Author: kerry@inmarketsuccess.com
Update on WELS relief efforts for Ukraine
- The situation for our brothers and sisters in the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC) remains very dire. Thankfully, we have learned that none of the pastors or members have lost their lives, but at least some members report that their homes have been destroyed. Some of the pastors and members have relocated to places that are relatively safe and removed from the heavy fighting, but others remain in areas where military activity is taking place every day. We continue to pray for their safety.
- WELS members have already been very generous with gifts intended to support relief and humanitarian efforts both for members of the ULC and for the refugees and local citizens in need of help. We thank you to all those who have given gifts for Ukraine relief. Those gifts are being channeled through WELS World Missions, which remains in contact with the ULC and is still able to transfer funds to where they are most needed. To date, $25,000 has been sent, with additional funds to be sent in the coming days and weeks as long as the banking system remains intact. Individuals can give a gift by going to wels.net/give-ukraine or by sending a check payable to WELS and designating “Ukraine” in the memo line to WELS Attn: Gift Processing, N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive, Waukesha, WI 53188. (Organizations may donate via check but not online.)
- Currently, collecting physical relief items (blankets, water, canned goods, diapers, etc.) to send to Ukraine is not the best option for assisting those impacted by this war. The expense and logistical complexity of getting such items to those who need it make such an effort impractical. We will let you know when and if such efforts become possible.
- In addition to gifts through the Ukrainian Lutheran Church, some have made gifts to WELS Christian Aid and Relief (CAR). With those funds, CAR has made grants to Direct Relief (directrelief.org) to get aid to those who need assistance, especially for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. To date, WELS Christian Aid and Relief has sent $50,000 to Direct Relief. This highly rated disaster relief organization specializes in providing medical assistance and supplies where they are needed most. They have both the inventory and infrastructure to bring medical aid to an area quickly. We have worked with this organization for many years and trust their work.
- Pastor Roger Neumann is the WELS liaison to the ULC; he is in almost daily contact with Bishop Horpynchuk, head of the ULC, and keeps us informed of the latest news and challenges. There are periodic Ukraine updates on the WELS website at wels.net.
Lord God, in this world of darkness and evil, the light of your saving gospel continues to shine. Through that good news you have brought people around the world from the darkness of sin and death into your marvelous light. But evil exists, and Satan’s work in this fallen world continues. As many in Ukraine are experiencing unimaginable hardships and suffering, we ask that you would be with them. Protect them, provide for them, and, above all, strengthen their faith and trust in you and your promises. We commend them to your gracious care, knowing that you have promised to be with them always. Even though they are now walking through the shadow of death, enable them to fear no evil. We ask you, in your love and wisdom, to restore peace and safety to those now enduring the horrors of war and bloodshed and to continue to let your gospel message be the comfort and hope that so many desperately need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.Serving you in Christ,
Rev. Mark Schroeder
WELS President
BULLETIN FEBRUARY 6th, 2022
St. John’s & Emmanuel Lutheran Church
February 6, 2022 – 5th Sunday After Epiphany
The Service – Setting One
Dedication Rite
We dedicate our new hymnals today to the glory of our Lord. A hymnal contains the forms which bring to us God’s precious means of grace: the Gospel in Word and Sacraments. A hymnal contains many of the songs and prayers we use together to ask God’s grace and respond to it. A hymnal helps shape the bond of faith not only within a congregation but also among congregations united in a synod. A hymnal expresses the bond we share with saints of past centuries and brings us new songs for our time and for the future. So today it is our special joy to dedicate our new worship book to the glory of our Lord.
Stand
Invocation CW 154
Rite of Dedication
M: We gather today to dedicate our new hymnals.
C: We give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
M: Gracious Father, we know you desire to be with us. You delight in hearing the prayers and praise of your people.
C: Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being your people, for the blessing of worship, for the comfort and strength you give in this place, for the praise and joy you prompt in our hearts.
M: We thank you for your many gifts: for language, for music, and for the liturgy as a setting for your marvelous grace in Baptism, in Holy Communion, and in the proclamation of your Word.
C: Bless us as we use this book.
M: Lord, you gifted the many people who helped prepare this book. Their service to you and to us is a rich blessing. For those who have labored diligently in developing this worship book,
C: We thank you, O Lord.
