Live the Good Life – October 21, 2019

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’”
Luke 16:19-25

Live the Good Life


Daily Devotion – October 21, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 16:19-25

See series: Devotions

A few years ago, a dog in China made headlines. His owner, the son of a Chinese billionaire, bought him eight brand-new, recently released cell phones. This means Coco’s owner spent about $9,500 to buy his dog cell phones she will never use.

Coco is the kind of dog the rich man we read about in Luke 16 may have had. He wasn’t missing a whole lot of anything. He spared no expense and could get anything.

Lazarus, on the other hand, had a constantly empty stomach, was dirt poor, was covered in sores and his best friends were the dogs who came to lick his wounds.

Whose life would you rather have? You can only answer that question properly when you consider how each of their lives ended.

Despite his great wealth on earth, the rich man ended up in “Hades, where he was in torment” and “agony.”

But Lazarus was “comforted” after he died because perfect comfort in heaven is exactly what Jesus promises all who believe in him.

During their lives on earth, it looked as though the rich man had everything and Lazarus had nothing. But, in reality, it was the other way around. Because Lazarus had a relationship with the true God, he had everything—including eternal life in heaven—while the rich man had nothing and spent his eternity separated from God and all of his blessings.

Whether you are rich or poor in this life, knowing and trusting in Jesus your Savior means you have everything, including eternal life in heaven. May this encourage you to stay close to him here until you are with him in the hereafter.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may my whole life always focus entirely on you and your love for me. 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, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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A Sure Anchor – October 20, 2019

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever.
Psalm 146:5,6

A Sure Anchor


Daily Devotion – October 20, 2019

Devotion based on Psalm 146:5,6

See series: Devotions

How would you like to take a trip down Niagara Falls?

The mighty Niagara River plummets some 180 feet at the Falls. Yet farther upstream the river’s current flows gently and boats are able to navigate. Anyone who floats lazily from the gentle upstream waters toward the falls will notice a sign that says, “Do you have an anchor?”

It’s a rather interesting illustration of life. You can be floating along gently, everything going swimmingly when you are suddenly plunged into the choppy rapids of problems or pain. Perhaps you even shoot over the falls of a major life crisis. You find yourself broken and alone.

This is when it is so important to have an anchor—someone or something to hold on to. In your loving God, you have just that. The writer of Psalm 146 says, “Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God.” You are blessed because he is the maker of heaven and earth. He has the power to deliver you from whatever has caused you to crash. Hold on to him for dear life!

Prayer:
Lord God, you are my anchor, my hope in every adversity. Thank you for your promise to remain faithful to all your promises. Use those promises to comfort me when I crash. 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, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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BULLETIN- 10/20/2019 Welcome Home

 
EMMANUEL & ST. JOHN’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH
 October 20, 2019
Emmanuel & St. John’s
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
 

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.

Restrooms are located in the link way (through the Information Room and down the stairs) at   St. John’s and lower level at Emmanuel.

Nursery In 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.

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 Read through Scripture and count the times it refers to believers as “brothers and sisters.” You will reach the triple digits quickly. The Holy Spirit is deliberate with his choice of words. If he frequently refers to the Church in those terms, there can be only one explanation. He wants us to think of each other as family. Scripture teaches that what unites us to our spiritual family is infinitely more powerful than any biological bond. Moreover, you can lose a blood relative. They can be taken away from you by death. But you will enjoy the companionship of your spiritual family for all eternity.

In this worship series, we will look at how our Father knits us together in love and unity into a spiritual family. We will see the benefits of being part of this family. In the Church, Christ has given us a better home.

Our Theme for Today Is the church more of a country club or a hospital? Is a Christian community full of people who have it all together, whose lives are perfectly in line with God’s will? Or is the family of God an assembly of individuals who are all flawed and broken in multiple ways? Scripture answers that question. God’s Word tells us everyone within the church was at one point deeply lost. What changed that? How were we “found”? Amazing grace! God, in his grace, sought us out, called us to faith, adopted us into his family, and welcomed us home into his Church. Think of what this means. If the church is a collection of people who were lost in their sin, it is unrealistic to think that in the church everyone will be a perfect model of righteous behavior. No one is like that except Christ! Our salvation is an accomplished fact. But our Christian life is going to be one that often takes two steps forward and then at least one step back.

This is another reason we need Christian community! As a loving Christian family, we love one another, forgive one another, proclaim God’s forgiveness to one another. And when a brother or sister drifts backs towards lostness, we give chase, striving to bring them back home.

This service offers the congregation a form of worship that focuses on the proclamation of God’s Word and the celebration of Holy Communion.
SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT
608.297.2866 www.stjohnsmontello.org Like us on Facebook

X  Gathering  X

OPENINGHYMN 379                                                                        Oh, How Good It Is

 

Please stand

INVOCATION

M:  In the name of the Father and of the  Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C:  Amen.

Confession and absolution

M:  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

      But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins

      And cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   (1 John 1:8-9)

C:  For the wrong we have done, and all the good we have failed to do;

      for angry deeds, for hurtful words, for uncharitable thoughts;

      for self-centered living, and for failing to walk with humility and gentleness;

      for longing to have what is not ours, and for failing to give thanks for what is ours;

      for those sins we do not even remember committing:

      Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

M:  God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin,

      and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved.

