CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | |
Your Weekly E-Newsletter - September 12, 2024 | |
This Week's Devotional - Listening for the Promise | |
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“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.” -Psalm 116:1-2
The Power of Words
I could hear him coming even before the kitchen door banged open. “Mom!” my son, a middle schooler, yelled from about 4 feet away. “I’m right here,” I replied. “Listen to this! Colin told me that Jesus said, ‘Talk is cheap.’ Is that true?” I don’t remember what I said to settle that adolescent theological debate 25 years ago. I know what I would say today. As far as I know, Jesus didn’t say “talk is cheap.” In fact, what Jesus said and did communicated just the opposite: Words matter.
Mark 9:14-29 tells a story of wasted words and powerful prayers. As the incident begins, the air is filled with the sound of words accomplishing nothing, a fruitless argument between Jesus’ disciples and the scribes, apparently over a father’s request and the disciples’ failure to answer it.
Nothing is resolved until Jesus arrives and stops the argument by listening. Initially he hears only emptiness: “If you can do anything,” doubts the father. Jesus echoes, “If you can,” and then speaks God’s word of promise and power. The Spirit in Jesus’ words calls forth from the agonized father not simply a repeated petition, but a prayer of faith. In response, Jesus demonstrates the power of his word by exorcising the unclean spirit from the man’s son.
What have we learned from this exchange? That words can be empty or full of faith; that faith cries out to God; that God hears and answers the prayer of faith. Words have power. But the lesson has not ended. Even though Jesus has heard the father’s prayer and delivered the son, most of the surrounding crowd continues to speak without faith: To their eyes, the boy is not healed; “he is dead.” So Jesus demonstrates the effectiveness of his word by his action. He raises the boy up.
With the disciples, we are in Jesus’ classroom. Where did we go wrong, they ask; “Why could we not cast it out?” Jesus doesn’t explicitly connect the dots, but we can, “You went wrong by wasting your words in argument when you should have spent them in prayer.”
Sola Worship Resource — Weekly Devotional © 2024, Sola Publishing
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We burned the mortgage on Sunday following worship. Council Treasurer Andy Schatz explained the mortgage had been paid off early, Pastor Jerry shared a prayer and Church Council President Keith Pierce lit the flame. | | |
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17th Sunday after Pentecost
September 14-15, 2024
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PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Jerry Wittmus
ASSISTING MINISTER: Ed Ramthun (Saturday) Pat Foy (Sunday)
DEACONS: Saturday: Ed Ramthun (Cindy Rooks communion assistant)
Sunday: Judy Kestly, Ruth Brostowitz, George Sedivec
ACOLYTES: Noah Ciszewski and Sean Moritz
LECTOR: Larrry Bonier
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Lizzy Dudzik
USHERS: Andy and Matt Schatz
ALTAR GUILD: RoJean Holler
GREETERS:
- Diane Grundman
- Marilyn Hermann
- Everett Lambert
FLOWERS: Dudzik family in celebration of Lizzy and Will's birthdays
FELLOWSHIP TREATS: Dudzik Family
POWERPOINT OPERATORS:
Saturday: Jeanette Kalupa
Sunday: Sallie Schulz
LIVESTREAM OPERATOR: Sue Rowe
HYMNS THIS WEEKEND: "Rise My Soul", CCLI 7240068 (Listen to it here: YouTube or Spotify);
"Be Thou My Vision" WOV #776; "Lift High the Cross" LBW #377
You can also use the QR code below to also take you to the videos with the song that will be available to view from your phone or tablet.
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Congrats to our middle school and high school youth on winning the trophy! | |  |
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F3 - Faith, Friends, Fun
(Elementary School Youth, grades 1-5)
DISC GOLF
Sunday, September 15
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
We will meet at Burleigh Elementary School at the playground. We will play 9 holes of frisbee golf and then walk back to Ms. Angie’s house for an afternoon treat. Please bring your own frisbee!
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Little Lutherans
PJ’s & Prayers
Friday, September 13
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Get your jammies on, grab a stuffed animal and come on over. We will watch a show, have a snack, and make a craft/play a game together. Parents are welcome to stay and hang out or gather elsewhere for some time of fellowship.
