CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, November 17, 2022

Pastor Ken's Pondering This Week ....

Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generations; they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he had done it.”  

Psalm 22:30-31 NIV

 

The Kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say “Lo, here it is!” or “There!”, for behold the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” 

Luke 17:20b-21 ESV

 

We’ve once again set apart Christ the King Sunday as our Commitment day, when we ask you to make pledges for our congregational work for 2023.  Your giving thus far in 2022 has been so heartwarming. In the "Mission and Outreach" section of this newsletter, committee chair Marcella Nelson has written a report on the impact of your Mission of the Month giving year-to-date.  Calvary routinely gives between 12%-15% of our offerings to organizations outside of our congregation, including our mission partners and the North American Lutheran Church.  I am proud of that and hope you are as well.  These ministries depend on you as much as we do at Calvary.  

 

I have been emphasizing the work of the NALC in my previous two messages. I want to remind you that this weekend we will be hearing a recorded message from the President of the North American Lutheran Seminary, Dr. Eric Reisen.  As I said last week the largest portion of the three-year appeal of the NALC for support –“Ensuring a Legacy of Faith; Today, Tomorrow and Forever” - 42% or $2.1 million is dedicated to:


  • seminary support,
  • pastoral development after graduation and ordination,
  • the call process to pair pastors and congregations,
  • filling the need of a growing denomination, and
  • the prospect of nearly half (300) of the current NALC pastors retiring in the next decade.  

 

“It will be told of the Lord in the coming generations …”, as referenced in Psalm 22 above. This "telling" depends on the calling, training and sending of pastors and lay leaders to proclaim the righteousness of Jesus Christ to a people yet unborn.  I cannot think of a more important work for the church in this time.  I met five future pastors at a recent NALC retreat for interns and supervisors. They are all ready to take on that task. The NALC has leadership development both theologically and spiritually at the head of the list of its priorities for the future.   

 

Yes, I urge you to make a pledge to the NALC this coming Sunday.  The gospel ministry you support at Calvary and the gospel message you hear and believe is evidence that the kingdom of God, as our Lord Jesus says in Luke 17:21, “is in the midst of you.” Most days I receive several letters from various organizations appealing for my support. That is likely to increase in the coming days as both Christmas and the end of the year approach.  They all want my participation in their work; most probably do deserve it, and some get it. For 37 years, since my wife Marcella and I were married in 1985, we’ve committed ourselves to making our congregation the first priority in our giving.  I love to give; I truly do.  I love placing a gift in the mail knowing it will enable the feeding, housing, and medical care of folks in Jesus name!   But I love giving to my church as a matter of first importance. That is where I hear the gospel and receive the sacraments. It is where I see faces of my brothers and sisters in Christ, who are my friends in this life, and who will one day “surround the throne of God singing His praises night and day”. 

 

This is where I mark and celebrate the seasons of the church year.


  • Advent and its waiting
  • Christmas's glory and mystery
  • Lent’s inward reflection
  • Easter’s unmatched joy when I say to each of you “He is Risen … He is Risen indeed.”  


This is where I can come around the corner of our education wing and see an excited child making their way into their classroom. This is where I poke my head into the confirmation classroom and say “Who can give me the 2ndPetition and it’s explanation?" God created us to be earthen vessels and he pours the treasure of the gospel in worship and fellowship with one another. There is nothing else like it in this life. I truly believe that.   

 

I treasure the congregations I have been a part of, and still more what happens in them.  What you give ensures that the legacy of faith within Calvary Lutheran Church continues beyond our 65 years as a congregation.  Please continue to pray that the Lord directs your heart as you make your pledge this weekend.

 

Because of a cross,

 


Pastor Ken Nelson

Worship Resources
Calvary's Website
Live Stream Link
NALC Daily Devotion

This Week's Reflection from Martin Luther

To speak more clearly of the cross of Christ, you should not take it to mean this or that wood on which Christ hung suspended; but the cross of Christ is the shame and the great indignity which Christ innocently suffered. The shame and persecution endured for righteousness’ sake is the cross of Christ.


- Martin Luther

Sermon, October 22, 1522

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.

See the monthly calendar by clicking on the image below.

