30

11:45 a.m.

South Parking Lot at 11:45 a.m.

We invite EVERYONE to join us for our annual "Trunk or Treat" on Sunday, October 30 in our south parking lot. (In the event of inclement weather, we will move the event to the classrooms and hallways of the church.)

Costumes are not required (but they do add an element of fun!). An online sign up has been created so that we will know how many treats to pack in your trunk for our little trick-or-treaters.

To RSVP, please click the orange button or there is a sign-up sheet sign up on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex.

Eighteenth Sunday

After Pentecost

October 8-9, 2022

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Ken Nelson

ASSISTING MINISTER: Ben Blobaum

DEACONS:

Saturday: Larry Bonier
Sunday: Mary Ellen Thiede, George Sedivec, Linda Thorpe

ACOLYTES:

William Dudzik and Addie Meyer

USHERS:

Scott and Lisa Grossman

GREETERS:

Carol Roe
Jonni Roush
Judy Sayas
Maxine Weisbrodt

LECTOR:

Peggy Langelin

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

Kyle Jones

ALTAR GUILD:

Lorna Reiter

MUSICIANS: Nicole Moritz

FELLOWSHIP TREATS:

Helga Willett

ALTAR FLOWERS:

Mark and Lydia Trudell in celebration of their 40th Anniversary

POWERPOINT TECH:

Saturday: Sue Rowe
Sunday: Ellie Sayas

LIVESTREAM TECH:

Kyle Jones/Sam Sayas

Faith Formation

On Thursday, October 20^th, the Men’s Ministry Group will gather to watch a wonderful 70-minute film about English author and Christian Apologist C.S. Lewis, writer of such great works as “Mere Christianity”, and “The Case For Christianity”, as well as the popular “Narnia” series of books – the most famous of which was “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Lewis was born into a Christian home but left the faith in his teen years owing to the tragic death of his beloved mother and his own considerable intellectual development, which led him to question the rationality of faith and the very existence of God.

Our film, “The Most Reluctant Convert”, chronicles the story of Mr. Lewis' departure from and return to the faith as a young professor at Oxford University in England. It also focuses on the many influences, including other professors who mentored and debated with him, that aided his return to faith. It’s a fascinating story, and a compelling film adaptation of C.S Lewis, the man and Christian intellectual. Afterward we’ll have some guided discussion of Lewis’ life story, faith story, and its relation to our own walk of faith.

We invite all the men of Calvary to this event and encourage you to invite others. We will gather at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for dinner. The film will be shown in the Sanctuary starting at 6:30 p.m., with discussion slated to conclude by or before 8:30 p.m..

New Adult Bible Study - Lutheran Next Steps

A new Adult Bible Study class - THE LUTHERAN NEXT STEPS meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. This eight-week course meets in the Sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. and will be facilitated by Pastor Ken Nelson. This course was created a few years ago when Pastor Ken was engaged in the “Life to Life Discipleship” initiative of the Navigators and the NALC.

The course is a solid, basic overview of the Christian faith. It encourages participants to increase their Bible reading, includes some memorization of key passages, and will culminate in the opportunity to create and share (in groups of 2 or 3) a personal “faith story” (or what some traditions called “testimonies”). The goal of this study is to present the Christian faith in a straight-forward, Biblically sound way to deepen our knowledge of those beliefs. This will equip participants for those moments when they may be presented an opportunity to witness to someone about our faith and the Lord Jesus.

Pastor Ken's Weekly Bible Study

Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Pastor Ken's weekly Bible study is held each Wednesday from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. He will lead discussion around the Scripture lessons that will be read in worship the following weekend.

Please bring your Bibles - other materials will be provided. Copies of the text study sheets will be available on the table in the Narthex if you can't attend the Bible study, but would like to refer to it for the weekend worship.

Music Ministry - Special Concert - This Sunday at 2pm!

Katherine Messer concert this Sunday at Calvary!

