CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | |
Your Weekly E-Newsletter - October 24, 2024 | |
This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | |
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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.” -Psalm 46:1-2
There is a common perception that the phrase “fear not” occurs 365 times in the Bible thus conveying the message that there is a “fear not” for each day of the year. While this is a nice sentiment, it is not true. A much better approach is to see the context in which the words “fear not” occur.
In Psalm 46, we are given the message that we will not fear. The reason we have not to fear is because of the abiding presence of the Lord our God. Much like the little girl who goes running to Daddy because she fears the “monsters” under the bed, God is near to us in circumstances that can certainly cause us to be afraid. God is near when the tsunami warnings ring out.
God is near when the earth shakes to the point of bringing down homes, buildings, etc. God is near when the warnings are issued that tornados have formed and are cutting through communities. God is near when individuals are confronted with the pain of a terminal diagnoses. Throughout this psalm we are assured of the Lord’s presence in circumstances over which we have no control.
The lack of control is something that many people fear. The lack of control is closely related to how we view the future, and the unknown associated with our future. Such fear plays into the hands of sin, death, and the devil. It was the devil that wanted Jesus to satisfy himself, glorify himself, and take control. Instead, Jesus stayed true to the nearness of the Father in refuting such temptation with the Scriptures, in his day those being the Old Testament.
No matter what our fears may be, they do not change the truth that God chooses to be near his people. Even as we walk through the “valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me” (Ps. 23:4). We need not fear the accuser, for it is Jesus who sets us free. Because of the dwelling of Jesus with humanity (see John 1:14), who took on flesh, suffered, died, and rose from the dead, “you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36).
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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Music Ministry - Nicole's Notes | |
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October is Reformation Month!
I truly enjoy festival Sundays. I love being able to bring in extra musicians and use “big” hymn arrangements. Sometimes festival Sundays such as Reformation are used as platforms to host multi-congregation collaborative afternoon services, as has been the case in LCMS churches, and I love to attend those as well
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This year the Reformation service at Calvary (October 27) is designed to emphasize the ideas sometimes codified by historians as “The Five Solas,” or “the Five Alones” - which may strike one as a bit of an oxymoron, to be sure - but these five ideas do seem to permeate the substance of the re-thinking of theology 500 years ago. Those ideas are: Salvation comes through God’s Grace / favor alone (sola Gratia) by Faith alone (sola Fide) in Christ alone (solus Christus), that our only standard of faith and practice is Scripture alone (sola Scriptura), and that we should live and work to the Glory of God alone (Soli Deo Gloria). You may recognize the last phrase as the words sprinkled into the musical manuscripts by the famous Lutheran composer, J. S. Bach. (What a testament to the power of that idea!)
Each hymn is chosen with the aim of speaking to these five pillars. “God Has Spoken by His Prophets” makes the connection between the written Word of God, and Christ, the Living Word of God. “All Glory Be to God on High” is an historic hymn from the era of Luther, written to be used as the hymn of praise, and exemplifies the glory of God.
Our choir will be singing an anthem by Grieg, a 19th century composer who identified as a Lutheran, entitled “God Son Has Made Me Free,” which speaks of God’s grace and the means of salvation through Christ. (If you would like to learn more about this anthem, which was a part of his final composition called “Four Psalms,” you can go to this page. https://www.chicagochorale.org/blog/edvard-grieg-opus-74-fire-salmer) You can listen to a recording here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpdQEi0x6kA
We will also sing “In Christ Alone,” representing Solus Christus. “Salvation unto Us Has Come” again makes mention of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone. We end with the indispensable “Mighty Fortress” by Martin Luther, which is his paraphrase of Psalm 46, forever associated with the Reformation; “His Kingdom is Forever!”
Reformation Sunday provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on God’s hand in the history of the church. Had it not been for a monk named Martin Luther, we would not be gathering at Calvary today. Had it not been for the Word of God, preserved through millenia against all odds, Luther would not have “discovered” these ideas. Had it not been for the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of European leaders, the Reformation would have gone nowhere. Side note: One of the most fascinating characters to me (besides Luther himself) was Nicolaus von Zinzendorf, known as the Rich Young Ruler Who Said Yes, who supported the Moravian Christians in heroic missionary efforts which have affected the face of our world to this day. Let us celebrate with full hearts!
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Youth Bible Presentations
Angie Schatz, Youth Director, presented age appropriate Bibles to several of our youth on October 13th. They were given to the parents, who, in turn, give to their children as they promised to do when they were baptized.
