Temptation makes people lose perspective. The student tempted to cheat on a test can easily forget that getting caught will earn him an F. The teen tempted to cheat on a curfew can easily forget that getting caught will earn a grounding. The husband tempted to cheat on his family can easily forget that his actions will destroy that family. There are consequences to the choices we make.
The first Adam realized this when he heard that sickening thud of the gate to Eden’s paradise slamming shut behind him. Adam and Eve had blown it. Their choices had earned them a one-way ticket out of Eden. Paradise lost.
With his sacrifice, with his shouts of agony and bitter pain, Christ Jesus opened the gate that Adam had slammed shut. As you see him battered and bloody, suspended on a cross for crimes he didn’t commit, remember that Jesus is still the King of heaven and earth. He still holds the key to eternal life. He still readily opens the door to all who simply trust in him. Paradise found.
When someone asks me why I am a Christian, I usually say, “Because I find in Jesus all the things that I cannot find anywhere else in the world.” Things like hope—real hope, lasting hope, is found only in Jesus. And we need it. Every day we see promises that go unfulfilled. Every day we see evidence of man’s ugliness and spiritual deadness. Every day we see horrible tragedies that we have no answers for. We need hope.
People put their hope in many things. But only Jesus can promise and deliver on the hope of a better life after this one. When death draws near and we get ready to close our eyes, there is nothing for faithful hearts to fear. Because Jesus is there with his promise. “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”
Prayer:
King of life and death, draw near to me with your kindness and mercy throughout the seasons of my life. And when it comes time for me to die, be with me especially then, directing my heart to your empty tomb, to your royal power, and to the paradise that awaits me through you. Amen.
Which of the two criminals are you? Remember the two criminals on Calvary who were crucified with Jesus? Are you the one who insulted Jesus to his face or the one who pleaded humbly that the King would remember him when he came into his kingdom? To our great shame, we find that we have something in common with both.
It’s true that we don’t necessarily sneer at Jesus in utter contempt as criminal number one did. But we do treat Jesus with a shameful disrespect. Would it not be a great insult to you if someone you loved acted as if they did not know you? And yet how often we do things, think things, say things that make it seem like we’ve never met this man called Jesus?
Since we have something in common with the first criminal, let us also have something in common with the second, the one who prayed: “Jesus remember me, when you come into your kingdom.”
Though the crown of thorns was all that was readily apparent, the eyes of faith saw a very real crown. Mockers saw Jesus’ royalty as the butt of a joke, but the criminal on the cross knew that Christ the King is real and so is his kingdom.
And so he pleaded, “When you ascend to your throne, Jesus, give a thought to me—undeserving though I am. Take me with you and let me be where you are. Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Is there a prayer that more accurately reflects every believer’s most fervent desire? Jesus remember me. His blood is his promise. His resurrection, the guarantee. He will remember all who place their trust in him.
Prayer:
Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. Amen.
Have you ever cleaned out your basement or garage and discovered many things that you forgot you ever had? While you may be amused at rediscovering something you forgot about, perhaps you ask yourself: “Why do I have all this stuff?”
God truly blesses us with many physical blessings. Everything we have comes from him. He provides all the necessary things for life and is generous to give us many more things than we really “need.” His blessings abundantly fill our lives.
Yet we must be careful that we do not begin to love the gifts more than God who gives them. It is easy for our hearts to become greedy and not be happy with what we have. It is so easy to continually want MORE … money… toys… houses… boats… cars… without end.
Yet none of these things can ever satisfy us completely or fill the place in our life and heart that can only belong to God. Jesus once warned: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” He teaches us that there is more to life and more to us than earthly possessions. He is the source of all that we need spiritually and eternally.
So the Lord Jesus instructs our hearts to focus on what’s really important. Money and the things money can buy are benefits that God graciously gives us, but money cannot buy a relationship with God. Jesus is the only way for us to know God and be with God.
For all that we are thankful for today, Jesus is the most important.
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:40,41
In the account of Jesus’ suffering and death, we hear beautiful sermons uttered—sometimes unwittingly—by the most unlikely “preachers.” Think of the Romans soldiers mockingly proclaiming “Hail, King of the Jews!” as they crowned with thorns the One who was, in reality, the King of All Creation.
