Month: February 2018

The Stairway to Heaven – February 28, 2018

Kerry

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”
Genesis 28:16-17

The Stairway to Heaven


Daily Devotion – February 28, 2018

Devotion based on Genesis 28:16-17

See series: Devotions

His name was Jacob, and he was on the run. He had fled his home and the angry threats of his brother, whom he had cheated. He was headed to the family home of his mother. He was all alone. He was anxious about his present circumstances and was uncertain about his future. He was a fearful fugitive. But he had to stop for rest. With a stone for a pillow he drifted off to sleep.

Jacob had a dream in which he saw a stairway that was resting on earth and reaching to heaven. Angels were going up and down on the stairway, and the LORD was at the top. He spoke to Jacob, repeating some important promises that were made to Jacob’s father and grandfather. “I will be with you. I will watch over you. I will bring you and your family back to this place. I will bless all people through you!” The experience startled him and opened his eyes to some important realities: The LORD is real. The LORD is here. The LORD has shown me the gate to heaven.

God and heaven, his presence and promises, often seem very distant and dream-like. But he wants us to know him the way Jacob knew him—as the LORD who is near, who makes beautiful promises, and who shows us the way to heaven. But how? God never promised to speak to us in dreams and visions. But he has spoken to us clearly in his Word, the Bible. There he shows us the real and only stairway to heaven, Jesus.

Our sinfulness would keep us separated from God. But Jesus is the one who makes a way for sinners through the forgiveness of sins. He is the stairway God has provided on which to reach him and his heavenly home. And while we walk the journey of faith in this world, he promises to be with us every step of the way. When we feel alone, he reminds us of his presence. When we feel anxious, he reminds us that he watches over us. When we feel uncertain of the future, he reminds us that it is known to him and in his control.

Prayer:
Lord God, how awesome are your promises to us in Jesus Christ, your Son. Help us to look always to him as the true stairway to heaven. Help us to find in him your certain promises for our life in this world. In his name we pray. 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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What is this world coming to? – February 27, 2018

Kerry

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2

What is this world coming to?


Daily Devotion – February 27, 2018

Devotion based on Romans 5:1-2

See series: Devotions

“What is this world coming to?” A 19-year-old man goes on a killing spree at a high school in Parkland, Florida. He stepped into that school fully armed and opened fire, determined to take as many lives as he possibly could. It was dreadful enough to simply listen to the reports on the news—17 dead! It’s hard to imagine what it was like for survivors to experience such a tragedy or for parents to lose children to such madness. If only it was the first time something like this had happened and the last…

Look at the headlines. It seems like everything’s in turmoil. If it’s not a school shooting, it’s other kinds of felonies. If it’s not hurricanes, it’s earthquakes. There’s rising tension among nations, unrest in big cities and crime in small towns. There’s trouble at work, at school, in our homes, and in our lives. And even if your life is trouble-free right now, brace yourself because there’s more trouble in the future.

What we need is peace—the kind that no amount of trouble could ever disturb. Comfort and hope—that’s what we crave. If the turmoil and trouble of this world has worn you out, please read these next words very carefully: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We could study that verse every day of our lives and still not fully grasp the enormous truths packed into these words. The blood of Christ has washed away our sin. We have been justified. Through faith in Jesus, we have peace with God—now and forever.

We yearn for a little bit of certainty in this uncertain world of ours. We crave something that can lift us out of all the sadness and fear to show us—even in the darkest moments of life—that we are safe and that there is hope which will never disappoint. In Christ Jesus, that’s exactly what we have. By faith in Jesus we have peace with God!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, open my heart to more fully comprehend all the treasures that I have in your Son, Christ Jesus, my Savior. Though surrounded by the turmoil of life in a sin-broken world, fill my heart with the peace that you alone can provide. In Jesus’ name I pray. 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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Christ’s Clear Words of Commitment – February 26, 2018

Kerry

[Jesus] then began to teach [his disciples] that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. …Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Mark 8:31,34

Christ’s Clear Words of Commitment


Daily Devotion – February 26, 2018

Devotion based on Mark 8:31,34

See series: Devotions

It comforts me to know I can count on Jesus’ words. He is the trustworthy teacher who spoke plainly to his disciples of his impending great anguish. He does not mask his words in euphemisms. He tells them clearly what they needed to know. “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected…”

Jesus’ words stand in sharp contrast to the broken commitments and vows, voiced by those around us. People speak words that are hollow and empty with dishonesty. Such words lead to disappointment and heartache. We hear the promises of those close to us that eventually prove to be unreliable. Moreover, I myself am pained by my own well-intended words that remain unfulfilled.

When Jesus speaks, he speaks the truth plainly. His words are spoken out of love for me. He wants me to know with undeniable certainty the depth of his love. Jesus speaks of death—his death!—that would win complete forgiveness for every sin.

Jesus not only speaks clearly but acts boldly to do exactly what he said he would do. “The Son of Man…must be killed.” He would humbly set aside his glory and unwaveringly walk to the cross where he would be crucified and die for me. Since Jesus speaks to me with sincerity, I sincerely confess my sin to him and trust his word of full pardon.

Christ also utters words of a conqueror! “After three days (I must) rise again.” Even as Jesus prepared to journey on the dark road to the cross of Calvary, his lips delivered a message of light and life. Jesus declared the Easter joy that would follow, after the gloom of suffering and death.

Since Jesus speaks the truth plainly, I can also trust him when he lovingly calls me to follow him. He does not promise that following him will make my life comfortable and carefree. Rather, he tells me plainly that there will be a cross to carry as His selfless love inspires me to deny my own sinful, selfish ways. For Jesus, I struggle with a Spirit-inspired determination against any adversity that may threaten my relationship with him. With every cross I bear, I know that Jesus and his word will be my strength. Then one day I will enjoy the eternal victory his death and resurrection won for me. I know this is true, for he has clearly told me so!

