CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | | Your Weekly E-Newsletter - March 20, 2025 | | This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | | |
“‘You have been gracious to your land, O Lord, you have restored the good fortune of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of your people and blotted out all their sins.
You have withdrawn all your fury and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation. Restore us then, O God our Savior; let your anger depart from us.”
- Psalm 85:1-4 -
Throughout the season of Lent, we focus heavily on themes of redemption, forgiveness, and restoration. The psalmist proclaims all that God has done for his people throughout the ages. “You have been gracious.” “You have restored.” “You have forgiven.” “You have withdrawn all your fury.” Through the blood of Jesus Christ, God has the power to redeem us and cleanse us from all sin, thus restoring to us the joy of salvation, and restoring us as his children. How is this possible? How can the blood of Jesus Christ do all this?
This is possible because of who Jesus is and what He did when He died on the Cross. First, Jesus was, is, and always will be, absolutely sinless in thought word and deed. Secondly, Jesus was, is, and always will be “the LORD Jesus Christ!” Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians, “For by [Christ] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col. 1:19-17). That is why Jesus Christ alone has the ability to save anyone from their guilt and sin (see John 1:29; I John 2:2).
In the second article of the Apostles’ Creed, Martin Luther explains, “[Jesus Christ] has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true!”
Jesus has bought us, sin and all, not with money or wealth, but with his holy and precious blood. Jesus has cleansed us of our sin through his forgiveness. He has made us new and restored us to a right relationship with him. All this Christ has done, not because we deserve it or have earned it in some way, but because he loves us. We depend solely upon him for our salvation.
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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Order Your Easter Flowers!
If you would like to provide an Easter Lily or Spring flowers (Daffodil, Hyacinth or Tulips) to adorn our altar for Easter worship, please fill out a form and place in the offering basket or return to the church office by Sunday, April 7. Prices remained the same as last year at $15/plant.
Order forms are on the table in the Narthex.
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Third Sunday in Lent
March 22-23, 2025
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Mark Knappe
ASSISTING MINISTER/SERMON: Lynnae Douglas
DEACONS: Saturday: Ed Ramthun
Sunday: Lenny Graffin, Bill Graffin, Lisa Grossman, Pat Foy
ACOLYTE: Grace Moritz
LECTOR: Judy Sayas
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Lynnae Douglas
USHERS: Andy and Matt Schatz
ALTAR GUILD: RoJean Holler
GREETERS: Carol Roe, Jonni Roush, Judy Sayas
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Keith and Karen Pierce
FLOWERS: Rick Kegel in memory of Gail
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Cindy Rooks
Sunday: Chuck Lukasik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
This weekend's hymns: "Oh That the Lord Would Guide", LBW #480; "Christ, the Life of All the Living", LBW #97; "Repentance Hymn", CCLI #7229723 - Listen to it here: YOUTUBE;
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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: Angie Schatz
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Randy Wizner, Sandie Rupnick; John Schwartz; Ka Thao; Stan Strykalski (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Paula (granddaughter of Eloise Kurth); 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); Taylor (granddaughter of Lenny Graffin); 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)
Please continue to pray for: God’s guidance and support for our Call Committee as they move forward in the Call process.
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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Chet Elliott, 3/20
Shirley Jordan, 3/22
Ellie Sayas, 3/23
Kay Sedivec, 3/23
Kevin Wahlgren, 3/23
Ava Schlieve, 3/27
Nancy Wittmus, 3/27
Sandy Moths, 3/30
Jane Krause, 4/1
Ben Sayas, 4/3
Roberta Stepp, 4/4
Bob Siderits, 4/6
Scott Anderson, 4/7
Chris Spangenberger, 4/9
Carol Treadwell, 4/10
Jan Lukasik, 4/12
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Pat and Wayne Dieck, 3/30 (62 years)
Jim and Jeanette Kalupa, 4/4 (33 years)
Rich and Tina Baumgartner, 4/20 (34 years)
Tom and Sue Sadowsky, 4/20 (40 years)
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)
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Save the date for these important presentations!
The Church Life Committee is pleased to sponsor the following two presentations that will be held here on June 18th. The information will be shared by Ben Merens, Outreach Specialist with the Division of Trade & Consumer Protection (Wisconsin Departmet 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.
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!
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Do you have a nametag?
Have you lost your nametag or never received one? Our nametags will serve as a great way for Pastor Marcus to get to know us by name. He will be with us for worship on April 5/6, April 19/20, May 3/4 and May 17/18. (This is in advance of his official start date in June.)
There is a sheet on the Welcome Desk in the Narathex where you can request a nametag. Please sign up by March 30th so that one can be ordered for you. The magnetic boards on the kiosk are provided as a convenient place to store your nametag each week.
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2025 Stewardship Campaign
Time & Talent Responses
As part of the 2025 Stewardship Campaign, the congregation was asked to provide where they currently share or would like to share their time and talents.
