Calvary's Cross+Generational Contemplations

By request... a sermon that didn't get audiotaped

2011-08-24T11:28:00.002-05:00

Friends ... here's a copy of the sermon I preached on my second Sunday at Calvary.

I've been getting requests for it and decided to just post it here. -- Pastor Cathi

The Cabbie, The Skycap, and the ISP …

A 21^st-Century encounter with the Canaanite Woman

Matthew 15:21-28 – Pentecost 9 A

Matthew 15:21-28 -- The Canaanite Woman’s Faith

21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ 24He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ 26He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ 27She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ 28Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.

Grace, mercy and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sooner or later, it was bound to happen.

Word about Jesus would spread beyond the Jewish community. And people would come looking for Jesus.

People who Jesus’ followers didn’t want him to bother with -- or be bothered by.

People who the good “religious” leaders of the day, the scribes and Pharisees, would be mortified to find in the same room with them.

Foreigners as well as Israelites. Descendants of Abraham and ancestors of who knows who. All clamoring to receive a piece of Jesus’ mind and spirit, and the peace that passes all understanding. Little children and older folks. The sick, the lame, and those who weren’t quite whole in their bodies, minds and spirits.

Even the persistent Canaanite woman who had a demon-possessed daughter and wasn’t about to be turned away, even though no righteous Jewish male would ever have a thing to do with her.

A persistent mom, who recognized Jesus for who he was, her only hope.

She knows who Jesus is: She calls him Lord, Son of David, and she knows he has what she needs. Mercy. Healing for her daughter. Hope.

She’s desperate … desperate enough to take Jesus on in a theological conversation worthy of his closest

Followers and most persistent enemies. And, in doing so, she helps Jesus make a point about grace and faith to his closest followers, those slow-to learn disciples, and to the Pharisees, the self-righteous leaders of the Jewish people, would say when they heard about this.

Last Wednesday at noon Bible study, when we studied this passage, along with the words from Isaiah and Romans, we had to ask ourselves:

Who are the Canaanite Women among us?

Who might feel prevented from approaching Jesus, blocked by the very ones who follow him and bear his name? Are we ready to meet them and be Jesus to them when they do dare to approach?

Which brings me to the story of the Cabbie, the Skycap and the uniformed ISP.

You know who Cabbies are – the men and women who drive us around and sometimes even strike up memorable conversations with us.

You know who Skycaps are: the folks who help with our baggage at curbside at the airport.

As for who an ISP is, I’ll get to that later.

One day, the ISP caught a taxi from the meeting place to the airport.

During the ride, made longer by the last of the morning rush-hour, the radio news carried the usual mix of bad news and commentary about it. Bad political news. Bad economic news. Bad social news.

As the taxi stood still in traffic just shy of the airport exit, the cabbie turned to the uniformed ISP in the passenger’s seat and, in English thick with the accent of his native Nigeria, said: “I don’t know how much longer God will put up with what we are doing.”

As the conversation went on, it turned out that the Cabbie was Muslim, a respecter of Jesus as prophet, and adamantly disgusted with the extremist sects within his own faith.

The ISP replied, “I think the world must be breaking God’s heart. What else can we say, but “Lord, have mercy”? Then, the passenger, went on to tell the Cabbie about Jesus -- not only as prophet, but as Lord and Savior – and the grace that calls a merciless world to repentence, forgiveness, mercy and true peace.

By then, the traffic was moving, the cab was approaching the airport departure zone, and the conversation turned to other matters, like paying the bill.Getting out and heading toward the airport entrance.

“Which airline are you looking for, Ma’am?” the tall, elderly, dignified African American Skycap asked the ISP.

“United, Sir.”

“Let me show you the way, Ma’am. And while we’re at it, may I ask, what are you going to preach on this Sunday?”

The uniformed ISP, suddenly conscious of the clergy collar around her throat, stopped, and said, “Why, the Canaanite woman.”

“And how are your elocution skills?”

Reasonably good, the ISP replied.

“And your exegetical skills?”

Not too bad.

“And your homiletical skills?”

Improving.

“And your preaching delivery?”

Improving, too, by God’s grace and with practice.

“Good. Now, about the Canaanite woman …” the Skycap said. Then, with the certainty of one steeped in scripture from his earliest days, he starting quoting today’s text: “Jesus answered her, it is not right to take the children’s bread and feed it to the dogs …”

And the ISP continued “Yes it is, Lord, for even the little puppies eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table.”

A deep laugh and big smile from the Skycap graced that moment, and the uniformed ISP – your Interim Senior Pastor, knew that she had been in the presence of one who was as Jesus to her.

And in that moment, as the questions were asked with great authority and the answers given with a confidence borne only of faith and not of one’s own doing, the tables were turned.

A few minutes earlier, a Nigerian immigrant Muslim cab driver named Manoor was the Canaanite woman to me, seeking what only Jesus could give. And, thanks be to God, I got to tell him about it.

Then, moments later, in meeting Michael, a brother in Christ in a Skycap’s uniform, who questioned who I was as a pastor and what message I would give this Sunday, I was, for a moment, the Canaanite woman. I knew my need of the Lord’s gifts, and not my own wisdom or strength, and I heard an affirmation of call that I will never forget.

We never know when we will run into the Caananite women. We never know what question will be asked, or why we’ll be approached. Who knows?

And yes, some days we may find ourselves being like that Canaanite woman: outsiders who are seeking the Jesus we already know is Lord and approaching him in desperate confidence like that Canaanite woman long ago.

God sees beyond social status, outward appearance, and group affiliation. That’s why he sent his son Jesus Christ, the sacrifice for our sin and brokenness, to reconcile all the world to himself.

That’s why we have good news to share, whether we’re here in God’s house of Calvary, or out wherever our ministries in daily life take us. This is good news for all of us.

We, like the Cabbie, the Skycap, and the Canaanite woman, know our own sorts of hurt, brokenness, sickness and injury of heart and mind as well as of body.

We, like the Canaanite women, long for the healing that only Jesus can offer.

Beloved Church, Let us cry out, in faith and in confidence, “ Lord have mercy upon us. “

Let us turn to our neighbor, beginning in our congregation and going out to our homes, our workplaces, our schools and our neighborhoods, and be as Christ to all we meet.

Let us welcome the exiles, whose faith has been put to the test by turmoil of all sorts, knowing that we too are exiles and long for that welcome in Jesus’ name.

Let us never forget: We too are called to be as Christ to that Canaanite woman, in what ever form she appears … as a cabbie, as a stranger, as the friend, or as the brother or sister in Christ that we are at odds with.

Let us remember, that we, too are the Canaanite oman, for we have no right or privilege save the gift of faith and all that it brings.

I know, for I have met the Canaanite women, and she is me.

And like her, let us trust in those healing words of Jesus:

"Great is your faith!

Let it be done for

you as you wish."

Glory be to the Father, and to the +Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

+ + +

Vacation Bible School Updates!

2011-08-05T10:53:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the late post... things are really "hopping" here at Calvary!!

After Tuesday's Water Day at VBS, one would think that things might wind down a little bit. But -- NO WAY! The fun has just begun! The Lord has watched over us and provided continued good weather for our week of daycamp and the kids continue to learn and sing and pray and run and praise and play and just generally enjoy their time at Vacation Bible School!

Tuesday's theme was Jesus Protects Us! The bible verses for the day were Mark 4: 35-41. On this day the campers learned the story of Jesus calming the stormy seas. "Peace. Be still." Here are some great questions to ask your camper:

Who did Jesus protect on the boat?
How does Jesus protect us?
Who did Jesus put in our lives to protect us?
What are some of the new songs and games you have learned?

Wednesday's theme was Jesus Speaks to Us! The Bible verses for the day were Luke 10: 38-42. On this day the campers learned the story of Jesus' visit to Mary & Martha. Here are some great questions to ask your camper:

How does Jesus speak to us?
Where can we "hear" Jesus speak to us?
What interferes with our ability to listen to Jesus?
How can we be good listeners to Jesus?

Pictures from Wednesday:

VBS small group

Worship songs

Arts and crafts

Thursday's theme was Jesus Comes to Us! The Bible verses for the day were Luke 19: 1-10. On this day the campers learned the story of Zacchaeus in the Sycamore tree. Here are some great questions to ask your camper:

How does Jesus come to you?
Where do you look for Jesus?
Where have you seen Jesus?
Tell me the story of Zacchaeus in your own words!

Thursday night was our family dinner and program. The counselors and kids showed the families what they had been doing and learning throughout the week. Pastor Cathi had visited on Monday and asked the kids to submit names for her new little stuffed lamb that she had received from the staff. On Thursday night Pastor Cathi held the drawing for the new name. And the winner is... Mr. Fluffy Pants!

Here are some picture from Thursday:

VBS 2011 Campers & Counselors

Singing songs

Pastor Cathi & Mr. Fluffy Pants!

Vacation Bible School...Where Jesus Chooses Us!

2011-08-02T12:20:00.002-05:00

It's Day 2 of Calvary's Vacation Bible School Daycamp 2011 and the kids are having a ball! Today is "water day" and I've posted a few pictures from this morning as well as from yesterday. God has given us another beautiful day for VBS (and yes, hot is good for water day). Praise God!

I will try to post pictures and a little information about what the kids are learning each day. Please pray for our VBS families, volunteers and the Lutherdale staff. The Holy Spirit is doing great things at VBS!!

Check back tomorrow for more pictures!! Visit our website to view more pictures from Monday and Tuesday.

Monday Review
Theme: Jesus Calls Us!
Verses: Matthew 4:18-22

Today we learned the story of Jesus calling his disciples to, "Drop your net and follow me!"
Great questions to ask your camper (VBS student):

Who did Jesus call?
Where were the men, when Jesus called them?
How does Jesus call us?
What does Jesus call us to do?

Monday Games

Monday's Theme: Jesus Calls Us!

Tuesday is Water Day!

Look out for the sponge!!

Earth and All Stars!

2011-08-01T12:03:00.002-05:00

Hey Ears! If you were at Calvary yesterday, this song might sound familiar! Here's a little different take on the instrumentation. Enjoy!
-Sarah

Earth and All Stars!

Welcome Pastor Cathi!

2011-08-01T10:34:00.006-05:00

This morning we celebrate the arrival of Calvary's new interim pastor, Pastor Cathi Braasch. The Calvary staff is excited to welcome Pastor Cathi and look forward her time here as we patiently and prayerfully await the next calling of a senior pastor. We ask for everyone's prayers for Pastor Cathi and for Calvary.

Please join us next Sunday, at 9:30 am worship for the installation service of Pastor Cathi. There will be a celebration BBQ following the service in Calvary's "backyard" and everyone is invited. Please RSVP to the church office so that we may have enough grilling meats and beverages. (calvary@calvarylc.com). In the tradition of the church potluck, each family is also asked to bring a dish to pass!

Come celebrate and give thanks with us!

Farewell Celebration for Pastor Nybroten & Family

2011-07-06T18:49:00.001-05:00

Sunday, July 10th
Summer BBQ & Farewell Celebration for
Pastor Nybroten & Family
Join us this coming Sunday - following our 9:30 am worship - for a time of food, fellowship & fun! Bring a dish to pass and let us how many are coming so that we make sure to have enough grillin' meat!

Who is your inspiration?

2011-05-04T13:41:00.004-05:00

Have you had the chance to see the movie "Soul Surfer"? It's the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage girl who, through incredible tragedy, God used to touch millions. If you're not familiar with the story, Bethany was born into a family of surfers and began surfing at a very young age. Then, in 2003, she was attacked by a tiger shark, which bit off her left arm and seemingly ended her surfing career and life-long dream of becoming a pro surfer.

But the story doesn't end there. Even after losing 60% of her blood and undergoing numerous surgeries, Bethany began her recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude. And where did that positive attitude come from? Even without seeing the movie, a peek at Bethany's website will give you the answer to that one:

Question: Who's your inspiration, your hero?
Answer: Jesus Christ.

(Hmmm? What an awesome declaration from a young teen girl.)

Since her tragedy, Bethany has actually achieved her goal of becoming a pro surfer and has won many competitions. But even better than that, she has been an inspiration to so many and holds Jesus Christ up for all to see as the reason for her success. "Through Him I can do all things." That's one of the reasons I really liked this movie. They didn't back away from the faith aspect of the story. They certainly could have. They could have just made it about an incredibly brave, strong, and positive thinking young woman. Instead, they show her talking to her youth leader (played by Carrie Underwood). They show her going on a mission trip. She quotes scripture: "Through Him I can do all things."

