May 2018 – Page 2 – St. John's Evangelical

The Meaning is in the Message – May 22, 2018

May 22, 2018 Kerry

“…we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:11-12

The Meaning is in the Message

Daily Devotion – May 22, 2018

Devotion based on Acts 2:11-12

See series: Devotions

Nearly two thousand years ago God revealed marvelous wonders to people gathered in Jerusalem. In a display of miraculous might, the Holy Spirit filled the Lord’s followers and gave them the ability to suddenly speak in languages that previously they had not learned.

Yet the spectacle of the Spirit’s might, was also accompanied by the greater gift of his message. That message was spoken by lips now loosened to speak in various languages. With clarity and confidence given by the Spirit, their tongues were enabled to utter the wondrous truths of God’s Word.

The Holy Spirit still graciously touches the hearts of hearers through the voice of his Word. Through the message of the law the Holy Spirit silences the prideful sinner within us that vainly seeks to find lasting fulfillment and meaning to life in the world’s wealth and wisdom.

Through the life-giving gospel he comforts the sinner with God’s firm promise of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus alone. The Spirit points us to the wondrous love of God in the righteousness he freely provides through his Son. The Spirit draws us to the cross where we find real meaning for life in the wounds and blood of our selfless Savior. The Spirit enkindles our hearts with love for God and for our neighbor. He compels us to live with Christ-centered faith which he alone provides through the gospel.

Although the miraculous gift of tongues has ceased, the Holy Spirit’s message and mission has not changed. How blessed we are to live at a time in history when the Bible is available in many hundreds of languages! Until Jesus comes again on the Last Day, that Word will continue to be the means by which the Holy Spirit works and strengthens faith in human hearts to trust in Christ as the promised Savior.

Prayer:
O Lord, without the Holy Spirit’s work in my heart, I would be lost in unbelief. Thank you for your saving Word and the Holy Spirit’s wondrous work through that Word. Cause my faith in you to grow ever deeper as I search the wondrous truths of your Word. Unloosen my lips and use my life to confidently declare your praises. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Promise of Peace – May 21, 2018

May 22, 2018 Kerry

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:25-27

Promise of Peace

Daily Devotion – May 21, 2018

Devotion based on John 14:25-27

See series: Devotions

The words of a loved one can cause anxiety. Let’s say someone close to you says something like, “I am leaving soon. I am going to suffer, and I am going to die. Here are some specific things I want you to do.” Do you think you might have a little anxiety?

Jesus said those things to his disciples. He told them he was leaving. He told them he was going to suffer and die. And he told them that they would have a very specific job, repeating the things that he had told them. The disciples had anxiety; their hearts were troubled.

But Jesus did not just cause anxiety. He also relieved it. He told the disciples that after he was gone, the Holy Spirit would prompt them to remember what he told them—with no mistakes. After the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the disciples would be able to preach and teach and write the New Testament of the Bible confidently, knowing that the Holy Spirit was making sure that every word was correct.

Jesus also relieved anxiety by telling his disciples that his suffering and death would bring peace and confidence. He would not remain dead. He would rise from the dead, proving that everything he said was true, and showing that God continues to be in charge of this world.

God’s love for you in Christ Jesus gives you peace and takes away fear. You can also speak words that take away anxiety for your loved ones. Because of the peace you have in Jesus, you are able to speak words of forgiveness to them. Because you know that the Bible is true, you can speak the truth to them in love.

When your heart is troubled, when you feel anxious, Jesus promises you peace.

Prayer:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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Not Orphans – May 20, 2018

May 20, 2018 Kerry

“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
John 14:15-21

Not Orphans

Daily Devotion – May 20, 2018

Devotion based on John 14:15-21

See series: Devotions

Put yourself in the place of one of Jesus’ disciples. You and your fellow disciples are gathered together with Jesus on the day before he died. Over the past couple weeks, he told you about how he would be betrayed, arrested, and put to death. Again, he tells you that he won’t be on this earth much longer. He will soon leave to return to heaven to God the Father. How do you feel about it? Fearful? Anxious? Confused? Maybe all of the above.

Perhaps the feeling of the disciples can be compared to that of an orphan child who would feel all of those things: fear, anxiety, and confusion. It seems he is alone on this earth. His parents are gone and it looks like there is no one to care for him. In these verses from John 14, Jesus made some wonderful and comforting promises to his disciples. And through these inspired words of John, he also speaks these promises to all his believers today. Jesus said that he will not leave us as orphans. We are not alone.

Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to us. What the Spirit does for us is nothing short of remarkable. He lives in us and gives us the eyes of faith to see Jesus even though our physical eyes can’t. Without the Holy Spirit, we couldn’t see Jesus. But because Jesus has sent him to live in our hearts, he has enabled us to see Jesus and all he has done and continues to do for us.

The Holy Spirit points us to Jesus’ cross and shows us that there our sins are forgiven. He points us to Jesus’ empty tomb and enables us to understand that because Jesus lives forever in heaven, so will we as his believers. Finally, the Holy Spirit lights a burning love for our Savior in our hearts. After showing us Jesus’ love for us, he works in us the desire to say “thank you” to Jesus by following what Jesus says. Yes, Jesus and his love can be seen in our lives through our obedience to him.

Jesus may not be physically with us on earth right now, but he has not left us as orphans. He has sent the Holy Spirit that we may continue to see Jesus through the eyes of faith. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, our lives are living testimonies to Jesus’ love for us. And one day Jesus will do just as he said, “I will come to you.” He will come back and take us to be with him forever in heaven.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your life to forgive all of my sins. Thank you for rising from the dead to give me everlasting life in heaven. Continue to send your Holy Spirit to me that I may see you through the eyes of faith. Help me to live my life according to your Word. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, continue to strengthen my faith in you. One day, do as you have promised and come back to take me and all believers to heaven. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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God Makes Himself Known – May 19, 2018

May 19, 2018 Kerry

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
Acts 17:22-23

God Makes Himself Known

Daily Devotion – May 19, 2018

Devotion based on Acts 17:22-23

See series: Devotions

“I am spiritual, but I’m not religious.” When someone says those words, the meaning is something like this: “I believe in a god, a higher power. I believe that morality is good, and goodness is noble. I believe that I should treat others the way I want to be treated. However, I don’t believe any one religious group has sole claim to the truth. I don’t think that anyone can really claim to know god fully…if at all.” Such people are sometimes labeled “agnostics”. They believe there is a god out there somewhere, but he and his ways remain elusively hidden…unknown. They may be indifferent about it. They may be casually or frantically looking, searching, grasping for this god. But in their minds, he can only be called the unknown god.

When the apostle Paul walked in the ancient city of Athens 2,000 years ago, he met a group of people who had similar thoughts. They “knew” a whole bunch of gods that they worshiped just like their ancestors had. But they didn’t want to offend any of the gods by inadvertently missing one of them. So they built an altar for an unknown god. Paul saw this altar and saw an opportunity. Paul knew what was missing. He knew that the gods the Greeks worshiped were only the imaginations of someone’s mind. And he knew the God who was unknown to them. He knew the only true God of the Bible.

Even though God remains very much hidden to our senses of sight and hearing and touch, God is real, and he wants to be known. He leaves his fingerprints on the created world in a way that causes us to say, “There must be someone behind this, but who is he?” Our hearts tick in such a way that we understand the basic concepts of good and evil, justice and accountability. At times we might think, “What does God think of me and the way I live?” When death knocks at our door, we wonder what’s on the other side. “Is it God? If so, how will that go for me?” We ask.

God gives us answers in the Bible. Paul shared them with his audience. (Read Acts 17:22-31.) God created all things, including us. We have not lived as his children—we’ve done wrong, we’ve sinned. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior from sin. Jesus died on the cross in our place. He rose from the dead, showing that he finished his work and the Father accepted it. God calls us to turn to Jesus in faith and live in confidence that our sins are forgiven, we are his dearly loved children and heaven is our home after death. God wants to be known to you. Turn to him and live!

Prayer:
Lord God, help us to know you by your written word, the Bible. Help us to see you as our loving Father and gracious Savior in whom we have physical, spiritual and eternal life. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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BULLETIN- MISSION FESTIVAL- May 20, 2018

May 18, 2018 Kerry

MISSION FESTIVAL

PENTECOST SUNDAY

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May 20, 2018

8 a.m. Emmanuel

10 a.m. St. John’s

Pastor Peter Zietlow

Missionary Daniel Kroll

Choir Sings: “He Is The Rock” by Michael Barrett

Rise for Liturgy, which is spoken by pastor and responsively by congregation.

