Kerry – Page 262 – St. John's Evangelical

Wisdom Welcomes the Estranged – October 2, 2019

October 3, 2019October 3, 2019 Kerry

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker. . . I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. . . . I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. . . . no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. . . . Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Philemon 1:1-21 (selected verses)

Wisdom Welcomes the Estranged

Daily Devotion – October 2, 2019

Devotion based on Philemon 1:1-21 (selected verses)

See series: Devotions

“I don’t have anything to say to you,” he responded as he closed the door. I wanted to reconcile with my brother, but he was unwilling to reconcile with me.

Like me, Onesimus wanted to reconcile with his brother. Onesimus was the slave of a Christian named Philemon. For unknown reasons, Onesimus ran away from his master and went to Rome.

In Rome, Onesimus met the apostle Paul who introduced him to his Savior. Onesimus learned that God had reconciled the world to himself through the cross. Jesus had paid for his sin! Onesimus believed the good news and became a changed man. So, Paul sent Onesimus back to his master with a letter.

Paul knew that Philemon treasured God’s reconciliation in Christ. So, in his letter, Paul called for Christian wisdom: Reconcile with Onesimus and receive him, not as a slave but a freeman and brother in Christ. This act of mercy would glorify Christ.

The good news of Jesus changes us too. As those who are wise in Christ, God equips and empowers us to glorify Christ by reconciling with one another. If we have run away from responsibility, we will make amends. If a brother or sister in Christ sins against us, we will show them their fault. And we will forgive and receive them back as if they had done us no harm whenever they repent.

For, we were slaves once too, slaves to sin. God should punish us, but Jesus intervened for us. He surrendered his rights as God and suffered our punishment. Because he satisfied our debt, God welcomes us back. No longer as slaves, but his children.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to glorify you by repenting of my sin, rejoicing in forgiveness, and reconciling with others. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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.

Cling to the Credentials of Christ – October 3, 2019

October 3, 2019October 3, 2019 Kerry

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more . . . But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.
Philippians 3:4,7-10

Cling to the Credentials of Christ

Daily Devotion – October 3, 2019

Devotion based on Philippians 3:4,7-10

See series: Devotions

Five years ago, a former mayor of New York City made a bold claim. He pointed to all his accomplishments and said, “I am telling you if there is a God, when I get to heaven, I’m not stopping to be interviewed. I am heading straight in. I have earned my place in heaven.”

The apostle Paul once made the same bold claim. He was an elite Jew from the tribe of Benjamin. At eight days old, he was circumcised according to Jewish law. He grew up in the strict Orthodox Jewish tradition. As a Pharisee, Paul followed their laws faultlessly. If anyone could earn his way into heaven, it was Paul.

But then Paul met Jesus. Jesus showed him that he is the only way to get into heaven. Jesus’ credentials are flawless. His life conformed perfectly to God’s will. His death on the cross paid fully for all the world’s sin. He earned our salvation completely. Paul’s credentials couldn’t compare. So, he tore them up, tossed them out, and clung in faith to Christ’s life-giving work.

Like the former mayor of New York City, we can lean heavily on our accomplishments. We may be good at living by the standards we set for heaven. But no matter how impressive our Christian credentials, they cannot get us into heaven. It’s all garbage compared to trusting Christ our Savior.

Like Paul, those who are wise in Christ cling to him by faith. Christ by his life, death, and resurrection brings us God’s forgiving love. He is the only way to get to heaven. Keep your eye on him, and don’t look back.

Prayer:
Your works, not mine, O Christ, speak gladness to this heart. To whom but you, who can alone for sin atone, Lord, shall I flee? Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Wisdom Worships God – October 1, 2019

October 1, 2019October 1, 2019 Kerry

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. . . . So Abram went, as the LORD had told him. . . . Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. . . . The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” . . . From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.
Genesis 12:1-8 (selected verses)

Wisdom Worships God

Daily Devotion – October 1, 2019

Devotion based on Genesis 12:1-8 (selected verses)

See series: Devotions

We left home and family when I was a small boy. The Lord called my father from the mountains of America to serve as a missionary in the plains of Central Africa. When we arrived, we learned that our possessions had been lost in route, from furniture to family photos. I was too young to remember my reaction.