Annual Thanksgiving Pie Social


Join us for a piece of pie and cup of coffee after the Thanksgiving Eve worship on Wednesday, November 23. Worship will begin at 7pm, followed by the Pie Social in Fellowship Hall. Our youth will be helping to serve the yummy treats.


If you plan on attending, there is a sign-up sheet posted on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the Narthex.  There is also a spot on the form to indicate if you are able to bring a pie.




Advent

Holden Evening

Prayer Services

Midweek Worship







Please join us for our Wednesday night Advent services

at 7:00 p.m. on the following dates.


November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21


 Light refreshments will be available in Fellowship Hall following the service.


We invite you to bring treats for this fellowship time - a tray of cookies, cheese and crackers, etc. Pastor Ken and Marcella will provide the beverages. The sign-up sheet is on the OPPORTUNITIES kiosk in the narthex. There are two open spots for each week.

Advent Devotional Materials Are Available




This year’s devotional — entitled 

And He Shall Reign — was written by sixteen members of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) staff and based on words in Revelation 11:15.


The readings each day are based upon the daily lectionary provided in the NALC Devoted To Prayer daily prayer and reading guide, which is also an adapted version of the daily lectionary in the Lutheran Book of Worship. You can access these devotional materials through the link below.


The season of Advent is upon us, and it is time, once again, to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus and His eternal reign. It is our hope that this devotional will aid and bless your personal reflections during this season.


NALC Advent Devotional Link



Christ the King Sunday

November 19-20, 2022

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Ken Nelson

ASSISTING MINISTER: Jessica Dudzik

DEACONS:

  • Saturday: Ernie Kretschmann
  • Sunday:  Nancy Wittmus, Mary Ellen Thiede, Linda Thorpe

ACOLYTES:

  • Ava Morris and Ellie Sayas

USHERS:

  • George Sedivec and Jon Sayas

GREETERS:

  • John and Mary Lau
  • Keith and Karen Pierce

LECTOR:

  • Chuck Lukasik

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

  • Scott Anderson

ALTAR GUILD:

  • Tom Sadowsky

MUSICIANS: Psallite Choir and Gutenkunst Flute Ensemble

FELLOWSHIP TREATS:

  • Commitment Sunday

ALTAR FLOWERS:

  • Julie Matthes in memory of Fred

POWERPOINT TECH:

  • Saturday:  Cindy Rooks
  • Sunday:  Chuck Lukasik

LIVESTREAM TECH:

  • Kyle Jones

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS


Gutenkunst Flute Ensemble


November 20 at 9 a.m. service



Thursday, December 1 at 7 p.m.



You're invited to join us for a free Holiday Concert featuring Peter Thomas, MSO cellist. He's not your ordinary cellist. He will play holiday tunes on his electric cello. 


You don't want to miss this one to get you in the holiday spirit! Bring a friend.

Harpist Janelle Lake to play on

Christmas Eve at the 10pm service


Janelle Lake plays harp professionally throughout Chicagoland and the United States. Her days are filled performing, teaching, and traveling. Performances include her positions as principal harpist of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra since 2005 and the Southwest Symphony Orchestra since 2007 working under many batons including Dr. Alltop, David Crane, Jay Friedman, Ricardo Muti, and Cliff Colnot (Civic Orchestra). Memorable experiences include performing with Van Dyke Parks (song writer for the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson), playing the daily tea and demitasse at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island (audience included Rudy Guillani and Mitt Romney), and regular performances at Julius Meinl, and the Drake Hotel in Chicago (audience included President Obama).


Janelle Lake served as the Artistic Director at the Venus Harp Factory for eight years where she tested each new harp before it was sent around the world. Liz Cifani, retired Lyric Opera harpist, taught Janelle Lake at Northwestern University during her course work for Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Music Performance.

Janelle recently released her first CD of French and Czech harp music titled Moonlight in a Pool.

Church Council Update



Council Meeting

Bullet Points

11/15/22





Council was made aware of upcoming holiday worship schedules: 



  • Thanksgiving Eve service on Wednesday (November 23rd) evening at 7:00pm
  • Mid-week Advent services on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm (November 30th, December 7th, 14th, and 21st)
  • Christmas Eve services on Saturday (December 24th) at 4:00pm and 10:00pm
  • Christmas Day service on Sunday (December 25th) at 9:00am
  • New Year's Eve service on Saturday (December 31st) at 5:00pm
  • New Year's Day service on Sunday (January 1st) at 9:00am


Notified by Church Life/Fellowship Committee of dates/times to assist with preparing the church for the Christmas season (Volunteers are encouraged to let the church office know if available to help).


