Change of Plans – August 14, 2018

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
Ephesians 5:1-2

Change of Plans


Daily Devotion – August 14, 2018

Devotion based on Ephesians 5:1-2

See series: Devotions

They were young boys who loved to play soccer. Some had plans to play professionally when they grew up. But that’s before they entered the cave.

This past June, in Thailand, 12 boys and their soccer coach entered a local cave to look around—something they had done many times before. But heavy rains suddenly made waters in the cave rise. The rising water forced the soccer team to go back further and further into the cave. They found themselves trapped. Almost two miles of cold, murky water separated the team from the entrance. And few of the boys could swim.

Then came the Navy SEALs. They emerged from the water to find the boys after searching for them for days. They quickly saw to it that the boys and their coach would not be alone from that time forward. They brought food. They transported letters between the boys and their families. They even played checkers with them. The two-week ordeal climaxed in a miraculous rescue. Over 150 Navy SEALs took part in bringing each boy through underwater twists and turns. Every trip took hours. The difficulty was beyond words. One Navy SEAL died. The boys and their coach, however, are out, alive, and safe.

Since the rescue, several of the boys have changed their plans for what they want to do with their lives. They want to be Navy SEALs. They want to rescue others.

You and I once found ourselves trapped in a place far more desperate than even a water-filled cave. You and I once found ourselves trapped in the pit of our own sin.

But then the Son of God arrived. He did what had to be done to retrieve us from the despairing darkness into the warm light of his forgiveness. In doing so he gave his life. For us.

Now, through faith in Jesus, you and I are out, alive, and safe. And because Christ has risen from death, we know that we will never be alone again.

But this rescue has not only changed the destiny of our souls, it has changed our plans for life on this earth. Armed with the gospel message of what Jesus has done, you and I can now be rescuers too.

Right now, there are people you know who are trapped—trapped in the spiritual caves and caverns of this broken world. Seek them out. Bring them what they need. Bring them Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you have rescued me and brought me into the light of your forgiveness. Through your gospel, empower me to seek others as you sought me. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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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Life-giving Bread – August 13, 2018

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
John 6:51

Life-giving Bread


Daily Devotion – August 13, 2018

Devotion based on John 6:51

See series: Devotions

“What’s to eat?” That’s the question heard daily, and the answer can be found in the refrigerator, the pantry, or the cupboard. Often one of those sources provides a solution and hunger is satisfied.

“What’s to eat?” This question can be understood in a completely different way. Instead of focusing on an empty stomach, it can also focus on the empty soul. What satisfies this hunger?

Many people look for answers in all sorts of places. Most rely on what I must do to satisfy the hunger pangs of my guilty soul. Unfortunately, all these self-reliant solutions will only leave me hungry. Worse yet, I soon come to the realization I am dying from spiritual starvation. Where do I turn to find life-giving bread that feeds my hungry soul?

The answer is found only in Jesus. His words are simple, yet profound: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.” There is no doubt about what Jesus offers. It is bread which gives life. Not only does it fill my starving soul, it also nourishes me with eternal life.

Jesus can rightly offer this living bread from heaven. As the source of life, he came into this starving and death-ridden world. He endured the pain, the emptiness, and even the horrible death it demanded. He triumphed over everything, and with his victory he offers food that gives life.

This life-giving bread is mine only through faith. When I put my complete trust in him and in his precious work, my hungry soul is filled. No longer do I search to find nourishment. No longer do I yearn to be filled. No longer am I resigned to endless starvation and death. Jesus is my life-giving bread from heaven. Daily I long to eat what he offers, and joyfully I find the food which gives eternal life.

Prayer:
O gracious Jesus, bread of life from heaven, come and feed me with your life-giving food that my hungry soul may be filled. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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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Mistaken Identity – August 12, 2018

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 14:25-27

Mistaken Identity


Daily Devotion – August 12, 2018

Devotion based on Matthew 14:25-27

See series: Devotions

Often embarrassment follows a case of mistaken identity. What also quickly follows is an apology with the explanation, “I thought you were someone else.” It is a situation that will repeat itself regularly, but likely will not have any lasting consequences—except when it happens regarding Jesus.

