CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | |
Your Weekly E-Newsletter - February 20, 2025 | |
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Informational Session
Sunday, March 2, 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship Hall
Congregational Vote
Sunday, March 9, 10:30 a.m.
Sanctuary
(Contingency date: March 16)
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This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | |
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“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:26
Nothing makes us more uncomfortable than the reality of death. The great enemy that is death reminds us quite painfully how helpless we are to prevent its vice-like grip from claiming the people we love, and one day laying claim to us. Death doesn’t care about who we are, how old or young we are, how rich or poor we might be, it is an equal opportunity enemy. Death will come whether we have lived the healthiest life we could possibly know or whether we’ve not taken care of ourselves. The haunting words will soon be spoken as we near Ash Wednesday, “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19c)
One of the most frequently held misconceptions that I’ve come across as a pastor is how people view death as being a tool for God. It is expressed in words such as, “God needed another angel,” or “It was God’s will.” While it may be intended to serve as a word of comfort, it can and has turned people off from God. Yes, it is hard to know what to say when we are confronted with the death of a loved one. Many people standing in front of the deceased family at the casket in the funeral home don’t know what to say. My suggestion is to say very little. Assure the grieving of your love for them, that you are keeping them in your prayers.
Death is not God’s friend. Death is not what God desires for us. But, death does not have the final word. Death’s power was destroyed in the resurrection of Jesus. In rising from the dead, Jesus freed us from death’s attempt to separate us from God. Paul wrote of this in Romans 8 where he states, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life,…will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39)
Like the forces of sin and the devil, death is on borrowed time. In Revelation we read that death is going to be destroyed, cast out into the lake of fire (20:14) and death will be no more (21:4).
God does not steal loved ones away from us. In Jesus, God rescues us from death’s grip, bringing us to the joy of heaven where there is no more sorrow, crying, pain, or death. God reunites us with our brothers and sisters in Christ of every generation. Against the great enemies of God, of which death is one, this is true: God wins!
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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7th Sunday after the Epiphany
February 22-23, 2025
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Caleb Douglas
ASSISTING MINISTERS: Saturday: Pat Foy
Sunday: Ken Miller
DEACONS: Saturday: Pat Foy
Sunday: George Sedivec, Ed Ramthun, Andy Foy, Judy Sayas
ACOLYTE: Bristol/Piper Nowicki
LECTOR: Phil Hanson
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Angie Schatz
USHERS: Caryl Braatz and Jon Sayas
ALTAR GUILD: Lorna Reiter
GREETERS: Linda Thorpe and Phil Hanson
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Caryl Braatz
FLOWERS: The Kalupa Family in memory of Heide Hummel
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Amelia Evert
Sunday: Chuck Lukasik
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
This weekend's hymns: ""His Mercy Is More" Listen to it here: SPOTIFY or YOUTUBE; ""Blest Be the Tie That Binds", LBW #370; "What A Friend We Have in Jesus", LBW #439; "Oh For A Thousand Tongues", LBW #559
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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: Elaine Nap (friend of Sue Rowe); Gary and Margie Orten (friends of John and Mary Lau)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Randy Wizner; Sandie Rupnick; Judy Sayas; Linda Richmond; Ka Thao; John Schwartz; Laura Burger; Be (friend of Andy Schatz's co-worker); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce); Jan Trede (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Nora Giuliani (granddaughter of Norene and Chuck Giuliani); Mike Santell (brother-in-law of Judy Sayas); Keenan (friend of Ka Thao); Dan Franceschini (father-in-law of Brian Kretschmann); 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); 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); 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; Sue Dindorf; Jonni Roush; Sue Rowe; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Jeff Edwards (friend of Ernie Kretschmann); Jean Asleson (friend of Linda Thorpe); 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); Laura Lynn (friend of Pastor Jerry and Nancy Wittmus)
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Connor Voss, 2/21
Robert Vollmar, 2/24
Luther Himsel, 2/25
Josh Brooks, 2/26
Sandy Voerman, 2/29
Jeremy Nowicki, 3/3
Matt Schatz, 3/5
Ann Derse, 3/7
Tricia Fenske, 3/8
Sue Rowe, 3/10
Gil Thompson, 3/11
Lucy Dallman, 3/12
Chris Morris, 3/12
Pat Corcoran, 3/15
Sue Dindorf, 3/15
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
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Nicole and Bryant Moritz, 2/20 (16 years)
Chris and Rick Spangenberger, 3/16 (26 years)
Pat and Wayne Dieck, 3/30 (62 years)
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Faith Formation/Youth Ministry | |
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Mardi Gras Dinner
Tuesday, March 4
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - Fellowship Hall
All are invited to join us for a delicious dinner prepared by our Calvary youth! We will have some Mardi Gras favorites, along with some yummy homemade treats. PLEASE SIGN UP ON THE COMING EVENTS KIOSK IN THE NARTHEX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND.
