CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter - Thursday April 25, 2024

INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRY


BINGO!

THIS Friday, April 26, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Fellowship Hall


Join in the fun for all ages! We will have a great night full of fun, prizes, laughter and friendship.


Please sign up on the COMING EVENTS kiosk in the Narthex.

This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise


“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

- 1 John 4:11



Love is a gift from God; without Him it is impossible for us to love. We love because God first loved us, and God calls us through His love to love others. Sure, nonbelievers love. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, love is strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; attraction based on sexual desire; affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests. All human beings are capable of love. There’s another definition of love, a more difficult kind of love. It is the unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for the good of another: as the fatherly concern of God for humankind or brotherly concern for others. It is especially difficult to love strangers and enemies. How do we do love those who do not love us back? We look to God. He loved us so much that He gave up His own Son. Now, He calls us to this sacrificial love. This love is impossible without God. John writes, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Jesus, the Son of God, suffered the humiliation of the cross, quietly died for our sake, paying the price for our sin. This is the Gospel message: that God so loved us that He sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. Love is sacrificing oneself for the sake of another; hate is sacrificing another for our own sake. If we think so highly of ourselves that we can ignore or reject the cries of our brothers and sisters, it is impossible for us to love God. God comes to us in and through the needs of others. We have the opportunity to love God by offering a drink to those who thirst. We love God by sharing our lunch with those who are hungry. The sick, imprisoned, unclothed, and homeless provide more opportunities for us to love God. We love God when we love them with our whole selves, our resources, and our actions. God’s love is not meant to be kept to ourselves, hidden from the world. He loved us with the most sacrificial love there is so that we will love our neighbors with unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for their own good. 



Source: Sola Worship Resource - Weekly Devotional

New Member

Information Session


Interested in joining our Calvary family of faith? Pastor Jerry Wittmus will conduct a New Member session THIS Sunday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m.


Grab a cup of coffee and meet him in the Conference Room (in the hallway by the church office) following service. If you have questions, contact the church office at 262.786.4010.



Fifth Sunday of Easter

April 27-28, 2024

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus

ASSISTING MINISTER: Kevin Wahlgren

DEACONS:    

Saturday: Ed Ramthun

Sunday: Bill Graffin, Lenny Graffin, Darlene Louison, Ruth Brostowitz

ACOLYTE: Amelia Evert

USHERS: Keith and Karen Pierce

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Angie Schatz

LECTOR: Lenny Graffin

ALTAR GUILD: Jonni Roush

GREETERS:

  • George and Kay Sedivec
  • Paula Altman

FELLOWSHIP: Diane Grundman

FLOWERS: Ed Ramthun and Cathy Way in celebration of their 22nd anniversary

POWERPOINT OPERATORS:

Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa

Sunday: Matt Schatz

LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Chris Dudzik

Our Church Family

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: Cathy Dudzik (mother of Chris Dudzik); Eric Dix (Linda Thorpe's son-in-law's brother)


Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Sue Rowe; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Scott Grossman; Laura Burger; Mary Nelson (friend of LInda Thorpe); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Creig Moritz (brother of Bryant Moritz); Melinda Santoyo (niece of Sallie Schulz); Taylor (granddaughter of Lenny Graffin); Edward Hermann (son of Marilyn Hermann); Mike Burkhardt (nephew of Helga Willett); Larry Larsen (brother of Kris Larsen); Nick Budney (son of friend of Lenny Graffin); John Kretschmann (brother of Ernie Kretschmann); Lisa Haggadone (daughter of Sallie and Gerhard Schulz); Jim Sanborn (friend of Linda Thorpe); Drake Ferber (Judy Sayas' neighbor's son); Jean (friend of Linda Thorpe); Richard and his wife (friends of Joanne Schultz); Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Peggy (niece of Judy DeBruine); Sandy (friend of Linda Thorpe); Jim Walters (cousin of Krista Dentice); Lynn Weber (godmother of Angie Schatz); Karly Bambanek (friend of Joanne Schultz); Peter Vang (relative of Ka Thao); Courtney Cook (friend of Lenny Graffin); 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: 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); 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 membersJan Chesner; Pat Corcoran; Wayne Dieck; Ron Foster; Bev Lawson; Shirley Mahn; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Pat Treutelaar; Janet Zastrow


