CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | | Your Weekly E-Newsletter - April 3, 2025 | | This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | | |
“17But [Jesus] looked directly at them and said, ‘What then is this that is written: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.’”
- Luke 20:17-18
In ancient masonry, the cornerstone was the first stone laid in the foundation of a building, often a very large block, from which all other stones maintained both their stability and their orientation. This stone was both precious and valuable to the builders who laid it in its place. Precision was of utmost importance in the creation of the cornerstone. It had to be squared perfectly and set very accurately because it determined the levels of all the other stones in every direction. If anything was awry with this stone, the entire building would be affected. Once in place, the rest of the building would conform to the angles and size of the cornerstone. In addition, if the cornerstone were to be removed, the entire structure would collapse. The entire structure would be completely dependent upon this one stone.
In the same way, you and I are completely dependent upon Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone. Jesus defines who we are, much like the cornerstone of a building defines the angles and measurements of the other stones. Jesus is the cornerstone, the foundation of our entire lives. Too often, Jesus gets treated as one of the other stones in the building. And sadly, more often than not, Jesus is rejected altogether. Attending worship no longer serves as “Priority #1” in our lives. “I’ll get to church this Sunday as long as my son doesn’t have a basketball game.” “I may not make it to church on Sunday because we have a gathering on Saturday night, and chances are good we’ll be up really late.” It’s easy to find an excuse to not place Jesus as our Cornerstone. And when that happens, the structure we call “life” comes tumbling down. Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He aligns our purpose. He distinguishes for us what is right and what is wrong. Jesus gives us eternal life, through his death and resurrection. Jesus Christ provides the foundation by which you and I are measured and centered, by the grace of God.
May we be reminded that Jesus Christ is our solid rock, the Cornerstone that will not reject us when we reject him. Jesus is our sure and certain foundation.
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024 Sola Publishing, written by Rev. Theresa Jacobson
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Order Your Easter Flowers -forms are due on Monday!
If you would like to provide an Easter Lily or Spring flowers (Daffodil, Hyacinth or Tulips) to adorn our altar for Easter worship, please fill out a form and place in the offering basket or return to the church office by Monday, April 7. Prices remained the same as last year at $15/plant.
Order forms are on the table in the Narthex.
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Palm Sunday Weekend, April 12-13
Saturday at 5 p.m.
Sunday at 9 a.m. (Livestream also available)
Maundy Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
Good Friday, April 18
Family Experience at 10 a.m.
Traditional Service at 7 p.m.
Easter Weekend, April 19-20
Saturday at 5 p.m.
Sunday at 9 a.m. (Livestream also available)
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Potluck Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 20 following worship
Join us for brunch in Fellowship Hall following the worship service. A sign-up sheet for RSVP's and potluck options is posted on the COMING EVENTS kiosk in the Narthex. We hope you can join us!
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Fifth Sunday in Lent
April 5-6, 2025
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Marcus Johnson
ASSISTING MINISTER: Saturday: Lee Tyne Sunday: Lynnae Douglas
DEACONS: Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Pat Foy, Lisa Grossman, Ruth Brostowitz, Darlene Louison
ACOLYTES: Jackson Gall
LECTOR: Karen Pierce
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Lizzy Dudzik
USHERS: Caryl Braatz and Ed Ramthun
ALTAR GUILD: Jonni Roush
GREETERS: Terry Bzdusek, Evelyn Ceci, Gordy Gunnlaugsson
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Fay Heyen
FLOWERS: Cindy Zilske
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik
This weekend's hymns: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross", LBW #482; "Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed", LBW #98; "Beneath the Cross" CCLI #4610917 - Listen to it here: YOUTUBE or SPOTIFY
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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
New prayer requests: Ellie Sayas; Pamela Scott (mother of Megan Scott); Kara Kretschmann (daughter-in-law of Ernie Kretschmann)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Barb Snyder; Pat Dieck; Angie Schatz, Randy Wizner, Sandie Rupnick; John Schwartz; Ka Thao; Ari (friend of Lizzy Dudzik); Stan Strykalski (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Paula (granddaughter of Eloise Kurth); Gary and Margie Orten (friends of John and Mary Lau); Be (friend of Andy Schatz's co-worker); Jan Trede (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Mike Santell (brother-in-law of Judy Sayas); Keenan (friend of Ka Thao); Sandy B. (friend of Randy and Sue Wizner); Amy Bronner (friend of Ed Ramthun); Ann (cousin of Mary Lau); Brenda Schmidt (relative of Judy Kestly's friend); 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); Jack Banker (brother-in-law of Mary Lau); Creig Moritz (brother of Bryant Moritz); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Larry Larsen (brother of Kris Larsen); John Kretschmann (brother of Ernie Kretschmann); Paul Mahn (son of Shirley Mahn); Amy Clark (friend of Megan Scott)
