CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
Your Weekly E-Newsletter Thursday, July 1, 2021
This Week's Pondering
Pastor Ken Nelson, Senior Pastor
“For here we do not have an
enduring city, but we are looking
for the city that is to come.”
    Hebrews 13:14

When I was in Philadelphia recently, I toured the area that includes Independence Hall, the adjacent two buildings that housed the Supreme Court and Congress (a two-story building that had an “upper chamber” – 2nd floor for the Senate, and “lower chamber” – 1st floor for the House, monikers that remain to this day), and within a short distance, lots of other buildings of significance to our nation’s founding.

Not surprisingly, there were statues … lots of them. One of them portrays one of Philadelphia’s favorite sons and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Benjamin Rush.  He was quite a remarkable man – very bright and known for his compassion tending to any needing medical care in the city, and even on the early battlefields of the Revolutionary War.   Granted, he was big on “bloodletting” and “purges” as a cure for most anything – practices that now seem quite draconian, and he was the developer of quite the pill for constipation.

According to Wikipedia “Dr. Rush's Bilious Pills”, (were) laxatives containing more than 50% mercury, which have since colloquially been referred to as "thunderclappers." The meat-rich diet and lack of clean water during the (Corps of Discovery’s 1804-1806) expedition gave the men cause to use them frequently. Although their efficacy is questionable, their high mercury content provided an excellent tracer by which archaeologists have been able to track the Corps' actual route to the Pacific.  Well, there you have it!

Dr. Rush was a man of faith.  Religious identity could be quite fluid in those days, but he more or less identified with Presbyterianism.   He was an advocate for folks who were mentally ill, who were addicted to alcohol, and though he did own a slave, he also was part of the early abolitionist movement in the country.  Of the God-given impetus for the United States and the so called “American Experiment” he was ...

Click HERE to read the remainder of this week's Pondering.

Worship Resources
Online Resources
"Save the Date" for these Church-wide Events!
Join your Calvary friends
at the
Brookfield Civic Plaza Concert Series
Wednesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Performing: North Coast Orchestra
 
Bring your own chair, beverage and snacks. We will not have a special area set aside - just look for a familiar face or two and join us! No sign up is needed - just show up!

North Coast Orchestra plays a wide variety of styles and is sure to entertain a diverse range of audiences. Members of the group have performed and toured with such noted artists as The Temptations, Frank Sinatra Jr., Dennis DeYoung, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers and scores of others. They made their first appearance in 2012 at Summerfest and have been a #1 wedding band pick for years.
Join your Calvary friends for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as we tour through Germany and Austria. Partake in the festivities of Munich's Octoberfest, the annual alpine parade of cows in the hills of the Austrian Alps and witness the 42nd Passion Play in the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau, Germany.

There are still a few spaces available. For more information, contact Country Travel Discoveries at (262) 923-8120.
Calvary Group Trip to
Oberammergau & Austria
September 17-27, 2022
We have a new 20 ft. BIG SCREEN for the outdoor movies. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and snacks and join us for some time together enjoying a movie under the stars.

Jamie Foxx leads an all-star cast in this hilarious, heart-filled adventure. Pixar's SOUL (PG) introduces Joe, who lands the gig of his life at the best jazz club in town.

