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CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, September 14, 2023

Pre-Service Hymn Sing!

Sunday, September 17

8:45 a.m.


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! This will be repeated again in October and November.

Reflection on this weekend's Scripture reading


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.





Our psalm this week is Psalm 103: 1-12. Our devotion focuses on verses 11 and 12 and comes from "Unveiling Mercy" by Chad Byrd.



 

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. - Psalm 103:11-12


“Orienting Ourselves”


Our English verb ”orient” is from the Latin for “the rising sun.” Thus if we were literally “to orient ourselves,” we would face eastward. In so doing we would be much like the Israelites, for one of their words for “east,” qedem,  also means “in front of.“ Another Hebrew word for “east,” mizrach, occurs in Psalm 103. Mizrach refers to “sunrise”, thus “east.” Now put this together: to truly orient ourselves, we face eastward, to the rising of the sun. And what does that rising tell us? It orients us toward the God who removes our transgressions “as far as the east is from the west.” There are poles for north and south; we can measure the distance from the north pole to the south pole. But it is impossible to measure the distance from the east to the west, from sunrise to sunset.


That is how far God's love stretches. How far His forgiveness extends. How far our sins have been removed in Christ. When we orient ourselves to that joyous reality and bathe in its rising light of grace, we will never be lost.


From the rising of the sun to its setting, we praise your name, O Lord!

Day of Pentecost

16th Sunday

after Pentecost


September 16-17, 2023



PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus

ASSISTING MINISTER: Larry Bonier

DEACONS:    

  • Saturday: Mary Ellen Thiede
  • Sunday: Diane Grundman, Linda Thorpe, Judy Kestly

ACOLYTES:

  • Amelia Evert and Sean Moritz

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

  • Larry Bonier

USHERS:

  • Keith and Karen Pierce

LECTOR:

  • Chuck Lukasik

ALTAR GUILD:

  • Lorna Reiter

GREETERS:

  • John and Mary Lau
  • Keith and Karen Pierce

FELLOWSHIP: Mark and Diane Knappe

FLOWERS:

  • Kaulpa Family in memory of Victor Muth and Harry Kalupa

POWERPOINT TECH:

  • Cindy Roooks/Saturday
  • Sallie Schulz/Sunday

LIVESTREAM:

  • Sue Rowe

Sleep in Heavenly Peace "Build a Bed Day"

Calvary was well represented last Saturday at the SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE bunk bed build. Special thanks to Keith Pierce of our Evangelism committee for organizing this event.


Thank you to everyone who showed up to help. There were a wide variety of tasks to be done and there was something for everyone to do, including sanding, drilling, staining, stapling. Fifty beds were completed that day.


We will be doing a collection of twin sheets. pillowcases and pillows for these new beds that will be distributed throughout the year in Waukesha County.



Change in worship time on Saturday, October 7


NALC Bishop Dan Selbo will be here for the NALC Mission District Convocation and will be leading worship that weekend.


To coordinate the service with the agenda of the Convocation, the Saturday worship will be at 1:00 p.m. (instead of 5:00 p.m.). The Sunday service will be at the usual 9:00 a.m. time.


We are so pleased to have Bishop Selbo with us for the weekend and hope you'll attend one of these services.


WISCONSIN UPPER MICHIGAN

MISSION DISTRICT CONVOCATION

October 6-7, 2023

Calvary Lutheran Church



Calvary is pleased to again host the annual Mission District Convocation of the North American Lutheran Church on October 6-7. This year we will be honored with the presence of our Bishop, Dan Selbo. Bishop Selbo will address the Convocation on Saturday, October 7 and preach at the closing worship liturgy. We invite you to attend and meet your fellow brothers and sisters from our Mission District as we all seek to do the Lord's will among us.


DETAILS: The Convocation will begin on Friday, October 6 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m., followed by the James Kealey concert at 7:00 p.m. Registration on Saturday will be from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and concludes with a worship service at 1:00 p.m. Bishop Selbo will be presiding over the closing liturgy.


Please sign up on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex. Registration is $15. Checks should be made payable to: Wisconsin/Upper Michigan, Mission District. Food and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by October 1st.  

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).




Prayers of sympathy and God's grace and peace to: the family of Maxine Weisbrodt, who passed away on September 12 after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at Calvary on October 21 - details will be shared once they are available.


New Prayer Requesst: Wayne and Pat Dieck; Sheila Kershek's mother; Richard Peterson (father of Sue Rowe's sister-in-law); Marily (friend of Judy Sayas); Wolfe Knappe (father of Pastor Mark Knappe)



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.


Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Mark Knappe; Bev Lawson; Sue Rowe; Donna Schroeder; Maxine Weisbrodt; Jan Chesner; Grace Gunnlaugsson; 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); Becky (friend of Jane Taufner); 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); Andy Jacobs (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); Gary Zikmund (friend of George Sedivec); Tony Shemberger (father of Amy Blobaum)


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; Shirely Mahn, Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow


Non-members Mary (sister-in-law of Jane Taufner); Jan Janchan (friend of Jonni Roush); 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)

Kris Lewandowski, 9/14

Erica Zipp, 9/14

Elijah Himsel, 9/15

Rich Rooks, 9/15

Will Dudzik, 9/16

Ron Foster, 9/16

Cable Gall, 9/16

Ken Nelson 9/16

Carole Wegner, 9/16

Linda Richmond, 9/17

Hugh Taufner, 9/17

Mark Knappe, 9/18

Mallory Zipp, 9/18

Brad Meyer, 9/19

Ann Jazgar, 9/20

Bill Graffin, 9/24

Sean Moritz, 9/27

David Vogel, 9/27

Kendall Thiede, 9/28

Leah Morris, 9/29

Emily Brooks, 9/30


Andy and Angie Schatz, 9/23 (23 years)

John and Mary Lau, 9/27 (54 years)

Bob and Caryl Braatz, 9/30 (62 years)




Ben Blobaum shared his upcoming Ordination details with us and asked that it be passed along to anyone who may be interested in attending. It is about a three-hour drive from Calvary to Flanagan, IL

Youth & Family Ministry

PJ's and Prayers returned on Friday, September 8th.



Rally Day 2023 is in the books. Thank you to everyone who brought in potluck items and to Chris Dudzik for flipping burgers and dogs for all. The kids enjoyed the bounce house and cornhole games on the lawn.

Angie Schatz would like to invite parents to a brief Youth and Parent meeting on Sunday, September 17 at 11:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. She will be talking about the plans for our Youth & Family Ministry program, upcoming events, and the best way to keep in contact with you and your child(ren).  


1st - 5th Graders

Mini Golf & Ice Cream

Saturday, September 16

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.



We will meet at Tee Aire Golf in Brookfield. We will play the 18-hole course and then head over to the neighboring Culver's for a treat.


Cost: $5/person


Please sign up on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex.

Family Fun!

Backyard Outdoor Movie

Saturday, September 16

7:00 p.m.


We will be watching "Prince of Egypt", an awesome animated, family, Christian movie (PG rating, 1:37 minutes). Bring a lawn chair or blanket for a night of family fun in the Calvary backyard, near the playground.


Please sign up on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex.

High School Youth

Disc Golf & Ice Cream

Sunday, September 17

3:30 - 6:00 p.m.



We will play 18 holes of disc golf at Valley View Disc Golf in New Berlin and stop for ice cream on our way back to church. No previous experience needed - just come and have fun!


Cost: $5/person


Please sign up on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex.

Friends are always welcome to join us for any Youth & Family Ministry events!

Sign up today for 2023/2024 Sunday School Program


Students and volunteers are invited to sign up for Sunday School, which will run from September 17 through May 19

10:30 - 11:15 a.m.


Please use the link below to register.


Sunday School Sign Up

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.

Youth & Family Ministry Event Calendar

Evangelism Ministry

CELEBRATION RINGERS - We are recruiting!

WE NEED YOU! If you can swing a bell and count to four, you are eligible to play in the bell choir! Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 5:30. On Sunday, September 17, we will have a “get to know you” session for anyone interested in playing bells. You can ask any questions you would like! Please contact Nicole Moritz, Music Director, at 414.625.0318.


 

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

That’s a Latin phrase that means “to God alone be the glory.” It’s been quoted by church musicians ever since the famous Bach stamped it all over his manuscripts. That’s what we aim to do in our choir as we learn and practice new music and bring life to historic music. We need your voice! If you’re interested in joining us, please contact Nicole Moritz, Music Director, at 414.625.0318.


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ORGAN CONCERT WITH JAMES KEALEY

FRIDAY OCTOBER 6 AT 7:00 P.M.


In co-sponsorship with the American Guild of Organists, Milwaukee Chapter, Calvary Lutheran will be hosting an organ concert given by the 2022 winner of the National Young Artists’ Competition in Organ Performance, James Kealey. More information about James' musical accomplishments is outlined below.


James' previous engagements include recitals at Westminster Abbey UK; Methuen Memorial Music Hall, MA; St John the Divine, NYC; and recitals for many AGO chapters around the country. Upcoming engagements include concerts across the U.S.A., including a solo organ recital at the 2024 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists in San Francisco.


A native of Great Britain, James came to the U.S.A. having held positions at notable English Cathedrals. He received his undergraduate degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, and worked as Senior Organ Scholar to the Chapel Choir there in their series of live broadcasts, international tours, CD recordings, weekly services, and concerts.


In the spring of 2020, James completed his Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Organ Performance and Literature. In 2021 he was honored to be named one of The Diapason’s “20 under 30”, an accolade awarded to the most successful young artists in the field. 


Currently, James serves as full time Associate Director of Music/Organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY. In this capacity he accompanies the Chancel Choir and directs the Third Church Choristers. Alongside this position, James is a candidate for the Doctor of Music Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY in the studio of Prof. David Higgs.


James is represented in North America by Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc.

Miscellaneous Resources

This Week's Reflection

from Martin Luther

Now, if there were no one on earth who forgave sins, but there were on Law and works, how timid and miserable a poor distressed conscience would be! But now, when God has filled everyone’s mouth so that he can say to another: “Your sins are forgiven,” no matter where you are, the golden year has begun.