Yes, the news media has taken the p.c. (politically correct) route and talks about Bethany's bravery and positive attitude as the important themes. (And yes, she truly is brave and optimistic.) But we all know - Bethany included - that all that bravery and optimism comes from God working through her. From knowing that "through Him I can do all things" and ultimately that God has a plan for us that we may not fully understand. That we need to trust in Him and in His plans for us.

I wonder...by putting my faith in God, by trusting in His plan for me, and by knowing that "through Him I can do all things", what can I accomplish today? Who can I reach with His message?
___________________________

Oh, and if you have a chance, check out the movie this weekend. I give it two thumbs waaay up!

Soulsurfer, the movie website: http://www.soulsurferthemovie.com/
Bethany's website: http://www.bethanyhamilton.com/

And Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers - whether moms, grandmas, aunts, or "spiritual moms". Have a blessed weekend everyone!

2011-04-21T11:49:00.011-05:00

Last night Calvary members had the opportunity to once again worship with our neighbors across the street, St. John Vianney Catholic Church, at the annual Wednesday (Holy Week) Tenebrae service. For those who were not here or have not attended one of these services in past years, I want to tell you about this incredibly moving and passionate worship experience. "What's so special?" you may ask. Let me tell you...

First, the chance to worship side by side with fellow Christians - minus the labels of Lutheran or Cathlolic - and to truly feel His presence among us and know that He is one with us, gives us a vision of peace and hope in this crazy mixed-up world.

Second, to hear the readings and reflections of Holy Week and to spiritually follow in our Lord's footsteps brings to the forefront how incredibly awesome and mind-boggling this thing is that He did for us. Our Lord was sinless, blameless, clean. Yet, because of His love for us (pathetic, ungrateful creatures that we are) he allowed himself to be betrayed, beaten, denied, ridiculed, tortured beyond belief, and finally, cruelly nailed to a cross and murdered. Yeah, murdered.

Third, when, in the middle of this worship service, we process (long "o": pro-'cess) across the street with our candles, for all the world (or at least all those on Calhoun Road) to see, and we place those candles on the wooden cross, the reality of His death hits us. Yet the glowing of the cross reminds us that even on that Friday so many years ago, there was a "light at the end of the tunnel" for those mourning at the foot of the cross, and so for us today. Jesus not only died, not only was placed in a grave, but - just as He said He would - He defeated death, and rose on the third day. And guess what? Because of all this, we get a PAID IN FULL stamp on all our sins. And He's coming again! Ahhhh, what an amazing thing to look forward to!

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXp6xcY5IqU

Lastly, after worshipping and experiencing the Gospels of the Passion, we have the opportunity to "fellowship" with our brothers and sisters in Christ at the reception following the service. Side note: Fellowship is a funny word, isn't it? Especially when used as a verb. We tend to only use this word in church settings. But what does it really mean? Talk and eat? Sure, but more than that. It's the sharing of conversation and food. It's a shared companionship. It's a realization that we are truly "brothers and sisters in Christ" and join together as such in true Christian friendship. Even if we don't particularly know every person, we know that we can, without fear or hesitancy, join in their company like old friends. And, yes, talk and eat, too!

How blessed we are at Calvary Lutheran Church! Even amidst personal trials, economic downturns, political disagreements, sickness, death, or anything else this old world can throw at us... we know that we can, together with our Christian brothers and sisters, worship at the foot of the cross and praise Him for all He has done for us. I encourage each and every one of you reading this blog to do this: go to the foot of the cross, worship, praise, pray, rejoice, thank, and lay all your troubles at His feet, for He truly cares for and truly loves you.

Calvary has opportunities to worship tonight at 7 pm (Maundy Thursday), tomorrow at 10 am (Good Friday Family Worship) & 7 pm (Good Friday Tenebrae Worship). On Saturday, come and pray at the Easter Prayer Vigil from 5-7 pm. Then rejoice with us on Easter Sunday at 8:15 & 10:45 am. (And don't forget to "fellowship" at the Easter breakfast at 9:30 am.)

If you regularly come to these services, great! We'll see you here! If you don't come regularly, or haven't been to church in a while, or even if you have never been to church - come. I promise you won't regret it. The wonderful, clear message is here for you: He loves you!

May the glory and promise of Easter bring you peace and happiness!

Happily Forever After!!!

2011-03-28T17:04:00.006-05:00

Outstanding! What a wonderful musical! Congrats to the students and parents for all the hard work you put into this amazing musical feat! God has blessed Calvary with so many talented students interested in music! We even attracted 5 non-Calvary members to participate in our music this spring! I'm very proud of you all! -Sarah

Grace Like Rain

2011-03-15T08:20:00.006-05:00

Grace Like Rain

Happily Forever After

2011-02-28T10:39:00.004-06:00

Calvary's Spring Musical!
March 19th 5:00pm
March 27th 8:15am & 10:45am

About to go down the hill...

2011-02-26T20:12:00.001-06:00

...we were clocked at 31 mph!

Getting ready to go down the hill...

2011-02-26T18:50:00.001-06:00

Tubing on the hill

2011-02-26T18:41:00.001-06:00

Chilling on top of the ski hill

2011-02-26T11:08:00.001-06:00

It's snowing and extremely cold! A few of our students are taking lessons, and enjoying perfect skiing weather.

Good Morning from Camp Forest Springs!

2011-02-26T08:19:00.001-06:00

As we sit here in Westboro, WI eating breakfast, I thought I'd let you know that we did arrive safely last night at 9:30 pm, unpacked, had orientation, an opening devotion and played a quick game of broomball before heading to our cabins for bed. I'll update the blog throughout the day, so stay tuned.

-Dave

A Straw Poll

2011-02-22T12:23:00.004-06:00

Hi folks,

I would like to have a poll about the following article. The question is: Should the church interject itself into political matters such as the following (YES/NO)?

This article (GMS listserve) is from Bishop Jeff Barrows, Bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the ELCA. Just click on the word 'article' to read the listserve letter.

Comment to the blog YES or NO.

Sincerely,
Pastor Phil

Sing to Him a new song!

2011-02-11T10:19:00.002-06:00

I love music...especially Christian music. How awesome is it that we get to praise our Lord through all types of music. Whether listening, participating, or leading, we are allowed the chance to glorify our God and grow closer to Him through that wonderful thing called music!

Calvary's Mission of the Month is Lutheran Summer Music. Through this program, qualified band, orchestra, choir, piano and organ students completing grades 8-12 from all faith backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in a summer music camp held at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. (Donations to Calvary's Mission of the Month help support the program.) Are you or do you know a high school student with musical gifts who might be interested in a program like this? Click the link to go to the Lutheran Summer Music website. You can get information about the program as well as details about how to apply.

Are you more interested in a more contemporary Christian music summer program? Check out Camp Electric! The camp is awesome. Students age 13-19 have the opportunity to learn from their favorite Christian artists. My son attended the first year the camp was offered and had a blast! The camp was so popular that they now offer it two different weeks. Click the link and be sure to check out the instructors and artists/speakers links.

Here's some music for you right now...
MercyMe is one of my favorite contemporary Christian groups and here they sing one of my favorite hymns:

Want to see them live? They're scheduled to be at Lifest 2011, another "don't miss" summer event!!

Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. ~Psalm 33:3

Kim

Not to Us

2011-01-26T15:02:00.007-06:00

Not to Us
(Click to listen)

I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your Name,
O Most High.
Psalm 9:2

Conversations at Caribou

2011-01-13T12:16:00.000-06:00

I'm big on coffee shops. I love to take my laptop, my to-do list, and just work through all of the administrative stuff that comes with being a Director of Youth and Children's ministry. It's nice to get a jolt from coffee and plow through Council Reports, newsletter articles, blogs (can you guess where I was when I wrote this?) e-mails, and prepping for studies and other programs. I also find it a relaxing place to study. Reading at home or reading in the office, I often find myself getting distracted by the 1000 other things I could be doing. When I'm alone at a coffee shop those distractions disappear. But my favorite thing about coffee shops is the conversations. Each Wednesday afternoon we have a High School Bible study at Caribou on Bluemound Road. While our numbers may be small, we have wonderful conversation about a wide array of topics that come out of our study of the Bible. Yesterday we discussed Jesus' temptation, the beginning of his ministry, and the call of the first disciples. The highlight, though, was a young man that had overheard our conversation and came to us and told us how much he appreciated hearing us study the Bible. I've had other conversations at Caribou this week, meeting with a few members of Calvary to discuss life, ministry, the presence of God in our lives. It's a great place to talk. And it's great to talk.

After our Bible study ended yesterday afternoon I lingered for a bit, taking in the atmosphere of a busy store. I counted around 14 conversations happening. It looked like some students were studying calculus. One table had a woman with four children discussing the Christian faith. In Japanese. There were animated conversations, reserved conversations, and even one guy talking to himself. He had a bluetooth headset on, so I assume he was talking on the phone. But who knows. And then I looked back at my Bible, and I thought to myself, 'if Jesus were here, what would we chat about?' That got me thinking: what would Jesus drink at a coffee shop? I assume he would either drink fair-trade coffee or a green tea, but that's just my take. I imagine our conversation to be warm, that Jesus would look at me, and greet me and ask me how I am. And he would mean it. I imagine being comfortable enough that I would be willing to pour my heart out. All of my struggles, my worries, my disappointments, as well as my joys and triumphs. After sitting in my chair for awhile, I wondered why I don't treat prayer like this. I know that it's so much easier to see a face and a response, but Jesus, regardless of whether I can see him or not, is there. He heard me as I sat alone and yet surrounded by so many conversations. He heard my struggles, and my joys. He heard the inmost thoughts of my hearts, and, as I packed up my stuff and left, I felt relieved. What a great reminder to know that, as the song says, 'what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!'

Merry Epiphany!

2011-01-11T12:31:00.005-06:00

Happy 2011 Calvary!
Here's a family photo to celebrate the new year.
Look at those Minnesotans!

Sarah

A Very Calvary Christmas

2010-12-23T09:52:00.000-06:00

For last year's Christmas Eve Family worship Calvary's staff put a special video together to help illustrate the message and meaning of Christmas. I thought I'd share it with you...

A Social Network Christmas

2010-12-21T11:25:00.003-06:00

A member of Calvary had this posted on her Facebook, and, for those of you that use Facebook, this should be a meaningful look at the Christmas story.

A 'Year-Round' Santa

2010-12-21T09:10:00.002-06:00

I saw this story last night on CBS News with Katie Couric. It's a very touching story, and something that made me consider my own giving, or lack thereof.

Isn't There Anyone Who Knows What Christmas is All About?

2010-12-20T15:22:00.003-06:00

In the midst of a busy, busy week - a week where stores are open until midnight to allow you to finish your shopping, post office lines are out the door, the to-do list is pages long, travel times seemingly double from a typical week; here's something to keep you rooted in the true meaning of Christmas and hopefully to lighten to load.

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!

2010-12-19T09:01:00.002-06:00

Here's my favorite 'Advent' song, a perfect way to begin the week of Christmas...

So, What is a Live Nativity?

2010-12-09T14:38:00.003-06:00

I began serving here at Calvary 2 1/2 years ago, and when I first arrived everyone told me about this thing called the 'Live Nativity,' and how excited they were for me to see it. At the time all I could think to myself was, "what the heck is a Live Nativity?"Well, a few months later I was able to see it first hand (and participate), and I understood why people were so excited. In short, it is this: a chance to hear the story of Jesus' birth in a new way: with scenes of the story accompanied by wonderful, live music, excellent story telling, live animals (my favorite part), and, of course, Christmas cookies. This is a terrific way for the entire family to really dive head-first into the Advent and Christmas season.

Hope to see you this Sunday between 4 pm and 6:30 pm at Calvary!

Advent: The Time of Preparation, Light and...Stress?

