Calvary Memorial Church http://calvarymemorialucc.org Thu, 16 May 2013 03:28:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 May 13-19 Newsletter http://calvarymemorialucc.org/may-13-19-newsletter/ http://calvarymemorialucc.org/may-13-19-newsletter/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 03:28:59 +0000 admin http://calvarymemorialucc.org/?p=681 http://calvarymemorialucc.org/may-13-19-newsletter/feed/ 0 April 29-May 5 Newsletter http://calvarymemorialucc.org/april-29-may-5-newsletter/ http://calvarymemorialucc.org/april-29-may-5-newsletter/#comments Sat, 04 May 2013 03:27:43 +0000 admin http://calvarymemorialucc.org/?p=679
The Messenger

God is still speaking…..

May 5th
Sixth Sunday of Easter
April 29th through May 5th, 2013

Dear Calvary Memorial,

Call to Action


A couple of phrases came to mind after Pastor Lorrie’s sermon on Sunday.  If you don’t have something nice to say about someone, say nothing. And another favorite- Do you actually eat with that mouth? (often uttered after a particularly nasty comment has been said)

And so we ponder a few things this week on our journey together.  Are you being inclusive in your life?  Inviting others to be a part of your circle even if they are different from you OR are you being exclusive?  Keeping your inner circle closed.  It’s not always easy to open ourselves up to new things.  We get stuck in our comfort zone that consists of the same type of people, food, places, music etc.  But life is SO much richer when we open ourselves up to the beauty of God’s world that is filled with amazing colors, flavors, cultures and experiences.  Our fear sometimes causes us to say and do things that are hurtful to others and this weeks message reminded us that it is not what we put in our mouths that counts, it’s what come out.  I often joke that I forget to put my filter on before I leave the house in the morning.  This is unacceptable.  I need and want to be accountable for my words and actions in a way that is pleasing to God.  And so we begin the week with good intentions to say kind things to the people closest to us instead of being careless with our words.  We focus on trying to take the Always out of our vocabulary and extend grace and patience in its place. And finally,  we celebrate the diversity of Gods Big Beautiful World and we light our candle in the darkness for the world to see.  You will be in my prayers.
Sunday School

Last Sunday, the kids learned about baptism.  They made name tags and bookmarks.

Deashton proudly shows off his Sunday School project for Ronnie.

Sonja and Cheyenne took Pastor Lorrie message to heart and share a sisterly hug after the worship service.
Sunday, May 5th, the kids will learn about the Holy Spirit and make a related craft.
Sunday, May 12th, the kids will make a Mother’s Day present.
A special thanks to the mothers who help out with this ministry.
Volunteer needed

As you know, the church runs smoothly due to the many volunteers who help out on a weekly basis.   If you are looking for a way to get involved, but on your own schedule, we have just the job for you.
The Church needs help for light cleaning on a weekly basis.  You could do this alone or with a friend.

For more information, contact either:
Tom Branta at 262-308-7548, mlbranta@sbcglobal.net
or
Mike Bannier at 262-894-1710, mbannier@wi.rr.com
Upcoming Events
Yoga-

Join us Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, cost is $5.00 for church members and $7.00 for guests.

Friendship Club- Thursday, May 9th at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Bring a can of soup for the “Soup Dump” (no cream soup please). Bread and dessert will be served.   This months guest speaker is Joan Schroeder, a registered dietician from Froedtert Health Medical Group.  She will be discussing the importance of reading food labels so we can make healthier choices.  Bring a non perishable food for Joan to discuss.  All food items will be donated to the food pantry.

Congregational Meeting-
Sunday May 5th
Immediately following the Service

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Calvary Memorial’s own Spider Man:

Jake Taylor’s Electrical Distribution Program received a $1000 from the teachers so they can attend and participate in the Lineman’s Rodeo.
Jake is the one on the lower right doing the “look Mom, no hands” pose!  He graduates in two weeks.
Jake

Not everyone knows that Jake got his start climbing ladders and poles by painting during our youth mission trips.  You just never know where doing God’s work will lead you.  Good luck Jake as you follow your dreams!