      In the name of  Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.

      Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit,

      that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.

C: Amen.

M: In that peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord!

FATHER, WE PRAISE YOU                                                             Christe Sanctorum


We worship our God this morning with the ancient song of praise, Christe Sanctorum. This hymn was written by Gregory the Great in the 6th century A.D. It was used by Christians to begin worship during the Sundays after Pentecost. Utilizing this song celebrates the wonderful legacy that historic Christianity has left for the Church today.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M:   Lord, we pray that your mercy and grace may always go before and follow after us that, loving you with undivided hearts, we may be ready for every good and useful work; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:  Amen.

Please be seated

X  The Word  X

FIRST LESSON                                                                                             Hosea 3:1-5

The Lord asked the prophet Hosea to turn his entire life into an object lesson. Hosea was to marry a prostitute, to love her and bring her into his home, in spite of her adulteries. This illustrates our God’s love. We all often love other  things more than our God. Yet he forgives us and welcomes us lost and broken people back into his home.

The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”

So I bought her for fifteen shekelsof silver and about a homer and a lethekof barley. Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.”

For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days.

PSALM OF THE DAY 133-134                                                             hymnal page 115

Sung in unison.

SECOND LESSON                                                                          2 Corinthians 2:5-11

A member of the Corinthian congregation had scandalized the congregation by living in public sin. He had
repented. St. Paul urges the Corinthians to welcome him home with open arms, to forgive and comfort
him. Why? Because Christ has forgiven us our countless sins and welcomed us into his eternal home.

If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

VERSE OF THE DAY

M:   Alleluia! Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. Alleluia!

C:

Please stand

GOSPEL                                                             Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (today’s sermon text)

There is rejoicing in heaven when the lost are found.

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Then Jesus told them this parable:

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

M:  This is the Gospel of our Lord.

C:   Praise be to you, O Christ!

Please be seated

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

HYMN OF THE DAY — 388                                           Redeemed, Restored, Forgiven

SERMON                                              Luke 15:1-3, 11-32  “Behold the Father’s Love”

  1. For those lost in sin      2.   For those lost in themselves

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH                                                                        Apostles’ 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

X  Offering & Prayers  X

OFFERING

The ushers now gather the “Thank-Offering.”  Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord.  Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained.  Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. Please also sign our Friendship Registers and greet one another.

Please stand

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Prayer for Finding and Forgiving the Lost and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcements for those on our Intercessory Prayers list on bulletin page 11.

LORD’S PRAYER

M: We pray in Jesus’ name and as he taught.

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.

BLESSING SUNG BY ST. JOHN’S K-8TH GRADE —              May the Peace of God

XAnnouncements X

Activities for the week of October 20 – October 26

    WELCOME HOME SUNDAY2
Sun. 8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship
  8:30 A.M. St. John’s Sunday School 
  9:00 A.M. SJ Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
  10:00 A.M. St. John’s Worship
  11:15 A.M. St. John’s Voters meeting
  4:00 P.M. Pastor Nick Haasch Installment – Peace Green Lake
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. 8:00 A.M. St. John’s School Chapel 
  1:40 P.M. St. John’s School/Little Lambs Early Release
  2:15 P.M. Public School Teen Confirmation Class
  6:30 P.M. St. John’s Worship
  7:30 P.M. Bible Information Class at St. John’s  
Thurs. 8:30 A.M. District Pastor’s Conference – Appleton, WI
    WELS District Teacher’s Conference – Milwaukee, WI – NO SCHOOL
    NO Montello Care Center Devotion
    NO St. John’s Teen Confirmation Class
  6:00 P.M. Griefshare at St. John’s lower level (7 of 13 weeks)
Fri. 8:30 A.M. District Pastor’s Conference – Appleton, WI
    WELS District Teacher’s Conference – Milwaukee, WI – NO SCHOOL
Sat.    
Theme for Next Sunday October 27 , 2019 “Welcome Home #3–You Are Free To Be Yourself “
8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M. St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M. Emmanuel New Member Fellowship & Council meeting
9:00 A.M. St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M. St. John’s Worship with communion
1:30 P.M. Reformation Service – St. Peter’s Fond du lac

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Ron Blada, Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Reinold Eckelberg, Harold Fandrey, Lilah Farrell, Xzander Jahr, Chris Krause (Gordy and Linda’s son), Shirley Krueger, Robert Lederer (Jackie and Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Delvin Mittelsteadt, Mark and Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son and daughter in-law), Katie Segrist (Pastor Gary & Orlene Johnson’s daughter), Doris Smith, John Smith (Kenon’s father), Jennifer Strauss, Shirley Wilkens – (added this week: )

– For Katie Dolan and Nathan Kempf who were united in Christian marriage yesterday (10/19) at St. John’s

– For Nickolas Haasch (wife Lynn) who will be installed today (10/20) as pastor of Peace–Green Lake

EMMANUEL NEW MEMBER FELLOWSHIP On Sunday October 27th, following the 8:00am service. Please take some time to meet our newest members and enjoy donuts, juice and coffee.

