An Early Thank You Card – December 13, 2018

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6

An Early Thank You Card


Daily Devotion – December 13, 2018

Devotion based on Philippians 1:3-6

See series: Devotions

Thank-yous are usually sent out after the Christmas gifts are opened. A family member takes inventory of the gifts, cash, and cards. Then, at the urging of their parents, children write out their thank-yous and put them in the mail.

In the first few verses of his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul broke from this practice. Well before he received his gift in full, he wrote his thank you note and expressed his joy. Paul was thankful for something that had not even happened yet—a gift that had yet to be given! Wouldn’t it seem strange to write a thank-you to your aunt before she had even sent you her Christmas gift?

Why could Paul be thankful for something that had not yet happened? Because Paul trusted the promises of God. He knew that the same God who had planted faith in the hearts of the Philippians could sustain that faith until Jesus returns.

You can have the same confidence. The God who planted faith in your heart is quite capable of sustaining that faith until Jesus returns. This Advent season, you have every reason to say thank you to your God—even for gifts he has yet to give!

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for your promise to preserve and protect my faith, and for the confidence I have in your coming. 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- St. John’s Sunday School Christmas Service December 16, 2018

THERE IS NO ROOM

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St. John’s Sunday School Christmas Service

December 16, 2018

PROCESSIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

“Oh, Come, Little Children”

  1. Oh, come, little children, oh, come, one and all, To Bethlehem haste, to the manger so small. God’s Son for a gift has been sent you this night To be your Redeemer, your joy and Delight.
  2. He’s born in a stable for you and for me, Draw near by the bright gleaming starlight to see, In swaddling clothes lying, so meek and so mild, And purer than angels, the heavenly Child.
  3. See Mary and Joseph with love-beaming eyes Are gazing upon the rude bed where He lies. The shepherds are kneeling, with hearts full of love, While angels sing loud hallelujahs above.
  4. Kneel down and adore Him with shepherds today, Lift up little hands now and praise Him as they, Rejoice that a Savior from sin you can boast, And join in the song of the heavenly host.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

Pastor: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

P: Christ, the Savior is born!

C: Oh, come, let us adore Him!

P: You shall find the Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

C: Oh, come, let us adore Him!

P: His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

C: Oh, come, let us adore Him!

P: He shall save His people from their sins.

C: Oh, come, let us adore Him!

P: Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.

C: Oh, come, let us adore Him!

P: He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

C: Oh, come, let us adore Him!

P: Christ, the Savior is born!

Congregation: (sing) Oh, come let us adore Him! Oh, come, let us adore Him! Oh, come let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!

Please be seated.

SONG: “Little Baby Jesus” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

Violin: Victoria Wachholz

Little Baby Jesus, born in Bethlehem;

Little Baby Jesus, born in Bethlehem;

Little Baby Jesus, born to die,

To suffer on the cross for you and I;

Little Baby Jesus, born in Bethlehem.

PSALM 47, p. 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Wachholz/Congregation

Please stand.

CHRISTMAS PRAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You for sending Your Son into the world as a little child. Give us the faith of little children, that we may make room for Him in our hearts. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, that we may daily show our thanks for this most previous Gift. In the Savior’s name we pray. Amen.

Please be seated.

PROPHECY

THE SAVIOR IS PROMISED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Wachholz

Children: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers;

Congregation: “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Ch: “A star will come out of Jacob;

C: “A scepter will rise out of Israel.”

Ch: “The Lord himself will give you a sign;

C: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Ch: “But you, Bethlehem Ephratha, though you are small among the clans of Judah,

C: “Out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY, Part 1, Luke 2:1-7

SONG “In Those Days Caesar Augustus” . . . . . . . . . . Children

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

THE CHRISTMAS STORY, Luke 2:8-14 . . . . . . . . Children &

Congregation

Children: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Congregation: An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Ch: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

C: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Ch: This will be a sign to you:

C: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Ch: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

C: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

THE OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS,

FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

HYMN “Once in Royal David’s City”. . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

  1. Once in royal David’s city Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her baby In a manger for his bed; Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.
  2. He came down to earth from heaven Who is God and Lord of all, And his shelter was a stable, And his cradle was a stall; With the poor and mean and lowly Lived on earth our Savior holy.
  3. But our eyes at last shall see him Through his own redeeming love, For that child, so dear and gentle, Is our Lord in heav’n above, And he leads his children on To the place where he is gone.
  4. Not in that poor, lowly stable With the oxen standing by Shall we see him, but in heaven, Set at God’s right hand on high. Then like stars his children crowned, All in white, his praise will sound.

PART 1: THE TRAVELERS

NARRATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Wachholz

Mrs. Brown

Mrs. Stelter

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation 1: There is no room!

There is no room!

The inns are full;

There is no room!

JOSEPH/Haiden Van Treeck: My wife and I have come from Nazareth to add our names to Caesar’s rolls. But see, my wife is weary from the trip. Our tiny beast of burden groans beneath her weight. He has walked the road so slowly that we are late arriving at this place. Please let us enter, for the light is gone; the chilly wind of night is in the air.