Furthermore, sometimes the unlikely preacher speaks from an unlikely pulpit—say…two chunks of wood fastened together to make a cross. The unlikely preacher and pulpit, however, don’t make the sermon any less profound in Luke 23, when one of the men crucified with Jesus utters, “This man has done nothing wrong.” A man whose life might very well have been filled with a chain of poor moral judgments definitely got this one right.
He was, of course, referring to their present situation. Jesus was an innocent man being executed for a crime he didn’t commit. But we know that the criminal’s words rang true on a much higher level. It wasn’t just that Jesus had done nothing wrong that day. The criminal’s statement was, in fact, an accurate description of every single day of Jesus’ life! This man had, literally, done nothing wrong.
If he didn’t have that, his willingness to die for us would be noble, but ultimately useless. We needed a perfect substitute to meet the demands of a perfect God. One little mistake, one errant thought, one careless word would have derailed the whole plan.
We stand in awestruck wonder, not just at the life that was offered up on the day Jesus died, but also of the 33 years of life that led up to the day. A perfect life was something we could never do for ourselves. So our King offered his perfect life as atonement for our sin. In response, we join our voices with another unlikely preacher—the Roman centurion—and we say, “Surely, this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39)—knowing that he still is today.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the King who graciously supplies the perfection God demands. Lead me to trust in you for that holiness and for everything else that I need. Amen.
Some years ago, two women in Pennsylvania were convicted of stealing $80 in Walmart gift cards….from a sweet little nine-year-old girl….on her birthday. It seems the little girl was being helped by a clerk at Walmart when she set her birthday gift cards down on a shelf in the store. She took her eyes off of them just long enough for the cards to be pilfered. When the perpetrators were caught and convicted, their punishment was to stand outside the local courthouse for four and a half hours, holding huge signs so that every passer-by would know their crime. The signs read: “I stole from a nine-year-old on her birthday.”
Did Pontius Pilate have a public shaming in mind when he inscribed the sign on Jesus’ cross in the manner that he did? Probably so. It’s just that the sign may have been more of a jab at the Jewish leaders than an actual proclamation of the “crime” that Jesus had committed. Perhaps Pilate was trying to humiliate the Jews by pointing them to this broken man, hanging on a cross and proclaiming, “Hey, check out your king!” We don’t know the Roman governor’s motivations because the Bible doesn’t tell us.
But what we do know is this. The sign on the cross wasn’t big enough to cover all the crimes that Jesus was being punished for that day. Is there a sign big enough to proclaim all the sins of all people of time? 1 John 2:2 says, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
The blood price to pay for the sins of the world was unimaginable. Only One person had the proper capital in his account to pay it—and that One was the very Son of God himself. He paid it not with gold or silver but with his holy precious blood and with innocent sufferings and death. It was truly a king’s ransom, but so great is his love, so unrelenting his desire to save sinners, that Jesus was willing to pay the price in full.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, a lifetime isn’t enough time for me to give you the thanks you deserve. Every day in every way, help me strive to treat you most royally. Amen.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” Luke 23:35
What an unexpected place to find a king! Lying not in a king-sized bed, but in a manger. Wrapped not in royal robes, but in cloths. Surrounded not by scholars, paparazzi, or dignitaries but by shepherds. Jesus’ first hours were not exactly fit for a king.
Fast forward 33 years. Again, what an unexpected place to find a king! Hanging on a cross. Stripped of clothing, as well as dignity. Surrounded by criminals. Jesus’ last hours weren’t exactly fit for a king either.
The unroyal treatment continued as people who gathered around to take in this spectacle literally added insult to his injury. But when they sarcastically sneered that he should save himself, Jesus didn’t take the rulers up on their invitation. It wasn’t because he couldn’t save himself. It was because he wouldn’t save himself. It wasn’t a lack of power that kept the King on the cross. It was an overflowing abundance of love.
That’s what makes this King so notable, so extraordinary, so different from every other king! Jesus was willing to receive so much less than he deserved in order that we might receive so much more than we deserve.
Through faith in him, sinful human beings who deserve hell now also find themselves in the most unexpected of places: Welcomed into the family of a Heavenly Father. Loved by the Divine Heart with a love inexhaustible and unconditional. Bowing in prayer before the throne of the King of kings, whom we also call “Brother.” Confident of life eternal in heaven even in the face of death itself. What unexpected places to find sinners! All because of Jesus, who is indeed God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.
