OUR VISION: Calvary Lutheran Church is a welcoming community of caring people grounded in the Living WORD of God. The power of the Cross and the Risen Christ is working through us, transforming our world and building His kingdom. OUR MISSION: Our mission at Calvary Lutheran Church is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ as revealed in Holy Scripture.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Pastor’s Page
January Calendar Highlights
3
Prayers
3
Congregation News
4
Youth Ministry
5
Check the church calendar for complete listings. Sun
1
Mon
2
Sun
8 9 10 11 13
Family Ministry
6
January Calendar
7
Mon Tue Wed Fri
Birthdays, Anniversaries
8
Sun
15
Contact Information
8
Tue
17
News & Events
9
Thu Fri
19 20
Sun
22
Mon
23
Thu
26
Sun
29
NALC
10
Mission & Outreach
11
Pastoral Search Team
12
Finances
12
New Year’s Day Worship @ 9am; no Confirmation, Sunday School or Adult Ed. Church office closed Name Tag Sunday; Christian Education resumes Serenity Inn Meal Program Deacon Meeting Council Reports Due Annual Report Distribution Worship; Food Sunday; Informational Meeting re: Annual Meeting Crossroads Deadline; Congregation Council Men’s Support Group Youth Winter Retreat begins Worship; Informational Meeting re: Annual Meeting; Youth Winter Retreat ends Volunteer Tea & Training; SVdP Meal Program Crossroads Assembly; Men’s Ministry Gathering Youth Sunday in Worship; Annual Meeting
The Calvary Crossroads is published monthly. All news articles should be submitted to the church office by the deadline listed on the church calendar. Electronic submissions are preferred (email: kim@calvarylc.com).
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Pastor’s Page
The Shepherd’s Notebook ‘Tis The Season For Home Blessings Epiphany … January 6th, is one of the early celebrations of the church year and the beginning of a season
that is full of God-sightings. It’s a flexible season in length, because it fills the time between the celebration of the coming of the Magi, or Wise Men, 12 days after Christmas, up until the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday and the solemn season of Lent. In 2012, between The Day of Epiphany on January 6th and Transfiguration Sunday (February 19th) we’ll have a series of Sundays when we explore Gospel readings, mostly in Mark, that introduce us to the beginnings of Jesus’ public ministry. Epiphany is also a traditional season for the blessing of homes. Single family residences, apartments, condominiums, and assisted living or nursing home units – wherever God’s people make their home, a blessing can help remind those who dwell there that Christ dwells with them. It’s an especially comforting practice for those who have had a change in dwelling, such as a move from one location to another. The practice recalls the Magi coming to the home of the Christ Child. At the time of blessing, this inscription is written over the door:
20 + C + M + B + 12 CMB is the abbreviation for Christus mansionem benedicat – “Christ, bless this house.” The numbers 20 and 12 surround the letters, signifying the year of the blessing. The inscription is sometimes written in chalk above the front door, as a sign of blessing to all who enter the home. At other times, I’ve written the blessing on little cards to be affixed to doors or placed in windows. Scripture readings and prayers are offered at the time of blessing. A home blessing can be as simple as a prayer with all who reside there, or expanded to include relatives and friends in a celebration. To arrange for a blessing of your dwelling during the season of Epiphany, please give me a call at the church office or e-mail me at pastorcathi@calvarylc.com . It’s one of my favorite pastoral activities, and who knows? Maybe it will become a favorite at Calvary, too.
"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."
Matthew 2:11
Pastor Cathi Braasch, STS
Prayers Please check the weekly announcement bulletin for those people needing our urgent prayers. If you have any prayer requests, please call or email the church office. Please also continue to pray for the following Calvary family and friends: Shut-Ins: Betty Schraith, Lorraine Zembinski. Ongoing care and prayer concerns : Elaine Shaw, Paul & Marj Skarie, Lorene & Greg Fleckenstein, Pat Kurtz, Shirley Derse, Mary Ellen Puls (sister of Craig Busche); Dyana Solheim (former member of Calvary & friend of Donna Mueller), Fern MacGillis (motherin-law of Jim Harrison), Wayne Higgin, son-in-law of Ruth Yankus; Carol Manning (cousin of Pat Treutelaar), Mickey Rash, Bill Rash Jr. (son of Mickey Rash); Patty Gross (daughter of Beverly Meinke); Chris Clemens (father of Jessie Brovold); Jann Savre (mother-inlaw of Matthew Busche); James Anthony (cousin of Judy Kestly); Karen Reiter (niece of Hugh & Jane Taufner).