Interstice is a new group of professional, graduate-level musicians organized by our beloved Katherine Messer, who has graced many of our services with fantastic string music.

If your Sunday afternoon is free, please support Katherine and her eminent colleagues by coming out to this FREE concert at 2pm.

Online Giving Option Updates

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, etc.

We can also include other limited-time event payments such as the Disaster Response Training and the WI & Upper MI Mission District Convocation being held at Calvary on October 28 and 29.

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, please contact Cindy Rooks, Finance Secretary, via email at finance@calvarylc.com or (262) 786-4010.

Online Giving Link

NALC Mission District Convocation

Calvary is pleased to host the annual Convocation of your NALC Wisconsin/Upper Michigan Mission District on Saturday, October 29 and we invite you to join us! Let us come together in faith and unity seeking the goodness and glory of the Lord as brothers and sisters united in the waters of baptism.

This year we are also pleased to host Mary Bates, Head of NALC disaster relief, who will be conducting a disaster relief training for local churches and organizations on Friday, October 28 from noon - 4 p.m. All are invited to attend this training and the registration link is below.

General Secretary Pastor Amy Little and Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Jess Abbott will be addressing us on Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Most importantly we will come together for times of worship and fellowship so as to better know the Lord and each other.

More information can be obtained through the links below. (Registration is required to attend both the Disaster Relief Training and the Convocation.)

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Mark Knappe, Pastor Ken Nelson or Marcella Nelson.

Convocation Information

Disaster Relief Training Information

Disaster Relief Training Registration

Hurricane Ian Relief Efforts

Hurricane Ian was a large, deadly and destructive Category 4 Atlantic hurricane that caused widespread damage across western Cuba and the southeast United States, especially the states of Florida and South Carolina.

There are several ways you can help the victims of Hurricane Ian:

Provide a FLOOD BUCKET (sample and supply list are in the Narthex)
Provide a HEALTH CARE KIT (sample and supply list list are in the Narthex)
Make a MONETARY DONATION to support relief efforts through NALC Disaster Relief. Please use this link to make that donation.

Please continue to keep the residents impacted by this storm in your prayers

as they recover and rebuild.

Job's Daughters Shoe Collection

Congregation member Lizzy Dudzik is participating in a shoe drive fundraiser for Job's Daughters, to help cover costs associated with travel to leadership events.

Job’s Daughters International® is a premier organization for young women that provides a wholesome environment based on the foundation of high morals, love of country, love of family and friends and respect for others throughout the world. It is a living organization dedicated to meeting the needs of young women today and their challenges of tomorrow. It is a quality organization that fosters a sense of pride in achievement for each and all members as they prepare to become the adult leaders of the future. "

Now is a great time to clean out your closet and donate those shoes to a good cause. New and gently-used shoes of all types and sizes are needed (men's, women's, children's). Any questions can be directed to Jessica or Lizzy Dudzik. Please bring your gently used or new shoes to church by October 23rd.

Our Church Family

Mitch Foster, 10/7

Cathy Roldan, 10/8

Zackery Griese, 10/9

Everett Lambert, 10/9

Jill Voss, 10/10

Shirley Brodell, 10/11

Judy Kestly, 10/11

Carolyn Schuelke, 10/11

Heather Wirtz, 10/11

Gideon Himsel, 10/12

Elise Baumgartner, 10/16

Randy Wizner, 10/16

Norm and Audrey McGarvie, 10/7 (61 years)

Rich and Cindy Rooks, 10/9 (35 years)

Mark and Lydia Trudell, 10/9 (40 years)

Kurt and Jeanne Duch, 10/10 (41 years)

Brian and Kara Kretschmann, 10/10 (2 years)

Herb and Judy Grospitz, 10/11 (47 years)

George and Kay Sedivec, 10/16 (51 y ears)

Erik and Erica Zipp, 10/20 (15 years)

