Bulletin – May 9, 2021

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 6^th Sunday of Easter

Mother’s Day – Love One Another

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

May 8, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

May 9, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

† P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

OPENING HYMN CW 377:1-5, “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice“

1 Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice, With exultation springing,

And, with united heart and voice And holy rapture singing,

Proclaim the wonders God has done, How his right arm the vict’ry won.

How dearly it has cost him!

2 Fast bound in Satan’s chains I lay; Death brooded darkly o’er me.

Sin was my torment night and day; In sin my mother bore me.

Yet deep and deeper still I fell; Life had become a living hell,

So firmly sin possessed me.

3 My own good works availed me naught, No merit they attaining;

My will against God’s judgment fought, No hope for me remaining.

My fears increased till sheer despair Left naught but death to be my share

And hell to be my sentence.

4 But God beheld my wretched state Before the world’s foundation,

And, mindful of his mercies great, He planned my soul’s salvation.

A Father’s heart he turned to me, Sought my redemption fervently;

He gave his dearest treasure.

5 He spoke to his beloved Son: “’Tis time to have compassion.

Then go, bright Jewel of my crown, And bring mankind salvation.

From sin and sorrow set them free; Slay bitter death for them that they

May live with you forever.”

† T H E C O M M O N S E R V I C E †

Please stand.

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

C: Amen.

CONFESSION OF SINS

We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.

M: Beloved in the Lord; let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Kyrie

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

M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 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: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

GLORY BE TO GOD

Gloria in Excelsis

C: Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

We praise you, we bless you, we worship you,

we glorify you, we give thanks to you, your great glory,

O Lord God, heav’nly King, God the Father almighty.

O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ;

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

You take away the sin of the world; receive our prayer.

You sit at the right hand of God the Father; have mercy on us.

For you only are holy; you only are the Lord.

You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

M: Let us pray.

Father of lights, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Inspire us to think those things that are true and long for those things that are good, that we may always make our petitions according to your gracious will; through you 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 for the day’s Scripture readings.

† T H E W O R D †

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST LESSON Acts 11:19-26 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Barnabas encourages believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. ²⁰Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. ²¹The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

²²News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ²³When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. ²⁴He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

²⁵Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL CHIMES

*At Sunday St. John’s service only & in place of the Psalm.

PSALM 98

* At. Saturday St. John’s & Sunday Emmanuel services.

Refrain: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.

Sing to the LORD a new song,*

for he has done marvelous things.

The LORD has made his salvation known*

and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

He has remembered his love and his faithfulness

to the house of Israel;*

all the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.

Refrain

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,*

burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the LORD with the harp,*

with the harp and the sound of singing.

Shout for joy before the LORD, the King.*

He will judge the world in righteousness

and the peoples with equity.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE LESSON 1 John 4:1-11

Summary: Test the spirits to remain faithful in love to the Lord and eachother

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ²This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

⁴You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit^[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

⁷Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 14:23

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Alleluia.

C: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Please stand.

C: Glory be to you, O Lord!

GOSPEL LESSON John 15:9-17

Summary: Jesus says, “Remain in My love”

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹²My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. ¹⁷This is my command: Love each other.

C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

NICENE CREED

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 Christian 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.

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY CW 377:6-10, “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice”

6 The Son obeyed his Father’s will, Was born of virgin mother,

And, God’s good pleasure to fulfill, He came to be my brother.

No garb of pomp or pow’r he wore; A servant’s form like mine he bore

To lead the devil captive.

7 To me he spoke, “Hold fast to me—I am your rock and castle.

Your ransom I myself will be; For you I strive and wrestle.

For I am yours, your friend divine, And evermore you shall be mine;

The foe shall not divide us.

8 “The foe shall shed my precious blood, Me of my life bereaving.

All this I suffer for your good; Be steadfast and believing.

Life shall from death the vict’ry win; My innocence shall bear your sin,

And you are blest forever.

9 “Now to my Father I depart, The Holy Spirit sending

And, heav’nly wisdom to impart, My help to you extending.

He will a source of comfort be, Teach you to know and follow me,

And in all truth will guide you.

10 “What I on earth have lived and taught Be all your life and teaching;

So shall my kingdom’s work be wrought And honored in your preaching.

Take care that no one’s man-made laws Should e’er destroy the gospel’s cause.

This final word I leave you.”

SERMON Acts 11:19-30

“The Church in Antioch-A Model Church”

A church with good news for all (19-21)
A church with a ministry for all (22-26)
A church with a heart for all (27-30)

Please stand.

C: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your free Spirit. Amen.

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

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. The plate is located in the church entryway.

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Easter Season Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

All: 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.

† H O L Y C O M M U N I O N †

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

C: We lift them up unto the Lord.

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

C: It is good and right so to do.

M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we praise you especially for the glorious resurrection of your Son, the true Passover Lamb, who by his sacrifice took away the sins of the world and by his resurrection restored everlasting life. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

C: Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts: heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

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.”