  • Putting up Christmas decorations will take place Sunday, November 27th at 1:00pm
  • Removal of Christmas decorations will take place Sunday, January 8th at 1:00pm



Approved Worship Board's proposal to adopt utilization of the ESV translation of the Bible in place of the currently utilized NIV translation for the lessons and gospel readings during worship services

Faith Formation

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 Media Room 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.

November Mission of the Month



Care Net Pregnancy Center of Milwaukee

  


Care Net Pregnancy Center is a newer mission for Calvary and we are thrilled to be part of those helping to fund and spread its good work. Several of us have visited and volunteered on site and have witnessed the work of God that this group does. Below is the PURPOSE and MISSION of CareNet:

 

PURPOSE: To uphold the sanctity of human life and share the love of Christ and the hope of the Gospel with women and their families facing an unplanned pregnancy.


MISSION: To encourage women to choose life by offering spiritual and practical care during and after pregnancy.

 

In 2021, our Learn to Earn program blossomed!


  • 110 women took 517 classes: To prepare for their babies, to be in fellowship with others and to be encouraged in their faith.


  • After taking classes, women go shopping in our beautiful Counted Sparrows Boutique. In Matthew 10, Jesus tells his disciples "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God?" We share this truth with our clients that they are valuable to God and are not forgotten by Him!


  • We believe the beauty of the Counted Sparrows Boutique reflects this teaching


Please consider supporting Care Net in their godly work, as well as possibly volunteering at the site. Click here to be directed to their website for more information. 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.

Mission and Outreach

Thanks to Calvary from the Mission and Outreach Committee

 

We are grateful for the participation from all of you in 2022. Through the Mission and Outreach funds Calvary supports a variety of ministries. In 2021, over $35,000 was collected in offerings for Missions the Month. We support the international, national and local ministries described below with your Mission of the Month offerings. 

 

International missions:

·      Lutheran Bible Translators provide Bible translation and literacy work in more than 100 language communities throughout the world.         

·      Compassion International programs provide health care, Christian teaching, education and vocational training opportunities for children in 27 countries. 

·      World Mission Prayer League Global Workers provide training, support Seminary Education for church workers along with christian education for children in India and many other countries worldwide.  

·      Opportunity International provides micro loans and banking services to people helping them to build sustainable livelihoods and access to quality education for their children to break the cycle of poverty.     

 

Internationally these groups spread the gospel to the unreached, and provide education, training and health improvements and economic opportunities for families in struggling nations.  

 

USA missions:

·      Seminary Support for students preparing for the ministry.

·      AbleLight is a ministry for people with physical and intellectual disabilities and provides numerous support services for these folks in several states including Wisconsin. Formerly known as Bethesda, this mission has roots in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

·      NALC Disaster Response has provided 2.9 million dollars’ worth of in- kind donations in 2022. Calvary participated in the (Stuff the Truck event) in October sending backpacks, quilts, fleece blankets, health kits, Bibles, Children’s Bibles and gift cards for families suffering from natural disasters. Calvary hosted a training event for disaster response which was attended by 15 people from Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

 

·      Broom Tree and Shepherds’ Canyon Retreats focus on restorative and healing retreats to pastors and their spouses from across the USAGreater Milwaukee area missions:

·      Serenity Inn is a residential center for men striving to overcome addictions.

·      Hope Street provides housing and healing the people whose lives have been affected by drug and alcohol abuse by providing a nurturing community life. 

·      Brothers and Sisters in Christ Serving (BASICS) is an umbrella organization for dozens of ministries in Milwaukee providing a variety of Christian care and outreach to the city including prison ministries, community outreach and recovery programs and youth activities.  

·       Care Net Pregnancy Center of Milwaukee provides support to pregnant women. Pregnancy and parenting classes, Bible studies, ultrasounds, baby supplies, after abortion counseling and ongoing care is provided to women and children. This past year Janet Zastrow’s birthday celebration included a baby shower to collect baby items for Care Net.  

