The 5th Sunday in Lent
The New Covenant Was Established
By Jesus, Our High Priest
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches
Montello & Mecan, WI
March 20, 2021
4:30p.m. St. John’s
March 21, 2021
8:00 a.m. Emmanuel
10:00 a.m. St. John’s
| St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949 Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949 |
| WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 5th Sunday in Lent: Jesus is Our High Priest Who Offers Himself – Before Jesus was born, believers had to regularly offer up sacrifices for sin. Only the High Priest could go before God with the blood and prayers of the people. These sacrifices would go on and on for the entire life of the Old Testament believer as a vivid reminder that God would send a Savior who would be sacrificed on the behalf of all people. Today the Word of God shows that Jesus, our High Priest, would sacrifice himself and bring a new covenant of life that would last forever. |
† 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 thankfulness of praise.
PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
P: Dear Heavenly Father: I come to your house today to worship you, to give youthe praise you deserve and the prayers and hymns you desire. Through your Word and Sacrament, come to me. Take me by the hand and lead me to the cross where your Son offered sin’s sacrifice once and for all. Forgive my sins, strengthen my faith, assure me of my salvation, and inspire and empower me to do good works. Teach me today to look up to Jesus and live by faith. Bless my worship. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 170:1,3,5 Draw Us to Thee
* Sung by soloist.
5 Draw us to thee Unceasingly;
Into thy kingdom take us.
Let us fore’er Thy glory share;
Thy saints and joint heirs make us.
Please stand.
INVOCATION
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship fo the Holy Spirit be with you.
C: And also with you.
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
P: 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.
P: 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 OF THE DAY
P: Eternal God and Father, help us to remember Jesus, who obeyed your will and bore the cross for our salvation that through his anguish, pain, and death we may receive forgiveness of sins and inherit eternal life; through you Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated.
† T H E W O R D †
This service offers the congregation a form of worship that focuses on the proclamation of God’s Word. Believers respond to this divine gift with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
FIRST LESSON Jeremiah 31:31-34
Summary: The promise of the new covenant
“The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
PSALM 143
*For your personal devotion at home.
Refrain
Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy;*
in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
Do not bring your servant into judgment,*
for no one living is righteous before you.
My spirit grows faint within me;*
my heart within me is dismayed.
Refrain
Answer me quickly, O LORD;*
do not hide your face from me.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,*
for I have put my trust in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;*
may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
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
EPISTLE LESSON Hebrews 5:7-9
Summary: Jesus is our great High Priest
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
VERSE OF THE DAY Mark 10:45
P: The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Please stand.
GOSPEL LESSON John 12:20-33(today’s sermon text)
Summary: Jesus’ road to glory was the road to the cross
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
Be seated.
SERMON HYMN 354 Lamb of God, We Fall before You
*Sung by soloist.
SERMON John 12:20-33
“Dying to Live”
APOSTLES’ CREED
*For your personal devotion at home.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.
LENTEN SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
*Read by pastor.
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
*Spoken by congregation.
C: 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.
