CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | Your Weekly E-Newsletter - August 29, 2024 | |
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The Church Office will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 3rd.
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This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise
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“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit ...” -Ephesians 6:16-18a
Testimony and Transformation
Julius Caesar first declared that January 1 be celebrated as New Year’s Day in the year 46 B.C. However, in my house—even though Julius and I share a birthday—“new year” always begins in September. It’s illogical, what with leaves turning and sunlight shortening, but culture-wide we spend a lot of autumn energy pressing the reset button: back to school, election day, and the annual full-court press into the holidays.
For Christians, all these new beginnings can be the season for good intentions, especially for public witness to our faith. “This year,” we say, “we want our light to shine so that others see Jesus in us.” The courageous among us may even think boldly, “We want our words to sound so that others hear God’s word through us.” Would that it were so.
Sadly, too many times we position ourselves and open our mouths, and all the world sees and hears is what’s inside us: self-righteousness, arrogance, and condescension. Our attempts to speak and act for God — at school, in the voting booth, and even in our holiday celebrations — are sounding brass and tinkling cymbals, absolutely at odds with God’s word.
Will we ever get it right? No, not this side of our resurrection. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep beginning again. Praying at all times in the Spirit and meditating on the written and incarnate Word of God shape us from the inside out, as God’s word enlightens our way and informs our understanding. Jesus tells us that it is not so much the darkness outside that we should fear, for against that we have the shield of faith. Instead, we should be wary of the darkness within, lest we further defile ourselves and dishonor our Lord in public witness.
The psalmist said, “Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them” (Psalm 119:129) — not perfectly, but in the strength of God’s might. We stand firm not in our righteousness but in the Lord’s alone. God is glorified when his word becomes our word and people see his character in us.
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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Rally Day
Sunday, September 8
Join us on September 8th for a fun morning before enjoying hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by our Church Council members.
Here's the schedule for the morning:
- Regular Sunday morning refreshments will be set up in Fellowship Hall following worship.
- Join us at 10:30 a.m. outdoors as we "burn the mortgage".
- At 10:45 a.m., Angie will be coordinating some intergenerational activities outdoors.
- Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Please sign up to let us know that you're coming and if you would like to bring a side dish or a dessert.
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Join the Stewardship Committee!
The focus of the stewardship committee is to encourage Christians to use their God-given gifts in ways that honor God. The stewardship committee is not a fundraising committee. Money will be raised because people understand the relationship between gratitude and generosity.
Job qualification: Being a Christian!
Time commitment: A few hours between September and December
Contact Cindy Rooks at 262-78-4010 or finance@calvarylc.com to join or for more information
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15th Sunday after Pentecost
August 31- September 1, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Saturday: Ed Ramthun Sunday: Ken Miller
DEACONS:
Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Bill Graffin, Lenny Graffin, George Sedivec, Judy Kestly
ACOLYTES: Amelia Evert
LECTOR: Bill Graffin
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Angie Schatz
USHERS: Caryl Braatz and Jane Krause
ALTAR GUILD: Jan Lukasik
GREETERS:
- George and Kay Sedivec
- Marilyn Hermann and Everett Lambert
FLOWERS: Joel and Luvie Richmond
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Diane and Joe Grundman
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
HYMNS THIS WEEKEND: LBW #457 "Jesus, Priceless Treasure"; "What the Lord Has Done" CCLI 2582803 (Listen here: YouTube or Spotify); LBW #369 "The Church's One Foundation"
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Middle School and High School Youth
Sunday, September 8
5:45 - 7:45 p.m.
Our Fall Kick-off event will be together at the Game Show Battle Room in Brookfield. We will compete for one hour, and then walk across the parking lot to Culvers for a treat. Please arrive at the location at 5:45 p.m. We will finish at Culvers. Cost is $15 per person (game show & ice cream)
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Elementary School Youth
Sunday, September 15
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
We will meet at Burleigh Elementary School at the playground. We will play 9 holes of frisbee golf and then walk back to Ms. Angie’s house for an afternoon treat. Please bring your own frisbee!
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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
Prayers of sympathy and God's grace to: the family of Carol Abramoff (friend and neighbor of Pastor Ken and Marcella) who passed away on August 19.
New prayer requests: Karen Haberkorn (friend of Sue Rowe); Janet Keeler (aunt of Cindy Zilske)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Tom Thiede; Ka Thao; Randy Wizner; Jon Sayas; Janet Zastrow; Pat Treutelaar; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Laura Burger; Sue Rowe; Kathy Kaiser (sister of Linda Thorpe's son-in-law); (Norah Brostowitz (daughter-in-law of Ruth Brostowitz); Lauren (daughter of Ruth Brostowitz's friend); Bonnie Nelson (former Calvary member); Barbara Runge (friend of Jeanette Kalupa); Nancy Berth (friend of the Calvary Knitting Group); Eric Dix (Linda Thorpe's son-in-law's brother); 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; Shirley Mahn; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter
Non-members: Vikki (friend of Cindy Zilske); Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Drake Ferber (Judy Sayas' neighbor's son); 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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Julie Matthes, 8/29
Bob Jazgar, 8/30
Jan Chesner, 8/31
Joel Richmond, 8/31
Dale Berger, 9/2
Lizzy Dudzik, 9/2
Kian Leonard, 9/2
Pat Foy, 9/3
James Ware, 9/3
Aaron Duch, 9/4
Jeanne Duch, 9/4
Emma Leonard, 9/4
Anna Baumgartner, 9/5
Elton Juno, 9/7
Sue Sadowsky, 9/7
Eloise Kurth, 9/9
Jane Taufner, 9/9
Carol Witzke, 9/11
Addie Meyer, 9/12
George Rooney, 9/12
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Mark and Diane Knappe, 9/2 (35 years)
Joe and Diane Grundman, 9/7 (50 years)
Dave and Carolyn Schuelke, 9/12 (32 years)
Andy and Angie Schatz, 9/23 (24 years)
John and Mary Lau, 9/27 (55 years)
Bob and Caryl Braatz, 9/30 (63 years)
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Janet Zastrow will resume 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 Jesus Followers written by the daughter and granddaughter of Billy Graham. They share inspiring stories from their family life that offer compelling insights for leaving a legacy of faith.