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation 1

SONG “Pitter Patter Donkey Feet” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

Pitter, patter, donkey’s feet clatter down the busy street. Seek some shelter, find a bed where a child can lay his head. Just ignore the crowds and milling; prophecies await fulfilling. You will see a wondrous sight, for God will visit earth tonight!

RECITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GATEKEEPER/Mrs. Brown

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation 1

JOSEPH: Come now, donkey, let’s see if we can find a place. Be patient, Mary, we’ve made it to David’s town, but we must find a place to stay. I will knock on every door until I find a place where we can rest our heads.

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation 1

RECITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INNKEEPER #1/Mrs. Stelter

SONG “Bethlehem Is Busy Today” V1-2 . . . . . . . . . . Children

  1. Bethlehem is busy today, Crowds of people here to stay. “Have you any room?” Joseph said. Innkeeper sadly shakes his head: “I regret on this occasion Every single room is taken. I suggest you try elsewhere instead!”
  2. Down the street they go once more, Knock upon another door; “Have you any room you could let?” Innkeeper says “I do regret . . . In the present situation, Caused by Caesar’s new taxation, Rooms are just impossible to get!”

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation 1

SONG “There was No Room for Mary There” . . . .V1 Children/

V2-3 Choir, V4 All

  1. There was no room for Mary there In yonder Bethl’em’s inn; They knocked and waited ev’rywhere But no one said, “Come in!” But no one said, “Come in!”
  2. In human form came down the Lord To save all men for lorn; And yet the world would not afford A shelter to be born, A shelter to be born.
  3. And still He stands outside the door Today of ev’ry home; Alas so many lock the door And say, “There is no room,” And say, “There is no room.”
  4. Dear Lord, come in, I welcome You, I pray, do not depart! I pray that You be born in me, There’s room within my heart, There’s room within my heart.

HYMN “O Little Town of Bethlehem” . . . . . . . . . Congregation

1. O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep And dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light. The hopes and fears Of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

  1. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin And enter in; Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; Oh, come to us, Abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!

PART 2: THE STABLE

RECITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . .INNKEEPER #2/Mr. Wachholz

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation #2: There is no room!

The inns are full;

The stable old

Will have to do!

SONG “Bethlehem Is Busy Today” V3 . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

  1. Wearily they go their way, There just is no room today; Only one more inn left to try, Innkeeper sadly starts to sigh. “I would help if I were able, Wait a minute, there’s a stable! Hardly five star, but at least it’s dry! And in that stable on that morn, The Savior of the world was born.

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Brown

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation #2

NARRATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Stelter

Mr. Wachholz

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation #3

SONG “The Friendly Beasts” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

Donkey-Trenton Jahr, Cow-William Stelter, Sheep-Molly Utke, Dove-Rilyn Henke

1. Jesus, our Brother, kind and good Was humbly born in a stable rude. And the friendly beasts around Him stood– Jesus, our Brother, kind and good.

2. “I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown, “I carried His mother up hill and down; I carried her safely to Bethlehem town.” “I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown.

3. “I,” said the cow, all white and red, “I gave Him my manger for His bed; I gave Him my hay to pillow His head.” “I,” said the cow, all white and red.

4. “I,” said the sheep with curly horn, “I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm; He wore my coat on Christmas morn.” “I,” said the sheep with curly horn.

5. I,” said the dove from the rafters high, “I cooed Him to sleep that He would not cry; We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I.” “I,” said the dove from the rafters high.

6. So ev’ry beast by some good spell In a stable dark was glad to tell Of the gift he gave Emmanuel, The gift he gave Emmanuel.

HYMN “Away in a Manger” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

  1. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
  2. The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
  3. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay Close by me forever and l0ve me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your ender care, And take us to heaven to live with you there.

PART 3: THE SHEPHERDS

ANGEL/Aurora Stelter: Glory in the highest,

Peace on earth to men,

Good will among all people

The Prince of Peace is born!

HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” . . . . . . Congregation

  1. Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strain, Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
  2. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing. Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.

ANGEL: Run, shepherds, run,

Find the little baby,

He’s your Savior and Lord!

Run, shepherds, run!

SONG “Run, Shepherds, Run!” . . . Mr. Wachholz & Children

Over the hills of Judea,

Stars were shining down so bright;

Angelic voices were singing,

Telling the world “A King is born tonight!”

So . . .Run, shepherds, run to the village,

Run, shepherds, run one and all;

Run till you come to the stable,

He lies within a cattle stall!

Run, shepherds, run till you find Him,

Run till you see the glorious sight!

Kneel and adore Him on bended knee;

Tell ev’rybody you happen to see,

Jesus is born tonight! (repeat)

Jesus is born tonight!

SHEPHERD #1/Brody Henke: We have come to worship this infant, Christ, the Savior of the world! There were angels everywhere! We could barely believe our eyes. They pointed us to this humble stable.