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, you are the way and the truth and the life. Thank you for your words which inspire me to deny myself and to gladly follow 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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Spiritual Water – February 25, 2018

Kerry

Jesus came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:5-14

Spiritual Water


Daily Devotion – February 25, 2018

Devotion based on John 4:5-14

See series: Devotions

Was Jesus really that desperate for water? Yes, he was tired. Yes, he was thirsty. But was he really tired enough to ask a Samaritan for a drink? The Jews considered Samaritans their religious inferiors. The Samaritans were idolaters! Jews hated them, and they hated Jews! Was he really thirsty enough to ask a woman for a drink? It was against Rabbinic law to speak to any woman in public, not to mention a habitual adulterer like this woman was (see John 4:16-18)! Couldn’t Jesus have drawn his own water to drink? Or couldn’t he at least have found someone of better character to ask? Was Jesus really that desperate for water?

The simplest answer is that Jesus wasn’t really that desperate for water. But that answer completely misses Jesus’ reason for asking the question. Jesus did not approach this sinful Samaritan woman on this day because he was desperate for physical water. He approached her because he knew that she was desperate for spiritual water…and he was the only one who could give it to her: “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.”

Of course, the “water” Jesus offered this woman was himself—his life-giving words and his life-saving work as the world’s Savior from sin. And, as the world’s Savior from sin, that also meant Jesus was her Savior from sin. And so, Jesus was not going to let anything—not race, not gender, not a sin-filled past, not a sin-filled present—get in his way of giving her exactly what she needed. He gave her himself, a “spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Dear friends, you are no different than this sinful Samaritan woman. Just like her, your sins have left you with a desperate need for a Savior. And, just like her, Jesus knows it. That’s why Jesus offers you, too, the life-giving water of himself. He offers it to you every day in his Word. For in his Word you, too, can hear his life-giving words. In his Word you, too, can take in his life-saving work as the world’s Savior—as your Savior—from sin. In his Word you, too, have access to a “spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Never miss an opportunity to drink him in!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the living water that gives life to thirsty souls. Increase our faith in you, that we may never go thirsty again. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

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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You Gotta Have Faith – February 24, 2018

Kerry

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. … It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
Romans 4:1-5,13-17

You Gotta Have Faith


Daily Devotion – February 24, 2018

Devotion based on Romans 4:1-5,13-17

See series: Devotions

During the 1980’s singer George Michael had a catchy and popular hit song called “Gotta Have Faith.” While “Gotta Have Faith” is not a spiritual song, that song title does sum up nicely what God is saying through the apostle Paul in this section of Scripture.

In religious circles, and maybe even beyond, Abraham is pretty famous. God kept his promise to Abraham: “I have made you a father of many nations.” Jewish and Arab people trace their family genealogy back to Abraham. But when a person is standing in God’s eternal courtroom and God asks, “Why should I let you into my heaven?”—will mentioning that you are a blood relative of Abraham help you out? John the Baptist answers that question: “And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.” (Matthew 3:9).

So why is Abraham in heaven? It must be because he was such a moral man, a giving man, a caring man, a well-respected, community-oriented kind of a guy. All those things were true about Abraham, but let’s not forget that even Abraham wasn’t perfect. Abraham fathered a baby with someone who wasn’t his wife! And twice, while traveling in foreign countries, Abraham lied and told people that Sarah was his sister and not his wife. He made Sarah tell the same lies even though this put her at risk of being sexually violated by people in those countries! Even though God promised Abraham that he had big plans for him, Abraham failed to trust that God would keep his promise and protect his life while in those countries. And those are just the sins about Abraham that God shares with us. There were plenty more.

God’s Word says, “For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath.” God demands that human beings keep his law perfectly every second of their lives on earth. This is impossible for you, for me, even as it was for Abraham. We don’t deserve heaven for the way we live our lives; we deserve God’s wrath and punishment in hell.

So how can sinners like Abraham, you, and me hear a not guilty verdict in God’s eternal courtroom? “You gotta have faith” in Jesus as your Savior. God says, “To the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” It doesn’t matter what your ethnic background might be, when a person has faith in Jesus as their Savior, God credits Jesus’ perfection to them. Through faith in Jesus, God considers spiritually dead sinners deserving of hell as spiritually alive and perfect people deserving of heaven.

So, live your life at peace with God and in the confidence that you will spend eternity in heaven because your eternal salvation has nothing to do with you and everything to do with God’s amazing gifts to you—Jesus and faith that trusts in him as your Savior.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to be my Savior. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit working through your Word to give me faith that believes in Jesus as my Savior. Use that same powerful Word to keep me in the Christian faith until you bring me to my eternal home in heaven. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

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 IN LENT FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Kerry

EMMANUEL & ST. JOHN’S

Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

C:\Users\secretary\Downloads\jesus_12419c.jpg

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

FEBRUARY 25, 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!

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus Calls Us To Follow Him – To follow Jesus we must carry our cross. This means our faith will bring us severe burdens and shame. But through Jesus’ cross we have such good news: Heaven is open! We can rejoice in our sufferings! By losing our lives for Jesus, we will find them!