2010-12-02T13:41:00.002-06:00

My calendar, filled to the brim for the next 24 days, is overwhelming me. Shopping for Christmas gifts, which includes figuring out the PERFECT gift for friends and family, and finding the money to do so, gives me great stress. How many of you are with me? The other day I had to remind myself that the purpose of Christmas is not just to get through Christmas. So, I took some time, prayed, reflected on this season of preparation, of promise, of light, and decided to make a concerted effort to not let myself be consumed by calendars, gifts and the things that distract me from the true purpose: Jesus. And I was reminded of this wonderful video that gets straight to the heart of Advent and Christmas...

Grateful

2010-11-24T11:44:00.005-06:00

This is my first blog entry and I've entitled it "Grateful" for a couple of reasons:

Gladys Chmiel, our smiling, boisterous, & huggable church secretary loves the hymn of the same title, and has been talking about it the past couple of days (and now the tune has sorta been stuck in my head).
Sarah, Calvary's Director of Music and blogger extrodinaire, played a version of the song for our staff devotion yesterday (adding to the whole "stuck in my head" thing.)
As I listen to all the negative stories in the media... as I engage with others in complaining about this, that, & the other thing (yes, I'll be one of the first to admit - I'm guilty)... as I hear the heart-wrenching stories about illnesses of friends, family members, and strangers... I have to take a step back and look with awe and wonder at how truly (truly) blessed we are.

Besides the basics - food, water, shelter - the sheer amount of "stuff" we have is amazing. But, that "stuff" is just that...stuff. Like the stuffing that we will partake of on Thanksgiving Day, it's nice. We feel like much of it is necessary. But in the end, it's not the centerpiece - the real "meat" - of the meal. In our lives, the "stuff" may seem like that Thanksgiving stuffing, like we really need it. But the real centerpiece of our lives - that which we really need - is Christ & His grace. And the Savior, coming to earth & dying for me - a poor sinful, complaining nobody - is what I am truly grateful for this Thanksgiving.

There's a song sung by contemporary artist Todd Agnew entitled "I Need No Other". The words of the chorus say "I need no other argument, I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me." (And yes, I'll give credit to my husband for engaging me in this song. Thanks, hon.) My point is, I guess, that this Thanksgiving (and every day) we should be grateful not only that God has blessed us with so much "stuff" to make it through and enjoy this earthly life, but that the Father, in His infinite wisdom, blessed us with what we truly needed: grace through the death & resurrection of His Son, so that we may enjoy eternal life with Him. That, in and of itself, is enough.

I pray that each of you has a very blessed and safe Thanksgiving. I pray that the Holy Spirit has filled your heart so that through faith you receive His grace. And that's enough. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Kim
Calvary Office Staff

Live Nativity Sign Ups are UP!!!

2010-11-19T08:15:00.004-06:00

When the Good Samaritan Saw Him, He Put Down His Phone...

2010-11-17T15:18:00.005-06:00

Today on Yahoo's front page this article was a lead new item. The synopsis of the story, as reported by Yahoo news, is this: Bill Nye, otherwise known as "Bill Nye the Science Guy," was giving a presentation at the University of Southern California in front of hundreds of students. As he approached the podium for his presentation, he collapsed. At that moment, instead of students rushing to help, they apparently got out their phones and began tweeting and updating their Facebook statuses telling of the event. As soon as I finished reading the article, I was immediately drawn to Luke chapter 10.

Let's take a look at the parable of the Good Samaritan. If you're not familiar with it, you can read it here. In Jesus' telling of this parable, we find that a Jewish man is robbed and left for dead by the robbers, and then seen and avoided by both a priest and a Levite (they would become 'unclean' by helping the bloodied man). Finally, a Samaritan, whom the Jewish people despised, stops to help the man, and goes as far as arranging for care for the man at an inn. Martin Luther King, Jr. has a beautiful thought on this passage. He says, "The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?'" And with that thought, the Samaritan lives out the call of the law: loving God, and loving your neighbor as yourself.

Which brings us back to the Bill Nye story: what were the students in the lecture hall thinking? "How cool will this tweet be?" "This is an EPIC Facebook status." "I don't want to get involved." "I would be mortified going up to help this man in front of my peers." It's impossible to tell, and I don't want to select any one students and say, "this is what they were thinking." I can't. As much as I would like to think that I would have gone to help him, the temptation of updating my Facebook status would have been present as well. I do think this is a story that Jesus might use if he were teaching among us today. When do we stop worrying about what others thing of our 'status,' both literally (like on Facebook), and figuratively, and instead say, as Dr. King says, "what will happen to him?," we begin to live the law, and, more importantly, be like Jesus to the people of this world.

As we approach Thanksgiving, let us be aware and grateful of some of the gifts God has given us to serve the world: namely, our hands and our feet.

Looking for Something to do this Weekend?

2010-11-10T15:53:00.007-06:00

This Weekend!
Brookfield Central High School's Production of West Side Story
Come see Calvary youth in the cast and stage managing!

On Sunday, join your fellow pipe organ enthusiasts for a 3pm Recital on a Historic Organ performed by David Bohn. Recital is at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 1227 North 4th Street, Milwaukee, WI.

A Rose

2010-10-25T10:24:00.010-05:00

In my hometown in Minnesota, there is a floral shop that randomly selects a person's first name and puts it on their outdoor sign. If your name is selected, you can stop in for a free rose! Receiving the free gift of a rose... your name was on the sign... grace?

One of my friends, Suzanne, writes about her experience of receiving a rose from this florist. You can read about it on her blog Every Season. Suzanne works with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Bemedji State University in Minnesota. It's an on campus ministry found at many colleges that reaches out to college students. Her blog centers on Christ and I hope you enjoy perusing Every Season.

Enjoy! & Happy Monday!
Sarah

Rookie Rehearsals This Week

2010-10-20T15:19:00.002-05:00

What are rookie rehearsals?
A time to try an ensemble and a time to see how your children are learning and growing in their faith.

Why should you come?
It's fun!
See what our ensembles are like.
To support our music ministry.

Rookie Rehearsals help promote our ensembles by giving our congregation members a first hand experience of our rehearsals. Even if you would never, even on a blue moon, think music is for you, if you come, you'll then be able to be a first hand witness for our groups! Word of mouth is our biggest form of advertising. Hope to see you tonight:)

Sarah

After a Busy Weekend of Ministry

2010-10-18T15:16:00.003-05:00

This past weekend was a HUGE weekend in Youth and Family Ministry. On Sunday, we had over 70 students involved in ministry at Calvary - from Sunday School, to a children's choir leading music in worship, from 13 Middle School students taking part in a fun afternoon at Basse's Farm and Corn Maze, to the Bridge (3rd, 4th and 5th grade students) carving pumpkins, and our 9th graders preparing to affirm their baptism on October 31. LOTS going on! On Saturday evening a group from the congregation went to Westbrook Church to hear Brandon Heath and Jars of Clay perform. Their music was a wonderful way to praise God, and I want to share my favorite Jars song with you: Like a Child. May we each have faith just like a child!

SMALL GROUPS ARE COMING SOON!

2010-10-15T11:58:00.002-05:00

There used to be a sign hanging on the wall in one of the watering holes I frequented back in my twenties. The sign read, "Free Beer Tomorrow".

And of course, the sign never changed. Each day you'd come in, it would advertise free beer tomorrow.

I kind of feel like that when it comes to registering for Small Groups. Last weekend I announced that small group registration begins next week.

And this week ... I am again announcing ... "Small Group registration begins next week."

But I mean it. Seriously, look for full participation registration to begin the weekend of October 23/24.

For those of you that aren't familiar with Small Groups, they are a fantastic way to forge deeper connections with God, with others in the church, and with the Bible. Small Groups are all about Faith and Fellowship, about Bonding and the Bible. So ... consider joining a small group!!!!

Registration begins next week. :)

Yours in Him,
Pastor Mark

Music

2010-10-07T16:45:00.003-05:00

Here's the Senior Choir Selections for worship this weekend.
Enjoy!
Sarah

Lord I Lift Your Name on High

I Am the Bread of Life

Contemporary Worship Music

2010-10-04T11:19:00.002-05:00

Here's our worship songs for the contempoary worship this weekend!
Enjoy! Praise God!
Sarah

Gathering – Meet With Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMb3xBsGiZU

Opening – Here I am To Worship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbZIop1hQXg

Response – Better is One Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIq1j59R6tI

Prayer – We Fall Down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hT4jKDiGdY

Offertory – Jesus Saves
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpdYgbMf0L8

Communion – You Never Let Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIAdgLR1ZGw

Sending – Blessed Be Your Name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qp11X6LKYY

Interested in Music?

2010-10-04T10:15:00.018-05:00

If you've got the fall music fever, here are some websites that may be of interest to you. Each website has resources to listen to music and to learn about the instruments and music relative to the particular music ministry.

Enjoy!
Sarah

Choristers Guild

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

AGEHR Handbells

K-Love Radio

CCLI - Christian Music Liscense

Lifest - Christian Music Concerts

American Guild of Organists - Milwaukee Chapter

Lord I Lift Your Name on High

2010-09-28T08:48:00.004-05:00

Here's one of the Senior Choir selections this fall.

Lord I Lift Your Names on High

Enjoy!

Sarah

Discernment Information for YOU!

2010-09-21T21:36:00.003-05:00

The ELCA recently has been making the news concerning the installation of 11 ministers (8 in California, 3 in Minnesota) who are in committed, same-sex relationships. What is most upsetting about these worship services led by ELCA bishops is the content of the service's liturgy. The following website links are for your education...please let me know what you think.

The first website is our national ELCA website. If you haven't spent much time on it I suggest that you do so. Specifically, I would call your attention to the front-page news that boasts about the rite of reception given for the 3 individuals in Minnesota. Here is that link>> http://www.elca.org/

If you follow the prompt on the right side of the homepage entitled, "ELCA NEWS", the second item is the message from the ELCA regarding this ceremony.

And if you get this far...you can tap into the church's website that held the ceremony for your very own 'replay' of the event.

http://www.stpaulref.org/

Here is a copy of the "Rite of Reception" Service...Troubling content that includes prayers to "Mother Sophia, dwelling from the depths within us".

http://www.welcomeministry.org/RiteofReceptionJULY252010.pdf

Now I didn't get on CNN when I got ordained but these three did...

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/09/19/dnt.lutheran.lesbian.pastors.KARE?iref=allsearch

The most troubling aspect of these events is not so much the reception/ordination of openly gay members of the clergy, but the blatant abuse of God's name or the invoking of other God's...either way, it is very troubling.

Food for thought.
Pastor Phil

Three Pastor's received in controversial Rite of Reception

2010-09-21T12:18:00.001-05:00

Here is a link to the newest service of reception...this one is in Minneapolis, MN, not San Fransisco.

http://www.stpaulref.org/

Jesus Saves

2010-09-20T12:13:00.003-05:00

happy monday!

Jesus Saves

- Sarah

Our Great God

2010-09-07T12:31:00.004-05:00

Our Great God

Want to Listen?

Happy Tuesday!

Sarah

Everlasting God

2010-09-07T12:26:00.004-05:00

Everlasting God

Listen Here

Happy Post-Labor Day!

Sarah

Music Fall Preview

2010-09-01T09:29:00.008-05:00

Calvary Music!

Fall and music rehearsals are soon approaching! Here's the scoop on our first week of rehearsals. Note the extended first rehearsals for the children's choirs to include their photos, and the Celebration Ringers and Praise Band photos on Thursday, Sept 16.

Tuesday, September 14

7:00pm Celebration Ringers

Wednesday, September 15

The first rehearsals for Cherubs, Chimes, New Creation, and Rainbow Ringers will be lengthened to include our directory photos. All groups will meet from 5-6pm on Wed Sept 15. After the first rehearsal, the groups will be at their normal half hour time slots found below.

Wednesday, September 15

Senior Choir 7:00pm - directory photo & rehearsal

Thursday, September 16

Praise Band Directory Photo 6:40pm

Celebration Ringers Directory Photo 7:10pm

Children Ensemble Schedule - for weeks after the first rehearsal on Sept 15

Wednesday

5:00 Cherub Choir 4 years - 1st grade

5:00 Rainbow Ringers 2-5 grade

5:30 Chime Choir K & 1st grade

5:30 New Creation Choir 2-5 grade

Looking Back on a Busy Summer...

2010-08-23T09:26:00.010-05:00

After looking back through the blog posts by Calvary's staff the last few months, I realized I'VE FAILED! I have not posted much in the way of Youth, Children's and Family Ministry, mostly because we've been so busy! Anyway, to make up for it, here's a few pictures of life for the past few months...