SHEPHERD #2/Nolan Van Treeck: The sky was full of angels! Our ears are still ringing with the song they sang! What a glorious sound!

SHEPHERD #3/Easton Wegner: We kneel at his manger bed. Here lies our Savior, God’s anointed Son, but . . . we do not understand. Why is he here in a barn, in a manger?

MARY/Katie Marlowe: There was no room. There was no place in the whole town, but do not be troubled. These gentle beasts around us have sung a lullaby sweeter than any human voice could offer. Joseph keeps his watch, and I rock Jesus gently in my arms. But come, shepherds, see God’s Son. Tonight He is born for you and everyone!

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Brown

ANGEL: Love came down tonight!

Glory in the highest,

God has sent our Savior,

Love came down tonight!

ANTHEM “This Peaceful Night”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Choir

SHEPHERD #1: We kneel before His manger bed to bring Him our hearts.

SHEPHERD #2: The angels brought the news to us–lowly, humble shepherds. Someday He will be our Shepherd!

SHEPHERD #3: We each lay down our shepherd’s staff. For this Babe is Messiah! We have waited so long for Him to come to be our Shepherd and lead us. To Him we give ourselves. To Him we pray.

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation #3: The inns are full

But there is room

Within our hearts,

O Lord for You

HYMN “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” Congregation

  1. “From heav’n above to earth I come To bear good news to ev’ry home; Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Where-of I now will say and sing:
  2. “This is the Christ, our God and Lord, Who in all need shall aid afford: He will Himself your Savior be From all your sins to set you free.
  3. Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child, Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled, Within my heart, that it may be A quiet chamber kept for Thee.

PART 4: THE WISE MEN

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Stelter

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation #4: Wise men saw

A wondrous star;

It led them to

The tiny Child.

WISE MAN #1/Wally Wolsdorf: We saw a star in the East.

WISE MAN #2/Haiden Van Treeck: It was like no other we had ever seen, so we knew it was special. We loaded our camels, and the star led us to your little village of Bethlehem.

WISEMAN #3/Bruchs Wegner: We followed the star!

WISEMAN #2: Thinking a king would be born in a palace in the great city of Jerusalem, we went there, but soon we learned from the chief priests and teachers of the law that the scriptures said “Go to Bethlehem!”

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation #4

SONG “March of the Kings” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

Three great kings I met at early morn, With all their retinue were slowly marching. Three great kings I met at early morn were on their way to meet the newly born, With gifts of gold brought from far away, And valiant warriors to guard the kingly treasure, With gifts of gold brought from far away, and shields all shining in their bright array.

MARY/Katie Marlowe: Welcome! Your search ends here. Meet Jesus, the Son of God, the promised Savior, and your King! Guided by God Himself, the star has led you here.

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation #4

WISEMAN #2: We bring great gifts! Dearest Jesus, we lay our crowns before you in solemn worship. We offer our treasures—not only gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but also our greater gifts of love—our faith, our hope, and our joy. In adoration, we lay these gifts at your feet.

SPEECH CHOIR Recitation #3: The inns are full.

But there is room

Within our hearts

O Lord for You!

HYMN “As With Gladness Men of Old” Congregation

  1. As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold; As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright, So most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led by Thee!
  2. As with joyful steps they sped, Savior, to Thy lowly bed, there to bend the knee before Thee whom heav’n and earth adore, So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
  3. As they offered gifts more rare At Thy cradle, rude and bare, So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin’s alloy, All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heav’nly King!

PART 5: IS THERE ROOM TODAY?

NARRATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Wachholz

Mrs. Brown

CHILDREN: But what about YOU? Have we or any of you really given him the place He deserves in our hearts?

NATIVITY CHARACTERS: Your hearts should overflow with joy! All our sins and your sins are paid for by what Jesus did on the cross. The Baby in the manger is OUR SAVIOR AND YOURS!

SONG: “There’s A Village in Judea” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

  1. There’s a village in Judea, overcrowded and forlorn; but the village in Judea is the place where Christ was born.
  2. There’s a stable in the village, where the sheep and goats are shorn; and the stable in the village is the place where Christ was born.
  3. There’s a manger in the stable, looking very old and worn; but the manger in the stable is the place where Christ was born.
  4. There’s a baby in the manger; gather round to keep him warm; for the baby is God in human form.
  5. There’s a baby in the manger; see him sleeping peacefully; for the baby in the manger is the one who died for me.

Please stand.

THE CHRISTMAS CREED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Congregation

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth, who sent

His Son as my Savior on Christmas Day;

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

announced by the angels,

worshipped by the shepherds,

adored by the Wise Men,

who lived to suffer, die, and rise again,

to free us from sin, death, and the power of the devil;

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

who has brought me to faith in the Christ of Christmas

and by whose continuous work in my heart

I am ever led to lay before the feet of Christ

the treasures of my love

and live under Him as my King,

both now and forevermore. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (sung) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

Melody: Away in a Manger

Our Father in heaven, all praise to your name! Your kingdom among us, your will done the same By mortals and angels. Come, Lord reign alone: Oh, hear us and bless us from heaven’s high throne.

