For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16
When a person is put on the stand in a courtroom, she is not allowed to speculate. She cannot guess what she thinks might have happened. Nor is she allowed to let her opinions color her answers. She can only tell what she has actually seen and heard.
There are many fantastic stories about Jesus Christ. We hear of him walking on water. There is the report that he fed thousands with just a few fish and a couple of loaves of bread. He healed the sick. We even hear about Jesus raising people from the dead, including himself! How are we to take these things? Did they really happen?
The answer is “Yes.” We know that they happened because God moved the men, who were eyewitnesses to these things, to write them down for us. We find the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
More importantly, there we find the reason that Jesus came to this earth. He came to be our Savior. We have the eyewitness accounts of how Jesus fulfilled his Father’s will in our place. We read the account of Jesus’ suffering and death, knowing that he did this to take the punishment that we deserved. And we read those eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ rising from the dead, showing us that victory has been won.
Thankfully, the men who wrote the accounts of what Jesus has done for us were not just giving their opinions. They were giving us the facts about what they witnessed. And we can be certain that what they have written is reliable.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for causing those who witnessed what you did for me to record what you did for me so that I can be certain of your love for me. Amen.
As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:1,2
Don’t you just hate it when you try to help, and the person is like, “No, no, never mind, thanks anyway, I’ll be fine?” You know they are not fine, and you know they could really use the help. You hate to watch them keep failing. It’s frustrating. You wish the best for them, and something in them keeps them from realizing it. What is it? Pride? Ignorance? Fear?
You must recognize that God wants to help you, right? He wants the best for you, and because he made you, he knows what is best for you, even when you don’t realize it. You keep trying to say that everything is all right, but God knows that everything is not all right. He knows that better than you do!
And God’s help is not the kind of help that works only in the future. He is helpful right now! His forgiveness of your sins counts right now. His promises of relief from anxiety are designed to take immediate effect. His calming presence and protection are right here, right now. You don’t have to go somewhere else to receive them.
You might think that you do not deserve these good things. You’re right! You don’t! That’s why God calls them grace, which is things that you do not deserve. He’s giving them to you anyway. Right now—that’s the point.
So don’t delay. Go to God in prayer and thank him for blessing you. Take a deep sigh of relief. Now is the time of God’s favor. Now is the day of salvation.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Take away my anxiety and give me peace. Amen.
We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:20,21
Yesterday, Christians around the world began to observe the season of Lent. What is Lent about?
During the time of Lent, Christians take time to review the suffering that Jesus went through during the time of his ministry a couple of thousand years ago, all the way up to his death.
You might think that sounds morbid, but Christians have an individual interest in that suffering of Jesus. You see, the Bible teaches that when Jesus suffered, he had done nothing to deserve it. His life had been perfect, and people should have honored him for that. Instead, they caused him to suffer. His suffering even went as far as suffering hell when he died on the cross.
All of that suffering was for other people. You can even say that suffering was the suffering that we deserve to go through, but never will because Jesus did.
In a breathtaking leap of compassion, God said, “Jesus did not deserve to suffer, but because he did, I count that suffering for you. And the perfect life that Jesus lived—I count that as yours. He took your suffering. You take his perfection, and that’s your ticket to heaven.”
Jesus never sinned. Instead, he took the punishment for our sins. Jesus lived a perfect life. Instead of taking the reward he deserved for that, heaven, he suffered hell, and gives us heaven.
That’s why the apostle Paul encourages us in our Bible reading for today to be reconciled to God. The perfect life of Jesus, the righteousness of God, is a gift to everyone who believes in Jesus. That’s how we are reconciled, and that’s what we are reminded of during the season of Lent.
Prayer:
Lord God, reconcile me to you so that I share the righteousness of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
I do a lot of good things, and I belong to organizations that do a lot of good things. I like to think that God likes me and thinks I’m a pretty good guy.
But then I look at what it takes to please a perfect God. I hear that not only my actions but my thoughts have to be right all the time, and I begin to doubt myself. And then I think about times when I could have done good things but didn’t get around to doing them, and I just shake my head. How could God like me when I have messed up so many times and in so many ways?
Jesus told the story about someone who was confident in his own righteousness, and who was apparently a pretty good guy. But that’s not the person Jesus commended. Instead, he commended the person who said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
That’s the person I want to be, and that’s actually the person I am. I am a sinner. I realize this, and I throw myself on the mercy of God. I trust that he has declared me to be righteous through the life and death of Jesus, and that’s all I need. I go home today right with God, humbled and exalted.