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: Amen.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

C: O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace. Amen.

Be seated.

DISTRIBUTION

During the distribution the congregation may sing one or more hymns.

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice close 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.

DISTRIBUTION HYMN CW 309, “Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord”

1 Draw near and take the body of the Lord,

And drink the holy blood for you outpoured.

Offered was he for greatest and for least,

Himself the victim and himself the priest.

2 He that his saints in this world rules and shields

To all believers life eternal yields,

With heav’nly bread makes them that hunger whole,

Gives living waters to the thirsty soul.

3 Come forward, then, with faithful hearts sincere,

And take the pledges of salvation here.

Before your altar, Lord, your servants bow;

In this your feast of love be with us now.

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL & LITTLE LAMBS “God Is the Strength of My Heart”

*At Sunday St. John’s only.

Please stand.

SONG OF SIMEON

Nunc Dimittis

C: Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.

M: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

C; And his mercy endures forever.

M: We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this holy supper. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

M: 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. Amen. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN CW 506, “Oh, Blest the House, Whate’er Befall”

1 Oh, blest the house, whate’er befall,

Where Jesus Christ is all in all!

A home that is not wholly his—

How sad and poor and dark it is!

2 Oh, blest that house where faith you find

And all within have set their mind

To trust their God and serve him still

And do in all his holy will.

3 Oh, blest the parents who give heed

Unto their children’s foremost need

And weary not of care or cost.

May none to them and heav’n be lost!

4 Blest such a house; it prospers well.

In peace and joy the parents dwell,

And in their children’s lives is shown

How richly God can bless his own.

5 Then here will I and mine today

A solemn promise make and say:

Though all the world forsake his Word,

I and my house will serve the Lord!

Mothers, please accept a carnation as you exit church. Happy Mother’s Day! ♥

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

May 9 – May 15


Sun.		Mother’s Day
	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	9:00a.m.	Pastors’ Study Club-Green Lake
	6:30p.m.	NO Choir due to Council meeting
	6:30p.m.	Joint Council at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	10:00a.m.	Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
	6:30p.m.	St. John’s Ascension Eve Worship
Thurs.	9:00a.m.	Emmanuel Ascension Day Worship
Fri.
Sat.		Armed Forces Day
	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship

*Next week’s theme-* *May 16, 2021* The 7^th Sunday of Easter : Mother’s Day The Ascended Lord, Our Great High Priest, Prepares His Church for Its Work
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
9:00a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

Love One Another

Sixth Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

What one word summarizes all of God’s commands? Love. Luke tells us that the early Christians showed love for God and for others by preaching the Gospel boldly even in the face of persecution. The Apostle John teaches us that love for God and his Word compels us to carefully examine all teachings and churches in the light of Scripture. Jesus himself commands us to love one another as he has loved us.

First Lesson (Acts 11:19-26)

1. According to verse 21, what happened to the church despite persecution?

2. Believers were called Christians first at Antioch. What is the significance of being called Christians?

Second Lesson (1 John 4:1-11)

3. What are the “spirits” of which John speaks here?

4. Evaluate the following statement. “If we do not always show true love for others, that means that we are not true believers.”

Gospel (John 15:9-17)

5. The world often portrays true love as weak and God’s commands as burdensome. According to verse 11, why did Jesus command us to show love?

6. What is love?

Answers:

1. Because of the persecution of the Jews, many Christians were scattered and the Wordof God spread to other regions. In Antioch, many non-Jews heard the Gospel and came to believe.

2. By bearing the name “Christians” we give testimony to the fact that we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Savior of the world. We bear the name proudly. We also recognize that the life we live reflects upon him whose name we bear.

3. Moved by the Holy Spirit, we confess and teach God’s Word in truth and purity. Those who do not are led by deceitful spirits, i.e., the devil and his angels. When John tells us to test the spirits he encourages us to test teachers and churches according to the truth of Scripture. If they go against Scripture – if they deny that Jesus is the Christ – then they are not from God.

4. If we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we will produce fruits of love. Being sinners, however, we will not always show perfect love. The fact that we don’t always show love doesn’t mean that we aren’t believers; it just means that our faith still needs to grow. As believers, we won’t use that fact as an excuse to not show love, but rather as a reason to grow in our faith through the use of the Gospel.

5. So that we might have his joy and that our joy may be complete. God does not give us his commandments to make our lives boring or more difficult, but rather because he knows that it is for our good. Following his commandments makes our lives happier.

6. Love is self-sacrifice in attitude and action. Love is the opposite of selfishness. Love does everything for the other person. Jesus gives us the ultimate example of love in verse 13: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
5-1		10
5-2	35	104
St. John’s Altar Committee for May 2021: Kay Maass & Jennie Utke

Bulletin – April 25, 2021

April 23, 2021April 23, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 4^th Sunday of Easter

Confirmation Sunday

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Pastor Pete Zietlow

April 24, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

April 25, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel, 10:00a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
Address: 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949
Office: 608-297-2866
Pastor Zietlow: 608-408-7830
Website: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Address: W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Easter season.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
† Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel 10:00a.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation sings during worship.

† Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation does not sing during worship. Instead, a soloist sings.

Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow.

HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 4^th Sunday of Easter – The Risen Lord Is Our Shepherd – Jesus is our Good Shepherd. We are his sheep. Our Good Shepherd loves us so much that he gave his life for us. He knows us all by name. He protects us from our enemies. He gives us courage and strength. He continually brings more sheep into his fold. He promises heaven to all who believe in him. How great is the love that God has lavished upon us!

†P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

OPENING HYMN CW 249, “God of Mercy, God of Grace”

†S E R V I C E O F W O R D & S A C R A M E N T †

Please stand.

M: The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS

We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his

law, and we plead for his mercy.

M: God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us.

C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Kyrie

M: For all that we need in life and for the wisdom to use all your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ.

M: For the well-being of your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: Merciful God, maker and preserver of life, uphold us by your power and keep us in your tender care:

M: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; his name is worthy of praise.

O LORD, OUR LORD

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd who laid down your life for the sheep. Lead us now to the still waters of your life-giving Word that we may abide in your Father’s house forevermore; for you live and reign with him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

†T H E W O R D †

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST LESSON Acts 4:23-33

Summary: The early church: one in heart and mind in the Good Shepherd

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ²⁵You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
²⁶The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.^[^a^]’^[^b^]

²⁷Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. ²⁸They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. ²⁹Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

³¹After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions

³²All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ³³With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all…

PSALM 23

* Sing refrain, read verses in unison.

The LORD is my shepherd,*

I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;*

he leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;*

he guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,*

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Refrain

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.*

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,*

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE LESSON 1 John 3:1-3 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: We are children of the heavenly Father–adopted sheep of the Good Shepherd

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be, has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 10:14

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON John 10:11-18

Summary: Jesus is our Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹²The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. ¹³The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

¹⁴“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. ¹⁷The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. ¹⁸No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY CW 375, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”

SERMON 1 John 3:1-3

“Our Father Is God”

John describes what’s involved in…

Becoming God’s child
Being God’s child

Please stand.

NICENE CREED

All: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

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 Christian 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.

†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 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. The plate is located in the church entryway.

RITE OF TEEN CONFIRMATION

At St. John’s Sunday service, the congregation receives our confirmands into communicant membership through the Rite of Confirmation and prays for their eternal blessing.

These young Christians have successfully completed a study of the Holy Scriptures on the basis of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. They have also expressed a desire to join the communicant members at St. John’s in receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It is our privilege to welcome them to the Lord’s table and to offer our ardent prayers on their behalf.

These young Christians are entering some of the most formative years of their lives. Satan will work overtime to pull them away from Jesus and a regular study of his Word. We pray the Lord to keep them safe according to his baptismal promises to them, that they remain faithful to him in their regular use of Word and Sacrament until the day he welcomes them and all the saints to sit at the table of his heavenly banquet. God grant this for Jesus’ sake!

ADULT CHOIR “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Good Shepherd Sunday Prayer, Confirmand Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

All: 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.

†T H E S A C R A M E N T †

Our Lord Jesus has given us a holy supper in which we receive his true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith. In this supper we celebrate the gift of his redemption, we bear witness to the fellowship we share as confessors of the truth, and we proclaim his death until he returns.

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

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

M: Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms and placed all things under his feet for the benefit of the Church.

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: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

Please be seated for the distribution.

Please stand.

THANK THE LORD

M: Hear the prayer of your people, O Lord, that the lips which have praised you here may glorify you in the world, that the eyes which have seen the coming of your Son may long for his coming again, and that all who have received in his true body and blood the pledge of your forgiveness may be restored to live a new and holy life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN CW 152:2-3, “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”

Cantor: (spoken) “But now, this is what the Lord says – ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I have called you by name; you are mine.’ ”

I know that my Re – deem – er lives; What com-fort
When Satan’s lies tempt me to sin, Give me the
Let me con – fess with all my breath, I will be

this sweet sen – tence gives. He lives, he lives who

strength to not give in. Lord, keep me honest, faithful

faith – ful un – til death. Since you have given me the

once was dead, He lives my e – ver – liv – ing Head!

pure, and true; Giv – ing my heart and praise to you.

gift of faith, I will re – ceive the crown of life.

Cantor: (spoken) “I have called you by name; you are mine.”

Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228. Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Service of Word and Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Class of 2021 St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello, Wi

Alyssa Lynn Mann

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

Emma Elizabeth Mann

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Katie Sue Mann

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Olivia Irene Zuehls

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Congratulations to this year’s confirmands!