A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul. Through your wonderful Word and Spirit, strengthen our faith, give joy to our hearts, meaning and direction to our lives. Bless our worship today and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Morning Praise” hymnal page 45

“Service of Word & Sacrament” hymnal pages 32b-37 for SJ Holy Communion

PASTOR’S GREETING

Note: At Emmanuel…

OPENING MORNING HYMN (page 45, all sing)

Note: At St. John’s…

LITTLE LAMBS SING “Jesus Has a Little Helper” (in place of opening hymn)

LITURGY (hymnal page 45b, sing responsively)

THE DAY’S BIBLE READING THEME

Follow Christ Crucified

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Genesis 28:10-17

The Lord promises His presence as we follow Him

Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the LORD, and he said: “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

PSALM 73 (hymnal page 94, men sing first line, women sing second line, all sing refrain and Gloria)

EPISTLE LESSON Romans 5:1-11

Through Christ’s sacrifice we have new status with God

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

VERSE OF THE DAY Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8b)

(Please stand)

GOSPEL Mark 8:31-38 (today’s sermon text)

Take up your cross and follow Christ

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

HYMN 345 “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall

SERMON Matthew 8:31-38

“No Cross, No Crown”

  1. Christ’s cross was the cause of our redemption
  2. Our cross is the consequence of our redemption

HYMN 239 “Glory Be to God the Father” (printed in hymnal, all sing after sermon)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

OFFERING PRAYER

PRAYER FOR LENT

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Brian & Bonnie Harmon (Linda Lou Wacholtz’ sister & brother-in-law),  Brody Henke, Ardis Henning, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Dorothy Klawitter, Anna Madigan, Kerry & Lily Mann, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), David & Janette Mottis (Ed & Marlene Buchholz’ niece and husband), Steve Parrish, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Bill Schroeder (Ashley’s father-in-law), Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Jane Torres (Stacie Starke’s mother) – (added this week: Dorothy Klawitter, Bill Schroeder)
– For the family of Linda Malsack called home on Friday (2/23)

– For those affected by the Florida school shooting on 2/14
– For missions & friends who need Jesus
– For our communicants at St. John’s

Note: At Emmanuel…

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 50, sing responsively)

(Please stand)

THE LORD’S PRAYER

PRAYER FOR GRACE & BLESSING (hymnal page 50b-51)

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 365 “Love Diving, All Love Excelling” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

Note: At St. John’s…

LITURGY (hymnal page 32b, sung & read responsively)

(Please stand)

LORD’S PRAYER

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

(Please be seated for Holy Communion)

Out of love for God’s Word and people’s souls, we offer the Lord’s Supper only to communicant members of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church or other congregations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)(1 Corinthians 10:17; 11:26-29) Visitors who are not yet communicant members of our church are respectfully asked to refrain from communing today, but are encouraged to speak with the pastor after the service about how to become communicant members.

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 387”Drawn to the Cross”, 365:1-2 “Love Diving, All Love Excelling” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

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

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 365:3-4 “Love Diving, All Love Excelling” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (3/4):

The Third Sunday in Lent: Repent!

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 3
Sun. 8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M. Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
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 Worship with communion
11:15 A.M. St. Johns AV/IT meeting
Mon. SPIRIT WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S DAY SCHOOL & LITTLE LAMBS!
6:00 P.M. St. John’s School Board meeting
6:30 P.M. Senior Choir at St. John’s
7:30 P.M. Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
Wed. 10:00 A.M. Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
1:40 P.M. St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
2:15 P.M. Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
3:30 P.M. Emmanuel Devotion
4:15 P.M.-6:00P.M. Lenten Supper
6:30 P.M. St. John’s Devotion with communion
Thurs. 12:00 P.M. St. John’s Ladies Aid lunch and meeting

“Collecting Mission Offerings”
6:00 P.M. Griefshare at St. John’s lower level
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018

Theme for next Sunday (3/4):

 The Third Sunday in Lent: Repent!
8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship with communion
8:20 A.M. Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
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 Worship
11:00 A.M. Teacher Call meeting at St. John’s

See the source imageTHANK YOU to the members of St. John’s and Mecan for your presence, comfort, prayers, and memorials given to Mildred Henke. We especia lly thank the Ladies Aid for participating in the funeral service and serving the meal. Thank you also to the pastors, TelloTones and those who visited Millie at the Care Center these past years. She surely appreciated it. Her long life was truly a blessing from the Lord and she is now enjoying her heavenly home. –Delvin and Jean Henke & Family

THANK YOU from the Sunday School for attending the Ash Wednesday Lenten Supper and supporting Easter for Kids with your gifts!

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Millie Henke, $300.00 has been given to St. John’s school, $300.00 has been given to Sunday School, $400.00 has been given to St. John’s General Fund, and $200.00 has been given to DVD Ministries. Thank you for you gifts.  “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 1:4

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

See the source image2017 OFFERING STATEMENTS If you have signed up to receive your 2017 offering statement, please pick it up in the link way.

E:\Linda Wachholz LWMS\CLIPART - old\PIGGY & LAMB.jpgImage result for baby animal picturesWANTED: BABY ANIMALS for a PETTING ZOO

Part of this spring’s Easter for Kids will be a baby animal petting zoo. The event is Saturday, March 24. Would you have any of the following baby animals on that day that you would allow us to borrow? OR do you have leads and contact numbers of someone who might? Kittens, puppies, bunnies, chicks, ducklings, lamb, kids (goats), piglets—we are also open to suggestions. We already have some of the babies lined up, but we would like backup! Please contact Linda Wachholz at 608 369-2635 or lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS STILL NEEDED  Planning for 75 children for Saturday, March 24, at St. John’s.  Your monetary gifts are still needed most and help with advertising, mailings, crafts, baskets, anything & everything for that day. For the baskets, we appreciate donations of home-crafted items for the baskets.  Volunteers are still needed to bake for the baskets & make jello jigglers for the lunch. Volunteers to help the day of the event are also welcome. Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635 to donate or volunteer.