In joyful, grateful response, let us give our Savior the royal treatment in our lives. Let us make our hearts fit for the King.
Prayer:
King of kings, I praise you not only for your incredible power but even more for your incredible love—love that led you to offer your life for me. Fill my heart with fervent love for you, that I may through my words and actions honor you as my King and my God. Amen.
Welcome! Thank you for joining us for worship this morning. In our service we gather before our almighty God to offer him our worship and praise. We also gather to strengthen ourselves through the study of God’s holy and powerful Word.
Restroomsare located in the link way (through the Information Room and down the stairs) at St. John’s and lower level at Emmanuel.
NurseryIn the lower level of both churches, the service is available to watch on TV and children have space for their needs. At St. John’s exiting church, it is located down the stairs to the left, to the link way, and down the stairs again to the left. At Emmanuel exiting church, it is located down the hallway to the right.
The Season of End TimeThe Church Year comes a close in November with the season of End Time. In this season, we are reminded that we are living in the “last days” between Christ’s first coming at Christmas and his second coming on Judgment Day. The world could be ended any time. For a believer, the end of his life or the end of the world is a wonderful thing! It means the beginning of a new and better existence in a much more glorious world than this one.
Welcome Home!
Our Need for Christian Community
The Lost Are Now Found
You Are Free to Be Yourself
You Are Perfectly Safe Here
You Have an Everlasting Family
You are Part of Christ’s Glorious Kingdom
Our Worship Series: Welcome Home
The Holy Spirit wants believers to think of each other as family. Having a spiritual family is essential to our well-being. In this worship series, we look at how our Father knits us together in love and unity. We see the benefits of being part of this family. In the Church, Christ has given us a better home.
Our Theme for Today: You Are Part of Christ’s Glorious Kingdom
Do you know what those names have in common? They are all names of royal families. A member of each of those families serves as a monarch. The extended members of those families enjoy fabulous privileges, even if the monarch serves largely as a figurehead.
For the past month, we have seen that Christ has welcomed us into his home and made us part of this family. Today, we see that this is a royal family. For our brother Jesus is King. He does more than serve as a figurehead. Christ rules over all Creation for the benefit of his family. He promises us that one day we will sit with him on his throne (Revelation 3:21).
Today—Christ the King Sunday—the Church Year comes to an end. We praise Christ for his glorious reign. We thank him for making us part of his royal family, giving us a claim to the Kingdom.
✠Gathering✠
*ST. JOHN’S: SUNDAY SCHOOL JOY LITANY See insert for songs and recitations
*EMMANUEL: OPENING HYMN — 579Lift High the Cross
Please stand
INVOCATION
M: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
C:To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.Revelation 1:4-6
CONFESSION OF SINS
M: The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:5-6
Since we have such a merciful King, let us humbly approach his throne, confess our sins, and plead for his mercy.
C:Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:2-5,7-8,12
M: As God’s called servant I announce to you what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King. Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. You are my witnesses, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. I am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:1,10-11,15,25
C: Amen.
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
After a brief musical introduction, the congregation sings:
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Lord Jesus Christ,
by your victory you have broken the power of the evil one. Fill our hearts with joy and peace as we look with hope to that day when every creature in heaven and earth will acclaim you King of kings and Lord of lords to your unending praise and glory; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C:Amen.
Please be seated
✠The Word ✠
FIRST LESSONJeremiah 23:2-6
Christ is the King of kings, with countless sheep in his flock. Yet he cares for every single one. He knows us by name. He leads into his kingdom of peace and righteousness.
2 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. 3 “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. 5 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
PSALM OF THE DAY— 45hymnal page 83
SECOND LESSONColossians 1:13-20
Everyone is part of a kingdom. The only question is if it is a kingdom of darkness or light. Everyone has a king. The only question is if your king really cares for you. Our Savior-King has proven his love in blood.
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
VERSE OF THE DAY Revelation 22:13
M: Alleluia. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Alleluia.
After a one verse musical introduction, the congregation sings
Please stand
GOSPELLuke 23:35-43 (today’s sermon text)
With eyes of faith, the criminal sees Jesus for whom he really is—a gracious king, suffering and dying that we might be forgiven.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY — 351Hail, O Once-Despised Jesus
SERMON Luke 23:35-43 “Behold, the King on the Cross!”