Non-members 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); Barb Anderson (friend of Lisa Grossman); 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)

Lee Tyne, 4/25

Mary Ellen Thiede, 4/27

Matt Powers, 4/29


RoJean Holler, 5/1

Beverly Lawson, 5/2

Ava Morris, 5/2

John Kalupa, 5/3

Piper Nowicki, 5/3

Al Rodriguez, 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



Chuck and Jan Lukasik 4/25 (43 years)

Chuck and Norene Giuliani 4/26 (44 years)

Ed Ramthun and Cathy Way 4/27 (22 years)


Larry and Bonnie Vasatko 5/3 (55 years)

Tony and Krista Dentice 5/10 (10 years)

Scott and Lisa Grossman 5/14 (47 years)

Bill and Betty Clayton 5/15 (59 years)

Jeffrey and Melissa Griese 5/19 (20 years)

Chris and Leah Morris 5/30 (26 years)

Are You Missing Anything?


Missing a mitten or scarf? A toy or book? Our Lost & Found bin is overflowing. If you think you've left anything in a pew, classroom, nursery or Fellowship Hall, please take a look at the items that have been collected.


Contents from the Lost & Found bin are on two of the round tables in the Narthex. Unclaimed items will be donated in May, so please take a look!

Coming Events!

WALK FOR WATER


Saturday, May 18 (no rain date)

9:00 a.m.



Join us for our 4th Annual Walk for Water to benefit Compassion International's Water Programs.




A sign up sheet with registration informatoin is posted on the COMING EVENTS kiosk in the Narthex. Registration is $15/person or $25/family.


Volunteers are also needed to hand out playing cards along the route. There's a spot on the sign up sheet to indicate you're interested in helping.


We will take a short walk around our neighborhood and you will collect playing cards along the way. There will be prizes in both Adult and Youth categories for best poker hands. Light refreshments will be served at Calvary following the walk.


Special thanks to Thrivent for financially supporting this event so that all registration fees can be directed to Compassion.


LAKE COUNTRY DOCKHOUNDS BASEBALL GAME



The Church Life Committee has planned a fun outing to see the Lake Country Dockhounds play the Lincoln Saltdogs on Sunday, June 30 at 1:05 p.m. The team plays at the Wisconsin Brewing Company Park, located in Oconomowoc just south of I-94 at the Hwy 67 exit.


Our seats are located in the QuadDocks section on the right field side (great eats!) and are $30 each (which includes entry and two beverages). Parking is an addtiional $5.


Only 20 tickets were purchased - requests will be filled on a first come/first serve basis. A sign up sheet will be posted in early May.

.

The Lake Country DockHounds are a professional baseball team based in Oconomowoc. The Dockhounds play in the American Association of Professional Baseball, an official Partner League of Major League Baseball.


Youth & Family Ministry


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

July 29- August 2, 2024

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Ahoy! We are going into an amazing undersea adventure where we will experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. At SCUBA VBS, kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about! Each dive site is supervised by masters of their trade, leading fun-filled activities guaranteed to help kids dive deeper into their personal friendship with God!


VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! If you can help, please sign up on the Registration Page.

Register Here!

For more information, click HERE for details. Registration is now open!


Youth & Family Ministry Schedule


Little Lutherans

PJ's and Prayers Pajama Party! Friday May 3, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.


Elementary School (1st - 5th grade)

Discovery World, Sunday May 5, 11:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.


Middle School (6-8th grade)

Movie and Pizza, Friday May 10, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.


High School (6-12th grade)

Senior Send-Off Youth Group, Sunday May 19, 3:00 - 7:00 p.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 Opportunities kiosk in the Narthex.

Youth & Family Ministry Spring Calendar

Women's Bible Study

Women's Bible Study


Janet Zastrow and Nancy Wittmus are co-facilitating 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.


