The 6th Sunday after Pentecost
God’s Over-flowing Generosity – Independence Day
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches
Montello & Mecan, WI
July 3, 2021
4:30p.m. St. John’s
July 4, 2021
8:00a.m. Emmanuel
10:00a.m. St. John’s
Pastor Pete Zietlow
| WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Pentecost season. WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES † Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s † Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel 10:00a.m. at St. John’s Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow. HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 6th Sunday after Pentecost – Life Finds Strength in Struggles – It is when life is at its worst that we have opportunity to see God at his best. His mercy is new every morning and accomplishes the impossible – against all odds. Faith turns to God and responds with rich joy and amazing generosity. |
†P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.
OPENING HYMN CWS 785, “O Lord of Nations”
*On Sunday, Choir sings v. 1-2, 4-6 and congregation sings 3, 7.
This beautiful hymn “O Lord of Nations” will be included in our new hymnal coming soon. It was written for Thanksgiving 2001, the first Thanksgiving after the terrifying events of September 11. It is a beautiful hymn that includes praise and petition fitting for our celebration today.
OPENING HYMN CW 232, “Lord of My Life, Whose Tender Care”
*On Saturday.
† S E R V I C E O F THE W O R D †
Please stand.
M: The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
C: And also with you.
CONFESSION OF SINS
We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.
M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.
C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.
C: Amen.
PRAYER AND PRAISE
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
OH, TASTE AND SEE
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Let us pray.
O God, you have prepared joys beyond understanding for those who love you. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings
†T H E W O R D †
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
FIRST LESSON Lamentations 3:22-33 (today’s sermon text)
Summary: The Lord’s compassions never fail
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
28 Let him sit alone in silence,
for the Lord has laid it on him.
29 Let him bury his face in the dust—
there may yet be hope.
30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.
31 For no one is cast off
by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
33 For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to anyone.
PSALM 30
* Men sing 1st line, women sing 2nd line, all sing refrains and Gloria.
Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;*
praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,*
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,*
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Refrain
To you, O LORD, I called;*
to the Lord I cried for mercy.
Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;*
O LORD, be my help.
You turned my wailing into dancing,*
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,*
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Refrain
SECOND LESSON 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-14
Summary: God’s generosity overflows though the lives of believers
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality…
VERSE OF THE DAY Mark 8:34b
M: Alleluia. If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Alleluia.
Please stand
GOSPEL LESSON Mark 5:21-24, 35-43
Summary: The Lord’s compassion gives life
21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him.
35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”
36 Overhearing[a] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Please be seated.
HYMN OF THE DAY CW 414, “I Leave All Things to God’s Direction”
SERMON Lamentations 3:22-33
“The LORD Is My Portion”
- Though he brings grief (v. 28-33)
- Still, I will wait for him (v. 22-27)
Please stand.
APOSTLES’ CREED
All: I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please be seated.
†O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S †
THE OFFERING
Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord. Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained. Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. The plate is located in the church entryway.
PRAYERS
The Offering Prayer, For the Lord To Show Compassion Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
HYMN CW 618:1-3, “Before the Lord We Bow”
M: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
M: As you go from here, remember this:
God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting,
from generation to generation.
Just as a father has compassion on his children
so God has compassion on those who fear him,
who listen to his voice,
and who do his will.
Go out in the knowledge that the everlasting love of God goes with you.
Amen.
Please be seated.
CLOSING HYMN CW 618:4-5, “Before the Lord We Bow”
*See page 11.
| Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228. Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Service of Word and Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved. |
† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †
July 4 – July 10
| Sun. | Independence Day | ||
| Mon. | |||
| Tues. | 9:00a.m. | Joint Elders meeting at St. John’s | |
| Wed. | |||
| Thurs. | |||
| Fri. | |||
| Sat. | 4:30p.m. | St. John’s Worship with communion | |
| Next week’s theme:- July 11, 2021 The 7thSunday after Pentecost: Proclaim the Word Whether People Listen or Not | |||
| 8:00 a.m. | Emmanuel Worship with communion | ||
| 10:00 a.m. | St. John’s Worship with communion | ||
† C H U R C H N E W S †
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Cheri Borzick, Mike Brown, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Mike Farrell, Dan Finger, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Shelley Myers, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer & son Tim, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, Kathy Weinfurter (Ken Pabelick’s mother-in-law), John Wildt – (added this week:)
– For Jan Dahlke who celebrated her 87th birthday on 6/29
– For Haven Mae Ackerson, the daughter of Samuel Ackerson and Jaida Thome, baptized on 7/3 at St. John’s
– For missions
– For Independence Day
ST. JOHN’S VOTERS’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Membership Changes: Adult Confirmation BIC: Amanda Finger Teen Confirmation: Alyssa, Emma, & Katie Mann and Olivia Zuehls Profession of Faith: Cheryl Smith Transfer in: David & Kristi Schrimpf & Son Logan from St. John’s, Baraboo, WI. Releases: Irene Palmer to Catholic; Jacob Polk to ELCA; Kenon & Mary Smith to LCMS. Transfer Out: Phyllis Farrell to Grace, Dalton. School Merger – Report update in bulletin; likely no action until 2022-2023 school year. St. John’s enrollment projected up by 10-15 students for 2021-2022 school year. New Hymnal to be presented in December. Karl Whitrock Memorial $181,000 to be invested with Thrivent. Budget Approved with a deficit of $108,000 due to following needs: 1) second pastor $70,000 2) New boiler & A/C for parsonage $20,000 3) new garage roofs & doors $10,000 4) school curriculum $8,000 5) school aides $20,000.