M: For those who use their time and ability to assist our worship – for those who lead us in worship, for singers and all other musicians, for those who prepare your house each week, for talent with flowers, banners, and all other arts,
C: We thank you, O Lord.
M: Lord, we confess that we have not always put our hearts and minds into worship as you desire. Forgive our sins of approaching you too casually, carelessly, infrequently, or without concentration on your presence in worship.
C: Send your Holy Spirit so that the words and music of this hymnal become the sincere prayers and praise of our hearts.
M: Bless our use of old songs and forms, that we more deeply recognize our connection with your people of all times and the value of their contribution to our worship.
C: Bless our use of new liturgies and songs, that we see anew the wonder of your ways and the privilege we have to praise you.
M: Bless us as we receive your priceless gifts and express our faith to you and to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
C: Bless our sincere participation in worship.
M: May others who do not yet know you learn something of your love and power through all we do here.
C: Move us to commit ourselves – heart and mind – to this vital part of our lives called worship.
M: To your glory, O Lord, and for the edification of your holy people we dedicate these hymnals, in the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
483 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty Congregation
Text and music: Public domain
Confession CW 154
Absolution CW 154
Lord, Have Mercy CW 156
Glory Be to God CW 157
The Word CW 160
Salutation CW 160
Prayer of the Day CW 160
First Reading Isaiah 6:1-8
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. ”8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Psalm 67E O God, Show Us Your Mercy
- O God, show us your mercy
and bless us with your grace;
and cause to shine upon us
the brightness of your face,
that so your way most holy
on earth may soon be known,
and unto ev’ry people
your saving grace be shown.
Let all the peoples praise you,
let all the nations sing;
in ev’ry land let praises
and songs of gladness ring.
- For you will judge the peoples
in truth and righteousness,
your rule of perfect justice
all nations will confess.
Let all the peoples praise you,
let all the nations sing;
then earth in rich abundance
to us its fruit shall bring.
The Lord our God will bless us,
his richest blessing send,
and all creation praise him
to earth’s remotest end.
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 14:12b-20
12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. 13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,[a] say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
Gospel Acclamation CW 161
Gospel Luke 5:1-11
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
745 Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying Congregation
Text and music: Public domain
Sermon Luke 5:1-11, “Let Down Your Nets for a Catch!”
- Begin with listening to Jesus’ advice
- Requires trusting Jesus’ power
- Involves leaving things behind for Jesus
Apostles’ Creed CW 163
Prayer of the Church CW 164
Offering
549: 1,2 Across the Lands Choir
Text and music: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Stuart Townend, b. 1963; arr. Ruth N. Coleman, b. 1953
Lord’s Prayer CW 171
Blessing CW 171
549: 3 Across the Lands Congregation
Text and music: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Stuart Townend, b. 1963; arr. Ruth N. Coleman, b. 1953
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are 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. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House. Created by Christian Worship: Service Buillllder © 2022 Concordia Publishing House
January 2, 2022 Sunday School Service
Invocation
Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
Call to Worship
P: “Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” (Psalm 96: 1-3)
C: We come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S incerely!
We come with . . . . . . . . . T hanksgiving!
We come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A doring!
We come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R ejoicing!
P: We come in the name of God, “for great is the LORD and most worthy of praise.” (Psalm 96:4)
C: Oh, come, let us adore Him! Christ, the Lord!
Processional “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” Congregation
1. Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him born the king of angels:
Oh, come, let us adore Him,
Oh, come, let us adore Him,
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
2. God from true God, and Light from Light eternal,
Born of a virgin, to earth he comes,
Only begotten Son of God the Father.
Oh, come, let us adore Him,
Oh, come, let us adore Him,
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
3. Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
Oh, come, let us adore Him,
Oh, come, let us adore Him,
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Congregation stands.
A Star Litany (Response Refrain: “We Three Kings”)
Pastor: “We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2)
C: (sung) Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Ever leading, still proceeding,
Guide us with your perfect light!
P: God made the two great lights–the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. (Genesis 1:16)
Men: “[God] determines the number of the stars, and calls them each by name.” (Psalm 147:4)
P: Christ, our Lord, has said, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” (Revelation 22: 16)
Women: He is my Savior. He is my light and my salvation. He is the way for my life, the truth in whom I trust and the life that I shall lead.
