CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, March 2, 2023

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

10:30 A.M. IN THE SANCTUARY

A special congregational meeting will be held to determine the members of the Call Committee.

In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be held the following Sunday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m.

This Week's Pondering from Pastor Ken Nelson

“Jesus said Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:34a NIV

These were the very first words from the lips of our Lord from the cross, according to Luke. It’s entirely appropriate our Lord would say this. He submitted himself to the cross to forgive and reconcile. John 12:32 says “But I, when I am lifted up, will draw all men to myself.”

The pronouncement of forgiveness could not wait until after the resurrection for this reason. Forgiveness, it seems (if based on our Lord’s own example) needs to be spoken out of the pain sin causes. Jesus never spoke again about forgiveness after his resurrection, except to tell his followers (in John 20:23) that they were now to do what he had done.

Our Stephen Ministers have been reading a book entitled “Called to Forgive” by Pastor Anthony Thompson of Charleston, SC. Pastor Thompson’s wife was among nine members of Emanuel AME church in that city who were murdered on June 17, 2015 by a man who had come to the church specifically to kill African American Christians. I commend the book to you – even if at times the subject matter can be difficult. Pastor Thompson famously forgave his wife’s killer just days after her death, at an initial court appearance of the accused gunman. His action in the courtroom that day caused quite a stir – not all victims' family members were ready for that nor prepared to do it, for understandable reasons.

Yet Mr. Thompson felt compelled, strangely and unexpectedly so, he admits, to stand in the courtroom and do just that. Was it posturing some wondered…an act of a grieving man in an unstable emotional state, others asked? Was it a form of subconscious defiance toward the accused…a way of telling him his actions, though they had hurt deeply, had not paralyzed or enraged his victim’s family as the gunman may have hoped?

Moreover, the accused had not asked for forgiveness – so how can you forgive someone who is not remorseful, that is an often-asked question. Yet that is precisely what Jesus did – he forgave people who not only were not remorseful, but oblivious to what they had done (while as we know, some who were gleeful about it). Anthony Thompson fully admits he forgave precisely because Jesus commands us to forgive and forgave us. And he admits he forgave because he had to let the terrible burden of anger and bitterness go – to release all of that and take the first tenuous steps toward healing. So, yes, he admits he did it for his sake, too. That may sound selfish to some, but in fact our Lord commands forgiveness for our well being as much as anything.

But there is more to it than that. For in the passion of our Lord, in his forgiving us, clearly Jesus did not think about himself, as Luke reports. “They do not know what they are doing” is directed at the actions of our Lord’s enemies. Jesus loved them…in a way perhaps only God can love, but he loved them. He did it for us; he did it for his enemies. He did it to lift a burden from us – not from himself. Pastor Thompson writes “when we forgive, we lift the burden of responsibility from the shoulders of the offender. We give a very specific gift: the exoneration of the obligation to right the wrong done. Forgiveness is the writing off of a debt.”

Society often believes that for forgiveness to be effective, or genuine, it must be mutual – someone’s offender must respond positively to it. But as Pastor Thompson writes, if that were the case, if the offender had to respond, then they would dictate and control a victim’s choice to forgive. If in his case he needed his wife Myra’s killer to accept his offer of forgiveness, and he refused, Anthony Thompson would be forever locked in a prison of unforgiveness, unable “to know the peace that passes all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7)

But that leaves the question of reconciliation. As I said, Jesus went to the cross to reconcile God and sinners. In our lives, forgiveness can, and often does occur without reconciliation. Mr. Thompson’s offer of forgiveness (together with those of several other victims' families) has never been accepted by the man who shot nine people in a church one warm June evening. It may never be.

Reconciliation is elusive – it cannot happen without forgiveness, or at least genuinely, but sadly, in this life, it does not always bring about that desired, miraculous end. Sometimes even, it can’t.

But it did with our Lord, and that is what we look to in this season of Lent most particularly – that God in and through Jesus has chosen to reconcile himself to us, not counting our trespasses against us. God has so committed himself to a relationship with us, that what Paul famously says in Romans 8 is remarkably true – “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

May your observance of this blessed season remind you - no assure you - of that profoundly.

