Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
News and Notes
November 26, 2023
Welcome to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
One word to describe Mount Calvary, Janesville? Jesus.
Everything we do is centered on who Jesus is and what He does for us.
As we worship Him, learn about Him, and are empowered by Him to care for others, we invite you to join us in the adventure of following Jesus.
WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday 9:00 am – Monday 6:30 pm
Live Stream: Sunday 9:00 am – Facebook Live
(or watch the recorded message at a later time)
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Please Keep in Your Prayers:
Jim Coorough, Lisa Oren, Wayne Steinke, Dennis & Shirley Lee,
Marian Kersting, SWD President Rev. Dr. John Wille,
Gordie Christensen and Lenore Green
Shut ins: Jean Sands, Gerry Stapleton, Rachel McCann, Bud Dabson, Shirley VanBuecken, June Wall, Jean Farmer, Carol Skeel,
June Loertscher, Pastor Willie & Karen Grieser, Bette Everhart,
Lois Brown, Gerald Kuelz and Maria Adams
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WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY—We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Ruth Hansen who was called to her eternal rest on Saturday, November 18, 2023. We offer our thanksgiving to God for His promise of eternal life in His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
- Narthex/Outside Church Decorating Saturday, Dec 2nd at 9:00 am
- Jolly Jingle Saturday, Dec 2nd at 6:00 pm
- First Sunday in Advent Sunday, Dec 3rd at 9:00 am
- Advent By Candlelight Saturday, Dec 9th 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Youth Group Bake Sale Sunday, Dec 10th & Monday, Dec 11th
- Fireside “Scrooge the Musical” Sunday, Dec 10th at 2:30 pm
- Youth Christmas Party Sunday, Dec 10th / 5th-8th 4:30-5:30 pm
- Youth Christmas Party Sunday, Dec 10th / 9th-12th 6:00-8:00 pm
- Advent Lunch & Hymn Sing Wednesday, Dec 13th at 12:00 pm
- Drive Thru Live Nativity Sunday, Dec 17th 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Annual Voter’s & Budget Meeting Sunday, January 14th at 10:15 am
CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL VOTER’S & BUDGET MEETING
Please join us on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 10:15 am for our
Annual Voter’s & Budget Meeting. We hope to see you all there!
ADVENT MIDWEEK SERVICES
Wednesday, December 6th – 11:30 am & 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 13th – 11:30 am & 7:00 pm
(Lunch and Hymn Sing following the 12/13 11:30 Advent Worship Service)
Wednesday, December 20th – 11:30 am & 7:00 pm
CHRISTMAS EVE DAY
Sunday, December 24th – Worship at 9:00 am
CHRISTMAS EVE
Sunday, December 24th – Candlelight Service at 5:30 pm
CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
Monday, December 25th – Worship with Holy Communion at 9:00 am
NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY SERVICE
Sunday, December 31st – Worship with Holy Communion at 9:00 am
NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICE
Sunday, December 31st – Worship with Holy Communion at 6:30 pm
“More Precious Than Silver Campaign”
On top of your regular offering, save your change each week and place it in the specially marked container in the Narthex. Let’s watch our change grow as we work together to minimize the deficit. This is not only about dollars, but rather, it is about continuing to do God’s work in our congregation and in our community.
“Don’t Forget To Cast Your Votes for Your Favorite Beard with Your $$$$$$.”
“NO SHAVE NOVEMBER”— This is our annual challenge for all men in the congregation to not shave for the entire month of November. This will serve as a fundraiser to raise awareness for the GIFTS Men’s Homeless Shelter, right here in our neighborhood. You can cast your dollar ballots in the voting boxes located in the Narthex. Any questions, please contact Jim Enerson 608-774-7373.
ATTENTION ALL LADIES! – For Christians, Advent is a time for remembering how the world waited in anticipation for God’s promised Messiah to come. But as women, it often feels like every moment of Advent is filled with cleaning, decorating, baking, cooking, helping with children’s programs, shopping, and wrapping gifts in preparation for celebrating Christmas.
Like Martha in Luke 10:38–42, we are busy with many things. Our intentions are good. We are trying to make Christmas special for our families, friends, congregation, co-workers, and acquaintances; but we can become so busy preparing that we miss out on experiencing the beauty and meaning of Advent and Christmas ourselves. An event like “Advent by Candlelight” is an opportunity for women to gather together and spend some time focused on Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas.
“WOMEN OF ALL AGES” are cordially invited to join us for our second annual “Advent by Candlelight” event, on Saturday December 9th from 10am-12pm for brunch and a program to spend some time really focusing on the heart of Christmas. We encourage you to invite a friend! Please sign up at the Welcome Center by November 27th.
“JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM”—Grab a flier! Spread the word! Our 7th Annual Drive-Thru Live Nativity will be held on Sunday, December 17th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm here at Mt. Calvary. You Ask, “How Can I Help”? – Invite a friend, tell your neighbors, post fliers around town and then drive-thru and experience this truly uplifting and inspirational “Outdoor Presentation” of the “Real Christmas Story!” We are also looking for volunteers to help as “Live Nativity Actors, Greeters and Traffic Management.” If you can help, please sign up at the Welcome Desk by Sunday, December 10th. If you have any questions, please contact Molly.
Christmas – Church Decorating—We will be decorating the Narthex and the Outside of our Church on Saturday, December 2nd at 9:00am. Coffee and Donuts will be provided. Come join in the fun! If you can help, please sign up at the Welcome Center.
