Calvary Lutheran Church - CONNECTIONS E-Newsletter

CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter -- Thursday, February 10, 2022

Pastor Ken's Pondering .....

“If you love me, you will obey what command.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -

the Spirit of Truth."

John 14:15-17a

I am writing to invite you to a seven-week study on Sundays beginning February 20^th, at 10:30 a.m. called “Jesus in Me” – written by Anne Graham Lotz. I am glad to be able to have this study opportunity, and grateful to Grace Gunnlaugsson for coordinating and facilitating it with me, and to Janet Zastrow, who suggested and urged we give this study opportunity to our Calvary congregation.

In Ephesians 19, the story of Paul’s ministry is told. Upon his arrival he asked certain followers of the Lord Jesus if, when they believed and were baptized, they received the Holy Spirit. They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” The ramifications of this conversation will have to wait for another discussion, but the point is the Holy Spirit was mysterious then - and often remains so even among believers today. That is the goal of this study – to dwell in what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit – and it says a lot!

With a combination of video teaching, large group discussion and small group reflection, we’ll ponder the promise and mystery of our Lord Jesus’ words in John 17:22-23 that “they may be one as we are one; I in them and you in me” - God the Father in Jesus … Jesus in (you and) me. Please consider signing up for this study on the sheet on the fellowship glass doors – study materials will be available for you to take this weekend and are free to all participants. I close with an excerpt of a sermon I preached back in 2018, part of a five-part series on the person, work and gifts of the Holy Spirit, all of which will be explored in our upcoming study.

“The Holy Spirit is the “third person” of the Trinity. The ascription of the word “person” to describe God was first made in the 2^nd century by a man name Tertullian – he used a Latin term “persona”, literally “mask” of the sort used by actors in theaters to indicate the parts they were playing. It’s a bit problematic thinking of God as “acting” like our kids in VBS did this week in their skits, but Tertullian was convinced humans know God not simply intellectually but by way of a relationship – so he used a term that conveyed the relationships acted out on a stage. He concluded that just as God is in relationship with us, God is in relationship with himself – Trinity, one God in three persons.

That relationship within the Trinity is stated in the Nicene Creed. Unlike the shorter Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene emphasized the relationship of the Spirit to God the Father and Jesus the Son by saying the Spirit “proceeds” from them. Words struggle mightily to convey the unspeakable however, so a Russian artist named Andrei Rublev took a crack at it and created a painting of the Trinity in the 15^th century, depicting them as equal in appearance and stature, but with the figures on the right and the center, representing the Spirit and the Son nodding toward the figure to the left, the Father. And he pictures them conversing.

How does the Bible describe the Holy Spirit? Genesis 1:2 says, “In the beginning a wind from God”, in some versions “the spirit of God” hovered over the waters and creation was brought forth. Matthew 3:16 says “When Jesus had been baptized…he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descending on him like a dove”. From just these two references to “spirit” it’s easy to see why the Holy Spirit in spite of creeds and paintings may be the most difficult to conceive of as a person or “personal”. When we say “person” in the English language we think of an individual human being with their own personality and will.

We may find it easier to think of God the Father or Creator as “person” because Genesis 1:26-27 tells us we are made “in the image of God.” It’s really easy to think of Jesus the Son as person because he was one, and his personality and will are recorded for us in the gospels. But God the Spirit is largely thought of as some mysterious “presence” – even a scary one for those of you raised to confess your faith in “the Holy Ghost.”

“What then does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit” and “what important role does the Holy Spirit play in my life?” Luther’s Small Catechism and his explanation of the 3^rd Article of the Apostle’s Creed has but one simple statement to make (regarding) our confession - “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” Luther emphasized the work rather than the “person” of the Spirit, by saying he “calls us to faith”, a faith we couldn’t obtain by ourselves, “gathers the church”, through the gospel, and “sanctifies” us – showing us how to live a life reflective of our faith.”

In our study we’ll dig deeper into what living by faith with “Jesus in Me” means.

Pastor Ken Nelson

Ash Wednesday Services - March 2, 2022

Ash Wednesday is on March 2, and two worship options are available:

Noon and 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Midweek Lenten services will be held at 7:00 p.m. beginning on March 9th. The focus for each of the five Wednesday services will be on the Ten Commandments.

We hope you will join us for these reflective and meaningful midweek services as we prepare for Easter.

Annual Meeting was held on January 30, 2022

The Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, January 30 at 10:30 a.m. If you didn't get a copy of the Annual Report for 2021, copies are on the kiosk near the Welcome Desk in the Narthex. There are two individual reports - one is the general report which includes the financial reports and the second report is the update from the various church committees.

Council President Bob Branston presided over the meeting

and gave opening remarks.

Pastor Ken gave an update to the congregation, which is also included in the Annual Report.

Pastor Mark Knappe reported

on the NALC Mission Districts.

Council Treasurer Leah Morris gave an update on the financial reports.

Pastor Ken installed the new

and current Church Council members.

New and current Deacons

were installed.

