It Is the Gift of God: Celebrate Reformation Sunday
November 3, 2019
8 a.m. Emmanuel
10 a.m. St. John’s
Pastor Peter Zietlow
St. John’s School Chimes : “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
Pastor’s Greeting–Five Latin phrases emerged during the Reformation to summarize the Reformers’ theological convictions about the essentials of Christianity. Sola Scriptura, which means the Bible alone is our highest authority; Sola Fide, which means we are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ; Sola Gratia, which means we are saved by the grace of God alone; Solus Christus, which means Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King; and Soli Deo Gloria, which means we live for the glory of God alone.
Choir: “On Faith Alone” (Sola Fide)
Please stand
Congregation Hymn sung to the tune of CW 477 “What Is the World to Me”; 3 verses with new lyrics by Arden W. Mead interspersed with liturgy from Psalm 103 spoken responsively by Pastor and congregation:
♫ By grace we have been saved, by God’s abundant favor.
It is the gift of God through faith in Christ, our Savior. No merit may we claim, no effort of our own; It is the gift of God through faith in Christ alone.
P With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name!
C With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been.
P The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, and protects us from death.
C His kindness and love are a crown on our heads.
P Each day that we live, he provides for our needs.
C He gives us the strength of a young eagle.
P How great is God’s love for all who worship him?
C Greater than the distance between heaven and earth!
P How far has the Lord taken our sins from us?
C Farther than the distance from east to west!
♫ When we were dead in sin, God sent his Son to save us.
It is the gift of God that life eternal gave us. By God’s abundant grace we with the Lord are raised. It is the gift of God, whose name fore’er be praised.
P The Lord is always kind to those who worship him,
C and he keeps his promises to their descendants who faithfully obey him.
P God has set up his kingdom in heaven, and he rules the whole creation.
C Let all of God’s creation and all that he rules come and praise the Lord.
P With all my heart I praise the Lord.
♫ We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus. It is the gift of God that thus his mercy frees us To live in holiness the life that God desires. It is the gift of God that such good works inspires.
Prayer of the Day
Your Word tells us, Lord, that it is by grace we are saved, not by works, and that it is a gift from God, lest anyone should boast. Let us bask in the blessing of this true gift from you of our salvation from sin, death and the devil, not because of anything we have done but because of what your Son did for us on the cross by dying in our stead for our transgressions and rising to life three days later that we might live a new life in heaven with you. May this miraculous message, uncovered again during the Reformation, which we celebrate this day, be our guiding light and our bold claim in how we live our lives for you. Amen.
Please be seated
The First Lesson Isaiah 55:1-11
Summary: Invitation to the Thirsty
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples. Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor. Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.’”
Psalm 46 The Reformation Psalm is sung by the congregation to the tune of CW 441 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” with words as follows:
God is our Refuge and our Strength, our Helper ever near. The Lord of hosts is on our side to shelter us from fear.
Though mountains fall and storms arise and fearful tempests blow, Our God is with us, and he leads where peaceful waters flow.
God’s steadfast help will surely come as certain as the dawn. The Lord of hosts is on our side, so let all fear be gone!
The trembling nations hear his voice, their awesome Sov’reign own: “Be still, and know that I am God, and I will reign alone!”
Come and behold what God has done: as adversaries yield, He breaks the bow and snaps the spear and burns with fire the shield.
O God our Refuge, God our Strength, accept the praise we bring For mercy shown by grace alone through Christ, our Savior-King!
The Second Lesson, Ephesians 2:1-10 (sermon text in bold)
Summary: Made Alive in Christ
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
The Alleluia verse is sung by the congregation to the tune of CW 322, “On What Has Now Been Sown”:
It is God’s gift alone that we to Christ belong, Who claims us as his own and will our whole life long. Alleluia! By faith alone God’s gift we own. Alleluia!
Rise for The Gospel, John 17:1-10
Summary: Jesus Prays for Himself and for Us
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.
Please be seated
Congregational Hymn, CW Supplement 756, “We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight,” 5 verses, see insert
The Sermon: Ephesians 2:4-10
Grace Makes Everything New
1. A New Life 2. A New Name 3. A New Job
Rise for the Creedal Hymn sung by the congregation to the tune of CW 256, “How Great Thou Art”
♫ We all believe in God, almighty Father who shattered chaos, said, “Let there be light!” Sun, moon and stars show forth his praise together, All things on earth his wisdom and his might. God loved the world so much he freely gave his only Son the lost to save. God loves each child; by faith we understand it is God’s gift—a Father’s hand.
