Your Weekly E-Newsletter from Calvary Lutheran Church

CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Your Weekly E-Newsletter April 1, 2021

This Week's Pondering ...

Pastor Ken Nelson

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40

Today is the start of those “three days” of which our Lord spoke. Sometimes referred to as the “Triduum”, Holy Week’s “holiest days” are those from sundown on Thursday to sunrise on Sunday – or in the Jewish reckoning of things, with days beginning at sunset – three days and three nights. Jonah was in the belly of a big fish both to humble him and to provide for the salvation of a city called Nineveh. At the preaching of Jonah, after he was released from his three days in the dark recesses of this rather large mammal – the people of Nineveh, we are told, to a person repented and believed in God. It’s quite a story. But Jesus, of all of the Old Testament prophets he could have selected, chose Jonah, the one who seems like the most reluctant, most incapable, to represent how only after he (Jesus) was humbled by his suffering would his preaching take wings.

So I encourage you to participate in the services marking these three days – each unique in its emphasis. Maundy Thursday presents to us two “mandatums” (mandates…commands), the first of which is relayed in John 13 – “a new command I give you … love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another.” The second is “take and eat, this is my body given for you. This cup is the new covenant in my blood, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. As often as you drink it, do so in remembrance of me.” (Matthew, Mark and Luke, plus I Corinthians 11 relay these words to us). We tend to emphasize the latter, since we associate Maundy Thursday with our Lord’s meal “on the night he was betrayed.” It’s quite clear, however, that John, who only mentions the meal briefly, was struck more by the example of servant love Jesus displayed in the washing of his disciple’s feet as the meal was being served.

I mention this because the events ...

To read the remainder of this week's Pondering, click HERE.

Easter Services - Reservations are required

First Holy Communion this Sunday

Ben Huettl (2nd grade)

Gracie Moritz (2nd grade)

Sean Moritz (3rd grade)

Six of our students from 2nd to 4th grade will be receiving their

First Holy Communion this Sunday at both services.

God's grace and blessings on these young people as they take this next step in their faith journey.

Ava Morris (3rd grade)

Gunnar Zipp (2nd grade)

Mallory Zipp (4th grade)

Worship Information and Updates

April 3 & 4, 2021

Resurrection of Our Lord

PRESIDING MINISTER:

Pastor Ken Nelson

ASSISTING MINISTER:

Pastor Jerry Wittmus

DEACONS:

Saturday (5:00 pm): Larry Bonier
Sunday (8:15 am): Ed Ramthun
Sunday (10:15 am): Linda Thorpe

LECTORS:

Sunday (8:15 am): Ruth Brostowitz
Sunday (10:15 am): Lenni Graffin

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE:

Kyle Jones

USHERS:

Sunday (8:15 am): Jim Brostowitz
Sunday (10:15 am): Bob & Mary Smith

SPECIAL MUSIC:

Jenny Brostowitz
Rick Brostowitz
String Quartet
Celebration Ringers
Prodegies Bells

ALTAR GUILD:

Jonni Roush

ALTAR FLOWERS:

See list below

POWERPOINT TECHS:

Saturday (5:00 pm): Lydia Trudell
Sunday (8:15 am): Johanna Nelson
Sunday (10:15 am): Sue Rowe

We express our appreciation to those who have given gifts of flowers and decorations to the glory of God this Easter . . .

Dick & Cathy Adix in memory of Rev. Paul & Ruth Piotter, Arthur & Clara Adix, Rev. James Adix
Linda Berger in honor of God's many blessings of family and friends
Bill & Lenny Graffin in memory of Lester & Wilma Graffin, Grace & Colin MacMillan
Gordy & Grace Gunnlaugsson in honor of Calvary's faithful and caring pray-ers
Huettl Family in honor of Grandparents, Pat Grossman, Pete Huettl
Pastor Ken & Marcella Nelson in honor of our children Johanna Nelson, Ingrid Nelson, Else-Marie & Alex Westman
Keith & Karen Pierce in honor of blessings received
Matt & Heidi Powers in honor and memory of our parents
Eleonora Ramthun & children Elaine, Edward, Ellen, Edwin & Erwin in memory of Edward F. Ramthun
Judy Sayas in memory of Dave Sayas, Jean & Leo Hock, Helen & Ray Sayas
George & Kay Sedivec in memory of our parents
Bruce Steffens in memory of Ruth Steffens, Brett Streicher
Linda Thorpe in honor of her family
Thank you to Mary Smith for the Easter card artwork.

Worship Attendance - March 27 & 28, 2021 Palm Sunday

Our Church Family

Jane Krause, 4/1

Ben Sayas, 4/3

Roberta Stepp, 4/4

Matt Ware, 4/5

Bill Jordan, 4/6

Bob Siderits, 4/6

Scott Anderson, 4/7

Donna Polizzi, 4/7

Chris Spangenberger, 4/9

David Treadwell, 4/9

Krista Dentice, 4/10

Carol Treadwell, 4/10

Elijah Huettl, 4/11

Dawn Hanke, 4/12

Jan Lukasik, 4/12

Jim and Jeanette Kalupa, 4/4 (29 years)

Rich and Tina Baumgartner, 4/20 (30 years)

Tom and Sue Sadowsky, 4/20 (36 years)

Tom and Mary Ellen Thiede, 4/24 (45 years)

Chuck and Jan Lukasik, 4/25 (40 years)

Chuck and Norene Giuliani, 4/26 (41 years)

Ed Ramthun and Cathy Way, 4/27 (19 years)

Sympathy and prayers for God's peace to: the family of Al Powers (father of Matt Powers) who passed away on March 25.

