CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | |
Your Weekly E-Newsletter - December 19, 2024 | |
This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | |
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“His mercy is for generations and generations on those who fear him.”
- Luke 1:50
Just Like Mary
God chose Mary to bear the baby Jesus in her womb and in her arms, but Mary’s story is not about a woman of sinless perfection. She didn’t need to be. She was chosen by God to bring the good news of salvation into the world.
Her life was not pain free. She was just a child when she became pregnant. She was mistreated as a whore. She gave birth in a cold stable, and then went on the run with her husband and young child to save his life. When Joseph died, her position as a widow in society was quite low. She deeply loved her son, but at times he seemed to disregard and disrespect her. Think about the stories: the day they could not find him because he went to the temple, the wedding at Cana where He told her that it wasn’t time, the time she and Jesus’ brothers went to talk to Him and He told her that those listening were His mother and brothers. And then, after all this, Mary watched her son die a horrible death: execution on the cross.
Mary deserves to be remembered not because she is greater than you and me, but because she is just like us. Her story as a sinner and saint is just like ours. There were times when she was an obstacle to His ministry, but she remained humble and faithful to the God she loved. We are just like Mary, blocking Jesus’ work in this world, and yet God is able to use us to bear the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.
Mary knew that Jesus offered a life-changing gift, the gift of forgiveness and eternal life. True faith comes to those with a humble heart. It comes to those who recognize their need for mercy and grace which Jesus won for us in His life, death, and resurrection. Despite her moments of failure, Mary knew Jesus came to do God’s will and she humbly accepted His call on her life. Jesus calls us to share the good news of His salvation with the world, just like Mary.
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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Special thanks to Nicole Moritz, the Psallite Choir, Celebration Ringers, String Quartet and guest musicians for a beautiful "Lessons & Carols" worship last Sunday. | |
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 4:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Service
10:00 a.m.
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 21
Children's Program
December 22
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Kevin Wahlgren
DEACONS: Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Andy Foy, Pat Foy, Sue Rowe
ACOLYTE(S): Noah Ciszewski and Sean Moritz
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Angie Schatz
USHERS: Scott Grossman and NEEDED
ALTAR GUILD: Lorna Reiter
GREETERS: John and Mary Lau and Keith and Karen Pierce
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Sheila Kershek
FLOWERS: Lukasik/Pfeiffer Family in memory of Bob Pfeiffer
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik
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SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Annual Meeting
Sunday, February 2- 10:30 a.m.
(Contingency date: February 9, 10:30 a.m.)
Informational Session: January 26, 10:30 a.m.
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New Entry Door Policy
Church Council, along with representatives from the Brookfield Police Department, recently conducted a review of our building security. As a result of this review, the door by the nursery (Door #2) will remain locked at all times on Sundays. This door will always be available as an exit door.) Please use one of the other doors to enter the church.
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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: Pastor Jeanette Thorp and family on the passing of her son Phillip Sweeney on December 12, 2024.
New Prayer Requests: Judy Sayas
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Linda Richmond; Shirley Mahn, Ka Thao; Nadine Schuelke; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Laura Burger; Phillip (son of Pastor Jeanette Thorp); Pastor Jeanette and Dennis Thorp and family; Ann (cousin of Mary Lau); Jeff Edwards (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Brenda Schmidt (relative of Judy Kestly's friend); Micaela (daughter of Scott and Lisa Grossman); Paul Queck (sponsor of Ka Thao); Chris Bogusch (son-in-law of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus); Nate Kreiter (friend of Rick Kegel); Bonnie Nelson (former Calvary member); Barbara Runge (friend of Jeanette Kalupa); Nancy Berth (friend of the Calvary Knitting Group); Jack Banker (brother-in-law of Mary Lau); Brian Nowak (cousin of Ernie Kretschmann's niece); Creig Moritz (brother of Bryant Moritz); Taylor (granddaughter of Lenny Graffin); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Larry Larsen (brother of Kris Larsen); John Kretschmann (brother of Ernie Kretschmann); Lou Dangler (friend of Evelyn Ceci); Paul Mahn (son of Shirley Mahn); Amy Clark (friend of Megan Scott)
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.
The Hindi-speaking Yadav Hindus in India, who have limited or no access to the Gospel, with our partners at the World Mission Prayer League.
The victims of hurricane Helene and all Christians worldwide.
Serving in the Military: Marshall Owen (nephew of Ken Miller serving in the U.S. Marines); ITC Agustin Juarez (son-in-law of Ken Miller serving in the U.S. Navy); 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 (grandchild of Ardath Olson serving in the U.S. Air Force); Kyle Pierce (son of Karen and Keith Pierce 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.
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: Jan Chesner; Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Pat Treutelaar; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Jean Asleson (friend of Linda Thorpe); Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Ron Parker (brother of Linda Thorpe); 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); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Ingrid Nelson, 12/19
Judy Sayas, 12/19
Ron Holman, 12/20
Carol Rooney, 12/20
Margaux Baumgarten, 12/21
Dean Schmelzer, 12/22
Rick Treadwell, 12/22
Ed Witzke, 12/23
Lynnette Anderson, 12/24
Mike Anderson, 12/24
Wayne Dieck, 12/25
Joe Grundman, 12/25
Lenny Graffin, 12/28
Ken Miller, 12/28
Sallie Schulz, 12/31
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Al and Rhonda Rodriguez, 12/23 (52 years)
Ron and Jean Holman, 12/26 (71 years)
Bob and Donna Siderits, 12/26 (64 years)
Jeremy and Nicole Nowicki, 12/28 (14 years)
Rick and Carol Treadwell, 12/29 (51 years)
Amanda and Ken Olstinski, 12/31 (3 years)
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OUR PRAYER FOR CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
Our Prayer for each of you, as you celebrate the birth of Christ is for you to find Joy and Peace on your pilgrimage into a New Year. May you listen to the sounds of silence that surround you. God's still small voice whispers wonderful words in the rustle of leaves, in a babling brook, in a soothing breeze, in your heartbeat, in every breath you take, and especially as you love, pray and care for one another. May God touch you with these silent notes that encourages life to take on new meaning and purpose. May God's silent symphony, of everlasting Love, fill your soul and lighten your steps as you treasure each moment of your life with Him.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus
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Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | |
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Children's Message
Helpers Needed!
Do you have a talent for sharing a short message with the children? We are in need of volunteers to help deliver a Children's Message to our kiddos on Sunday mornings. Your time commitment is typically once a month.
If you'd like more information, please contact Angie Schatz at youthdirector@calvarylc.com.
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This Month's Faith Hero - ABRAHAM
The Sunday School students had a chance to meet one of this month's Faith Heros - Abraham. They hear how by faith Abraham obeyed God and moved his family to Canaan to become the father of a great nation. Abraham was happy to answer all of their questions.
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Christian Education/Bible Study | |
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Amazing Grace Bible Study
This is one of the oldest small groups at Calvary - it has been in existence for more than 30 years! Members have changed throughout the years, but the group remains together to do a monthly Bible study. They recently met for their annual Christmas party to enjoy a little fun and fellowship.
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Weekly Bible Study with Pastor Jerry Wittmus
Pastor Jerry's weekly Bible Study is held on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. You will be studying the scripture readings for the coming weekend. Study text will be placed in the Narthex prior to the Study.
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Women's Bible Study
First and Third Tuesday of the Month
Janet Zastrow has resumed a Women's Bible Study on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. The Study is based on the book "The Battle Plan for Prayer".
"The Battle Plan for Prayer" begins with prayer’s core purpose, its Biblical design, and its impact throughout history. Participants will be guided scripturally through the fundamentals of how effective prayer works. They will be inspired towards a closer, more intimate relationship with God, while being shown how to develop specific prayer strategies for each area of life. Prayer can accomplish what a willing God can accomplish. It should be our first plan of attack in all of life’s battles, not our last resort. If you want to experience the joy of mightily answered prayer, then it’s time to engage with God at another level.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Janet Zastrow at janetzastrow@att.net.
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Mittens, Gloves, Scarves and Hats, oh my!
The "Mitten Trees" are up and ready for your donations of hats, mittens, gloves and scarves! You'll see the two trees in the Narthex already adorned with some beautiful items from the Calvary Knitting Group.
Thank you to the Mission & Outreach Committee for sponsoring this annual collection which will be donated to keep those less fortunate warm this winter.
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Mission of the Month - Lutheran Seminaries | |
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In December we raise up a vital Mission of the Month supporting the training of pastors for service in the North American Lutheran Churches.
Bolstered by an interdependent network of five campuses, the North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) is part of God’s movement in this culture, time and place. Over the next decade, hundreds will be raised and formed in the Great Tradition of confessional and evangelical Lutheran Faith. The NALS is singularly focused on forming pastors and church leaders with an education that is shaped by Christian tradition and bound by the Holy Scriptures.
Upheld by world-class faculty, students have time and opportunity to reflect on the depth and beauty of their faith and be properly formed. The NALS has a commitment to truly cultivate the foundation and the deep roots necessary for tomorrow’s pastors and church leaders to be the stewards of classic, orthodox, biblical theology in preparation for Word and Sacrament ministry in the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). lick here to be directed to the NALS website for more information.
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OUR MISSION
ILT, as an institution of higher education, shall preserve, promote and propagate the classical Christian tradition from a Lutheran perspective.
OUR VISION
Centered in the Word of God and the Cross of Christ, ILT students will be grounded in the Bible, rooted in the classical Christian tradition, understand the contemporary cultural horizon, and think critically in the proclamation and advancement of the Gospel. Click here to learn more about ILT.
Please consider supporting these seminaries in their godly work.
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To support this important Mission of the Month, you may include it in your weekly offering envelope (designate donation next to Mission of the Month) or select the donation as "Mission of the Month" in your online giving.
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Women's Book Group
Monday, January 13, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"Remarkably Bright Creatures"
by Shelby Van Pelt
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For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
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Weekly Men's Breakfast
Wednesdays at 7:30 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, January 16
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
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Worship Attendance and Giving | |
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 your taking the time to complete this each week. It helps us know that our Live Stream is being viewed.
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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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Your 2024 Board of Deacons
Front row (l-r) Lenny Graffin, Sue Rowe, Darlene Louison,
Joanne Schultz, George Sedivec
Back row (l-r); Ed Ramthun, Judy Kestly, Andy Foy, Pat Foy,
Ruth Brostowitz and Bill Graffin. Not pictured: Everett Lambert
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Your 2024 Church Council
Front row (l-r) Joanne Schultz, Peggy Langelin, Jan Lukasik
Back row (l-r); Ernie Kretschmann, Andy Schatz, Scott Langelin, Pat Dieck, Keith Pierce Not pictured: Chris Dudzik
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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.
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 is posted on the bulletin board. Thank you for your support!
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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. THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON DECEMBER 25 AND JANUARY 1.
Please check in with the office staff so we know that 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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