May the Lord bless you and keep you in the faith, now and forever.

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

April 25 – May 1

Sun.		Teen Confirmation
	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	6:30p.m.	Joint Choir at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	6:30 p.m.	Joint Council meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	10:00a.m.	Montello Care Center Devotion
	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
Thurs.	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
	6:30p.m.	Evangelism meeting at St. John’s
Fri.	4:00p.m.	School softball game home vs Pardeeville
Sat.	10:00 a.m.	Private baptism for Aurora Hagman (Charlie & Alyssa Hagman)
	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship
*Next week’s theme:* *May 2, 2021* The 5^th Sunday of Easter : Fruits of Faith Flow from our Connection to the Risen Lord
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Council meeting
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

CHURCH NEWS

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Cheri Borzick, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, Jeff Reimer, Wilma Rudolph, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Ramona Wacholtz) – For our teen confirmands – For our communicants

CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. A variety of church year season “scarves” and descriptive cards will be available for pickup soon. We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR All Emmanuel and St. John’s members are invited to join on Mondays at St. John’s at 6:30pm. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being. All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable. Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816 if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

SPRING LWMS MISSION OFFERINGS totaled $674.00 at St. John’s! World Mission Latin America Special Projects and the Home Mission Pastoral Studies Institute are the current Beaver Dam Circuit projects that will benefit. Also, the

LWMS SPRING SERVICE PROJECT for the Seminary Food Pantry totaled $72.00. Thank you to all who shared offerings!

LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

CHURCH GARAGE SALE Save the date: June 5 & 6! Starting in May, we will be accepting donations to sell. All proceeds made will go towards the Little Lambs house demolition. If you would like to volunteer, please call the office. Thanks!

SCHOOL NEWS

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office or from Lynn Sellnow.

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s Church and School that you can choose from: Church General School General House/Parking Lot Family Easter Festival Sunday School Vacation Bible School School Technology Church Video/Audio System Security System Tuition Assistance Athletic Fund Outreach Events School Server Upgrade School HVAC/Purifying System

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

On Monday 3/8, the Joint Council met to discuss the 2/25 Joint Worship Committee’s proposals regarding the next phase of our COVID worship guidelines. Beginning on Easter Sunday 4/4, the JC approved returning to the pre-COVID common forms of liturgy with full congregational singing, masks and social distancing for the Sunday services. The Saturday service music, however, would continue to be led by a soloist. The JC decided to replace the 6am Easter Sunrise Service at St. John’s to a 8am Easter Worship at St. John’s. The JC also approved the Joint Worship Committee’s proposal to resume choir practice and school singing after Easter. Finally, the JC also approved the change in the wording of the COVID plan to encourage in-person worship. We are concerned that some are staying away from in-person worship because the policy states that if a person can watch the service online, he or she is asked to do so. We feel it is very important for our members to get back to in-person worship when they feel comfortable to do so. – Pastor Z

Good Shepherd Sunday

Fourth Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

Jesus is our Good Shepherd. We are his sheep. Our Good Shepherd loves us so much that he gave his life for us. He knows us all by name. He protects us from our enemies. He gives us courage and strength. He continually brings more sheep into his fold. He promises heaven to all who believe in him. How great is the love that God has lavished upon us!

First Lesson (Acts 4:23-33)

1. According to verse 24, how did the believers in Jerusalem respond when the Sanhedrin ordered Peter and John to no longer preach in Jesus’ name?

2. What did they ask for in verses 29 and 30? How did God respond?

3. Evaluate the following statement: As Christians, we should ask for such things today.

Second Lesson (1 John 3:1,2)

4. What have we become because of God’s love?

5. What does John mean when he says, “what we will be has not yet been made known”?

Gospel (John 10:11-18)

6. Describe Jesus our Good Shepherd.

Answers:

1. They responded by turning to God in prayer. What a great example for us today! When we are faced with difficulties, trials and set backs in the Church, let’s always take it to the Lord in prayer.

2. They asked for boldness to preach and also the special gift of healing and miracles. Luke tells us that they received a special measure of the Holy Spirit and preached boldly. We see in other sections of Acts that some were given the gift of healing and of miracles.

3. God encourages us to ask him for whatever we desire in our hearts and he promises to give us whatever is for our good. Therefore, it is good and right that we pray for boldness to preach. Through the power of his Gospel, God answers our prayers and gives us strength and courage. Today God does not give all of the same gifts that he gave to the early church. Gifts such as healings, tongues and prophecy were given at that time according to their needs. God could still give such gifts today, but we should never expect them or doubt God if he decides not to give them to us.

4. Though we were rebellious sinners and slaves to sin, God in his love has adopted us as his dear children. Through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, we are now heirs of heaven. We are sons and daughters of the king. Through God’s great love, we have become the greatest rags to riches story ever told!