Fifth Sunday

after the Epiphany

February 12-13, 2022

PRESIDING MINISTER: Pastor Ken Nelson

ASSISTING MINISTER: Larry Bonier

DEACONS:

Saturday: Terry Bzdusek
Sunday: Mary Ellen Thiede, Nancy Wittmus, Ernie Kretschmann

ACOLYTES:

Kyle Gall and Addie Meyer

USHERS:

Brad Meyer and Jon Sayas

LECTOR:

Ruth Brostowitz

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

Angie Schatz

FELLOWSHIP TREATS:

George and Kay Sedivec

ALTAR FLOWERS:

Lukasik family in memory of Geraldine Lukasik

ALTAR GUILD:

Jonni Roush

POWERPOINT TECH:

Saturday: Lydia Trudell
Sunday: Ellie Sayas

LIVESTREAM TECH:

Kyle Jones

Scripture Readings and Study Text Available

Copies of weekend readings and related study text are available on the stands near the entrance to the Sanctuary. If you'd like to follow along - both the readings, the music for the Psalm, and with a study guide specific to the weekend readings, please take one on your way into the Sanctuary.

Our Church Family

Bryant Moritz, 2/11

Diane Knappe, 2/13

Philip Voss, 2/14

Eleanor Koster, 2/15

Lydia Trudell, 2/15

Wayne Johnson, 2/18

Carolyn Gillespie, 2/19

Connor Voss, 2/21

Bobby Vollmar, 2/24

Jim Brostowitz, 2/25

Luther Himsel, 2/25

Josh Brooks, 2/26

Sandy Voerman, 2/29

Sue and Mike Rowe, 2/14 (41 years)

Nicole and Bryant Moritz, 2/20 (13 years)

Sympathy and God's peace to: Darrel Schwenn and Cathy Wahlgren on the passing of Shirley Schwenn on February 8th. Arrangements are being made for a funeral service next week. Shirley's obituary will be shared once the details are finalized.

Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Dwayne Hanon (BroomTree Ministries); Jim Rupnow (friend of Sue Rowe); Jan Sperry (friend of Judy Sayas); Dennis Reich (friend of John and Mary Lau); Ray Anderson (friend of the Grossman's); Marc Kapke (friend of Linda Thorpe and Jane Taufner); Curt (friend of Larry Bonier); Pastor Mark Gehrke (son of Lois Gehrke); Barb Anderson (friend of Lisa Grossman)

Serving in the Military: Dan Berger (serving in the U.S. Marines); 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); Karmen Thomas (friend of Tony and Krista Dentice 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 (PTSD).

For All Men and Women Serving: Police Officers, Firefighters, 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: Ginny Cox; Don Heyen; Eloise Kurth; Shirley Mahn; Donna Polizzi; Nadine Schuelke; Ruth Young; Janet Zastrow

Non-members: Larry Waldhart Jr. (Ed Ramthun's sister's stepson); Lisa Haggadone (daughter of Sallie Schulz); Janice Stem (sister of Evelyn Ceci); Taylor Czerwinski (granddaughter of Bill and Lenny Graffin); Gareth George (cousin of Judy Sayas); Joseph Franko (friend of Judy Sayas); Tom Frank (brother of Mary Ellen Thiede); Nancy Myers (friend of Judy Sayas); Paige Yeager (friend of Sallie Schulz's family); Rose Luther (friend of Nicole Moritz); Judy Grospitz; Jan Janchan (friend of Jonni Roush); Monica Barchus (niece of Ernie Kretschmann); Michael Rossa (Lucy Dallman's son); Karen (friend of Lydia Trudell); John Nielson (brother of Judy Kestly); Susan Petropoulos (sister of Wayne Johnson); Matt (friend of Larry Bonier); Tom Dallman (husband of Lucy Dallman); Marie Traxler (mother of Sue Meyer); Eric (friend of Larry Bonier); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce);

If you have any new prayer requests, please contact the church office at 262.786.4010 or via email to office@calvarylc.com.

Worship Attendance - February 5-6, 2022

(Does not include those who watched the livestream remotely)

Women's Book Group - February 14 at 12:30 p.m. (NOTE TIME CHANGE)

Delicious!

A novel by Ruth Reichl

Billie Breslin has traveled far from her home in California to take a job at Delicious!, New York’s most iconic food magazine. Away from her family, particularly her older sister, Genie, Billie feels like a fish out of water -until she is welcomed by the magazine’s colorful staff. She is also seduced by the vibrant downtown food scene, especially by Fontanari’s, the famous Italian food shop where she works on weekends. Then Delicious! is abruptly shut down, but Billie agrees to stay on in the empty office, maintaining the hotline for reader complaints in order to pay her bills.

To Billie’s surprise, the lonely job becomes the portal to a miraculous discovery. In a hidden room in the magazine’s library, Billie finds a cache of letters written during World War II by Lulu Swan, a plucky twelve-year-old, to the legendary chef James Beard. Lulu’s letters provide Billie with a richer understanding of history, and a feeling of deep connection to the young writer whose courage in the face of hardship inspires Billie to comes to terms with her fears, her big sister and her ability to open her heart to love.

Join us for time to discuss this warm character-packed tale. If you'd like a copy of the discussion questions for this book, view a copy via this LINK. Treats will be served.