What will you do if the Lord uproots your life and leads you to unfamiliar places? You may lose your health, livelihood, a friendship, or loved one. You may change schools, jobs, or enter the workforce. You may face the end of your earthly life.

We know how Abram responded when God called him to leave his familiar life. He knew the Lord’s promise to bless him. He knew the Lord would be with him along the way and was already at his destination. So, when Abram arrived, he “called on the name of the LORD,” that is, he worshipped God for loving him.

When life takes an unfamiliar or uncomfortable direction, remember Abram’s wise response. Call on the name of the LORD. Worship him for loving you. Exhale your worry and fear. Inhale the life-giving breath of God’s Word. In all things God works for the good of those who love him, whom he has called for his purpose. Since he gave us his Son that we might have a home in heaven, he will undoubtedly give us all we need to reach that destination. Know that he is with you along the way and already there to greet you.

Wherever God leads, call on his name and worship him there.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to worship you wherever you lead me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Get Wise – September 30, 2019

September 30, 2019September 30, 2019 Kerry

Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
Proverbs 9:8-12

Get Wise

Daily Devotion – September 30, 2019

Devotion based on Proverbs 9:8-12

See series: Devotions

When I was three, we visited my grandparents’ home. Inside the window of the stairwell was a fan with metal blades. My mother warned me that if I touched it, I would hurt myself. She gave me the knowledge, but I lacked proper follow-through. Eventually, I reached out and my fingers contacted those rotating blades. Forty years later, my hand still bears the scar. I wasn’t wise.

Wisdom is not the same as book smarts, a high IQ, or even common sense. If you have knowledge, you are smart. If you have knowledge and the right follow-through, you are wise.

At least, that’s how we describe worldly wisdom. The Bible, however, tells us about something even more important—godly wisdom. Godly wisdom is knowing the God of the Bible and putting what we know about him and what he says into practice in our lives. Sadly, like a three-year-old who puts his fingers into the blades of a spinning fan, we are often spiritually unwise. We know what God tells us is right and wrong, what is good for us and what is bad. But we decide to do what is wrong and what is bad for us. We aren’t wise.

What should God do with such people? He could have simply said, “You fools!” and had nothing more to do with us. But he didn’t. Instead, he sent his Son Jesus Christ who lived a life of perfect godly wisdom. And he gives us the credit for it. Through faith in his perfect wisdom, God sees us as being perfectly wise. And, by his Holy Spirit, he grants us more and more godly wisdom. He empowers us to put his word into practice in our lives.

May he do just this for you this day.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the wisdom of God and my wisdom too. Forgive me for my foolishness. And help me follow through, loving you and living for you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

BULLETIN- September 29, 2019

September 29, 2019September 29, 2019 Kerry

The 16^thSunday after Pentecost

September 29, 2019 St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Montello, WI

608.297.2866

www.stjohnsmontello.org

Like us on Facebook

Please Welcome Guest Pastor Jim Kleist from WELS World Mission “316NOW”

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church

313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church

W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

P R A Y E R B E F O R E W O R S H I P

O Lord–our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter–we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word, we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen (Note: additional prayers for before and after worship are found in the hymnal on pages 10-11,134–139)

G O D ’ S W O R D F O R T O D A Y

The human mind is a powerful tool, capable of reasoning its way to much success and many great things. The human mind knows how to guard the bottom line. The human mind knows what is most cost effective. The human mind can quickly determine what is the most reasonable course of action. But the human mind, despite all its vaunted wisdom, cannot find its way to the cross. The cross is incomprehensible to the human mind. One man, the God-man, dies for the sins of all men?! It is only when our fear and trust is in the LORD that we can know his great mercy and love and understand how that affects our lives for him.