VOTERS MEETING TODAY, following our 10:00am St. John’s service. Please join us in the sanctuary.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: RUTH “A short story masterpiece that showcases steadfast love and the kind of selfless humility that God rewards.” ~People’s Bible

All women are invited to come to our new Women’s Bible Study for fellowship, fun, and growing in God’s Word!  We will be starting a four-week study of the book of Ruth on Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30pm in St. John’s church basement.  Come learn about God-inspired devotion, love, and most importantly, how the Savior ties into the whole thing!  Please contact Rachel Naumann at rnaumann@stjohnsmontello.org or 847.913.2135 with any questions.

MEN’S BIBLE CLASS! The men Bible class attendees from Emmanuel have invited the group to hold next week’s study (Tuesday, October 22) at Emmanuel in Mecan! What a treat! A chili supper will be served at 6:00pm and the study begins as usual at 6:30pm. THAT NEXT TUESDAY – OCTOBER 22 – AT EMMANUEL. All Emmanuel/St. John’s men are invited and encouraged to attend.

DONATIONS FOR MARQUETTE COUNTY CARE & SHARE FOOD BANK  St. John’s members are invited to share in the Sunday School’s October service project:  collecting 1) non-perishable food items/paper products (Please be kind and watch expiration dates!)  and 2) new & gently used winter accessories: hats/caps/gloves/mittens/scarves/neckgaiters/etc. Collection containers in the linkway.  Deadline:  End of October.

CARDS FOR PRISON MINISTRY–YOU CAN HELP!  Writing messages on card fronts for the WELS Prison Ministry is something everyone can do–men, women, teens, even grade school kids with parents or teachers supervising.  Pick up a packet or two of cards in the St. John’s linkway and spend some time writing Bible verses or short inspirational messages related to the type of card (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or Praying for/Thinking of You cards).  Instructions are included with each packet of cards. Return the completed cards to the collection box by Thanksgiving Day, November 28.  Any questions, contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY A “Sneak Peek at the Gospel” for the day is the topic of the Sunday morning Bible study every week. It’s from 9:00-9:45am – come anytime. We meet in the church. All are welcomed. All are encouraged to attend.

ACTS–ACTIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH THE GOSPEL IN THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH Adult Bible Study meets Monday at 7:30pm & Wednesday at 10am in the St. John’s conference room.

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST Bible Information Class (leads to membership) is at 7:30pm in the St. John’s conference room (alternate times may also be scheduled).

GRIEFSHARE The 13-week session of Griefshare has begun. Sessions are held at 6:00p.m. in the lower level of St. John’s. Join us for week #7, October 17. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Mark Emond (608) 697-1600.

ACH What is ACH? Automated Clearing House. Interested in having your church offering automatically deposited? Stop by the office or Information Room and fill out your application today.

MEDITATIONS New “Meditations” WELS daily devotional booklets are available in the church entry (many thanks to our generous members for donating!)

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.”

SCHOLASTIC BOOKFAIR St. John’s is looking for an individual(s) who would want to run the Scholastic Book Fair. This has been a big success for our school and students in the past and we would love to continue this. Call the office if you or someone you know is interested!

Emm/Usher Schedule

October 20    

   Emm                                     Wayne Stelter, Noah Buchholz, Paul Dahlke

   SJ                                         James Wachholz; Chief, Kenny Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls,

Mark Emond, Ben Emond

October 27    

   Emm                                     Lucas Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller

   SJ (comm)                           Jack Yates; Chief, Kevin Kaul, Corey Kaul, Ken Borzick,

James Henke

November 3  

   Emm (comm)                       Don Stelter, Paul Wuerch, Gary Weger,

comm. assist. Wayne Stelter

   SJ                                         Don Smith; Chief, Paul Van Treeck, Haiden Van Treeck,

Nolan Van Treeck, Matt Borzick

November 10

   Emm                                     Darrell Buchholz, Glenn Buchholz, Paul Dahlke

   SJ (comm)                           Kenon Smith; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Aaron Kendall,

            Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann

November 17

   Emm                                     DuWayne Sommerfeld, Warren Buchholz, Don Stelter

   SJ                                         Cal Kapp; Chief, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Joe Zauner Sr.,

Joe Zauner Jr.

November 24

   Emm                                     Wayne Stelter, Bob Ferber, Gary Wegner

   SJ (comm)                           James Wachholz; Chief, Jon Vote, Joe Vote,

Jesse Schable, Ben Jaster

November 27 Thanksgiving Eve

  SJ                                          Jack Yates; Chief, Jacob Jaster, Jeff Reimer,

Jeremy Breiwa, Richard Freitag

November 28 Thanksgiving

   Emm                                     Darrell Buchholz, Don Stelter, Gary Wegner

Attendance Emmanuel St. John’s
10-13                                  10-16 66                                       214                                       3
St. John’s Altar Committee October 2019 Elaine Kelm & Carolyn Rosenthal 
Save the Date for our Thanksgiving Services! November 27                6:30pm Thanksgiving Eve at St. John’s           November 28                 9:00am Thanksgiving at Emmanuel
●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Please Sign Our Guest Register Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website link:  www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830 E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816 K, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3rd-5th Grade Teacher Ms. 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 ●●●

 

A Better Place – October 19, 2019

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
1 Timothy 2:1-6

A Better Place


Daily Devotion – October 19, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 2:1-6

See series: Devotions

“What can I do to make this world a better place?” A look at the sad, scary state of current events, both local and worldwide, can lead one to wonder, “Is there really anything I can do that will make a difference?”