We all believe in God’s true Son, Christ Jesus, Born of a virgin, for us crucified. His holy death and resurrection frees us To rise from sin, and in his grace abide. Ascended to his throne in heav’n on high with saving love he still is nigh. He will return as Shepherd, Judge and King. He is God’s gift—his praise we sing!
And we give thanks for God the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, By whose blest inspiration we inherit the benefits of all that Christ has done. The holy Church is gathered ’round the Word where God’s good news in faith is heard. Forgiven and forgiving, we shall rise to claim God’s gift of Paradise.
Please be seated
The Offering (Greet one another and sign the register.)
Please stand
Prayers based on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism Creed spoken responsively by Pastor and congregation:
P O God the Father Almighty, we offer our thanks for richly and daily providing us with all that we need to support the bodies you have given us and the lives we are privileged to live.
C Make us truly grateful for your gifts of goods and clothing, house and home, spouse and children, property, and all that we call ours—that we may regard them as your blessings and dedicate them to your service.
P O Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, for us and for our salvation you became true man.
C It is your gift alone that purchased and won us from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil—not with gold or silver, but with your holy, precious blood and your innocent suffering and death. Keep us firm in that saving faith.
P O Holy Spirit, we acknowledge all the gifts of God today only because you have called us by the Gospel, enlightened us with your gifts, sanctified and kept us in the true faith. Continue to inspire us in all these ways, we pray, that the things we do may show forth your glory.
C By your Word and sacraments, you have united us with the whole Christian Church on earth. Continue to call, gather, enlighten, and sanctify more believers, and keep them with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. Amen
Intercessory Prayers listed on bulletin page 11
The Lord’s Prayer
*Emmanuel—Holy Communion—Hymnal pages 21-24; Hymns 309 & 317.
At 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.
*St. John’s continues below.
Benediction
It is the gift of God that he has blessed us and keeps us. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.
Please be seated
The Closing Hymn, CW 201, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” 4 verses
After today’s service, please give your completed friendship register page to an usher.
XAnnouncements X
Activities for the week of November 3-November 9
| Sun. | REFORMATION | |
| 8:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Worship with communion | |
| 8:30 A.M. | St. John’s Sunday School | |
| 9:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Council meeting | |
| 9:00 A.M. | St. John’s Adult Bible Study | |
| 10:00 A.M. | St. John’s Worship | |
| Mon. | 6:00 P.M. | Hands In Prayer at St. John’s |
| 6:30 P.M. | Choir at St. John’s | |
| 7:30 P.M. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s | |
| Tues. | 9:00 A.M. | Elders meeting at St. John’s |
| 6:00 P.M. | Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s | |
| 6:30 P.M. | Eastside Cemetery Association meeting at St. John’s | |
| 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 Class | |
| 6:30 P.M. | Women’s Bible Study begins at St. John’s | |
| 6:30 P.M. | St. John’s Worship with communion | |
| 7:30 P.M. | Bible Information Class at St. John’s | |
| Thurs. | 8:00 A.M. | St. John’s Teen Confirmation Class |
| 6:00 P.M. | Griefshare at St. John’s lower level (9 of 13 weeks) | |
| SJS/LL Parent Teacher Conferences (evening) | ||
| Fri. | NO ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL/LITTLE LAMBS – St. John’s School/Little Lambs Parent Teacher Conferences | |
| 7:00 P.M. | WELS National Choral Fest at WLA | |
| Sat. | ||
| Theme for Next Sunday November 10 , 2019 The Last Judgment–Welcome Home #4: “You Are Perfectly Safe Here” | ||
| 8:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Worship with communion | |
| 8:30 A.M. | St. John’s Sunday School | |
| 9:00 A.M. | St. John’s Adult Bible Study | |
| 9:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Congregational meeting | |
| 10:00 A.M. | St. John’s Worship | |
| 2:00 P.M. | WELS Sacred Concert at WLA | |
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Ron Blada, Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Reinold Eckelberg, Harold Fandrey, Lilah Farrell, Xzander Jahr, Chris Krause (Gordy and Linda’s son), Shirley Krueger, Robert Lederer (Jackie and Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Delvin Mittelsteadt, Mark and Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son and daughter in-law), Katie Segrist (Pastor Gary & Orlene Johnson’s daughter), Doris Smith, John Smith (Kenon’s father), Jennifer Strauss – (added this week: )
– For our communicants at Emmanuel
PRAISE THE LORD “I want to thank Pastor Zietlow for his prayers and all the church members for their constant prayers and support. After 3.5 years of cancer treatments, it is now in check!”