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

Faith is not that human illusion and dream that some people think it is. Faith is a work of God in us, which changes us and brings us to birth anew from God (cf. John 1). It kills the old Adam, makes us completely different people in heart, mind, senses, and all our powers, and brings the Holy Spirit with it.

-Martin Luther

Commentary on Romans

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.

New Bible Study!

Are human beings sinful by nature? Or is it, rather, that human nature is essentially good, but has become corrupted by sin? Do we actively participate in our conversion to faith, or are we purely passive recipients of salvation from God? If Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, “of one being with the Father,” then is it correct to say that, on the cross, God died? And if so, how can God be God if he is vulnerable to suffering and death?

In a new 5-6 week study throughout the season of Lent, we’ll be taking a look at these and other fundamental questions about the Christian faith as they’re presented to us in the Lutheran Formula of Concord. The Formula is one of the foundational documents of the Lutheran Church and is a rich theological repository with enduring relevance for nurturing and sustaining the ongoing life of the church.

Please join us in the fellowship hall at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesdays immediately following the weekly Lenten services, which are at noon each Wednesday. Copies of the Formula of Concord (and coffee!) will be provided for participants.

For questions or additional information, contact pastoral intern Ben Blobaum at (224) 392-1834 or bblobaum@calvarylc.com.

Please enjoy this poem from Christina Rossetti. I always think about this during Lent. - Nicole

None Other Lamb

None other Lamb, none other Name,

None other hope in Heav’n or earth or sea,

None other hiding place from guilt and shame,

None beside Thee!

My faith burns low, my hope burns low;

Only my heart’s desire cries out in me

By the deep thunder of its want and woe,

Cries out to Thee.

Lord, Thou art Life, though I be dead;

Love’s fire Thou art, however cold I be:

Nor Heav’n have I, nor place to lay my head,

Nor home, but Thee.

Second Sunday in Lent

March 4-5, 2023

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Ken Nelson

ASSISTING MINISTER: Jessica Dudzik

DEACONS:

Saturday: Mary Ellen Thiede
Sunday: Linda Thorpe, George Sedivec, Bill Graffin

ACOLYTES:

William Dudzik and Sean Moritz

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

Ben Blobaum

USHERS:

Andy and Matt Schatz

LECTOR:

Ruth Brostowitz

ALTAR GUILD:

Lorna Reiter

GREETERS:

John and Mary Lau

FELLOWSHIP:

Fay Heyen in memory of Sam

FLOWERS:

The Schlieve family

POWERPOINT TECH:

Sallie Schulz/Saturday
Sue Rowe/Sunday

Faith Formation

Looking for a daily devotional? There are several options available on the tables in the Narthex. Portals of Prayer and Christ in Our Home are available in small and large sizes.

The North American Lutheran Church also offers a daily online devotional. The link to this resource is always available through the CONNECTIONS under the Worship Resources section at the top. Here's a link.

Looking for an online devotional? Between work, family, friends, and more, it can be hard to find time to dig into your Bible. Daily Bread Ministries’ Daily Video Devotionals make it easy to engage with God’s Word, featuring short faithful messages sent to your email inbox every day.

Watch on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, and know that God is always with you, no matter how chaotic life gets. Link HERE to sign up to receive a daily link.

Lenten Devotionals

Watch for Lent devotionals in the Narthex. Loved and Freed is from the NALC. Also available is New Life Rising: Easter Season Devotional 2023.

Use these resources to enrich your faith during Lent in addition to weekly Lenten Worship at noon on Wednesdays.

Care Net Pregnancy Center -- URGENT NEED!

Care Net Pregnancy Center is in need of new or gently used size 18-24 month and 2T WINTER CLOTHES to keep these little ones warm. Warm inside clothing is needed more but outside clothing is also appreciated.

A bin is in the Narthex. Thank you!

Women's Ministry Book Group

Women’s Book Group – Monday, March 13

Harnischfeger Room -Brookfield Public Library

12:30 – 2:00 pm

The Paris Bookseller

When bookish young American Sylvia Beach opens Shakespeare and Company on a quiet street in Paris in 1919, she has no idea that she and her new bookstore will change the course of literature itself.