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:16-21
How do you know you can trust online reviews? Sometimes when you read them, you wonder whether the owners of the business wrote their own evaluations. Could any place really be that good?
Peter was an eyewitness to the glory of Jesus, and he wanted you to know that you could trust him when he wrote about it. After all, he saw what he saw, and he wrote precisely what he saw. But he also wanted you to know that you could trust everything written in the Bible, not just what he wrote. So he tried to explain what it was like to write with the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It’s fascinating to think of writing in your own language but having every word verified by the Holy Spirit. What an amazing thing! You see why Peter says that you would do well to pay attention to the words of the Bible. The words of the Bible are God’s words. Therefore, they are true―every one of them.
The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is your Savior. The Bible says so, and that news brings light to every part of your life. That’s a review you can trust.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank you for speaking directly to me in the words of the Bible. Amen.
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. Matthew 17:1-8
When you’re going on a trip, it’s nice to listen to someone who has experienced that trip already. Online reviews can steer you in the right direction for things like hotels and restaurants. Or, they can steer you away from sketchy places.
When you are going through life on your trip to heaven, it is helpful to hear from people who have experienced that trip already. Peter, James, and John are such people. They are now in heaven, but we can learn from what they experienced on their way there. For example, we know from the Bible that they experienced some very difficult times―trials and temptations and persecutions.
Jesus knew what was in store for them. So, he gave them a special gift. He gave them a glimpse of heaven. He took them to the top of a mountain and revealed his glory to them. They even saw Moses and Elijah―men who were already in heaven. When Peter, James, and John faced challenges later in their lives, they could be comforted and encouraged remembering what they witnessed on that mountain, knowing that one day they would join Moses and Elijah in heaven.
You can have the same comfort and encouragement. Although you were not physically present on that special mountain. You do have Matthew’s description of it. You can know that, through faith in Jesus, you will one day experience the glories of heaven with Moses and Elijah, with Peter, James, and John. Remember this when you are going through tough times. Others have gone through tough times ahead of you. But now they are basking in the heavenly home Jesus is preparing for you.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, guide me to your glory in life everlasting. Amen.
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St.
Montello, WI 53949
Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen
Lane
Montello, WI 53949
XW E L C O M E
T O O U R C H U R C H X
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 in
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. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of
doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more, as you see the
day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Welcome to God’s house! May God bless our worship together.
Pastor Peter Zietlow
XG O D ’ S W O R D
F O R T O D A Y X
Transfiguration
Sunday – Jesus Reveals His Future Glory – There was only one time recorded
in Scripture when Jesus revealed his future glory before his resurrection.
That one time was on the Mount of Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and
John had a firsthand (and terrifying) look at Jesus’ perfect glory. Why did
Jesus do this? He did it to give his disciples a glimpse at what the future
holds for all believers. They were about to enter a difficult time as
disciples. They would see their Messiah crucified. But future glory would
follow!
608.297.2866
www.stjohnsmontello.org
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X A S E R V I C E O F M
O R N I N G P R A I S E X
Morning Praise, composed by
Marty Haugen, is based on the historic service called “Matins.” Joined to
Christ, our risen Lord, we glorify God as we rise to the activities of this new
day.
PASTOR’S GREETING
LITTLE
LAMBS & GRADE SCHOOL SING I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb
Rejoice in the Lord
Please stand
COME,
OH, COME, LET US SING TO THE LORD
An arrangement of Psalm
95, this song of praise reminds us of the many blessings that come to us from
the hands of our Creator God.
Pastor and congregation join in
singing the refrain and the verses.
Please
be seated
XT H E WO R D X
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture
reading, preaching and song.
OLD TESTAMENT READING Exodus 24:12,15-18
Summary: The Glory of the LORD appeared to Israel
The LORD said to Moses,
“Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the
tablets of stone, with the law and commands I have written for their
instruction.”
When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud
covered it, and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain,
and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. To the
Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the
mountain. Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and
forty nights.
EPISTLE
READING
2 Peter
1:16-21
Summary: Eyewitnesses of
Christ’s majesty
We did
not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the
Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This
is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard
this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
And we
have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay
attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and
the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no
prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will
of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
VERSE OF
THE DAY Mark 9:7
Alleluia. A voice came from the
cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Alleluia.