–Bob Klapper
TRUNK OR TREAT Thank you to all who attended and helped out at this year’s Trunk or Treat. Without you, this event would not be as great as it was! Thanks and blessings to you all.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: RUTH “A short story masterpiece that showcases steadfast love and the kind of selfless humility that God rewards.” ~People’s Bible
All women are invited to come to our new Women’s Bible Study for fellowship, fun, and growing in God’s Word! We will be starting a four-week study of the book of Ruth this week Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30pm in St. John’s church basement. Come learn about God-inspired devotion, love, and most importantly, how the Savior ties into the whole thing! Please contact Rachel Naumann at rnaumann@stjohnsmontello.org or 847.913.2135 with any questions.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY The Men’s Bible study will NOT meet this Tuesday, but will be resuming again the next two weeks, November 12 and 19.
A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT – EAST SIDE CEMETERY
The Montello East Side Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting this coming Tuesday, November 5th, at 6:30PM. The meeting this year will take place in the St. John’s church basement. Anyone who owns a cemetery plot at East Side, and all other interested parties are welcome to attend. Contact John Dolan at 608-297-1075 if you have any questions.
UPDATE on CARDS FOR PRISON MINISTRY Thanks to all who picked up packs of cards to write for the prison ministry. All the cards are out. Please return completed cards by Thanksgiving Day, November 28, to the collection box in the linkway or to the church office.
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY A “Sneak Peek at the Gospel” for the day is the topic of the Sunday morning Bible study every week. It’s from 9:00-9:45am – come anytime. We meet in the church. All are welcomed. All are encouraged to attend.
ACTS–ACTIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH THE GOSPEL IN THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH Adult Bible Study meets Monday at 7:30pm & Wednesday at 10am in the St. John’s conference room.
NEW LIFE IN CHRIST Bible Information Class (leads to membership) is at 7:30pm in the St. John’s conference room (alternate times may also be scheduled).
GRIEFSHARE The 13-week session of Griefshare has begun. Sessions are held at 6:00p.m. in the lower level of St. John’s. Join us for week #8, October 17. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Mark Emond (608) 697-1600.
ACH What is ACH? Automated Clearing House. Interested in having your church offering automatically deposited? Stop by the office or Information Room and fill out your application today.
MEDITATIONS New “Meditations” WELS daily devotional booklets are available in the church entry (many thanks to our generous members for donating!)
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!”
HOLIDAY TRAIL: NOVEMBER 23, 2019 St. John’s is again a part of this year’s Holiday Trail. Our stop will be open from 9:00am – 4:00pm. The Scholastic Bookfair and Thai Village Craft sale will be the main events here along with a few other perks. Plan to come, bring a friend and enjoy a day of Christmas shopping around town.
| Emm/Usher Schedule |
November 3
Emm (comm) Don Stelter, Paul Wuerch,
Gary Weger,
comm. assist. Wayne Stelter
SJ Don Smith; Chief, Paul Van Treeck, Haiden Van Treeck,
Nolan Van Treeck, Matt Borzick
November 10
Emm Darrell Buchholz, Glenn Buchholz, Paul Dahlke
SJ (comm) Kenon Smith; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Aaron Kendall,
Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann
November 17
Emm DuWayne Sommerfeld, Warren Buchholz, Don Stelter
SJ Cal Kapp; Chief, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Joe Zauner Sr., Joe Zauner Jr.
November 24
Emm Wayne Stelter, Bob Ferber,
Gary Wegner
SJ (comm) James Wachholz; Chief, Jon Vote, Joe Vote, Jesse Schable, Richard Freitag
November 27 Thanksgiving Eve
SJ Jack Yates; Chief, Ben Jaster,
Jacob Jaster, Jeff Reimer,
Jeremy Breiwa
November 28 Thanksgiving
Emm Darrell Buchholz, Don Stelter,
Gary Wegner
December 1
Emm (comm) Lucas Stelter, Jim Stuempges,
Paul Dahlke
comm. assist. Brian Ninnemann
SJ Don Smith; Chief, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Gordon Krause
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 10-27 10-30 | 70 | 126 8 |
| St. John’s Altar Committee November 2019 | Jennie Utke & Susan Brown |
| Save the Date for our Thanksgiving Services! November 27 6:30pm Thanksgiving Eve at St. John’s November 28 9:00am Thanksgiving Day at Emmanuel |