Boundary Waters Trip:
Our High School students had an amazing week in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on the Minnesota/Canada border. Here's a few pics from that...

Vacation Bible School:
This year's Vacation Bible School was a huge, huge success. We had a wonderful group of counselors from Lutherdale Bible Camp, an extremely gifted group of volunteers that helped throughout the week, and, of course, great kids! Here's a picture of the group that took part in VBS Daycamp 2010: Keeping the Earth:

Confirmation Retreat:
11 of our Middle School students and 4 adults traveled to Camp Lutherdale for a weekend of reflection, fun, games and more. We did a low ropes course, had some lakefront time, played a few games of Capture the Flag, ate S'mores, and, of course, stayed up late talking. Our rising 9th grade students worked on their confirmation faith statements and planned their Affirmation of Baptism service. Here's the best picture from the retreat: the boys trying to cover up their 'bed head' first thing in the morning!

Calvary's Softball Team:
Finally, we can celebrate with the members of Calvary's Softball Team - they won their league championship in a close game! Here's a picture of the team:

Hope you'll join us for our end-of-summer fellowship, Cal's Drive-In Featuring the Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets.

Cal's Drive-In Featuring the Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets

2010-08-18T14:39:00.002-05:00

Take a trip back to the 50's with Cal's Drive-In! Come for a classic car show from 4 - 6 pm, drive-in food, and the Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets in concert at 6:30 pm. The car show is free, and tickets to the Four Guyz are only $15.00, or $50.00 for a family of four. Children 3 and under are free! All proceeds benefit Calvary Lutheran's Youth and Family Ministry program.

Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets® is a four-part men's vocal group that features the sights and sounds of "Be-bop" and "Doo-wop". This show is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Bringing back the close harmonies of a distant era, the Four Guyz will take you on a nostalgic trip to revisit the music of the guy groups of the 1950's and early 1960's.

The concert will be outdoors, weather permitting. Please bring lawnchairs and blankets to sit on.

Questions? Send me an e-mail (dave@calvarylc.com) or give me a call (262-786-4010).

September is Just Around the Corner

2010-08-10T15:39:00.002-05:00

As September rolls around, what do you think of?

As I’m writing this, it is August. And as a parent, looking ahead to September, well, it means one thing comes readily to mind: Back to School Shopping!

As a kid, I always hated back to school shopping. Not that it meant that summer was almost over – no, I looked forward to school (I was weird that way). But I just plain hated shopping – especially back to school shopping. There were always huge crowds fighting over whatever supplies were left. And then there was the perennial argument with my parents when it came to buying clothes. I wanted designer labels, and my parents couldn’t afford it – but that didn’t stop me from whining, begging, and pleading.

Oh, I hated back to school shopping as a kid. But now that I’m a parent ... I still hate back to school shopping! But today, it’s the checklists that drive me crazy! In kindergarten, you need a glue stick and washable markers. In early elementary? Don’t forget a supply box and ball point pens. Later elementary? Now we’re talking three ringed binders and backpacks. Middle school and High School, all the same things ... but now they have to be cool. Oh, and what in the world are these “book socks”? When I was a kid, we covered our books with paper bags we got from a grocery store!

But it all comes down to “what do we need?”. What do we need in life? We have our check-lists when it comes to our school needs. But what do we really need to get us through life?

You guessed it! Jesus Christ. All we really need in life is him. We don’t need designer labels, book socks, or even that box of tissues every teacher makes each kid buy. Nope. To get through life, all we really need is Jesus. And to get through death, all we need is Jesus.

I’m here to tell you that Jesus Christ is with you, through the good times and rotten times of your life, to share in your joys, and more imporantly, to take on your grief and burdens, to take on your sin and death, and in exchange, he gives you his peace, joy, and everlasting life.

Jesus is really all you need.

But don’t forget to buy those tissues, or your teacher will be mad.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Calvary Softball Tonight 7pm

2010-08-05T14:50:00.002-05:00

Here's one of your homechurch team members from the Calvary Coons!

See you at the game tonight at 7 pm!

-Sarah

New rite of reception for pastors?!

2010-08-05T10:58:00.002-05:00

In an effort to keep you folks informed...here is a message from a friend in the ministry. He is currently working with Lutheran Core and a very genuine, nice guy. Let me hear your thoughts on this one.

Pastor Phil
Message is below...

For any of you who may not have seen this, you really ought to take a look at the service folder from the rite of reception "liturgy" last weekend in San Francisco restoring or receiving onto the ELCA clergy roster seven extraordinarily ordained or expelled pastors.

The service folder is here: http://www.welcomeministry.org/RiteofReceptionJULY252010.pdf I have downloaded it and can email it to any of you, but it is a very large file and I didn't want to clog your inboxes.

I could point out the SIX "alternatives" for the "Prayer of Jesus" (f.k.a. the Lord's Prayer), including the infamous "Our Mother, who is within us" from the equally infamous "Herchurch."

I could point out the prayers addressed to "Life-giving Mother" (don't get excited, they didn't mean the BVM) and "O Sophia, Wisdom and Mother of us all."

I could point out that every couplet of the Great Thanksgiving was rewritten to eliminate "Lord."

I could point to the rewriting of the Sanctus to eliminate, apparently, not just "Lord," but also "power and might" (the alternative text read "Holy Holy Holy are you, God of heavenly hosts").

I could mention that the congregation was dismissed "In the name of the Creator, + Redeemer and Holy Spirit."

I could mention that the entrance procession included, and you really can't make this up, a "liturgical parasol" -- a frilly and glittery pink umbrella.

I could mention that all this Scriptural disobedience and rank paganism was presided over by Bp. Mark Holmerud (Sierra Pac Synod), with two other sitting synodical bishops also participating in the service (Bp. Dean Nelson, SW CA, and Bp. David Brauer-Rieke, Oregon).

But all that pales, at least in terms of the integrity of the ELCA, to the words spoken by Bp. Holmerud as part of the confession and forgiveness:

Our church of the reformation has been too long captive to bias and misinformation.
We have not remembered the life giving words of our own Confessions.
We have not respected the gift of sexuality, nor the joy, delight and vulnerability sexual intimacy creates between loving partners.
We have not honored faithful and loving promises, marriages, and covenantalrelationships.
We have not acted quickly enough, for some have died and have not made it tothis day.
We have not accorded all families the dignity and respect they deserve.
We have not spoken up.
We have betrayed fellow members of the body of Christ because of cultural prejudice.
We have misused Scripture as a tool of discrimination.
We have forced celibacy upon too many, a gift God grants to only a few.
We have encouraged silence and complicity.
We have promoted invisibility and dishonesty.
We have hardened our hearts with bitterness and condescension.
We have intimidated and disciplined, censured and expelled.
Our actions have destroyed faith and have led people away from the gospel's call to love and justice.

Hearing that, from a sitting synodical bishop, in what possible way can it be said that the ELCA's claims to respect the "bound consciences of all" have any shred of integrity left? How can it be that the institutional ELCA intends to "bear each other's burdens" if a synodical bishop is free to attack, impugn and demean orthodox-traditionalist believers, all the more so in the context of confession of sins? How can the claims to respect diverse viewpoints on human sexuality be any more than, at best, hollow promises, and at worst, active deception?

And why is it that the only bishops I hear saying that they are called to be "a bishop to all people in the synod" are orthodox bishops who are trying to justify not taking a public stand?

It just boggles the mind.

God's Love Across Nations

2010-08-03T11:46:00.006-05:00

Exciting News from the Marsho Family! They are welcoming in a new granddaughter, Mia! No doubt many of our members know and share in the joy of a new grandchild.

What you may be interested to hear is the story accompanying Mia's journey to become a grandchild of Calvary members Jim & Nancy Marsho. Mia is from China, and her story begins with God's love moving a Wisconsin family to bring her into their lives and God's family. You can read more of this beautiful journey on their family blog "Life with the V. Crew." Karen is the daughter of Jim & Nancy.

Enjoy! -Sarah

Life with the V. Crew

Steve, Karen, Caleb, Luke, Chloe & Mia!

ELCA's Social Statements

2010-08-02T14:44:00.002-05:00

As many of you know, I have been very critical of our leadership's preoccupation with putting political/social policies ahead of preaching forgiveness of sins through our Lord, Jesus Christ. I have attached a thread to the ELCA's "Social Statement" webpage...review it and let me know what you think?

Certainly you should know what your church professes (or at least what its leaders profess). These statement are on YOUR BEHALF.

http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues.aspx

Passing on info from our ELCA leaders

2010-08-02T14:39:00.001-05:00

What do you folks think?

ELCA NEWS SERVICE
July 28, 2010

ELCA Presiding Bishop Calls for Immigration Reform in Letter to Obama
10-210-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- If Congress does not pass comprehensive immigration reform soon, state legislators and local governments will continue to take immigration policy into their own hands, wrote the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), in a July 27 letter to U.S. President Barack Obama.
"This would create an untenable patchwork of differing local laws and produce confusion for law enforcement officials and lawfully present people, as well as increased suffering for the undocumented," wrote Hanson.
Responding to Obama's June speech on the need for immigration reform, Hanson thanked the president for his speech and wrote that, as presiding bishop of the ELCA, he sees firsthand the "direct consequences of inaction on this issue for immigrant families, for congregations, and for communities across the United States."
Without a significant change in U.S. immigration policy, "we will continue to deal as a nation with the devastating consequences of a broken immigration system," wrote Hanson.
In his letter Hanson told the U.S. president that a bi-partisan bill is possible "based on efforts (of) only a few years ago."
Hanson also told the president that synod bishops of the ELCA have written letters and opinion pieces in support of immigration reform and highlighted "Toward Compassionate, Just and Wise Immigration Reform" -- a social policy resolution passed by the ELCA Church Council in November 2009.
Christians have a clear calling not only to welcome immigrants but to care about their lives, concerns and experiences as newcomers in the United States, Hanson wrote.
"I asked Lutherans to support comprehensive immigration reform that keeps families together, maintains basic human and worker rights, helps our new neighbors come out of the shadows, and seeks a path to permanence for our new neighbors," wrote Hanson.
Lutherans believe that hospitality is a central value, wrote Hanson, adding that Lutherans know immigration is a complex issue.
"We are a hopeful church and we are committed to working for a better future for people who migrate and for our country," he wrote. "We strive with others to model and promote civil discourse on these and other issues."
Through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) congregations of the ELCA and Lutheran social ministries provide critical services to migrant populations, spread the word of welcome, and advocate for fair and human immigration reform, wrote Hanson.
LIRS is one of the nation's leading agencies in welcoming and advocating for refugees and immigrants. Based in Baltimore, LIRS works on behalf of the ELCA, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"We have a robust commitment to effective advocacy" addressing issues like poverty, hunger, market and environmental issues that force people around the world to leave their homes, wrote Hanson. "On the basis of this practical experience, as well as our stated principle, we will continue to call for a comprehensive reform of our immigration system."

Art & Music - Next Thursday at Calvary!!!

2010-08-02T10:40:00.003-05:00

Evening of Art & Music

Thursday, August 12 6:00pm

Calvary Lutheran Church

View art, listen to music, eat edible art.

Sounds fun. Well, it is. :)

Praise God!

Softball!

2010-07-30T09:08:00.003-05:00

Hey folks!
Calvary just won our first play off game!

Join us next Thursday at 7pm to cheer on the homechurch team!
We play at the field behind Elm Grove Lutheran!

Sarah

Calvary's Facebook

2010-07-26T13:39:00.004-05:00

Calvary's Facebook Page

Here's the link to Calvary's facebook page. There is music postings you can listen to that will be in our worship this weekend.

Sarah

ps If you're still getting hip to facebook, feel free to drop me an email and learn more about how Calvary uses facebook as one of our links in ministry.

I Need Thee Every Hour

2010-07-26T13:27:00.002-05:00

We have had a lot of storms lately.

And I'm not just talking about the heavy rains, and the flooding.

In the past few weeks, we as a congregation have had several deaths. And with the recent storms and flooding, we can't help but at times feel overwhelmed.

The storms in life continue, and we ask ourselves, when will the sun come out again?

Well, the Son will shine, despite the storms we feel in our lives.

One thing that helps me cope during these difficult, stormy times, is a song by Selah. The words go like this ....