5. Though we are sons and daughters of the King, in this world many times what we are is not so obvious. As believers we may suffer sickness, poverty and disaster. Only when we get to heaven will the glory that is ours be fully revealed.

6. Jesus our Good Shepherd willingly gave up his life for us his sheep. He protects his sheep. He knows and loves each of his sheep personally. His sheep know and love him. He continually brings new sheep into his flock.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
4-17
4-18
St. John’s Altar Committee for April 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

●●●
Welcome To Our Visitors!
Find & Like us on Facebook
Visit our website: 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^nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554
3^rd-5^th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021
Principal & 6^th – 8^th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow: 616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org
Church & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866
Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949
Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org
●●●

Bulletin – April 18, 2021

April 16, 2021April 16, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 3^rd Sunday of Easter

Believe in the Risen Lord

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Pastor John Dolan

April 17, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

April 18, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church

Address: 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949
Office: 608-297-2866
Pastor Zietlow: 608-408-7830
Website: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Easter season.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
† Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel
10:00a.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation sings during worship.

† Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation does not sing during worship. Instead, a soloist sings.

Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow.

HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 3^rd Sunday of Easter – Being Certain of What We Do Not See – Our faith is based on Jesus, our risen Lord. We cannot see him. We cannot touch him. We have not yet experienced the joy that will be ours in heaven. We come to know and trust in him as our Savior only through the precious Gospel that is revealed to us in the words of Scripture.

†P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

OPENING HYMN CW 159, “Morning Breaks upon the Tomb”

† S E R V I C E O F W O R D †

Please stand.

M: The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS

We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.

M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.

C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.

M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.

C: Amen.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

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

OH, TASTE AND SEE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

O risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace. Come to us also by your Word, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your abiding presence; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

†T H E W O R D †

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST LESSON Acts 3:12-20

Summary: By faith in Jesus’ name we have life

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. ¹⁴You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. ¹⁶By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

¹⁷“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. ¹⁸But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. ¹⁹Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

PSALM 16

* Sing refrain, read verses in unison.

Keep me safe, O God,*

for in you I take refuge.

I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord;*

apart from you I have no good thing.”

I have set the LORD always before me.*

Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Refrain

My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;*

my body also will rest secure,

because you will not abandon me to the grave,*

nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

You have made known to me the path of life;*

you will fill me with joy in your presence.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 15:12-26 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The victory of faith

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 20:29b

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON John 20:19-31

Summary: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

²¹Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²²And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas

²⁴Now Thomas (also known as Didymus^[^a^]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

²⁶A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

²⁸Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

³⁰Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹But these are written that you may believe^[^b^] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY CWS 165:1-4, “O Sons and Daughters of the King”

SERMON 1 Corinthians 15:12-26

“Easter Peace Means There Are No Easter What-Ifs”

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

All: 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.

†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

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Easter Season Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN CWS 720:1, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands”

M: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN CWS 720:5-7, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands”

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

April 18 – April 24

Sun.	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.	6:30p.m.	Joint Choir at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	6:30p.m.	Councilmen’s Conference-Redgranite
Wed.	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
Thurs.	8:00a.m.	St. John’s Teen Confirmation
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s (final)
	6:30p.m.	Teen Confirmation Examination Service via Zoom
Fri.
Sat.	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
*Next week’s theme:* *April 25, 2021* The 4^th Sunday of Easter – Teen Confirmation: The Risen Lord is our Good Shepherd
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

CHURCH NEWS

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Cheri Borzick, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Luanne Mittlestead, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, Jeff Reimer, Wilma Rudolph, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Don Ebert, Luanne Mittlesteadt, Wilma Rudolph) – For the family of Lisa Haag (WLA Pastor David Haag’s wife) called home on 4/10 – For the family of Eldon Radtke (Kathy’s Ninneman’s father) called home on 4/13

CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. A variety of church year season “scarves” and descriptive cards will be available for pickup soon. We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR All Emmanuel and St. John’s members are invited to join on Mondays at St. John’s at 6:30pm. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being. All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable. Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816 if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

SPRING LWMS MISSION OFFERINGS totaled $674.00 at St. John’s! World Mission Latin America Special Projects and the Home Mission Pastoral Studies Institute are the current Beaver Dam Circuit projects that will benefit. Also, the

LWMS SPRING SERVICE PROJECT for the Seminary Food Pantry totaled $72.00. Thank you to all who shared offerings!

SCHOOL NEWS

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office or from Lynn Sellnow.

OPEN HOUSE FOR LITTLE LAMBS There will be an open house on Saturday, April 24, from 8:00 – noon by appointment only. Please contact Lynn at lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or by phone at 616-826-0816. Please share this info with anyone who might be interested in a Christian preschool. Thank you!

ORDER YOUR ART FOR DINNER COOKBOOK NOW! If you would like to order a cookbook, please call Ciara at the office 608-297-2866. The deadline to order is April 23. The price per book is $20. Books are made by order so Megan or Ciara will contact you when they are ready for pickup (you may submit your payment then). Checks may be made out to St. John’s. Thank you for your support!