COFFEE HOUR

Last week, Maureen and Stacy brought treats and we all thank you.

Scheduled for Sunday,
May 5th:
Tootie
Noreen

Scheduled for Sunday,

May 12th:

Ann & Bill Rudolph
Ezekiel

Welcome visitors Josh (left with glasses) and Archie (right in black jacket), friends of Ronnie’s.  We hope you enjoyed the service and will come back soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS

There will be no newsletter next week.  The Messenger will return the week of May 13th.

Sunday May 19th is Pentecost Sunday.   Please plan on wearing RED that day.
Food Pantry Needs
Our food pantry is in desperate need of bags, both plastic and paper.  We especially need the heavy plastic ones from Sendick’s, Sentry, etc.  Please bring them to church on Sunday or drop them off at the church office.  If the office is closed, please leave them outside the door.  Last week we served 20 families and 21 families this week.  We have completely depleted our supply of bags.

We are also in need of canned fruit.

Thanks for your support of this mission.
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The Messenger

God is still speaking…..
April 22nd through 28th, 2013
Call to Action
Sunday’s sermon touched me in a profound way.  It had been a long stressful week and I needed and wanted to be in church with all of you, re-centering on what is truly important in life.  The tragedy in Boston, coupled with the devastation of the explosion in Texas, combined with things closer to home made my heart and head heavy with sadness.  In the midst of the external noise in the world it is sometimes easy to get distracted and lose our focus.  Remember the phrase from childhood Stop, Look and Listen?  Well I think that Sunday is our opportunity to Stop, Pause and Pray, and I for one need this time every week.  The video Pastor Lorrie showed of the man with no arms or legs provided profound reminders to me about the importance of being THANKFUL.  Think about how much time we waste in life on the game “If only” This is how it goes…. If only I had a better job….THEN I’ll be happy.  If only I were – You fill in the blank, richer, thinner, taller, shorter, smarter, younger….THEN I’ll be happy…. The man in the video didn’t waste his life thinking about If Only I had arms and legs- He focused on what he did have and then figured out a way to share his message and gifts with the world.  Imagine what we could accomplish if we adopted that same philosophy?!  Each day is a beautiful gift from God. Every morning we get to unwrap that gift and decide how we are going to share it with the world.  Will you be a beacon of hope?  Will you share your gifts of time, talent and treasure with those around you?  Will you smile at a stranger?  Offer encouragement to someone who is struggling?  Will you MAKE time to call an elderly person or better yet stop by for a visit? Will you really listen to those around you? Will you forgive a wrong?  Will you be patient with yourself and others?  It’s hard to be a Christian- The world we live in is a big scary place sometimes, but God gives us a quiet place to call home through prayer.  In the darkness of daily struggles we are called to be the light- Together we can illuminate the world with God’s love.


Bridget and Ava share a hug before the service.
Sunday School

This week the children learned about how Saul became blind when he didn’t believe in Jesus and the Christians.  Then he realized that God was really a great being and only then could he truly see. The children created a craft that showed what braille is and the joy God gives them.  The theme was I can see God’s Love!
James discovers his building talents in the new children’s play area in Fellowship Hall.
Volunteer needed

As you know, the church runs smoothly due to the many volunteers who help out on a weekly basis.   If you are looking for a way to get involved, but on your own schedule, we have just the job for you.
The Church needs help for light cleaning on a weekly basis.  You could do this alone or with a friend.

For more information, contact either:
Tom Branta at 262-308-7548, mlbranta@sbcglobal.net
or
Mike Bannier at 262-894-1710, mbannier@wi.rr.com
Upcoming Events
Yoga-

Join us Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, cost is $5.00 for church members and $7.00 for guests.