 

Other Missions:

Calvary collected 43 Christmas Child Boxes for Samaritans Purse International Relief and Evangelism Ministry. An offering was taken for Spiritual Orphans Network for the Ukraine Crisis. Vacation Bible School children rolled bandages for Global Health Ministries, tied fleece blankets for Care Net and collected backpacks for NALC Disaster Response. The collection of winter clothing items is ongoing to be distributed to our local mission partners for the winter season.  

 

Thanks and Praise! All of these missions are the hands and feet of Jesus working through Calvary.  The variety of ways and places Missions of the Month serve our neighbors is impressive. 

Our 12 months of financial contributions to these groups spread the love of Christ to the city, the nation and the world.   We are thankful for all the ways you have contributed to these efforts in 2022.  

 

A Blessed Thanksgiving to you from Calvary’s Mission and Outreach Committee!



]

Marcella Nelson, Chair

 

Winter Clothing Collection


Cleaning out your closet as we transition to winter? Calvary's Mission and Outreach Committee is collecting winter coats, sweatshirts and sweaters, caps, gloves and scarves for all ages. Please put your items in the tub in the narthex.  Items can be new or gently-used condition.


Thanks for helping those who are without winter clothing. 

Our Church Family

Gael Hirth, 11/17

Darlene Louison, 11/17

Rich Baumgartner, 11/18

Bob Branston, 11/21

Pat Dieck, 11/23

Jacklyn Warber, 11/23

Terry Bzdusek, 11/24

Bonnie Johnson, 11/26

Allison Mayer, 11/26

Sarah Galll, 11/27

Matt and Heather Wirtz, 11/19 (6 years)

Bill and Lenny Graffin, 11/24 (33 years)



Elton and Joanne Juno, 12/4 (36 years)

Al and Rhonda Rodriguez, 12/23 (50 years)

Ron and Jean Holman, 12/26 (69 years)

Bob and Donna Siderits, 12/26 (62 years)

Jeremy and Nicole Nowicki, 12/28 (12 years)

Rick and Carol Treadwell, 12/29 (49 years)

Ken and Amando Olstinski, 12/31 (1 year)

Ongoing short-term prayer requests:  Grace Gunnlaugsson; Jonni Roush; Jonathan Roe (son of Carol Roe); Susie Barnhart (friend of Megan Sayas); Pastor Tim Peterson (friend of Ken and Marcella Nelson); Torrie and her unborn daughter (cousin's daughter of Lisa Grossman); Tom Bruns (brother of Carol Rooney); John Gregory (friend of Scott and Lisa Grossman);  Elizabeth Stem (niece of Evelyn Ceci); Dennis Heimdahl (son-in-law of Marilyn Hermann); 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; Tom Kurtz; Beverly Lawson; Shirley Mahn; Myrna Mavroff; Donna Polizzi; Donna Schroeder; Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Ruth Young; Janet Zastrow


Non-membersLauren (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); 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.

Financial Update/Worship Attendance - November 12-13, 2022

Women's Ministry

Women’s Christmas Open House


Saturday, December 10, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Marcella Nelson’s Home

19245 McAllister Lane Unit A, Brookfield

 

Come and bring your daughters or a friend

(Non-Calvary women are also welcome)

Come when you can, leave when you must

      Stop in and have some cider or coffee with our Calvary sisters.


If you have questions or need directions,

call Marcella at 701-833-5157

nelskog@juno.com

 

A few reminders ....

Severe Weather Announcements


With winter coming, we are reminded that weather can definitely impact traveling to church. And with that, inclement weather could necessitate the cancelling of worship.


In the event this should happen, you will receive an e-mail stating that the church is closed. We will also be sharing this with WISN-TV 12 and FOX6 so that it will be included in their scrolling list and on their website of closures.


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!

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

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. 


The sign up sheet for 2023 has been posted on the bulletin board.  Thank you for your support!

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 


Thursday, November 17

6 p.m.

Fellowship Hall


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


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.

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.


Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.


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


If you watch the livestream service, please take a moment to log your presence via the link that is available above the livestream link.

Sanctuary Flowers


We invite you to sign up for flowers to beautify our altar each weekend.


The sign-up sheet for 2023 is now 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