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THIS SUNDAY - October 27, 11:30am - Noon
Wear your Halloween Best for this "not so scary" Calvary tradition. Following Sunday School, our youth are invited to Trunk or Treat in the front parking lot.
Calvary family - please come and "open your trunk" and participate in this fun event. Don't worry - you'll be home in time for the Packer kick-off at noon!
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Reformation Sunday
Confirmation
October 26-27, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Saturday: Ed Ramthun Sunday: Scott Langelin
DEACONS: Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Andy Foy, Pat Foy, Darlene Louison
ACOLYTE(S): Noah Ciszewski and Sean Moritz
LECTOR: Phil Hanson
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Angie Schatz
USHERS: Caryl Braatz and Jane Krause
ALTAR GUILD: Mary Ellen Thiede
GREETERS: Diane Grundman, Marilyn Hermann, Everett Lambert
FLOWERS: The Dudzik Family
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Confirmation cake
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Cindy Rooks
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
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Altar of Remembrance
The communion of saints is a theme that runs throughout the month of November. An "Altar of Remembrance" will be in the Narthex by the Angel windows where people may bring in pictures and mementos that the tell the stories of all the saints in your lives, both living and dead. This table will be available on November 1st and will remain until November 30th.
You may bring your pictures and mementos any time throughout the month and place them on the "Altar of Remembrance" for all to see, read, enjoy and remember.
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The Church Life Committee hosted a FLANNEL FEST & HOOTENANNY on Saturday, October 19th. This adult-only event featured flannel, food, fellowship, Bingo and fun! | |
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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: Nadine Schuelke; Paul Queck (sponsor of Ka Thao);the people impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene
Prayers of sympathy and God's peace for: Larry and Susie Bonier on the passing of their son-in-law Jeff Brodzeller on October 14.
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Helga Willett; Shirley Mahn; Pat Treutelaar; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Laura Burger; Chris Bogusch (son-in-law of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus); Nate Kreiter (friend of Rick Kegel); Bonnie Nelson (former Calvary member); Barbara Runge (friend of Jeanette Kalupa); Nancy Berth (friend of the Calvary Knitting Group); Jack Banker (brother-in-law of Mary Lau); 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 members: Jan Chesner; Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Ron Parker (brother of Linda Thorpe); Lauren (granddaughter of Scott and Peggy Langelin); Dennis Reich (friend of John and Mary Lau); Curt (friend of Larry Bonier); Pastor Mark Gehrke (son of Lois Gehrke); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Vivian Peters, 10/25
Dave Cason, 10/26
Erik Zipp, 10/29
Lisa Grossman, 10/30
Nicole Kalupa, 10/30
Larry Bonier, 11/1
Jim Kalupa, 11/1
Sheila Kershek, 11/2
Diana Streicher, 11/2
Mary Lau, 11/3
Sue Wizner, 11/3
Susie Bonier, 11/4
Ed Ramthun, 11/5
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Matt and Hannah Ware, 10/26 (5 years)
Mark and Sheila Kershek, 10/27 (29 years)
Bob and Diana Streicher, 10/28 (35 years)
Harold and Shelby Rose, 11/11 (57 years)
Bill and Lenny Graffin, 11/24 (35 years)
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Outreach Ministries - Operation Christmas Child/Disaster Relief | |
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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.
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Stewardship Campaign Begins This Weekend
Did you know the Bible never refers to the “church” as a building? So too is Calvary not a building but “A Community of Believers in Jesus Christ”. As part of this Community, we have received time, talents, and treasures from God. The Lord reminds us in 1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Calvary believers in Jesus Christ can share their time, talents and treasures in this year’s stewardship campaign. Please pick up your materials in the Narthex after service this weekend. Materials not picked up will be mailed early next week. The campaign will conclude the weekend of November 16 and 17th with a celebration of commitment. Thank you!
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Weekly Bible Study with Pastor Jerry Wittmus
Pastor Jerry's weekly Bible Study is held on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. You will be studying the scripture readings for the coming weekend. Study text will be placed in the Narthex prior to the Study.
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Women's Bible Study
First and Third Tuesday of the Month
Janet Zastrow has resumed a Women's Bible Study on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. The Study is based on the book "The Battle Plan for Prayer" and will begin on Tuesday, November 5.
"The Battle Plan for Prayer" begins with prayer’s core purpose, its Biblical design, and its impact throughout history. Participants will be guided scripturally through the fundamentals of how effective prayer works. They will be inspired towards a closer, more intimate relationship with God, while being shown how to develop specific prayer strategies for each area of life. Prayer can accomplish what a willing God can accomplish. It should be our first plan of attack in all of life’s battles, not our last resort. If you want to experience the joy of mightily answered prayer, then it’s time to engage with God at another level.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Janet Zastrow at janetzastrow@att.net.