Friendship Club- Thursday, May 9th at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Bring a can of soup for the “Soup Dump” (no cream soup please). Bread and dessert will be served.   This months guest speaker is Joan Schroeder, a registered dietician from Froedtert Health Medical Group.  She will be discussing the importance of reading food labels so we can make healthier choices.  Bring a non perishable food for Joan to discuss.  All food items will be donated to the food pantry.

Congregational Meeting-
Sunday May 5th
Immediately following the Service

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Charlotte’s Baptism

Thanks to Pastor Lorrie for making the trip to Madison to baptize Charlotte Autumn Haasl, great-granddaughter of Penny Wolf and granddaughter of Dave & Sandy Schroederus.


Charlotte with Mom Shannon and Dad

Ryan is baptized by Pastor Lorrie.
-

Four generations of mothers and daughters.

Pastor Lorrie has now performed two weddings and two baptisms for our family.  Now that the tradition has been set, she will now be expected to be there when Sophie and Charlotte get married.
Thanks again for going above and beyond.
Penny, Dave & Sandy
Address correction and new phone number:

Carol Knight
7047 Bonaventure Drive (NOTE: NOT BONADVENTURE)
Tampa, FL   33607

Telephone: 813-871-0243

Scriptures
April 28th

Acts 9: 36-43

Acts 11: 1-18

Volunteers
April 28th

Worship Assistant:
Julie Taylor

Piano:
Abbey Harkins

Video & Sound:
Joe Harkins

Greeters:
Dave & Sandy
Schroederus

Sunday School:
Maureen
Jeff or Ann Kramer

Jaimie celebrated her 7th birthday on Sunday!

The congregation joined the children in singing Happy Birthday to Jaimie.

The children are all quiet as they watch a video about a man with no arms or legs who still finds reasons to be gra

teful and full of joy.

Our kids lead the congregation in singing…

and praying.

Anabella loves being able to be part of the children’s message.

Pastor Lorrie has the children think about what they would do if they didn’t have any arms or legs.

Amaya enjoys a snack during coffee fellowship.
Contact Information
Rev. Lorrie Wenzel

Calvary Memorial United Church of Christ
4515 N. Mayfair Road
Wauwatosa, WI   532225

Telephone:  414-461-3575

Sunday Services at 9:30 a.m.
Closing Headline
Thanks to all who are active in our Church.
Look for more upcoming events in the coming months.
Have a good week!
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The Messenger
God is still speaking…

April 21st, 2013
Fourth Sunday of Easter

splash 1 Council and Volunteer ‘thank you’ gathering

Boston Marathon

Mike Rose, a friend of Becca Wenzel, ran the Boston Marathon on Monday.  This is a picture of him leaving the area after the tragedy.
April 15th through 21st, 2013

A Heart Full of Grief

On Monday, my daughter Becca watched the Boston Marathon from the 24 mile mark.  One of her friends, the young man pictured above had trained tirelessly for the race. He ran for a little boy who has cancer and he raised over 20,000 dollars to help the boy with his medical bills.  He finished 30 minutes before the bombs exploded.  Our Becca cheered for him during the race and was back in her apartment when the tragedy struck.

On Monday, I thanked God for Becca’s safety and I wept for all the families who experienced unimaginable and  agonizing loss.  I am not sure how we can be a light in the darkness, but I remind myself of John’s words, “The light shined in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.”  We are told that darkness cannot consume the light and in moments like these, we desperately need to hear those words.  Let us keep our brothers and sisters in Boston in our prayers this week.

