Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, April 20, 2023

“You are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” 

I Peter 2:9 (NIV)

Peter may be the most famous of the disciples of the Lord. If jokes about heaven are to be believed, (and they’re not) it’s Saint Peter who requires some convincing when a sinner reaches “the pearly gates.” Should he let you in or not?  Yet for all his intimate knowledge of Jesus, (who beside Peter himself knew he’d denied his Lord three times or that his forgiver three times lovingly restored him by the lakeside), Peter is not a major contributor to the Bible.  From Peter we have only two short letters bearing his name (plus possibly a gospel attributed to Mark but bearing all the indicators of having been Peter’s testimony). 

Rarely therefore are I and II Peter read in church services.  For the next five weeks, Ben Blobaum and I will be preaching a series of messages on selections from I Peter.  The very first line of I Peter tells us that the apostle is writing to Jewish Christians who have been scattered across the Mediterranean basin.  It is important to our understanding of this book that Peter addresses fellow Christians as “God’s elect, strangers in the world” (a theme I will delve into in my message this coming week).  Jesus, in Peter’s hearing, once said (in Matthew 25) “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”…God to the nation of Israel said, “remember you were aliens in a foreign land”.  The Epistles of I and II Peter are addressed to people who, because of their faith, are “strange” to people around them – both Jews and non-Jews.   

And yet, Peter says, though they cling to a faith in a God they do not see, “they are receiving the goal of that faith … the salvation of their souls.”   Because of that faith, they are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…”  Because of that faith, because they have “set apart in their hearts Christ as Lord”, they can “give an answer, with gentleness and respect, to everyone who asks for a reason for the hope that lies within them.”   Because of that faith, they can “cast all their anxieties on (Jesus), because he cares for them.”  

I and II Peter are written to people who know they are “passing through” – who know this earth is not their home, and for that reason it presents a compelling challenge to Christians of every era who might have, or be tempted to conclude otherwise – for whom this world has become very comfortable.   I Peter, despite being written as an exhortation to the faithful to “purify yourselves by obeying the truth” is nevertheless a message of hopeful endurance for people who have purified themselves by faith in Christ but are still regarded as “strange” to the surrounding world. 

They are persecuted people, so we will use these next five weeks to lift up examples of how we can learn from Christians whose experience of faith included being discouraged, overwhelmed, devastated –feelings that can wash over people who suffer.  It is no different if the suffering is communal rather than personal.   Suffering has many forms – debilitating disease, physical or emotional abuse, social ostracism or outright persecution.  These can easily cause a person to give up, give in, and surrender to the pain or the cause of that pain.

“So always be ready” Peter says, to “give an account of the hope that lies within you.”   This great epistle will form the bulk of my final sermons at Calvary.  The sermon Ben preaches will likely be the last one he gives before completing his internship. We felt it would be fitting to end our service at Calvary dwelling in a portion of Scripture attributed to an Apostle whom Jesus named “Petros – ‘rock’ in Aramaic”, who was at the same time a very fragile stone, more aware of the cost and preciousness of grace than most. This is something all believers should be so fortunate to discover.  

We hope you will enjoy and be strengthened by our messages.

Because of a cross,

Pastor Ken Nelson

“

"Bonhoeffer"

A documentary produced by Journey Films

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writings continue to influence the church today, and for that reason, the Men’s Ministry of Calvary is hosting a showing of a 90-minute documentary on his life and legacy on Thursday, April 20.   All Calvary members are invited to attend – and we encourage you to invite others as well.  There will be a light supper served at 6:00 p.m., followed by the film and brief discussion time afterwards.  We hope to conclude the evening by about 8:15 p.m.  

“It is right and fitting that such a life gets our attention” wrote a reviewer in the Washington Post. The Minneapolis Tribune wrote “An inspiring portrait of one of the great moral heroes of the 20^th Century.” 

But Bonhoeffer would have dismissed such – as we will see in the film. To him, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”   He saw himself as no moral hero, but as a disciple of Jesus, taking up the cross of courage in the face of tyranny. His faithfulness as a servant of the servant king stands in contrast to the cult of personality that infects so many in our world today.  Yes, Bonhoeffer lived and died nearly a century ago, but the challenges to the church that he faced, while less obviously evil, are nonetheless just as fatal to our witness if not confronted and repented of.   

If your schedule allows, please join us for this extremely well-done presentation of the life and legacy of this disciple of Jesus. All are invited - bring a friend or neighbor!

