Bulletin – May 16, 2021

The 7th Sunday of Easter

The Ascended Lord, Our Great High Priest, Prepares His Church for Its Work

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

May 15, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

May 16, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us on this wonderful Mother’s Day! May God bless and fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together today.  

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday:               
8:00a.m. at Emmanuel                                                
10:00a.m. at St. John’s

Saturday:          
4:30p.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.  

UPDATED COVID-19 PROTOCOL   Emmanuel and St. John’s Joint Councils approved the following updates, effective Sunday, May 23, 2021: 1)  Wearing masks and social distancing is still encouraged. 2)  All pews at both churches will be open for seating. 3)  Parish members are free to worship at either Emmanuel or St. John’s. 4)  Congregational singing will be resumed at all worship services; soloists are discontinued. 5)  Saturday outdoor worship will be held once monthly, June-September, pending Worship Committee approval.  

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 7th Sunday of Easter – He Watches Over Me – Our ascended Lord watches over his Church. He intercedes for us with the Father. He protects us with his power. He guides us with his Holy Word of truth.    

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                                                                     CW 232, “Lord of My Life, Whose Tender Care”

S E R V I C E   O F   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.

Almighty God, your Son our Savior was taken up in glory and intercedes for us at your right hand. Through your living and abiding Word, give us hearts to know him and faith to follow where he has gone; 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                                                                                                                                                Acts 1:15-26

Summary: Preparation by the disciples for witnessing to the world

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters,[a] the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;
    let there be no one to dwell in it,’[b]

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’[c]

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

PSALM  8                                                                                

* Sing refrains and verses in unison.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!*

You have set your glory above the heavens.

When I consider your heavens,*

the work of your fingers,

what is man that you are mindful of him,*

the Son of Man that you care for him?

Refrain

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings*

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;*

you put everything under his feet.

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                                                                                                                                       1 John 4:13-21

Summary: We love because he first loved us

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                                                                           John 14:18

M:           Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Alleluia.  

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                             John 17:11-19 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Jesus prays that his disciples may be protected and sent out into the world

I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of[a] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by[b] that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[c] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY                                                                                         CW 359, “Jesus, My Great High Priest

SERMON                                                                                                                                                   John 17:11-19

“O LORD! SET US APART BY YOUR TRUTH!”

  1. That we may have what You want us to have (13)
  2. That we may be what You want us to be (14-17)
  3. That we may do what You want us to do (18-19)

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, Ascension 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 469:1-4, “Take My Life and Let It Be”

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-11.png

M:       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.

The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN                                                                                  CW 469:5, 6, “Take My Life and Let It Be”

*See page 9.

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  †

May 16 – May 22

Sun.8:00a.m.Emmanuel Worship   
 9:00a.m.Emmanuel Congregational meeting
 10:00a.m.St. John’s Worship  
Mon.  
 6:30p.m.Choir at St. John’s
   
Tues.8:00a.m.School Chapel
 6:30p.m.Joint Worship meeting at St. John’s
Wed.  
 11:40a.m.Early School Release
Thurs.3:30p.m.School Speech meetings
 6:00p.m.Griefshare Movie/Pizza Night of “I Still Believe”
Fri.12:45p.m.School Arbor Day
Sat.  
 4:30p.m.St. John’s Worship   with communion
   
  Next week’s theme:-  May 23, 2021
The Day of Pentecost:
The Spirit Gives Life  
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, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy North, Rhett Petersen (Dan Finger’s friend), Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, Jeff Reimer & son Tim, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Sally Elmer, Thomas Marcelain, LuAnn Reber, Tim Reimer) – For the family of our Emmanuel member Pat Bornick called to her eternal home on Monday (5/10) at the age of 86 – For Armed Forces Day (5/15 – “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD.  I SHALL NOT WANT…” On Monday (5/10/21) our loving Good Shepherd Jesus Christ called to his side in heaven the soul of our Emmanuel–Mecan member Pat Bornick.  Funeral arrangements are as follows: Wednesday (5/19) at Emmanuel–Mecan. 10am visitation. 11am funeral. committal at a later date. “…AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.” (Psalm 23 that Pat and I recited together at the close of our 5/6 communion visit) – www.wachholzandsons.com  

UPDATED COVID 19 PROTOCOL  Emmanuel and St. John’s Joint Councils approved the following updates, effective Sunday, May 23, 2021: 1)  Wearing masks and social distancing is still encouraged. 2)  All pews at both churches will be open for seating. 3)  Parish members are free to worship at either Emmanuel or St. John’s. 4)  Congregational singing will be resumed at all worship services; soloists are discontinued. 5)  Saturday outdoor worship will be held once monthly, June-September, pending Worship Committee approval.  

ATTENTION ST. JOHN’S AND EMMANUEL MEMBERS: Starting Sunday, May 16 @ 6:30pm, there will be adult softball on the baseball diamond behind St. John’s.  This is open to men and women who have graduated high school (recently or a long time ago!).   We are not preparing for a future event, just gathering in fellowship and activity during the warmer months of the year.  Come out and enjoy the season and meeting together!  