When I think I'm going under, part the waters, Lord
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me, Lord and hold out Your hand
Touch my life
Still the raging storm in me

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain

I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

Refrain

When we feel like we're going under, let us cling to Christ Jesus, for indeed, we need him every hour.

Yours in Him,

Pastor Mark

Lifest 2010 This Week!!!

2010-07-08T17:44:00.004-05:00

You can hear all these and more this week in Oshkosh, WI! Click on each band name to hear a selection of their music.
Enjoy!
Sarah

Casting Crowns
Skillet
Newsboys
Kutless
Todd Agnew
Rebecca St. James
Point of Grace

If you like that music, then try this music

2010-07-07T10:47:00.007-05:00

Looking for some new tunes to add to your ipod this summer? Here's a chart that compares some secular artists you may know to Christian artists that have a similar style. Curious about how a group sounds? Type their name into a youtube search, and bam! - you'll have their music!

Enjoy these musicians on those long summer car rides!
Sarah

Christian and Secular Music Comparisons
Kim Jones
Christian Music Guide - www.about.com

"This chart isn't something that should be taken as saying "X band in the Christian Music industry sounds just like Y band in the secular music industry." It is more, "if you like so-and-so, then you should listen to so-and-so, because you'll probably like the similarities." The artists are listed alphabetically, and several styles/genres are included."

If you like ...---------------You should try ...
2 Unlimited ..................Lisa Bevill
A*Teens ......................Jump5
Aaron Carter .................Jump5
Avril Lavigne ................Jennifer Knapp
Babyface .....................Tonex
Bad Religion .................MxPx
Billy Joel ...................The Swift
Black Eyed Peas ..............tobyMac or Group 1 Crew
Celine Dion ..................Lisa Bevill
Coldplay .....................Tree63
Creed ........................Kutless or 12 Stones
Dave Matthews Band ...........Caedmon's Call
Depeche Mode .................Joy Electric or Newsboys
Destiny's Child ..............ZOEgirl or Mary Mary
Dixie Chicks .................Watermark
Eminem .......................tobyMac
Erasure ......................The Echoing Green
Evanescence ..................BarlowGirl
Fiona Apple ..................Nichole Nordeman
Gavin DeGraw .................The Swift or John David Webster
Geto Boys ....................Nuwine
Good Charlotte ...............MxPx
Goo Goo Dolls ................Jars of Clay
Jewel Rebecca ................St. James
Limp Bizkit ..................P.O.D. or Project 86
Linkin Park ..................Kutless
Master P .....................Nuwine
Notorious B.I.G. .............B.B.Jay
Outkast ......................tobyMac
Pet Shop Boys ................The Echoing Green
Rage Against The Machine .....Pillar or Spoken
Scarface .....................Nuwine
Simple Plan ..................Stellar Kart
Slayer .......................Living Sacrifice
Steve Taylor .................Newsboys
Stone Temple Pilots ..........Big Dismal
Sugar Ray ....................Audio Adrenaline
Tori Amos ....................Michelle Tumes
Tyrese .......................Lamar Campbell

A Daily Devotion

2010-07-06T10:35:00.003-05:00

Creative Bible Study is a website that provides a variety of ways to approach God's Word. Here's a snippet of one of their devotions on Daniel.

A Look at Daniel

Daniel (remember- the guy in the lion's den?) He knew how to really listen to God throughout the day. Daniel 6:10 says: "But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God."

Three times a day, Daniel paused to pray and give thanks to God. He was focused on God and listening; that's what a Bible devotion is designed to help us do. They're short, concise and don't take long to read, but they give us a thought that will carry us through the day with our focus on God.

Now, in Daniel 9:2: "During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, was studying the writings of the prophets. I learned from the word of the LORD, as recorded by Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years."

What was he doing? Studying the writings of the prophets? That would be the Bible, right? Yes, Daniel also did some serious Bible study. We can't just live on snacks all the time. We need to take time to sit down and enjoy a full meal too.

God was able to do amazing things in the life of Daniel. Daniel was willing to seek God's face and take time to listen to His will. Daniel kept his focus on God.

Father, please help me to be like Daniel and seek your face daily. Help me to learn to hear your voice even above the "noise" of the busyness of life and see what's really important. Thank you that You walk with me each and every day and have rescued me from the lion's den.

Read one of Daniel's prayers - Daniel 9:3-19

By the way, did you realize you just read a Bible devotion? It didn't take but a minute - and the idea sticks with you all day.

Sarah

GermanFest - Mass Choir

2010-07-01T12:24:00.002-05:00

If you are interested in singing in a mass choir for the GermanFest Worship Service, contact Sarah by July 4th to sign up. Info is posted on the choir bulletin board.

Worship
July 25, 2010 10:30am Mass Choir at Worship

Rehearsals
Tuesdays July 6 & 13 7-9pm at Bavarian Inn 700 W. Lexington Blvd. Glendale.

Oh, Jonah!

2010-06-30T12:50:00.003-05:00

Calvary & St. John's Present:
Oh, Jonah!

July 16 11:00am at Calvary

July 18 1:30pm at the Brookfield Congregational Home

Mission Servant Week at Calvary

2010-06-24T13:35:00.004-05:00

As we head toward the end of a busy Mission Servant Week here at Calvary, it's wonderful to see how the congregation has answered a call to serve. On Saturday, we had around 20 people working on the grounds at the church. They did a terrific job of sprucing up our landscaping! Monday included a blood drive, landscaping at Luther Manor (pictured below), and Max Holler's Eagle Scout project - refurbishing used rollerblades.

On Tuesday, we had a group of people working at Lowell House in Waukesha, cleaning up the yard, installing a door, and doing other handywork for a Lutheran Social Services-sponsored house. Wednesday included a library project at Hope Christian School, students making cards for our 'Get Wells' project, and choir caroling at local nursing homes. Today we have a group making ornament mobiles. On Saturday we will have people sorting food at the Hunger Task Force. Throughout the week we've had individuals making cards and baking cookies.

As you can tell, there is a lot of planning and preparation involved in an event like this. A huge deal of thanks goes out to our Mission and Outreach team for the hard work they put into making this week a reality for Calvary!

One thought on this week: in Matthew, chapter 20, Jesus tells us that he came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. While it is impossible to live up to the standard that Christ has set for us, it is still a call to us to do the same - to serve! Thanks to all that have given of their time and talent this week, and let us continue to live the life of a servant!

2010-06-14T15:50:00.002-05:00

Currently, I have begun reading a book entitled, "Luther's Thought On Justice, Law, and Society" by F. Edward Cranz. The author's main thesis is to track Martin Luther's development of Christian ethics in the light of Luther's Reformation theology. Chief among the questions that Cranz considers is "How is a Christian to live in the world?" and "What specifically does Luther say about what a Christian is to DO in society?".

These two questions are extremely poignant when considering what we are to be doing as Christians in society today. Lutherans have always been in the trenches when considering what the Christians role is 'in the world'. Certainly our message is grounded in grace through the redemptive work of Jesus, but the challenge always folds into 'now what?'.

There is no doubt that since the modern/post-modern movement of the 19th and 20th Centuries the Christian church's challenge is to find its role (modus operandi) within society without becoming secularized. Cranz suggests that although Luther's reformation thought unveiled a move toward the Christian's calling in and toward the world, Luther never waivered from the notion that justification in Christ always precedes a Christian's calling to serve. True Social justice, in this matter, can only occur within the light of redemption. In essence, in matters of ethics, the question of what comes first the chicken or the egg is always answered with Christ.

Luther understood that all people, regardless of belief or religion, can serve God through their vocations or stations in life. But Luther suggests that true servanthood only comes by way of being made free in Christ. Thus, the church's role within society is always to unbind sinners in Christ Jesus so that they can freely love the neighbor.

Put it this way...when was the last time that you acted purely selflessly? Even good deeds are often self-serving, ie. Look at what I've done, I deserve a 'thank you', etc... Jesus in the Gospel of Luke suggests that one should not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. When considering this, Christians must always be alert and concerned when preachers (or Church leaders) preach about justice and the like. Rather, what Luther suggests is that a Christian should find fulfillment in serving God and neighbor through their vocations and stations in life.

Fathers and mothers are free to be 'selfless' in serving their families. Workers find fulfillment in working within their occupations. We are free to observe God working through us in our everyday callings/stations.

So with all this said, I encourage you through the freedom of the Gospel to serve with a pure conscience. Jesus has done all the 'spritual' work that is needed for your salvation...all that is left for you is to serve where you are.

If you are a teacher, teach! If you are an administrator, administer! If you are a neighbor, serve your neighbors! The weight of being a super-human is taken off your shoulders...YOU ARE FREE TO BE YOU! ENJOY!

It. Is. On.

2010-06-10T20:16:00.004-05:00

Today is the day that we’ve all been waiting for!!!!

Yes, today marks the beginning of the FIFA 2010 World Cup – South Africa!!!

What, you’re not excited???? Well, I guess I can understand that. For most Americans, the World Cup comes and goes without much fanfare.

But for most of the world, it is the biggest stage possible. Every four years, the world’s best are gathered together for a month-long sports spectacle that rivals (even surpasses) the Olympics.

As for me and my family, we typically catch World Cup fever. In fact, we were at the first U.S. qualifying match for this World Cup against Barbados in Los Angeles. (See the picture ... If memory serves, Sam’s Army won that match 8-Nil.)

Anyway, we had a blast. And we’re not alone ... for most of the world, this is a HUGE deal.

But for most Americans, it comes and goes without much thought. World Cup, Smurld-Cup - How are the Packers looking for next year?

All this got me to thinking ... The Christian Church is a lot like the World Cup. For those of us who get into it, it’s a big deal. It means the world. We are consumed with excitement for it. But for a lot of Americans, it goes on without much fanfare. They don’t pay much attention to it. They couldn’t care less.

And so, I encourage you to pick up your vuvuzela, and give it a loud honk. Go ahead and trumpet what the Lord Jesus has done for you! Honk away! Make a big noise. Feel free to be consumed with energy and passion.

Go, and proclaim Christ boldly.

It. Is. On.

Yours in Him,

Pastor Mark

Art & Music Summer 2010

2010-06-09T10:57:00.005-05:00

6:00pm August 12, Summer 2010

Announcing: the culinary addition to art & music!!!

Is your alias Martha Stewart, Julia Childs or Bork, the Muppet's Swedish chef? We are introducing another dimension to our evenings of art & music with the culinary arts!

Please consider creating your favorite foods and entering them in our edible art exhibit! We'll eat your art!

Sarah

Your love is my drug.

2010-06-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

There is a song that has been getting a lot of air time lately, and it’s been stuck in my head now for a couple weeks. Granted, I downloaded it from iTunes and listen to it often, but it’s got this infectious sound and beat. I simply can’t get it out of my head!!!

At the risk of divulging the kinds of things I populate my iPod with, the song is Ke$ha’s “Your Love is My Drug”. For those of you who know the song, am I right? Isn’t it infectious????

Anyway, it’s a song about this woman’s obsession with her boyfriend, and she talks about the high she gets when she’s with him, and how she crashes when he’s away.

(Me singing now, imitating Ke$ha, singing in Falsetto): “Because your love, your love, your love, is my drug. Your love your love your love … “

While this song has been rattling around my brain for the past couple of weeks, I got to thinking. I got to thinking about replacing the earthly boy toy, with Jesus Christ.

Suddenly, another song came to mind …. Steven Curtis Chapman’s, Magnificent Obsession. It goes like this, “This is everything I want, This is everything I need, I want this to be my one consuming passion, Everything my heart desires
Lord, I want it all to be for You, Jesus … Be my magnificent obsession.”

Same sentiment, just with the proper fixation.

And the cool part … we can still end the way Ke$ha’s song ends!

“I like your beard.” :)

Yours in Him,

Pastor Mark

Lifest 2010

2010-06-08T14:50:00.004-05:00

LIFEST 2010 • JULY 7-11 • OSHKOSH, WI

6 Stages • Music • Speakers • Comedy • Camping
Activities • Kidzone • Food • Marketplace

Lifest

The Go Fish Guys

2010-06-08T14:03:00.007-05:00

In the '90's, I learned of a Christian vocal group called Go Fish. At the time, they were a 3 voice acappella group. Their early cds are vocals with beat boxing, which is roughly described as when a vocalist makes vocal drum & bass noises as part of the accompaniment of the song.