Call to Action

It seemed very fitting for Pastor Lorrie to talk about lightening strikes during today’s sermon given the amount of rain and number of storms we’ve been experiencing lately, and that’s just the weather….some of us may also be experiencing personal storms as well that have taken their toll on our spirit.  Given the speed most of us live our lives it is so easy for us to forget that every day we have the opportunity to become more like Jesus. Unfortunately we fall into ruts and patterns that cause us to deny our faith through our thoughtless actions just like Peter did.  We too can redeem ourselves; we can find the path that will lead us to the life that Jesus has planned for us.   Our weekly sermons have moved me to take a closer look at my actions and I am not always proud at what I see.  Pastor’s reminder today that Silence is Violence struck a profound cord with me.  I am VERY adept at using silence to make my point, (or so I thought) in fact I had been actively engaged in a game of silent warfare that began last week when someone disappointed and hurt me.  I was truly ashamed to think that my silence was an act of violence, so much so, that I was on the phone immediately upon leaving church to begin making amends.  I constantly remind Emily and others that we can only be accountable for how we act in any situation and that as Christians it is our responsibility to take the path of Jesus-OOPS, seems I forgot that in my hurt and anger last week.  I am so grateful for the Daily Do Over that is extended to me by a God who loves me, even when I trip and fall.  So as I begin a new week that is sure to be filled with opportunities and challenges I choose Jesus!

Our closing story about the woman who struggled to keep the family business afloat after her husband was disabled by a brain injury was a wonderful reminder about the fragility of life.  One day everything can seem perfect, and in the blink of an eye that can all change and what are we left with what?  The husband, who blessedly had moments of clarity showed great courage and strength in his decision to sell off the “big toys” of his former life in order to ease the burden of everyday life.  His courage was rewarded by his neighbors offer to help (after his initial disparaging comments).  This story was a wonderful example of life not always being as it seems…. Each and every one of us carries baggage (or in my case a steamer trunk) filled with past hurts, disappointments and lost opportunities, what we do with this baggage is up to us. I think we miss opportunities to be like Christ to one another because we hide behind the life we want others to believe we live.  Imagine how much easier our burdens might be if we were honest with others about the challenges and struggles we face every day.  We know that God has big dreams for our life; we know He wants us to be happy and to live our best lives.  We are called as Christians to forgive, to be kind and gentle to extend grace-We are called to be an example to the world, I am ready to answer that call are you?

Spring Yoga
Join us on Wednesdays through May 1st 6:30 p.m.
$5.00 per session for church members

$7.00 per session for guests
Bring your mat
Dress comfortably
If you have any questions please contact

Bridget at 414-607-3753

Sunday School Corner

Last Sunday’s message was from John 21: 1-14.  It tells the story of the disciples fishing and not catching anything.  Jesus tells them to try the other side of the boat and their nets were full yet didn’t break.
This was the third time Jesus had appeared to them after he was raised from the dead. The children learned this story and made a fish out of paper cups.


Thanks to Ronnie for the Birthday celebration last week!

Coffee Hour
Please help with this very important ministry

Volunteers for Sunday the 21st of April:

Bridget & Alan Kesner

Thanks for volunteering!

Memory Verses
In the beginning was the Word
And the Word was with God
And the Word was God

He was with God in the beginning

Through him all things were made

Without him nothing was made
In Him was life

And that life was the light of the world

The light shines in the darkness

But the darkness did not overcome it

Food Pantry
This week’s Food Pantry Need is:

Canned Fruit
Please try to buy one or more cans.  Our patrons love to have canned fruit this time of year.

Thanks in advance for keeping our pantry stocked.

Last Friday night, all Church Council members, staff and volunteers were invited to Splash in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.  Perhaps you too want to be a part of this group!





RUMMAGE SALE

Brookfield Congregational UCC will be having a rummage sale:
Thursday, April 18th, 9:00 – 5:00
Friday, April 19th, 9:00 – 5:00
Brookfield Congregational is located at  16350 Gebhardt Rd.

SCRIPTURES
April 21st

Acts 5: 27-32

Acts 9: 1-6,(7-20)

VOLUNTEERS
April 21st

Worship Assistant:
Julie Taylor

Piano:

Abbey Harkins

Sound:
Joe Harkins
Video:
Joe Harkins

Sunday School:

Maureen
Vanessa

FELLOWSHIP

Upcoming Events

Please Mark Your Calendars

Council Meeting
This Sunday, April 21st
After the service

Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Lorrie
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The Messenger
God is still speaking…

April 14th, 2013
Third Sunday of Easter

April 8th through 14th, 2013

Dear Calvary Memorial,

Above is Raekwon reading Pastor Lorrie’s notes for the Sunday Sermon.
click below on the link to see the best five minutes of the Sermon.