CLOSING PRAYER
P: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING
P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN 100:1,4 A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth
*Sung by congregation
| 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. |
† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †
March 21 – March 27
| Sun. | 8:00 a.m. | Emmanuel Worship |
| 10:00 a.m. | St. John’s Worship | |
| Mon. | Spring Break – No School | |
| Tues. | Spring Break – No School | |
| Wed. | Spring Break – No School | |
| 10:00 a.m. | Montello Care Center Devotion | |
| 3:30 p.m. | Emmanuel Lenten Devotion | |
| 6:30 p.m. | St. John’s Lenten Devotion | |
| Thurs. | Spring Break – No School | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Griefshare at St. John’s | |
| Fri. | Spring Break – No School | |
| Sat. | 4:30 p.m. | St. John’s Worship with communion |
| Next week’s theme:- March 28, 2021 The Sixth Sunday in Lent: Palm Sunday: The King Comes to Us | ||
| 8:00 a.m. | Emmanuel Worship with communion | |
| 10:00 a.m. | St. John’s Worship with communion |
| Church News INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Phil Nelson, Kathy North) – For Rita Lawrence who will celebrate her 87th birthday on Monday 3/22 SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR SPRING MISSION OFFERING? They are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 28. A container is located in the entrance at both St. John’s and Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. Projects supported by gifts are listed by the container. Gifts are welcome from all who love missions! 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 following those Sundays sing “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home. ART FOR DINNER If you would like to order a cookbook, please call Ciara at the office 608-297-2866. The price per book is $20. Checks may be made out to St. John’s. LENT Lent is the six week observance of the “passion” of Christ, that is, his suffering and death for our sins and the eternal rescue of all! The Church traditionally observes Lent with midweek worship that helps point to and prepares God’s people for Holy Week and Easter. There will be 3:30pm worship at Emmanuel with Pastor Dolan leading. Also, there is 6:30pm worship at St. John’s led by Pastor Zietlow and the pastors of our nearby sister congregations. The Scripture devotions will talk about “The Hands of Lent.” The 3:30pm Emmanuel worship will be recorded and be made available for viewing on the St. John’s website, stjohnsmontello.org. HOLY WEEK ONLINE VIDEOS This year for Holy Week (Sunday, March 28-Sunday, April 4), we will be hosting our online event: “Palm Branches to the Tomb: Telling HIStory”. This event will entail short, themed videos each day created by our very own church and school members. Be sure to check our website www.stjohnsmontello.org and follow us on our church Facebook page each day. Feel free to share this information with your friends! |
| School news FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s. WISHLIST ITEMS Little Lambs – Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade – 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade – 6th , 7th & 8th Grade –Tuition Assistance LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation 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 |
Jesus is Our High Priest Who Offers Himself
The Fifth Sunday of Lent – B
God’s Word for Today
Before Jesus was born, believers had to regularly offer up sacrifices for sin. Only the High Priest could go before God with the blood and prayers of the people. These sacrifices would go on and on for the entire life of the Old Testament believer as a vivid reminder that God would send a Savior who would be sacrificed on the behalf of all people. Today the Word of God shows that Jesus, our High Priest, would sacrifice himself and bring a new covenant of life that would last forever.
First Lesson (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
1. What is the old covenant that the LORD had made with Israel when he took them out of Egypt?
2. What would be the new covenant that the LORD would make?
Second Lesson (Hebrews 5:7-9)
3. How did Jesus show “reverent submission” when he prayed with “loud cries and tears”?
4. Does verse 9 mean that only those who perfectly obey Jesus can be saved?
Gospel (John 12:20-33)
5. How would the death of Jesus be judgment for the world?
6. Who is the prince of the world that would be driven out of his position of power?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Answers:
1. The old covenant the LORD revealed to the children of Israel in the desert was a covenant that regulated everything the children of Israel did. They had laws of what to eat, how to clean, what to touch and not touch. They had the Sabbath laws, and all the animal sacrifices that would continually have to be made to the LORD for sin.
2. The LORD says the new covenant “will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers.” It would not contain any laws, rules, or regulations that have to be kept. Jesus would be the fulfillment of all of God’s demands. Jesus would keep all the laws and rules for all people. Jesus’ death would be the only sacrifice that would finally pay for the sins of the whole world. Jesus’ death would open the way to God; the veil in the temple was torn in two. Instead of a covenant of “You must do this and not do that,” Jesus’ new covenant comes through the assurance, “It is finished.” All of Jesus’ work is bestowed to us as the Holy Spirit uses the Word and Sacraments to create and sustain faith in our hearts.
3. Jesus’ “reverent submission” is seen clearly in the agony of his prayers in Gethsemane the night before his death. There he said, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
4. No. The Apostle John writes, “We obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 3:22-23) Faith is obedience to God and is worked in the individual by God’s grace through the Word and Sacraments.
5. Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world at the cross. Those who reject this truth will be judged and condemned. Those through faith who believe Jesus’ sacrifice was good for all eternity will enjoy heavenly bliss for all eternity.
6. Satan, or the devil. He would be defeated by Jesus.
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 3-13 | ||
| 3-14 | 41 | 93 |
| 3-17 | 38 | 67 |
| St. John’s Altar Committee March 2021 | Delores Cotte & Diane Eisermann |
| ●●● 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 ●●● |