CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | | Your Weekly E-Newsletter - April 24, 2025 | | Listening for the Promise | | |
“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the
prison doors and brought them out . . .”
- Acts 5:19
Those must have been heady days after Jesus was raised, appeared to his disciples, and poured his Spirit out upon them. By the power of the Spirit the disciples were healing diseases, creating faith, performing all kinds of signs and wonders Luke tells us. But the leaders who had done their best to get rid of Jesus weren’t giving up yet. They rounded up the disciples and threw them in prison.
The religious leaders didn’t like what the disciples were saying and doing, so they arrested them. But just as their best efforts could not keep Jesus in the grave, they also couldn’t keep the disciples in jail. An angel of God released them from their cells, opening the door and setting them free to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Most of us will not ever be put in prison for believing in Jesus. But we still come up with all kinds of reasons to keep quiet about our faith. Maybe we don’t want people to think we are odd or fanatical. Maybe we are worried we will offend people who believe something different. These are the kinds of prison cells most of us will face. This gospel of Christ, the work he came to accomplish, cannot be stopped by something so simple as a prison door. God’s plan to save his people cannot be so easily derailed. God is throwing open the doors to our prisons and setting us free to do his work in the world.
There will be people who think we are dumb or odd. There will be people who are offended by what we believe. But that cannot stop us when the Holy Spirit has hold of us. The Holy Spirit is freeing us from our fears, from our self-invented prisons. We have a mission: to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. And that Good News is just that, “good” news, because of Jesus, sinners like you and me are getting out of jail for free. That is news worth sharing, no matter the cost.
Source: Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024 Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), written by Julie A. Smith.
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Second Sunday of Easter
April 26-27, 2025
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Phil Hanson
DEACONS: Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Bill Graffin, Lisa Grossman, Ruth Brostowitz, Darlene Louison
ACOLYTE: Grace Moritz
LECTORS: Lenny Graffin
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Angie Schatz
USHERS: George Sedivec and Mary Ellen Thiede
ALTAR GUILD: Tom and Sue Sadowsky
GREETERS: Wayne and Bonnie Johnson, Scott and Peggy Langelin
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Bill and Lenny Graffin
FLOWERS: Ed Ramthun and Cathy Way in celebration of their 23rd anniversary
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Sallie Schulz
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
This weekend's hymns: "Sing My Tongue the Glorious Battle" Listen to it here: YOUTUBE or SPOTIFY; "I Know My Redeemer Lives", LBW #352; "Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven"
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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: Eloise Kurth and family on the passing of her granddaughter Paula; Bobby Sharar (cousin of Cindy Zilske); Tom Hickling (brother-in-law of Sallie Schulz); the family of former member Sue Marks who passed away on March 19 (Jan Chesner has details on memorial service to be held on May 3)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Ellie Sayas; Barb Snyder; Angie Schatz, Randy Wizner, Sandie Rupnick; John Schwartz; Ka Thao; Pamela Scott (mother of Megan Scott); Kara Kretschmann (daughter-in-law of Ernie Kretschmann); Ari (friend of Lizzy Dudzik); Stan Strykalski (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Gary and Margie Orten (friends of John and Mary Lau); Be (friend of Andy Schatz's co-worker); Jan Trede (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Mike Santell (brother-in-law of Judy Sayas); Keenan (friend of Ka Thao); Sandy B. (friend of Randy and Sue Wizner); Amy Bronner (friend of Ed Ramthun); Ann (cousin of Mary Lau); Brenda Schmidt (relative of Judy Kestly's friend); Paul Queck (sponsor of Ka Thao); Chris Bogusch (son-in-law of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus); Nate Kreiter (friend of Rick Kegel); Bonnie Nelson (former Calvary member); Jack Banker (brother-in-law of Mary Lau); Creig Moritz (brother of Bryant Moritz); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Larry Larsen (brother of Kris Larsen); John Kretschmann (brother of Ernie Kretschmann); Paul Mahn (son of Shirley Mahn); Amy Clark (friend of Megan Scott)
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); 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; Sue Dindorf; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Jeff Edwards (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); 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); Pastor Mark Gehrke (son of Lois Gehrke); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Jerry Wittmus, 4/24
Lee Tyne, 4/25
Mary Ellen Thiede, 4/27
RoJean Holler, 5/1
John Kalupa, 5/3
Piper Nowicki, 5/3
Jean Holman, 5/4
George Sedivec, 5/4
Jon Voerman, 5/4
Jessica Dudzik, 5/5
Norene Giuliani, 5/5
John Lau, 5/5
Sam Sayas, 5/5
Larry Vasatko, 5/7
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Tom and Mary Ellen Thiede, 4/24 (49 years)
Chuck and Jan Lukasik, 4/25 (44 years)
Chuck and Norene Giuliani, 4/26 (45 years)
Ed Ramthun and Cathy Way, 4/27 (23 years)
Larry and Bonnie Vasatko, 5/3 (56 years)
Tony and Krista Dentice, 5/10 (11 years)
Scott and Lisa Grossman, 5/14 (48 years)
Bill and Betty Clayton, 5/15 (60 years)
Jeff and Melissa Griese, 5/19 (21 years)
Ken and Lisa Miller, 5/24 (13 years)
| | | This is important -- Hope You Can Join Us! | | |
Do you answer calls from phone numbers you don't recognize? Your voice may be recorded to use in a scam. Did you know that scammers can also utilize Artificial Intelligence to record and manipulate your voice so that it can be used to scam others.