We still collect plain print-free ice cream pails (ValuTime brand at Frietags or others).  Donations are not needed for plastic eggs, grass, or traditional baskets.  However, if you already have some you would like to give, we will take them. A donation box is located in the linkway.

kids colorful wordPRE-REGISTER FOR EASTER FOR KIDS Any child, age 3 through Grade 6, is welcome to attend Easter for Kids at St. John’s on Saturday, March 24.  This is an outreach program–it would be great if St. John’s & Emmanuel kids who attend would invite a non-member or unchurched friend! Register online www.stjohnsmontello.org  Get registration forms at both churches, in Monday Magazine, on church & school Facebook, & on public bulletin boards around Montello. This year’s theme is “Jesus—Giver of New Life.”  Storytime, singing, crafts, baby animal petting zoo, egg hunt, & more bring the true meaning of Easter to the children.  Deadline

EASTER FOR

is Friday, March 16.

LENTEN SUPPERS February 28, 4:15p.m. – 6:00p.m.

Hosted by the LADIES AID! A free will offering will be taken.

What’s on the Menu? Cheesy potato casserole, green bean casserole, salad, desserts and drinks. See you there!

LADIES AID Please pick up supplies for Lenten Supper on Wednesday, February 28, in the lower level. Thank you!

SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 25. Containers are located in the entrance at St. John’s and in the parish hall at Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. 75% of gifts given will support Beaver Dam Circuit projects—HM/Hmong Evangelist Training & WM/Apache Christian Training School (ACTS). 25% of gifts given will support home & world mission projects described on the poster by the container and will be presented at the next LWMS Convention, June 21-24, in Green Bay. Gifts welcome from all who love missions!

SEND ONE SISTER PROGRAM assists women who would like to attend the LWMS Convention as a first-time attendee. This year’s Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Convention will be held June 21-24 in Green Bay, and it’s time to register! Registration materials are available from your reporter (Helen Stelter at Emmanuel; Linda Wachholz at St. John’s). If you have never attended but have thought you might like to attend this mission-packed weekend, you are encouraged to complete a Send One Sister application, also available from your church’s reporter. The Beaver Dam Circuit Board will be holding a Silent Auction at it spring rally to raise SOS funds which will be given to first-time attendees from our circuit to help with their expenses. Why don’t YOU apply!! Deadline: April 15, 2018

See the source imageFREE COMMUNITY PRESENTATION regarding suicide and self-harm in teens. St. John’s Lutheran School in Montello is taking a proactive step to address the very prevalent issues of suicide and self-harm among teens. Elizabeth Robinson, Licensed Professional Counselor from Christian Family Solutions in Germantown, WI, will be offering a free presentation regarding suicide and self-harm at St. John’s on Tuesday, April 10, at 7:30 pm. Presentation topics will include risk factors and warning signs, tips for parents and adults to help teens who are struggling, formulating safety plans, and helpful resources. Time will also be allowed at the end of the presentation for questions and answers.

This presentation is ideal for parents, teachers, ministry leaders, law enforcement, and anyone who works with teens. Elizabeth Robinson has 10 years of experience providing individual, group, and family therapy to children and adolescents with a focus on depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. To learn more about Elizabeth, please visit www.ChristianFamilySolutions.org.

St. John’s Lutheran School is located at 313 E. Montello Street in Montello. If you have questions about the presentation, please call the school at (608) 297-2866 or e-mail info@stjohnsmontello.org.

WEDNESDAY LENTEN DEVOTIONS “Jesus, Our Great High Priest” (based on the New Testament book of Hebrews) is the theme for this year’s midweek Lenten devotions that began Ash Wednesday, 2/14 3:30 p.m. at Emmanuel and 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s. Supper will be served in the St. John’s lower level from 4:15–6:00 p.m. “Jesus, I will ponder now, on your holy passion.” (Hymn 98)

2018 OFFERING COMMITMENTS Winnebago Lutheran Academy…Emmanuel: $2,000 & St. John’s $2,400 – Synod Mission Offering…Emmanuel: $6,000 to CMO & St. John’s: $7,200 “God loves a cheerful giver.” (1 Corinthians 9:7)

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): God doesn’t call the qualified…He qualifies the called.

See the source imageMADIGAN BENEFIT  This afternoon (2/25) from 1:00–4:00 p.m. there will be a benefit for our St. John’s member Anna Madigan at Oyster Crackers and Town Pump (downtown Montello) to help offset medical bills towards her treatment of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer.  There will be numerous raffles, including gift baskets, a cooler of meat, Brewer & Packer memorabilia and more.

Usher Schedule
February 25 E Darrell Buchholz, Paul Wuerch, Joe Heller
(with comm) SJ Jack Yates; Chief, Ben Emond, Tyler Emond, James Henke, Paul Van Treeck
February 28 E Don Stelter, Dave Radke
SJ Don Smith; Chief, Martin Schmanke
March 4 E (with comm) Brian Ninneman, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller, communion assist; Lucas Stelter
SJ Kenon Smith, Chief; Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann
March 7 E Don Stelter, Dave Radke
SJ Cal Kapp; Chief, Corey Kaul
St. John’s Greeter Schedule
February 25 Wayne & Marilyn Riemer
March 4 Aaron Kendall & Christopher Smith
March 11 James & Linda Wachholz
March 18 Scott & Debbie Ritz
March 25 Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell
Attendance Emmanuel St. John’s
2-18 2-21 70 57 182 70
St. John’s Altar Committee

February 2018

 Jennie Utke & Susan Brown

St. John’s & Emmanuel Lent & Holy Week Worship Schedule

See the source image All Emmanuel 3:30p.m. Services will be led by

Pastor John Dolan

Theme: Jesus Christ is Our High Priest

2/28/18 Emm – 3:30p.m.