CROSSES The Time of the Church is the longest season of the church year. Green represents growth-growing the Church through witnessing and missions-becoming “fishers of men.”
This season appears 1st and 2nd Sunday of Epiphany and ends Transfiguration Sunday just before Lent. It reappears the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost and ends on Reformation Sunday.
Please pick up your ribbon today! If you are in need of a cross or would like to gift to someone, please help yourself. They are available and both Emmanuel and St. John’s. Thank you again to Gene Crook (Emmanuel) and LuAnn Zieman (St. John’s) for creating and coordinating!
CHURCH NEWSLETTER The St. John’s church newsletter will again resume starting in July. It will be sent out via email to the congregations. Need to sign up on our mailing list? Please call the office. If you wish to receive a hard copy, we offer a yearly subscription for $10.00.
CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office. Thanks!
LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:
Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System
† S C H O O L N E W S †
CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office. Thanks!
LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:
Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System
St. John’s Lutheran PRINCETON Soccer Camp 2021 – Jesus Always Makes The Save!
When: July 6th – 8th
Time: Times will be run differently this year. Please see below for age group and time:
K3-1st Grade: 4:30 pm – 7 pm
2nd-6th Grade: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: St. John’s Lutheran School 227 Harvard St.
Theme: Jesus Always Makes The Save!
Soccer camp begins with registration each evening at 4:30, and each camp participant will receive dinner and a T-shirt. And it’s all FREE! Boys and girls, ages 3 through 12 are welcome!
In the game of soccer, the goalie needs to make the save again and again or the team has no chance of victory. In life, the Bible tells us that our victory is assured because Jesus has come to seek and to save the lost. Your children are invited to a three-day camp where they will learn how to “make the save” in soccer and grow closer to their Savior Jesus. Drills, exercises, and scrimmages will help them set goals for soccer. Breaks for devotions, music and other activities will help them set goals for life as they grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ their Savior.
For more information: https://www.sjlprinceton.com/
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeT4vV2bfkIvG8cy3tjLz2IJWWO7muf0sb-c37RfuTn3172Tg/viewform
I AM A CHRISTIAN
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I am saved”
I’m whispering “I was lost.”
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
And need someone to be my guide.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And pray for strength to carry on.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are all too visible,
But God believes I’m worth it.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
Which is why I speak His name.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I’m loved.
(Author: Carol S. Wimmer)
Life Finds Strength in Struggles
Pentecost 6 – B
God’s Word for Today
It is when life is at its worst that we have opportunity to see God at his best. His mercy is new every morning and accomplishes the impossible – against all odds. Faith turns to God and responds with rich joy and amazing generosity.
First Lesson (Lamentations 3:22-33)
- When things were miserable around him, from what did the writer get his hope?
- What good can God be accomplishing for us in sufferings?
Second Lesson (2 Corinthians 8:1-9,13,14)
- What was so amazing about the “grace of giving” seen among the Macedonian churches?
- Of what would the Corinthian’s giving be a “test?”
- What was the motivation behind their giving?
Gospel (Mark 5:21-24a, 35-43)
- How did Jairus show faith in Jesus?
- What words did Jesus speak in v. 36 that should stick with us?
Answers:
1. When we feel we hit “rock bottom,” we too should be reminded that things would be far worse. God could have given us full punishment for our sins (yes, even the “small” ones). It is because of God’s great love that you are still alive! But look around you. His mercies show themselves faithfully every morning in the sunshine and the rain – in the little joys that come our way. Look for it every day. Since his compassion will never fail us, we should wait patiently for the timing of his blessings.
2. There is strength given in the testing field of suffering. It begins as he strips away pride and self-righteousness and teaches us true humility and a greater dependence on God alone. (see Rom 5:1-6, Hebrews 12:7-11, 1 Pe 1:3-9).
3. The overflowing joy sprang up not from outstanding wealth but from severe trials and extreme poverty. In spite of the obvious needs they had, they were rich in generosity – even giving beyond their ability. What a testimony to God’s power in them.
4. Paul wanted to test the sincerity of their love by their faithfulness in giving. It is so easy to say you love the Lord and love his people. The proof is in the doing. (Look at the actions of faith displayed in Matthew 25:34-40 or James 2:14-18)
5. The motivation for our sacrificial generosity centers in Christ who gave up the riches of heaven to come to the poverty of this world in order to win for us the outstanding inheritance of heaven. Who would not want to “give themselves first to the Lord,” when they truly understand that? (2 Cor 5:13-15)
6. Jairus came to Jesus knowing he could do what no one else could. He believed that Jesus could put his hands on his dying daughter and she would be healed.
7. When Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid, just believe, “ he was speaking to an impossible situation in the eyes of the world. The child was dead by human observation. But nothing is impossible with God. He lovingly restored her life. That is all the more reason we should never give up hope.
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 6-26 | ||
| 6-27 | 46 | 77 |
| St. John’s Altar Committee for July 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North |
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm
| ●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website: www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816 K, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3rd-5th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021 Principal & 6th – 8th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow: 616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org Church & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866 Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949 Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org ●●● |