A Free Will Offering will be taken to support the Summer Youth Activities.
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Youth Event: Tubing at Sunburst!!
Sunday, February 16
A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!
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Church Life Event ... Sign Up Today! | |
Pastor Ken Nelson's Soup & Chili Cook Off
Saturday, March 1, 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall
Sign up sheets and Entry Forms are on the kiosk in the Narthex for this year's Soup & Chili Cook Off! Due to electrical limitations, we can only have (15) entries in the cook off, so sign up early! Entry forms will be accepted on a first come/first serve basis.
Please also sign up if you are planning to attend/judge. Bring a friend or two and come to enjoy some great food, fun and fellowship!
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Christian Education/Bible Study | | |
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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".
"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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CareNet Pregnancy Center is in dire need of GENTLY-USED items: Please drop your items off in the in bin under the table in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Knappe (Mission & Outreach Ministry Team).
- 0-3 months girl's clothing
- 24-month boy's and girl's winter clothes
- 2T and 3T boy's and girl's winter clothes
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Mission of the Month - NALC Disaster Response | |
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Calvary's February Mission of the Month is NALC Disaster Relief. Due to the extensive and devastating damages caused by Hurricane Helene and the numerous wildfires in California, the need for relief funds is vast. Currently, The NALC Disaster Relief is requesting money to provide help to the people affected by these disasters.
Your donation is greatly appreciated. Checks may be made payable to Calvary Lutheran Church, earmarked either M.O.M or NALC Disaster Relief. If you wish to direct your gift specifically to North Carolina or California disaster relief, please also note that on your check/envelope. Thank you.
Mission Committee
NALC Disaster Relief
Paula Altman & Judy Sayas
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Women's Book Group
Monday, March 10, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"Carnegie's Maid"
by Marie Benedict
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Clara Kelley is not who they think she is.
She's not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households. She's a poor farmer's daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the other Clara Kelley has vanished, and pretending to be her just might get Clara some money to send back home.
If she can keep up the ruse, that is. Serving as a lady's maid in the household of Andrew Carnegie requires skills she doesn't have, answering to an icy mistress who rules her sons and her domain with an iron fist. What Clara does have is a resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh will become famous for, coupled with an uncanny understanding of business, and Andrew begins to rely on her. But Clara can't let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future -- and her family's.
With captivating insight and stunning heart, CARNEGIE'S MAID tells the story of the brilliant woman who spurred Andrew's transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world's first true philanthropist.
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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, February 20 at 6:00 p.m.
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 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.
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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.
On the South side of the library there are the following categories of books:
· Bible Atlas’ and Christian Art
· Adult Christian Fiction
· Parenting
· Giving/Stewardship
· Advent/Christmas Stories and Devotions
· Lent/Easter Devotions
· Evangelism/Discipleship
· Christian Humor
· Congregational Life Resources
· Christian Non-Fiction
· Christian Living
· Prayer
· Grief
· Heaven
· Aging/End of Life
· Devotions for Women, Men, and Families
· General Devotional Reading
North Side Categories are:
· Bible/Theological Reference Books
· Lutheran Theology/History
· Bible Commentaries
· World Religions
· Lutheran Themed Bible Studies
· Bibles
· Paraphrase Bibles
· Bible Studies divided by author, books of the Bible or Christian topics
· Bible Dictionaries
· Bible Handbooks (various topics such as people, places and bible facts)
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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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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