W E L C O M E T O O U R C H U R C H

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.

 A S E R V I C E O F M O R N I N G P R A I S E  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

SUNDAY SCHOOL SINGS Be a Missionary

Be a missionary ev’ry day! Tell the world that Jesus is the way. Be it in the town or country or the busy avenue– Africa or Asia, the task is up to you, so– Be a missionary ev’ry day! Tell the world that jesus is the way. The Lord is soon returning. There is no time to lose, so– Be a missionary ev’ry day.

Please stand

L: Pastor C: Congregation

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

CHOIR SINGS PSALM OF THE DAY “The Perfect Wisdom of Our God” This morning psalm brings to mind the Lord’s abiding presence and unending love through all of life’s ways.

 T H E W O R D  The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST READING Proverbs 9:8-12

Summary: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”

SECOND READING Philemon 1:1,10-21

Summary: Paul’s plea for Onesimus

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good—no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

VERSE OF THE DAY Philippians 4:4 Alleluia. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL READING Luke 14: 25-33

Summary: Count the cost of being a disciple

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

NICENE CREED

C: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY 528 Christ Is Our Cornerstone

SERMON by guest pastor Jim Kleist Matthew 28:16-20 (EHV)

“Gather Disciples From All Nations”

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some hesitated because they were uncertain. Jesus approached and spoke to them saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and gather disciples from all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and by teaching them to keep all the instructions I have given you. And surely I am with you always until the end of the age.” Please stand

YOU ARE GOD, WE PRAISE YOU Te Deum

Pastor and congregation join in singing the refrain and the verses.

Refrain

Please be seated

 O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S 

THE OFFERING During the offering, please greet one another, and sign the friendship register. Musicians: Ellen Kirschbaum, trumpet and Lauren Zietlow, piano – Choir sings “Go Ye Into All the World”

Please stand

PRAYERS The Offering Prayer, Befriend A Mission Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor.

P: Almighty God and Father, dwelling in majesty and mystery, filling and renewing all creation by your eternal Spirit, and manifesting your saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ: in mercy cleanse our hearts and lips that, free from doubt and fear, we may ever worship you, one true immortal God, with your Son and the Holy Spirit, living and reigning, now and forever, C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie

L: Pastor C: Congregation

THE LORD’S PRAYER

C: 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 HYMN 390 Salvation unto Us Has Come

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

CLOSING HYMN 570 O Christians, Haste

As you leave today’s service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or pastor.

 Announcements 

Activities for the week of September 29-October 5

Sun. 8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship “316NOW”

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 “316NOW” & Presentation 11:00 A.M. St. John’s Lunch & 316NOW Presentation 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

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 6:30 P.M. St. John’s Worship with communion 7:30 P.M. Bible Information Class begins at St. John’s Thurs. 8:00 A.M. St. John’s School Confirmation Class

12:00 P.M. St. John’s Ladies Aid lunch & meeting 6:00 P.M. Griefshare at St. John’s lower level (4 of 13 weeks) 6:00 P.M. Griefshare at St. John’s Fri. Sat.

Theme for Next Sunday October 6 , 2019

Pentecost 17: “Christ and Christians Are Concerned About Lost Sinners”

8:00 A.M. Emmanuel Worship 8:30 P.M. St. John’s Sunday School 9:00 P.M. Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study at St. John’s 10:00 A.M. St. John’s Worship with communion

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), 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, Karl Whitrock, Shirley Wilkens – (added this week: Harold Fandrey) – For our WELS “316NOW” World Mission – For our communicants at St. John’s

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jon Vote who celebrates his birthday today, September 29th! God’s blessings on your day and always!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Beth Johnson who celebrated her 90^thbirthday yesterday, September 28^th! Birthday blessings to you!