Unbelievers deny him 2. A criminal confesses him
Please stand
CONFESSION OF FAITHApostles’ Creed
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
THANK OFFERING
Members of this congregation have joined together in love and faith to do the Lord’s work in this community and around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our ministry. Please greet one another and sign our friendship register.
✠Prayers ✠
Please stand
PRAYER TO CHRIST THE KINGread by pastor
M:Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.
Silent prayer
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS bulletin page11
LORD’S PRAYER
M: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who taught us to pray:
C:Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.
*EMMANUEL:
PRAYER & BLESSING
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.
C:Amen.
Please be seated
SOLOIST LUCAS STELTER SINGS HYMN — 727There Is a Higher Throne
*ST. JOHN’S:
ORDER FOR HOLY COMMUNIONspoken by pastor
Please be seated
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS — 309 Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord
139 Jesus, in Your Dying Woes
Please stand
PRAYER & BLESSING
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.
C:Amen.
Please be seated
SOLOIST JAMES WACHHOLZ SINGS HYMN — 727There Is a Higher Throne
After today’s service, please give your friendship registers to an usher or pastor.
✠ Announcements✠
Activities for the week of November 24 – November 30
Sun.
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.
St. John’s Sunday School/Montello Care Center singing
9:00 A.M.
St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship with communion
9:00 A.M. –12:00 P.M.
Thai Village Craft Sale in St. John’s linkway
9:30 A.M. -12:00 P.M.
Scholastic Book Fair in St. John’s gym (final day)
Mon.
6:30 P.M.
Choir at St. John’s
7:30 P.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
6:30 P.M.
Men’s Bible Study at St. John’s
6:30 P.M.
Council meeting at St. John’s
Wed.
Thanksgiving break – No St. John’s School/Little Lambs
5:15 P.M.
Women’s Bible Study at St. John’s
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Thanksgiving Eve Worship
7:30 P.M.
Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.
Thanksgiving Day – No St. John’s School/Little Lambs
9:00 A.M.
Thanksgiving Worship at Emmanuel
10:00 A.M.
Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
Fri.
Thanksgiving break – No St. John’s School/Little Lambs
Sat.
Theme for Next Sunday December 1 , 2019Advent 1: “Prepare for Christ’s Coming: Walk in the Light”
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
9:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Scholastic Book Fair in St. John’s gym
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship
9:00 A.M. –12:00 P.M.
Thai Village Craft Sale in St. John’s linkway
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Wyatt Beahm (William and Alyssa Beahm’s infant son), Ron Blada, Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Harold Fandrey, Lilah Farrell, Xzander Jahr, Melvin Johnson, Oliver Knoch, 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, Jennifer Strauss – (added this week: Melvin Johnson, Oliver Knoch)
– For Natasha Rebecca Jahr who was born Friday (11/22) to Andrew and Rebecca Jahr
– For Bob Klapper who will celebrate his 83rd birthday on Monday (11/25)
– For Bob & Sandy Klapper who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday (11/28)
– For the family of Patrick Madigan, father of St. John’s member Mike Madigan, who was called home on Tuesday (11/19).
– For our communicants at St. John’s
MEMBERS OF ST. JOHNS AND SCHOOL FAMILIES This past summer the St. Johns council authorized the borrowing of $10,000 from the church’s line of credit to replace and refurbish the school boilers. As some may be aware, there have been a number of issues from the last couple years keeping the boilers running and the school heated and it could no longer be repaired. This project was completed late last fall. This also means that the church officially is borrowing money from its line of credit. If you wish to donate to help paying off the loan, please go ahead and do so. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Look to the information room for where this project is at with regards to being paid off and where the other projects on the board are at with funding.
THAI VILLAGE & SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIRwill be open today at St. John’s. Thai Village will be open today 9:00am-12:00pm. come check out high quality fair trade goods including jewelry, bags/purse, greeting cards, ornaments, gifts and more! You can check out their items ahead of time at https://thaivillage.org/. The Scholastic Book Fair will also be open today for the final time 9:00am-12:00pm.
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT WOMEN’S PROGRAM hosted by Emmanuel will be held Sunday December 8, 2019 at 4:30 at Emmanuel Parish Hall. This year’s program “An Evening With Isaiah” will be part of our inspirational readings and songs of the season. This year along with refreshments and desserts we will be serving appetizers. Signup sheets are out today in St. John’ information room and Emmanuel’s Parish Hall. We hope you can join us. Any questions contact Sue Stelter (608) 297-2761.