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and
John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by
themselves. There he was
transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became
as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah,
talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good
for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters–one for you, one
for Moses and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud
enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I
love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When
the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get
up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”When they
looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus
instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen,
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Please
be seated
CHILDREN’S
MESSAGE
All children 2nd gradeand
under are invited to come to the front of church with pastor.
HYMN OF THE DAY 712
Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain
SERMON
Matthew
17: 1-9
“Jesus Is the Real Thing” Behold His…
1. Glorious
divinity
2. Heavenly
connections
3. Ultimate goal
Please stand
YOU
ARE GOD, WE PRAISE YOUTe Deum
Pastor and congregation
join in singing the refrain and the verses.
Refrain
Please
be seated
X O F F E R I N G S O F G
I F T S & P R A
Y E R S X
THE OFFERING
During the offering, please greet one another and
sign the friendship register.
Please stand
PRAYERS
The Offering Prayer,Transfiguration
Sunday Prayer and Intercessory Prayers (bulletin pg. 13) are
spoken by pastor.
P: Hear our
prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty
deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with your light;
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever.
C:Amen.
LORD,
HAVE MERCY Kyrie
L: Pastor C:
Congregation
THE
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever.
Amen.
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
At St. John’s and Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we
practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested
in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the
service.
Please be seated
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 309 Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord
97 Down from the Mount of Glory
Please
stand
PRAYER
FOR GRACE
L:
Pastor C:
Congregation
L: ♫ O
Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have
brought us safely to this
new day. Defend us with your mighty power, and
grant that this day we
neither fall into sin nor run into any kind of danger;
and in all we do, direct us
to what is right in your sight, through Jesus Christ,
your Son, our Lord.
BLESSING
Please
be seated
FAREWELL
TO ALLELUIA read by pastor
CLOSING SONG
Alleluia, Song of Triumph
As you leave today’s
service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or
pastor.
Announcements
Activities for the week
of February 23 – February 29
Sun.
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.
St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship with communion
5:00 P.M.
Lent by Candlelight at St. John’s
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
Wed.
ASH
WEDNESDAY
8:00 A.M.
St.
John’s School Chapel
10:00 A.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
1:40 P.M.
St. John’s School/Little Lambs
Early Release
2:15 P.M.
Public School Teen Confirmation
Class at St. John’s
3:30 P.M.
Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
4:30 P.M.
Lenten Supper at St. John’s
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Lenten Devotion
7:30P.M.
Bible Information Class at St.
John’s
Thurs.
8:00 A.M.
St. John’s Teen Confirmation Class
10:00 A.M.
Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
4:00 P.M.
Boys B basketball game @ Faith Markesan
6:00 P.M.
Griefshare at St. John’s lower
level (week 6)
Fri.
Sat.
4:00 P.M.
Estrella and MaKinleigh Kaenel
baptisms at St. John’s
Theme for Next Sunday March 1 , 2020Lent 1: “Christ’s Victory Over Satan”
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
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship
Church NewsINTERCESSORY PRAYERS –
For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Wyatt Beahm
(William and Alyssa Beahm’s infant son), Gene Crook, Liola Crown & son
Terry, Agnes Dassow, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Diane Eisermann, Lilah
Farrell, Roger Hillmer, Xzander Jahr, Chris Krause (Gordy and Linda’s son),
Robert Lederer (Jackie and Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Delvin Mittelsteadt,
Steve Parrish, LuAnn Reber, Harvey Rudolph, Frank Russell, Kathryn Sigrist
(Pastor Gary & Orlene Johnson’s daughter), Doris Smith, Jennifer
Strauss, Leevi Walker, Richard Winkler – (added this week: )
– For our 3-5 grade
teacher Rachel Naumann who received the Lord’s Call to serve as grade 4-5
teacher and principal at Bethlehem Lutheran School–Hortonville
– For Heather Schmidt,
currently teaching at St. Paul’s–Franklin, who received the Lord’s Call at
our 2/9 St. John’s Voter’s meeting to serve as our 3-5th grade teacher
– For Christian
education (this past week 2/16-23 was Christian Education week at Little
Lambs Pre-school and St. John’s Lutheran School)
– For our communicants today at St. John’s
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEND A CARD…
At last Sunday’s Voters meeting, St. John’s called grades 3-5
teacher, Heather Schmidt. If you would like to reach out and offer words of
encouragement, thoughts, etc. see contact info below.