On the night the disciples witnessed the miracle of Jesus walking on the lake, their fears escalated. Instead of seeing their friend, teacher, and Savior, they mistook Jesus for a ghost. As a result, they were filled with terror and believed their demise was near. I need to learn a lesson from the disciples, and even more importantly, I need to know who Jesus is and what he does for me.

It is easy for Jesus to experience a case of mistaken identity. It happens when I fail to see Jesus for who he is and try to make him into something he never came to be. Without the guidance of the Scriptures I would only identify Jesus as a good man, a fine teacher, or someone after whom I would like to model my life. The problem comes when I need Jesus to be more than this.

This is why I need to get back to what God’s Word reveals. There I see Jesus’ true identity. He is my Savior who by his obedient death on the cross rescues me from the condemnation of sin. He is my Redeemer who by his victorious resurrection frees me from the power of the devil. He is my Shepherd who by his unsurpassed power lovingly leads me through this life to eternal life. He is, finally, my ever-present God and Lord who says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

While situations of mistaken identity will happen from time to time, I can never afford to see Jesus as anything, or anyone other than my Savior, my God, and my Lord.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 358)
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrows heals our wounds, and drives away all fear!

O Jesus, Shepherd, Guardian, Friend, my Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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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The Rescue – August 11, 2018

… from [the patriarchs] is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all.
Romans 9:5

The Rescue


Daily Devotion – August 11, 2018

Devotion based on Romans 9:5

See series: Devotions

During World War II, an American soldier by the name of Bert Frizen was on the front lines in Europe. One day, his patrol reached the edge of a wooded area with an open field before them. But unknown to the Americans, a unit of Germans waited in trenches about 200 yards across that field.

Bert was one of two scouts who moved out into the clearing. Once he was halfway across the field, the remainder of his battalion followed. Suddenly the Germans opened fire. Bullets ripped into both of Bert’s legs. The Americans immediately withdrew into the woods for protection. A rapid exchange of fire continued, but Bert lay helpless where he had fallen.

Then things got worse. Bert noticed that a German soldier was crawling towards him. He closed his eyes and waited for his enemy to arrive and put him to death. Time passed. Finally, he dared to look. There was the German soldier kneeling at his side. Then Bert noticed something else. The shooting had stopped. The shooting had stopped because every man on both sides wanted to see what this mysterious German soldier was going to do next.

And this is what he did. In the middle of that field, the German picked up Bert in his arms and carried him to the safety of the American side. Then, without speaking a word, he turned and walked back across the field to his own troops. Moments later the fighting resumed, but not before all those present had witnessed how one man had risked everything for his enemy.

By nature, you and I were God’s enemies. Our sinfulness had infected us so much that our very minds were hostile toward God. But God did the unthinkable. He became one of us. He became one of us in the person of Jesus Christ. On our behalf he lived the holy life we had refused to live. Then, for our sin he suffered and died the death we had deserved to die. Then he rose from death to assure us that we were enemies no more.

And now we are rescued, you and I—rescued and forgiven through faith in the One who refused to stand by and watch us die. That is what we have in our God. That is what we have in our Savior.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, at a time when every fiber of my being was your sworn enemy, you chose to rescue me. And now you are my dearest friend. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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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Priests to Serve – August 10, 2018

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Revelation 1:5b-6

Priests to Serve


Daily Devotion – August 10, 2018

Devotion based on Revelation 1:5b-6

See series: Devotions

Today when we hear the word “priest,” we may picture someone wearing a black shirt with that one-of-a-kind clerical collar. We may think of someone being addressed as “Father.” Yet in these verses from the book of Revelation, the title “priest” does not strictly apply to Roman Catholic clergy. It applies to every believer.