Call to Action

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched- they must be felt with the heart.  Helen Keller

This seemed like an appropriate quote to share in light of today’s sermon.  Pastor Lorrie’s message about Jesus breaking the gates of hell and allowing everyone to go to heaven reminds us so vividly that there is NO PLACE Jesus can’t be. That thought used to scare me as I child, I have vivid memories of feeling afraid that Jesus was always watching me-like big brother, now the thought of him always being with me provides me great comfort and peace.  I was struck once again by realization of the power my actions and choices have on others. Do they lock Jesus out of my life or do they demonstrate my love of Christ?  As a Christian the Key to unlocking our hearts and our lives so that we can truly experience God’s love for us is to BELIEVE and then ACT differently- even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. It is easy to fall into the trap of doubting Thomas- show me, let me see for myself! Our lack of trust and faith often prevents us from truly seeing others through the eyes of Christ and our world becomes small.  Jesus modeled that we can be honest without being cruel or angry and that no sin is too great to be forgiven. Why then do we fall into the trap of using anger and hatred to put others down?  Why do we think it’s ok to sit in judgment of others?  We have the key to unlocking a life filled with joy and love- Let’s open the door and let the light and love of Christ in!

The closing story today illustrates the beauty of children and their ability to believe.  The young boy who dreamed of finding treasures in the Sheboygan River just like Jacques Cousteau! He kept swimming and exploring the river believing that he would find a treasure and he did!  His mother needed to have proof that the pearl really came from the river, just like Thomas needed to see Jesus’ hands and touch his side.  The boy’s belief that he would find a treasure never faltered, he is my hero!  Imagine what we might find if we look a little closer at the gifts we are given every day and if we rediscover our ability to see life through the eyes of a child and believe.

Spring Yoga
Join us on Wednesdays through May 1st 6:30 p.m.
$5.00 per session for church members

$7.00 per session for guests
Bring your mat
Dress comfortably
If you have any questions please contact

Bridget at 414-607-3753

Sunday School Corner

There was no Sunday school this past week as the dance team was performing at another church.
Sunday School will return on April 14th.


During the Sunday Service!!!!

Coffee Hour
Please help with this very important ministry

Volunteers for Sunday the 14th of April:

Ronnie is bringing birthday treats!
Thanks for volunteering!

Memory Verses
In the beginning was the Word
And the Word was with God
And the Word was God

He was with God in the beginning

Through him all things were made

Without him nothing was made
In Him was life

And that life was the light of the world

The light shines in the darkness

But the darkness did not overcome it

Food Pantry
This week’s Food Pantry Need is:

Canned Fruit
Please try to buy one or more cans.  Our patrons love to have canned fruit this time of year.

Thanks in advance for keeping our pantry stocked.

The following note was received:

Dear Friends,
Thank you for all your cards and prayers.  I am doing better, but I can no longer get to church, so I miss seeing all of you.  May you have a blessed and joyful Easter.
Your friend,
Betty Quinn
Northfield Manor
W128 N6900 Northfield Drive
Menomonee Falls, Wi   53051

———————————————————–

SCRIPTURES
April 14th

John 21: 1-14
John 21: 15-25

VOLUNTEERS
April 14th

Worship Assistant:
Bill Rudolph

Piano:

Abbey

Sound:
Joe Harkins
Video:
Joe Harkins

Greeters:
Margaret Pedrick

Sunday School:

Akami
Julie

FELLOWSHIP

Bill, Jon, Ronnie and pastor Lorrie lifting up our little ones!


Have a little faith!

Two sisters!