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); 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; Sue Dindorf; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Jeff Edwards (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); 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); Pastor Mark Gehrke (son of Lois Gehrke); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Ben Sayas, 4/3
Roberta Stepp, 4/4
Bob Siderits, 4/6
Scott Anderson, 4/7
Chris Spangenberger, 4/9
Carol Treadwell, 4/10
Jan Lukasik, 4/12
Michele Schmidt, 4/13
Norm McGarvie, 4/16
Sue Meyer, 4/17
Gerhard Schulz, 4/18
Cathy Wahlgren, 4/19
Dave Altman, 4/21
Nicole Nowicki, 4/22
Megan Scott, 4/22
Ruth Brostowitz, 4/23
Lois Gehrke, 4/23
Jerry Wittmus, 4/24
Lee Tyne, 4/25
Mary Ellen Thiede, 4/27
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Jim and Jeanette Kalupa, 4/4 (33 years)
Rich and Tina Baumgartner, 4/20 (34 years)
Tom and Sue Sadowsky, 4/20 (40 years)
Tom and Mary Ellen Thiede, 4/24 (49 years)
Chuck and Jan Lukasik, 4/25 (44 years)
Chuck and Norene Giuliani, 4/26 (45 years)
Ed Ramthun and Cathy Way, 4/27 (23 years)
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Save the date for these important presentations!
The Church Life Committee is pleased to sponsor the following two presentations that will be held at Calvary on June 18th. The information will be shared by Ben Merens, Outreach Specialist with the Division of Trade & Consumer Protection (Wisconsin Departmet of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection WDATC). As Wisconsin's lead agency for consumer protection, this Bureau provides information, education, mediates complaints, investigates cases, and takes enforcement actions to fight fraudulent and deceptive practices that harm consumers.
Join us and bring a friend! These presentations are free and open to the public. There will be time for refreshments and questions.
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Wednesday, June 18
2:00 p.m.
COMMON SCAMS & FRAUDS TARGETING SENIORS
The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss the details of common scams that target seniors. This will include the warning signs of a scam and what to do if you or someone you know falls victim to a scam or fraud. Helpful fact sheets will be available.
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Wednesday, June 18
7:00 p.m.
INTERNET SAFETY FOR CHILDREN
The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss safe practices for children while accessing the internet. Children often have access to the internet at home, school, or even a friend's house and they access the internet on a variety of different devices. Parents should be aware of their children's online activities to keep them safe. Topics will include gaming, downloading apps, sharing photos, and clicking on links. Consumer Protection Bureau will also discuss laws that give parents control over what information a business can collect on a child and how that information can be used. This is an important presentation for all parents to attend!
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Do you have a nametag?
Have you lost your nametag or never received one? Our nametags will serve as a great way for Pastor Marcus to get to know us by name. He will be with us for worship on April 5/6, April 19/20, May 3/4 and May 17/18. (This is in advance of his official start date in June.)
There is a sheet on the Welcome Desk in the Narthex where you can request a nametag. Please sign up so that one can be ordered for you. The magnetic boards on the kiosk are provided as a convenient place to store your nametag each week.
| | | Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | | |
Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m.
GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY EXPERIENCE
This morning we will walk through the events of Holy Week with Scripture, songs and activities. We will discuss the events of Easter in an age-appropriate way to help everyone - from our littlest Lutherans to our seasoned seniors -- fully understand the gift of Easter.
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Youth & Family Ministry Schedule - April
Little Lutherans
PJ's and Prayers, Friday, April 25, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Elementary School (K- 5th grade)
Adventure Rock, Saturday, April 12, 9:00 -11:00 a.m.
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Let's Go Bowling! Sunday, April 13, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
High School (6-12th grade)
Youth Group, April 13, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
If you didn't get a chance to pick up the upcoming Youth & Family Ministry flyer outside the Sanctuary, you can link below to see all the fun activities planned.
| | | Christian Education/Bible Study | | |
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
"The Road to Coronation"
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Media Room
The study by Harry Wendt looks at, and compares, the four Passion Narratives. Sessions will be facilitated each week by a member of one of our Ministry Teams. Study Materials will be available at the study and are being provided at no charge to the participants. Come when you can!
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"The Easter Code"
A 40-Day Journey to the Cross
The "Easter Code" is a call to freedom during the days of Lent. In the pages of this devotional book, you will be walking with Jesus along the journey to Jerusalem. Each devotion contains a devotional thought, a "code word" for the day, a Scripture and a daily prayer. The "code word" helps unlock the blessing of each day's reading.