CHOIR Are any members of Emmanuel and St. John’s interested in being part of the choir for the Christmas Eve Services? If so, practices will be on Monday evenings in Dec., 6:30pm at St. John’s. Any questions, please call Lynn Sellnow 616-826-0816.
LADIES AID INVITES YOU TO OUR PARISH CHRISTMAS DINNER: DECEMBER 5TH , 2019 5:30pm Punch and Fellowship, 6:00pm Dinner. The cost is $17.65 per person. THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS TODAY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH! What’s on the menu? roast beef, southern fried chicken, baked Virginian ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed veggies and full salad bar. Please pay either Kay Maass or Bernice Wegner or drop your payment off at the school/church office. Checks should be made out to St. John’s Ladies Aid. Hope to see you there!
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “The will of God never takes you to where the grace of God will not protect you.”
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: RUTH Join us this Wednesday at 5:15pm (a little earlier due to Thanksgiving worship). Come study the last chapter of Ruth and enjoy fellowship and snacks in the lower level of St. John’s. We will take a break after this week for the holidays and pick back up in January. Stay tuned!
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY See you on November 26 before we break for the holidays!
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.
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 & FORWARD IN CHRIST New “Meditations” and “Forward in Christ” WELS daily devotional booklets and WELS monthly devotional magazine are available in the church entry (many thanks to our generous members for donating!)
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA Opportunities for gospel connections are flourishing across the African continent. Christian groups in Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique, and more are learning about WELS and Lutheran doctrine and reaching out for fellowship and doctrinal instruction. To follow what’s happening with WELS mission work across Africa, visit wels.net/missions or follow Missions on Facebook at fb.com/WELSMissions.
EQUIPPING CHRISTIAN WITNESSES Equipping Christian Witnesses, the new campaign from Martin Luther College, focuses on recruitment, financial aid, and facilities. By enrolling more future ministry workers, helping them fund their Christian education, and enhancing their learning environments across the campus, WELS strengthens the foundation for its future. Learn more at mlc-wels.edu/mlc-campaign.
WELS NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LUTHERAN LEADERSHIP WELS Congregational Services will host the first WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership at the Sheraton Grand in Chicago, Ill., Jan. 21-23. The conference will have five keynote presentations that deal with major cultural challenges before every WELS congregation. Twenty-five breakout sessions will deal with issues specific to certain congregations, including overcoming a consumer mentality in church, Christian apologetics, increasing volunteerism, retaining and gaining young members, fully utilizing the gifts of women in ministry, equipping members for personal evangelism, having a “high-expectations” church, strategic planning, using social media for outreach, operating a financially sustainable elementary school, and more. Learn more at register at lutheranleadership.com.
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FOLLOW MISSIONS ON FACEBOOK Like the new WELS Missions Facebook page to stay up to date on news from Home and World Mission fields, read inspiring stories of the gospel at work, and take advantage of the many resources WELS Missions has to offer. Visit facebook.com/WELSMissions to get started.
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.”
Three Unexpected Advent Carols
… that Ring Out the Good News
Midweek Week Advent Devotions – 2019
Emmanuel, Mecan and St. John’s, Montello, WI
Wednesday December 4, 2019
Moses’ Carol Rings Out the Good News about God’s Nature in Action
Wednesday December 11, 2019
Hannah’s Carol Rings Out the Good News about God’s Help for the Poor and Needy
Wednesday December 18, 2019
Ezekiel’s Carol Rings Out the Good News about the Growth of the Kingdom
3:30pm at Emmanuel, Mecan 6:30pm at St. John’s, Montello
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, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Gordon Krause,
Glen Bubolz
December 4
Emm Wayne Stelter, Don Stelter, Joe Heller
SJ Kenon Smith; Chief, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Thomas Wojtalewicz
December 8
Emm Don Stelter, Noah Buchholz, Joe Heller
SJ (comm) James Wachholz; Chief, Kenny Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls,
Mark Emond, Ben Emond
December 11
Emm Wayne Stelter, Don Stelter, Joe Heller
SJ James Wachholz, Chief, Ben Emond, Kevin Kaul, Corey Kaul,
Ken Borzick
December 15
Emm Darrell Buchholz, Bruce Stelter, Gary Wegner
SJ Jack Yates; Chief, Paul Van Treeck, Haiden Van Treeck,
What does power look like? Some might immediately think of the professional athlete with a frame sculpted through countless hours in the weight room, sitting down at the bench press, and pushing up 300 pounds. Others might think of a workhorse pickup truck with a V-10 engine, storming up a rocky incline, and towing a trailer down an open stretch of highway. Still, others might think of power as being able to make decisions that control the actions of other people. The CEO of a business, for example, has the authority to establish company-wide protocol, to redirect resources, to promote and terminate employees. That is power.