Permit a little history to complete the picture. For Old Testament Israel, God had established an order of priests. Their role was to serve as the intermediaries between God and his people. Why? God is holy. His people are not. Holiness and sin do not mix. So, if the people were to offer to God the gifts, offerings, prayers, and sacrifices he commanded, they would do so through the priest. They could not offer God anything on their own. They needed a priest.

Jesus has changed all that. We do not need priests to go between us and God anymore, because Jesus loves us to such an extent that he offered his holy life as the payment for our sins. We are neither slaves nor prisoners to our sin any longer. We are free. When God looks at his people, he doesn’t see their sin. He sees the holiness of his Son, Jesus.

As a result of that, all believers are not just “members” of the Holy Christian Church, Jesus has made us all priests. We get to offer gifts to God ourselves. We do so not just in giving money to church or charity. We do this when we, ourselves, go to God in prayer, when we help those who need it, when we provide for those under our care, when we treat others with love and respect. He transforms our lives so that every day in what we do, we serve him. He has made us priests to serve.

Prayer:(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 469)
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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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The Beauty of the Church – August 9, 2018

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
Ephesians 5:25-27

The Beauty of the Church


Daily Devotion – August 9, 2018

Devotion based on Ephesians 5:25-27

See series: Devotions

I am a fan of the tradition that on the wedding day the groom should not see his bride before she comes down the aisle. I think it came from superstitious notions, which I do not believe in, but the upshot is that the expression on the groom’s face is often one of the best pictures of the day. What he sees is a breathtakingly beautiful bride. She is the woman of his dreams. She is radiant, and in that moment, she is without blemish. It is a beautiful moment.

Now men, put yourself on the other end of the aisle. You are walking down the aisle to meet the church’s groom, Jesus, who loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy. The Church—all believers in Christ, collectively—is the bride and she is beautiful.

I can think of many things about Christian people and me that I know are not beautiful. It is a stain and wrinkle on my record when I think how I do not love my wife as Christ loved the church. And yet, here we are, walking down the aisle to stand by Jesus. His sacrificial death makes us holy. The washing of baptism cleanses us, and Jesus in his beautiful love for us presents us to himself as a radiant church.

Prayer:
Jesus, your great love for us and the remarkable transformation from stained and blemished sinner to radiant bride is marvelous to ponder. Lead us in gratitude to love each other as you have loved us. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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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Bulletin- August 12, 2018 The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

St. John’s & Emmanuel

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

elijah_17555c

August 12, 2018

The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, August 12, 2018 St. John’s & Emmanuel

Divine Service II

Divine Service II is a version of the historic liturgy of the Christian church.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus Gives the Bread of Life That We Might Fulfill the Impossible – Have you ever been faced with an impossible task? When a job seems impossible, it’s difficult and frustrating to even attempt fulfilling it. For Christians, trusting in Jesus, believing his promises and loving others as he loves us sometimes seems impossible. But in today’s lessons we are shown how Jesus gives us the ability to fulfill impossible tasks by giving us the Bread of Life. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). But with God, nothing is impossible (Lk 1:37).

HYMN 108 “Jesus, Refuge of the Weary” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

INVOCATION

The name of the triune God and the sign of the cross remind worshipers of their baptisms.

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

CONFESSION

M: Friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.

C: Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin.

For faithless worrying and selfish pride,

for sins of habit and sins of choice,

for the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do,

You should cast me away from Your presence forever.

O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.

ABSOLUTION

The use of the keys is that special power and right which Christ gave to His church on earth: to forgive the sins of penitent sinners. John 20:21-23

M: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. In His great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the Word of Christ through His called servant:

I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY Mark 10:47

Kyrie: Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian church.

M: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

For the well-being of all people everywhere, that they may receive from You all they need to sustain body and life, hear our prayer, O Lord.