Devotional books are available on the table in the Narthex.
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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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SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE
"BUILD A BED" Workshop
April 26 from 10:30am-12:30pm
We invite you to join us again as we spend time together to build handmade wooden beds. The beds are given to children in Waukesha County who don't have their own beds to sleep in. There are 14 stations that have a lead volunteer to help you with the process. Stations involve sanding, drilling, assembling, logo branding, and staining.
The location has changed from prior years and will be communicated as soon as it's confirmed.
Any questions should be directed to Karen Pierce at k5pierce@att.net.
| | | Mission of the Month - SERENITY INNS | | |
The April focus of the Mission of the Month is Serenity Inns. In Milwaukee alone, between 1500 – 2000 people are homeless and of those, over 90% have substance abuse problems. An estimated 80% of the current 20,000+ inmates in the Wisconsin prison system are incarcerated because of drug related activities. When men are released from prison, they often times lack the strength and foundation needed to lead a drug and alcohol free life. They struggle to find jobs, housing, and even individuals who will help them down the road of recovery.
Serenity Inn provides a comprehensive, seven month transitional living program. This program addresses the physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs of its residents. Serenity Inn's mission is to offer an opportunity for holistic recovery from addiction and alcoholism to men who need it most, in a compassionate community of accountability. Their vision is a world where addicts and alcoholics who choose recovery may find it.
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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Women's Book Group
Monday April 14, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"Lessons in Chemistry"
by Bonnie Gamus
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Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.
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NEW! Enjoy a Christian Movie
First and Third Tuesday of the Month
Join Janet Zastrow on Tuesday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m. to watch the third in a series of Christian films created by the Kendrick Brothers. You may have heard of some of their movies which were shown in theaters around the country (War Room, Facing the Giants, Overcomer).
The third film that Janet will be showing is "Show Me The Father". Everyone has a unique father story. Whether positive or painful, it’s always personal and can deeply affect the core of our identity and direction of our lives. "Show Me The Father" (originally released in theaters in 2021) is the first documentary film from the Kendrick Brothers. Featuring a variety of amazing true stories, this captivating movie takes audiences of all ages on an inspiring and emotional cinematic journey. providing a fresh perspective on the roles of fathers in today’s society. It film covers good fathers, absent fathers and abusive fathers, and how to relate to God as the perfect father you've always longed for, but never had.
The prior movies "Fireproof" and "Courageous" are available for you to borrow to watch at home. Please reach out to Janet Zastrow at janetzastrow@att.net for more information.
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Weekly Men's Breakfast
Every Wednesday 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, May 15 at 6:00 p.m.
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 LINK.
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 2025 Board of Deacons
Pictured are: Front row (l-r): Darlene Louison (Secretary); Ruth Brostowitz, Lenny Graffin (Scheduler), Lisa Grossman, Judy Sayas. Back row (l-r): Andy Foy, Pat Foy (co-chair), Ed Ramthun (co-chair), Bill Graffin and Ken Miller. Not pictured: Kevin Wahlgren.
| | 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, fruit, etc.) for Sunday hospitality time, there is a sheet on the bulletin board outside of Fellowship Hall. You may bring the treats (six dozen) and drop them off in the kitchen, or you can pay $30 to the church office and the treats will be purchased for you. Please check the appropriate column when you sign up so the Hospitality coordinator will know what to expect.
The sign up sheet is posted on the bulletin board. Thank you for your support!
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Calvary Library Re-Organization
The Calvary Library, located near the Sanctuary entrance doors on the west end of the building, has been sorted and reorganized. A huge thank you to Pastor Ken Nelson who spent many hours reviewing and organizing the books into manageable categories.
We have an extensive array of titles ranging from personal devotion to reference works for more in-depth Bible study. There is no catalog, color-coded categorizing, or “checking out” process – just peruse sections of the library at your leisure and take any volumes you wish for as long as you wish. When you are finished, we ask you to place books in the box labeled “returns”, and our staff will see that they are returned to their proper section.
In addition, Calvary has a large collection of group Bible and Christian-themed studies, many with DVD’s, Leader Guides and participant books, by such popular authors as Max Lucado, Philip Yancey, and Steven King (of SOLA Lutheran Publishing). These are stored in the Media Room in the Christian Education wing of the church. If you are not sure where this is, ask our staff or stop in and they can guide you to them.
Finally, in the entry of the church there is a library of children’s books, organized by Bible theme, story Bibles, as well as Christmas and Lent/Easter books. This is just around the corner from the main library.
We hope you will make use of our library soon. If you would like to donate something to our library, please bring books to the church office for staff placement on the shelves.
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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 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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