But one misstep lands Joe in a fantastical place: The Great Before. There, he teams up with "soul 22" (Tina Fey), and together they find the answers to some of life's biggest questions.
Outdoor Movie Night
Calvary's Backyard
NEW DATE: Friday, July 16 at 7:15 p.m.
(If it rains, event will be cancelled)
Worship Attendance - June 26 & 27, 2021
Our Church Family
Ruby Himsel, 7/2
Jeff Griese, 7/3
Sophia Liu, 7/3
Kyle Gall, 7/4
Elliot Jones, 7/5
Judy DeBruine, 7/6
Mady Peters, 7/6
Chris Cason, 7/8
Katie Rooks, 7/8
Kris Springer, 7/8
Bruce Hanke, 7/10
Lorna Reiter, 7/11
John Peters, 7/13
George and Carol Rooney, 7/1 (54 years)
Jackson and Tiffany Schlieve, 7/12 (7 years)
Wayne and Bonnie Johnson, 7/15 (32 years)
Tom and Pat Kurtz, 7/18 (57 years)
Scott and Peggy Langelin, 7/18 (40 years)
Jerry and Nancy Wittmus, 7/18 (34 years)
Cable and Sarah Gall, 7/29 (15 years)
Keith and Karen Pierce, 7/30 (33 years)
Darrel and Shirley Schwenn, 7/31 (67 years)
Prayers of sympathy and God's grace and peace to: the Schmelzer and Zipp families on the passing of Diane Schmelzer on Wednesday morning, June 30th.

Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Donna Siderits; Megan Schatz; Mary Smith; Ginny Cox; Miranda (granddaughter of Judy Debruine); Dennis (brother of Leah Morris); Pamela Scott (mother of Megan Sayas) ; Paige Yeager (friend of Sallie Schulz's family); Mark Sturms (cousin of Cindy Zilske); Morgan (cousin of Alex Baumgarten); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce); John Nielson (brother of Judy Kestly); Dave DeBruine (son of Judy DeBruine)

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, 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:  Diane Foley; Don Heyen; Bill Jordan; Jeanette Ketelsen; Shirley Mahn; Nadine Schuelke; Marge Skarie; Lowell Sonderman; Donna Polizzi; and Janet Zastrow.

Non-members:  Shirl Gordon (friend of Cindy Rooks); Aggie Fingland (mother of Chuck Giuliani); Debbie and Jens Douglas (sister-in-law of Lynnae Douglas); Rose Luther (friend of Nicole Moritz); Judy Grospitz; Jan Janchan (friend of Jonni Roush); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell)

If you have any new prayer requests, please contact the church office at 262.786.4010 or via email to office@calvarylc.com.
Faith Formation
Attending camp were (l-r): Ellie Sayas,
Addison Meyer and Matt Schatz.
Lutherdale
Summer Camp '21

Three of our Middle School Youth attended summer camp at Lutherdale last week. The theme was "Confirmation Camp" and it is a special week set aside for churches to bring their confirmation students for an immersive week of faith and fun. Special worship centered on the sacraments and Pastor Ken attended one afternoon to spend time with our youth in small group study.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are vital to providing a safe and fun environment for children and students at VBS. Without enough of them, VBS can't happen.

Please consider volunteering this year! Contact Kyle Jones if you need more information.
July 26-30, 2021
9:00 a.m. - Noon

Children and students three years old (and potty trained) to 5th grade are invited to join us for a fun-filled week of learning and discovering God's love for us in Jesus through Bible stories, music, games, crafts, and more! The cost is $20/child.

Space is limited so click the button above to sign up today!
Free Devotional Books
Are you looking for a little something to start your day? Or perhaps a little inspiration to read before you turn out the light at night?

The following free devotional booklets are available for you on the kiosks in the Narthex.

"Portals of Prayer"
"Christ in Our Home"
"Connections - Connecting with God's Word"
Music Ministry




E Pluribus Unum


Let me just state how grateful I am for the return to congregational and choral singing. COVID-19 impacted our lives in some very serious ways, not the least of which was the disheartening (but necessary) ban on group singing. Singing together in unison and in harmony is a luxury I hope we can all appreciate to its fullest in the days to come.

Singing as a group holds a unifying power of inspiration that is impossible to duplicate anywhere else. When we sing, our bodies cause the room to vibrate, both with identical pitches and pitches that harmonize. We are no longer like the lone wolf crying at the moon—we are an electrical force (literally). We are sons and daughters of the King, extolling our beautiful Savior, while marching to Zion.