C: Lord, have mercy.

M: For the spread of Your life-giving Gospel throughout the world, that all who are lost in sin may be brought to faith in You, hear our prayer, O Christ.

C: Christ, have mercy.

M: For patience and perseverance in this life, that we may not lose the hope of heaven as we await Your return, hear our prayer, O Lord.

C: Lord, have mercy.

M: Lord of life, live in us that we may live for You.

C: Amen.

GLORY BE TO GOD Luke 2:14 (sung to the tune of Hymn 152 “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”

Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things He has done to accomplish our rescue from sin.

“Glory to God in the Highest” has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century.

  1. All glory be to God on high! Your name, O Lord, we glorify;

We praise You for Your peace and grace, Your favor toward our fallen race.

  1. Our grateful thanks to You we bring, for Your great glory, heav’nly King,

For all, O Father, You have done, through Jesus Christ, Your only Son.

  1. O Lamb of God, to You we pray. You take all human sin away.

Have mercy, Lord; receive our prayer; from God’s right hand, Your mercy share.

  1. You, Christ, are holy– Lord alone; the Father’s glory You made known.

We by Your Spirit sing again: “All glory be to God!” Amen.

THE WORD

SALUTATION

This greeting has deep roots in Christian worship and marks the beginning of the Word section of this service.

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Good Shepherd who laid down Your life for the sheep. Lead us now to the still waters of Your life-giving Word that we may abide in Your Father’s house forevermore; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

(Please be seated)

FIRST LESSON 1 KINGS 19:3-8

An angel strengthens Elijah

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, 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.” Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

The 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.” So 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.

PSALM 145 (hymnal page 119, cantor sings first line, congregation sings second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)

SECOND LESSON EPHESIANS 4:30–5:2

Spiritual living flows from God who has forgiven us

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Alleluia. (All sing Verse of the Day on bulletin page 6)

Alleluia-Faith

(Please stand)

The congregation stands and speaks words of acclamation out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.

GOSPEL

M: The Gospel according to John chapter 6 verses 41-51

C: Glory be to You, O Lord.

Jesus is the Bread of Life, the True Source of Spiritual Food

At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

M: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise be to You, O Christ.

(Please be seated)

HYMN OF THE DAY 451 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

The Hymn of the Day is assigned to this day because of its rich content and connection to the day’s Gospel.

SERMON We’ve Got Nowhere To Go But To God (1 Kings 19:3-8)

  1. Giving up (3, 4)
  2. Getting help (5-7)
  3. Going on (8)

(Please stand)

NICENE CREED

Public confession is faith’s response to God’s saving Word. Christians composed the Nicene Creed in the fourth century to defend the Bible’s teachings that both Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are true God, equal to the Father in one eternal, undivided Trinity.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate.

He suffered death and was buried. On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian* and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

*The original text here reads “catholic,” a word meaning “universal.” The Church consists of all believers in heaven and on earth, of every time in history.

(Please be seated)

OFFERING

Moved by God’s love in Christ, we offer Him our first and best gifts, purely out of thanks to Him.

(Please stand)

PRAYER FOR BLESSINGS ON THE CHURCH (CWAB, p 291, read by pastor)

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Marilyn Bredeson (Karin’s Stellick’s mother), David Broderick, Mike Brown, 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), RaeLynn Hodgkins (Beth Johnson’s daughter), Brian & Bonnie Harmon (Linda Lou Wacholtz’ sister & brother-in-law), Brody Henke, Ardis Henning, Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Doris Klawitter, Aspen Raelynn Lefeber (Barb Hoffman’s greatgrandaughter), Anna Madigan, Kerry & Lily Mann, Ruthie Marcelain (Dawn’s granddaughter), Wayne Riemer, Wilma Rudolph, Frankie Russell, Bob Schrank, Jennifer Strauss, Jane Torres (Stacie Starke’s mother), Dennis & Romana Wacholtz, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Paul Weldon, Raymond Zacharias (Marilyn Riemer’s brother) – (added this week: )

– For our Vacation Bible School this past week (Mon–Fri) at St. John’s

– For our eight WELS congregations in Alaska and the Hmong mission at Faith–Anchorage

– For our communicants at St. John’s

NOTE: AT EMMANUEL, THE SERVICE CONTINUES WITH…

THE LORD’S PRAYER Matthew 6:9-13 (contemporary version)

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,

Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours now and forever.

