St. John’s & Emmanuel
Montello & Mecan, WI
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
September 23, 2018
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, September 23, 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 Greatness in the Kingdom of God – Greatness grows out of trust in the Lord. This greatness has its center in Love: God’s great love for us in Christ and our love for our neighbor. Such love leads to genuine service.
ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL K-8 SING “The First Song of Isaiah”
(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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Jeremiah 11:18-20
God tests the heart for judgment on His enemies and for protection of His people
Because the LORD revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time he showed me what they were doing. I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree and its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.”
But, O LORD Almighty, you who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.
PSALM 31 (hymnal page 77, lectern side sings first line, pulpit side sings second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)
SECOND LESSON JAMES 3:13-18
God tests the heart for true wisdom
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Alleluia. (All sing Verse of the Day printed below.)
(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.
MARK 9:30-37
God tests the heart for faith and humility
They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
M: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, O Christ.
(Please be seated)
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 486 “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us” (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 “Let Love React” (Luke 10:25-37)
- To the Needs of our Neighbors
- Knowing the Love of our Savior
(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, GREETINGS & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS
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 “BEFRIEND A MISSION” MONTH–SEPTEMBER (read by pastor)
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Natalie Allison (Isaac Emond’s friend), 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 & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Caleb & Emery Degenstein (Mark Emond’s friends), Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Ron Fuerstenau (Bill’s grandfather), Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Brody Henke, Ardis Henning, Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), RaeLynn Hodgkins (Beth Johnson’s daughter), Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Doris Klawitter, Aspen Raelynn Lefeber (Barb Hoffman’s greatgrandaughter), Anna Madigan, Ruthie Marcelain (Dawn’s granddaughter), LuAnn Reber, Wayne Riemer, Frankie Russell, Mark Russell (Elsa’s son), Bob Schrank, Joan Schmitz (Lisa Ollendorf’s mother), Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s friend), Jennifer Strauss, Jane Torres (Stacie Starke’s mother), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Blake Walker, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Paul Weldon, Millie Wildt (John’s wife), Raymond Zacharrias (Marilyn Riemer’s brother) – (added this week: )
– For Vicky Riendeau and Aaron Wachholz who were united in Christian marriage yesterday (9/22)
– For Christian Stewardship (today is the third of our three Stewardship Sunday sermons)
– For our communicants at St. John’s
– For those affected by the water and wind in WI and the Carolinas
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 498:1-2 “Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire” (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 498:3 “Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire” (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.
(Please be seated)
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 100 “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth”, 498:1-2 “Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire” (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 498:3 “Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire” (printed in hymnal, all sing)
*Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THEME FOR NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost:
Submit to One Another in Love
| ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK SEPTEMBER 23-SEPTEMBER 29 |
| Sun. |
8:00 A.M. |
Emmanuel Worship |
|
8:30 A.M. |
St. John’s Sunday School |
|
9:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Adult Bible Study |
|
10:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Worship with communion |
| Mon. |
|
|
|
6:30 P.M. |
St. John’s Choir |
|
7:30 P.M. |
St. John’s Adult Bible Study |
| Tues. |
6:30 P.M. |
Men’s Bible Study at St. John’s |
| Wed. |
8:00 A.M. |
St. John’s School Chapel |
|
10:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Adult Bible Study |
|
1:40 P.M. |
St. John’s School/Little Lambs early release |
|
2:15 P.M. |
Public School Teen Confirmation at St. John’s |
|
6:30 P.M. |
St. John’s Worship with communion |
|
7:30 P.M. |
St. John’s Bible Information Class |
| Thurs. |
8:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Teen Confirmation Class |
|
10:00 A.M. |
Montello Care Center Devotion with communion |
|
6:00 P.M. |
Griefshare at St. John’s begins |
| Fri. |
|
|
| Sat. |
5:00 P.M. |
Branches Band & Koine concert on St. John’s ball diamond (bonfire, snacks & drinks) |
| SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost:
Submit to One Another in Love |
| 8:00 A.M. |
Emmanuel Worship |
| 10:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Worship/Picnic at City Park lead by Branches Band |
With the upcoming concert on the 29th, we know many may be worried about mosquitoes. But don’t worry! Jasters Ag Supply will be treating the field so we do not have to worry about the pesky Mosquitoes.
THANKS to all of you who have been praying for me over the past few weeks for my eating disorder therapy and my 8-hour neck surgery on 9/14. Thanks Pastor Zietlow for your 9/12 communion visit and the Emond family for your hospital visit after my surgery. What a blessing it is to belong to a church family like ours!