C: I believe Jesus is Lord!
C: Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Ever leading, still proceeding,
Guide us with your perfect light!
Men: God says to me, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
P: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place.” (Psalm 8:3)
Women: “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:4)
P: Yet in Christ, God looks at us and says,
C: “That’s good!”
C: Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Ever leading, still proceeding,
Guide us with your perfect light!
P: I am one of God’s stars, one of His lights shining for Him in a dark, dark world.
Women: “[And] those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)
P: God has called all of us to be lights and calls us to shine, like the stars in the heavens.
Men: “That you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. (Philippians 2:15-16)
C: Lord, shine in us brightly and shine through us to others. Amen.
C: Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Ever leading, still proceeding,
Guide us with your perfect light!
Prayer for the Day Pastor
Lord Jesus Christ, bright Morning Star, we worship you this day with praise and thanksgiving. For the light with which You fill the earth, for the direction You give for us to follow, for the truth on which we stand firmly, for the opportunity to shine to others as You shine in and through us, we glorify Your name. Bless all our Christmas festivities and fill them with your presence among us as we celebrate your birth. You are our Lord! You are our Savior! In Your name we pray. Amen.
Congregation sits.
Hymn “As With Gladness Men of Old” Congregation
1. As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led by Thee.
- As with joyful steps they sped, Savior, to Thy lowly bed,
There to bend the knee before Thee, whom heav’n and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet ever seek Thy mercy seat.
- As they offered gifts most rare at Thy cradle, rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heav’nly King.
4. Holy Jesus, ev’ry day keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, where no clouds Thy glory hide.
5. In the heav’nly country bright need they no created light;
Thou its light, its joy, its crown, Thou its sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing, alleluias to our King.
The Christmas Message Pastor
THE CHRISTMAS STORY, Part 1, Luke 2:1-7
SONG “In Those Days Caesar Augustus” Grades 1-5
THE CHRISTMAS STORY, Part 2, Luke 2:8-14 Children &Congregation
Children: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
Congregation: An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Ch: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
C: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Ch: This will be a sign to you:
C: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Ch: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
C: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
Song: “Christmas Jingle Bells” All Children; Congregation joins on refrain after V1&2
Refrain: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
Sing and praise and shout hooray to the baby on the hay!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Sing and praise and shout hooray for Christ is born today!
THE CHRISTMAS STORY, Part 2, Luke 2:15-20 Children &Congregation
Ch: When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,
C: “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Ch: So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
C: When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
Ch: And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
C: But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Ch: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
PreK-K Recitation Let us gather round him,
Rejoice and praise his birth.
For the baby King named Jesus,
Is our Savior come to earth!
Song “Christ Is Born” All Children
Recitation: It’s Time Grades 3-4-5
Song “Light One Candle“ Grades 1-5
Recitation: Getting Ready Grade 3-4-5
Hymn “I Am So Glad When Christmas Comes” Congregation
1. I am so glad when Christmas comes,
The night of Jesus’ birth,
When Bethl’em’s star shone as the sun
And angels sang with mirth.
2. The little child of Bethlehem,
The King of heav’nly grace,
Came down from His exalted throne
To save our fallen race.
3. I love this precious Christmas eve
And my dear Savior mild,
And I shall not forget the truth:
He loves me as His child.
4 I am so glad when Christmas comes:
Let anthems fill the air!
He opens wide for every child
His paradise so fair.
Recitation Grades 1-2
with Chorus “Twinkle, Twinkle” All Children
Recitation: Everything Is Ready Grades 3-4-5
Hymn “Oh, How I Love Jesus” All Children
Hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Congregation
1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary, and, gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to all the earth!
- How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts o human hears the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in!
- O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
Oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel.
Recitation: Star PreK & K
“S” is for Savior, now born as a child.
“T” is for tender, so sweet and so mild
“A” is for amazing. God’s Son is our King. So,
“R” is for royal. His praises we sing.
Song “Ev’rybody Ought to Know” All Children
Christmas Pageant Procession
Song “In A Little Stable” Aaron & Vicky Wachholz
Recitation: God’s Son Grades 3-4-5; Congregation joins on final verses
C: There is no star that’s brighter.