The bread that we yearn for provide us each day; As we forgive others, our sins take away; In times of temptation, to lead us be near; From evil deliver your children most dear.

For yours is the kingdom; o’er all things you reign. And yours is the power; all things you maintain. To you be the glory, resounding again From all of creation, forever. Amen.

THE BENEDICTION

Please be seated.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECESSIONAL

“Let Us All With Gladsome Voice” . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

  1. Let us all with gladsome voice Praise the God of heaven, Who, to bid our hearts rejoice, His own Son has given.
  2. To this vale of tears He comes, Here to serve in sadness, That with Him in heav’n’s fair homes We may reign in gladness.
  3. We are rich, for He was poor; Is not this a wonder? Therefore praise God evermore Here on earth and yonder.

Stand Forever – December 12, 2018

But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.
Malachi 3:2-4

Stand Forever


Daily Devotion – December 12, 2018

Devotion based on Malachi 3:2-4

See series: Devotions

America is in love with reality TV shows. We can’t get enough of “America’s Got Talent,” “Dancing with the Stars,” and the long running “Survivor.” We want to know: who will be the last one standing? Who will perform under pressure, play the game right, please the judges, and remain the last person standing at the end? The suspense is gripping. The drama is real.

As gripping as these shows are, they don’t really affect our lives and they certainly don’t affect our eternal fate. What will affect our eternal fate is whether we will be able to stand before God when we are brought before him on the Last Day. Talk about drama! This is the ultimate in reality. On that day we will not stand before a panel of celebrities. God himself will judge us. And there will be no immunity idol we can produce at the last minute to save ourselves.

The truth is that we don’t have what it takes to stand alone before God. Our peace comes from knowing Jesus already stood before God on our behalf. God punished Jesus for our sins when Jesus hung on the cross. Jesus met the standard of perfection God demands with his perfect life. Through faith, we are covered in his righteousness. This is what brings us peace. We know where we stand with almighty God because of Jesus. And, because of Jesus, we will stand forever with him in eternity.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the peace you give to us through the forgiveness of sins and the promise of life in heaven. 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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Promises Kept – December 11, 2018

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.
Malachi 3:1

Promises Kept


Daily Devotion – December 11, 2018

Devotion based on Malachi 3:1

See series: Devotions

In our world, promises are often broken. As parents, we sometimes have to break promises to our children when circumstances outside of our control change. Children make promises to clean their rooms and wash the car but are then distracted or find something more fun. Just because someone makes a promise does not give us the certainty it is going to be kept.

Except when God makes promises. He always keeps his promises. He promised he would send a messenger to prepare the way for the Messiah. God kept that promise when he sent John the Baptist who prepared the people for the coming Messiah by calling them to repentance. After Adam and Eve fell into sin, God promised he would send a Savior who would crush the devil’s head and reconcile God and man. God kept that promise when he sent Jesus into the world who lived perfectly as we could not, who died on the cross to pay for our sins, and who rose from the grave to conquer death. God has kept every single promise he has ever made!

This gives us the peace of knowing he will continue to keep every promise to us. We don’t have to fear the problems we face or be filled with anxiety over what is to come. God has always been faithful to his promises and always will be. May this truth bring you peace today.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, come quickly in your might and with your power. Give us peace as we face the challenges of today knowing that one day you will have us to live with you eternally in heaven. 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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A Peaceful Highway – December 10, 2018

As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’”
Luke 3:4-6

A Peaceful Highway


Daily Devotion – December 10, 2018

Devotion based on Luke 3:4-6

See series: Devotions

In ancient times, roads were often built or improved before a king would travel to a distant country. The king was supposed to have a smooth, easy ride from one place to another. The more important or well-loved the king, the bigger and better the highway. You could learn a lot about a king by looking at how nice a road was built for him.

As we prepare for the arrival of our King, Jesus, this Advent season, how will we prepare the way for him to come into our hearts? It begins by repenting of everything that would get in the way—every selfish thought, every evil intention, every hurtful word, every mean look, every arrogant attitude. Repentance begins with recognizing what is wrong in our lives and then looking to Jesus as the solution to our sins. Knowing that in him we have forgiveness, we seek to thank him with lives that please him.

In the days before Jesus’ ministry, God used John the Baptist to prepare the way for King Jesus. Today, God uses people like pastors to preach God’s Word and prepare us for the arrival of our King. Or, he uses our reading of the Bible or a devotion such as this one. May God continue to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our King!

Prayer:
Loving Savior, we thank you for paving your way to our hearts and leading us to repent; trusting in you for forgiveness. 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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Forgiveness Brings Peace – December 9, 2018

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 3:1-3

Forgiveness Brings Peace


Daily Devotion – December 9, 2018

Devotion based on Luke 3:1-3

See series: Devotions

Guilt is a terrible burden to bear. Maybe you stole a cookie from mom’s cookie jar. Maybe you nicked someone’s car in a parking lot but then drove off. Maybe there’s a dark secret that needs to be admitted to a spouse before a marriage splits at the seams. Guilt over sins we have committed can shatter any semblance of peace our hearts once held. Guilt keeps us awake at night and makes us not want to wake up in the morning. As painful as it is, admitting when we have been wrong is the first step in returning peace to our hearts.