Linked here are some of their earliest works. Today, their style has changed to be more in the vein of pop music. They are fun, catchy cds for families to use, see long car rides, and they share the gospel through their music. You can buy their recent cds at the 'Garden of Readin' at Elmbrook and you can also purchase them on line. My favorites are all from their early years, when they were more strictly acappella, with their unique sound. If you can get your paws on those cds, they are delightful. Enjoy the links!

Sarah

That Acappella Sound

You're My Little Girl

Silent Night

I Can Live with That

Wrapping Up Focus, Year One

2010-05-24T14:35:00.002-05:00

This past Wednesday we wrapped up FOCUS for the school year. To help introduce the theme of the night, we had the following video...

He Ascended into Heaven

2010-05-13T14:58:00.002-05:00

What were you doing 40 days ago today?????

I’m guessing, eating ham.

You see, today, May 13th, is Ascension Day. It marks the day Christ ascended into heaven, 40 days after Easter.

Luke records the events in the Book of Acts for us, as Acts 1:1-11 reads:

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

I know it’s late notice - but I encourage you all to attend the Ascension Day Worship service TONIGHT at Ascension Lutheran Church!!! Ascension Lutheran is located at 1236 S. Layton Blvd., and directions can be obtained by accessing their website at http://www.ascension-mke.org/. It promises to be a fun, music-filled worship service, celebrating our Lord's ascension to God's Right Hand.

Yours in Him,

Pastor Mark

Mother's Day!

2010-05-06T18:06:00.005-05:00

Biblical Mothers - Let's take a quiz. Here are some names of mothers in the Bible. See if you can think of their significance. [Copyright ©2007-2009 by Beverly Whitaker, MA Bible Mothers]

Enjoy!

Sarah

Mary and Elisabeth
Salome
Eunice and Lois
Hannah
Rachel
Bathsheba
Rebekah
Eve
Jochebed
Sarah

Mary and Elisabeth
I suppose the world's most revered mother is Mary, mother of Jesus. Her cousin Elisabeth was also a godly person, who in her old age gave birth to John the Baptist. Mary visited Elizabeth for about three months while both were approaching motherhood. With this common experience their age difference became insignificant as they joyfully planned for the birth of their sons, who were to be so near the same age. They found much joy in each other because they loved and understood each other and had the same strong belief in God.

Salome
Another New Testament mother was Salome, mother of the disciples James and John. A few scholars suggest that she was a sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Certainly, she and her sons were very close to Jesus. We think of her as an ambitious person. She was so desirous for her sons to enjoy extra prestige during Jesus' ministry that she made a special public request to him. (Matthew 20:21 "Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.") Jesus rebuked her gently, (Matthew 20:23 "To sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.") We should not be too severe on her, for she remained one of the most faithful followers of Jesus to the end. And evidently she handed down a rich spiritual legacy to her sons. It was to her son John that Jesus entrusted His own mother at the end. And it is commonly agreed that James was the first apostle to be martyred.

Eunice and Lois
The Apostle Paul loved Timothy as if he were his own son. He writes to him, (II Timothy 1:5 "I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.") Eunice and Lois seem to step right from the pages of the Bible to tell us that nothing is more important in a mother's life than the early training of her children. We can be sure such children knew well the stories of the Old Testament, and recalled the Books of the Law and the Prophets. Undoubtedly, Lois and her mother had steeped Timothy in a knowledge of all the great judges and the most loved prophets as well as the wisdom in the Psalms and Proverbs. You can almost hear them repeating some of those verses to each other, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Or, "She that bare thee shall rejoice." (Proverbs 22:6.) Another might have been, "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths." (Proverbs 4:11.) Timothy was only about fifteen when he left them to go with Paul and Silas to preach the gospel. We can only imagine the pride coupled with sadness they experienced as they told him goodby.

Hannah
Eunice and Lois must have shared feelings similar to those of Hannah of the Old Testament when she left her young Samuel in the House of the Lord at Shiloh, "I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord." (I Samuel 1:28.) Hannah had named her son Samuel, meaning "asked of the Lord." She had prayed for his birth and made a promise that if she was rewarded with a son, she would consecrate her child to God. Then when he was about three years old, she took him to Eli the priest for training. Once a year the family went to Shiloh for the yearly sacrifices and each time Hannah took with her a robe made of blue fabric for Samuel to wear. We can be sure Hannah put love into every stitch.

Rachel and an Un-named Mother
Rachel, mother of Joseph and Benjamin, was the first woman on record to lose her life in childbirth. Rachel died when Benjamin was born. Benjamin must have heard a great deal about his mother because Jacob loved her dearly. The second on record to lose her life in childbirth is an un-named mother, mentioned briefly in I Samuel 4:19-22. She symbolizes the woman who gives birth to a child after she has received word of her husband's death in battle. She also symbolizes the mother who succumbs to dark, despairing hopelessness. She named her child, Ichabod, saying "The glory has departed from Israel."

Bathsheba
David's favorite wife Bathsheba was a remarkably powerful woman. She intervened to have her son Solomon succeed his father as king.

Rebekah
Rebekah's life ended with her becoming a frustrated heartbroken mother. She brought about hostility between her twin sons Jacob and Esau.

Eve
The first mother, Eve, experienced all the anxieties, heartaches and torments suffered by other mothers of wicked sons down through the centuries of time. Her first and most beloved son Cain killed his brother Abel. Much later a son was born named Seth as well probably as other sons and daughters whose names are not listed. She lived on in Seth, the strongest of her children. The ancestry of Jesus Christ was traced back to the line of Seth.

Jochebed
Jochebed was the mother of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. Her name lives on, not by how many big things she accomplished, but by how wisely and well she served as a mother. She was able to save Moses from the Pharaoh's edict of death for Hebrew male children. For the first three months of his life, she kept him hidden. Then she wove an ark of bulrushes and put Moses in it to await the coming of Pharaoh's daughter who took pity on the child. When she sought a nurse for the child, it was Jochabed who was given the task of caring for him until he was seven. Perhaps we can trace in the peculiarly gentle character of Moses the influence of this devout mother.

Sarah
In conclusion, we should look at the beloved wife of Abraham, Sarah, who was to be the Mother of Nations. Her son Isaac, was born in her old age, the Bible's first story of a miracle conception. Sarah's life was one of continuous trial, but through it she emerged as a woman of power, one who was a dutiful and beloved wife and who finally became a favored and venerated mother.

The Life of the Party!

2010-05-06T18:02:00.003-05:00

What a fun spring musical! I hope you had a chance to join us in worship to see Mary and Martha host Jesus at there home!

Highlights included Peter's fish fry at the beach!

Martha's Where Would Jesus Sit pillow!

Branches that grow, grow, grow!

And some adorable sheep & wolves!

What fun and what valuable lessons God provided us with through the children's musical this past weekend!

Calvary to undergo a Strategic Planning process

2010-05-04T15:04:00.002-05:00

I know, I know...who enjoys a strategic planning process? It is rarely something that stokes the excitement of a congregation or the individual. However, your Church Council and staff are gearing up for and actually beginning this 'process' as I write this.

Calvary is a community of faith numbering around 1000 members. We have much to celebrate and certainly God has been gracious to us in so many ways. Just ponder how many gifts for ministry the LORD has provided within Calvary's family. The challenge is to discover, utilize, and foster those gifts in a world that needs God's people to serve. This is the reason why such strategic planning is necessary...we LOVE to SERVE because Jesus has first served us!!!

The joy of Easter is that the Resurrected Christ is loose in the world and Jesus is loose in the community of Calvary...and great things happen wherever Jesus is present!

One thing is certain, as we begin this strategizing, YOU ARE NEEDED! Certainly no strategy is ever complete and there will be a need to continually re-assess the ministries of the church...but needing you, everyone, will not change. Oh, and one more thing, Jesus will not change...He's promised to be with us 'until the end of the age' and no doubt that is true. He is putting good 'ol sinners like you and me to work in His Kingdom...and there is no greater joy!

Please join in the fun and prayerfully consider your calling to serve!

USA Today article sparks concern!

2010-04-28T14:22:00.002-05:00

The following article was written in the April 27th USA TODAY newspaper. I found the info to be rather interesting and disturbing...however, it means that we have a job to do! PREACH THE GOOD NEWS!

The following findings are collected from a study of "millenials" (children of the baby-boomers!)

Here is a snippet from the story:

Key findings in the phone survey, conducted in August and released today:

•65% rarely or never pray with others, and 38% almost never pray by themselves either.

•65% rarely or never attend worship services.

•67% don’t read the Bible or sacred texts.

Many are unsure Jesus is the only path to heaven: Half say yes, half no.

Here is the more complete report directly from LifeWay. LifeWay reports:

“Millennials are the most religiously diverse generation in our culture’s history,” Rainer said. “Unsure of the afterlife and the life of Jesus, Millennials present the church with a great opportunity to engage them in conversations dealing with the nature of truth and its authority as God.”

A Fantastic Congregational Dinner...

2010-04-27T09:07:00.006-05:00

This past Friday night we had our 2nd annual Youth and Family Ministry-sponsored Congregational Dinner. With a theme of "Hoedown," we had a southern-themed meal, roasted chicken, baked beans, potato salad and all the fixins, members and friends of the congregation dressed up in flannel and jeans, and wonderful fellowship and fun. I've included some pictures of the event.

We also started our Silent Auction, which continues through Sunday, May 2 at 12:05 pm. You can bid on services such as an original painting, yard work, guitar and violin lessons, a photography session, and golf lessons items such as Badgers and Brewers tickets, gift cards, and many, many themed baskets. Please support our Youth and Family Ministry through bidding on an item!

Wartburg Castle Singers

2010-04-26T11:18:00.008-05:00

Wartburg Castle Singers, Vocal Jazz Ensemble
7:30pm Tuesday, April 27th

Castles Singers Home Page

Take me out to the ballgame - Part Two!

2010-04-14T12:30:00.004-05:00

Like I said in my last blog ... I LOVE baseball.

Check out that picture! Yes, that is the staff of Calvary standing in the Milwaukee Brewer’s dugout at Miller Park!!! We had a GREAT day yesterday, as the church staff had our annual day of renewal and meetings, and it was held at Miller Park. (A special thanks/shout-out to Mike Duckett for making our day possible.)

The stadium was absolutely incredible! From the technology of the roof, to the meticulously maintained grounds ... it is an amazing place.

One of the things I found interesting was up in the press box. Above home plate (and beyond any protective netting) is the press box where, as you can imagine, an occasional foul ball will make it’s way in. And when they come, they come in fast - often causing damage to the walls. I’m pictured here, next to a hole in the drywall where J.J. Hardy had fouled a ball about a year ago. (And yes, I was interested in this one since he is now a Minnesota Twin. :)

Anyway ... There they were ... hole after hole, mark after mark in the wall ... each identified with who did the damage and the date it occurred. J.J. Hardy made that hole on April 11, 2009, when Carlos Zambrano was pitching.

It got me thinking about the text we read last Sunday. Remember how Christ showed Thomas the nail holes in his hands, and his pierced side? It was as if he showed Thomas the marks and said, “this one here has your name on it”. Like J.J. Hardy’s damage to the press box, we see our sins visibly in Christ’s body.

The good news is, that Jesus took on our sin and death in his body and lived! How awesome!

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark

Take me out to the ballgame!

2010-04-12T14:08:00.003-05:00

Okay, I’ve clued you in on 2 of my 3 non-church passions already. In previous blogs, I’ve talked about my love for USC football, and Golden Gopher basketball. Today it’s time to unveil my last love ... Minnesota Twins baseball.

So as you can guess, today’s an exciting day for me! This afternoon, the Twin’s new outdoor baseball park opens up, as Target Field sees its first regular season action.

I’ve been a Twins fan for as long as I can remember. As a youngster, I grew up watching the likes of Bert Blyleven and Rod Carew out at the old Met Stadium in the 70's. And then as a teenager and young adult, went to countless games under the Teflon roof of the Metrodome, waving homer hankies and cheering on the likes of Kirby Pucket and yes, Bert Blyleven -- again! (He came back late in his career.) And now, I have partial season tickets to the new ballpark, and can’t wait to go cheer on Joe Mauer and company under the lights.