SJ – 6:30p.m.

 Midweek 3 Pastor Rod Dietsche

Peace-Green Lake
3/7/18 Emm – 3:30p.m.

SJ – 6:30p.m.

 Midweek 4 Pastor Mike Sheppard

Mt. Zion-Ripon
3/14/18 Emm – 3:30p.m.

SJ – 6:30p.m.

 Midweek 5 Pastor John Stelter

St. John’s-Princeton
3/21/18 Emm – 3:30p.m.

SJ – 6:30p.m.

 Midweek 6 Pastor Pete Zietlow
3/29/18 Emm – 7:00p.m.

(communion)

 Maundy Thursday Pastor Pete Zietlow
3/30/18 SJ – 1:00p.m.

(communion)

 Good Friday Pastor Pete Zietlow
4/1/18 SJ – 6:00a.m. & 10:00a.m

Emm – 8:00a.m.

 Easter Sunrise & Easter Service

Easter Service

 Pastor Pete Zietlow

See the source image

A Prayer for Lenten Grace

Loving God,

During the sacred season of Lent, bring me closer to you.

Prepare a place in my home and heart for silence and solitude, so that I may re-discover the grace of a prayer-full life.

Help me to fast from those things that threaten the well-being of body and soul and remind me of the grace of simplicity.

Enlarge my heart so that I give to those in need and, in so doing, re-discover the grace of gratitude and generosity.

May this season be a grace-filled time to rekindle my love for and faith in you.

Amen.

See the source image

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-107160252675/

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowpl6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

EMMANUEL & ST. JOHN’S

Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

C:\Users\secretary\Downloads\jesus_12419c.jpg

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

FEBRUARY 25, 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!

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus Calls Us To Follow Him – To follow Jesus we must carry our cross. This means our faith will bring us severe burdens and shame. But through Jesus’ cross we have such good news: Heaven is open! We can rejoice in our sufferings! By losing our lives for Jesus, we will find them!

A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul. Through your wonderful Word and Spirit, strengthen our faith, give joy to our hearts, meaning and direction to our lives. Bless our worship today and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Morning Praise” hymnal page 45

“Service of Word & Sacrament” hymnal pages 32b-37 for SJ Holy Communion

PASTOR’S GREETING

Note: At Emmanuel…

OPENING MORNING HYMN (page 45, all sing)

Note: At St. John’s…

LITTLE LAMBS SING “Jesus Has a Little Helper” (in place of opening hymn)

LITURGY (hymnal page 45b, sing responsively)

THE DAY’S BIBLE READING THEME

Follow Christ Crucified

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Genesis 28:10-17

The Lord promises His presence as we follow Him

Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the LORD, and he said: “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

PSALM 73 (hymnal page 94, men sing first line, women sing second line, all sing refrain and Gloria)

EPISTLE LESSON Romans 5:1-11

Through Christ’s sacrifice we have new status with God

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

VERSE OF THE DAY Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8b)

(Please stand)

GOSPEL Mark 8:31-38 (today’s sermon text)

Take up your cross and follow Christ

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

HYMN 345 “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall

SERMON Matthew 8:31-38

“No Cross, No Crown”

  1. Christ’s cross was the cause of our redemption
  2. Our cross is the consequence of our redemption

HYMN 239 “Glory Be to God the Father” (printed in hymnal, all sing after sermon)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

OFFERING PRAYER

PRAYER FOR LENT

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Brian & Bonnie Harmon (Linda Lou Wacholtz’ sister & brother-in-law),  Brody Henke, Ardis Henning, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Dorothy Klawitter, Anna Madigan, Kerry & Lily Mann, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), David & Janette Mottis (Ed & Marlene Buchholz’ niece and husband), Steve Parrish, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Bill Schroeder (Ashley’s father-in-law), Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Jane Torres (Stacie Starke’s mother) – (added this week: Dorothy Klawitter, Bill Schroeder)
– For the family of Linda Malsack called home on Friday (2/23)

– For those affected by the Florida school shooting on 2/14
– For missions & friends who need Jesus
– For our communicants at St. John’s

Note: At Emmanuel…

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 50, sing responsively)

(Please stand)

THE LORD’S PRAYER

PRAYER FOR GRACE & BLESSING (hymnal page 50b-51)

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 365 “Love Diving, All Love Excelling” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

Note: At St. John’s…

LITURGY (hymnal page 32b, sung & read responsively)

(Please stand)

LORD’S PRAYER

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

(Please be seated for Holy Communion)

Out of love for God’s Word and people’s souls, we offer the Lord’s Supper only to communicant members of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church or other congregations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)(1 Corinthians 10:17; 11:26-29) Visitors who are not yet communicant members of our church are respectfully asked to refrain from communing today, but are encouraged to speak with the pastor after the service about how to become communicant members.

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 387”Drawn to the Cross”, 365:1-2 “Love Diving, All Love Excelling” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

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

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 365:3-4 “Love Diving, All Love Excelling” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (3/4):

The Third Sunday in Lent: Repent!