All women are invited to attend. Bring a friend. There is no cost for the study materials. Please send any questions to Janet at janetzastrow@att.net. 

Music Ministry


Would you like to become familiar with the modern songs used in our worship ahead of the busy weekend?



We have two options to listen to the hymn for the upcoming services that are not included in the hymnals. Links to these songs are included below:


For this Sunday, "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" LINK.

You can also listen to them on Spotify, click SPOTIFY.



Community Outreach

SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE

"BUILD A BED" EVENT

JUNE 22, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


 

Please join fellow Calvary members to help get kids who are currently sleeping on the floors in our towns into real beds! Last year we came out in force and participated in their Build Day. There was truly a task for everyone!

 

The minimum age to participate is 12 with a parent, or 16 and older can come with a group with adult leader. More information will be shared in the coming weeks. Questions? Please reach out to Karen Pierce at k5pierce@att.net.

APRIL MISSION OF THE MONTH


Our mission is to empower men struggling with substance use disorder by offering a holistic treatment program focused on compassion, healing, and personal growth while fostering a compassionate community of accountability, guiding them on their journey to recovery.


Our residential program is a holistic experience that addresses men’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health needs by providing an atmosphere of strength and support. We offer dignity, accountability, and an opportunity to rebuild your life free from addiction.





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.





Serenity's three stages of support help clients live the life they deserve:


Recovery

We're more than just a residential treatment facility. We offer a supportive, peaceful environment where you can live your life on your terms. Here, clients will have access to supportive living and group recovery sessions and therapy, including individualized recovery plans just for them.


Stability

A part of supporting their success in recovery is helping them find stability through employment, which in turn helps build their self-sustainability. We support our program participants with career and skill building opportunities after successful clean time.


Spirit

Serenity Inns focuses on the mind, body and spirit. Our program was developed as a faith-based recovery support community with a focus on facilitating spiritual practices that include spirituality and giving back to our community.

Women's Ministries


Women's Book Group

Monday, May 13, 2024

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Media Room




"The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill



In every person's story, there is something to hide... The ornate reading room at the Boston Public Library is quiet, until the tranquility is shattered by a woman's terrified scream. Security guards take charge immediately, instructing everyone inside to stay put until the threat is identified and contained. While they wait for the all-clear, four strangers, who'd happened to sit at the same table, pass the time in conversation and friendships are struck. Each has his or her own reasons for being in the reading room that morning—it just happens that one is a murderer.


Award-winning author Sulari Gentill delivers a sharply thrilling read with The Woman in the Library, an unexpectedly twisty literary adventure that examines the complicated nature of friendship and shows us that words can be the most treacherous weapons of all.



Men's Ministry

Weekly Men's Breakfast

Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.

Maxim's Restaurant

18025 W. Capitol Drive

Brookfield


All men are invited to attend!

Monthly Men's Gathering

Fellowship Hall

Thursday, May 16

6:00 p.m.


If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com


Worship Attendance and Giving

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.


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.

NALC 20/20 Vision Update

Miscellaneous Resources


Your 2024 Board of Deacons


Front row (l-4) 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

Your 2024 Church Council


Front row (l-4) Joanne Schultz, Peggy Langelin, Jan Lukasik


Back row (l-r); Ernie Kretschmann, Andy Schatz, Scott Langelin, Pat Dieck, Keith Pierce

Not pictured: Chris Dudzik

This Week's Reflection

from Martin Luther

When I am converted by the Gospel, the Holy Spirit is present. He takes me as clay and makes of me a new creature, which is endowed with a different mind, heart, and thoughts, that is, with a true knowledge of God and a sincere trust in His grace.


Martin Luther - Sermon on John 15

Check out what's happening at Calvary - click on the calendar below

Weekly Bible Study with

Pastor Jerry Wittmus


Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.

Study materials are on the table in the Narthex.

Worship Resources

Calvary's Website
Live Stream Link
CONNECTIONS Past issues

Online Resources

NALC Daily Devotion

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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