Passing on our faith does not happen passively—it’s something we intentionally pursue with prayer and joy. Yet many of us struggle to know what it looks like to live out a contagious faith in today’s world. We long for spiritual wisdom on how to ignite faith in our children, grandchildren, and others we encounter.
Jesus Followers offers practical ideas, biblical teaching, and inspiring true stories from Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright for effectively running the race of faith and passing the Baton of Truth to the next generation.
Jesus Followers not only offers a glimpse into the living rooms and prayer closets of a faith-filled family, but it also equips you with the wisdom, motivation, and practical ideas for consistently and joyfully sharing your faith.
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Weekly Bible Study with Pastor Jerry Wittmus
Pastor Jerry's weekly Bible Study will resume on Thursday September 12 at 12:30 p.m. Study text will be placed in the Narthex the Monday prior to the Study.
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You're invited to participate in an introduction (or refresher) to Lutheranism and being a member of a Lutheran congregation. In this four-session Zoom presentation, facilitated by NALC Pastor Jess Abbott, participants will learn basic "church history" from the 2nd Century through the Protestant Reformation, five foundational principles of Lutheranism, the dynamics of Lutheran sacraments, and what it means to be a congregation member in the Body of Christ.
Zoom sessions will be held from 6-7 p.m. (CST) on the following Tuesdays:
September 10
September 17
September 24
October 1
If you'd like to participate, please send an email to Pastor Jess Abbott, Midwestern Area Assistant to the Bishop, at midwesternaab@thenalc.org. Further details will be sent to you.
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NALC MISSION DISTRICT CONVOCATION
Saturday, October 5, 2024
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wausau, Wisconsin
Save the Date - All are welcome to attend/ Two Calvary delegates are needed. More information to come.
Questions? Contact Pastor Mark Knappe (solideogloria1@mac.com) or Ernie Kretschmann (erniekretschmann@gmail.com)
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There are 15 spots for Calvary volunteers to help with the September "Build a Bed Workshop" on September 7 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The event is held at 700 Walnut Ridge Drive in Hartland. If you have any questions, please reach out to Karen Pierce at kpierce@att.net.
If you're able to help, please use the link below to sign up. Confirmation emails will be sent to all volunteers from Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
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BUILD A BED WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE is in need of new twin size sheets and pillowcases (please do not provide Twin XL sheets). When a bed is delivered to a child, it comes complete with a mattress and bedding. Your donations can be placed in the box in the Narthex by September 6th. Karen Pierce will be delivering the sheets at the Build a Bed Workshop event on September 7th.
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Reedem & Restore Center is a new mission for us. This organization is committed to the prevention, intervention, and restoration of women that have been trapped into the sex trafficking industry. They are dedicated to walking alongside women in SE Wisconsin coaching and connecting to needed resources to become whole.
They currently offer the following services to women that have been out of the ‘no life’ for a time:
- Survivor support group
- Mentorship
- Friendship
- Coaching
- Case Management
- Social Outings
- Financial Assistance
They have the first Redeemend Home for women in Waukesha County. It is a 12-24 month restorative care home that provides mental, physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual healing for the women.
For each woman to have HOPE & FREEDOM, it is a fight through all the layers of trauma. Their home environment will enable women to have a good foundation to continue to build a new life. Restoration is possible because of HOPE!
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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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Women's Book Group
Monday, September 9
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"A Fever in the Heartland"
| Copies of the book are available in the church office. If you'd like to borrow one, please sign it out on the sheet next to the books. | | |
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The Roaring Twenties --the Jazz Age-- has been characterized as a time of Gatsby frivolity. But it was also the height of the uniquely American hate group, the Ku Klux Klan. Their domain was not the old Confederacy, but the Heartland and the West. They hated Blacks, Jews, Catholics and immigrants in equal measure, and took radical steps to keep these people from the American promise. And the man who set in motion their takeover of great swaths of America was a charismatic charlatan named D.C. Stephenson.
Stephenson was a magnetic presence whose life story changed with every telling. Within two years of his arrival in Indiana, he’d become the Grand Dragon of the state and the architect of the strategy that brought the group out of the shadows – his message endorsed from the pulpits of local churches, spread at family picnics and town celebrations. Judges, prosecutors, ministers, governors and senators across the country all proudly proclaimed their membership. But at the peak of his influence, it was a seemingly powerless woman – Madge Oberholtzer – who would reveal his secret cruelties, and whose deathbed testimony finally brought the Klan to their knees.
"A Fever in the Heartland" marries a propulsive drama to a powerful and page-turning reckoning with one of the darkest threads in American 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, September 19
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 2024 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.
The church office will be closed on September 2 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
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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