Anyway ... When I think about baseball, often an old routine from George Carlin comes to mind. He used to do a bit that compared the game of baseball to that of football. I think overall, I’m more of a baseball guy! I won’t post them all, but check out some of these from Carlin’s routine ...

Baseball is played on a diamond, in a park. The baseball park!
Football is played on a gridiron, in a stadium, sometimes called Soldier Field or War Memorial Stadium.

Baseball begins in the spring, the season of new life.
Football begins in the fall, when everything's dying.

In football you wear a helmet.
In baseball you wear a cap.

Football is concerned with downs - what down is it?
Baseball is concerned with ups - who's up?

In football you receive a penalty.
In baseball you make an error.

Football has hitting, clipping, spearing, piling on, personal fouls, late hitting and unnecessary roughness.
Baseball has the sacrifice.

Baseball has the seventh inning stretch.
Football has the two minute warning.

Baseball has no time limit: we don't know when it's gonna end - might have extra innings.
Football is rigidly timed, and it will end even if we've got to go to sudden death.

And finally, the objectives of the two games are completely different:

In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.

In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll be safe at home!

All this got me to thinking ... How do each of us go thru life? Is it with a war-like mentality, or a more easy going mentality that is just trying to get home safe???

For the Good News is, Jesus won the war over sin and death for us! All we have to do is skip happily home.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark

Spring 2o1o

2010-04-06T14:02:00.006-05:00

Some post-Easter Bible passages: (Or are we ever post Easter? Isn't it a wonderful celebration everyday?)

hi from mn - Sarah

You are my hiding place and my shield: I hope in your word. Psalm 119:114

He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.
He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth.
In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more. He will rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Psalm 72:5-8

Psalm 148
1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.

2 Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.

4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.

6 He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,

9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,

10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,

11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,

12 young men and maidens,
old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14 He has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.

Psalm 3
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

1 O LORD, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!

2 Many are saying of me,
"God will not deliver him."
Selah

3 But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

4 To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill.
Selah

5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

6 I will not fear the tens of thousands
drawn up against me on every side.

7 Arise, O LORD!
Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.

8 From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Selah

He is Risen!

2010-04-03T15:55:00.002-05:00

Peace from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

I have heard many in the church suggest that God is doing a 'new thing'. With all the hub-bub about newness, I wonder why the church is preaching something other than the 'new' day that has dawned because of Easter. If we as a church preach/teach something other than Easter, we are not the true church. The true church began as Mary received the News from the Resurrected Lord..."Go and tell my brothers"!

This is the 'new' News that we are to tell/preach/teach.

Jesus is Risen from the dead! Go and tell!

Two Easter Tunes

2010-04-01T12:28:00.002-05:00

In Christ Alone

My Redeemer Lives

Happy Easter!
Sarah

"Easter Costs Less at Walmart"

2010-03-31T12:53:00.002-05:00

I have to admit that I'm addicted to the TV show Lost. I've been with it from the very first few shows, and now that the series finale is just a few weeks away, I already find myself going through withdraw. However, in a very exciting episode last night, I was completely distracted by something else on TV...this commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybU6XCdY3Dw

Because of the sheer volume of product that Walmart is able to sell, they are able to lower their prices, and in reality, Easter dinner, Easter baskets, Easter outfits, etc are most likely cheaper there than most other places. However, the wording of the closing tag line, "Easter Costs Less at Walmart" became a reflective moment for me during Holy Week. At what cost did God give us the gift of Easter, who, through showing us His great love for us, reconciled us to Himself?

In his first book, the apostle Peter writes "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." In Isaiah 53, the prophet writes "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

The price of Easter - of God's sacrifice and raising of his own Son - is a gift that is truly, truly priceless. No matter where you go, Easter will not cost less than the blood of Christ.

As a mid-Holy week reflection, here's a beautiful song written by Third Day's Mark Powell...

Peace,
Dave

Preparing for Passover

2010-03-22T13:03:00.004-05:00

In the book of Exodus, there were 10 plagues that God enacted on the Egyptian people in order to cause Pharaoh to release the Hebrews from enslavement. On the night of the 10th plague - the death of the firstborn - God's people were commanded to sacrifice a lamb and put the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. As the angel of death went through Egypt and 'passed over' the homes that had blood on the doorposts, the Israelites celebrated with the Seder meal. You can read the entire story of Passover here. Jesus celebrated this meal the night of his betrayal, just hours before he was crucified. Now, there are many connections to the story of Passover and Jesus as the sacrificial lamb. To help us better understand this connection, children, youth and adults are invited to a Seder meal this coming Sunday, March 28. Join us during the Christian Education hour (9:30 - 10:30 am) as we remember why the night of Passover was 'unlike any other night' and come to a better understanding of how Jesus became our atoning sacrifice, once for all. Please RSVP to me by phone (262-786-4010) or by e-mail (dave@calvarylc.com).

-Dave

Tonight Art & Music 6:00pm at Calvary

2010-03-19T14:30:00.005-05:00

Art Exhibit
Paintings, woodwork, model ships, pottery, photography, sculpture, knitting, quilts, wood turned pens & bowls, scrap booking, books, & book signing

Music Recital
Vocalists & instrumentalists, piano duets, guitar, praise band, voice & organ, book reading, piano pieces & trombones

Art & Music This Friday - 6pm!

2010-03-15T13:02:00.009-05:00

Fun! Free! & Enjoyably entertaining!
What? Art Exhibit & Music Recital
When? Friday, March 19 at 6:00pm
Where? Calvary Lutheran Church (after all, this is our blog)
Who? Everyone
Why? Celebrating God's Gifts in our Congregation!

Art Exhibit
Pictures of Calvary's recent Israel Trip
Scrapbook pages made at Creative Memories - a scrapping group led by Calvary Member
Angie Schatz
Paintings
Artwork from School
Books authored by Calvary members & Book reviews
Photos of woodworking
Wearable Art
Knitting
Quilting

Music Recital
Debut performance of young piano students
Contemporary Christian Music
Music of Bach
Vocalists & Instrumentalists
Poetry
Collegiate Musicians, Clarinet & Piano sharing music from their recital
Guitar & Vocal Music
High School Piano Duet
Trombones

My Bad!

2010-03-12T10:23:00.003-06:00

Okay, never take my advice on television programming again!

My apologies for those who may have tuned in to AC360 yesterday who were looking for an interview of Father Boyle, but instead sat thru an interview with the Sonny and Cher's child - formerly known as Chastity Bono, now Chaz Bono. Yikes ... not what I expected!!!!

But as Elizabeth and I sat there, we wondered about what gets news coverage, and what doesn't. I've heard it reported second hand that some 500 Christians were slain in Nigeria this week. If it is indeed true, for some reason, I've missed the media coverage which I would think people would be interested in. Perhaps even more so than Chaz Bono.

So in today's blog ... I go back to safer ground .... not recommending any news programs, but instead, simply reminding everyone that Jesus died for you.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark

2010-03-11T10:34:00.003-06:00

Anyone else old enough to remember when NBC started pushing it’s Thursday night line-up with the catch-phrase, “Must watch t.v.”???? Well, ever since, Thursday’s have been my night devoted to t.v.! Over the years, I’ve spent countless Thursday evening hours watching Cheers and Seinfeld ... and now The Office and 30 Rock have stepped in, and, I’m happy to report, CBS now makes it’s way into my usual Thursday evening viewing, as I’m also a Survivor junkie. (“Villians vs. Heros” – I’m thinking there’s got to be a sermon on that!!!!)

Anyway, my blog today is to merely plug two “must see t.v.” events tonight!

First- Unlike the Badgers who are sloughing-off today with a first round bye, the Gophers take on Penn State in the Big Ten Basketball Tournament – tip-off is at 6:30! :)

Okay, I might be the only one in the MKE viewing area with that game on, but ... I’d also like to point out one other interesting thing on cable this evening.

Remember in my blogs last month, when I mentioned the time I spent in inner-city L.A.? Well, most of my time there was in South-Central L.A., but we did spend some time over in East L.A. as well. On tonight’s CNN show “AC360”, Anderson Cooper will be interviewing Father Gregory Boyle from East L.A.. I’m not sure what they will be talking about, but, I had the opportunity to meet with Father Boyle when I lived there. I met him one day while visiting his non-profit group “Homeboy Industries”, and it’s a day I’ll never forget. It’s there where I talked with ex-con gang members who were trying to get a new start on life, and I got to hear first hand what gang life and prison was like. Was a really powerful experience in my life!!!

Anyway ... I don’t know what the conversation will be about (I only saw the 2 second promo clip on CNN last night) ... but ... I’ll be watching, and, thought you might be interested as well.

Happy Couch-Potato-Night!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Ski-U-Mah

2010-03-10T11:35:00.003-06:00

The last time I blogged, I told you about one of my passions – College Football, and USC in particular. Well, it’s time to disclose a second passion of mine ... Gopher Basketball!

Growing up in the Twin Cities, we never had much of a college football team ... but ... the University of Minnesota was always fairly competitive when it came to the hard court. Some notable alums include Kevin McHale and Mychal Thompson.

Anyway, I’m a pretty devoted fan. I grew up going to “the Barn”. And later in life the obsession only got worse ... after Elizabeth and I got married, we would actually drive around the country, following the team whenever they would get into the NCAA tournament. And for Charile’s two-year-old birthday party, we even hired Goldy (the mascot) to come to our house!

Go Gophers!

The Gophers play in a building with a lot of character. Williams Arena was built in 1928 and is affectionately known as “the Barn”. (In the way of trivia ... Get this ... It was originally built at a cost of $650,000. Well, they just replaced the flooring this year, and the cost of just the new floor? About $850,000!) Anyway - just the other day I drove back to see a game in the Barn. (Needed a Gopher-fix!!!) And on the drive, I listened to my CD of Gopher Fight Songs, etc.

One of the songs was a song I grew up with is the State Song (and also adopted by the University) ... it’s a ballad/hymn called, “Hail! Minnesota”. The second verse goes like this ...

Like the stream that bends to sea,
Like the pine that seeks the blue;
Minnesota, still for Thee
Thy sons are strong and true!
From thy woods and waters fair,
From thy prairies waving far.
At thy call they throng with a shout and song;
Hailing Thee their Northern Star!

The idea of the small stream that starts in Itasca State Park, and bends it’s way down to the Gulf, ending as the mighty Mississippi - or the notion of a fledgling northern Minnesota pine growing tall and reaching for the sky ... It reminded me of the Psalm we read together (at the 10:45 service) on Sunday.

As we bend to sea and seek the sky, so too do we strive and seek God. In the words of the Psalm ...

Psalm 63:1-8: O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark

How to Get Involved in 2010

2010-03-08T07:50:00.015-06:00

In 2010, we’re looking to get some more of our members excited about altar guild! What a wonderful way to serve God by helping to prepare the sacrament! Many people who have served on altar guilds share of the joy they receive in being a part of preparing the body and blood of Christ!

This ministry, while also serving worship, allows for a time of reflection and devotion in the preparation of the wine and also in the cleaning of the cups afterwards. There is much symbolism in the rites of the church when we consider the preparation of the Lamb of God, and then how that sacrifice washes away our sins. If you're interested, please contact Sarah or Elaine Shaw.

Outdoor worship needs you! We're looking for families and groups of friends to sign up for our outdoor worship set up and tear down this summer. Please contact Sarah if you can help. Even if it's just one weekend this summer, we'll be overjoyed to have you!

Are you excited about worship? Our worship & music team is looking for some new members to join our conversations on new ideas for worship, music, ensembles, concerts, and any other topic that might pop up relating to worship & music ministry. We need a diverse background of members in this group, and if you're not musical, that fine too! You paticipate in worship every Sunday and you've likely gone to many services at other churches throughout your life. We want your contribution to this group!

Celebration Ringers at Sunday School!

2010-03-02T07:22:00.010-06:00

This past Sunday, our Celebration Ringers joined our Sunday School for their gathering time at the beginning of Christian education hour at Calvary. We learned about batons, who uses them, and how they start and stop the music. Then, the students were given boomwackers and chimes to hone in on their ringing skills. [See photos and discriptions below.]

We started by ringing rhythms taught by our Celebration Ringers, and then progressed to ringing chords to songs that we have learned in Sunday Sunday. Two favorites this Sunday included Phaoroh, Phaoroh & I Just Wanna Be a Sheep.