Yes, there is. The apostle Paul says to us, “Pray.” Paul urges us to pray for everyone. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, citizens of our country, and for people around the world. Pray.

Especially pray for all those in authority. Pray for local authorities and national authorities. And pray for kings and authorities around the world. Whether it is the authorities at home or abroad, Paul doesn’t say, “Ridicule them.” He doesn’t say, “Put them down.” He doesn’t say, “Make sure everyone knows their faults.” He says, “Pray for them.” Pray for them so we can live peaceful and quiet lives.

When we live peaceful and quiet lives, we can live in all godliness and holiness. And then we can proclaim the real difference-maker, Jesus. God wants all people to be saved. That happens when people come to a knowledge of the truth. Not just any truth, but the truth that Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and people. The truth that Jesus Christ is the one who has established peace between God and all people. The truth that Jesus Christ is the one who has opened heaven for us. He did that by giving himself as a ransom, by taking our sins upon himself, by offering his body and blood for us on the cross.

Life with Jesus—that’s what truly makes this world a better place.

Prayer:
Lord God, guide and bless all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Then guide and bless us as we proclaim Jesus, the difference-maker for this life and for eternity. 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, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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My God – October 18, 2019

“No one can serve two masters.”
Luke 16:13

My God


Daily Devotion – October 18, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 16:13

See series: Devotions

Fifteen years ago, an author by the name of David Foster Wallace agreed to speak at a college graduation. Wallace was a secular man, wary of any kind of organized religion. And yet in this speech he surprised a lot of people. He said that in the trenches of everyday life, there really is no such thing as atheism because everyone worships something. It’s just a question of what. Then he gave some warnings. He said that if you worship money, you will never have enough. If you worship beauty and good looks, you will always feel ugly. Furthermore, as you grow older and beauty fades, you will die a million deaths before you actually die. If you worship power, he said, you will always feel weak. And if you worship intellect, then you will always feel stupid, and you will always feel afraid you’re going to be found out.

In addition, Wallace included this chilling caution. Be careful what you worship. Because nearly everything that one can worship will, in the end, eat you alive.

And so let’s put the question out on the table. Who—or what—do you worship?

More often than we care to admit, you and I have slipped into putting our best time, our best energy, our best passion into something or someone other than our relationship with God and his will for our lives. As a result, we have often skewed our priorities and hurt other people. For this, we deserve God’s abandonment.

But God has not abandoned us. Instead, Jesus came. In our place, he always put his heavenly Father first. At the cross, he washed away the sin of our every misguided priority. Through faith in Jesus, all is now forgiven. All is well between us and our God. This reality empowers us to follow the One who matters most.

David Foster Wallace warned that nearly everything one can worship will eat you alive in the end. But not the one, true God who is worthy of your worship. He will not eat you alive. Through Jesus He will keep you alive…eternally.

Prayer:
Lord, I love you with all my heart. May all that I say and do this day demonstrate my love for 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, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Contentment – October 17, 2019

Godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6

Contentment


Daily Devotion – October 17, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 6:6

See series: Devotions

Ruth Whippman is an accomplished writer, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is also someone who has devoted time and thought to the concept of contentment in our twenty-first century. What she’s written makes for a good read. For instance, did you know that in the United States alone, people spend $10 billion per year on books, programs, and techniques that promise to deliver contentment?

This financial pursuit has become so pronounced that marketers have designated a new category for it. They call it Spiritual Spending. “The idea,” writes Whippman, “is that if you just put in enough emotional elbow grease, slog out enough hours of positive thinking, mindful coloring, gratitude-journal keeping, and self-help book reading, you will ultimately be rewarded.”

But then she delivered the bad news. Spiritual Spending has not delivered as promised. Studies reveal that, if anything, people are more anxious and disappointed than ever. And while she does not claim to have all the answers, Whippman does suggest where the problem lies. Increasingly, she says, people are “looking inward into their own souls, rather than outward…” In addition, she notes that “many recent happiness trends, from self-help books to meditation, are designed to be carried out completely alone.”

All of this echoes a foundational Christian truth: I will not find the answer by looking inward because the answer is not in me.

The answer is in a relationship with the one who created us. An early Christian by the name of Augustine once prayed, “Lord, you made me for yourself. Our hearts are restless until we find our rest in you.” God could see how restless and lost our own sinfulness had made us. And so he sent his Son. On our behalf, Jesus sought and found perfect contentment in his relationship with his heavenly Father. Then, in love, he carried our failures to the cross. There he endured the abandonment we deserved. Through faith in him, we not only have full forgiveness, we have him. He is with us each and every day, no matter where our lives take us. Knowing that he has taken care of our greatest need, we can be sure that he will take care of our every need. And we can be content.