Third Sunday of Easter

April 22-23, 2023

An Investment Opportunity that Pays Lifetime Dividends!

The Calvary youth announce the Public Offering of Calvary Youth Stock. The Calvary Youth Stock allows you to invest financially and at the same time, reap spiritually. Stock proceeds will be used for youth programs. This iincludes the High School Mission Trip when nine of our youth will travel to Imperial, PA this June to participate in a variety of service projects in the community. They will be joining other youth from across the country for this meaningful week. Stock proceeds will also support our youth who attend Lutherdale Bible Camp in Elkhorn, WI.

The purchase of youth stock does so much more than just provide money for summer camp and mission trips. It is a way to have a sense of ownership in the growing faith of our amazing youth. As a stockholder you will receive updates from our youth on their experiences as well as a stock certificate. Not only is your stock purchase tax deductible, it will only appreciate with the growth in our youth’s faith.

Due to high interest in this great performing investment, we will be offering 150 shares for purchase at a cost of $25 per share. Stock will be sold the weekends April 29-30 and May 6-7. You can also purchase your stock share(s) online using the following link: Home | Calvary Lutheran Church (myvanco.com)

Thank you for investing in the enrichment of the faith of our youth.

Handmade Card Sale

Several years ago the youth of Calvary created beautiful handmade cards for all occasions. 

These three-dimensional cards will be available for purchase the weekends of April 29-30 and May 6-7 in the Narthex.

Packets (2-4 cards) are $6 each or two packets for $10. These cards will be cherished by your recipients or make great gifts. Plan now to get these beautiful cards.

All proceeds will benefit our Youth programs.

Women’s Book Group – Monday, May 8

Harnischfeger Room -Brookfield Public Library

12:30 – 2:00 pm

The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis



Eight months since losing her mother in the Spanish flu outbreak of 1919, 21-year-old Lillian Carter's life has completely fallen apart. For the past six years, under the moniker Angelica, Lillian was one of the most sought-after artists' models in New York City, with statues based on her figure gracing landmarks from the Plaza Hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge. But with her mother gone, a grieving Lillian is rudderless and desperate --- the work has dried up and a looming scandal has left her entirely without a safe haven.

So when she stumbles upon an employment opportunity at the Frick mansion --- a building that, ironically, bears her own visage --- Lillian jumps at the chance. But the longer she works as a private secretary to the imperious and demanding Helen Frick, the daughter and heiress of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick, the more deeply her life gets intertwined with that of the family --- pulling her into a tangled web of romantic trysts, stolen jewels and family drama that runs so deep, the stakes just may be life or death.

Nearly 50 years later, mod English model Veronica Weber has her own chance to make her career --- and with it, earn the money she needs to support her family back home --- within the walls of the former Frick residence, now converted into one of New York City's most impressive museums. But when she --- along with a charming intern/budding art curator named Joshua --- is dismissed from the Vogue shoot taking place at the Frick Collection, she chances upon a series of hidden messages in the museum: messages that will lead her and Joshua on a hunt that not only could solve Veronica's financial woes, but could finally reveal the truth behind a decades-old murder in the infamous Frick family.

April Mission of the Month

Serenity Inns

In Milwaukee alone, between 1500 – 2000 people are homeless and of those, over 90% have substance abuse problems. An estimated 80% of the current 20,000+ inmates in the Wisconsin prison system are incarcerated because of drug related activities. When men are released from prison, they often times lack the strength and foundation needed to lead a drug and alcohol free life. They struggle to find jobs, housing, and even individuals who will help them down the road of recovery.

Deaths from heroin overdose in Wisconsin and nationwide have become a public health crisis. According to Ashley Luthern of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, (Feb. 18, 2015), “Heroin-related deaths in Milwaukee County skyrocketed by 72% last year compared with 2013, according to data released by the Milwaukee County medical examiner’s office.” In 2014 as in 2013, there were more heroin-related deaths in Milwaukee County (119 in 2014) than motor vehicle deaths (74 in 2014). The national trend is at least as tragic with a 39% increase in heroin deaths from 2012 to 2013, the latest year that data is available.

Serenity Inn provides a comprehensive, seven month transitional living program. This program addresses the physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs of its residents.

Serenity Inn's mission is to offer an opportunity for holistic recovery from addiction and alcoholism to men who need it most, in a compassionate community of accountability. Their vision is a world where addicts and alcoholics who choose recovery may find it.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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