-Martin Luther

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

Worship Resources

Calvary's Website
Live Stream Link

Online Resources

NALC Daily Devotion

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.

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.

Mission and Outreach

Fleece blankets are ready to be tied!


RoJean Holler has been busy cutting the fleece blankets which will be donated to the NALC Disaster Relief truck in early October. Special thanks to Thrivent who provided $250 for the purchase of all the fleece.


You can pick up a blanket from underneath the tables in the Narthex. Once you've tied it, please mark "complete" on a piece of paper and stick inside the plastic bag before placing under the table.

September Mission of the Month







To support this important Mission for the Month, you may include it in your weekly offering envelope or designate the donation for Mission of the Month in your online giving.

To learn more about Redeem and Restore, please click HERE to read their 2022 Annual Report.


A representative from Redeem & Resotre will be with us to share more information on Sunday, September 24.







Reedem & Restore Center is a new mission for us. This organization is committed to the prevention, intervention, and restoration of women that have been trapped into the sex trafficking industry. They are dedicated to walking alongside women in SE Wisconsin coaching and connecting to needed resources to become whole.


They currently offer the following services to women that have been out of the ‘no life’ for a time:


  • Survivor support group
  • Mentorship
  • Friendship
  • Coaching
  • Case Management
  • Social Outings
  • Financial Assistance


They have the first Redeemend Home for women in Waukesha County. It is a 12-24 month restorative care home that provides mental, physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual healing for the women.


For each woman to have HOPE & FREEDOM, it is a fight through all the layers of trauma. Their home environment will enable women to have a good foundation to continue to build a new life. Restoration is possible because of HOPE!

Women's Ministries

Women's Book Group

October 9, 2023 - 12:30 p.m.

Media Room


In September 1949 Jacqueline Bouvier arrives in postwar Paris to begin her junior year abroad. She’s twenty years old, socially poised but financially precarious, and all too aware of her mother’s expectations that she make a brilliant match. Before relenting to family pressure, she has one year to herself far away from sleepy Vassar College and the rigid social circles of New York, a year to explore and absorb the luminous beauty of the City of Light. Jacqueline is immediately catapulted into an intoxicating new world of champagne and châteaux, art and avant-garde theater, cafés and jazz clubs. She strikes up a romance with a talented young writer who shares her love of literature and passion for culture – even though her mother would think him most unsuitable.


But beneath the glitter and rush, France is a fragile place still haunted by the Occupation. Jacqueline lives in a rambling apartment with a widowed countess and her daughters, all of whom suffered as part of the French Resistance just a few years before. In the aftermath of World War II, Paris has become a nest of spies, and suspicion, deception, and betrayal lurk around every corner. Jacqueline is stunned to watch the rise of communism – anathema in America, but an active movement in France – never guessing she is witnessing the beginning of the political environment that will shape the rest of her life—and that of her future husband.



Evocative, sensitive, and rich in historic detail, Jacqueline in Paris portrays the origin story of an American icon. Ann Mah brilliantly imagines the intellectual and aesthetic awakening of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, and illuminates how France would prove to be her one true love, and one of the greatest influences on her life. 


Are you a knitter, crocheter or loomer? Would you like to participate with a group of crafters who meet regularly to create prayer shawls, lap blankets, scarves, hats, mittens, and much more? These items are given to those in need.


You will enjoy the fellowship of fellow crafters as they work on projects and share suggestions and ideas to grow this ministry.


If you would like additional information, please contact Pat Dieck (262.790.1298) or Evelyn Ceci (262.389.7251).

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Second and Fourth Thursdays

9:30 a.m. - Fellowship Hall

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.

NALC 20/20 Vision Update

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

Men's Ministry

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

Fellowship Hall

Thursday, September 21, 2023

6:00 p.m.


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


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.

Who is your Deacon? Who is on our Church Council?

Who are the Call Committee members?




Check out the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall where we have photos of the members of these ministry teams.

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.

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!

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!

Message from Pastor Jerry Wittmus


The Council's decision regarding supply preaching and congregational pastoral care is deeply appreciated. I will preside and preach the first weekend of every month, and any other time as needed. I will also be providing pastoral care, as outlined below:


  • Pray for Clavary, its members, and the mission of the church.
  • Call/visit members who request pastoral care, hospitlized, family death, etc.
  • Consult with Visitation Committee
  • Preside over Funerals, weddings, baptisms
  • Attend the monthly Stephen Ministry meetings
  • Provide monthly communion to Calvary members at Ruby Commons apartments
  • Any other duties/responsibilities as directed by the Council.


If you have any pastoral needs, I am the pastor on call and can be reached in the following ways:



  1. My cell phone is (262) 818-6792 (call or text)
  2. My email is nanjer248@hotmail.com
  3. Through the Church office (262) 786-4010


My motto is "We do ministry together". With the Holy Spirit guiding us, God's work will be done and ministry will continue here at Calvary Lutheran Church. Good communication is the key as we serve and help each other.


Peace and blessings to all.


Pastor Jerry Wittmus

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