P: This is the day that the Lord has made.

C: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

P: This is the day of which Jesus declared: “You will receive the power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.

C: And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Psalm 118:24; Acts 1:8

Confession of Sin

P: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:8-9

Let us therefore humbly confess our sin to God and seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Savior.

C: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions. Wash away all our iniquities, and cleanse us from our sin. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Do not cast us away from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation, and grant us a willing spirit to sustain us.

Psalm 51: 1,2;10-12

P: God, our Heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

P: Let us pray: God, we offer to you praise for the gift of your Spirit. When we are lonely, the Spirit comes to be our friend. When we are filled with doubt and lack faith, the Spirit speaks the word of truth. When we are filled with hatred, the Spirit brings to us the gift of love. For your Spirit we praise you, O God, our redeemer. Amen

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 29:5-6

God provides for Israel trekking in the desert

⁵Yet the LORD says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. ⁶You ate no bread and drank no wine or other fermented drink. I did this so that you might know that I am the LORD your God.”

Choir: “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms” arranged by Kim Eve

Epistle Lesson: 2 Corinthians 12:9-12

Paul faces difficulties in his work for the Lord, but accepts the Lord’s answer that he carry on (“trekking”) as he is.

⁹But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ¹¹I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. ¹²I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.

Verse of the Day

Alleluia. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia

C: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Hymnal p. 18

Rise for the Gospel Reading: Luke 9:51-56

⁵¹As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. ⁵²And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; ⁵³but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. ⁵⁴When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “LORD, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” ⁵⁵But Jesus turned and rebuked them. ⁵⁶Then he and his disciples went to another village.

Congregational Sermon Hymn, “Savior I follow On,” Hymn 473

Sermon: Missionary Daniel Kroll

Theme: All God’s People Keep on Trekking

Text: 1 Kings 19:1-18

¹Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. ²So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” ³Elijah was afraid^[^a^] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, ⁴while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” ⁵Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” ⁶He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. ⁷The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” ⁸So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. ⁹There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁰He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” ¹¹The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.¹²After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. ¹³When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁴He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too. ¹⁵The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram.¹⁶Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. ¹⁷Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. ¹⁸Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”

Offering. Greet one another and sign the register.

Prayer: O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and have sent your messengers to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near. Grant that by the witness of your Church many may be brought into your kingdom and worship you, the only true God; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen

Intercessory Prayers: – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Clemens Bredeson (Karin Stellick’s father), Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Caleb & Emery Degenstein (Mark Emond’s friends), Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Brian & Bonnie Harmon (Linda Lou Wacholtz’ sister & brother-in-law), Brody Henke, Ardis Henning, Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Doris Klawitter, Anna Madigan, Kerry & Lily Mann, Ruthie Marcelain (Dawn’s granddaughter), Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Steve Parrish, Wayne Riemer, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Bill Schroeder (Ashley’s father-in-law), Carol Schumann, Jane Torres (Stacie Starke’s mother), Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Paul Weldon – (added this week: Clemens Bredeson)
– For the family of Donald Moldenhauer, Shirley Wilkin’s brother, who was called hom on 5/11.

– For the family of Herbert Paul Strauss, Jennifer’s grandfather who was called home on 5/11
– For Miss Rachel Naumann, a 2016 Martin Luther College–New Ulm, MN graduate, who served 2 years as dorm supervisor and instructor at Luther Preparatory School–Watertown and on 5/12 was re-assiged at the MLC Call service to serve the Lord at St. John’s Lutheran School in Montello as Kindergarten & 1st grade teacher
– For Missionary Dan Kroll and his family and our WELS missions in Cameroon and throughout the world
– For today’s (5/20) St. John’s Voters meeting to call our St. John’s Lutheran School 5-8th grade teacher/principal

All: The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction: Go forth in joy. Love and serve one another. Be a faithful witness to God in the world and live in such a way that the gracious Spirit of Jesus may be with you in all that you do and say.