It seems to me that God’s gift of the arts is the manifestation of what truly distinguishes humans from other species of God’s creation. Pigs, dogs, apes, horses . . . .all are wonderful creatures in their ways, but none of them create art or music as humans do, with such intention.
Luther’s approach to music was formed through the conviction that music is a particularly beautiful and unique offering of the divine creation—no one disputes that!

Joan Steinmann said, “Choir is magical. Alone, I am a soprano, but in a choir I'm a tenor, an Alto, and a bass, and when you sing and in a choir, the whole choir comes out of your mouth.” Singing in four-part harmony requires some talent, yes, but is also easily taught, along with techniques that make choral singing so satisfying, so much “more than the sum of its parts!”

For those interested in choir (even if you haven’t plucked up the courage yet): I offer my skills in helping us sing as a choir, with an eye to steadily improving our technique and polish, if you will let me. Indeed, all those quirky vocal exercises have a real purpose! My hope is that many more voices will join with the choir in the days to come. The Latin phrase is a good image to keep in mind: “Out of many, one.”

I know some folks are curious about the name of our “new” choir, Psallite (just like the word Psalm, it has a silent letter, so it’s pronounced “Soll-i-tay.” It’s just a Latin word for “Sing!” Sing, everyone! Sing to the glory of God! See you on Sunday. 
-- Nicole Moritz
REMINDER: The PSALLITE CHOIR will rehearse on Sunday mornings following the
9 a.m. service, beginning on July 4th
(no rehearsal on July 11) and continue throughout the summer months.
"Camp Joyful Noise"
Summer Music Camp
Open to children ages 6-12
July 26-30
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. (After Vacation Bible School)

Children attending the music camp will need to pack a lunch since they will be staying at church during the lunch hour (following VBS).

Kids will learn basic concepts of music literacy, play games that reinforce these concepts, as well as learn and present a mini-musical, “The Story of Jonah” (or it might be the story of the prophetess “Joan” depending on who can carry the title role!) told with fun music, sound effects, and Dad jokes!

Please register before July 15 if you wish your child to attend - click the blue button above to sign up.
General Information
Independence Day Parade Parking at Church
The City of Brookfield's annual Independence Day Parade will take place on Saturday, July 3 beginning at 10 a.m. The City has advised that Calhoun Road will close at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Calvary members are welcome to park in our lot to watch the parade in front of the church - please enter off Calhoun Rd. (The Gebhardt Rd. entrance will be closed as the City is using that corner of our property to stage the children's bike parade participants.)

If you park in our lot, plan to arrive early to claim a spot on the sidewalk in front of the church. Also note that you will not be able to leave our parking lot until the parade ends around 11:30 - noon.
Free Miracle Ear hearing aids
The family of the late Ed Marshall has reached out to us to offer "nearly new" Miracle Ear hearing aids to anyone in the congregation who could use them. The Miracle Ear location in Brookfield (15060 W. Greenfield Ave., Suite 110) advised that the recipient can come to the store for a free hearing test and fitting. They have been cleaned and are ready to be used.

Please contact the church office at 262.786.4010 if you're interested.
Women's Ministry
Copies of the book are available to be signed out in the church office.

WOMEN'S BOOK GROUP
Monday, September 13
1:00 p.m. in Media Room

For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called "Marsh Girl". But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand.

Where Crawdads Sing is an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story and a surprising tale of possible murder.
Marcella Nelson invites you to join her on a week-long retreat to
Mount Carmel Ministries in Alexandria, MN
September 10-17, 2021


The week will be a "Hymn Festival with Gracia Grindal" (retired professor from Luther Seminary). Gracia will dive into the riches of hymnody and how God works through hymns.

There will be morning presentations, afternoon recreation and rest and evening worship. Mount Carmel is located on lovely Lake Carlos and is a place of rest, renewal and recreation where people experience Jesus.

If you 'd like more information, please sign up on the sheets in the Narthex. Cost will depend on single or double occupancy, carpool, etc. (Alexandria, MN is about an eight hour drive) but will be approximately $450-600/person. Meals are included.