Prayer:
Lord, I know that you are with me this day. No matter what it brings, may this make me content. 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, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Bond – October 16, 2019

God our Savior . . . wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth . . . Christ Jesus . . . gave himself as a ransom for all people.
1 Timothy 2:3-6

Bond


Daily Devotion – October 16, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 2:3-6

See series: Devotions

He was an army captain, flew a helicopter, and was offered a teaching position at West Point. But he loved songwriting. So, he left the army and moved to Nashville. He showed people his songs, but no one seemed interested. Meanwhile, he worked as a janitor at a recording studio. One night at the studio he opened a letter from his mother. It was a bombshell. She was disowning him. She was ashamed of him, she said. She told him not to come home anymore because his presence would humiliate her in front of her friends.

News of this reached a singer who was recording in the studio that day. Years earlier, the singer had had a similar experience. In his childhood, his older brother had died. One night, in a drunken stupor, his father had told him, “I wish you had died in that accident instead of your brother.” The singer and the janitor were different people. But they had things in common and it created a bond between them. The singer, Johnny Cash, went on to sing songs written by the janitor whose name was Kris Kristofferson. Thanks to Johnny Cash he went on to become one of the greatest songwriters in country music history. And it all started with a common bond.

As you go about your day look at those around you. There’s the girl at your convenience store. There’s the mechanic you’ve trusted for years. There’s the aid at the nursing home. There’s the neighbor who always waves but whose name you don’t know. All different people. But you share a bond with them. All of you know the brokenness of sin. All of you need a Savior. All of you need the forgiveness Jesus has purchased for you. And so pray for an opportunity to get just a little better acquainted. When God gives you a moment with one of these souls, take it. As you get to know that person better, look for an opportunity to tell them about the Savior you share. Because, as St. Paul wrote, God wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

Prayer:
My Savior, everyone around me needs you as badly as I do. Give me the courage and conviction to tell them about 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, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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For Kings – October 15, 2019

“I urge, then, first of all, that . . . prayers . . . be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority.”
1 Timothy 2:1,2

For Kings


Daily Devotion – October 15, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 2:1,2

See series: Devotions

The Apostle Paul was a proclaimer of the Good News of Jesus in the first century A.D. During his ministry, one of the emperors of the Roman Empire was a man by the name of Nero. Nero embodied everything decadent about the Roman Empire at that time. He was self-indulgent, violent, and cruel. He arranged for his own mother to be stabbed to death. He had his wife murdered when he wanted to marry someone else. So awful was his regime that, when Nero died by suicide, a contemporary historian reported that citizens “ran through the streets . . . as though they were freed slaves.”

Then there was the great burning of Rome. When the city caught fire, many blamed their emperor. To divert attention, Nero chose to blame Christians. Under Nero’s orders, Christians were captured, tortured, executed. Some were hung up and set on fire to provide light for one of Nero’s evening parties.

This was the government under which the Apostle Paul lived. And it was under these circumstances that the Holy Spirit moved Paul to urge us to pray “for kings and all those in authority.”

And so here we are, in our own setting, in the twenty-first century. It is easy to complain about government leaders, to be cynical about government leaders, to rage against government leaders. It does not always occur to us to pray for them.

But stop for a moment and consider what we possess as Christians. Because of the forgiveness Jesus won for us, we possess the high privilege of entering the courts of the almighty God himself. We can come into his presence and talk to him in prayer. And when we speak to him about our government leaders, he will listen. What a privileged and powerful position to be in! May we not waste the opportunity to ask the King of the universe to bless the leaders of our land.

Prayer:
Lord, I pray for my government leaders. Give them wisdom. Guide their actions for the good of our society and for the furthering of your kingdom. 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, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Memory – October 14, 2019

“I will never forget . . .”
Amos 8:7

Memory


Daily Devotion – October 14, 2019

Devotion based on Amos 8:7

See series: Devotions

There is a fascinating new documentary series entitled The Mind, Explained. Each episode explores what researchers have learned about some specific function in the human brain. The subject of the first episode is memory.

Researchers have discovered that the capacity of the human brain to commit things to memory is breathtaking. For instance, one woman featured on the show is able to memorize a random series of 500 numbers in just 10 minutes and then repeat the numbers in their proper sequence without making a mistake.

However, researchers have also found that there are many aspects of human memory that are far from reliable. Another woman recalls what she remembers from September 11, 2001. While the main arc of what she remembers is accurate enough, there are various details in her recall that are not.

All of which brings us to our Lord. Our God’s capacity to remember is perfect. It is all-encompassing. It is eternal. All by itself, this is a chilling thought. It tells me that if my plan is to stand before a perfectly good and just God one day and presume that, somehow, my failures will be small enough to have been forgotten by him, then I am the one with a faulty memory. I have forgotten that my God knows all and remembers all that I do.

But that’s why God chose to send his Son. He saw our desperate need for rescue. Jesus remembered his heavenly Father’s will and lived a life of perfect faithfulness on our behalf. He also carried our every sinful failure to the cross. There he washed them away in his blood. Now, through faith in what Jesus has done in our place, God declares that he will remember our sins no more (Jeremiah 31:34).

And here’s one more beautiful thing. Even on those days when you don’t fully remember how much God loves us in Jesus, he does.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you that because of what Jesus has done for me, you remember my sins no more. 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, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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BULLETIN- WELCOME HOME October 13th, 2019

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.

Restrooms are located in the link way (through the Information Room and down the stairs) at   St. John’s and lower level at Emmanuel.