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s Church and School that you can choose from: Church General School General House/Parking Lot Family Easter Festival Sunday School Vacation Bible School School Technology Church Video/Audio System Security System Tuition Assistance Athletic Fund Outreach Events School Server Upgrade School HVAC/Purifying System

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

– Pastor Z

Being Certain of What We Do Not See

Second Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

Our faith is based on Jesus, our risen Lord. We cannot see him. We cannot touch him. We have not yet experienced the joy that will be ours in heaven. We come to know and trust in him as our Savior only through the precious Gospel that is revealed to us in the words of Scripture.

First Lesson (Acts 3:12-20)

1. Peter here is responding to the crowds after healing a crippled beggar in the temple. According to verse 16, why was the man healed?

2. What does Peter encourage the people to do in verse 19?

Second Lesson (1 John 5:1-6)

3. According to verses two and three, now that we believe in Jesus as our Savior, what does that faith lead us to do?

4. What does Paul mean in verse six when he says that Jesus came by water and blood?

Gospel (John 20:19-31)

5. Why are Jesus’ words in verse 29 so important for us as Christians today?

6. Why did John write the words of his Gospel?

Answers:

1. The man was healed “by faith in the name of Jesus.” Through faith in Peter’s words and Jesus’ promises, the crippled beggar received salvation and the added blessing of healing.

2. Peter is speaking to the Jews who had only a short time before allowed and even asked for the crucifixion of Jesus. Peter tells them that forgiveness is found in Jesus Christ alone. He encourages them to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus their Savior.

3. Faith leads us to love God and obey his commandments.

4. Water is a reference to Jesus’ baptism and blood is a reference to his sacrificial death on the cross. John wrote this letter as a reaction to those who were teaching that Jesus was not true God, but only true man. They were teaching that God somehow descended upon Jesus after his baptism and left him before he died. John tells us that Jesus is God’s eternal Son made man. As true God and true man, Jesus lived, suffered and died for our sins.

5. Because, unlike those first disciples, we did not have the opportunity to see Jesus in the flesh and witness his saving work. Even though we have not see him, we have God’s promise that we will receive the same blessing of heaven through faith.

6. John did not record every last detail of Jesus’ life in his Gospel. He wrote what he wrote so that we might believe that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world. Through faith in Jesus we, as those first disciples, will receive God’s eternal reward in heaven.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
4-10		18
4-11	48	59
St. John’s Altar Committee for April 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

Bulletin – April 11, 2021

April 9, 2021April 9, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 2^nd Sunday of Easter

The Risen Lord Commissions His Followers

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Pastor Pete Zietlow

April 10, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

April 11, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St.
Montello, WI 53949
Office: 608-297-2866
Pastor Zietlow: 608-408-7830
Website: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Easter season.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
† Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel
10:00a.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation sings during worship.

† Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation does not sing during worship. Instead, a soloist sings.

Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow.

HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 2^nd Sunday of Easter – We Are His Witnesses – Does witnessing to your faith intimidate you? Are you afraid of how people will react? Today we will see that Jesus’ death and resurrection give the believer confidence. Our sins have been washed clean in his blood. We have forgiveness for any and all sins. Such truths give us the courage to witness boldly to others of Christ’s love and of the salvation that we have in his name.

†P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

OPENING HYMN CW 225, “This Is the Day the Lord Has Made”

† S E R V I C E O F W O R D & S A C R A M E N T †

Please stand.

M: The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS

We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his

law, and we plead for his mercy.

M: God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us.

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Kyrie

M: For all that we need in life and for the wisdom to use all your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ.

M: For the well-being of your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: Merciful God, maker and preserver of life, uphold us by your power and keep us in your tender care:

M: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; his name is worthy of praise.

O LORD, OUR LORD

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

O God, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world from the depair of death. By his resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys; through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

†T H E W O R D †

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST LESSON Acts 4:8-12 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The message we proclaim: Salvation is found only in Jesus

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

PSALM 118

* Sing refrain, read verses in unison.

The LORD is my strength and my song;*

he has become my salvation.

The LORD’S right hand is lifted high;*

the LORD’S right hand has done mighty things!

I will not die but live,*

and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

Refrain

I will give you thanks, for you answered me;*

you have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;*

the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day the LORD has made;*

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE LESSON 1 John 1:1-2:2

Summary: We proclaim the Word of Life

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make ourjoy complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

VERSE OF THE DAY Luke 24:32

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Our hearts were burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON Luke 24:36-49

Summary: The risen Lord commissions his followers to proclaim repentance and forgiveness

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY CWS 719, “Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia”

SERMON Acts 4:8-12

“There’s No Other Way”

Jesus lived
Jesus died
Jesus rose again

Please stand.