Heather Schmidt
520 W Riverwood Dr. – Apt. 106
Oak
Creek, WI 53154-7582
hschmidt@stpaulsfranklin.org
THANK YOU! (Sorry so long in coming Oliver’s oxygen
levels were best when
someone was holding him so guess what I was
doing!) Kenon and I would like
to thank our church family for all your prayers
for little Oliver and also at the
loss of Kenon’s dad. Your cards and kind words
were so helpful! Kenon’s
father now enjoys his heavenly home and Oliver
is now talking to us. Not
sure what he is saying but he is using all his
words! Not sure where he gets
that from! Again many
thanks for all your prayers. Kenon & Mary Smith & Family
LENT BY CANDLELIGHT Ladies, TONIGHT at 5:00 PM at St.
John’s Lutheran Church, Montello, WI is the 3rd annual Lent by
Candlelight. It’s not too late to join us for an
evening of visiting,
beautiful music, scrumptious snacks, and reflection on our Savior’s journey
to the cross. There is no charge for this event. Bring your friends and
join us!
Church News continued…90TH SCHOOL
ANNIVERSARY Today,
we conclude Christian Education Week in our school,we want to be
reminded that we are currently in the 90th year of our schools
existence. What a blessing and what a milestone! We are looking for
any memory items of historical interest – pictures,
documents, anecdotes. Any time frame is good, but especially in the early
year up to and including the 1950s. Contact Pastor Dolan or the
call the church office if you have anything.
MIDWEEK LENT 2020 That special and
important season of Lent is upon
us.
Ash Wednesday is this week. All of God’s people at Emmanuel/
St.
John’s are encouraged to make time and make plans to worship
at
one of our midweek worship devotions – 3:30pm at Emmanuel
and
6:30pm at St. John’s. “The Son of God Goes Forth to War” is
the
over
theme this year. Lenten Suppers start at 4:30pm at St. John’s.
COLLECTING GENTLY USED ITEMS FOR WLA’s
SECOND IMPRESSIONS THRIFT STORE As a
service project, Sunday School is currently collecting donations to support
Winnebago Lutheran Academy. Parish members are invited to donate
items that are clean, in working order, & in good condition–and please
only items that will fit in a car for transport. Please pick up a
list of ACCEPTED and NOT ACCEPTED items from the collection box located
near the office. Collecting through Sunday, March 1.
If questions, call Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.
THRIVENT Look for the Thrivent
Choice Dollars postcard in St. John’s link way. Questions? Feel free to
contact Pastor Zietlow.
MEMBERS OF ST. JOHNS AND SCHOOL FAMILIES 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. (Many thanks to our generous members for
donating!)
tee
Church News continued…MEDITATIONS & FORWARD IN CHRIST New
“Meditations” and “Forward in Christ” WELS daily devotional
booklets and WELS monthly devotional magazine are available in the church Informational
Room.Help
yourself!MEMBERSHIP CLASS Recently I began our 20-lesson Bible Information
Class entitled “New Life In Christ” with Amanda Bowman on
Wednesdays at 7:30pm. If you or someone you know is interested in
membership, please phone or text me at 608-408-7830.
–Pastor Zietlow
GRIEFSHARE The next 13-week session has
begun. Please join us for week #5 in St. John’s lower level on Thursday at
6:30pm. Questions or concerns? Please call Mark Emond (608) 697-1600.
SUMMARIZED MINUTES FROM THE 2/9/2020 EMMANUEL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
1) The meeting was opened with a prayer
2) Pastor’s provided his report
3) Lucas Stelter read the minutes from previous meeting which the
congregation approved.
4) Wayne Stelter read the financial report which the congregation approved.
Old Business:
5) Update on Kitchen floor project: 2 bids have been received however the
members present asked that another bid be solicited and that a bid process
also be initiated for carpet replacement in the church.
6) Update on West side AC unit: Steve Radaj Heating & Cooling LLC will
be replacing the Westside AC unit this Spring.
7) Update on the Parish Hall LED lighting conversion project: The
Congregation voted to convert and replace all 7 fixtures with LED bulbs
which will be completed within the next few months.
8) Update on survey of Church West property line: The Congregation members
voted to commission Rod Steege to survey and update the West property
information.
9) Update on furnace evaluation: Steve Radaj Heating & Cooling LLC
performed an inspection and replaced some components on both furnaces.
Steve also indicated that there was no evidence of any pending major
failures.