Nursery In 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.

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 Read through Scripture and count the times it refers to believers as “brothers and sisters.” You will reach the triple digits quickly. The Holy Spirit is deliberate with his choice of words. If he frequently refers to the Church in those terms, there can be only one explanation. He wants us to think of each other as family. We understand the important roles a mother and father play. We know the joys (and challenges) of having siblings. Do we grasp that it is just as important that we have a spiritual family? Scripture teaches that what unites us to our spiritual family is infinitely more powerful than any biological bond. Moreover, you can lose a blood relative. They can be taken away from you by death. But you will enjoy the companionship of your spiritual family for all eternity. In this worship series, we will look at how our Father knits us together in love and unity into a spiritual family. We will see the benefits of being part of this family. In the Church, Christ has given us a better home.

Our Theme for Today “Army of One” was the shortest-lived recruiting slogan in US military history. It was meant to stress the strength of the individual. The Army dropped the slogan relatively quickly because they realized it was contrary to the reality that, in the army, you are completely reliant upon your team. In a stressful situation, the individual can be overwhelmed. He or she needs others. God knows this. The first time God looked at Creation and noticed something was off, the issue was that an individual (Adam) was isolated. “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Humans are hardwired by God to need fellowship, not just with him, but with one another. So, God is determined to bring believers into a loving, nurturing community—the Church.

Perhaps you have been a part of this Christian family for a long time. Perhaps you once belonged to a church, but for whatever reason drifted away. Perhaps you have never belonged to a church. Whatever may be the case for you, mayGod bless you as you listen to his Word today. May he help us all to realize that this Christiancommunity—this spiritual home—is something we badly need. Welcome home!

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SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT  
This service offers the congregation a form of worship that focuses on the proclamation of God’s Word and the celebration of Holy Communion.  

✠  Gathering  ✠

Sunday CHOIR SINGS —                                                                              Day By Day

Wednesday HYMN 365                                                    Love Diving, All Love Excelling

Please stand

INVOCATION

M:  In the name of the Father and of the  Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C:  Amen.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

M:  God has called us to live as family. Yet, our love for God and for each other is not what it should be. Our priorities and choices are often flawed. But the power of God’s love enables us to live a new life. Let us confess our sins to God and ask for his forgiveness.

C:  Almighty God, merciful Father, I confess to you that I have not loved you with all my heart. In what I have done and left undone, I have pursued my ways instead of your ways. I have not loved my brothers and sisters as myself. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. I am truly sorry for my sins. I repent of them.

I beg for your mercy, O Lord.

Silence for meditation

M:  Forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us.

C: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

M: God has been merciful to us and has sent his Son to die for all. For his sake, God forgives our sins and empowers us to be his people. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven us and reconciled us to God and has promised us the power to forgive and love each other. In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

After a brief introduction, all sing:

TO GOD ON HIGH BE GLORY                                                Gloria in Excelsis

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M:   O Lord Jesus Christ,

        preserve the family of believers with your never-failing mercy.

        Bind us together with the bond of your love.

        Help us avoid whatever is wicked and harmful,

        and guide us in the way that leads to our salvation;

        for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

       one God, now and forever.

C:  Amen.

Please stand

✠  The Word  ✠

FIRST LESSON                                                                                   Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Scripture says that people are not wired to be rugged individuals. God created us to need
 one another. Two are better than one. Even better is having Christ as the third strand
 within a relationship. He provides the love and grace that keeps that bond strong.

Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business!

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

PSALM OF THE DAY                                Psalm 133 How Very Good and Pleasant

Choir sings.

            Together, together we lift our voices to the Lord.

            Together, together we shout our praise to his name.

            Refrain

            Through water and his Word the Spirit makes us family.

            Salvation and new life are ours to share with everyone.

            Refrain

            You servants of the Lord, now in his house lift up your hands and praise

            the Lord who made the heavens and the earth.

            Refrain

SECOND LESSON                                              Hebrews 2:9-18 (today’s sermon text)

Jesus became our brother so that by his suffering, death and resurrection he might
 unite us to himself and knit us together into a spiritual family

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”  And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

VERSE OF THE DAY

M:        Alleluia! I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;

            in the assembly I will sing your praises. Alleluia!

C:

Please stand

GOSPEL                                                                                                 Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus wants us in his family so that he might give us rest and peace.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

M:  This is the Gospel of our Lord.

C:   Praise be to you, O Christ!

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY — 532                                         God Is Here! As We His People

SERMON                                                       Hebrews 2:9-18 “The Author of Salvation”

  1. Is your suffering brother
  2. Is your conquering high priest

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH                                                                        Apostles’ 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

✠  Offering & Prayers  ✠

OFFERING

The ushers now gather the “Thank-Offering.”  Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord.  Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained.  Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. Please also sign our Friendship Registers and greet one another.

Please stand

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Prayer for the Need for Christian Community and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcements for those on our Intercessory Prayers list.

LORD’S PRAYER

M: We pray in Jesus’ name and as he taught.

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.

*Sunday at Emmanuel, Wednesday at St. John’s continue with…

CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING

CLOSING HYMN                                         Oh, How Good It Is    bulletin pages 12, 13

*Sunday at St. John’s, continue with…

✠  Holy Communion  ✠

OPENING SENTENCES

M:  The Lord be with you.