Did you know that if you click on a survey you received in an email or via Facebook from someone you don't know, you could be giving the sender permission to access your personal information.
Many of us received an email in the past from "Pastor Ken" asking us to quietly purchase gift cards for a special thing he was working on. Those emails were from scammers!
We may all know someone who received a call from a family member asking for money - "Hi, Grandma. It's me. I need your help but please don't tell my parents ...."
The Church Life Committee is pleased to sponsor the following two presentations described below that will be held at Calvary on June 18th. The information will be shared by Ben Merens, Outreach Specialist with the Division of Trade & Consumer Protection (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection WDATC). As Wisconsin's lead agency for consumer protection, this Bureau provides information, education, mediates complaints, investigates cases, and takes enforcement actions to fight fraudulent and deceptive practices that harm consumers. And these practices are becoming more prevalent every day!
Join us and bring a friend! These presentations are free and open to the public.
There will be time for refreshments and questions.
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Wednesday, June 18
2:00 p.m.
COMMON SCAMS & FRAUDS TARGETING SENIORS
The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss the details of common scams that target seniors. This will include the warning signs of a scam and what to do if you or someone you know falls victim to a scam or fraud. Helpful fact sheets will be available.
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Wednesday, June 18
7:00 p.m.
INTERNET SAFETY FOR CHILDREN
The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss safe practices for children while accessing the internet. Children often have access to the internet at home, school, or even a friend's house and they access the internet on a variety of different devices. Parents should be aware of their children's online activities to keep them safe. Topics will include gaming, downloading apps, sharing photos, and clicking on links. Consumer Protection Bureau will also discuss laws that give parents control over what information a business can collect on a child and how that information can be used. This is an important presentation for all parents to attend!
| | | Theater Outing - Sunset Playhouse | | |
SAVE THE DATE! The Church Life Committee is sponsoring a theater outing to Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove on Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $19/each, sold on a first come/first serve basis and seats are in the first four rows of the theater (wheelchair seating is available). Tickets will go on sale in May with ticket sales closing on June 5. More information will be in future editions of the CONNECTIONS.
The performance is MISS HOLMES, a smart fast-paced Sherlock Holmes with a twist! When an anonymous note sends a newlywed wife looking for help, Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson work together to uncover the secrets surrounding a corrupt police inspector whose wives have a habit of turning up dead.
Miss Holmes possesses one of the greatest deductive minds of her generation. Dr. Watson struggles to make a difference at the only hospital in London that will hire female doctors. This clever reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic characters pits its heroines not only against cunning criminal masterminds, but also against the rigid and restrictive rules of Victorian society.
“Being the world’s greatest detective is even harder when one is metaphorically doing it backward and in high heels.” –Chicago Tribune
| | Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | | |
Youth & Family Ministry Schedule
Little Lutherans
PJ's and Prayers
Friday, April 25, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
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TRUE NORTH VBS
August 4 - 8, 2025
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. daily
Welcoming Explorers: Age 3 - Completed 5th grade
Registration is now open. Click the button below.
| | Weekly Bible Study/Mission of the Month | | |
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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.
| | Mission of the Month - SERENITY INNS | | |
The April focus of the Mission of the Month is 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.