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 3
Sun. 8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M. Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
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 Worship with communion
11:15 A.M. St. Johns AV/IT meeting
Mon. SPIRIT WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S DAY SCHOOL & LITTLE LAMBS!
6:00 P.M. St. John’s School Board meeting
6:30 P.M. Senior Choir at St. John’s
7:30 P.M. Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
Wed. 10:00 A.M. Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
1:40 P.M. St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
2:15 P.M. Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
3:30 P.M. Emmanuel Devotion
4:15 P.M.-6:00P.M. Lenten Supper
6:30 P.M. St. John’s Devotion with communion
Thurs. 12:00 P.M. St. John’s Ladies Aid lunch and meeting

“Collecting Mission Offerings”
6:00 P.M. Griefshare at St. John’s lower level
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018

Theme for next Sunday (3/4):

 The Third Sunday in Lent: Repent!
8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship with communion
8:20 A.M. Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
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 Worship
11:00 A.M. Teacher Call meeting at St. John’s

See the source imageTHANK YOU to the members of St. John’s and Mecan for your presence, comfort, prayers, and memorials given to Mildred Henke. We especia lly thank the Ladies Aid for participating in the funeral service and serving the meal. Thank you also to the pastors, TelloTones and those who visited Millie at the Care Center these past years. She surely appreciated it. Her long life was truly a blessing from the Lord and she is now enjoying her heavenly home. –Delvin and Jean Henke & Family

THANK YOU from the Sunday School for attending the Ash Wednesday Lenten Supper and supporting Easter for Kids with your gifts!

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Millie Henke, $300.00 has been given to St. John’s school, $300.00 has been given to Sunday School, $400.00 has been given to St. John’s General Fund, and $200.00 has been given to DVD Ministries. Thank you for you gifts.  “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 1:4

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

See the source image2017 OFFERING STATEMENTS If you have signed up to receive your 2017 offering statement, please pick it up in the link way.

E:\Linda Wachholz LWMS\CLIPART - old\PIGGY & LAMB.jpgImage result for baby animal picturesWANTED: BABY ANIMALS for a PETTING ZOO

Part of this spring’s Easter for Kids will be a baby animal petting zoo. The event is Saturday, March 24. Would you have any of the following baby animals on that day that you would allow us to borrow? OR do you have leads and contact numbers of someone who might? Kittens, puppies, bunnies, chicks, ducklings, lamb, kids (goats), piglets—we are also open to suggestions. We already have some of the babies lined up, but we would like backup! Please contact Linda Wachholz at 608 369-2635 or lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS STILL NEEDED  Planning for 75 children for Saturday, March 24, at St. John’s.  Your monetary gifts are still needed most and help with advertising, mailings, crafts, baskets, anything & everything for that day. For the baskets, we appreciate donations of home-crafted items for the baskets.  Volunteers are still needed to bake for the baskets & make jello jigglers for the lunch. Volunteers to help the day of the event are also welcome. Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635 to donate or volunteer.

We still collect plain print-free ice cream pails (ValuTime brand at Frietags or others).  Donations are not needed for plastic eggs, grass, or traditional baskets.  However, if you already have some you would like to give, we will take them. A donation box is located in the linkway.

kids colorful wordPRE-REGISTER FOR EASTER FOR KIDS Any child, age 3 through Grade 6, is welcome to attend Easter for Kids at St. John’s on Saturday, March 24.  This is an outreach program–it would be great if St. John’s & Emmanuel kids who attend would invite a non-member or unchurched friend! Register online www.stjohnsmontello.org  Get registration forms at both churches, in Monday Magazine, on church & school Facebook, & on public bulletin boards around Montello. This year’s theme is “Jesus—Giver of New Life.”  Storytime, singing, crafts, baby animal petting zoo, egg hunt, & more bring the true meaning of Easter to the children.  Deadline

EASTER FOR

is Friday, March 16.

LENTEN SUPPERS February 28, 4:15p.m. – 6:00p.m.

Hosted by the LADIES AID! A free will offering will be taken.

What’s on the Menu? Cheesy potato casserole, green bean casserole, salad, desserts and drinks. See you there!

LADIES AID Please pick up supplies for Lenten Supper on Wednesday, February 28, in the lower level. Thank you!

SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 25. Containers are located in the entrance at St. John’s and in the parish hall at Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. 75% of gifts given will support Beaver Dam Circuit projects—HM/Hmong Evangelist Training & WM/Apache Christian Training School (ACTS). 25% of gifts given will support home & world mission projects described on the poster by the container and will be presented at the next LWMS Convention, June 21-24, in Green Bay. Gifts welcome from all who love missions!

SEND ONE SISTER PROGRAM assists women who would like to attend the LWMS Convention as a first-time attendee. This year’s Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Convention will be held June 21-24 in Green Bay, and it’s time to register! Registration materials are available from your reporter (Helen Stelter at Emmanuel; Linda Wachholz at St. John’s). If you have never attended but have thought you might like to attend this mission-packed weekend, you are encouraged to complete a Send One Sister application, also available from your church’s reporter. The Beaver Dam Circuit Board will be holding a Silent Auction at it spring rally to raise SOS funds which will be given to first-time attendees from our circuit to help with their expenses. Why don’t YOU apply!! Deadline: April 15, 2018

See the source imageFREE COMMUNITY PRESENTATION regarding suicide and self-harm in teens. St. John’s Lutheran School in Montello is taking a proactive step to address the very prevalent issues of suicide and self-harm among teens. Elizabeth Robinson, Licensed Professional Counselor from Christian Family Solutions in Germantown, WI, will be offering a free presentation regarding suicide and self-harm at St. John’s on Tuesday, April 10, at 7:30 pm. Presentation topics will include risk factors and warning signs, tips for parents and adults to help teens who are struggling, formulating safety plans, and helpful resources. Time will also be allowed at the end of the presentation for questions and answers.

This presentation is ideal for parents, teachers, ministry leaders, law enforcement, and anyone who works with teens. Elizabeth Robinson has 10 years of experience providing individual, group, and family therapy to children and adolescents with a focus on depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. To learn more about Elizabeth, please visit www.ChristianFamilySolutions.org.