Church News continued…
New Business:
1) Election of 2020 officers
The congregation re-elected the following incumbent officers:
a) President – Darrell Buchholz.
b) Treasurer – Wayne Stelter.
c) Secretary – Lucas Stelter.
d) Trustee – Duwayne Sommerfeldt and Brian Ninneman.
e) Cemetery committee member – Keith Heller.
2) The congregation voted to set the 2020 CMO (Congregation Mission
Offering) goal at $6500.
3) The congregation voted to set a 2020 WLA (Wisconsin
Lutheran Academy) contribution amount of $2000.
4) The
congregation voted to submit an additional CMO amount of $374 to reconcile
the 2019 CMO shortfall to meet the 2019 commitment.
5) The congregation voted to make the following donations:
a) $5000 to St Johns School to help pay down a line of credit balance
caused by the need for the installation of a new boiler in the school.
b) $1000 to the Camp Phillip Building Fund.
6) The congregation approved the following member transfers:
a) The transfer of Tom and Donna Kuenn from Peace – Wautoma to Emmanuel.
b) The transfer of Tabitha Stelter from Emmanuel to St Johns – Montello.
7) Volunteers for a maintenance committee were solicited which will have
responsibility for monitoring the church structure, grounds, and support
systems. The committee would report any requirements to the council for
consideration and follow up. Bruce Stelter, Gary Wagner, and Darrell
Buchholz volunteered.
8) The meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer
ST. JOHN’S VOTERS’
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Membership Changes: Via BIC: John Kaenel & Rachel
Pekowsky. Transfers In:
Tabitha Stelter from Emmanuel-Mecan.
Professions of Faith: Shannon Kaenel, Joshua Pekowsky. Transfers Out: Cal Kapp, daughter Tracey Kapp-Powell,
granddaughter Bianne to St. John’s-Princeton; Vonnie Kath-Cole to Our
Savior-Roanoke, VA. Principal’s Report:
Spelling Bee Feb. 20; Confirmation May 3; tutors & coaches
thanked. Worship Committee: Congregation thanks for being open to
using new liturgies. Call
Meeting: Heather Schmidt serving at
St. Paul’s-Franklin called for Grades 3-4-5. Election:
Trustees Paul Van Treeck & Gordon Krause; School Board member
Ben Jaster. 2020 Parsonage
Allowances granted: Pastor Zietlow
$35,000 & Principal Sellnow $16,000.
School News LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION IS NOW
OPEN Calling all 3 and 4 year olds!Please see the St. John’s Information
Room for Little Lambs fliers, brochures and registration information. First
come, first serve! Questions? Please call our Little Lambs Director Lynn
Sellnow 616-826-0816 or email lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org.
ART FOR DINNER:On behalf of St. John’s school and the Art for Dinner
committee, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the constant support
and generosity each year with this event. God has given each of us such
different talents and it was nice to showcase and use them this weekend. Thank you to all who came to support, who
donated, who helped set up, who cooked and who helped in any other way! And
a big thank you to Megan Jaster for all her hard work, time and dedication.
Without everyone one of you, this wouldn’t be possible! We are blessed!
P.S. – STILL SAVE YOUR PLASTIC
BOTTLE CAPS! Please
save your plastic bottle caps and turn them in to the office. Art for
Dinner is saving for a project for next year. Any and all sizes and colors!
Thank you!
LUTHER PREP COED B TEAM
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT March 6-8 is the Lutheran Prep
tournament in Watertown. Our B boys will team up with a few girls from
Green Lake/Princeton schools and compete. Come support your Jaguars! Stay
tuned for times.
SAVE THE DATES!Little Lambs Dad’s Night: Tuesday,
March 10 6:30pm
Easter for Kids:Saturday,
April 4, 9:00am – 12:00pm.
Vacation Bible School: June
22-25, 8:00am – 11:30am, snack provided. Everyone is invited to the closing
service which will be at St. John’s on June 25 at 6:30pm.
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
2-16 2-19
73
110 0
St. John’s Altar Committee
February
2020
Jennie Utke
&
Susan Brown
●●●
Welcome To Our Visitors!Please Sign Our Guest RegisterFind & Like us on FacebookVisit our website link:www.stjohnsmontello.orgPastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830
E-mail:zietlowPL6@hotmail.comLittle Lambs Director & Teacher
Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816
K, 1st & 2nd
Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers:
920-285-7554
3rd-5th Grade
Teacher Ms. Rachel Naumann: (847)
913-2135
Principal & 6th – 8th
Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow:616-822-6689
Church & School Secretary Ciara
Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866
Altar Ladies: Elaine Kelm: (920) 344-0025&Carolyn Rosenthal: 589-5036
Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E
Montello St, Montello, WI 53949
Church & School E-mail:scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org
●●●
One day Jesus went up a mountain with some of his disciples and revealed his glory to them. He began shining as bright as snow in the sunlight. As this was happening, he was visited by Moses and Elijah. These were two important people in the Old Testament. It was to Moses that God gave his Law on Mount Sinai. Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. These two men represented God’s plan and promise to send a Savior into the world.