–LuAnn Reber
TODAY’S ALTAR FLOWERS AT ST. JOHN’S are given in loving memory by the family of Gert Wegenke.
CHURCH PICNIC The church picnic is Next Sunday September 30 at the Montello City Park. Please remember to bring a dish to pass. The main meal will be provided along with plates, napkins and utensils along with beverages. Hope to see you there.
JANITOR WANTED We are currently looking for a Janitor for the church (St.Johns). This is a paid position and would only require 2-3 hours a week to clean. Please let Ciara know if you are interested in cleaning. And for you school families, you could even earn credit to your child’s tuition if you decided to clean.
MECAN CHURCH HISTORY PRESENTATION On Sunday, October 14, at 9:00AM (following worship), Pastor Dolan will be presenting the story of the pioneer history of Emmanuel Mecan, and the beginnings of Lutheranism in Marquette County. “The Little Church Called Big Mecan” is the story of the years before any congregations were organized in the county (1852-1867). Anyone interested is invited to attend.
FRIENDLY REMINDER If you use the church basement at St. John’s, please remember to clean up after yourself. This means vacuuming, putting things away, doing dishes, wiping down counters and tables, etc. Thank you in advance!
MEN’S BIBLE CLASS Meets Tuesday – 6PM
What does the future hold? The Apostle John got a very unique answer to that question and we get to see what it was. It’s in Revelation chapters 2-3 and we are reading those chapters together. Please join us.
WHAT IS BEFRIEND A MISSION MONTH? The Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society supports WELS missions by prayer, encouragement, & giving. During our September BAM month at St. John’s, our task is to shower our support on our assigned missionaries by increasing our prayers, sending a few more notes & emails, & giving a little extra for missions. These means of support have no age limitations! We can ALL be a friend! As LWMS shares awareness of WELS missions, we hope YOU will join us by sending a note, signing a card, saying a prayer, or giving a little something extra to missions. Supporting mission & missionaries and getting to know some of them personally are joy-filled opportunities!
BE A FRIEND! God tells us in Proverbs 17:17a that “A friend loves at all times.” This week would YOU be a friend and share God’s love & encouragement by signing the card to Tom & Kaysone C. located at the linkway display. Please stop by the display! Because safety is an important issue for these workers in Thailand, no picture or address appears in the bulletin today because our bulletins are posted on our webpage and Facebook page.
FALL MISSION OFFERINGS ARE BEING COLLECTED DURING SEPTEMBER Please use the collection container where you are a member: in the church entrance both at Emmanuel and at St. John’s. Home Mission: Campus Ministry New Start and World Mission: Haiti will benefit. Offerings are welcome from anyone with a heart for missions! DEADLINE: Sunday, September 30.
FALL SERVICE PROJECT FOR NEW BEGINNINGS HOME FOR MOTHERS where single mothers can come to experience a safe place and have a new beginning in caring for their children. Please help us collect general household & personal need items as listed on the wish list available at the collection box at each church. Please pick one up at the collection boxes in the Info Room & linkway at St. John’s or in the parish hall at Emmanuel. Your help is appreciated! Collecting through Sunday, October 14.
HAVE YOU ENTERED THE LWMS FUN QUIZ CONTEST OR VISITED THE BE-A- FRIEND TREE AT THE LINKWAY DISPLAY at St. John’s? Since we worship at the park next Sunday, today is your last chance! The women of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) thank you for supporting WELS missions!!
SCRIP What is Scrip? Using the Scrip program, you can raise money without devoting your time to selling products, asking for donations, or planning events. Earn money every day on the purchases you’re already making just by paying with a gift card you ordered from ShopWithScrip. Use your fundraised money where you want…church, school, your child’s tuition, etc. Check out the Scrip display in the link way, contact our Scrip coordinator Joe Zauner (608) 697-8533, or go online at ShopWithScrip.com-Fundraising While You Shop for more details.
GRIEFSHARE I will be starting the next GriefShare 13-week session on September 27 in the lower level at St. John’s. We start at 6:00p.m. Please place in next possible bulletin and on calendar as you see fit. You can give my cell phone out to anyone having questions. It is (608) 697-1600. Please let them know if I don’t answer to leave a message and I’ll return the call as soon as I am able. I will ensure it is placed in the Marquette County Tribune. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. –Mark Emond
VOLUNTEERS WANTED AT EMMANUEL Emmanuel Lutheran Church is still recruiting 1 (or more) volunteers to assist with the following position; all expenses are reimbursed by Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
1) Sunday School Teacher: This individual will help further the Christian up-bringing of parish and non-parish children, historically between the ages of 2 and 6, by managing the weekly Sunday School sessions held in the Emmanuel Parish Hall. The timing of the class and age group preference is flexible.