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

WELCOME HOME SUNDAY: OCTOBER 13^THInformation was sent in the mail last week Wednesday about our upcoming Welcome Home Sunday on October 13^th. Our goal is to have 100% of the members of Emmanuel and St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church worship together on this special day. Please do everything possible to set that date aside so that we can pack the house that day. Following the 10:00a.m. St. John’s service, breakfast will be served in the lower level of church.

FORWARD IN CHRIST WELS MAGAZINE Many thanks to an anonymous member for purchasing 100 copies of FIC for our Emmanuel & St. John’s members to enjoy!

CHOIR Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. – Psalm 30:4. If you love to sing, please consider joining the joint choir of St. John’s and Emmanuel.

Choir practices are Monday evenings for just an hour at 6:30. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you are interested in joining the choir, or if you have questions.

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 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?

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Faith is not a good feeling you have. Faith is not the cause of but the result of Truth. Faith says “Yes” when everything else says “No.” This week we will look at the faith of Abel. What made him a hero? Tuesday, 6:30pm. Church basement. Men – about 15 other guys would love to have you join them!

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).

ST. JOHN’S CHURCH DOORS To keep updated on the St. John’s Church Door Project, check out the bulletin board located in the Information Room at St. John’s. The given donation did not cover the full cost of our new doors so donations are still accepted to help offset the remaining cost.

FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS Please complete the friendship register page each week. This helps your pastor and other church leaders stay in touch and keep contact information up to date. Thanks!

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 #5, October 3. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Mark Emond (608) 697-1600.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH BAGS Please help yourself to the bags that are hung on the tree in St. John’s Information Room at St. John’s and entry way at Emmanuel. Please return them after each service.

ACH What is ACH? Automated Clearing House is an electronic payments network use by individuals, businesses, financial institutions and government organizations. The network functions as an efficient, electronic alternative to paper checks. It allows funds to be electronically debited or credited to a checking account, savings account, financial institution

general ledger account or credited to a loan account. Please pick your form up in the Information Room or the office and get started 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 doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”

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!

EASTER FOR KIDS COORDINATOR WANTED If you, or someone you know, are interested please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635. Linda is willing to train!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN SEPTEMBER BEFRIEND A MISSION MONTH AT ST. JOHN’S During the month, our assigned missionaries—the Nitzs in Malawi- Africa, the Albrechts in Goodyear, AZ, the Wrights in Mansfield, OH, and the Reeders in Seattle, WA–have enjoyed cards, notes, emails, & art projects from parish members of all ages. Thank you for including them in your prayers and for your gifts to our fall mission collections at St. John’s & Emmanuel. The Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) supports WELS missions by prayer, encouragement, & giving. They work to increase interest in and support mission endeavors of the WELS.

HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR FALL MISSION OFFERING YET? DEADLINE IS TODAY! Please use the collection container where you are a member (church entrance both at Emmanuel & St. John’s). Be a friend to missions!

HAVE YOU ENTERED THE LWMS TRIVIA CONTEST OR VISITED THE BE-A- FRIEND TREE AT THE LINKWAY DISPLAY at St. John’s? The women of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) thank you for supporting WELS missions!!

SPECIAL FREEWILL OFFERING TODAY FOR 316NOW at both churches. Help share the Gospel in China!

THANK YOU TO OUR GUEST 316NOW MISSION FESTIVAL SPEAKER Please plan to stay for today’s luncheon and afternoon presentation by Pastor Jim Kleist to learn more about this ministry committed to proclaiming grace across China NOW.

