CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
| Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday November 23, 2023 | |
Reflection on this weekend's Scripture reading | |
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Our Old Testament lesson this weekend is from Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24. This devotion is on verse 12 and is taken from "Come Boldly". The author, Elisabeth Elliot, is a Christian author and former missionary.
As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them. - Ezekiel 34:12
“The Lord Our Shepherd”
We know what we need --- a yes or no answer, please, to a simple question. Or perhaps a road sign. Something quick and easy to point the way. But what we really ought to have is the Guide himself. Maps, road signs, a few useful phrases are good things, but infinitely better is someone who has been there before and knows the way.
The Lord is my Shepherd. He can see to everything if we are willing to turn it all over (even the equipment, even the route), but we will not do this unless we believe He means what He says. Can His word be trusted? He has made countless promises. Is He going to fulfill them?
To say yes to these questions is to have faith. It is to start following. The sheep, trusting the shepherd, trots after him down the trail.
But the picture of the Eastern shepherd with his robes and staff, the flock of sheep, the stony path through the ravine, the dark valley, and the grassy place with the quiet pool are so remote from our lives as to seem no more than a romantic painting from another country and another age. We live in towns and cities and suburbs. Our days are full of perplexities far removed from the things that bother rams and ewes and lambs. We muddle along through the thousand decisions of an ordinary day. When we are aware of the need for help in one of them, it is not one relating to good pasturage or a water supply. Time and money fill our minds: how to get them, how to use them, how to save them. But the God of the pastures is, let us not forget, the God of everywhere else. He knows just as much about suburbia or the inner city. He is not at a loss to know what to do with us, no matter where we are or what we are anxious about. Every last thing that enters our heads is known to him.
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Day of Pentecost
Christ the King Sunday
November 25-26, 2023
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Ed Ramthun
DEACONS:
· Saturday: Mary Ellen Thiede
· Sunday: Judy Kestly, Larry Bonier, Marilyn Hermann
ACOLYTES:
- Jackson Gall and Xavier Griese
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:
USHERS:
LECTOR:
ALTAR GUILD:
GREETERS:
- Bill and Lenny Graffin
- Linda Thorpe
FELLOWSHIP:
FLOWERS: Lukasik family in memory of Ben Lukasik
POWERPOINT OPERATOR:
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Sue Rowe/Saturday
- Sallie Schulz/Sunday
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR:
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The Incredible, Unforgettable Calvary Bake Off! | |
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Sunday, December 3rd
10:00 a.m. (following worship)
Fellowship Hall
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It's not too late to sign up!
Entry forms and a sign up sheet are on the kiosk in the Narthex. Please sign up if you're coming and/or entering something yummy!
ENTRY FORMS ARE DUE BY 11/27!
You can access the entry form by clicking on the button below.
This will be a deliciously fun event!
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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 Peggy (niece of Judy DeBruine) and Sandy (friend of Linda Thorpe)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Laura Burger; Gerald van Zyverden (nephew of Lisa Grossman); Jim Walters (cousin of Krista Dentice); Lynn Weber (godmother of Angie Schatz); Karly Bambanek (friend of Joanne Schultz); Wolf Knappe (father of Pastor Mark Knappe); Sue Miller (sister of Mary Ellen Thiede); Peter Vang (relative of Ka Thao); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Courtney Cook (friend of Lenny Graffin); Dennis Krupa, Nate Kreiter, Matti Beilfuss (friends of Rick Kegel); Sharon Anderson (mother of Deron Anderson); Lou Dangler (friend of Evelyn Ceci); Paul Mahn (son of Shirley Mahn); Hunter Green (nephew of Andy and Angie Schatz); Tom Schatz (father of Andy Schatz); Susie Barnhart and Amy Clark (friends of Megan Scott); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce).
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.
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: Jan Chesner, Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Ron Foster; Bev Lawson; Shirley Mahn, Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Gloria Strei; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Mark Sturms (cousin of Cindy Zilske); Ron Parker (brother of Linda Thorpe); Mary (sister-in-law of Jane Taufner); 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); Barb Anderson (friend of Lisa Grossman); Gareth George (cousin of Judy Sayas); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); Susan Petropoulos (sister of Wayne Johnson); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Pat Dieck, 11/23
Jacklyn Warber, 11/23
Terry Bzdusek, 11/24
Bonnie Johnson, 11/26
Allison Mayer, 11/26
Sarah Gall, 11/27
Diane Grundman, 12/1
Nicole Moritz, 12/1
Shelby Rose, 12/2
John Foley, 12/5
Nadine Schuelke, 12/11
Caleb Liu, 12/14
Brian Kretschmann, 12/15
Amanda Olstinski, 12/15
Bob Smith, 12/15
Ray Chesner, 12/17
Donnie Dentice, 12/17
Pat Treutelaar, 12/18
Ingrid Nelson, 12/19
Judy Sayas, 12/19
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Bill and Lenny Graffin, 11/24 (34 years)
Al and Rhonda Rodriguez, 12/23 (51 years)
Ron and Jean Holman, 12/26 (70 years)
Bob and Donna Siderits, 12/26 (63 years)
Jeremy and Nicole Nowicki, 12/28 (13 years)
Ben and Amy Blobaum, 12/29 (3 years)
Rick and Carol Treadwell, 12/29 (50 years)
Ken and Amanda Olstinski, 12/31 (2 years)
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Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14
You may have noticed some additions to the Narthex and Sancturary in the past several weeks. We are working to help Calvary present a family-friendly "look and feel" to all who enter! In the Narthex, we have both blessing bags for kiddos to use while in worship, along with a refreshed bookcase with faithful and fun stories for a variety of ages.