Lesly and Roger Evert, 10/22 (11 years)

Matt and Hannah Ware, 10/26 (3 years)

Mark and Sheila Kershek, 10/27 (27 years)

Bob and Diana Streicher, 10/28 (33 years)

Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Ginny Cox; Sue Rowe; Tom Bruns (brother of Carol Rooney); Amanda Connelly (friend of Sue Rowe); John Gregory (friend of Scott and Lisa Grossman); Elizabeth Stem (niece of Evelyn Ceci); Dennis Heimdahl (son-in-law of Marilyn Hermann); Joe Giuliani and Cathy Pitel (brother and twin sister of Chuck Giuliani); Julie Niederbaumer (friend of many Calvary members); Sarah Green (sister of Andy Schatz); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus); Gerry Fosdal (friend of Linda Thorpe)

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; Don Heyen; Tom Kurtz; Beverly Lawson; Shirley Mahn; Myrna Mavroff; Donna Polizzi; Donna Schroeder; Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Ruth Young; Janet Zastrow

Non-members: Lauren (granddaughter of Scott and Peggy Langelin); Isabelle George (wife of Judy Sayas' cousin); Joe Dentice (father of Tony Dentice); Mike Andrae (husband of former Calvary member Luisa Andrae); Nicole Sayas (daughter in law of Judy Sayas); 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); Joseph Franko (friend of Judy Sayas); Nancy Myers (friend 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); John Nielson (brother of Judy Kestly); Susan Petropoulos (sister of Wayne Johnson); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce)

If you have any new prayer requests, please contact the church office at 262.786.4010 or via email to office@calvarylc.com.

Wisconsin to New Jersey

Calvary member Sue Vollmar has relocated to New Jersey to be with her father and sister. Pastor Ken gave her a blessing at the end of service last Sunday.

We are so grateful for the many ways that Sue has served God through our church. She has provided her new address for anyone who would like to keep in touch with her.

God's blessings and grace to Sue in this new chapter of her life. We will miss her!

70 West End Ave.

Unit 2A7

Newton, NJ 07860

Worship Attendance October 1-2, 2022

Mission of the Month

October Mission of the Month

Broom Tree Ministries and Shepherd's Canyon Retreat

October's Mission of the Month supports two ministries focused on providing pastoral retreat ministries. 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.

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

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.

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

A few reminders ....

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!

Monthly Men's Gathering

SPECIAL NIGHT!

(See article above under

Faith Formation for more information.)

Thursday, October 20

6 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mark Trudell at mtrudell@reagan.com.

Hospitality Treat Sponsors

Are Needed!

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.

Thank you for your support!

Updated Church Directory Available

The Calvary Church Directory is available electronically or in paper format. If you'd like an electronic copy, please send an email to communications@calvarylc.com requesting it. There are also printed copies available in the church office.

Any corrections or updates should be submitted to

Cindy Zilske at office@calvarylc.com.

What is a Calvary Deacon?

Our Calvary Board of Deacons is a unique ministry among Lutheran churches. This important group of 11 individuals cares for the spiritual welfare of our congregation by praying for them, assisting with distribution of Holy Communion, being available to the members of their "alpha group" for prayers, support or other information about Calvary, and encouraging a strong spiritual life among our Calvary family.

Deacons serve a three-year term and we will have four openings in 2023. If you are interested in serving in this capacity next year to fill one of these vacancies, please reach out to Diane Grundman, Ernie Kretschmann or Judy Kestly. It is a rewarding experience and makes a significant difference to those we serve.

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.

NEW! 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!

Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.

The link to the Live Stream is available on the home page at www.calvarylc.com

Sanctuary Flowers

We invite you to sign up for flowers to beautify our altar each weekend. The sign-up sheet for 2022 is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

Flowers are $35 and you may take them home following the 9 a.m. worship on Sunday morning. If you'd prefer, you can leave the flowers at church to be enjoyed by the office staff.

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