Upcoming Events

Please Mark Your Calendars
Friendship Club

Thursday, April 11th
Maxfield’s on Highway 100
Lunch at 11:45 am

Property Committee

Thursday, April 11th
5:00 pm

Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Lorrie
Contact Information
Calvary Memorial United Church of Christ
4515 N. Mayfair Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53225
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The Messenger
God is still speaking…

April 7th
2nd Sunday of Easter

April 1st through 7th, 2013

Call to Action

Maundy Thursday

We celebrated on March 28th with Brookfield Congregational UCC Church.  We started with a Seder Meal, followed by a delicious dinner of lamb stew, fruits, vegetables, salads, desserts and bread.

A candlelight service followed.  The congregation left the church as the joint choirs sang “Were You There”.  It was a powerful way to start Easter weekend.

Sunday School Corner
There is no Sunday School this coming weekend.  The Praise Dance Team will be at Grace UCC Church.   Please click on the link above to see their performance here at Calvary on Easter Sunday.
Sunday School will resume on April 14th.

Coffee Hour
Please help with this very important ministry

There are no volunteers for Sunday the 7th of April.  Please contact the office if you wish to bring something this week.

Thanks for volunteering!

Memory Verse

Please memorize for Sunday:

In the beginning was the Word
And the Word was with God
And the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning
Through Him all things were made
Without Him nothing was made

In Him was life
And that life was the light of the world
The light shines in the darkness
But the darkness did not overcome it.

Food Pantry
This week’s Food Pantry Need is:

CEREAL
(Any size, any flavor, but desperately needed)

Thanks in advance for keeping our pantry stocked.

Friendship Club

Thursday, April 11th
11:30 am
Maxfield’s
2727 N. Mayfair Road
Sign up in Fellowship Hall

———————————————————–

Easter Brunch

A special thanks to Bill Rudolph and his helpers for a wonderful meal for a crowd.  He served 100+ people and it was delicious! Make sure you thank Bill when you see him.

SCRIPTURES
April 7th

Revelations 1: 4-8

John 20: 19-31

VOLUNTEERS
April 7th

Worship Assistants:
Jon Stolz
Sound:
Kirk Puotinen
Video:
Kirk Puotien
Greeters:
Arlene Kussard
Communion:
NO COMMUNION

Sunday School:

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

FELLOWSHIP


Upcoming Events

Please Mark Your Calendars
April 11: Friendship Club
April 11: Property Committee Meeting
April 14: Council Meeting

Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Lorrie
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The Messenger
God is still speaking…

March 31st
Easter Sunday

March 25th through March 31st, 2013

Dear Calvary Memorial,

HOLY WEEK
Maundy Thursday – it is NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP
6:00 pm Meal
7:00 pm Service
Please join us for this important part of our liturgical year.  We will be celebrating with Brookfield Congregational UCC.  The dinner will feature a Seder Meal, but will include salad, fruit & vegetable plates, bread, lamb stew and dessert.   Please consider joining us.

Easter Sunday

9:30 am Service

Brunch to follow.   No need to sign up as Bill Rudolph will be preparing food for 125 people.

Holy Week

Thank you all for your kind support and feedback after service on Sunday.  Reading the Passion aloud with Jon provided us all with a wonderful opportunity to fully engage our eyes and ears  in a story we hear each Easter.  Did it touch your heart as  well?  A dear friend gave me a copy of the Stations of the Cross from Mary’s perspective as a mother, what a perfect gift as Holy Week begins.  I wept as I read each station and for the first time really thought about what it must have been like for Mary to watch her son die on the cross.  Her faith is fearless. She felt the emptiness that comes from losing a loved one, and yet stayed grounded in her faith.  Then two days later she rejoiced as he rose from the dead. Oh how I wish I had the faith and strength of Mary to get me through the seemingly tough moments of my life.

I pray that your Holy Week journey is filled with quiet moments of reflection as we prepare for the Risen Lord and the promise of life everlasting. I wanted to share one of the stations with you.

