In the month of May, a little earlier than usual, we will be celebrating another birthday. It’s the birthday of the New Testament Church that we celebrate on the day of Pentecost. This is a birthday celebration. We as Christians celebrate the day Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as promised to his disciples to begin their work as witnesses and heralds of his death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. On Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in what seemed to be tongues of fire that rested on them. The apostles were then enabled by the Spirit to speak in other languages, languages they had never learned but those who traveled to Jerusalem from all over the world recognized. Visitors to Jerusalem heard the apostles declaring the wonders and works of God through Jesus in their own native language. Imagine the present of the gospel given to you in your own language so that you could understand it. Imagine hearing God’s love for you in Jesus Christ the Savior told to you in words you could easily comprehend. What a present!

Today we celebrate the birthday of the New Testament Church. Unfortunately for some reason, Pentecost doesn’t receive the same fanfare as Christmas or Easter. It is right up there with these two major Christian holidays in significance and importance, but it doesn’t receive nearly as much emphasis. Is that because unlike Christmas and Easter it has not been secularized? Even Easter doesn’t receive half the emphasis that Christmas does. We don’t have Easter parties, go Easter caroling, or bake Easter cookies. Pentecost gets even less attention. Pentecost is a major celebration in the Christian Church Year. It’s the celebration of Jesus sending the Holy Spirit and empowering his church to do the work of spreading the good news of forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven through him and him alone as the Savior to every nation, language, tribe and people throughout the world.

So what can we do to make Pentecost a major celebration? We will have a special worship service that weekend. But it takes more personalizing in our own Christian life to give Pentecost even more meaning. A special meal on Pentecost Sunday wouldn’t hurt. What about having some grilled or baked chicken to remind ourselves we don’t have to be chicken about telling others about Jesus. He still sends the Holy Spirit to give us the courage and boldness to witness our faith. We can speak the language of faith as revealed to us in God’s Word. Might I also suggest something tangible? For Christmas we have a Christmas tree. Easter has Easter eggs. Since it’s springtime, for Pentecost we could get some flowers and display them in a vase. These flowers could remind us of the growth and blooming of the Christian church as more people come to know Jesus as their Savior from sin.

Pentecost Sunday is May 11^th, which is also Mother’s Day this year. When you get flowers for your mother or wife, you could also get some to display at home. Red roses would work well since red is the liturgical color for Pentecost, emphasizing the fervor of preaching the truth of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the blood of those who have died proclaiming Christ crucified. Let’s not let Pentecost slip by again this year without celebrating a happy birthday to the New Testament Christian Church and the gospel of Jesus Christ that we are privileged to proclaim.

A happy Pentecost to you,

Pastor Hanson

Mt Calvary Christian Women’s Society’s Mother, Daughter, Friend Banquet will be held on May 6^th at 6:00 p.m. All ladies of the congregation are invited to join us for our potluck meal. Alicia Mose, member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kaukauna will be playing selections on her violin to entertain us after dinner. Servers are Pam Dercks, Jean Harke, Donna Hartjes, and Pat Brockman.

Mt. Calvary Breakfast group will meet on Wednesday, May 14^th at 8:30 am at Tootsies. Everyone is invited to join the group.

Got Veggies? When you plant your garden this spring, plant a few extra seeds and plants. This harvest season the Senior Breakfast Club will set up a table outside the main entrance. Place your extra veggies, fruit, and flowers on the table to share with your fellow Christians. A free will offering will be accepted. The money will go to Forward in Faith, formerly known as Time to Grow.

A Mother & Toddler Group meets on Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm in the commons. Any questions or suggestions, Melissa@920-380-9555.

Confirmation Day is May 4, 2008 Those getting confirmed at Mt. Calvary are:

Alec Jordan Brockman - Romans 8:6 -The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.

Devin David Brockman - John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Miriam Elizabeth Hanson - Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Jacob Scott Harrill - Psalm 52:9 - I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Sydnee Rose Milis - Joshua 1:9 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Kaylee Sue Miller - Psalm 50:15 - Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

Jordan T. Niemuth - John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Brady Donald Stumpf - Philippians 3:14 - I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Morgan Ann Swick - John 8:12 - I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Denae Marie Vanden Heuvel - Psalm 150:4,6 - Praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Brittany Ann Van Mun - John 10:27-28 - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

Timber Rattlers: There are sign up sheets at the concession area off the gym as well as a handout with details for those who sign up . Last year nearly $1000 was "earned" through hours worked, despite game cancellations and bad weather. This year there is an opportunity for 6-8 games. If 10-12 people sign up for 6 games we could potentially "earn" more than $1500. The shifts are about 4-5 hours. We are very flexible with arrival and departure times. Please contact Pastor Hanson 858-7861 or Ann Hanson 858-7862 with questions. Games are April 8th evening, 9th daytime, 15th evening, 16th daytime, April 29th evening, 30th daytime, and May 13th evening, 14th daytime.

LWMS is collecting Postage Stamps for a mission project. Please save the following used stamps: current commemorative stamps, older stamped envelopes, older stamped postal cards, all foreign stamps, hunting permit stamps, American lung association stamps, Christmas seals. Please do not save U.S. Christmas, standard postage (flag), pre-sorted, or nonprofit stamps. Leave a 1/4" edge around the outside of stamp.