Helpers of Joy (2 Cor 1:24)
“Many hands make light work.”
Thank you!
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS— We will continue with our tradition here at Mt. Calvary of placing beautiful poinsettias in the sanctuary for the glory and honor of our newborn King & Savior, Jesus Christ. Anyone wishing to purchase a Poinsettia, in memory of, in honor of, or in celebration of a loved one, please fill out the order form included in your News & Notes and turn it into the church office or place in the offering plate. The cost this year is $16.00 per plant and the deadline for ordering is “Sunday, November 26th”. Additional order forms can be found on the information table by the Mark Door. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Wanda Geske at 608-931-2863 or Dawn Enerson at 608-754-4145.
“GIVING BACK OPPORTUNITES
MERCY HEALTH SYSTEM – “MEALS ON WHEELS” – is looking for volunteers to help drive and deliver meals to those in need. If you are interested and would like to learn more about it, please sign up at the Welcome Center.
There is no obligation. 😊
GIFTS MEN’S SHELTER – We are looking for a “Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Coordinator” for the GIFTS Men’s Shelter. It requires very little time with a big impact. If you would like to learn more, please contact Jim Enerson at 608-774-7373.
GIFTS is an abbreviation that stands for God Is Faithful Temporary Shelter. Their vision is a Christ-centered ministry providing the resources needed to transform and restore the lives of homeless men one day at a time. They started our mission to provide safe shelter, warm meals, and Christ-Centered camaraderie to homeless men of Rock County Wisconsin.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY — Our Adult Bible Study, led by Pastor Bergelin, meets every Sunday at 10:30 am. All are welcome to join us any week!
FAMILY BIBLE STUDY — Temporarily on Hold.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY — Temporarily on Hold.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY — Come join us Thursday Evenings at 7:00 pm as we grow in fellowship and leadership as men of our congregation. This Bible Study is open to all men, young and old, led by Pastor Bergelin.
SIMPLY GIVING ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER—provides a convenient way to make financial contributions to our church on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. You can sign up to have your offering to our Lord drawn automatically from an account you designate. It is easy, convenient, and a consistent way to give. If you are interested, please sign up at https://mountcalvaryjanesville.org/electronic-giving/ or contact Dawn Enerson at 608-754-4145 for additional information and/or help.
Serving Us This Week – 11/26 & 11/27
Pastor………………………………….…….……….………Rev. David Bergelin
DCE……………………………………………………………….Molly Bergelin
Elder of the Month……………………………………..……………Paul Norland
Usher-Team #5……………………B/Rethwisch, C/Collins, M/Collins, B/Collins
Organist……………….……………….….…………………………Paul Norland
Altar Guild of the Month.………………………………Lynella and Ken Holmes
Technology Sunday 9:00 am…..………..…………………Mike and Wanda Geske
Technology Monday 6:30 pm……………..…………..…Mike and Wanda Geske
Service Assistants Monday 6:30 pm………………..……Dean and Sue Buchholz
Serving Us Next Week – 12/3 & 12/4 & 12/6
Pastor………………………………….…….……….………Rev. David Bergelin
DCE……………………………………………………………….Molly Bergelin
Elder of the Month……………….…………………………..………Jim Enerson
Usher-Team #6…………………J/Schmeling, P/Norland, K/Schneider, B/Collins
B/Krause, B/Spier
Organist……………….……………….….…………………………Paul Norland
Altar Guild of the Month.………………………………………Janet McLaughlin
Technology Sunday 9:00 am…..………..…………..………Tim and Starla Bremel
Technology Monday 6:30 pm……………..…………..…Mike and Wanda Geske
Service Assistants Monday 6:30 pm………………..……Dean and Sue Buchholz
Tech Wednesday Advent 11:30 am………….………….…………Tammy Brown
Tech Wednesday Advent 7:00 pm…….……………….…Tim and Starla Bremel
“Thank You to all who Serve”!
Today, November 26 – “No Youth Group
9:00 am………………..………………………………..………..………Worship Service
10:30 am…………………………………………………..…………………..Bible Study
Birthdays……………………………………………..………………….Joshua Helmeid
Baptismal Birthdays………………………………………….…………Stephanie Wittig
Monday, November 27
6:30 pm………………………………………….…….…………………Worship Service
Tuesday, November 28
Wednesday, November 29
7:00 am…………………………………….………………………….Waffle Wednesday
6:00 pm…………………………………………….…………………Confirmation Class
Birthdays…………………………………………………………………Rob Vermillion
Thursday, November 30
7:00 pm………………………………………………………………..Men’s Bible Study
Birthdays……………………….………………………….……..…………Jean Farmer
Baptismal Birthdays………………………………………..Derek Hahn, Carly Treinen
Anniversaries……………………….………………………..…..Jim and Lou Patterson
Friday, December 1 – “Office Closed”
Birthdays………………………….…………..Stu Charland, Wes Meyer, Gabe Hansen
Baptismal Birthdays……………..……….Sandy Meyer, Cindy Pingel, Corrina Dorcey
Saturday, December 2 – “Office Closed”
9:00 am……………………………………….……………..Decorate Narthex & Outside
6:00 pm………………………………………………………………………..Jolly Jingle
Birthdays…………………….…………..….………Honarae Thompson, Tammy Meyer
Sunday, December 3 – “First Sunday in Advent”
9:00 am…………………………………………Worship Service with Holy Communion
10:30 am…………………………………………………..…………………..Bible Study
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm…………………………………………………Sr. High Youth Group