C: Amen

Congregation Closing Hymn, “Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus,” Hymn 452

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for Next Sunday, May 27, 2018:

The Festival of the Holy Trinity

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK MAY 20-MAY 26
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Mission Festival Worship
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Mission Festival Worship (meal, presentation by Cameroon Missionary Dan Kroll)
	11:15 A.M.		Teacher call meeting at St. John’s
Mon.	7:30 P.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s (last one before summer break)
Tues.	6:30 P.M.		Men’s Bible Study at St. John’s (last one before summer break)
Wed.	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s (last one before summer break)
	1:40 P.M.		SJS/LL early dismissal
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship
Thurs.	10:00 A.M.		Montello Care Center devotion with communion
	6:00 P.M.		St. John’s School graduation & awards
	7:00 P.M.		St. John’s Council meeting
Fri.	11:30 A.M.		Last day of school (early release)
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, May 27, 2018 The Festival of the Holy Trinity
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion

NEW MEDITATIONS AND MISSION FORWARD IN CHRIST Please pick yours up in the link way at St. John’s or the entry way at Emmanuel.

PICK UP YOUR SPRING LWMS NEWSLETTER St. John’s Ladies, the newsletter just arrived and there are copies available at the mission display and also at the voting station in the linkway.

THANK YOU to the Sunday School teachers and Adult Bible Study leaders for your time this year. Have a wonderful summer break and we will resume classes the Sunday after Labor Day.

TODAY’S (5/20) ALTAR FLOWERS AT ST. JOHN’S were given by George & Bonnie Chapman in loving memory of their granddaughter Sierra Prater who after a tragic accident at home passed away on 12/22/18. This past Wednesday (5/16) would have been her 18th birthday. May God comfort her family.

THIS YEAR’S HIGHSCHOOL GRADUATION Abel Bain (Martin Luther Preparatory), Seryna Jungenberg?, Corey Kaul (WLA), Jonathan Lambrecht ?, Jasmine Lange (Montello), Morgan Marceau (Portage), Leah Wachholz (Montello) (Please give the church office a call with any updates.)

See the source image LIFETOUCH PHOTOS If you were unable to schedule a photo session through Lifetouch for our new church directory and would still like to be in it in order to receive your copy FREE, please send your photo to Pastor Pete or Ciara BY JUNE 14^TH. You may also schedule Ciara to take your picture 608-297-2866. Thank you.

ST. JOHN’S LADIES, TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO VOTE for officers on the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Board of Directors and for mission projects for the international level. Your vote will be tabulated with those of LWMS members from across the country and in some foreign countries and announced at the LWMS Convention in Green Bay this June. Your vote is very much appreciated!

OFFICE SUMMER HOURS Starting JUNE 4^TH, I will be in the office Mondays 8:00am-4:00pm, Tuesdays 8:00am-4:00pm, and Thursdays 8:00am-12:00pm. -Ciara

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Jesus says to take up your cross. Why? Do I have to? What does that mean anyway? We will be answering questions like that at the Men’s Bible class this month. “Jesus Cross- and Yours!” is the topic. Come join at 6:30pm in St. John’s lower level, Pastor Dolan is leading a 5-week Men’s Bible Study. Questions? Contact Pastor D at: 608-297-1075 or pastordolan@gmail.com

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “Be ye fishers of men. You catch ’em – He’ll clean ’em.”

TODAY IS MISSION FESTIVAL WITH MISSIONARIES DANIEL & KAREN KROLL SERVING IN CAMEROON, AFRICA You will be treated to food for body and soul at a “4-Ps Mission Meal” of Preaching-Pasta-Pie-Presentation. THANK YOU to Pastor Kroll for sharing God’s food for the soul at both worship services. ALL are invited for the body at a meal of pasta (lasagna) and homemade pie (Freewill Offering), at St. John’s, beginning around 11:30a.m. hosted by $C:\Users\secretary\Downloads\842x342-Missions-Cameroon1.jpg$ LWMS. There will be more food for the soul as Missionary Kroll and his wife Karen share with us a presentation about our WELS mission in Cameroon.

TODAY A FREEWILL OFFERING FOR CAMEROON IS BEING TAKEN AT BOTH CHURCHES Your prayer and monetary support is vital. Cameroon currently operates on project funds rather than being part of the WELS budget.

