CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | |
Your Weekly E-Newsletter - October 31, 2024 | |
This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | |
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“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” -1 John 3:1-3
When we go as a family to visit the gravesites of our loved ones who have died, we talk about our memories of them, that we miss them, and read aloud the words from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Sometimes, when we depart, the conversation is filled with questions about what we will be like in heaven. Since Grandpa died at 83 years old, will he be the same age in heaven? Since Great-uncle Wayne died when he was a 4-year-old, will he be a kid in heaven? Inevitably we are caught asking questions and, even more problematic, giving responses about what we will be like according to the old way of thinking according to the law, not according to the gospel and life eternal beyond the law: what we will look like, what age will we be, what about our weight, will I get my missing body parts back, and will I still have all my warts and scars.
Scripture tells us some things about what we can look forward to in the resurrected life, even if there are details missing we wish were laid out. We hear the oft read scripture at funerals from the Apostle Paul and from Revelation: “What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:4244), and “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new’” (Rev.21:3-5). The reality of the resurrected life defies our categories of law whether physics, biology, or math. Whether perishable, natural bodies, full of sin, crying, mourning and death, these things of ours under the old realm of the law have passed away. Eternal life is life not only one we shall finally see in the resurrection on the last day, but it is also life beyond the law and in Christ alone.
This also means that what 1 John 3:2 promises, “we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is,” is to be understood in categories beyond the law in Christ alone. To “be like him,” is not a category of morality or a righteousness according to the law. For Jesus Christ is not the law and definitely not my deed. In the life to come, we shall live and experience in our resurrected bodies life beyond the law in Christ who is the end of the law for righteousness. This is truly heaven and eternal freedom!
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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Affirmation of Baptism
Xavier Wyatt Griese was confirmed on Sunday, October 27. God's grace and blessings on Xavier as he takes this next step in his faith journey.
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All Saints
November 2-3, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Larry Bonier
DEACONS: Saturday: Cindy Rooks
Sunday: Bill Graffin, Pat Foy, Lenny Graffin, Darlene Louison
ACOLYTE: Jackson Gall
LECTOR: Ken Miller
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Larry Bonier
USHERS: Scott Grossman and Ed Ramthun
ALTAR GUILD: Jonni Roush
GREETERS: Wayne and Bonnie Johnson, Scott and Peggy Langelin
FLOWERS: Fay Heyen in memory of Sam and Don
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Fay Heyen
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Cindy Rooks
Sunday: Jessica Dudzik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
This weekend's hymns: "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones" LBW #175; "Blest Are They" WOV #764; "For All the Saints" LBW #174.
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Altar of Remembrance
The communion of saints is a theme that runs throughout the month of November. An "Altar of Remembrance" will be in the Narthex by the Angel windows where people may bring in pictures and mementos that the tell the stories of all the saints in your lives, both living and dead. This table will be available on November 1st and will remain until November 30th.
You may bring your pictures and mementos any time throughout the month and place them on the "Altar of Remembrance" for all to see, read, enjoy and remember.
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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: Judy Kestly; Shirley Mahn; Micaela (daughter of Scott and Lisa Grossman); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Ka Thao; Nadine Schuelke; Pat Treutelaar; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Laura Burger; 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); Barbara Runge (friend of Jeanette Kalupa); Nancy Berth (friend of the Calvary Knitting Group); Jack Banker (brother-in-law of Mary Lau); Brian Nowak (cousin of Ernie Kretschmann's niece); 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; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: 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); 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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Larry Bonier, 11/1
Jim Kalupa, 11/1
Sheila Kershek, 11/2
Diana Streicher, 11/2
Mary Lau, 11/3
Sue Wizner, 11/3
Susie Bonier, 11/4
Ed Ramthun, 11/5
Jean Reinemann, 11/6
Andy Foy, 11/7
Kent Klade, 11/7
Lesly Evert, 11/8
Karen Pierce, 11/12
Peggy Langelin, 11/14
Chuck Lukasik, 11/14
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Harold and Shelby Rose, 11/11 (57 years)
Bill and Lenny Graffin, 11/24 (35 years)
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New Pew Bibles
You may notice new Bibles in the pews! The NALC utilizes the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible for its worship materials. Through an anonymous generous donation, we have purchased new Bibles for the pews in the Sanctuary.