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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
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To support this important Mission of the Month, you may include it in your weekly offering envelope (designate donation next to Mission of the Month) or select the donation as "Mission of the Month" in your online giving. | |
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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
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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.
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Women's Book Group
Monday, November 11
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"Someone Knows My Name"
by Lawrence Hill
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Abducted from Africa as a child and enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata Diallo thinks only of freedom―and of the knowledge she needs to get home. Sold to an indigo trader who recognizes her intelligence, Aminata is torn from her husband and child and thrown into the chaos of the Revolutionary War.
In Manhattan, Aminata helps pen the Book of Negroes, a list of blacks rewarded for service to the king with safe passage to Nova Scotia. There Aminata finds a life of hardship and stinging prejudice. When the British abolitionists come looking for "adventurers" to create a new colony in Sierra Leone, Aminata assists in moving 1,200 Nova Scotians to Africa and aiding the abolitionist cause by revealing the realities of slavery to the British public.
This captivating story of one woman's remarkable experience spans six decades and three continents and brings to life a crucial chapter in world history.
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Weekly Men's Breakfast
Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.
Maxim's Restaurant
18025 W. Capitol Drive
Brookfield
All men are invited to attend!
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Monthly Men's Gathering
Fellowship Hall
Thursday, November 21
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
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Worship Attendance and Giving | |
Live Stream Attendance Link | |
If you watch our services via the Live Stream, please take a minute to let us know. There is now a link called "Online Worship Attendance" on the page where you access each week's service.
We appreciate your taking the time to complete this each week. It helps us know that our Live Stream is being viewed.
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Online giving provides options!
While cash and checks are always welcome, the “Give Online” button on the Calvary Lutheran Church website provides another option. And, with the expansion of our vendor’s software, the options are now expanded and customized. In addition to giving to the General Operating Fund, Building Fund and Mission of the Month, you can now specify contributions for Altar Flowers, Sunday Morning Fellowship Treats, NALC, etc.
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Please note that contributions to the Mission of the Month are allocated to the organization for the month in which the donation is made
If you have any questions or would like to make a pledge, please contact Cindy Rooks, Finance Secretary, via email at finance@calvarylc.com or (262) 786-4010.
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Your 2024 Board of Deacons
Front row (l-r) Lenny Graffin, Sue Rowe, Darlene Louison, Joanne Schultz, George Sedivec
Back row (l-r); Ed Ramthun, Judy Kestly, Andy Foy, Pat Foy, Ruth Brostowitz and Bill Graffin. Not pictured: Everett Lambert
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Your 2024 Church Council
Front row (l-r) Joanne Schultz, Peggy Langelin, Jan Lukasik
Back row (l-r); Ernie Kretschmann, Andy Schatz, Scott Langelin, Pat Dieck, Keith Pierce Not pictured: Chris Dudzik
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Do you need a new Church Directory? | |
The Calvary Church Directory is available electronically or in paper format. If you'd like an electronic copy, please send an email to Sue Rowe at communications@calvarylc.com.
There are also printed copies available in the church office.
If there are any changes to your phone, email or address, please advise the Church office. Any updates should be submitted to Cindy Zilske at office@calvarylc.com.
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Sanctuary Flowers
A wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion or remember a loved one is by sponsoring flowers at our altar. The cost is $35 and you may take them home following the Sunday morning worship.
The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex, near the door to Fellowship Hall.
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We invite you to provide
Hospitality Treats on Sunday
We invite you to stay after worship on Sunday mornings and enjoy fellowship time and a treat/cup of coffee in Fellowship Hall.
If you'd like to provide treats (donuts, bagels, etc.) for Sunday hospitality time, there is a sheet on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. You may bring the treats (six dozen) and drop them off in the kitchen, or simply add a “P” behind your name, pay $30 to the church office and the treats will be purchased for you.
The sign up sheet is posted on the bulletin board. Thank you for your support!
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The right side of the Sanctuary (as you face the altar) is equipped with a hearing loop system which transmits an audio signal directly into a hearing aid via a magnetic field. This greatly reduces background noise, competing sounds, reverberation and other acoustic distortions that reduce clarity of sound.
Most hearing aids are equipped with a t-coil and connecting to this system is an easy switch on the hearing aid. If you need assistance during worship with this system, please reach out to an usher or any staff member.
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The church office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. The door that is closest to the office (NW corner) will be open during those hours.
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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