GRIEFSHARE This Thursday, May 20 at 6:00p.m., the Griefshare group will be showing the movie “I Still Believe”. All Griefshare members are invited and may bring a guest. If you, or anyone you know, could benefit from this, please come! Please RSVP to Mark Emond 608-697-1600. Pizza will also be provided!  

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!  

CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. Pentecost season scarves and descriptive cards are available for pickup! We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.   

ST. JOHN’S LADIES, PLEASE VOTE!  All confirmed women are eligible to vote for officers on the International Board of Directors of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) and for mission projects for 2021-2022. A voting station is located in the linkway today.  Voting ends on Sunday, May 23. Results of this voting will be announced at the virtual LWMS Convention, June 24-27.  If you have questions, please contact Reporter Linda Wachholz.  Your vote is very much appreciated!  

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  †

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office, church Information Room or from Director Lynn Sellnow.  

PRESCHOOL END OF THE YEAR The school board has approved a gathering for preschool students and families at the end of the year. The 4K students will “graduate” and all Little Lambs will present a program and receive a certificate. The program is called “I Can Go and Tell.” We will have a gathering after the program with refreshments. You may invite a few family members to attend the event. It will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 6:00 pm. The program will take place in church and the reception will be either in the church basement or in the gym. I hope you can join us!    

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION The kindergartners will graduate at the closing service of the school year on Friday, May 28, in the morning. The closing service will take place in church toward the end of the morning. (Time to be determined.) The kindergartners will sing a song and receive their kindergarten diploma. There will be a cookout following the service for all students and family members. Make plans to attend now. It will be here before you know it!    

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ART FOR DINNER WINNERS Cookbook cover:  Keira Breiwa, Rhett Gimnick, Rilyn Henke, Johanna Jaster,    Connor Riesselmann and Nolan Van Treeck   Individual who sold the most cookbooks: Keira Breiwa, 4th grade (28 cookbooks!)   Classroom that sold the most cookbooks: Miss Tindall’s 3rd-5th grade (61 cookbooks!)   Each winner received a prize bag full of goodies and the 3rd-5th graders received a pizza and ice cream party. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Art For Dinner fundraiser! Stay tuned for when to pick up your cookbook, apparel/accessories and for our totals raised this year.  

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES 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.  

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  

 

He Watches Over Me

Seventh Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

Our ascended Lord watches over his Church. He intercedes for us with the Father. He protects us with his power. He guides us with his Holy Word of truth.

First Lesson (Acts 1:15-26)

1.       This takes place soon after Jesus’ ascension and before Pentecost. What did Peter propose to the early believers?

2.       The disciples let God choose who would take Judas’ place. Explain.

Second Lesson (1 John 4:13-21)

3.       According to verse 15, how can we know that God lives in us?

4.       What does our love for God lead us to do?

5.       Verse 18 says that there is no fear in love. So, if I am afraid at some point, have I lost my faith?

Gospel (John 17:11b-19)

6.       Jesus prayed these words on the night before he died. It is commonly known as his High Priestly prayer. For what things did Jesus pray?

7.       What did Jesus mean when he said, “Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth”?

Answers:

1.                   That they choose a replacement for Judas the Betrayer. He suggested that they choose a man who had been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry.

2.                   Even though the disciple’s “chose” the final two candidates, they did it prayerfully according to the criteria mentioned above. Then they prayed and cast lots. The lot fell to Matthias. This was not luck, but rather God’s decision.

3.                   Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we know and trust that Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. Therefore our trust in Jesus is proof that God dwells within us.

4.                   Out of thanks for God’s love we seek to show love to others.

5.                   Our faith, which trusts solely in God’s love, does not fear anything. Faith says boldly with the Apostle Paul, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Our trust in God’s love shows no fear. Yet we are at the same time sinners and saints. Our sinful nature does doubt. Our sinful nature does fear. The life of a Christian is a struggle against that sinful nature. Moments of fear and doubt should not drive us to despair of our salvation, but rather to the loving promises of our Savior God who strengthens our faith and takes away our fears.

6.                   Because he was leaving, Jesus asked God to watch over his disciples and protect them.

7.                   To sanctify means to “set apart” for God and for holiness. God through his Word and the faith worked by that Word sets apart believers for himself. We are in the world, but we are not of it. Heaven is our home. Jesus prayed that God would continue to keep them from sin, the devil and the evil of this world through his Holy Word. God continues to set us apart through that same Word of truth.

AttendanceEmmanuelSt. John’s
5-8 11
5-944181
5-12 17
5-138 
St. John’s Altar Committee for May 2021: Kay Maass & Jennie Utke
●●● 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   ●●●  

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Monday 8:00-4:00

Tuesday 8:00-4:00

Wednesday 8:00-4:00

Thursday 8:00-4:00