The old Bibles will be donated through the NALC Disaster Relief efforts. We invite you to write a message of encouragement to disaster relief individuals who may receive it. The Bibles to be donated are on a table in Fellowship Hall.
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Outreach Ministries - Operation Christmas Child/Disaster Relief | |
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The NALC Disaster Response Task Force met to talk about how we can respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Immediate needs are gift cards from Lowe's, Walmart, Home Depot and Tractor Supply. Your generous gifts really make a difference. Please mail these gift cards to:
NALC Disaster Response Warehouse
16500 Noble Ave
Caldwell, OH 43724
Financial gifts to The NALC Disaster Response are also badly needed. The rebuilding from this storm is going to be a long process and the destruction that's taken place is huge. Make checks out to Calvary with a notation of Disaster Response in the memo line. Calvary will collect and forward all donations to the appropriate location.
Your on-going prayers are needed both for those in crisis and for all those responding to all the chaos and destruction. Our Lord hears our prayers and does act. Thank you for being God's hands, feet and heart to those in need.
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Stewardship Campaign
Did you know the Bible never refers to the “church” as a building? So too is Calvary not a building but “A Community of Believers in Jesus Christ”. As part of this Community, we have received time, talents, and treasures from God. The Lord reminds us in 1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Calvary believers in Jesus Christ can share their time, talents and treasures in this year’s stewardship campaign. If you didn't get a chance to pick up your packet of information, it was mailed to you this week. Commitment forms can be returned in the offering basket, in the mail or dropped off in the office.
The campaign will conclude the weekend of November 16 and 17th with a celebration of commitment. Thank you!
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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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Women's Bible Study
First and Third Tuesday of the Month
Janet Zastrow has resumed 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 "The Battle Plan for Prayer" and will begin on Tuesday, November 5.
"The Battle Plan for Prayer" begins with prayer’s core purpose, its Biblical design, and its impact throughout history. Participants will be guided scripturally through the fundamentals of how effective prayer works. They will be inspired towards a closer, more intimate relationship with God, while being shown how to develop specific prayer strategies for each area of life. Prayer can accomplish what a willing God can accomplish. It should be our first plan of attack in all of life’s battles, not our last resort. If you want to experience the joy of mightily answered prayer, then it’s time to engage with God at another level.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Janet Zastrow at janetzastrow@att.net.
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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. A representative from CareNet will be with us on Sunday to share more information on the important work they are doing.
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 (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, November 11
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"Someone Knows My Name"
by Lawrence Hill
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Abducted from Africa as a child and enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata Diallo thinks only of freedom―and of the knowledge she needs to get home. Sold to an indigo trader who recognizes her intelligence, Aminata is torn from her husband and child and thrown into the chaos of the Revolutionary War.
In Manhattan, Aminata helps pen the Book of Negroes, a list of blacks rewarded for service to the king with safe passage to Nova Scotia. There Aminata finds a life of hardship and stinging prejudice. When the British abolitionists come looking for "adventurers" to create a new colony in Sierra Leone, Aminata assists in moving 1,200 Nova Scotians to Africa and aiding the abolitionist cause by revealing the realities of slavery to the British public.
This captivating story of one woman's remarkable experience spans six decades and three continents and brings to life a crucial chapter in world 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, November 21
If you have any questions, please contact Ernie Kretschmann at erniekretschmann@gmail.com
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Worship Attendance and Giving | |
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Your gifts to Calvary Lutheran Church are gratefully appreciated. On Friday, November 1, your 2024 Contribution Statement showing pledges and contributions through October 31, 2024, will be emailed to you. The email will be from automail@360members.com. Please contact Cindy Rooks, Finance Secretary, at 262-786-4010 or Finance@Calvarylc.com with any questions.
Once again, thank you for your generous commitment to the work of Calvary Lutheran Church.
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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 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 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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