If you are interested in serving the Lord with your time and talents by assisting with these important activities, please contact Darrell Buchholz or Pastor Zietlow.
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “The good Lord didn’t create anything without a purpose…but mosquitoes come close.”
CHOIR! Do you love to sing? Do you enjoy music? Do you love to praise the Lord? Are you looking for an excuse to get out of the house? Would you like to come and hang out with a bunch of great people? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please come and give choir a try. We meet on Monday nights from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. We would love to see you. If you have any questions, please contact Karin Stellick, 920-342-3689.
Luther Prep Presents Romeo and Juliet TOGETHER (and alive!) AT LAST A comedy sure to please all! Saturday October 20, 7pm* Sunday, October 21, 2:30pm Luther Prep Auditorium 1300 Western Ave Watertown, WI *Saturday also has Dining option at 5:30pm. Must RSVP by Oct 5 online: lps.wels.net/page/performing-arts/ fall-play or by calling Sue at 920-262-8104 Seats are $6 general admission-no RSVP (free ages
6 and under).
PRISON CARD MINISTRY At St. John’s, we collect card fronts from Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and general greeting (thinking/praying for you) cards, so save them for us and deposit them in the collection box outside the office. We then write encouraging Christian messages on them and share them with Institutional Ministries. In turn, they are shared with prisoners. We’d love to have your help! Writing the cards is something all ages can do–even parents & their children could do this as a service project at home! Contact Linda Wachholz (608-369-2635). Our goal is to complete cards by mid-November.
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 show PowerPoint services on the big screen, record services to create DVD’s and upload to our church website, operate the sound system, etc. We just need a couple extra volunteers to call on occasionally to help out upstairs. No one will be expected to create powerpoints or copy the dvd’s, just learn how to record a service and run the powerpoints for services. “Many hands make light work.”
RECYCLE MEDITATIONS DEVOTIONALS FOR PRISON MINISTRY
Done with your summer edition of the Meditations devotion booklet? At St. John’s, we are collecting them for use in the WELS Prison Ministry. Leave your used copy in any of the 2 collection boxes located in the info room or in front of the office window by Sunday, September 30th. We will then mail them in to the prison ministry office. Copies must be no more than 1 year old and contain no personal information. Forward in Christ is no longer accepted due to private information provided in them. Thank you for helping with this important gospel ministry!
| St. John’s Greeter Schedule |
| September 23 |
Harold & Judy Fandrey |
| September 30 |
Kenon & Mary Smith |
| Attendance |
Emmanuel |
St. John’s |
| 9-16 9-19 |
66 |
121 11 |
| St. John’s Altar Committee:
September 2018 |
Diane Eisermann
&
Delores Cotte |
| Usher Schedule |
| September 23
(with comm) SJ
E |
Jack Yates; Chief, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Del Henke, Joe Zauner
Lucas Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Brian Ninnemann |
| September 30
SJ
E |
Don Smith; Chief, Gordon Krause, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon
Don Stelter, Paul Wuerch, Paul Dahlke |
I feel all alone
by Pastor Mark Jeske
It’s a common but understandable mistake to draw conclusions about our relationship with God from our relationships with people around us. When family life is happy and peaceful, it’s easy to say, “Thank you, God.” When we’re enmeshed in a lot of conflict, we imagine him angry with us. When people we thought were friends start ignoring us, we think he’s dumping us too. On top of everything, our guilty consciences make us ashamed to pray, assuming that he’s too irritated to care about us anymore.
Jesus himself knew what it felt like to be alone. After some hard things in his teachings caused many followers to abandon him and drift away, he asked his disciples if they were going to leave too. They actually did abandon him in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus’ suffering on the cross was utterly alone—even his Father forsook him there—so that Jesus could guarantee to us that his Father would never forsake us.
King David, sinner and saint, knew he was never alone: “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me” (Psalm 27:10). What a relief it is to be able to end a bad day with the prayer, “Well, Father, at least you’re still here with me.” Here is God’s promise for you and for all believers: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).
Sleep well tonight.
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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 (847) 913-2135
Teacher Cassie Doering (920) 723-8986
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
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