This is what John the Baptist was preaching in the desert country around the Jordan River. He was preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John’s whole purpose was getting people ready to meet their Savior, Jesus. The only way for them to be prepared to meet their Savior was to admit that they needed a Savior. When they did, John pointed them to Jesus and the forgiveness only he can provide.

The forgiveness Jesus brings is for you too. No sin is too big for Jesus to forgive. No guilt can overcome the victory Jesus won for you on the cross.

Admitting guilt and getting everything out in the open is very hard to do. It is especially hard to admit your guilt to the person whom you have wronged. But when you repent, you can rest assured that God has forgiven you, even if no one else will. God’s forgiveness brings peace.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, giver of peace, extend your forgiveness to me and rid my heart of guilt through the work of your Son, my Savior, Jesus. 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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Hope That Increases Love – December 8, 2018

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
1 Thessalonians 3:12

Hope That Increases Love


Daily Devotion – December 8, 2018

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:12

See series: Devotions

The weeks before Christmas are called Advent—it’s a Latin word that means “coming.” Advent invites us to wait—quietly and patiently for Jesus to come this Christmas. But do you know how hard it is to wait? Holiday times are hectic and stressful. We sing “Joy to the World,” but family fighting, overspending, and physical exhaustion steal our joy and drain our love. Toys don’t work without batteries. Smart phones die without an overnight charge. Cars don’t run without gas. When we get impatient or speak sarcastically, it shows our supply of love is running on empty.

But what if God could give the kind of holiday love that actually increases your love and patience in the coming days before Christmas? Would that help as you wait? Would that make it easier for others to be around you? God wants to fill you up with his love. Every day before Christmas, we remember why we are looking so forward to celebrate Jesus’ birth. His tiny hands and feet born at Christmas were the same hands and feet that died on the cross. Now, the living Jesus is just the proof that we need, “God will always love me!”

As you head into the first weekend of December, hear the voice of Advent encourage, “Wait, slow down a bit! Don’t get entangled in the hustle and the bustle of the season. Get focused instead on what really matters. It’s Jesus.” Love is God’s gift to you. Christ’s love makes it possible for our hearts to brim over in love and patience to others like our children or spouse, our siblings or coworkers, our friends and neighbors.

While you patiently wait for Christmas to come, pray that God would so fill our hearts, souls, and minds that we want to then share this love with someone who is empty inside and desperately in need of love. No outside love can fill that void. Only Jesus and his love can!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, as we wait for your coming, supply what you know is lacking inside us. Deepen our faith and fill us with your love so that our love increases for you and for others. 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- THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 9, 2018

EMMANUEL & ST. JOHN’S

Ev. Lutheran Church

Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

C:\Users\secretary\Downloads\Cover (7).jpg

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 9, 2018

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH! We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and “link-way” at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. May God bless our worship together!

A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Heavenly Father, the voice of one crying in the wilderness prepared the hearts of your people as your Chosen One entered our world to be our Savior. Let that same Advent voice cry out to my heart so that with true repentance I prepare to celebrate the coming of my newborn King. Replace my spiritual pride with Christlike humility, my apathy with commitment and dedication. With your power, hope and love, come and lead me as I dedicate my life to you. Keep my attention also on the skies as I watch and pray for the triumphant return of Christ my King. Bless my worship. Amen.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY The Second Sunday in Advent:  Preparing for Purity is Often Painful – Many people look for easy fixes for their problems. God, though, often puts his people through a long, painful process to prepare us to embrace the Savior he has sent. God always works through his Word to develop in us a life that shows the fruit of the purity he has put around us in Christ.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

Service of the Word (hymnal page 38)

PASTOR’S GREETING

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

(P: Pastor reads – C: Congregation reads)

P: We light two Advent candles remembering Jesus who came in history. He came into a world of sin and death.

C: We remember Jesus who came as the promised Messiah. John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord.

P: We hear his call to repent.

C: We light two Advent candles as a sign of our repentance and desire for renewal.

P: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.

C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.

(Two Advent candles are lit)

OPENING HYMN 3 “Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates”

(printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 38, read & sung responsively)

PRAYER OF THE DAY (read by the pastor)

(Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings)

TODAY’S THEME

Rejoice! The Lord is Near!

FIRST LESSON Malachi 3:1-4

The prophet Malachi foretells the coming of “the messenger of the covenant”

“See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.

But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.