LWMS NEWS AND NOTES: The weekend of April 12th & 13th was another blessed weekend! On Saturday we had the Paperland Rally at St. Matthew's with Aaron and Cora Wakeman giving us a glimpse of what it must be like to share Jesus with a country that doesn't know our Lord and Savior. They encouraged us to be a friend and let God open the door - we must trust that God will lead and through faith we will follow. Does not God ask us to be faithful? The next rally will be Nov. 1st in Algoma! Another opportunity awaits us as we look forward to being encouraged to visit with our friends from neighboring congregations, hear about missions, and take that zeal home; trusting God to fill our hearts to "work while it is day". Sunday night, April 13th, was Ladies Night Out, truly a treat for us! Thank you, Jerry! Chef Evansen made dinner and with the help of handsome,( white shirts and black bow-ties) men served our ladies. The theme was French and the decorations followed the theme. After our delicious meal a short presentation was show by Pastor Hanson on Zambia; where a former son of our congregation is serving in the mission field. The monies after expenses are being sent to Jason Paltzer for the work being done in Africa. Might I add that the opportunities for fellowship lasted well after this event - many times looking over the confirmation pictures, pictures from the Paltzers, and just being Christian friends. Shine like the stars, ladies, we have a wonderful Savior to share. Tell your children and grandchildren that you love this Savior who will take us to live with Him. To God be the glory forever. Your Paperland Reporter, Karen Brassow

Welcome Basket Program: If you know of anyone new to your neighborhood who might need a visit from our welcoming team, please leave their name and address in the basket in the back of church. We have nice gifts from our church businesses and information on our school & church. Businesses, please leave your advertising gifts in the basket in back of church. Questions– Pat Brockman

ECOPHONES FUNDRAISER: We collect old cellphones, digital devices, dvd’s, laptops, etc… for Forward in Faith. Bring in any used or outdated items - green collection bin in the school office. Any questions can be directed to Jerry @ 731-4001.

CONGREGATION BUSINESS— APRIL

Worship & Giving - 4 Sundays

Worship Average/week 243 souls

Unified Budget Gifts $18,945

Forward in Faith Gifts $7,849

Evangelism/Outreach $50

Fox Valley Lutheran $210

Sunday School $63

Lutheran Pioneers $50

Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministries $10

Curtis Heino Memorial for Building New Church $25

Ken Kohl Jr. Memorial $150

April Membership Changes

Transfer Out: Shawn and Tammy Heiting and their children Steven, Jewel, Matthias, Star, and Asher to St. John, Town of Center.

The WELS Food Pantry collection Sunday will be May 18. The most needed items this month are saltines & other crackers, cookies, cereal, canned fruit, and toilet paper.

Aluminum Cans Aluminum cans may be brought to Mount Calvary anytime. Place them near the dumpster, but close to the building. Please bring only aluminum cans - no plastics, paper, etc. will be accepted and it makes it difficult for Van Muns, whom we thank for taking them to Abe Goldins, who gives the money to Mt. Calvary.

Bethel to Honor Their Three Called Workers On Sunday, May 18, will be a special day at Bethel Lutheran Church. They will be honoring their three called workers. Miss Huebner is completing her 40^th year in the teaching ministry: Mrs. Arndt, her 20^th; and Miss Koch her 5^th. Bethel invites you to join them as they celebrate these milestones. The day begins with a dinner beginning at 12:30pm followed by a worship service of thanksgiving for years of service of such dedicated teachers. If you plan to attend the dinner, please sign up in the school officer or call Ruth Ahrens at 739-0701 by May 10^th.

Golfers - The men's Lutheran golf league is looking for new members. Come join us Tuesday's at Irish Waters GC with tee times from 3:15 - 4:30 PM. If interested, please call Kevin Gertsch at 733-8916 or 850-3087.

Calling singles, ages 21-35: The newly formed WELS Singles Group is meeting at Grace Lutheran Church, 1390 Breezewood Lane, Neenah. If you have any questions, please feel free to call either Amy Towner at (920) 915-6703 or Kory Betow at (920) 720-0146.

THRIVENT MATCHING FUNDS In April 2008 we received $1,840.00 for the elementary school from the Thrivent gift matching program. The preschool received $975.00. Gifts and forms may be submitted anytime through the collection or to the office. Be sure to include your envelope number on the form to receive proper contribution credit.

PAPERFEST mark your calendars for this year’s festival running from July 17 - 20^th.

SECOND SUNDAYS May11^th is the next Second Sunday. Members will be available to help you complete matching funds forms or to answer any questions you may have about the program.

BARGAIN GARDEN THRIFT SHOP Have you recently retired? Are you looking for something to do? Volunteers are URGENTLY needed to help at the store located at 337 West Wisconsin Avenue, Appleton. Even if you are only able to volunteer once a month it will help. This would be a great opportunity for parents and high school age youth to volunteer together. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. On Saturdays it is open in the morning. Donations of clean, gently used clothing, small housewares, toys, etc. are also needed. Ninety percent of the profits are used for Fox Valley Lutheran High School. The remaining 10 percent is given to other WELS organizations. Stop in and visit.