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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: Dave and Barb (friends of Glori and Eloise Kurth)
Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Tom Thiede; Ka Thao; Jon Sayas; Pat Treutelaar; Sue Dindorf; John Schwartz; Evelyn Ceci; Jonni Roush; Laura Burger; Sue Rowe; Karen Haberkorn (friend of Sue Rowe); Bonnie Nelson (former Calvary member); Barbara Runge (friend of Jeanette Kalupa); Nancy Berth (friend of the Calvary Knitting Group); Eric Dix (Linda Thorpe's son-in-law's brother); Jack Banker (brother-in-law of Mary Lau); Dan Scruggs (cousin of Juanita Osowski); Brian Nowak (cousin of Ernie Kretschmann's niece); Diane Rutsch (friend 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); 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; Shirley Mahn; Nadine Schuelke; Jan Tschetter; Janet Zastrow
Non-members: Vikki (friend of Cindy Zilske); Kathy (friend of Judy Sayas' sister); Christine (cousin of Judy Sayas); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Drake Ferber (Judy Sayas' neighbor's son); 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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George Rooney, 9/12
TerryMoths, 9/13
Kris Lewandowski, 9/14
Erica Zipp, 9/14
Elijah Himsel, 9/15
Rich Rooks, 9/15
William Dudzik, 9/16
Cable Gall, 9/16
Ken Nelson, 9/16
Carole Wegner, 9/16
Linda Richmond, 9/17
Hugh Taufner, 9/17
Mark Knappe, 9/18
Mallory Zipp, 9/18
Brad Meyer, 9/19
Ann Jazar, 9/20
Bill Graffin, 9/24
Sean Moritz, 8.27
David Vogel, 9/27
Leah Morris, 9/29
Emily Brooks, 9/30
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Andy and Angie Schatz, 9/23 (24 years)
John and Mary Lau, 9/27 (55 years)
Bob and Caryl Braatz, 9/30 (63 years)
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Weekly Bible Study with Pastor Jerry Wittmus
Pastor Jerry's weekly Bible Study has resumed on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Study text will be placed in the Narthex prior to the Study.
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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 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.
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You're invited to participate in an introduction (or refresher) to Lutheranism and being a member of a Lutheran congregation. In this four-session Zoom presentation, facilitated by NALC Pastor Jess Abbott, participants will learn basic "church history" from the 2nd Century through the Protestant Reformation, five foundational principles of Lutheranism, the dynamics of Lutheran sacraments, and what it means to be a congregation member in the Body of Christ.
Zoom sessions will be held on the following dates:
September 17
September 24
October 1
If you'd like to participate, please send an email to Pastor Jess Abbott, Midwestern Area Assistant to the Bishop, at midwesternaab@thenalc.org. Further details will be sent to you.
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NALC MISSION DISTRICT CONVOCATION
Saturday, October 5, 2024
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wausau, Wisconsin
Save the Date - All are welcome to attend/ Two Calvary delegates are needed.
Questions? Contact Pastor Mark Knappe (solideogloria1@mac.com) or Ernie Kretschmann (erniekretschmann@gmail.com)
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Sleep In Heavenly Peace - Waukesha
Thank you to the volunteers who spent timie last Saturday to build bunkbeds for youth in Waukesha County who are sleeping on the floor. Fifty beds were completed that day. The next "Build a Bed" event will be in April and information will be shared at that time to sign up. If you'd like to learn more about Sleep In Heavenly Peace, click HERE.
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Reedem & Restore Center is a new mission for us. This organization is committed to the prevention, intervention, and restoration of women that have been trapped into the sex trafficking industry. They are dedicated to walking alongside women in SE Wisconsin coaching and connecting to needed resources to become whole.
They currently offer the following services to women that have been out of the ‘no life’ for a time:
- Survivor support group
- Mentorship
- Friendship
- Coaching
- Case Management
- Social Outings
- Financial Assistance
They have the first restorative care home for women in Waukesha County. It is a 12-24 month restorative care home that provides mental, physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual healing for the women.
For each woman to have HOPE & FREEDOM, it is a fight through all the layers of trauma. Their home environment will enable women to have a good foundation to continue to build a new life. Restoration is possible because of HOPE!
To learn more about Redeem & Restore, click HERE.
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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, October 14
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Media Room
"The Little Liar"
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Beloved bestselling author Mitch Albom returns with a powerful novel of hope and forgiveness that moves from a coastal Greek city during WWII to America in the golden age of Hollywood, as the intertwined lives of three young survivors are forever changed by the perils of deception and the grace of redemption.
Eleven-year-old Nico Krispis has never told a lie. His schoolmate, Fannie, loves him because of it. Nico’s older brother Sebastian resents him for both these facts. When their young lives are torn apart during the war, it will take them decades to find each other again.
Nico’s innocence and goodness is used against his tightly knit community when a German officer barters Nico’s reputation for honesty into a promise to save his loved ones. When Nico realizes the consequences of the betrayal, he can never tell the truth again. He will spend the rest of this life changing names, changing locations and identities, desperate to find a way to forgiveness—for himself and from the people he loves most.
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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, September 19
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.
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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