PSALM 24 (hymnal page 73, cantor sings first line, congregation sings second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)

EPISTLE LESSON Philippians 1: 3-11

Our God who brought us to faith will keep us in the faith until Christ returns

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia! “Prepare the way for the Lord, Make straight paths for him. All mankind will see God’s salvation.” Alleluia! (Luke 3:4,6)

LITURGY (hymnal pages 40, all sing)

(Please stand)

GOSPEL Luke 3:1-6 (today’s sermon text)

John the Baptist urges us to prepare the way for the coming Lord

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’”

LITURGY (hymnal page 40b, all sing)

“Praise be to you, O Christ”

(Please be seated)

SERMON HYMN 16 “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”

(printed in hymnal, all sing)

SERMON Luke 3:1-6

“Straight Talk From God”

For people of the 21st century: “Repent!”

(Please stand after the sermon)

THE APOSTLES’ CREED (hymnal page 41, all read)

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS, FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS & WELS CONNECTION DVD AT ST. JOHN’S

OFFERING PRAYER (read by pastor)

(Please stand)

ADVENT PRAYER (read by pastor)

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS -For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Earl Ewert, Mike Farrell, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), Joel Jaster, Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Arden “Bill” Klimke, Linda Krause, Pete Laun, Lilly Mann, LuAnn Reber, Wayne Riemer, Frankie Russell, Mark & Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son & daughter in-law), Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s friend), Amanda Stalker, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Paul Weldon, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: Peggy Russell)

– For Adam & Jillian Igl (Adam currently serves as teacher at St. John’s School–Newburg) called at our 11/18 St. John’s–Montello voters meeting to serve as principal/teacher–3-5 or 6-8 grades & K3-K5 director/teacher respectively

– For Rachel Hinz, whose husband William currently serves as principal/teacher at St. John’s School–Pardeeville, called at our 11/18 St. John’s–Montello voters meeting to serve as 1st & 2nd grade teacher

– For our communicants at St. John’s

LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 43, all read)

*Note: At Emmanuel, service continues with…

(Please be seated)

HYMN 13:1-2 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying”

(printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING (hymnal page 43, read & sung responsively)

CLOSING HYMN 13:3 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

*Note: At St. John’s, service continues with…

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY (hymnal page 33, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated for the distribution)

At Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service. Thank you.

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Supplement Electronic Pew Edition CD ROM\TIFF files\Hymns\CWS 741.tifDISTRIBUTION HYMNS 741 “Take and Eat” (printed below on bulletin pages 7 & 8), 13:1-2 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Supplement Electronic Pew Edition CD ROM\TIFF files\Hymns\CWS 741.tif(Please stand)

THANK THE LORD, CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING (hymnal pages 36-37)

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 13:3 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Note: As you leave today’s service, please give your completed friendship register sheet to an usher or pastor. Thank you!)

Announcements

THEME FOR NEXT SUNDAY DECEMBER 16, 2018

Advent 3: “Produce Fruit in Keeping with Repentance”

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 9-DECEMBER 15

Sun.

8:00 A.M.

Emmanuel Worship

8:30 A.M.

St. John’s Sunday School (sanctuary)

9:00 A.M.

St. John’s Adult Bible Study (lower level)

9:00 A.M.

Emmanuel Christmas tree setup & decorating

10:00 A.M.

St. John’s Worship (with communion)

Mon.

6:30 P.M.

Bible Information Class at St. John’s

6:30 P.M.

Choir at St. John’s

7:30 P.M.

St. John’s Adult Bible Study

Tues.

Wed.

8:00 A.M.

St. John’s School Chapel

10:00 A.M.

Adult Bible Study at St. John’s

1:40 P.M.

St. John’s School/Little Lambs early release

2:15 P.M.

Public School Teen Confirmation at St. John’s

3:30 P.M.

Emmanuel Advent Devotion (Zietlow)

6:30 P.M.

St. John’s Advent Devotion (Stelter)

Thurs.

NO St. John’s Teen Confirmation

NO Montello Care Center Devotion

10:00 A.M.

Martin Luther College mid-year graduation

10:00 A.M.

St. John’s Ladies Aid Poinsettia delivery

6:00 P.M.

Griefshare at St. John’s

Fri.

Sat.

9:00 A.M.

St. John’s Sunday School Christmas rehearsal

12:30 P.M.

Claussen Christmas lunch & show

SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY DECEMBER 16, 2018

Advent 3: “Produce Fruit in Keeping with Repentance”

8:00 A.M.

Emmanuel Worship

8:30 A.M.

St. John’s Sunday School

9:00 A.M.

Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study

10:00 A.M.

St. John’s Sunday School Christmas Service

ST. JOHN’S SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY will be held in the lower level while Sunday School kids practice in sanctuary.

THANK YOU to all those who donated funding for the beautiful wreaths hanging on St. John’s front doors:  Edith Deusterhoeft, Kay Maass, Marilyn Riemer, Anita Reimer, and Al and Carolyn Rosenthal.  Wreaths are a symbol of welcome to those passing by and to those coming in.  Thank you so much for sharing your blessings with others.  And thank you, also, to Ashley Henke, who used her creative talents to make the wreaths.