January 2012 - Page 3
Congregation News
It’s About Our Family Sympathy Christian sympathies go out to Catherine Faust and family on the passing of her husband, David in November. Sincere condolences to Barb & Larry Runnoe on the death of their brother-in-law, Mike O’Halloran this past month.
Please inform the church office of any illnesses, births or deaths, or of any change of address, phone or email address.
Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the congregation of Calvary Lutheran Church is scheduled for Sunday, January 29th. Please watch the bulletin and email updates regarding time. As always, there will be two informational meetings regarding the annual meeting prior to the actual meeting. These will take place during the Adult Education
time on Sunday morning, January 15th and 22nd, the two Sundays prior to the annual meeting. We encourage all members to attend the informational meetings as well as the annual meeting. All confirmed, participating members of Calvary are eligible to vote at the annual meeting.
Thank You From Edith “Pep” Kedrow: Your stunning vase of flowers was very much enjoyed. They brightened up my room at Franciscan Woods greatly. Thank you so much also for prayers, visits, phone calls and cards while recovering from hip replacement.
Mothers of all ages and seasons are invited and welcome!!! The group will be watching and discussing a “Moms Group Curriculum” video series from Heart at Home. The topics range from marriage to parenting to personal growth. MOM meets monthly, on the first Thursday. The group meets in the media room at church from 6:30 to 8:00pm. So, leave the kids at home and take some time to relax, refuel, and reenergize yourself! For more information or questions, contact Megan Sayas or Angie Schatz. See you there: Thursday, January 5!
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Youth Ministry All of our youth events are open to ALL youth of the designated age! Feel free to invite friends, relatives, neighbors, grandkids, etc. More Kids = More Fun!!! SNOW TUBING ADVENTURE! Sunday, January 15 from 11:30am to 4:00 pm Time Line:
11:30 – Noon Noon 12:15 pm 1:00 – 3:00 3:00 pm 4:00 pm
Pizza Lunch or feel free to “brown bag it.” Change into warm clothes Leave for Sunburst Ski Area, in Kewaskum Tubing Time!!! Load up and Head Home Parent Pick-up at Calvary
Cost: $16 per person (feel free to bring a few dollars for snacks) Sign Up NOW in the Narthex! ** We are in need of several parents to drive / chaperone this trip. Contact Angie if you are interested. MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL WINTER RETREAT AT PINE LAKE CAMP! January 20-22, 2012 We will head north on Friday, January 20, spend Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday morning at Pine Lake; and then return to Brookfield on Sunday, January 22 midafternoon. This event will include sledding, cross country skiing, and other winter activities, as well as devotions to help us grow closer to God and activities to help us grow in our relationships with each other. The cost of the retreat, including lodging, registration, and meals Saturday (all day) and Sunday brunch is $80.00 per person. Additional costs will include dinner on Friday and snacks for the road up and back. Scholarships are available, and are kept strictly confidential. For more information, please talk to me personally. Please note that friends are WELCOME and encouraged to attend!!! Feel free to contact me with any questions about this upcoming retreat. I’m excited to head up north for some frosty fun and time with our youth and our Father! SIGN-UP DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, JANUARY 8TH!!! Youth Sunday January 29th We will be leading the worship service on Sunday morning! From ushering to reading to assisting the Pastor, our youth will be doing it all! Please join us in serving our Calvary family and sharing the many blessings and gifts God has put in you! If you are interested in participating in Youth Sunday and are unable to attend the Winter Retreat, please contact Angie to let me know you are excited to serve our Lord!
Looking Ahead All YOUth – Roller Skating Saturday, February 4th (12:30 – 3:00pm) We will meet at Waukesha Skateland, (located at 1931 East Main Street, Waukesha) at 12:30. Feel free to drop your youth off, or stay for the fun! The cost of the event is $5.00 for admission and $2.00 for skate rentals. Please bring extra money for snacks, if desired. Sign up in the Narthex, in mid-January.