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL TEEN CONFIRMATION CLASS END OF CLASS PROJECT Bird Feeder Building with Pastor Z (kits provided by Gene Crook)

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Usher Schedule

May 20

Jack Yates; Chief, Ben Emond, Tyler Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz, James Henke

Don Stelter, Jim Stuempges, Joe Heller

May 27

(with comm)

Don Smith; Chief, Paul Van Treeck, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall

Darrell Buchholz, Bob Ferber, Paul Dahlke

*St. John’s Greeter Schedule*
May 20	Al & Carolyn Rosenthal
May 27	Dixie Wagner & Bernice Wegner

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

5-13 5-16

185

St. John’s Altar Committee

May 2018

Jennie Utke

Susan Brown

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-107160252675/

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowpl6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

Parish/School Secretary Ciara Neuhauser (608) 297-2866

Altar Ladies Elaine Kelm (920) 344-0025 &

Carolyn Rosenthal 589-5036

Mail to: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949

OR scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

Winnebago Lutheran Academy

Principal Mr. David Schroeder/WLA office (920) 921-4930

WLA website: www.wlavikings.org

Exalted for You – May 18, 2018

May 18, 2018 Kerry

[God] raised [Christ] from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.
Ephesians 1:20-22

Exalted for You

Daily Devotion – May 18, 2018

Devotion based on Ephesians 1:20-22

See series: Devotions

The phrase “friends in high places” refers to having people in senior or powerful positions who are able and willing to use their influence on one’s behalf.

While we may not have friends in high places, God’s Word tells us that we do have a friend in the highest place: Jesus Christ. He sits on a throne, “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given…” He wields absolute power not just in time, but in eternity; not just over material things, but over spiritual things as well. Christ is exalted above all.

The key question is “Why?” Christ is exalted “for the church.” Jesus wields all power, authority, and dominion with a singular focus and goal: the eternal benefit of his believers. Jesus rules over all things in this world for you. His active work on your behalf didn’t stop when he gave his life to pay for your sin. It didn’t stop when he rose to give you victory over death and the grave. No, it continues every day. The same power exerted to conquer our spiritual enemies is the very power Jesus still holds and uses for your eternal good.

Wickedness may run rampant in this world. People you relied on may have turned their backs or let you down. An accident or a sudden catastrophe may have changed your earthly life. Your earthly life may be drawing to a close. But Jesus is still exalted above all for your eternal good.

He carried your sin. He paid your debt. He gave his life on a cross for you. He rose to conquer your grave and trusting in him as your Savior, he will bring you into eternal glory.

For today and every day after that, know that Jesus is exalted for you.

Prayer:(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 536:1)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head, you are her one foundation. In you she trusts, before you bows, and waits for your salvation. Built on this rock secure, your church shall endure, though all the world decay and all things pass away. Oh, hear us, Jesus. Amen.

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St. John’s School Teen Confirmation End-of-Class Proect–Bird Feeder Building with Pastor Z (kits provided by Gene Crook)

May 17, 2018 lillyk24

Heroes – May 17, 2018

May 17, 2018 Kerry

[God’s Son], who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 1:4

Heroes

Daily Devotion – May 17, 2018

Devotion based on Romans 1:4

See series: Devotions

History is full of heroes. We’ve heard stories of men and women who have made great sacrifices to advance a good cause. We’re right to feel inspired by people like that.

Jesus counts as one of history’s heroes. He took on the greedy, selfish leaders of his day. He loved the poor and the outcasts of society. He was a skilled teacher and a faithful friend. He sacrificed himself not only for his loved ones, but also for his enemies. The story of what Jesus said and did has been an inspiration for people around the world for over two thousand years.

But Jesus did what no other hero could do. Jesus rose from the dead. Death could not hold on to Jesus, because Jesus is bigger than death. Jesus is the Son of God.

Since Jesus is God, the cause Jesus advanced is far greater than any other good cause this world has ever seen. His victory over sin doesn’t just inspire us, it counts for us. His victory over the tomb is our victory over the tomb too. Everyone who trusts in Jesus has God’s complete forgiveness for the debt of their sin. All believers in Jesus who die will one day exit their tombs, raised and glorified, just like Jesus did.

We can all find inspiration from the good example of others, but we need more than that. We need rescue from our sin. We need deliverance from death. Jesus is more than a hero. He is our Savior. He was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you are the Son of God. You are the Savior I need. Take away my guilty fears and fill me with resurrection joy. Amen.