Stay tuned to the blog to hear of the accounts of the Senior Choir and Praise Band joining the Sunday School in the next few months!

Sunday School & Celebration Ringers

Boomwackers - These musical instruments are made out of colored plastic and are found in music classrooms. They are helpful in leanring music as they are individually colored and note name is on each instrument. Boomwackers are also very easy to play correctly. To play a boomwacker, you may have guessed that wacking is how you play the instrument. Students hold the boomwacker in one hand, and then wack it on their other hand to create the pitched sound. Yes, it is as fun as it sounds!

Hand Chimes - Used by both professional bell choirs and new beginners, hand chimes provide ease in rining and a new color in ringing sounds. At Calvary, our youngest chimers use hand chimes in Kindergarten & 1st Grade as they learn the basics of rining. Our Celebration Ringers also use hand chimes to highlight a melody line in the music, or to change the tone color of the ensemble with everyone playing chimes.

Monday Morning Tunes

2010-03-01T07:19:00.005-06:00

Good Morning Calvary!
Here's some music to start off your week!

Jesus Painter - By His Wounds
This worship song was sung in Lent this past week. You can find a variety of paintings by the Jesus Painter on youtube, and the paintings are set to various Christian song.

Animusic - Cathedral
This video pairs art and music in a similar fashion to a Disney movie you may know, Fantasia. If you watch in Animusic, anytime there is a sound, there is also a visual cue that is related to sounding what you hear.

Gigout Toccata - pipe organ
Here's a real barn burner of a piece for a Monday morning! A toccata is a virtuosic composition, usually for organ or another keyboard instrument. You'll likely find fast passages displaying the brilliant technique of the performer.

You're welcome to comment on the blogs!
Happy Monday!
Sarah

Meanwhile, back on this side of the pond...

2010-02-27T00:40:00.000-06:00

Our Middle and High School students are on retreat at Camp Forest Springs in Westboro, Wisconsin. Our theme for the weekend is "Creation - Recreation - Re-creation." In this picture some of our students are playing broomball. We all survived, minus a few bruised knees and elbows!

More from Israel...

2010-02-26T15:20:00.001-06:00

Larry Bonier, one of Calvary's pilgrims in Israel, shared this after the group's adventure today...

"[We are] in Jerusalem! We stopped at Tel Megiddo and Mt. Carmel on the way here today in the pouring rain. We also saw Har Megiddo [the Plain of Meggido] where the final battle is to take place [Armageddon]. We also visited Bethlehem and saw the site of the manger and the stable [a limestone cave] which was fascinating to... say the least. Hopefully the weather will break tomorrow as we continue our journey."

Continue to pray for our group as they travel in the footsteps of Jesus!

-Dave Dringenburg

Day of a Lifetime: Galilee

2010-02-24T13:15:00.015-06:00

We've reached our Holy destination and have enjoyed our first day in Israel. Wow! We're one day into our trip and I've already shed many tears over this moving and powerful experience of a lifetime. Thank you for allowing me to experience this!

Our trip over the pond was a grand total of over 24 hours...we lost eight hours! As we made our way from the airport to our Hotel in En Gev, our bus lost its headlights...wow what a wild time! Here is a picture of us trying to fix a broken fuse:

After a quick night of sleep, we hit the road after a terrific breakfast. Our hotel is in a Kibbutz on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The picture above shows Meg and I directly outside our room...not too bad! We face the town of Tiberius and the scenery is breathtaking...to think that Jesus walked these hills...and these waves!

We ate a great breakfast and then hit the road at 8:30 a.m. Today, we spent the day travelling around the Sea of Gennesaret (also called Galilee or Tiberius). We viewed Chorizin, walked the grounds of the Mount of Beatitudes (picture above with me reading from Matthew's Sermon on the Mount--picture above), toured Capernaum (Jesus' ministry headquarters), boated across the Sea in a wooden boat (had a moving Communion service on the way), ate at the famous St. Peter's Fish Restaurant, and had a Baptismal remembrance service in the River Jordan (picture with Meg above).

One word describes the day...MIRACULOUS!! This is the most moving experience I have ever had and I look forward to sharing it with you throughout my days as your shepherd.

I will continue to blog throughout the week, but for now, SHALOM (I need to get some sleep...tomorrow is another miraculous day...travelling to the Golan Heights and Caesarea Philippi!)

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Phil

They've Reached the Promised Land

2010-02-23T14:37:00.003-06:00

Our 20+ members have reached Israel! Larry Bonier, one of Calvary's members, posted this afternoon on Facebook that they made it safely, arrived at their hotel on the Sea of Galilee, had some dinner, and they're ready for bed. Check back for more updates from the group!

-Dave Dringenburg

Waiting

2010-02-22T14:07:00.009-06:00

Late last week and through the weekend there was a tease of spring. Did you feel it as well? Temperatures were above freezing, snow was melting, and the grass is starting to reveal itself. At the home improvement stores, they're read for spring. Fertilizer, lawn tools and mowers are all being pushed. At the grocery store, they now have the 'Easter aisle,' a true indicator of spring. And then our weather reminds us that we have 4 weeks left of winter. Just when we think we're through, snow hits. If the weather forecasts are true, more is yet to come. So we wait. And wait. And wait some more. We wait for the weather to warm and flowers to blossom. Here's the encouraging thing: spring is coming. Regardless of whether we love the snow and cold, and would prefer to ski all year round, we can't stop the inevitability of a change in season. Spring is coming. And those of us that love warm weather find some peace knowing that.

Last week we began our 40 day Lenten journey (Lent comes from the German word meaning 'spring'). We began with a reminder of our humanity - ashes on our forehead - and continue to the cross, the grave, and then the Resurrection. Lent isn't the most celebratory of liturgical seasons, which is difficult for some people (including me!). We have no 'alleluias,' no flowers on the altar, and many of the songs we sing are in a minor key. There doesn't seem to be much joy in Lent. It's a time of reflection, repentance, fasting, penitence and discipline. However, Lent isn't a season that lasts forever. Easter is coming, and we have peace in knowing that.

In the meantime, we wait. We learn to be patient and make the most of our current season. But we know that the flowers will come.

- Dave Dringenburg

2010-02-15T10:20:00.005-06:00

Exactly one week from today, a group of 29 'pilgrims' will be travelling to the Holy Land and Jordan on a 12-Day pilgrimage. As we anxiously await our departure, I'm asking for your prayers.

On a personal note, Meg and I are asking for specific prayers. We are in the midst of a move from Waukesha to Menomonee Falls! I know, I know, great timing! We need to be out of our house by the 19th and leave for Israel on the 22nd...

More specifically, please pray for us as we are leaving Noah (our two-year old) for the first time-for such a long period of time. I cannot imagine what Martin Luther must have gone through as he left his family for months, even years, at a time to spread the Gospel.

The following is our itinerary. I invite you to join us 'in the Spirit' on this journey of a lifetime.

CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL
PASTOR PHIL NYBROTEN
FEBRUARY 22 – MARCH 5, 2010

DAY 1 / DAY 2 - Depart Chicago on our way to Tel-Aviv. Arrive Ben-Gurion Airport in the late afternoon. Our guide greets us and gives us an overview of our pilgrimage. Proceed to Galilee for our overnight stay on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

DAY 3 – Today we tour the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum and Simon Peter’s House, the Mount of Beatitudes and Tabgha – the site of the feeding of the multitudes. Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and enjoy a St. Peter’s fish lunch in Tiberias. Walk along the Jordan River, site of Jesus’ baptism. Overnight in Galilee.

DAY 4 – This morning we drive through the village of Cana, site of Jesus’ first miracle and continue to Nazareth – site of the Annunciation and the Virgin Mary’s house. Afternoon visit to the Golan Heights and Caesarea Philippi. Return to Galilee.

DAY 5 – As we head for Jerusalem, we drive to Mt. Carmel and Megiddo. Continue along the coast to Caesarea where Paul was imprisoned and Cornelius was baptized. Visit the Roman ruins: theater, aqueduct and the Crusader ruins and stop in Jaffa on our way to the Holy City – Jerusalem - for our overnight stay.

DAY 6 – Walk into the old city of Jerusalem. Experience the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian quarters of the old city. See the Temple ruins and the Temple Mount. We follow the Via Dolorosa to the sacred Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Walk through the Western Wall tunnel. Stroll through the many bazaars of the old city. Overnight in Jerusalem.

DAY 7 – We visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, Church of All Nations, the Garden Tomb and room of the Last Supper. We go to Bethlehem and visit the ancient Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, Shepherd’s Field and Christmas Lutheran Church.

DAY 8 – Today we drive to Masada, site of the Jewish zealots’ last stand against the Romans. We ride to the top in a cable car. Later drive to Ein Gedi to experience the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Continue our journey to the caves at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Back to Jerusalem for our overnight.

DAY 9 - Our destination is the “New Jerusalem” including the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and the Model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. This afternoon, we continue our journey to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Overnight
in Amman.

DAY 10 – From Amman we continue south to Mt. Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land. We visit Madaba with its beautiful mosaic featuring Jerusalem as the center of the world. Continue our journey to Petra for our overnight stay.

DAY 11 – Visit the city of Petra. Enter through the narrow canyon passageway and walk through the wonder of the city carved into the mountain. In the afternoon we continue our journey back to Jerusalem for our overnight stay.

DAY 12 – Transfer to the airport for our flight back to the United States.

As we begin this Lenten Journey (starts Wednesday...see you at church!), may we ponder what it means to put Christ first. Rarely are we asked to leave house and home for Jesus (like Luther)...but the question remains, would we be willing to leave house and home for our Lord?

Take time to thank God for the many examples, like Luther, who put Jesus first so that we might believe!

Peace,
Pastor Phil

Christ N da Hood

2010-02-12T08:52:00.003-06:00

Do any of you happen to read the daily devotional “Christ in Our Home”? If so, you know that today’s entry reflects on Psalm 99, and quotes verse 6 about crying out to the Lord. Anyway, I thought that would be a great entry point as I head into my last blog posting of the week, as I come clean with my street cred and love for Cali.

I grew up in Minnesota, but there was always something about southern California that had an appeal - even as a kid. It may have started because the Gopher’s football team stunk, while USC had a guy named Marcus Allen who ran up and down all around on a field that, get this, was actually STILL GREEN at the end of the season! Green grass, sun, a winning team, beaches, Disney ... as a kid I thought it was heaven on earth. We had extended family that lived in Orange County, and we’d visit them often. I was a SoCal boy at heart. It was, to me, utopia.

Fast-forward now ... and the heavenly image of L.A. started to tarnish a bit. Charlie was probably in kindergarten when we were on one of our annual USC junkets. We were driving along when Elizabeth decided that we should head off the interstate, as she charted “a short-cut” thru unknown neighborhoods of Los Angeles. As we exited the freeway, literally, a S.W.A.T. truck rushed past us with sirens blasting and lights blazing. Later, after stopping to get the kids a treat at a candy store, another squad car came whistling by. Charlie then uttered a line that we now repeat often on our family vacations. “Wow, Mom, you sure know how to take us on an adventure!” :)

A few years later, I had quite the adventure. As part of my seminary education, I took a J-term and lived with host families in inner-city L.A. “South Central” to be exact. It was an amazing experience. Ever see the movie, “Boyz N the Hood”? It was in that environment were I lived with two different host families. I could go on and on about my experiences that January, but I think blogs are supposed to be fairly short. ;) Anyway ... If you have $1.99 and about 45 minutes, the best insights into what life is like in this area (outside of my stories, of course!) can be seen in Anderson Cooper’s CNN special “Homicide in Hollenbeck” – which can be downloaded thru iTunes.

Anyway ... This was a VERY long introduction to say that when we say things like “Christ is with you in your darkest hour” and “prayer matters”, it was here that I first really felt that to be palpably true. Never before did Luther’s morning prayer mean as much to me as it did when I said it each morning in L.A. Living where drive-by’s were commonplace, and where gang members were outside my bedroom window patrolling the streets at night, I’d wake up and say Luther’s morning prayer - “I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that you would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings in life may please you. For into your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.”

I’m not sure what you may be going through right now in your life, but may the living Christ provide you the safety and comfort and consolation he gives so freely. Go ahead and cry out to the Lord. He’s there for you!

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark