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CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter - October 3, 2024

The NALC Disaster Response Task Force met to talk about how we can respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Immediate needs are gift cards from Lowe's, Walmart, Home Depot and Tractor Supply. Your generous gifts really make a difference. Please mail these gift cards to:

NALC Disaster Response Warehouse

16500 Noble Ave

Caldwell, OH 43724


Financial gifts to The NALC Disaster Response are also badly needed. The rebuilding from this storm is going to be a long process and the destruction that's taken place is huge. Make checks out to Calvary with a notation of Disaster Response in the memo line. Calvary will collect and forward all donations to the appropriate location.


Your on-going prayers are needed both for those in crisis and for all those responding to all the chaos and destruction. Our Lord hears our prayers and does act. Thank you for being God's hands, feet and heart to those in need.

This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”- Mark 10:7-9



Jesus is quoting the Scripture, specifically Genesis 2:24. This is God’s design for the human family from the very beginning. It continues to be God’s design for the human family. The world in its fallen nature may deem other relationships as equivalent to that of marriage. That does not change God’s loving purpose for the lifelong union of one man to one woman. From the beginning, God designed man and woman in such a wondrous way that we would experience a glimpse of the miracle that is the creation of life. And should the union of man and woman not result in children, that does not make one’s marriage a failure or any less beautiful.


I’ve been blessed to officiate at the weddings of couples young and not as young. I’ve seen couples in their best days and yes, in their most difficult of circumstances. One of the most beautiful things I’ve seen is the loving care given to a husband by his wife and vice versa as they approach their final years, months, and days. I’ve seen the love of a wife who came daily to visit her husband in the Alzheimer’s Unit long after he became bed ridden and could only mumble incoherently. That didn’t stop her from sitting with him, singing to him, and telling him Bible stories. Likewise, is the man who cared for his wife day after day at home when all she knew of this man was that he was kind and nice.


When a man and woman make a promise before God, no one on that wedding day knows the joys and struggles that will come. What we do know is that couples will face temptations that, if followed, will lead to the destruction of the marriage. The voice of the tempter is a powerful voice who seeks to place doubt in our minds that God’s intent is different from what is stated in Scripture.


The beauty of a life-long union of man and woman who are blessed with 50, 60, or 70 plus years as husband and wife is their witness to the world. Such a witness includes grace, mercy, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you, patience or what some translations of the Bible call longsuffering that together husband and wife endure the trials and struggles together. In these small ways, we see God’s faithfulness to us.



Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing

20th Sunday after Pentecost


October 5-6, 2024

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus

ASSISTING MINISTER: Larry Bonier

DEACONS:   Saturday: Ed Ramthun

Sunday: Pat Foy, George Sedivec, Andy Foy, Judy Kestly

ACOLYTES: Jackson Gall

GUEST ORGANIST: Craig Bodoh

LECTOR: Ken Miller

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Lizzy Dudzik

USHERS: Scott and Lisa Grossman

ALTAR GUILD: Lorna Reiter

GREETERS:

Carol Roe, Jonni Roush, Judy Sayas

FLOWERS: Deron and Lynnette Anderson in celebration of Michael and Camryn's wedding

FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Marilyn Hermann and Everett Lambert

POWERPOINT OPERATORS:

Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa

Sunday: Chuck Lukasik

LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe


HYMNS THIS WEEKEND: "Here, O My Lord, I see Thee", LBW #211; "Jesus Loves Me"; "On Our Way Rejoicing", LBW #260

Church Life Event

The Church Life Committee invites you to join them on Saturday, October 19 at 6 p.m. (following worship) for a FLANNEL FEST & HOOTENANNY! This adult-only event will feature food, fellowship and fun! Attendees are invited to wear their finest flannel and bring an appetizer to share. You may also bring your favorite wine to share with others. Light sandwiches, beer and soda will be provided. BINGO will be played with some great prizes!


A sign -up sheet is on the COMING EVENTS kiosk in the Narthex.

Youth Ministry

INTERGENERATIONAL EVENT

Phones Down, Game Night!

Friday, October 11

6:30 - 8:00 pm



From Candy Land to Cribbage, and Ping Pong to Jenga we will have entertaining, “no technology” games for ALL AGES! 

 

Join us for a fun-filled evening of laughter and light-hearted competition. Everyone is welcome to participate. All games will be easy-to-learn board games and card games. Treats will be served. You can sign up here or on the sheet posted on the Coming Events kiosk in the narthex.

 

Our Church Family

New prayer requests or any updates to this current list should be directed to Cindy Zilske in the Church office - office@calvarylc.com



New Prayer Requests: Chris Bogusch (son-in-law of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus); the people impacted by Hurricane Helene


Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Shirley Mahn; Ka Thao; Pat Treutelaar; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Laura Burger; Nate Kreiter (friend of Rick Kegel); Dave and Barb (friends of Glori and Eloise Kurth); Karen Haberkorn (friend of Sue Rowe); 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); Dan Scruggs (cousin of Juanita Osowski); Brian Nowak (cousin of Ernie Kretschmann's niece); Diane Rutsch (friend of Mary Lau); 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); Jean (friend of Linda Thorpe); Matti Beilfuss (friend of Rick Kegel); 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


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 membersJan Chesner; Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow


Non-members: Vikki (friend of Cindy Zilske); Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Drake Ferber (Judy Sayas' neighbor's son); 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)

Audrey McGarvie, 10/1

Kris Larsen, 10/2

Grace Moritz, 10/3

Angie Schatz, 10/3

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

Gideon Himsel, 10/12

Elise Baumgartner, 10/16

Randy Wizner, 10/16

Adam Kershek, 10/19

Sandra Sanchez, 10/20

Deb Wolff, 10/20

Jon and Sandy Voerman, 10/5 (39 years)

Wayne and Carole Wegner, 10/5 (61 years)

Norm and Audrey McGarvie, 10/7 (63 years)

Rich and Cindy Rooks, 10/9 (37 years)

Mark and Lydia Trudell, 10/9 (42 years)

Kurt and Jeanne Duch, 10/10 (43 years)

Brian and Kara Kretschmann, 10/10 (4 years)

Herb and Judy Grospitz, 10/11 (49 years)

Pat and Joyce Foy, 10/14 (24 years)

George and Kay Sedivec, 10/16 (53 years)

Erik and Erica Zipp, 10/14 (24 years)

Lesly and Roger Evert, 10/22 (13 years)

Matt and Hannah Ware, 10/26 (5 years)

Mark and Sheila Kershek, 10/27 (29 years)

Bob and Diana Streicher, 10/28 (35 years)

Christian Education

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.

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" and will begin on Tuesday, November 5. To prepare for this study, the movie "War Room" will be shown on Tuesday, October 15th.


"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, will 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.



Watch the trailer for this movie about the powerful impact of prayer. Click on the image above.


This movie will be shown on Tuesday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m.

Materials have been ordered for this study which begins on November 5 at 10:00 a.m. They will be available at that first sesison.

NALC Updates

20/20 Vision Initiative Fall 2024 Impact Report

Impact Report Highlights

·    Raising Up Future Church Leaders................page 6

·    Strengthening Area Support................page 8

·    Expanding Our Global Witness................page 10

·    Life Together at the Bonhoeffer House................page 12

·    Nurturing Young Believers................page 14

·    Collaborative Focus at the Continental Office................page 16


Download the Impact Report


We have committed to a financial goal of raising $5 million to support the four components of our vision: Grow, Serve, Renew, and Fulfill. We are nearly halfway to our goal. To date, we have raised over $2.3 million. Will you consider supporting our shared work? You can donate through the NALC links below or via Calvary through this link.

Make a Pledge

Donate Now

Outreach Ministries - Mission of the Month

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



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


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.

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. 

Women's Ministries

Women's Book Group

Monday, October 14

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Media Room



"The Little Liar"


Beloved bestselling author Mitch Albom returns with a powerful novel of hope and forgiveness that moves from a coastal Greek city during WWII to America in the golden age of Hollywood, as the intertwined lives of three young survivors are forever changed by the perils of deception and the grace of redemption.


Eleven-year-old Nico Krispis has never told a lie. His schoolmate, Fannie, loves him because of it. Nico’s older brother Sebastian resents him for both these facts. When their young lives are torn apart during the war, it will take them decades to find each other again. 



Nico’s innocence and goodness is used against his tightly knit community when a German officer barters Nico’s reputation for honesty into a promise to save his loved ones. When Nico realizes the consequences of the betrayal, he can never tell the truth again. He will spend the rest of this life changing names, changing locations and identities, desperate to find a way to forgiveness—for himself and from the people he loves most.


Men's Ministry


Weekly Men's Breakfast

Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.

Maxim's Restaurant

18025 W. Capitol Drive

Brookfield

All men are invited to attend!

Monthly Men's Gathering

Fellowship Hall

Thursday, October 17

If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com


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.


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.



  

Online Giving Link

Miscellaneous Resources

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

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

This Week's Reflection

from Martin Luther

Children are the most delightful pledges of a loving marriage. They are the best wool on the sheep.


- Martin Luther

Check out what's happening at Calvary - click on the calendar below

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.


Worship Resources

Calvary's Website
Live Stream Link
CONNECTIONS Weekly Newsletters

Online Resources

NALC Daily Devotion
NALC Newsletter

A few reminders ....

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.


The 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 is posted on the bulletin board.  Thank you for your support!

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 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.

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