Monday Afternoon Movie - February 21 at 1 p.m.

Media Room

Join us on February 21 at 1pm for an entertaining movie, "New In Town" starring Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr.

Synopsis: High-powered consultant Lucy Hill, who loves her upscale Miami lifestyle, is sent to New Ulm, Minnesota, to oversee the restructuring of a blue-collar food manufacturing plant. The factory is meant to add Japanese automation, and reduce staff by at least 50 percent.

After enduring a frosty reception from the locals, icy roads and freezing weather, Lucy warms up to the small town's charm, and eventually finds herself being accepted by the community. Specifically the head of the workers' union, Ted Mitchell and she gets off on the wrong foot. But Ted rescuing Lucy from a snowbank and later her helping his 13 year old daughter get ready for her first dance, causes them both to see the good in each other.

Come to the movie and see what might develop! Bring a friend.

Faith Formation

New Sunday Morning Adult Study Begins February 20th

“Jesus in Me - Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion"

Begins Sunday, February 20, 10:30 a.m.

We are very excited to offer this opportunity to learn (or re-learn) things about the Holy Spirit, who lives in each of us – not just on Sunday mornings, but every minute of every day – “24/7” as the catch phrase of the ‘90’s would say.

We may come to realize that we have been missing some pretty powerful gifts. Have we been settling all these years for a 2/3 God? Oh, what an adventure awaits. We hope you can join us for at least a few of these sessions!

This video-based Bible study will be facilitated by Pastor Ken and Grace Gunnlaugsson and will be held in the Sanctuary. You do not need to sign up to attend. A study guide that accompanies this Study (at no cost to you) can be obtained by signing up on the glass doors in the Narthex. A copy of this guide, as well as a brochure that outlines the study components, are available on the table in the Nathex for you to view in advance.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Grace Gunnlaugsson (gracemc@mac.com) or Pastor Ken (pastor@calvarylc.com).

Calling all families! Don't cook on a Friday night! Come for dinner and stay for the fun, fellowship and faith formation with other Calvary families.

Friday, February 18th

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Our goals are to grow in relationships with one another as Calvary families and learn from one another as we parent in faith together.

Dinner will be provided; come any time after 5:30. We'll eat until about 6.
Afterward, children and parents will head to separate spaces to learn and grow.
We'll wrap up around 6:45 p.m. so we can get home to put younger ones to bed (and maybe us too!).

Please sign up below so we can ensure we have enough food for everyone

Family Night Sign Up Link

High School Youth Sign Up Link

Middle School Youth Sign Up Link

THERE WILL NOT BE A BIBLE STUDY THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH.

Pastor Ken's Weekly Bible Study

Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Pastor Ken's weekly Bible study is held each Wednesday from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. He will lead discussion around the Scripture lessons that will be read in worship the following weekend.

Please bring your Bibles - other materials will be provided. Copies of the text study sheets will be available on the table in the Narthex if you can't attend the Bible study, but would like to refer to it for the weekend worship.

February Mission of the Month

The February 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 West Africa and Papua New Guinea.

Our monetary gifts in February 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 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 completed his pilot training in North Carolina, following his father Jonathan's footsteps to be be a missionary pilot. And the beat goes on ...

You can also find out more on their website: lbt.org. The video below also includes more about the work of Lutheran Bible Translators. To support this important Mission for the Month, you may include it in your weekly offering envelope or designate the donation for Mission of the Month in your online giving.

Men's Ministry

Weekly Men's Breakfast Wednesdays at 7 a.m.

Maxim's Restaurant

18025 W. Capitol Drive

Brookfield

The restaurant seating has been reconfigured in compliance with social distancing requirements.

All men are invited to attend!

Monthly Men's Gathering

Fellowship Hall

Thursday, February 24

Thursday, March 24

6:00 p.m.

Come for fellowship, food and devotion time. Dinner will be provided. Invite a friend. Social distancing will be respected and practiced; face coverings are required.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ernie Kretschmann at kretschmann@att.net.

A few reminders ....

Hospitality Treats NEEDED!

We invite you to stay after worship on Sunday mornings and enjoy fellowship time and a treat/cup of coffee in Fellowship Hall. We are taking great care to provide safe food items for you (poured cups of coffee and plated breakfast snacks).

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 (3-4 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.

For the time being, we are asking that any donated food be something that can be easily cut and placed on individual plates for serving.

Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.

The link is available on the home page at www.calvarylc.com

Sanctuary Flowers

We invite you to sign up for flowers to beautify our altar each weekend. The sign-up sheet for 2022 is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

Flowers are $35 and you may take them home following the 9 a.m. worship on Sunday morning. If you'd prefer, you can leave the flowers at church to be enjoyed by the office staff.

Severe Weather Announcements

With winter here, we are reminded that weather can definitely impact traveling to church. And with that, inclement weather could necessitate the cancelling of worship.

In the event this should happen, you will receive an e-mail stating that the church is closed. We will also be sharing this with WISN-TV 12 and FOX6 so that it will be included in their scrolling list and on their website of closures.

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.

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.