THANK YOU to an anonymous donator who gave $2,500.00 towards St. John’s School tuition assistance. Your gift is deeply appreciated. “I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.” Psalm 118:21

PLEASE COME CHRISTMAS CAROLING!  During this season of sharing, we ask St. John’s members of all ages to share a little of your time and the joys of the Christmas season by lending your voices caroling at the Montello Care Center on Sunday, December 23.  All ages are welcome!  Please meet in the entrance of the Center so we can be ready to sing at 9 a.m.  We will return to church in plenty of time for the worship service that day.

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, February 2nd

Art for Dinner! Join us for a night of fellowship, dinner and a silent auction of the children’s art projects. This year we are raising money for our athletic fund. Funds will be used for things such as upgrading our equipment, jerseys and tournament fees. If there is anyone that would like to help with the dinner or the students with an art project, please feel free to contact:

Megan Jaster- 608-369-3456 mj.jastersag@outlook.com or

Ciara Neuhauser 608-369-0901 ciaraneuhauser24@gmail.com

FELLOWSHIP AND REFRESHMENTS after the Emmanuel Christmas Eve Service Dec. 23rd at 6:00 PM. Members and guests are all invited to join us in the Parish Hall.  If you have extra cookies please bring a plate to share. If not please come anyway.

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH WELS DVDS are available in the St. John’s link way-$5 donation.

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

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.

MIDWEEK ADVENT DEVOTIONS “A Light in the Darkness” The first 3 Wednesday in December (12/5, 12, 19), Pastor Dolan, Pastor Stelter (from St. John’s–Princeton) and Pastor Zietlow will be leading Advent Devotions. 3:30m at Emmanuel–Big Mecan & 6:30pm at St. John’s–Montello. “Come, O Long-Expected Jesus” (Hymn 6)

PLEASE MUTE YOUR CELL PHONES before the worship service begins. No texting while driving or worshiping.

Usher Schedule

December 9

E

(with comm.) SJ

Lucas Stelter, Jim Stuempges, Brian Ninneman

Don Smith; Chief, Ken Borzick, Ben Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz, James Henke

December 12

(Advent 3:30pm) E

(Advent 6:30pm) SJ

Wayne Stelter, Don Stelter, Joe Heller

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

December 16

E

SJ

Don Stelter, Noah Buchholz, Paul Dahlke

Cal Kapp; Chief, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr

December 19

(Advent 3:30pm) E

(Advent 6:30pm) SJ

Wayne Stelter, Don Stelter, Joe Heller

James Wachholz; Chief, Robin Smith, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Gordon Krause

December 23

E

(with comm.) SJ

Brian Ninnemann, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller

Jack Yates; Chief, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock

December 24

SJ

(Christmas Eve 7:00pm)

Don Smith; Chief, Matt Borzick, Glen Bubolz, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith

December 25

E

(Christmas Day 9:00am)

December 30

E

SJ

DuWayne Sommerfeld, Glenn Buchholz, Brian Ninnemann

Kenon Smith; Chief, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul

December 31

(with comm.) SJ

(New Year’s Eve 7:00pm)

Cal Kapp; Chief, Scott Ritz, Ken Borzick, Ben Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz, James Henke

St. John’s Greeters Schedule

Dec. 9

Paul & Christa Van Treeck

Dec. 16

Kathy North

Dec. 23

Phyllis Farrell & Pat Henning

Dec. 24

Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell

Dec. 30

Sara Borck & Jennie Utke

Dec. 31

Wayne & Marilyn Riemer

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

12-2 12-5

? 42

45 53

St. John’s Altar Committee:

December 2018

Diane Eisermann

&

Delores Cotte

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PERSONAL PRAYERS

For Worship

In the Name of Jesus

FOR PEACE

O God of peace, I turn aside from an unquiet world, seeking rest for my spirit and light for my thoughts. I bring my work to be sanctified, my wounds to be healed, my sins to be forgiven, my hopes to be renewed. In you there is perfect harmony. Draw me to yourself, and silence the discords of my wasteful life. Your greatness is beyond my highest praise. Take me out of the loneliness of self, and fill me with the fullness of your peace.

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: in the water of baptism you forgave my sin and delivered me from death and the devil. You raised me to a new life in Christ and clothed me with his merit. Help me rejoice in your washing of salvation and live before you in righteousness and purity forever.

A PERSONAL CONFESSION OF SIN

Father, I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your child. Especially am I sorry for ______. Yet in mercy you sacrificed your only Son to purge away my guilt. For his sake, O God, be merciful to me, a sinner, and in the joy of your Holy Spirit let me serve you all my days.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

Praise to you, O God, maker of all things. You gave me life and breath. You sent your Son to cleanse me from sin and your Spirit to make me glad. Thank you for providing me with all that I need to live. Especially do I thank you for ______. To you be honor and glory now and forever.

BEFORE WORSHIP

Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise.

O Lord—our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter—we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake.