January 2012 - Page 5
Family Ministry
F.I.R.M. Families In Real Ministry (FIRM) is a group open to the entire congregation, friends, neighbors, and the community. This group has events and activities centered around growing the faith of your family through service projects, games, education, and more! Mark your calendar and STAND FIRM with these great upcoming events!!! PJ’S & PRAYERS Friday, January 6 (6:30 – 7:15pm) Come in your jammies and bring a stuffed animal for an evening of family fun at Calvary! God’s children are of all ages; however, this program is targeting our youngest members. Babies through 2nd grade children and adults are invited to come, snuggle up, and enjoy a snack while we watch a Veggie Tales video and make a small craft to take home. We will meet in the bean bag room. CARDS AND A MOVIE Friday, January 27 (7:00 – 9:00 pm) YOU are invited to join in a fun evening of fellowship and service! Meet in the media room to watch a great Christian film and get crafty! While watching the movie, we will be making our “Wells Cards”! What are Wells Cards? – Beautiful handmade greeting cards that are for sale to raise funds for the organization Water 2 Thrive. 100% of the proceeds from this outreach opportunity go to this fantastic organization to provide clean drinking water to people living in Africa. But wait, I’m not crafty! – No problem. Come for the fellowship, and help stuff envelopes, sort papers, there are lots of jobs for people of all ages and stages. So mark your calendar, call some friends, and I’ll see you there! BASICS OF LOVE AND LOGIC Monday, January 30 from 6:00 – 7:30pm If you have attended prior Love and Logic classes or are new to the concept, please join us! We are excited to welcome back L&L instructor, Pam Olsen. She is a wonderful, inspirational, and fun-loving friend that shares her expertise and experience with us in a spiritual and humorous way. During this January meeting, Pam will spend some time reviewing the Basics of Love and Logic. This is a great way to get acquainted with Love and Logic AND a great refresher for those of you who are already familiar. This will be followed by a question and answer time. New to Love and Logic® ? In a nut shell, Love and Logic provides simple and practical techniques to help parents with kids of all ages: • Raise responsible kids • Have more fun in their role • Easily and immediately (first use) change their children's behavior The cost for this evening is $10 per family. Babysitting will be available free of charge at church. Please sign up in the Narthex. Questions, contact Angie Schatz. SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE FEBRUARY EVENTS: • February 25 – Cards and a Movie • February 26 – The Lent Event
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January Calendar
Annual Meeting of Calvary Congregation: January 29th Informational Meetings prior to the Annual Meeting: • Sunday, January 15th at 10:30 am • Sunday, January 22nd at 10:30 am
January 2012 - Page 7
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays & Anniversaries JANUARY BIRTHDAYS: Hoemke, Erika Piek, Anthony Rydlewicz, Melissa Krause, William Marinello, Brian Ramthun, Edward Roush, Jonni Skarie, Paul Corcoran, Patrick (Sean) Juno, Joanne Kretschmann, Ernest Schwenn, Shirley Nyka, Kimberly Corcoran, Carol Hauch, Ruby Hoyt, Stacy Roe, Carol Burnside, Lynn Tyne, Margaret
(DATE)
(DATE)
1 1 1 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 9 9 10 11 13 13
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES: Busche, Matthew and (Lisa) Radtke, Michael and Heather Corcoran, Patrick and Carol Sutherland, Bruce and Eileen Heyen, Donald and Fay
Steiner, William Randar, Haakon Thiede, Thomas Wahlgren, Erik Duckett, Jill Fuller, Louis Larson, Shannon Nyka, Mark Heinz, Donald Maus, David Jaeger, Ruth Roesler, Oren Davis, Lori Duch, Allison Holler, Alexander Weideman, Jay Chrnelich, Adam Heiden, Kenneth Bassel, Russel
(Date
14 15 15 16 18 18 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 21 21 22 22 23
(DATE) Shannon, Helen Rooks, Cynthia Dreyfus, Jamie Vollmar, Susan Kent, John Thoresen, Eric Dzurak, Irene Iverson, Diane Warner, Danielle Kapke, Mary Gunderson, Alex Kent, Mary McChesney, Kelly Chrnelich, Joseph Kern, Amanda Gunderson, Michael
23 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 27 28 29 29 29 30 30 31
# of Years)
2 11 12 19 21
2 10 49 38 14
CONTACT INFORMATION CHURCH COUNCIL Andy Grey (President) Jay Citraro (V.P.) Sandie Rupnick (Secretary) Rich Bloomberg Larry Bonier Chuck Giuliani Marce Kern Andy Schatz Tom Schramek Mary Ellen Thiede Erica Zipp
262-691-4616 262-783-5427 262-523-0206 262-784-0911 262-784-1827 262-786-4367 262-389-1326 262-373-0535 262-790-0162 262-797-8429 414-530-9461
MINISTRY EMAILS Council: council@calvarylc.com Deacons: deacons@calvarylc.com Personnel: personnel@calvarylc.com Youth & Family: youthdirector@calvarylc.com Music Ministry: music@calvarylc.com Pastoral Search Team: PST@calvarylc.com Page 8 - Calvary Crossroads
BOARD OF DEACONS RoJean Holler Bill Jordan Peggy Langelin Scott Langelin Leah Morris Mark Nyka Ed Ramthun Jonni Roush Kim Nyka Janet Zastrow
262-780-6250 262-786-2829 262-792-9335 262-792-9335 262-337-2141 414-732-9196 262-782-5154 262-783-5361 262-349-2442 262-649-3524
STAFF Rev. Cathi Braasch, STS (Interim Senior Pastor) pastorcathi@calvarylc.com Holly Novotny (Office Manager) holly@calvarylc.com Kris Molitor (Financial Secretary) kris@calvarylc.com Kim Steiner (Dir. of Communications) kim@calvarylc.com Angie Schatz (Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator) youthdirector@calvarylc.com
News & Events
FIRM Ornament Make, Take & Share In December FIRM (Families In Real Ministry) held an “Ornament Make, Take & Share” event. The event brought families of all sizes, ages and stages. Organized by Calvary’s Youth & Family Coordinator, along with several helpers, the event was a huge success! There were several stations each with a different type of ornament—of varying skill levels—as well as a station to make a Christmas wreath.