BE A FRIEND! God tells us in Proverbs 17:17a that “A friend loves at all times.” This week would YOU be a friend and share God’s love & encouragement by sending a card/note/email to these WELS missionaries. It would mean a great deal to:

Pastor Kent & Alexandra Reeder and Family 11051 Phinney Ave. N Seattle, WA 98133-8742

Email: kentreeder@gmail.com

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 125^thAnniversary 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 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

9-22 9-25 70 104 14

St. John’s Altar Committee September 2019

Diane Eisermann & Delores Cotte

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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, 1^st& 2^ndGrade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3^rd-5^thGrade Teacher Ms. Rachel Naumann: (847) 913-2135 Principal & 6^th– 8^thGrade 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

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True Wisdom – September 29, 2019

September 29, 2019September 29, 2019 Kerry

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10

True Wisdom

Daily Devotion – September 29, 2019

Devotion based on Proverbs 9:10

See series: Devotions

It is interesting that Japan has a very high suicide rate and Haiti has a very low rate. It doesn’t seem to make sense. One would think that Japan, a very prosperous and modern country, would have few people who would want to end their lives. And one would think that Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world, would have plenty of people who would want to escape such poverty and suffering. It doesn’t seem to add up. Why is this so?

There are many questions like that. Why is there so much crime? Why is there still so much war? Why do people in a world full of food, die of starvation?

Solomon, a man specially gifted with wisdom from God, says that answers can be found in true wisdom.

What is wisdom? Some say it is what you know by experience. Others say it is knowing how to use what you know—common sense. Solomon’s definition is the best. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Knowing God and understanding him is the basis for all true wisdom. How can I understand the world if I don’t understand the One who created it? How can I understand the meaning of life if I don’t understand the Giver of all life? How can I understand why I am here without first understanding the One who put me here?

God has revealed himself to us through his Word written in the Bible. As we hear, study, and learn his Word, we come to know him better and find true wisdom for our lives. In his Word, we find the good news that God sent Jesus to solve our greatest problem, our sin. In his Word, we will find the wisdom we need to live in this often-confusing world.

Prayer:
Lord, teach me to fear and know you so that my life will be filled with wisdom. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Jesus Never Changes – September 28, 2019

September 28, 2019September 28, 2019 Kerry

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Never Changes

Daily Devotion – September 28, 2019

Devotion based on Hebrews 13:8

See series: Devotions

Were you surprised this morning at the wrinkled face peeking back at you in the mirror? Or the sagging where there was once no sag? A gray hair proudly declaring its independence? Or maybe an entire forest of gray? “When did I change so much,” you sigh. But change is a fact of life. We see gas prices rise and fall. The love in marriages grows cold. Professional athletes retire, then un-retire, then retire again. We’ve become so accustomed to change that it would be far more remarkable to witness something that doesn’t.

The book of Hebrews tells us that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” I’m not sure that you and I can ever fully appreciate those words. We don’t have anything to compare it to. We’ve never experienced something so constant, so steady, so dependable, and so…unchanging!

But rather than fearing what we don’t understand, let those stabilizing words from your Creator make you feel secure and confident. Because the eyes that once blinked through the hurt of rejection and squinted through the tears of pain are the very same eyes that are watching you with tenderness right now. The hands that bore nail-marks as proof of his love, are the same divine hands protecting you from harm. The head that endured shame and thorns is the same head turned attentively to your suffering and trouble.

Jesus NEVER changes! Your forgiveness is sure; your heaven is secure. He will ALWAYS love you.

Prayer:
Jesus, I’m not quite sure how you can never change. So much of my world changes every day. But I know that it means you love me. And it makes me love you, too. Thank you, my unchanging Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Build Others Up – September 27, 2019

September 27, 2019September 27, 2019 Kerry

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors . . . But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.”
Luke 14:12-14

Build Others Up

Daily Devotion – September 27, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 14:12-14

See series: Devotions

Does Jesus really not want us to have our friends and family over to our homes for dinner? No, Jesus often went to friends’ homes for dinner. And the Bible speaks highly of the early Christians who “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46). Jesus’ point in saying the words of today’s Bible passage is not to discourage us from hosting our friends and family for dinner. Instead, he is encouraging us to be on the lookout for ways to build other people up.