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Witnesses of the Resurrection – May 16, 2018

May 16, 2018 Kerry

[Peter said,] “It is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” … Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Acts 1:21-22,26

Witnesses of the Resurrection

Daily Devotion – May 16, 2018

Devotion based on Acts 1:21-22,26

See series: Devotions

The number twelve is significant in the Bible. That number is closely associated with God’s people. In the Old Testament there were twelve tribes of Israel. In the New Testament there were twelve apostles.

Well, there were twelve apostles. After he betrayed Jesus, Judas was seized with remorse and took his own life. Then there were only eleven apostles, and God does not leave things incomplete. So after Jesus ascended into heaven, Peter addressed the believers and told them that it was time to replace Judas.

The requirement for this new apostle was that he had to be with the other apostles together with Jesus from the beginning of Lord’s ministry to his ascension. Two men were proposed to fill the position: Joseph and Matthias. The believers prayed, cast lots, and Matthias was chosen.

We do not know what happened to Matthias after this. He is never mentioned again. So why does the Bible make such a big deal of his selection? Because the big deal is not Matthias, it is what Matthias was called to do.

Peter said that Matthias “must become a witness with us of his [Jesus’] resurrection.” The big deal about Matthias is that he was an eyewitness. He could tell people, “This is not made up! I was there. I walked and talked with Jesus before he was crucified, and I saw him alive again three days after he died.”

Here is the truth about Christianity. It is not made up. We did not see Jesus’ death and resurrection or hear his teaching with our own ears. But Matthias and the other apostles did, and their eyewitness testimony is recorded in the Bible.

In other words, Scripture tells the facts of our salvation: Jesus saved us by giving his perfect life and dying the death that we deserve. But now Christ is risen. It’s true; we can count on it for eternal life!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for providing us with witnesses of your resurrection and for preserving their testimony in the Bible. Most of all, thank you for giving us eternal life in the risen Christ. Amen.

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Lord, how can I possibly love THAT person? – May 15, 2018

May 15, 2018 Kerry

We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19

Lord, how can I possibly love THAT person?

Daily Devotion – May 15, 2018

Devotion based on 1 John 4:19

See series: Devotions

Perhaps it is that co-worker whose mission in life seems to be to make your job as difficult and unpleasant as possible. Perhaps it is a family member whose addiction has not only torn apart their own life but has left your life and emotions in tatters as well. Perhaps it is your neighbor, who continues to hold loud late-night parties even after you’ve asked them repeatedly to be more considerate. Or perhaps it is that fellow church member, who always seems to find something wrong with what you’ve done no matter how hard you try to do it in “the right way.”

We all have people in our lives who are hard to love. Yet, the fact that we find them hard to love does not excuse us from loving them. Jesus’ command to us is clear: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). And he has made it very clear who our neighbor is—all our fellow human beings. That includes our troublesome co-worker, our addicted family member, our loud next-door neighbor, our nit-picky fellow church member, and anyone else that we may find hard to love.

But how can we possibly love someone when they make it so hard for us to love them? Does God just want us to fake it? Does he just want us to put on a happy face and pretend that everything that bothers us about them doesn’t really matter?

The apostle John gives us the answer to all these questions in today’s Bible passage. He tells us, “We love because he [that is, God] first loved us.” Think about the way in which God has loved you. Did he love you because you always were so kind and pleasant toward him? Did he love you because you had so much to offer him? Did he love you because on your own you were so lovable? No, God loved you in spite of the fact that you were by nature his enemy. He loved you in spite of the fact that you had nothing but your sins to offer him. He loved you in spite of the fact that on your own you were not lovable at all. And his love for you wasn’t just him putting on a smiling face and pretending that the things that made you unlovable didn’t really bother him. No, his love for you was so real and sincere that he willingly sacrificed his Son Jesus on the cross so that everything that made you unlovable in yourself was washed away by Jesus’ precious blood.

Talk about loving someone who was hard to love! God’s love shows us what it means to love everyone, regardless of how lovable they are in themselves. God’s love demonstrates that true love doesn’t depend on how much the person being loved deserves that love. True love depends on a truly loving God who loved us unlovable sinners so much that he sacrificed his own Son for us. As God’s love surrounds and fills our hearts, we have all we need to love even those people that are hard to love. And we will be able to love all our neighbors—even THOSE neighbors—just as God loves each of us.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, so fill my heart with your love for me in Jesus my Savior that I may love all my neighbors just as you have loved me. Amen.

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