Jesus is Condemned to Die
It was early Friday morning
When I saw my son.
That was the first glimpse I had of him
Since they took him away
His bruised and bleeding skin
Sent a sword of pain deep into my heart
And tears down my cheeks.
Then Pilate, from his chair of judgment,
Asked the crowd why they wanted my son executed.
All around me they,
“Crucify him!”
I wanted to plead with them to stop,
But I knew it had to be.
So I stood by and cried silently.

And so we pray
Lord Jesus,
it is hard for me to imagine
the anguish your mother felt
At your condemnation.
But what about today, when I hold a grudge…?
“Crucify him!”
When I judge others….
“Crucify him!”
Doesn’t this bring tears of anguish
to both you and your mother?

Forgive me Jesus.

Sunday School Corner


For Palm Sunday, the children colored and created a donkey.  Along with the palms that they received when they processed into church, this will remind them of Jesus and his travels into Jerusalem. People knew Jesus was special as He had just helped a dead man come back to life.  They laid they coats on the ground and waved palm branches from the fields.

Note that there is NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on EASTER.



Coffee Hour
Please help with this very important ministry
Bill Rudolph is cooking Easter Brunch this week

There is a new sign up sheet in Fellowship  Hall
for April and May Coffee Hour!
Please contact Patty in the church office if you can help!

Memory Verse
In the beginning was the Word
And the Word was with God
And the Word was God.

Food Pantry
This week’s Food Pantry Need is:

CANNED PEAS

Thanks in advance for keeping our pantry stocked.

Lenten Yoga

This Wednesday is our final Yoga class in this series!  Feel free to join us at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Bring your mat

Dress comfortably

$5.00 for church members

$7.00 for guests

Call Bridget at 414-719-1202 with questions

———————————————————–

SCRIPTURES
March 31st

John 20: 1-18

VOLUNTEERS
March 31st

Worship Assistant:
Bill Rudolph
Sound:
Kirk Puotinen
Video:
Kirk Puotinen
Greeters:
Church Council

Communion:

Zellers
Brantas

FELLOWSHIP

Upcoming Events

Please Mark Your Calendars

Thursday, March 28: Maundy Thursday
Ushers: Robin Wallingford, Carl Ehlert,
Readers: Mike Bannier, Ronnie Cone, Julie Taylor, Jon Stolz
Kitchen & Church setup in am: Deb Stolz & Linda Okrent

Kitchen helpers at 1:00 pm:  Frank & Joyce Kindsfater, Tootie Seidl, Bev Zeller
Communion: Matt & Helen Spranger, Julie Taylor, Linda Okrent
Clean Up: Tom Zeller

We could use a few more members to help cleanup.  Please consider staying and helping.

Sunday, March 31: Easter
Saturday Setup: Mike Bannier & Bill Rudolph

See above for more details

Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Lorrie
]]> http://calvarymemorialucc.org/march-25-31-newsletter/feed/ 0 March 18-24 Newsletter http://calvarymemorialucc.org/march-18-24-newsletter/ http://calvarymemorialucc.org/march-18-24-newsletter/#comments Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:36:59 +0000 admin http://calvarymemorialucc.org/?p=663
The Messenger
God is still speaking…

March 24th
Palm Sunday

March 18th through March 24th, 2013

Dear Calvary Memorial,

Call to Action
How many times have you heard the story of the Prodigal Son?  Like me, probably countless times in church, Sunday school or perhaps from family members who found comfort in retelling this well known story. It’s funny how you can hear something familiar, know the ending, and still learn something new- thank you Pastor Lorrie for your insights. I never quite understood all of the implications for the father in the story, the disgrace and dishonor that was brought upon the family because of his son’s selfishness.  I couldn’t help but think about how my own selfishness and thoughtlessness has hurt others and how sorry I am for not always acting as selfishly as the Father did in the story. Much of our culture today is focused on the individual instead of the community and it is easy forget to extend ourselves beyond our own little circle of self.  The love and grace that the father showed to his lost son is a model we should all consider adopting in life.  His love transcended past hurts and transgressions, his willingness to risk his life for his son was remarkable. Think about how many of us hold on to past hurts and wrongs, how many of us replay old conversations where we find comfort in being right instead of finding common ground and forgiveness.  I imagine that the father in this story was very lonely without his son, that the family didn’t feel quite whole.  I imagine that some of us have created and sustained similar lonely situations because we let too much time pass waiting for the phone to ring instead of picking up the phone and calling.  The father in the Prodigal Son story probably would have been calling and texting his son encouraging him to come home to make the family whole again.  What are you waiting for?