Of the 92 pledge cards returned, 44 returned/completed the time and talent section of the card. In addition, three (3) of the cards returned separated the activities of the husband and wife for a total of 47 responses. Four (4) of those returned only checked categories versus activities. Five (5) others returned checked some activities and some categories without detail on the activities.
A total of 178 activities were checked with an average of four (4) per response with most checking one (1) or two (2) activities.
The card did not easily identify whether the member was currently involved or wanting to get involved in an activity. A review of the activities for worship, identified seven (7) responses wanting to get involved in ushering, greeting, and/or lecturing. A quick review of the other activities appears to be current members of those areas. However, this information will be shared with the respective leader in the activity.
The office has also been working with a group to highlight the opportunities for involvement at Calvary. The 2024 Committee Report included many more areas and encouraged members to reach out to a committee member or the office to get involved. A link to this Report is found below. In addition, we will work with the groups to do a short temple talk before service.
| | Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | |
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This month's Bible Hero: John the Baptist
John the Baptist (portrayed here by Keith Pierce) was born around 8BC to Elizabeth through a miraculous pregnancy even in her old age. His father, Zechariah, was a priest and was mute until the time of John's birth upon showing doubt to the angel Gabriel announcing the miracle.
John the Baptis was popular for baptizing many in the Jordan River, including Jesus. He was an influential figure in the ministry of God in that he was a threat to the rabbis and pharisees. He was killed through a request by King Herod's unlawful wife and stepdaughter who had him be-headed. Ge died around 24AD.
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Youth & Family Ministry Schedule - April
Little Lutherans
PJ's and Prayers, Friday, April 25, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Elementary School (K- 5th grade)
Adventure Rock, Saturday, April 12, 9:00 -11:00 a.m.
Middle School (6-8th grade)
Let's Go Bowling! Sunday, April 13, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
High School (6-12th grade)
Youth Group, April 13, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
If you didn't get a chance to pick up the upcoming Youth & Family Ministry flyer outside the Sanctuary, you can link below to see all the fun activities planned.
| | | Christian Education/Bible Study | | |
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
"The Road to Coronation"
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Media Room
The study by Harry Wendt looks at, and compares, the four Passion Narratives. Sessions will be facilitated each week by a member of one of our Ministry Teams. Study Materials will be available at the study and are being provided at no charge to the participants. Come when you can!
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"The Easter Code"
A 40-Day Journey to the Cross
The "Easter Code" is a call to freedom during the days of Lent. In the pages of this devotional book, you will be walking with Jesus along the journey to Jerusalem. Each devotion contains a devotional thought, a "code word" for the day, a Scripture and a daily prayer. The "code word" helps unlock the blessing of each day's reading.
Devotional books are available on the table in the Narthex.
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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.
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SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE
"BUILD A BED" Workshop
April 26 from 10:30am-12:30pm
We invite you to join us again as we spend time together to build handmade wooden beds. The beds are given to children in Waukesha County who don't have their own beds to sleep in. There are 14 stations that have a lead volunteer to help you with the process. Stations involve sanding, drilling, assembling, logo branding, and staining.
The location has changed from prior years and will be communicated as soon as it's confirmed.
Any questions should be directed to Karen Pierce at k5pierce@att.net.
| | | Mission of the Month - LUTHERAN BIBLE TRANSLATORS | | |
The March focus of the Mission of the Month is support for Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT). We support the work of the Federwitz families involved in Bible Translation work in Papua New Guinea, Liberia and the Ivory Coast of Africa.
Our monetary gifts in March will support bringing The Good News and literacy to those in great need of hope, love, peace and salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Please pray for all those involved in Lutheran Bible Translators.
Fifty-one years ago, Reverend Dale and Alvina Federwitz began their missionary career with LBT among the Mandigo people in Liberia. In 1980 they began their work translating the New Testament into the Kuwaa language. This was completed in 1988. They served as advisors and coordinators in Liberia and Cameroon until Dale's death in July of 2002. Alvina has continued to work with 16 language groups in Ghana.
As the four Federwitz chiildren finished their education in the United States, they, in turn, have worked as missionaries in West Africa and Papua, New Guinea. Nathan Federwitz is in the process of finishing his pilot training in North Carolina, following his father Jonathan's footsteps to be be a missionary pilot, while his cousins (third generation of the Federwitz family) continue their LBT work in Africa. And the beat goes on ...
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 April 14, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"Lessons in Chemistry"
by Bonnie Gamus
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Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.
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NEW! Enjoy a Christian Movie
First and Third Tuesday of the Month
Join Janet Zastrow on Tuesday, April 1 at 9:30 a.m. to watch the second in a series of Christian films created by the Kendrick Brothers. You may have heard of some of their movies which were shown in theaters around the country (War Room, Facing the Giants, Overcomer).
The second film that Janet will be showing is "Courageous", originally released in 2011. Here's a quick synopsis of the movie: Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. When tragedy hits home, they are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God … and to their children?
The movie "Fireproof" was shown on March 18 and is available 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, March 20 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 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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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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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, 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.
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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