Amen.

HYMN 473:1-3 “Savior, I Follow On” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

This christological hymn summarizes the sacrificial, earthly life of our Savior and the glory that is now his forever and ours through faith.

CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING

The blessing of Aaron has been spoken to God’s people for over 3500 years. The Lord said, “So they will put My name on (them) and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27

M: The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

C: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN 473:4 “Savior, I Follow On” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

NOTE: AT ST. JOHN’S, THE SERVICE CONTINUES WITH…

THE SACRAMENT

PREFACE

The words of the Preface mark the beginning of the Sacrament section of the service and lift the worshiper’s hearts in praise. The opening sentences are among the oldest in the Christian liturgy.

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

C: We lift them up to the Lord.

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C: It is good and right so to do.

M: It is good and right that we should at all times and in all places give You thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who came as the Light of the world so that the world may have light and life through Him. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise Your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Sanctus (sung to the tune of Hymn 131 “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”)

Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

Sanctus means “Holy.” Used possibly as early as the second century, this canticle was in wide use among Christians in worship by the fourteenth century.

O holy, holy, holy; Lord God of pow’r and might,

Your glory, earth and heaven; In countless ways recite.

Hosanna! Come and save us, Lord God of hosts on high,

And in Your grace and mercy; Receive our fervent cry.

Hosanna in the highest! How truly blest is He;

Who in God’s name is coming; To set His people free!

He comes to bring salvation; and with His blood outpoured,

Deliver us from bondage-Hosanna, mighty Lord!

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Jesus took bread and “gave thanks” (Matthew 26:26).

M: Blessed are You, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which He has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power.

By His incarnation, He became one with us.

By His perfect life, He fulfilled Your holy will.

By His innocent death, He overcame hell.

By His rising from the grave, He opened heaven.

Invited by Your grace and instructed by Your Word, we approach Your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with Him and all His ransomed people in glory everlasting.

C: Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Matthew 6:9-13 (contemporary version)

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,

Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours now and forever.

Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for the Lord’s use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ’s death.

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is My blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: Amen

LAMB OF GOD Agnes Dei John 1:29 Jesus is God’s Lamb (Agnus Dei),who was offered as a sacrifice for sin once for all.

Lamb of God (1)Lamb of God (1)Lamb of God (1)Lamb of God (1)

(Please be seated)

DISTIBUTION HYMN 392 “Not Unto Us”, 473:1-3 “Savior, I Follow On” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

The Scriptures teach us that the celebration of the Lord’s Supper connects us intimately with Christ and with one another as Christians who are united around a common confession of faith.

(Please stand)

SONG OF SIMEON Nunc Dimittis (sung to the tune of Hymn 166 “The Day of Resurrection”)

Luke 2:29-32

The Nunc Dimittis (“Now Dismiss”) is also known as the Song of Simeon. Through God’s Word and Sacrament, we have seen Jesus Christ, and like Simeon we find divine peace and comfort through faith in the Savior.

O Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, assured:

For I have seen Your promised incarnate, saving Word—

A Light that will enlighten all gloom where Gentiles dwell;

The brilliant, crowning glory of those in Israel!

All glory to the Father, all glory to the Son,

All glory to the Spirit, forever three in one;

For as in the beginning, is now, shall ever be,

God’s triune name resounding through all eternity.

M: We give You thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet that You have given us to eat and to drink in this sacrament. Through this gift You have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By Your Spirit help us to live as Your holy people until that day when You will receive us as Your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with You and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

BLESSING

The blessing of Aaron has been spoken to God’s people for over 3500 years. The Lord said, “So they will put My name on (them) and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27

M: The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

C: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN 473:4 “Savior, I Follow On” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THEME FOR NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2018

The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost:

Eating Spiritual Food Equals Believing In Christ

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

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK AUGUST 12-AUGUST 18
Sun. 8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship
10:00 A.M. St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon. 7:00 P.M. Stewardship/Evangelism meeting at St. John’s
Tues. 9:00 A.M. Elders meeting at St. John’s
6:30 P.M. Men’s Bible Study
Wed. 6:30 P.M. St. John’s Worship
7:00 P.M. St. John’s Council meeting
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat. 12:00 P.M. Father Marquette Days Float & Parade at Montello City Park
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2018

The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost:

Eating Spiritual Food Equals Believing In Christ

8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship
10:00 A.M. St. John’s Worship
11:15 A.M. School Registration & Photos at St. John’s

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him/her.”

SCHOOL REGISTRATION AND PICTURES As we prepare for this school year, there are a few upcoming dates to keep in mind. REGISTRATION for St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School and Little Lambs will be next Sunday, August 19 at 11:15a.m. and Monday, August 20 at 6:00p.m. Both will be held at St. John’s in Pastor’s office. SCHOOL PHOTOS will be taken during registration times.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY A great turnout last week for the first of three summer Men’s Bible Classes! Tuesday night at 6:30PM we do it again. Joshua’s Last Lecture teaches about “blind” faith and the old adage, “practice what you preach.” Meet in the church basement.

CARDS The cards have been restocked! They are located in the lower level of St. John’s. Come check them out and see what’s new!

“WHO IS FATHER MARQUETTE?” is the theme for this year’s Father Marquette Day’s Parade downtown Montello on Saturday 8/18 at 12pm. Come meet FM’s lost cousin (see pic) on our church float as he welcome Indians and Pioneers to “paddle” their canoe and kayaks to his tent church. Float riders and walkers are welcome to help us set up Saturday morning in the St. John’s parking lot, and ride/walk in the parade, and join us for face-painting, food, and fun at parade’s end–Montello City Park.

ST. JOHN’S A/V ROOM–HELP WANTED Our current audio/visual crew (Tracy Hoffman & Aaron Wachholz) welcomes more members to learn what they do to create and show PowerPoint services on the big screen, record services to create DVD’s and upload to our church website, operate the sound system, etc. “Many hands make light work.”

ST JOHN’S STREAMING ON YOUTUBE Church services are now streaming live to our YouTube channel. To find St. John’s YouTube channel, simply visit our website: www.stjohnsmontello.org/ and click on the VIDEO link in the top menu. Prior videos can be watched on this page or you can click the link to our YouTube channel page where services can be watched live, as they happen. Be sure to subscribe on Youtube and click the bell icon in the upper right corner of YouTube to get notified of new videos and live streams.

C:\Users\lwachholz.STJOHN\Downloads\Jennifer & Luke.jpgLET’S CELEBRATE MISSIONS WITH OUR WELS MISSIONARIES IN RUSSIA, LUKE & JENNIFER WOLFGRAMM!

Plan to attend!! We are blessed to have another full day of celebrating missions on Sunday, August 26, with special services at 8 a.m. at Emmanuel and at 10 a.m. at St. John’s. A freewill offering will be taken at both services to support the work in Russia.

Pastor Wolfgramm will lead morning worship with what he calls a “Sermontation,” which will combine the morning sermon with a power point presentation about Russia. Then, following the St. John’s service, ALL are invited for a summer “piknik” lunch (Freewill Offering) in the lower level around *11:15 a.m. The Wolfgramms will then do a tag-team mission presentation, that will be completely different from the morning “sermontation,” beginning around *12:00 p.m. (*Times are approximate.)