Our art history lesson today about Rembrandt was a beautiful
illustration about a man who had the world by the tail and then
suffered great personal loss, the death of his wife and children, the
loss of his home and his wealth, and still in his last painting he
painted the Prodigal Son with such heartfelt love that we are moved to respond.  He uses light and symbolism to show and tell us the story of both the younger son and the older son and the story of the father and his love.  Rembrandt’s personal journey mirrored the Prodigal Sons in that he started with a full life, lost everything and in the end found “home” in this amazing painting.

Our homework this week is to remember that God loves us, to remember that we are never alone even though sometimes it may feel that way. Our job is to be like God, to let our light shine upon others and to be the difference in the lives of those we meet.
“Whenever you do anything; act as if the whole world is watching” Thomas A Kempis I would like to propose an addendum to this quote, whenever you do anything; act as if Jesus is watching.  Do you think that this might cause us to pause and reflect before we react?  I am going to try and get an A on my homework this week, if anyone wants to study give me a call!

Blessings from Bridget

Lenten Yoga
Join us on Wednesdays through March 27th 6:30 p.m.
$5.00 per session for church members

$7.00 per session for guests

Bring your mat
Dress comfortably
If you have any questions please contact

Bridget at 414-607-3753

Sunday School Corner

Last Sunday’s reading was Luke 15: 1-3a, 11-32.  This reading is often called the story of the prodigal son and could be considered the story of a loving Father.   The children talked about the story and how God throws a party for us each day when we follow the word.  The children made cute pigs to represent the work that the son had to do with pigs when his dad’s money was gone.  The children also drew pictures and discussed ways that we make God happy and want to throw parties for us.

Coffee Hour
Please help with this very important ministry

Volunteers for Sunday the 24th:

Schroederus
Thomas

Thanks for volunteering!

Memory Verse
In the beginning was the Word
And the Word was with God
And the Word was God.

Food Pantry
This week’s Food Pantry Need is:

CANNED CORN

Thanks in advance for keeping our pantry stocked.

Our congregation has been busy as evidenced by the following notes we received this week:

Dear Calvary Family,
Thank you so very much for your cards, prayers, thoughts and kind words during my recovery.  My spirits were raised immediately each time I heard from you.  Thank you for taking the time for me.
Chris O’Connell
Dear Calvary Family,
I would like to reach out to all my friends and thank you all for your prayers, visitations and cards while I was hospitalized.
I am glad to be home now and look forward to seeing all of you soon.  I still have some rehab to deal with.
Thank you again.
Yours in Christ,
Marilyn Schultz
(and Ken thanks you, too!)

———————————————————–

SCRIPTURES
March 24th

Mark 11: 1-11
Matthew 26: 14-16
Matthew 27: 3-5
Mark 14: 22-52
Mark 15: 2-13
Mark 15: 16-39

VOLUNTEERS
March 24th

Worship Assistants:
Bridget Kesner
Jon Stolz
Sound:
Joe Harkins
Video:
Joe Harkins
Greeters:
Tom & Bev Zeller

Sunday School:

Maureen
Jeff or Ann Kramer

FELLOWSHIP

Upcoming Events

Please Mark Your Calendars

Maundy Thursday, March 28th

6:00 pm Meal
7:00 pm Service

Easter Sunday, March 31st
9:30 am Service

Brunch to follow

Note that the Good Friday service has been canceled since only a few members had signed up.
Therefore, please try to join us on Thursday evening.
Sign up in Fellowship Hall
or call the Church office to reserve your spot.

Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Lorrie
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