There is no light so bold.
Than God’s own SON, born Jesus,
Whom prophets had foretold.
C: And now with hallelujahs,
In celebrating praise
We come as God’s dear faithful
And praise Him all our days.
Hymn “Away in a Manger” Children V1, Congregation V2-3
2. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
3. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.
Recitation: The Announcement All Children
Hymn “Silent Night” Congregation
1. Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
3. Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Your holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Your birth, Jesus, Lord, at Your birth.
Congregation stands.
The Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
Benediction
P: May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the light of Christ, the bright Morning Star, ever shine upon you, guide you in His way, and give you hope. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
P: Go in peace and shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of Life.
All: Amen! Alleluia! Amen!
Congregation sits.
Recessional Hymn “Joy to the World” Congregation
1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room
And heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
2. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3. He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love, and wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
Thank you to:
The Sunday School Children. PreK-K: Preston Jahr, Xzander Jahr, Grant Wolsdorf. Grades 1&2: Wesley Jahr, MaKinleigh Kaenel, Estrella Kaenel, Jaxon Wolsdorf, Trenton Jahr, Annalyse Van Treeck. Grades 3-4-5: Nolan Van Treeck, Molly Utke, Wally Wolsdorf.
A N N O U N C E M E N T S
January 2 – January 8
| Sun. | 8:00a.m. | Emmanuel Worship |
| 9:00a.m. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s | |
| 10:00a.m. | St. John’s Worship | |
| Mon. | 8:00a.m. | School resumes |
| 3:30p.m. | A Basketball/Cheerleading practice | |
| 6:30p.m. | Joint Choir at St. John’s | |
| 7:30p.m. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s | |
| Tues. | 3:30p.m. | C Basketball practice |
| 6:00p.m. | Griefshare in Princeton (week 1) | |
| 6:30p.m. | Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s | |
| Wed. | 8:00a.m. | School Chapel |
| 10:30a.m. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s | |
| 1:45p.m. | Early School Dismissal | |
| 2:15p.m. | Public School Teen Confirmation | |
| Thurs. | 8:00a.m. | St. John’s Teen Confirmation |
| 12:30p.m. | Ladies Aid dessert/meeting | |
| 3:30p.m. | A/C Basketball practice | |
| 6:00p.m. | Griefshare in Montello (week 1) | |
| Fri. | 4:30p.m. | Basketball/Cheer games @ Fox Lake |
| Sat. | 10:00a.m. | Basketball/Cheer games @ Mayville |
| 4:30p.m. | St. John’s Worship with communion | |
Next week’s theme: January 9, 2022Epiphany 1 – The Baptism of our Lord | ||
| Sun. | 8:00a.m. | Emmanuel Worship with communion |
| 8:30a.m. | Sunday School at St. John’s | |
| 9:00a.m. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s | |
| 10:00a.m.. | St. John’s Worship with communion |
C H U R C H N E W S
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)
– For the sick and distressed…Caryl Bassett, Mike Brown, Ed & Warren Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Jan Dahlke, Ann & Roberta Davison (Beth Johnson’s daughters), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Diane Eisermann, Ken & Sally Elmer, Mike Farrell, Judy Freitag, Donna Gatzke, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Roger Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Bob Klapper, Arden Klimke, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Diane Metcalf, Mary Anne Myers (Teacher Shelley Myers’ mother), Arlene Neale (Ruth Jones’ sister), Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Steve Parrish, Karen Radke, Wanda Sellnow (Principal Larry Sellnow’s mother), Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Kathy Weinfurter (Ken Pabelick’s mother-in-law) (added this week: )
– For Christian Education and Mrs. Ashley Phillips who was called at the 12/19 St. John’s Voters meeting to serve as our Kindergarten teacher
– For the family of Pastor Rolfe Westendorf called home on 12/28 at the age of 88
– For Missions
NEW CHURCH ATTENDANCE SYSTEM Using your smartphones, please scan the code on the back side of the bulletin, using your phone camera, and fill out the prompted information. This new system directly notifies our pastor and keeps your current and our system updated. If you do not have a smartphone, please fill out the attendance card located at the end of each pew. Please it in the offering plate when you are finished. Thank you!