See the source imageALTAR FLOWERS If you would like to have flowers put on the altar for a special occasion or just to add beauty to St. John’s, please contact our Altar Ladies, Carolyn Rosenthal 589-5036 or Elaine Kelm 920-344-0025, and they can have it arranged. Thank you.

Attendance Emmanuel St. John’s
8-5 8-8 66 116
St. John’s Altar Committee:

August 2018

Jennie Utke

&

Susan Brown

St. John’s Greeter Schedule
August 12 Phyllis Farrell & Pat Henning
August 19 Jim & Diane Eisermann
August 26 Wayne & Marilyn Riemer
Usher Schedule
August 5

SJ

(with comm) E

Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Gordon Krause, Richard Freitag

Wayne Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Paul Dahlke, comm. assist. Brian Ninnemann

August 12

(with comm) SJ

E

Jack Yates; Chief, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock, Matt Borzick

Lucas Stelter, Paul Wuerch, Joe Heller

August 19

SJ

E

Don Smith; Chief, Glen Bubolz, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz

Don Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld

August 26

(with comm) SJ

E

Kenon Smith; Chief, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, Scott Ritz

Brian Ninnemann, Warren Buchholz, Don Stelter

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Monday – 8:00am-4:00pm

Tuesday – 8:00am-4:00pm

Wednesday – 8:00am-4:00pm

Thursday – 8:00am-2:00pm

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

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Rachel Naumann

Teacher Cassie Doering

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

Bread from Heaven – August 8, 2018

In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD‘s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you…. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.
Exodus 16: 2-4,15

Bread from Heaven


Daily Devotion – August 8, 2018

Devotion based on Exodus 16: 2-4,15

See series: Devotions

The future—what lies ahead—is totally unknown to us and often wildly unpredictable. But that doesn’t stop us from having feelings about the future. How do you feel about your future?

In his book Enlightenment Now, cognitive scientist Steven Pinker finds that majorities in fourteen leading countries believe the world is getting worse rather than better. Pinker goes on to say, “This bleak assessment of the state of the world is wrong.” Using statistical insights, Pinker shows that people are living longer, healthier, and happier lives.

So why aren’t we more optimistic? Just because things are getting better, doesn’t mean they are good enough. Just because we have made improvements and advancements doesn’t mean we have achieved perfection.

For the Israelites, life was getting better than it had been. However, you would not know that from today’s Bible verses. Just one month earlier they were all slaves in Egypt. They seemed to think they spent their days in Egypt gorging themselves. They even went so far as to suggest it would have been better if they had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! But their recollection of those days was incorrect.

Selfishness is always easier to spot in someone else. Our own reactions to the troubles and frustrations of life are all too often just as selfish and sinful as the Israelites in these verses. The sinful nature of all mankind can be most ungrateful.

Certainly, God could shower us with blessings that make life in this world more pleasant. And he does! Our lives are already filled with comforts and conveniences that previous generations would never have imagined. But these can never truly satisfy us. We need something better. We long for the perfect life. Whether we realize it or not, we desire someone divine.

In John chapter 6, Jesus told people that the Bread of Life is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. His listeners longed for this bread. Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.… Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Whoever believes in me will have eternal life.”

Your life might not be everything you think it should be, but it is probably better than you realize. Give thanks to God for all the blessings from his hand. The Lord who loves you gave his one and only Son so that you might have life to the full. You can confidently say that the best is yet to come.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you know how quick I am to gripe and complain. Help me to see how you have opened your hand and given me many good things. Fill my heart with gratitude and appreciation for your many blessings, especially your Son Jesus Christ who lived, died, and rose again so that I might have eternal life. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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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The Ride Home – August 7, 2018

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, … to be made new in the attitude of your minds.
Ephesians 4:22-23

The Ride Home


Daily Devotion – August 7, 2018

Devotion based on Ephesians 4:22-23

See series: Devotions

Dale Hammock is 65. He is bald with a gray mustache. He is wearing shorts and a white T-shirt. He steps into a Denny’s restaurant for a bite to eat. The hostess walks him over to a booth where he sits down. Around him are the usual sights and sounds—the muffled drone of a dozen conversations, the crying child, the shouts of food orders to the kitchen, the burst of laughter, the clack of plates. And Dale Hammock is afraid.