New this week is our Little Lutherans area! Located in the back of the sanctuary, we have placed several tables for our little Lutherans complete with coloring books, activity pages, and some stories. This area is directly behind the last pew, so families can sit in the pew and kiddos can quietly be busy right behind them.
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INTER-GENERATIONAL BIRTHDAY PARTY - Friday, November 17
Participants of all ages came together last Friday night to celebrate their birthday. Tables were arranged by birthday month. Party-goers participated in a trivia question challenge (congrats to the MARCH table for taking first place honors), a game of "Rock, Paper Scissors", and each table decorated a birthday cake, which was enjoyed by all.
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High School Youth Group met last Sunday and enjoyed a game of "Pie Face". Participants load whipped cream on the pie thrower arm and place their head on the chin rest. You spin to see how many times you have to turn the crank on the thrower. Each time luck favors you and you don't get pie-faced, you earn a point. However, if the crank decides it is your turn to get a "pie in the face", watch out! First one to reach 25 points wins! Ellie and Scott both got pie-faced! | |
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Elementary School (1st - 5th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday December 10, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Monthly Youth Group, Sunday, December 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
High School (9-12th grade)
Up All Night! Lock In, December 1: 8:00 p.m. - December 2: 8:00 a.m.
If you didn't get a chance to pick up the bulletin with upcoming Youth & Family Ministry events, you can link below to see all the fun activities planned for us. Paper copies are also on the Opportunties kiosk in the Narthex.
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Community Outreach Opportunities | |
Save the Date!
Church Life is pleased to partner with students from Brookfield Central High School in sponsoring a Blood Drive at Calvary on Thursday, December 28 from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
More information regarding donor sign-up and volunteer opportunities will be available after Thanksgiving.
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November Mission of the Month
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Care Net Pregnancy Center is a newer mission for Calvary and we are thrilled to be part of those helping to fund and spread its good work. Several of us have visited and volunteered on site and have witnessed the work of God that this group does.
Mission: To share the love of Christ and the hope of the Gospel with women facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Services: Pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, life-affirming options counseling, material support for mom and baby, classes and groups for pregnant and new moms and post-abortion counseling.
Last year they performed 904 pregnancy tests and 967 ultrasounds. They gave out over 60,000 diapers and met with 1,474 different women.
So far this year they have had over 160 women take classes, and each woman takes an average of about 10 classes.
Approximately 70% of women considering abortion choose life after visiting Care Net.
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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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We Are Hosting a Christmas Concert You Won't Want to Miss!
We are excited to have Award-winning artist Erin Krebs join us for a free Holiday Concert
on Friday, December 1 at 7:00 pm. Invite your friends and family to join us for this
night of special holiday music!
To learn more about this very talented artist, please click HERE.
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Upcoming Advent and Christmas
Worship Services & Resources
Sunday, December 3 - First Sunday of Advent (Guest musician Gela Ashcroft)
Sunday, December 10 - Lessons & Carols (9 a.m. worship)
Sunday, December 17 - Family Christmas Program (9 a.m. worship)
Saturday, December 23 - 5 p.m. Service (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
Sunday, December 24 - 9 a.m.. Service (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
Sunday, December 24 - 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Monday, December 25 - 9 a.m. Christmas Day Service
There will not be mid-week Advent services this year. However, an Advent daily devotional book, "This is My Son", is available on the table in the Narthex.
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Worship Attendance and Giving Options | |
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.
For an update on the NALC's 20/20 Vision campaign, click on the link below to watch an update from Bishop Selbo. This video highlights the work we are doing, the ways in which gifts to the initiative are already being used, and the impact future gifts will have in our shared witness and mission.
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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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Weekly Men's Breakfast
Wednesdays at 7 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, January 18th
6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
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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. (If you'd prefer, you can leave the flowers at church to be enjoyed in the church office.)
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 for 2024 has been posted on the bulletin board. Thank you for your support!
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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!
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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 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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