Questions? Contact Marcella at (701) 833-5157 or via email at nelskog@juno.com.
Women of the NALC Retreat
September 24-26, 2021

Green Lake Conference Center
Green Lake, WI


You're invited to join Marcella Nelson and women from across the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) for a weekend retreat. The speaker will be Jenny Brockman from the NALC Missions office.

Sign up sheets and brochures are on the glass doors in the Narthex. Questions can be directed to Marcella Nelson at (701) 833-8157 or email at mnelson.wnalc@gmail.com
Calvary members participated in the 2019 Women's Retreat.
Green Lake Conference Center provides a beautiful and relaxing location for the Retreat.
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
Thursday, July 22, 6:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall

Come for fellowship, food and devotion time. Dinner will be provided. Invite a friend. Social distancing will be respected and practiced.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ernie Kretschmann at kretschmann@att.net.
July Mission of the Month & Community Outreach
HOPE STREET MINISTRY
a Greenhouse for People on 26th and Capitol

Hope Street Ministry helps broken men, women and children cultivate hope and provides protection from the outside elements, and most importantly, supports growth together in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Hope Street Ministry is home to about 40 men, women and children whose lives have been profoundly affected by the toxic environment they grew up in, their own poor choices, or drug and alcohol abuse.

Empowered by the active Grace of Christ, the staff, volunteers, and members create a nurturing community for people to live, learn and develop new habits to flourish.

Their programs include:

  • Integrative Wellness: Improving diet, sleep, exercise and managing stress 
  • Addiction support with AODA counselors and group work
  • Forgiveness Education with GED assessment and tutoring
  • Family Dynamics - relational boundaries and parenting skills
  • Life Skills and Job Preparedness
  • Healing from Trauma-including sexual abuse

A representative from Hope Street Ministry will be with us during worship on July 10-11 to provide more information about this important local ministry.

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.
Volunteer Drivers Needed!

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Waukesha County is seeking volunteers to help support Waukesha County's Meals on Wheels Program. Volunteer drivers are needed to assist with the delivery of meals to eligible seniors. The need for this service is growing along with our aging population.



With seven locations throughout the County, volunteer drivers can choose which location works best for you.

Meals are delivered over the lunch hour during the week, Monday - Friday, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Volunteer drivers are reimbursed for their mileage.
Cutting/prep help needed for tied fleece blankets
Calvary received a donation of fleece to make additional tied blankets for NALC Disaster Relief. We need some helpers to cut/prepare the fleece for tying.

If you are able to assist, please contact RoJean Holler at (262) 853-8212 or via email at rojeanholler@gmail.com.

You are welcome to use the big tables in Fellowship Hall to do the cutting, if that's more convenient for you. You can check with the church office for availability of that space.
Mission Servant Month Activity
Items that were collected during Mission Servant Month were delivered to Care Net Pregnancy Center of Milwaukee this week.

Donations of new or used baby and children's clothing (sizes infant - 5T), baby bath products, diapers, wipes, strollers and car seats are always welcome. If you have anything to donate, please contact Marcella Nelson at nelskog@juno.com.
Dropping of donations at Care Net were (L-R) Diane Knappe, Lisa Grossman, Pat Dieck and Marcella Nelson.
A few reminders ....
Sanctuary Flowers
We invite you to sign up for flowers to beautify our altar each weekend. The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

Flowers are $35 and you may take them home following the 10:15 am worship on Sunday morning. If you'd prefer, you can leave the flowers at church to be enjoyed by the office staff.
Facing tough times? Need a Christian Friend?
Stephen Ministry is here to help. Free, just like God's love.
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour. 

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this important ministry, please contact Scott or Peggy Langelin at 262.853.0018.
WORSHIP LIVE STREAM AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY!

Can't make it to worship? We are live streaming the 9:00 a.m. service on Sunday mornings, and it's almost like you're with us in person.


You can access it at any time from the home page of our website (www.calvarylc.com), or by using the link below. You'll also receive a link on Sunday mornings via email.
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