He keeps looking around. He feels vulnerable. He is terrified of letting his guard down. Then the server comes with questions he’s not sure how to answer. And the knives and forks—so many knives and forks.

For the past 21 years, Dale Hammock has lived within the walls of a prison. Today is his first day of freedom. It’s the first day of his new life. But to discard the old mindset from prison is going to be a monumental task. “This is going to take a minute,” he quietly says with a grand understatement. “This is going to take a minute.”

Fortunately for Dale, he is not alone. Carlos is with him. Carlos is part of what is called “The Ride Home Program.” Carlos has been where Dale now is, and so he knows exactly how Dale feels. Carlos has done this many times. He picks up a just-released prisoner outside the prison wall and spends that crucial first day with him. He shares his own story. He talks about the challenges. He listens. He gives a lot of encouragement. And he tells the ex-prisoner that he is not alone.

But Dale Hammock needs far more than just one day, and Carlos knows it. And so at the end of the day, Carlos introduces Dale to others—others who can encourage him, others who can be there for him, others who understand.

You and I were prisoners too, prisoners within the four walls of our own sin. But then Jesus came. His life and death on our behalf broke down the walls and, through faith in him, brought us into our new life. In our new life there is forgiveness, light, freedom, and joy.

But the old prison mindset is stubborn. The old fears and darkness can so easily return. That is why you and I have a Ride Home Program as well. It is the Church. It is our fellow ex-prisoners. They all know that discarding the old prison mindset is a monumental task. They are there to share their stories. They are there to talk about the challenges. They are there to listen and give encouragement. They are there to remind me that I am not alone.

And most importantly, Jesus is there too.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you have washed me clean and set me free. Never stop refreshing my mind in this one beautiful truth. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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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The Stomach or the Heart – August 6, 2018

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.”
John 6:26-27

The Stomach or the Heart


Daily Devotion – August 6, 2018

Devotion based on John 6:26-27

See series: Devotions

Crowds were always following Jesus. They became even larger and more determined after he fed them. For most leaders, they would welcome the crowds and their adulation. Jesus was not your typical leader, though. This became clear from his observation: “You are looking for me because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” His point was clear. The people were more interested in having him fill their stomachs than their hearts.

Jesus’ observation should make me seriously consider my motives when I come in prayer. Do I seek him only to fill my empty stomach, or do I want him to fill my empty heart? The answer is critical for my eternal well-being.

On a daily basis I urgently pray for the obvious needs of my stomach. Earthly problems are a concern. Earthly emergencies demand attention. Earthly conflicts need solutions. In contrast, I must confess the needs of my heart are not as pressing. Still, I need a stronger faith. I need the peace of forgiveness. I need greater strength to overcome temptation. My prayer life is a good indicator as to which is more important—my stomach or my heart.

What I find comforting is that Jesus always responds first and foremost to the needs of my heart. He gives me his Word to refresh me. He gives me his forgiveness to renew me. He gives me his Spirit to regenerate me. In the end, what more could I ever want for my heart’s desire?

Still, I struggle. My stomach is powerful. It controls my decisions, and it makes countless demands. Yet, my heart strengthened by the Lord is more powerful. It leads me to make God-pleasing decisions, and it helps me recognize what is most important.

How blessed I am to live with a heart filled with Jesus and his rich blessings.

Prayer:
O faithful Savior, teach me to recognize what I truly need. Guide me in every prayer. Fill my heart with your gracious presence. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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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