BEFORE COMMUNION

Lord, I am not worthy to be a guest at your holy table. But you are the friend of sinners, and you will not cast me out. This bread is your body, which bore my sins upon the tree. This wine is your blood, which purifies me from all guilt. At your invitation, I come rejoicing. Receive me, my Savior.

AFTER COMMUNION

Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for nourishing me in this sacrament with your body and blood. You have given me forgiveness, life, and salvation. Let me always remain in you as a branch remains in the vine. Send me out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.

O living Bread from heaven, how richly you have fed your guest! The gifts you now have given have filled my heart with joy and rest. Lord, grant me that thus strengthened with heavenly food, while here my course on earth is lengthened, I serve with holy fear. And when you call my spirit to leave this world below, I enter through your merit where joys unmingled flow.

AFTER WORSHIP

Good Shepherd, I was glad to be here, gathered with your flock to worship you. Cause the Word I have heard to take root in my heart and bear fruit in my life. Guide me in paths of righteousness, that my words and actions might lead others to glorify you.

Grant, O Lord, that the lips which here have sung your praise may continue to glorify you in the world; that the ears which have heard you speak may be open always to your Word and closed to hatred and discord; that the tongues which have confessed your name may always speak the truth without fear; that all of us who have worshiped together today may be united in true love for each other as you have loved us in Jesus.

BY THOSE SERVING AT WORSHIP

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: I am happy for the privilege of ministering in your house. Help me to be reverent and humble in my service, setting a good example by my words and actions. Enable me to fulfill my duties in such a way that I may assist others to worship you joyfully.

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Like & find us on Facebook

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

Hope that Deepens Faith – December 7, 2018

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

Hope that Deepens Faith


Daily Devotion – December 7, 2018

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

See series: Devotions

The Apostle Paul was in a happy mood. He just received some good news. A group of believers were safe. Troublemakers had stirred up bad feelings toward anyone who believed in Jesus. They formed a mob, they started a riot. For months, Paul worried about what happened to the believers. Finally, news reached Paul’s ears. Not only did the little group survive, but they were growing stronger in their faith! The good news made Paul so happy! “How can we thank God enough for you,” he cried out.

Have you experienced that feeling when your worst fears never materialized?

  • A young child imagines a lurking closet shadow to be a real monster. A flick of the light switch shows it was only a hanging shirt. What a relief!
  • A student thinks he bombed a test, but he got an “A!” What joy!
  • The auto shop warns the repair bill may be huge, but it turns to be a quick fix! What happiness!
  • The doctor cautions about the outcome of the medical tests, but it turns out to be nothing! What a surprise! You just want to hug someone!

Jesus gives us news this Christmas that gives real hope, it dispels the dark and replaces fears. What good is a house filled with decorations and lights if your heart is empty of Jesus? Only Jesus can fill a heart “lacking in faith.”

The Apostle Paul wanted only the best for the people that he loved. So he shared Jesus with them. He prayed for their faith to be safe and strong. Do you know someone who lives in the dark because they don’t know Jesus? Are you worried that they may be in real danger? Maybe Jesus can use you to share him, so their faith may be in Jesus too! Start thinking and praying that Jesus turns on the light of faith and gives them the gift of hope in their hearts and may share it through you.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, your coming this Christmas makes us so happy! Supply what is lacking in our faith. Make it strong! Give us someone to share our happiness so the gift of hope can be theirs too! 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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Hope When Facing Stress – December 6, 2018

[Jesus said] “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34-36

Hope When Facing Stress


Daily Devotion – December 6, 2018

Devotion based on Luke 21:34-36

See series: Devotions

Andy Williams raised Christmas expectations when he sang his Christmas classic, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” What a wonderful time of year for holiday songs and Hallmark Channel movies! We dream of a white Christmas and the perfect family gathering.

But what happens when our dreamy expectations for the perfect Christmas don’t come true? It may explain why holiday times are some of the most stressful days of the year for people. For some it’s the stress of fighting the crowds and trying to find the perfect gift. For others it’s the stress of getting everything decorated, baked, and ready on time. We stress from trying to create the wonderful Christmas we dream about and now, it’s only 19 days away! Stress is dangerous if it tempts us to cope with it in unhealthy ways—unhealthy for the body and the soul. That’s why Jesus warned: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life” (v. 34).

Are you feeling the holiday stress? Do you want to get rid of it? Then Jesus offers this remedy: He said “Be always on the watch, and pray” (v. 36). This time of year requires spiritual vigilance and prayer. Our hope for the perfect Christmas is connected to the One whose love led him to the cradle and then to the cross for us. Our hope for the best future possible isn’t a dream. It’s certain because it rests on him who promised to come back again to take us to be with himself forever. He’s the One who said “Be on guard! Be alert!”

We may not be able to completely insulate ourselves from all stress. But we can take what is stressing us to the Lord of all who loves us completely. Now we are ready to face our stress and to work it out in faith-filled, faith-building ways, in Jesus!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when the holiday season or earth’s end-time season gets me stressed, help me find rest in you and help me to remain vigilant in my walk of faith with you. 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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