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.
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Women's Book Group
Monday May 12, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"The Islands of Sea Women"
by Lisa See
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Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls living on the Korean island of Jeju, are best friends who come from very different backgrounds. When they are old enough, they begin working in the sea with their village’s all-female diving collective, led by Young-sook’s mother. As the girls take up their positions as baby divers, they know they are beginning a life of excitement and responsibility—but also danger.
Despite their love for each other, Mi-ja and Young-sook find it impossible to ignore their differences. The Island of Sea Women takes place over many decades, beginning during a period of Japanese colonialism in the 1930s and 1940s, followed by World War II, the Korean War, through the era of cell phones and wet suits for the women divers. Throughout this time, the residents of Jeju find themselves caught between warring empires. Mi-ja is the daughter of a Japanese collaborator. Young-sook was born into a long line of haenyeo and will inherit her mother’s position leading the divers in their village. Little do the two friends know that forces outside their control will push their friendship to the breaking point.
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NEW! Enjoy a Christian Movie
First and Third Tuesday of the Month
Join Janet Zastrow on Tuesday, May 6 at 9:30 a.m. to watch the fourth in a series of Christian films created by the Kendrick Brothers.
The fourth film that Janet will be showing is "Overcomer". Life changes overnight for Coach John Harrison when his high-school basketball team and state-championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After John reluctantly agrees to coach cross-country, he and his wife Amy meet an aspiring athlete who's pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a new friend, John becomes the least-likely coach helping the least-likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year. To watch the movie's trailer, click HERE.
The prior movies "Fireproof", "Courageous" and "Show Me the Father" are available in DVD format for you to borrow to watch at home. Please reach out to Janet Zastrow at janetzastrow@att.net for more information.
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Weekly Men's Breakfast
Every Wednesday 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, May 15 at 6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
| | | 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 LINK.
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 2025 Church Council
Pictured are: (l-r): David Vogel, Andy Schatz (Secretary), Phil Hanson (Co-Vice President), Keith Pierce (President), Jill Voss, Ernie Kretschmann, Gordy Gunnlaugsson (Treasurer) and Scott Langelin. Not pictured: Peggy Langelin (Co-Vice President)
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Your 2025 Board of Deacons
Pictured are: Front row (l-r): Darlene Louison (Secretary); Ruth Brostowitz, Lenny Graffin (Scheduler), Lisa Grossman, Judy Sayas. Back row (l-r): Andy Foy, Pat Foy (co-chair), Ed Ramthun (co-chair), Bill Graffin and Ken Miller. Not pictured: Kevin Wahlgren.
| | 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, fruit, etc.) for Sunday hospitality time, there is a sheet on the bulletin board outside of Fellowship Hall. You may bring the treats (six dozen) and drop them off in the kitchen, or you can pay $30 to the church office and the treats will be purchased for you. Please check the appropriate column when you sign up so the Hospitality coordinator will know what to expect.
The sign up sheet is posted on the bulletin board. Thank you for your support!
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Calvary Library Re-Organization
The Calvary Library, located near the Sanctuary entrance doors on the west end of the building, has been sorted and reorganized. A huge thank you to Pastor Ken Nelson who spent many hours reviewing and organizing the books into manageable categories.
We have an extensive array of titles ranging from personal devotion to reference works for more in-depth Bible study. There is no catalog, color-coded categorizing, or “checking out” process – just peruse sections of the library at your leisure and take any volumes you wish for as long as you wish. When you are finished, we ask you to place books in the box labeled “returns”, and our staff will see that they are returned to their proper section.
In addition, Calvary has a large collection of group Bible and Christian-themed studies, many with DVD’s, Leader Guides and participant books, by such popular authors as Max Lucado, Philip Yancey, and Steven King (of SOLA Lutheran Publishing). These are stored in the Media Room in the Christian Education wing of the church. If you are not sure where this is, ask our staff or stop in and they can guide you to them.
Finally, in the entry of the church there is a library of children’s books, organized by Bible theme, story Bibles, as well as Christmas and Lent/Easter books. This is just around the corner from the main library.
We hope you will make use of our library soon. If you would like to donate something to our library, please bring books to the church office for staff placement on the shelves.
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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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