NICENE CREED

All: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

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

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Easter Season Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

†T H E S A C R A M E N T †

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

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

M: Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms and placed all things under his feet for the benefit of the Church.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

Please be seated for the distribution.

Please stand.

THANK THE LORD

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.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN CW 351, “Hail, O Once-Despised Jesus”

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

April 11 – April 17

Sun.	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	9:00a.m.	Pastors’ Conference – Princeton
	6:30p.m.	Joint Choir at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
Wed.		School Field trip to Camp Phillip
	10:00a.m.	Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
Thurs.	8:00a.m.	St. John’s Teen Confirmation
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
	6:30p.m.	Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s
Fri.
Sat.	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship
*Next week’s theme:* *April 18, 2021* The 3^rd Sunday of Easter: Believe in the Risen Lord
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

CHURCH NEWS

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Cheri Borzick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Lisa Haag, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Lisa Haag ) – For the family of Arlene Boetcher, Chuck’s sister, called home on Thursday (4/8) – For our communicants

EASTER FLOWERS if you purchased Easter flowers you are welcome to take them home after the church service or pick them up after another church service. The altar ladies will keep them watered. If they do not want them at all that is ok too.

CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden Easter crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. A variety of church year season “scarves” and descriptive cards will be available for pickup soon. We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together. Easter blessings!

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR All Emmanuel and St. John’s members are invited to join on Mondays at St. John’s at 6:30pm. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being. All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable. Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816 if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

SEMINARY FOOD PANTRY – TODAY IS THE LAST DAY! At St. John’s, monetary gifts are being collected for the Seminary Food Pantry. Our seminarians and their families appreciate this help! You are invited to participate in this collection, sponsored by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Thank you for supporting our future pastors!!

SCHOOL NEWS

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office or from Lynn Sellnow.

OPEN HOUSE FOR LITTLE LAMBS There will be an open house on Saturday, April 24, from 8:00 – noon by appointment only. Please contact Lynn at lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or by phone at 616-826-0816. Please share this info with anyone who might be interested in a Christian preschool. Thank you!

ORDER YOUR ART FOR DINNER COOKBOOK NOW! If you would like to order a cookbook, please call Ciara at the office 608-297-2866. The deadline to order is April 23. The price per book is $20. Books are made by order so Megan or Ciara will contact you when they are ready for pickup (you may submit your payment then). Checks may be made out to St. John’s. Thank you for your support!

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s Church and School that you can choose from: Church General School General House/Parking Lot Family Easter Festival Sunday School Vacation Bible School School Technology Church Video/Audio System Security System Tuition Assistance Athletic Fund Outreach Events School Server Upgrade School HVAC/Purifying System

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

We Are His Witnesses

Third Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

Does witnessing to your faith intimidate you? Are you afraid of how people will react? Today we will see that Jesus’ death and resurrection give the believer confidence. Our sins have been washed clean in his blood. We have forgiveness for any and all sins. Such truths give us the courage to witness boldly to others of Christ’s love and of the salvation that we have in his name.

First Lesson (Acts 4:8-12)

1. Peter stands before the Sanhedrin, the religious court of the Jews, to defend his healing of a crippled beggar. What does it mean that the man was healed “by the name of Jesus Christ”?

2. Peter here quotes Psalm 118:22. What does it mean that Jesus is the capstone?

Second Lesson (1 John 1:1-2:2)

3. How could John be so sure about what Jesus did for our salvation?

4. With what confidence do we confess our sins to God?

5. What does the word “atonement” mean?

Gospel (Luke 24:36-49)

6. What did the disciples think when Jesus appeared to them?

7. In what way were the disciples witnesses? In what way are we also witnesses?

Answers:

1. Peter did not heal the crippled beggar. God healed him. Moreover, to heal by the name of Jesus does not mean that his name is some sort of magical incantation. It just means that Jesus was the one who healed him. Such a miracle shows God’s incredible mercy and also the authority that Peter and John had to be preaching what they were preaching.

2. The capstone in a building was either the stone that was placed at the top of an arch or the cornerstone that guided the dimensions of the building. The capstone was the most important stone of a building. Without it, a building could not stand or even be built. Jesus, the stone rejected by the Jews, is the one stone that is necessary for our salvation. Without him there is no salvation. Without him the Church cannot stand.

3. He was an eyewitness to Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection.

4. With the confidence that God will always forgive us because Jesus, with his sacrifice on the cross, washed away all of our sins.

5. To atone literally means to make “at one” with someone. It has the idea of reconciliation. Our sins separate us from God, but Jesus’ sacrifice reconciles us to God and makes us “at one” with the Father.

6. They thought he was a ghost. The disciples even after Jesus’ resurrection were weak and still didn’t quite understand what Jesus’ death and resurrection meant. It was only after receiving a special measure of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost that they truly understood and received the strength and courage to be witnesses to the Gospel.