All of these examples, however, pale in comparison with the power of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul was referring to Jesus when he wrote, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Jesus sits atop the organizational chart of all things as “the firstborn of all creation.”
All the powerful examples we mentioned earlier are limited in scope. For example, the workhorse pickup truck can’t bench press 300 pounds, and the high powered CEO would not, on his own, be able to tow a trailer down the highway. Christ the King, on the other hand, is all-powerful—that is to say, “not limited to one area” powerful.
In other words, there is no area of your life where Jesus finds his hands tied. There is no situation in your life where Jesus has to tell you “I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do for you.” When you and I wake up in the morning, we can never be exactly sure what’s going to happen in the day ahead. And that can be intimidating because there’s just so much that is out of our control. But Christians can face each day boldly, even with all its uncertainties—because this much is certain: Jesus is in control—as the firstborn over all creation.
Prayer:
Beautiful Savior, Lord of Creation, I entrust myself and those I love to your powerful hands. Draw us near to you and direct us in your paths. Amen.
“But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:35,36
Somewhere in rural Indiana, there is an old cemetery with many tombstones that are more than 100 years old. One of these tombstones has this epitaph: “Pause, Stranger, when you pass me by. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be. So prepare for death and follow me.” Boy, that’s chilling! Someone later scratched these words beneath it: “To follow you I’m not content, until I know which way you went.”
The Bible tells us that death is not the end of a person’s existence. The moment a person dies, eternity begins. But where will you and I spend eternity? In heaven with our Creator? Or in hell, separated from him and all of his blessings?
Honestly, we are not worthy of eternal life in heaven. We haven’t even come close to living the perfect, sin-free lives that a holy God demands. What we deserve is to spend our eternity apart from God.
But God wants you to spend eternity with him in heaven. That’s why he sent his Son to this earth. Because of Jesus’ perfect life and death on the cross in your place, you are forgiven. Through faith in him, you are worthy and deserving of eternal life.
Imagine how wonderful it will be when we are home in heaven. There will be no more pain or sorrow or guilt or frustration. And, Jesus tells us, that there will be no death. There will be no sense that the end is one day going to come. We will have no need for a bucket list of things we want to do before we die because our time there will never end.
And so, we do not need to fear our death. It is merely the gateway to a much better existence—one that will never end.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for making me worthy of eternal life. Keep my faith strong until I enter heaven and enjoy your love and presence forever. Amen.
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5
Mom and dad wake up suddenly to loud crying coming from their child’s room. They quickly run down the hall and flip on their son’s light to investigate. Seeing their six-year-old son sobbing on the bed they ask what’s wrong. Through the tears, he manages to cry out, “It’s dark in here and I can’t see!” Sure enough, dad looks over and sees the nightlight isn’t on. A quick investigation reveals the bulb is burned out and so a trip to the garage for a replacement bulb is in order. With the light on again all is right and the child’s tears stop, he lays his head down on the pillow and sleep soon returns.
One of the most beautiful promises about heaven is that the light won’t go out. We are used to periods of night this side of heaven. Not just physical night but we all experience moments of darkness and fear in this life. Even though it is unpleasant we accept it as just part of life. We will have good days at work and bad days at work. We will have days when we will win and days when we will lose. There will be seasons of life where everything goes our way and everything makes sense. There will be seasons of life where nothing goes our way and few things make sense.
However, God promises that once his people get to heaven, there will be no more night for he will be their light. They will not have to fear anything because God has chased all the darkness away. Tears will be dried and worries will be taken away. Everything will be made clear. Finally, God’s people will go from dark to living in the light forever.
Prayer:
Gracious God, when the darkness of this world overwhelms me, help me to remember your promise of the life of light to come. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