Shakespeare and Company is more than a bookstore and lending library: Many of the prominent writers of the Lost Generation, like Ernest Hemingway, consider it a second home. It's where some of the most important literary friendships of the twentieth century are forged--none more so than the one between Irish writer James Joyce and Sylvia herself. When Joyce's controversial novel Ulysses is banned, Beach takes a massive risk and publishes it under the auspices of Shakespeare and Company.

But the success and notoriety of publishing the most infamous and influential book of the century comes with steep costs. The future of her beloved store itself is threatened when Ulysses' success brings other publishers to woo Joyce away. Her most cherished relationships are put to the test as Paris is plunged deeper into the Depression and many expatriate friends return to America. As she faces painful personal and financial crises, Sylvia--a woman who has made it her mission to honor the life-changing impact of books--must decide what Shakespeare and Company truly means to her.

Our Church Family

Jeremy Nowicki, 3/3

Matt Schatz, 5/3

Myrna Mavroff, 3/6

Ann Derse, 3/7

Tricia Fenske, 3/8

Malorie Harder, 3/10

Sue Rowe, 3/10

Gil Thompson, 3/11

Lucy Dallman, 3/12

Chris Morris, 3/12

Pat Corcoran, 3/15

Sue Dindorf, 3/20

Chet Elliott, 3/20

Kyle Jones and Lauren Beeson, 3/11 (11 years)

Rick and Chris Spangenberger, 3/16 (24 years)

Craig and Michele Schmidt, 3/28 (53 years)

Wayne and Pat Dieck, 3/30 (60 years)

Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Pastor Jerry Wittmus; Maxine Weisbrodt; Ellie Sayas; Jan Chesner; Grace Gunnlaugsson; Tom Kurtz; Jonni Roush; Elaine Wempen (aunt of Ed Ramthun); Robin Johnson (friend of Grace Gunnlaugsson); Andy Jacobs (friend of Evelyn Ceci); Mary (sister-in-law of Jane Taufner); Lynn Strickland father of Nicole Moritz); Kira (daughter of a friend of Jessica Dudzik); Susie Barnhart (friend of Megan Scott); Tony Shemberger (father of Amy Blobaum); Ray-Ann, granddaughter of David Ernst; Elizabeth Stem (niece of Evelyn Ceci); Sarah Green (sister of Andy Schatz); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)

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; Beverly Lawson; Shirley Mahn; Myrna Mavroff; Donna Schroeder; Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Ruth Young; Janet Zastrow

Non-members: Gerry Fosdal (friend of Linda Thorpe); Tom Bruns (brother of Carol Rooney); Lauren (granddaughter of Scott and Peggy Langelin); ; 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); 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.

Worship Attendance and Giving 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

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.

Mission and Outreach

March Mission of the Month

NALC Disaster Response

As you know, Calvary Lutheran Church is a congregation of the North American Lutheran Church. The NALC Disaster Response Fund provides resources for natural disaster victims in the United States.

When a disaster occurs, funds are used to:

alleviate human suffering;
provide transitional assistance;
enable those affected to begin the rebuilding process.

In addition to funds received, the NALC Disaster Response team collects and distributes items that can be given out to disaster victims. We are currently collecting items for Health Care Kits. A tote bag for donated items will be provided. Please pick up the "shopping list" and empty tote bags from the table in the Narthex.

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.

Men's Ministry

Weekly Men's Breakfast

RESUMES March 15, 2023

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, March 16

Fellowship Hall

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.

CLICK HERE FOR Imposter Scam Info from State of Wisconsin

Scam Emails from "Pastor Ken"

You may have recently received an email from Pastor Ken (or another member of the Calvary staff) requesting assistance for an important matter. These are NOT from Pastor Ken and are imposter scams. You will never receive an email from Pastor Ken or staff requesting your assistance in this way.

Please take a minute to check out the information from the State of Wisconsin which contains very helpful information about Imposter Scams.

Copies of this information is also on the Resources kiosk in the Narthex.

Severe Weather Announcements

With winter in full swing, 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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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