New prayer requests: Don Heyen; Shirley Mahn; Matthew Ramthun (son of Ed Ramthun); Adam Olson (friend of Jonni Roush)

Ongoing short-term prayer requests: Ginny Cox; George Rooney; Grace Gunnlaugsson; Aggie Fingland (mother of Chuck Giuliani); Shelly Rupple (niece of Scott and Lisa Grossman); Delores Seel (mother of Keith Pierce); John Nielson (brother of Judy Kestly); Dave DeBruine (son of Judy DeBruine); Rebecca Cornell (niece of Pastor Ken and Marcella).

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: Maxine Weisbrodt; Diane Foley; Bill Jordan; Jeanette Ketelsen; Nadine Schuelke; Marge Skarie; Lowell Sonderman; Donna Polizzi; Pat Treutelaar; and Janet Zastrow.

Non-members: Debby (friend of Judy Sayas); Debbie and Jens Douglas (sister-in-law of Lynnae Douglas); 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)

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

Women's Ministry Book Group

Monday, April 12

1:00 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Our book for April is "The Address" by Fiona Davis. A bit of history, a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, a bit of intrigue.

Here we have the “compelling national bestselling novel about the thin lines between love and loss, success and ruin, passion and madness, all hidden behind the walls of The Dakota—New York City’s most famous residence.” (amazon.com)

Join us for discussion of this book whose story spans a century. Copies of the book can be picked up in the Church office.

Faith Formation

High School Youth Group

Sunday, April 11, 5-7:00 p.m.

Middle School Youth Group

Sunday, April 25, 5-7:00 p.m.

Pastor Ken's Bible Study

Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.

“Christ in the Old Testament” is the subject of a seven-week series held on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. Created by 1517.org, it features the teaching of Chad Bird, a noted Old Testament teacher and published author.

This course examines how readers of the Old Testament are really reading a book that is all about Christ.

Whenever Jesus talked about himself (or when his earliest believers did), he and they did so by way of the Old Testament.

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

Thursday, April 22

6:00 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

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.

April Mission of the Month - Compassion International

Compassion International is a child-advocacy ministry that pairs compassionate people with those who are suffering from poverty. The ministry releases children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty. The goal is for each child to become a responsible and fulfilled adult.

Compassion's work has grown from modest beginnings in South Korea in 1952 when American evangelist Rev. Everett Swanson felt compelled to help 35 children orphaned by the Korean conflict. Today it is a worldwide ministry where millions of children are now reaping the benefits of one man's clear, God-given vision.

To support this important Mission for the Month, you may include it in your weekly offering envelope or designate the donation as "Mission of the Month" in your online giving.

Saturday, May 22

Mitchell Park

SAVE THE DATE! The Church Life Committee is sponsoring the second "Poker Walk for Water" on Saturday, May 22 at 9 a.m.

Join Pastor Ken as he kicks off the Walk at the South Pavilion at Mitchell Park. You will receive three playing cards to start you out, and through a safe and leisurely walk through a two-mile designated path at Mitchell Park, you will pick up four more cards. At the end, you will submit your best five card poker hand to try to win a prize for best hand. It is a fun event for all!

Registration is $10/person or $25/family. All proceeds will be donated to Compassion International for its clean water programs. Light refreshments will be served at the Pavilion following the walk. Special thanks to Thrivent for their financial assistance for prizes and refreshments.

A sign up sheet will be posted on the glass doors in the Narthex in the coming weeks.

Community Outreach

St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program

Donations Accepted

St. Vincent de Paul's meal program has significantly changed during COVID and serving of their nightly hot meals has been changed to ensure safe transfer of food. Food is now pre-packaged by St. Vincent de Paul staff and handed out to clients at the doors. Since the food is not donated as it was in the past, and their budget has had to incur this extra expense, they could use additional funding to purchase the food that is given out.

If you'd like to support this worthwhile cause, an easy way to do so is through your giving envelope, or online giving. Simply designate your contribution as "St. Vincent de Paul" and the church office will make sure it gets sent to SVDP. Last year we forwarded $1,345 of your generous donations to Saint Vincent de Paul - great job Calvary!

A few reminders ....

WORSHIP LIVE STREAM AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY!

Can't make it to worship? We are live streaming the 8:15 a.m. service on Sunday mornings, and it's almost like you're with us in person.

You can access it at any time from the home page of our website (www.calvarylc.com), or by using the link below. You'll also receive a link on Sunday mornings via email.

Link to Weekly Live Stream

Our Stephen Ministers are here for you!

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.

Sanctuary Flowers Sign Up

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

Flowers are $35 and you may take them home following the 10:15 am worship on Sunday morning. If you'd prefer, you can leave the flowers at church to be enjoyed by the office staff.

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.

If you are choosing to remain at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, any Calvary member, regardless of age or health, can request consecrated bread and juice from the weekend worship service. A sealed communion "kit", along with simple instructions to prepare you for communion, can be dropped off at your home by a member of our home communion ministry team.

If you'd like to get on the schedule for this important ministry, please contact the church office at 262.786.4010 or via email to office@calvarylc.com. You may set up a schedule of delivery weekly, or less often if you choose.