St. John’s Lutheran School is located at 313 E. Montello Street in Montello. If you have questions about the presentation, please call the school at (608) 297-2866 or e-mail info@stjohnsmontello.org.

WEDNESDAY LENTEN DEVOTIONS “Jesus, Our Great High Priest” (based on the New Testament book of Hebrews) is the theme for this year’s midweek Lenten devotions that began Ash Wednesday, 2/14 3:30 p.m. at Emmanuel and 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s. Supper will be served in the St. John’s lower level from 4:15–6:00 p.m. “Jesus, I will ponder now, on your holy passion.” (Hymn 98)

2018 OFFERING COMMITMENTS Winnebago Lutheran Academy…Emmanuel: $2,000 & St. John’s $2,400 – Synod Mission Offering…Emmanuel: $6,000 to CMO & St. John’s: $7,200 “God loves a cheerful giver.” (1 Corinthians 9:7)

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): God doesn’t call the qualified…He qualifies the called.

See the source imageMADIGAN BENEFIT  This afternoon (2/25) from 1:00–4:00 p.m. there will be a benefit for our St. John’s member Anna Madigan at Oyster Crackers and Town Pump (downtown Montello) to help offset medical bills towards her treatment of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer.  There will be numerous raffles, including gift baskets, a cooler of meat, Brewer & Packer memorabilia and more.

Usher Schedule
February 25 E Darrell Buchholz, Paul Wuerch, Joe Heller
(with comm) SJ Jack Yates; Chief, Ben Emond, Tyler Emond, James Henke, Paul Van Treeck
February 28 E Don Stelter, Dave Radke
SJ Don Smith; Chief, Martin Schmanke
March 4 E (with comm) Brian Ninneman, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller, communion assist; Lucas Stelter
SJ Kenon Smith, Chief; Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann
March 7 E Don Stelter, Dave Radke
SJ Cal Kapp; Chief, Corey Kaul
St. John’s Greeter Schedule
February 25 Wayne & Marilyn Riemer
March 4 Aaron Kendall & Christopher Smith
March 11 James & Linda Wachholz
March 18 Scott & Debbie Ritz
March 25 Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell
Attendance Emmanuel St. John’s
2-18 2-21 70 57 182 70
St. John’s Altar Committee

February 2018

 Jennie Utke & Susan Brown

St. John’s & Emmanuel Lent & Holy Week Worship Schedule

See the source image All Emmanuel 3:30p.m. Services will be led by

Pastor John Dolan

Theme: Jesus Christ is Our High Priest

2/28/18 Emm – 3:30p.m.

SJ – 6:30p.m.

 Midweek 3 Pastor Rod Dietsche

Peace-Green Lake
3/7/18 Emm – 3:30p.m.

SJ – 6:30p.m.

 Midweek 4 Pastor Mike Sheppard

Mt. Zion-Ripon
3/14/18 Emm – 3:30p.m.

SJ – 6:30p.m.

 Midweek 5 Pastor John Stelter

St. John’s-Princeton
3/21/18 Emm – 3:30p.m.

SJ – 6:30p.m.

 Midweek 6 Pastor Pete Zietlow
3/29/18 Emm – 7:00p.m.

(communion)

 Maundy Thursday Pastor Pete Zietlow
3/30/18 SJ – 1:00p.m.

(communion)

 Good Friday Pastor Pete Zietlow
4/1/18 SJ – 6:00a.m. & 10:00a.m

Emm – 8:00a.m.

 Easter Sunrise & Easter Service

Easter Service

 Pastor Pete Zietlow

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A Prayer for Lenten Grace

Loving God,

During the sacred season of Lent, bring me closer to you.

Prepare a place in my home and heart for silence and solitude, so that I may re-discover the grace of a prayer-full life.

Help me to fast from those things that threaten the well-being of body and soul and remind me of the grace of simplicity.

Enlarge my heart so that I give to those in need and, in so doing, re-discover the grace of gratitude and generosity.

May this season be a grace-filled time to rekindle my love for and faith in you.

Amen.

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Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-107160252675/

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowpl6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

God is Love – February 23, 2018

Kerry

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:8

God is Love


Daily Devotion – February 23, 2018

Devotion based on 1 John 4:8

See series: Devotions

God is loving. He has given me a body and a soul. He constantly sustains my body with food and drink, clothing and home, friends and family. He constantly sustains my soul with his promises in the Bible.

God demonstrated his ultimate love by sending Jesus, just as he promised in the Bible even before Jesus was born. Even when I was created by God the Father and received from him all kinds of good things, the devil came and led me into disobedience, sin, death, and all kinds of misfortune. There was really no help for me until the eternal Son of God had mercy on me and came from heaven to help me. He didn’t have to do it. It showed amazing love for him to take on a human body, suffer, and die to earn forgiveness for me.

God is so loving that the Bible says these amazing words: “God is love.” To know the definition of true love, I can just look at what God did for me and continues to do. He is not simply loving. He is the very definition of love.

And the love continues. God sends the Holy Spirit to bring me to faith through Word and sacrament. That same Holy Spirit makes me a member of the Holy Christian Church, the group of believers in Jesus. I believe that in this Christian community I have the forgiveness of sins, which takes place through the sacraments and absolution as well as through all the comforting words of the entire gospel.