Check out the pictures below and then mark your calendar for future FIRM events listed on page 6.
Men’s Breakfast Men of Calvary have been meeting weekly for the “Men’s Breakfast” for many years, and this past month they have had more attending than ever!
fellowship. And don’t be surprised to see Pastor Cathi stop in! Even though she’s not a man, she is often there to lead prayer and join in the fellowship.
Calvary men of all ages are invited and encouraged to attend every Wednesday morning at 7:00 am at Maxim’s Restaurant on Capitol Drive in Brookfield.
No sign-up required, just come! Maxim’s Restaurant is located at 18025 West Capitol Drive, just west of Calhoun Road, in Brookfield.
The weekly tradition serves to feed both body & spirit. Each person buys his own breakfast and then shares in prayer and
January 2012 - Page 9
North American Lutheran Church
NALC News
submitted by Rich Bloomberg
This is the second report on your NALC church activities that have occurred during the last month. •
Dr. Rev. Gemechis Buba was in Ethiopia working with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church in December. This was and continues to be a dangerous mission and our prayers go out for his safety. Many churches have been destroyed by arson in this region. The NALC is in a full relationship with them
•
The new retirement and insurance plans for the NALC and Lutheran CORE pastors and church employees have been established. The plans are equal to or better than the former ELCA plan and enrollment commences in January 2012.
•
Congregations in the NALC are organizing regional mission districts across the USA and Caribbean areas. We are one of ten that are formally organized. There will eventually be about twenty districts.
•
The NALC is preparing to welcome congregations from Canada. A Canadian Commission has been established to work on legal issues necessary to assist congregations in joining and for them to have an ongoing relationship with us. Many Canadian congregations feel that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada has (like the ELCA) moved away from traditional Christian teaching and practice.
•
As our Bishop Bradosky said in his December Advent message to us, “We have much for which we are truly thankful in the North American Lutheran Church.”
Map of NALC Mission Districts
Visit http://thenalc.org and click on “Newsletters” for more news from the NALC.
Gift of Hope... a new way to support the NALC’s mission congregations “Gift of Hope” is the name of a new way for congregations and individuals to support NALC mission congregations. Congregations and individuals wishing to support start-up congregations can see what is needed and supply either monetary or physical gifts. “The NALC is continually exploring ways to support mission congregations and engage established congregations in being mission-driven,” said Pastor Gemechis Buba, NALC Missions Director. The idea came from a pastor who was looking for such a list so that he could invite members to buy a “Gift of Hope” instead of more “stuff” for themselves, he explained. “We plan
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to share requests and reports on the NALC website so individuals and congregations will have practical and tangible ways to support our mission congregations and see how they are being supported by others,” Pastor Buba said. Mission congregations were asked to create a “gift of hope” list of items costing $20 or more. Some of the items requested by congregations include Bibles, hymnals, Communion ware, tables, chairs, and copyright licenses. The lists are available online at www.thenalc.org. You may also contact Rachel Sosebee at the NALC office at 614-7775709 or rsosebee@thenalc.org for more information.
Mission & Outreach
January Mission of the Month Homelessness and substance abuse are national problems that are unraveling the social fabric of the country. The economic cost to the nation is staggering. Families and communities suffer painful destruction as the direct result of alcohol and drug addictions. Persons who are addicted need specific life style changes and support to maximize the possibility of making healthy decisions and choices to live a free, productive life. To address this problem a unique partnership with Habitat for Humanity began in the spring of 2002 to renovate the house at 2825 W. Brown St. to be used as the first Serenity Inn for the Milwaukee area. The home was restored by volunteers and dedicated on November 1, 2003. Serenity Inns Inc. is a comprehensive, seven month transitional living program for homeless men who choose recovery from drug and/or alcohol addictions. This program addresses the physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs of its residents. It is a highly structured program modeled after a program of recovery within the ministry of Shared Hope in Washington, D.C. - Samaritan Inns - that has been successfully operating for the past 30 years. Did you know... •1500 to 2000 persons are homeless in Milwaukee at any given time and more than 90% of these individuals have substance abuse problems.