C:  And also with you.

M:  Lift up your hearts.

C:  We lift them up to the Lord.

M:  Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C:  It is right to give him thanks and praise.

M:  Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

      In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

      He sends his Holy Spirit to testify that we are his children

      and to strength us when we are weak.

      Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God

      and the authority of his Christ.

      To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

      be praise and thanks and honor and glory for ever and ever.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY                                                                                          Sanctus

 

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

      Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

      The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C:  Amen.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD                                                                           Agnus Dei

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS — 492                                         Son of God, Eternal Savior

                                                    309                Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord

CLOSING PRAYER

M:  We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet that you have given us to eat and to drink in this sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:  Amen.

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.

CLOSING HYMN                                                                                 Oh, How Good It Is

Cantors will introduce with verse 1, congregation can join at any time.

 

✠Announcements ✠

Activities for the week of October 13 – October 19

    WELCOME HOME SUNDAY
Sun. 8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship
  8:30 A.M. St. John’s Sunday School 
  9:00 A.M. SJ Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
  10:00 A.M. St. John’s Worship with communion
  11:15 A.M. St. John’s breakfast in lower level
Mon. 6:30 P.M. Choir at St. John’s 
  7:30 P.M. Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.   Joint Pastor’s Conference – Elkhart Lake
  6:30 P.M. Men’s Bible Study at St. John’s 
Wed.   Joint Pastor’s Conference – Elkhart Lake
  8:00 A.M. St. John’s School Chapel 
  1:40 P.M. St. John’s School/Little Lambs Early Release
  6:30 P.M. St. John’s Worship
  7:30 P.M. Bible Information Class at St. John’s  
Thurs. 8:00 A.M. St. John’s School Confirmation Class 
  6:00 P.M. Griefshare at St. John’s lower level (6 of 13 weeks)
  6:30 P.M. Council meeting at St. John’s 
Fri.  5:00 P.M. Dolan/Kempf Wedding Rehearsal at St. John’s 
Sat.  2:00 P.M. Dolan/Kempf Wedding at St. John’s  
Theme for Next Sunday October 20 , 2019 “Welcome Home – The Lost Are Now Found”
8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship
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
11:15 A.M. St. John’s Voter meeting
2:00 P.M. Pastor Nick Haarsch installation – Peace Green Lake

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Ron Blada, Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Reinold Eckelberg, Harold Fandrey, Lilah Farrell, Xzander Jahr, Chris Krause (Gordy and Linda’s son), Shirley Krueger, Robert Lederer (Jackie and Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Delvin Mittelsteadt, Mark and Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son and daughter in-law), Katie Segrist (Pastor Gary & Orlene Johnson’s daughter), Doris Smith, Jennifer Strauss, Shirley Wilkens – (added this week: Lilah Farrell)

– For the family of Russell Gray, brother of St. John’s members Pam Hunter & Annette St. Onge, called home on 10/6

– For Bernice Wegner who celebrated her 70th birthday yesterday, 10/12

– For the family of our St. John’s member, Karl Whitrock, called home on 10/6

– For our communicants at St. John’s

WELCOME HOMESUNDAY: TODAY, OCTOBER 13TH THE BLESSING OF “HOME”

There’s something about home. Home is where you relax after a long day of work. Home is where you can let your hair down, because you know the people there will love you, even with your quirks and flaws. Home is where you feel most safe, in a world which is anything but. Jesus intended for his church to be more than a school where we learn about God’s Word. He intended it to be more than a cathedral where we praise our Creator. Jesus intended for church to be a home, a place where we gather with Christian family and enjoy all the blessings of home. Today, we are celebrating Welcome Home Sunday. We will talk about the importance of having the support of a Christian community.

ST. JOHN’S BREAKFAST Today, following our “Welcome Home” 10:00a.m. service at St. John’s, Stacie Starke will be hosting breakfast in the lower level. What’s on the menu: Biscuits, biscuits and more biscuits! Biscuits with sausage gravy, biscuits, sausage patty and cheese, biscuits with jam/jelly, cheezy tater tots with eggs and breakfast casseroles. See you there! Free will donations will be accepted. All donations will be going towards St. John’s parking lot.

EMMANUEL NEW MEMBER FELLOWSHIP On Sunday October 27th, following the 8:00am service. Please take some time to meet our newest members and enjoy donuts, juice and coffee.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY In memory of Bernice Wegner’s 70th birthday, yesterday October 12, $70.00 was given for St. John’s door fund. Thank you for your gift and birthday blessings to you!

VOTERS MEETING The next Voters meeting will be next Sunday, October 20th, following our 10:00am St. John’s service.

SNEAK PEAK AT THE GOSPEL Men’s Bible Study will continue this week Tuesday- 6:30pm – in St. John’s church basement.