I note from the verse for today that when I actually know God, I love as a result. God’s love moves me to show love to my family and friends. It moves me to show love to strangers and to people in need. It even moves me and gives me strength to show love to the unlovable. What power! What love!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me to love others as you have loved me. Help me be more patient and alert to the needs of others, and make me always ready to serve with the gifts you have given me in love. 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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God is Just -February 22, 2018

Kerry

[Our God] is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Deuteronomy 32:4

God is Just


Daily Devotion – February 22, 2018

Devotion based on Deuteronomy 32:4

See series: Devotions

A characteristic of God that he revealed about himself in the Bible is that he is just. But instead of embracing the fact that God is just, we often paint an imbalanced picture of God. We read and know that God is love. God loves the whole world. God loves each of us. We tend to focus so much on the fact that God is love that we sometimes forget or ignore the truth that God is also holy and just.

It is much more comfortable for us to try to put God on trial instead of being under scrutiny ourselves. How fair, holy, just, and loving are we? How would the people around us answer that? Should we ask God? Our verdict comes back. Our sin makes us guilty of being far less than perfect, loving, and just.

Since God is just, he needs to carry out his sentence for sin. Because God is love, he did not want the punishment of eternal death to fall on sinners—on you and me. And so, as the Bible teaches, God sent his Son to be the complete sacrifice for sin “to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:26). God is just. He carried out the sentence of death for sin, but the one who bore the suffering and death was Jesus. Jesus died for the sins of each and every person. Because of Jesus’ innocent sufferings and death, God is just by not charging us with the guilt of sin. God is the justifier. Through Jesus he declares us not guilty.
God is just. We hate that fact when we see our sins and know what we deserve. But we love God’s justice when we see Jesus’ cross and empty tomb. God is just. In Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer:
Dear God, you are holy and just in who you are and all you do. Thank you for punishing Jesus in my place and giving me forgiveness and peace through him. Grow my faith so that your love and holiness increase in my heart and life. 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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Prove That You Love Me – February 21, 2018

Kerry

“God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering…” “…Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”…He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. …“On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
Genesis 22 (selected portions)

Prove That You Love Me


Daily Devotion – February 21, 2018

Devotion based on Genesis 22 (selected portions)

See series: Devotions

“Prove that you love me!” That challenge was given to a man named Abraham by God himself in an episode recorded in Genesis chapter 22. Does it surprise you, maybe even disgust or anger you, that God would choose such a test to measure Abraham’s love and devotion? It sure seems like an unfair, even immoral choice he was left to make. “Who is more important to you, Abraham? Your God or your son?” It is amazing to see how Abraham passed the test. He had every intention of sacrificing his own son! Proving that his allegiance to the Lord was foremost and genuine.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength! It doesn’t take a long, hard look at our lives and our choices to see that we have failed that test—and in ways much less difficult than what was presented to Abraham. How often is the thought of God and his desires absent from our life choices? Personal pleasures and pursuits rule the day and the choices made in it. Far from proving our unfailing love to God in the way we live, do we instead find ourselves shouting back at him in defensive accusation: “Oh yeah, God? Why should I pay attention to you or live for you? Why don’t you prove your love to me?!”

As an answer from God to those questions, this ancient story has a deeper meaning and fulfillment. To Isaac’s question about the sacrifice they were going to offer, Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” As Abraham proved his deep love for the Lord with his willingness to sacrifice his son, God did provide an animal for Abraham to sacrifice as a substitute for his son. This foreshadowed the great event in the future when God the Father would provide and accept the sacrifice of his beloved Son—the Lamb of God as a substitute for the world of sinners.

Does God love you? One of the most well-known passages of the Bible says that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son! For those who haven’t kept even the first and most basic command of God—to love him first and best—God sent his Son to enter their world as the suitable, substitute sacrifice. God did not withhold from us his dearest treasure, but offered him up as a payment for human sin. Instead of banishing us from his sight because of our sin, he provided needed forgiveness and acceptance through the willingness of Jesus to suffer in our place. Jesus went to a mount called Calvary to give his life in place of ours. We can truly say that on the mountain of the Lord, God’s love has been provided to us. See there the ultimate proof that God loves you. And then be amazed at how he works in you a genuine love for him who loved you first!

Prayer:
Lord God, heavenly Father, I have often failed the test of showing love and devotion to you. Forgive me for the sake of Jesus, your dear Son, whom you sent into my world to be my Savior. Help me to see in him your unfailing love and forgiveness. Help me to respond with a life of love to you, because you have loved me first and best. In Jesus’ name. 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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God is for Us – February 20, 2018

Kerry

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31-39

God is for Us


Daily Devotion – February 20, 2018

Devotion based on Romans 8:31-39

See series: Devotions

You and I may not have to worry about persecution, nakedness, and swords, but all of us are familiar with trouble and hardship. Rejoice that God’s promises spoken through the apostle Paul still stand: God is for us and nothing will be able to separate us from him.

Have you considered what that means?

Sometimes we cringe and cower in the presence of God. Past sins haunt us and guilty feelings remain. The devil accuses and suddenly we feel like we’re far away from God and second-class citizens in his kingdom, if we’re citizens at all. What does Jesus want us to remember at a time like that? God is for us!

Sometimes the headlines are horrifying. Our loved ones hurt. We wrestle with troubles and tragedies. We feel like God has abandoned us to suffer alone in a sin-broken world. What does Jesus want us to remember at a time like that? Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ!

So, what keeps you up at night? In Christ, you have nothing to fear. Jesus assures you of that here in Romans chapter 8 and throughout all of Scripture. His blood shed on the cross has washed away your sin. His resurrection assures you that your salvation is complete. The Lord has found you, rescued you from sin and death, and will keep you safe, now and forever.

Christ Jesus is absolutely committed to his people and he promises to keep you safe. Let that glorious fact transform your life. Let go of all that scares you. Let nothing keep you up at night. Rest easy in the promises of your Savior.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in sending Jesus to be my Savior, you have demonstrated your love for me. Help me to find hope and strength in you every day. 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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