Now Moses and Elijah stood with Jesus on the mountain. They talked about Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. Moses and Elijah clearly understood the purpose for Jesus’ approaching passion and crucifixion. Moses had been appointed by God to lead Israel out of their slavery in Egypt to the promised land of Canaan, so Jesus was the God-appointed Savior who would lead a new exodus from the slavery of sin to the promised land of heaven.
The lives and work of Moses and Elijah pointed ahead to the Savior that God promised to send for the world. Jesus came as God planned and fulfilled all that was written about him in the Old Testament. And this same Jesus cares for, lived for, and died for you. He has freed you from the eternal bondage of your sin, from hell itself. Through Jesus, you can count completely on God’s faithful promise to take you to be with him in heaven.
Prayer:
Jesus, I praise you for coming to fulfill God’s promise of saving the world from sin and eternal death. Renew in me daily an appreciation for the forgiveness of sins and sure hope of heaven I have through you. Amen.
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. Mark 1:40-42
Imagine the life of a leper in Jesus’ day. Imagine the pain. Imagine the rejection. Imagine having no physical contact with another human being for years. No hugs, no pats on the back, not even a handshake. Imagine being untouchable.
Until one day when, with nothing to lose, you crawl on your knees to a rabbi named Jesus. You have heard of his power. You have heard of his kindness. Maybe, just maybe, he will save you from this life of loneliness. Trembling, you look up into the kindest eyes you have ever seen and say, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
What will he do? Will he scream at you to get away from him? No, he doesn’t. As if in slow motion, the man reaches down and touches you. Touches you! With that one touch, this rabbi reveals his concern for you, his care for you, his acceptance of you, his love for you.
We are not so different from that leprous man. We are also infected with a horrible disease. Our disease does not show on our skin. It shows in our lives. It shows in our lust, greed, selfishness, and hatred. To a holy God, our sins make us look as wretched as that leper. We kneel before God with the scabs and sores of sin covering our souls.
But Jesus is willing to touch the untouchable. Instead of screaming at us to get away from him, he reached down and touched us. He left his heavenly home and became one of us. He touched us when no one else would. He touched us in order to do what no one else could. With nails through his hands and feet, with a crown of thorns on his head, he looked down at us and said, “Be clean!”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me enough to touch me when I was untouchable. Thank you for making me clean. Amen.
Emory University conducted a study on the effects of holding a grudge. When you hold a grudge, that grudge can impact your physiology. For instance, a grudge can create problems for your immune system and metabolism. It can skew organ function. A grudge can elevate your blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. It can be a breeding ground for anxiety and depression. A separate study has even suggested that holding a grudge can contribute to Type 2 diabetes.
In short, holding a grudge is no good. As an article in Psychology Today says, “Holding a grudge is lighting ourselves on fire and expecting the other person to die of smoke inhalation.”
It’s one thing to tell ourselves not to hold a grudge. It’s quite another thing never to do it. The sad fact is that it doesn’t take much to hold a grudge. It doesn’t need to be like Captain Ahab screaming at Moby Dick. A grudge can be very quiet. It can hide behind a gracious smile. It can be a polite but stubborn resentment that just refuses to leave.
And this is when my soul can drift into a dark place. When I allow this polite but stubborn guest to remain in my heart, over time it can begin to poison me. It can begin to infect my view of others and pollute my outlook on life. Worst of all, it can begin to contaminate my appreciation for what Jesus Christ has done to forgive the likes of me.
That’s why the Lord Jesus speaks to our grudges with such urgency. They threaten our relationships with others, yes. But they also threaten our relationship with him.
Listen to Jesus. He’s calling us to repentance. Be washed clean of the grudges. Be cleansed in the blood from Jesus’ cross. Be filled with his Spirit. And be at peace.
Prayer:
My little resentments, Lord Jesus, are not so little. Forgive me. Refresh my love for others with your love for me. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