DONATIONS FOR MARQUETTE COUNTY CARE & SHARE FOOD BANK  St. John’s members are invited to share in the Sunday School’s October service project:  collecting 1) non-perishable food items/paper products (Please be kind and watch expiration dates!)  and 2) new & gently used winter accessories: hats/caps/gloves/mittens/scarves/neckgaiters/etc. Collection containers in the linkway.  Deadline:  End of October

CARDS FOR PRISON MINISTRY–YOU CAN HELP!  Writing messages on card fronts for the WELS Prison Ministry is something everyone can do–men, women, teens, even grade school kids with parents or teachers supervising.  Pick up a packet or two of cards in the St. John’s linkway and spend some time writing Bible verses or short inspirational messages related to the type of card (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or Praying for/Thinking of You cards).  Instructions are included with each packet of cards. Return the completed cards to the collection box by Thanksgiving Day, November 28.  Any questions, contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY At, St. John’s, we begin to gather by 9am and are ready to go by 9:15am. “They” were watching Jesus. We need to be watching him too! How? Why?

ACTS–ACTIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH THE GOSPEL IN THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH Adult Bible Study meets Monday at 7:30pm & Wednesday at 10am in the St. John’s conference room.

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST Bible Information Class (leads to membership) is at 7:30pm in the St. John’s conference room (alternate times may also be scheduled).

GRIEFSHARE The 13-week session of Griefshare has begun. Sessions are held at 6:00p.m. in the lower level of St. John’s. Join us for week #7, October 17. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Mark Emond (608) 697-1600.

ACH What is ACH? Automated Clearing House is an electronic payments network use by individuals, businesses, financial institutions and government organizations. Interested in having your church offering automatically deposited? Stop by the office or Information Room and fill out your application today.

MEDITATIONS New “Meditations” WELS daily devotional booklets are available in the church entry (many thanks to our generous members for donating!)

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “God loves everyone, but probably prefers ‘fruits of the spirit’ over religious nuts!”  

SCHOLASTIC BOOKFAIR St. John’s is looking for an individual(s) who would want to run the Scholastic Book Fair. This has been a big success for our school and students in the past and we would love to continue this. Call the office if you or someone you know is interested!

JOIN US for THE FALL LWMS RALLY AT ZION-COLUMBUS – ALL ARE INVITED! MEN & CHILDREN, TOO! ”The Light of the Gospel Continues Shining in the Desert” is the theme for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Fall Rally on Saturday, October 19. Pastor Dennis & Nancy Meier share from the 125th Anniversary of our Synod’s oldest mission field–Apacheland. 9:00 Registration begins with displays, Send One Sister silent auction, & an LWMS treasure hunt! 10:30 Apache-flavored Bible Study! 11:15 Business meeting; 11:45 Luncheon; 1:00 Devotion & Speaker. Carpool Signup in the Information Room or call your LWMS reporter Helen Stelter (297-7116) or Linda Wachholz (608-369-2635). Babysitting will be available! FALL SERVICE PROJECT for Peridot Our Savior Lutheran: 1) 4 items ONLY: crayons, markers, pencils, & glue sticks. 2) monetary donations to help Peridot purchase Scholastic books. Collection containers at each church. Your help is appreciated! Collecting through today Sunday, October 13.

Beaver Dam Circuit FALL RALLY

of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society

Saturday, October 19, 2019

9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

at Zion-Columbus (Co-hosts St. John-Doylestown)

Speakers: Pastor Dennis & Nancy Meier

“The Light of the Gospel Continues Shining in the Desert”

(125 Years of Apacheland Mission History)

Carpooling Signup in the Information Room at St. John’s

Attendance Emmanuel St. John’s
10-6                                    10-9 70                                       109                                       4
St. John’s Altar Committee October 2019 Elaine Kelm & Carolyn Rosenthal 

October 6                  

Emm/Usher Schedule  

   Emm (comm)                       Darrell Buchholz, Bob Ferber, Joe Heller,

comm. assist. Lucas Stelter

   SJ                                         Kenon Smith; Chief, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon,

Gordon Krause, Glen Bubolz

October 13                

   Emm                                     DuWayne Sommerfeld, Jim Stuempges, Gary Wegner

   SJ (comm)                           Cal Kapp; Chief, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith,

Calvin Wojtalewicz, Thomas Wojtalewicz

October 20    

   Emm                                     Wayne Stelter, Noah Buchholz, Paul Dahlke

   SJ                                         James Wachholz; Chief, Kenny Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls,

Mark Emond, Ben Emond

October 27    

   Emm                                     Lucas Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller

   SJ (comm)                           Jack Yates; Chief, Kevin Kaul, Corey Kaul, Ken Borzick,

James Henke

November 3  

   Emm (comm)                       Don Stelter, Paul Wuerch, Gary Weger,

comm. assist. Wayne Stelter

   SJ                                         Don Smith; Chief, Paul Van Treeck, Haiden Van Treeck,

Nolan Van Treeck, Matt Borzick

November 10

   Emm                                     Darrell Buchholz, Glenn Buchholz, Paul Dahlke

   SJ (comm)                           Kenon Smith; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Aaron Kendall,

            Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann

November 17

   Emm                                     DuWayne Sommerfeld, Warren Buchholz, Don Stelter

   SJ                                         Cal Kapp; Chief, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Joe Zauner Sr.,

Joe Zauner Jr.

November 24

   Emm                                     Wayne Stelter, Bob Ferber, Gary Wegner

   SJ (comm)                           James Wachholz; Chief, Jon Vote, Joe Vote,

Jesse Schable, Matt Neuhauser

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