None of us is naturally inclined to build others up. By nature, we see people as mere tools we can use to build ourselves up. If someone has something that we think can benefit us, such as wealth or a good reputation, we seek to use that person in a way that will make us look better. If, however, someone has nothing that can benefit us, we either ignore that person or tear that person down so that we can look better in comparison.

This, of course, is not the way Jesus wants us to treat others. Nor is it the way he treated us. If Jesus had been looking only for people who could bring him some benefit, he never would have chosen us. We had nothing to offer him. Yet Jesus didn’t just associate with us. He became one of us. He humbled himself for the express purpose of building us up, so that through his life and death for us, we might be exalted with him forever.

Now, as we see how Jesus so selflessly built us up from the nothing we were, we are eager and able to build others up as well. It doesn’t matter who the other person is. All are people for whom Jesus humbled himself. All are people whom we, with God’s help, can seek to build up.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, lead me to build others up, just as you have done for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Humble Yourself – September 26, 2019

September 26, 2019September 26, 2019 Kerry

[Jesus said] “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. . . . But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ . . . For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 14:8,10,11

Humble Yourself

Daily Devotion – September 26, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 14:8,10,11

See series: Devotions

“Where am I supposed to sit?” you wonder as you enter the reception hall. You scan all the tables and notice that one table at the front of the hall is specially decorated and elevated on a riser. “That must be where the bride and groom want me to sit,” you think. “After all, I’m one of their best friends. I deserve to be seated as close to them as possible.”

It’s hard to imagine that any of us would be so presumptuous as to do something like that at a friend’s wedding reception. Yet, as Jesus observed, such behavior is certainly not unthinkable for us sinful human beings. Each of us naturally has a very high opinion of ourselves. We believe that we deserve to be honored by others. And if they don’t give us the honor we think we deserve, we’ll do what we can to build ourselves up so they can’t help but notice how great we are.

Such self-exalting behavior, however, is not what Jesus wants to see in us. It certainly is not how he acted. Although, as the Son of God, he deserved to be honored more than anyone else, he did not insist on always receiving that honor. Instead, he willingly humbled himself and for a while hid his greatness so he could save us. It was through humbling himself, even to the point of suffering and dying on the cross for us, that Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God.

If you want to be honored in Jesus’ kingdom, don’t seek to build yourself up. Instead, through faith in Jesus, humble yourself. And trust that Jesus, who humbled himself for you, will exalt you just as he has promised.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, lead me through faith in you to humble myself to your glory. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Break One Law You Break Them All – September 25, 2019

September 25, 2019September 25, 2019 Kerry

For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
James 2:10

Break One Law You Break Them All

Daily Devotion – September 25, 2019

Devotion based on James 2:10

See series: Devotions

The sound of breaking glass shatters the peace of your Saturday afternoon. You go into your living room and see a jagged hole right in the middle of your living room window. The scuffed baseball rolling on your living room floor answers the question of how that hole got there.

Your doorbell rings, and when you open your door you see a group of very contrite looking children standing on your porch. “We’re so sorry that we broke your window,” one of them says. “But we’ll fix it. We’ll go get some duct tape right now and tape over the hole. Then your window will be as good as new!”

“Absurd!” you think to yourself. “It’s not just the hole in the window that needs fixing. The whole window is broken. You can’t just break a part of a window and not break the whole thing!”

In our Bible passage today, James makes the same point about God’s law. Once we’ve put a hole in any part of it, we have broken it in its entirety. We can’t just patch up the part we think we’ve broken. Just like a broken window needs to be replaced in its entirety, our sin-shattered lives must be replaced in their entirety for us to be spiritually whole.

Thankfully, Jesus has done just that for us. Throughout his life, he kept the window of God’s law completely intact. Not once did he even chip any part of it. Now, through faith in him, he gives us the completely intact window of God’s law that he kept for us. His perfectly intact obedience replaces the window we shattered with our disobedience. And in him, we can stand before God without fear or shame, for in Jesus, God’s law is completely unbroken.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, all praise to you for keeping God’s law perfectly in my place. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.