GIFTS FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS Please consider making a gift towards the following church or school projects. Your gift, to the project of your church, will be recorded under your member account in our Shepherd’s Staff program unless you specifically request it to be recorded as anonymous. Donor names and gift amounts are not published. Your gift can be placed in the offering plate, the locked drop box by the office, or mailed. Please contact the church/school office secretary, Ciara Neuhauser, if you have any questions.
Continued…
Project Name & Brief Description Amount Needed
House Demolition $9,500.00
(costs related to tear down of old Little Lambs house)
Church Piano $1,500.00
Church A/V Upgrades $2,000.00
Ministerial Tuition Assistance No limit in place
(assistance for members pursuing the ministry)
Outreach Activities No limit in place
(church and/or school outreach supplies, fees) No limit in place
St. John’s School Tuition Assistance No limit in place
(assistance for parents of students)
School Technology Fund No limit in place
(maintain teacher and student computers, devices, smartboards)
S C H O O L N E W S
BASKETBALL & CHEERLEADING Games Jan. 7 @ 4:30pm Fox Lake and Jan. 8 @ 10:00am Mayville. Come support your Jaguars!
God Fulfills his Covenant Pledge
The Second Sunday after Christmas – Series C
God’s Word for Today
God’s activity at that first Christmas time when Jesus was born was the unfolding of the grand covenant of world-wide blessings. This is the covenant that had been made to Abraham around 2000 years earlier. Now approximately 2000 years after Jesus’ birth we continue to reap the benefits. Through Christ we enjoy a “dear Father – son” relationship with the almighty God himself.
First Lesson (Genesis 17:1-7)
- What was the covenant that God had made with Abraham?
- What did he command as the way to seal this covenant to make its reality constantly evident to the people? (Gen 9-14)
Second Lesson (Galatians 4:4-7)
- What do you understand by “when the time had fully come?”
- What is the result of Jesus coming?
Gospel (Luke 1:68-75)
- What did Zechariah acknowledge (v.72) when he broke into song at the birth of John the Baptist?
- What is the result of God accomplishing his promise? (v.74-75)
Answers:
- He was going to make Abraham the “father of many nations,” be their God and provide them the land as their own. In Gen 12:3 he clarifies that “all nations will be blessed” because of him. It is from his descendants that the Savior would be born for the benefit of the whole world. (Do you see this includes you?)
- All the male children were to be circumcised as a sign of the covenant. In the next generations it was to be an automatic rite carried out on the boys when they were eight days old. It would connect them with the covenant God and his blessings to his people.
- God’s plans for us have not only a specific purpose but also a specific time schedule. Jesus was born at a specific time because all the elements God was putting in place were ready. His countdown was over. What wisdom we see in the way he carried it out so that the world would know the Savior!
- God’s Son became fully human and under law (including circumcised on the eighth day). He did this so he could free us from the curse of law. Now we receive the full relationship and blessings of being free sons (inheriting children) of God. (Do you live in the security, peace and love of that relationship?)
- He saw this as the fulfillment of the “holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham” (See the Genesis 17 reading)
- We will not only be rescued from our enemies (the curse of sin, the fear of death and the power of the devil), but will also be able to serve him without fear (no longer a slave but a son- Gal 4:7)
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 12-23 | 104 | |
| 12-24 | 253 | |
| 12-25 | 56 | |
| 12-26 | 42 | 71 |
St. John’s Altar Committee for January 2022:Kathy North & Lucy Laun |
Help us stay in touch!
Scan the code below using your smartphone camera and fill out the prompted information. Don’t have a smartphone? That’s ok! Fill out an attendance card located at the end of each pew and place it in the offering plate located at the entry of each church.
Welcome to our visitors!
Find & Like us on Facebook
Visit our website: www.stjohnsmontello.org
Pastor Pete Zietlow: 608-408-7830, Email: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com
Principal & 6-8 Grade Teacher Larry Sellnow: 616-822-6689,
Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org
3-5 Grade Teacher Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021
K-2 Grade Teacher Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554
Little Lambs Director Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816
Church/School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: 608-297-2866
Church/School Address: 313 E Montello St. Montello, WI 53949
Church/School Email: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org