Serenity Inn
•"Nationwide, 18 million Americans abuse or are addicted to alcohol. Each year there are more deaths and disabilities from substance abuse than from any other preventable cause." At Serenity Inn... •Residents become full participants in the common life and maintenance of the living environment. •Each resident must attend a 12-step program, work an entrylevel job and pay 1/3 of their income for housing expenses. •A comprehensive support system includes health care, job counseling, addictions counseling, and a team of people dedicated to accompany each resident to recovery. •Connecting with a concerned larger community occurs at the evening meal served by volunteers. Weekly peer meetings give continued support and understanding. Calvary members provide a monthly Fellowship Dinner at the Serenity Inn facility. Contact Judy Kestly if you are interested in participating. Your financial contributions to Calvary’s Mission of the Month during January go to support this worthwhile program. Use your weekly offering envelopes or a white pew envelope to contribute and note “Mission of the Month” on your check and/or envelope.
•An estimated 80% of the current 20,000+ inmates in the Wisconsin prison system are incarcerated because of drug related activities.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Calvary’s Cupboard last month. Items collected are taken to the Waukesha Food Pantry. The next Food Sunday is January 14th & 15th. Watch the weekend bulletin for details. As always, any non-perishable items will be collected. (Only items that are within the “use by” date, please.) Particular items of need are canned meats, fruits or vegetables, soups, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, and cereals. If you prefer to make a monetary contribution, please mark your envelope or check with the notation “Food Pantry.
Luther Manor Thank you to Nancy Marsho for taking over from Ruby Hauch as Calvary’s contact person for Luther Manor. Thank you, also, to Ruby Hauch for her time and commitment in the past several years as the Luther Manor contact. Ruby has been instrumental in heading up the annual cookie collection for the Calvary sponsored cookie cart each Febru-
ary, as well as selling auxiliary memberships and keeping Calvary informed of upcoming events and happenings at Luther Manor. Thanks, Ruby!
January 2012 - Page 11
PST Update & Calvary Finances
Pastoral Search Team Update •
•
Your pastoral search team wants to thank everyone who responded to the survey conducted in November. We were able to get a good read of the ministry tasks the congregation views as important. We have forwarded to the NALC the list of the six most critical tasks identified in the survey. These include (in alphabetical order): • administration • building a sense of community • evangelism/mission • pastoral care and visitation • preaching/worship leadership • teaching We have submitted to the NALC the congregational profile, including several copies of Calvary’s recent annual reports, copies of worship bulletins, recent Crossroads issues, etc.
Calvary Financial Position
• • •
by Grace Gunnlaugsson
We held an informational meeting during the Christian Education hour on December 18 to elaborate on the next steps in the process We are scheduling a practice interview with an area pastor who will help us prepare for the interview process We are very energized and excited about the next steps in the process
We continue to study Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, to pray for this process and for the pastor (and family) the Holy Spirit has identified, and to thank God for His leadership and this congregation for its support.
as of November 30, 2011
THIS MONTH
YEAR TO DATE
YEAR-TO-DATE
ANNUAL
BUDGET
BUDGET
GENERAL OPERATING FUND Offerings Received
$38,466.36
$385,432.55
$465,500.00
$588,500.00
Other Income
$45.00
$3,488.09
$10,000.00
$10,800.00
Total Income
$38,511.36
$388,920.64
$475,500.00
$599,300.00
Expenses:
$31,183.35
$457,507.67
$547,533.20
$599,300.00
$7,328.01
($68,587.03)
($72,033.20)
$0.00
$3,678.50
$14,633.00
Operating Fund Net Income / (Loss)
BUILDING FUND (DEBT REDUCTION) Deposits Received-Lift High the Cross II Building Fund Balance
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$37,067.37
January 2012 - Page 13
CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH 1750 North Calhoun Road Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Presorted Std. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #217 Brookfield, WI
January 2012
Calvary Crossroads
Midweek Advent Worship Each Wednesday in Advent, Calvary members gathered for a simple supper and a time of spiritual renewal at the Advent worship service. Each Advent service began with special gathering music and the order of service was based on the “Magnificat.”
Above: Mary, Anna, and Elise Baumgartner sing “Mary, Did You Know?”, accompanied by mom, Tina. At left: Cindy Bisser, seminary student from Nashotah House, delivers a reflection on the evening’s Gospel reading from Luke.