7. The disciples were first hand witnesses of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. They walked with him and talked with him. They were sent out to share with the world what they had seen and heard. We too are witnesses, even though we have not seen Jesus physically. We have come to know him through his Word. We now have the privilege and responsibility of sharing that precious message with others.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
4-1 MT	43
4-2 GF		143
4-3		29
4-4 Easter	54	84 (8am) 87 (10am)
St. John’s Altar Committee for April 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

April 4, 2021 – Easter Sunday

April 4, 2021April 4, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

☀️ HE IS RISEN, COME AND SEE! ☀️

The tomb is empty! He has risen indeed! Alleluia! (Luke 24)

“Come and see!” exclaims our live reporter, who interviews all those involved on that miracle day!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12_iyrfhdesJatxRvjjp3Y-xD8sFeZ0SZ/view?usp=sharing

April 3, 2021 – Holy Week Saturday

April 3, 2021April 3, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

🎤 A REPORT ON THE EVENTS OF HOLY WEEK 🎥

Our witnesses and reporters (grades 3-5) give a live report on their sightings from this week!

✝️ Be sure to check our website (www.stjohnsmontello.org) and Facebook page for our daily Holy Week videos created by our very own church and school members. ✝️

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KF9zfljk882HjNc6jc4OsQNLyF5DDSmv/view?usp=sharing

Bulletin – April 4, 2021 Easter Sunday

April 2, 2021April 2, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

EASTER SUNDAY
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches – Montello & Mecan, WI

April 4, 2021
8:00a.m. Pastor John Dolan
10:00a.m. Pastor Peter Zietlow

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Easter season.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
† Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel, 10:00a.m. at St. John’s
† Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s
Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow.

HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: Easter Sunday – He Has Risen! Alleluia! – What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for us? It means that just as he lives, we also will live—bodily, eternally. Through faith in Jesus, we have the victory of death and the devil. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have a place in God’s heavenly banquet where there will be no more sorrow, suffering, or death.

†P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

Please stand

OPENING HYMN CW143, “He’s Risen! He’s Risen”

†S E R V I C E O F T H E W O R D †

P: The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS

We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his

law, and we plead for his mercy.

P: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.

P: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.

C: Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FORGIVENESS

The pastor announces the forgiveness of sins won for us by the perfect life and innocent sufferings and death of Jesus, our Savior.

P: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

HYMN CW162, “He Is Arisen! Glorious Word”

*In place of Oh, Taste and See.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Let us pray.

Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through baptism, may walk in the newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit be dominion and praise now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

†T H E W O R D †

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 25:6-9

⁶On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare
    a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
    the best of meats and the finest of wines.
⁷On this mountain he will destroy
    the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
⁸    he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
    from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
    from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.

⁹In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

HYMN CW152 v1,2, “ I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

1 I know that my Redeemer lives;

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, he lives, who once was dead;

He lives, my ever-living Head!

2 He lives triumphant from the grave;

He lives eternally to save.

He lives all-glorious in the sky;

He lives exalted there on high.

PSALM 118

* Sing refrain, read verses in unison.

The LORD is my strength and my song;*

he has become my salvation.

The LORD’S right hand is lifted high;*

the LORD’S right hand has done mighty things!

I will not die but live,*

and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

Refrain

I will give you thanks, for you answered me;*

you have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;*

the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day the LORD has made;*

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

HYMN CW152 v3,4, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives“

3 He lives to bless me with his love;

He lives to plead for me above.

He lives, my hungry soul to feed;

He lives to help in time of need.

4 He lives to grant me rich supply;

He lives to guide me with his eye.

He lives to comfort me when faint;

He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

¹⁹If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

²⁰But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. ²²For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. ²³But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. ²⁴Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. ²⁵For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. ²⁶The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

HYMN CW152 v5,6, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives“

5 He lives to silence all my fears;

He lives to wipe away my tears.

He lives to calm my troubled heart;

He lives all blessings to impart.

6 He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend;

He lives and loves me to the end.

He lives, and while he lives I’ll sing;

He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

VERSE OF THE DAY Psalm 118:24

P: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Alleluia.

Please stand

EASTER GOSPEL LESSON John 20:1-23 (today’s sermon text underlined)

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. ²So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

³So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. ⁴Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. ⁶Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, ⁷as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. ⁸Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. ⁹(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) ¹⁰Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

¹¹Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb ¹²and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

¹³They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” ¹⁴At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

¹⁵He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

¹⁶Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

¹⁷Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

¹⁸Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

¹⁹On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

HYMN CW152 v7,8, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

7 He lives and grants me daily breath;

He lives, and I shall conquer death.

He lives my mansion to prepare;

He lives to bring me safely there.

8 He lives, all glory to his name!

He lives, my Jesus, still the same.

Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives:

“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

Please be seated.

SERMON John 20:19-23 “Life-giving Hands of the Passion” (Jesus)

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

All: I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

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.

†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

PRAYERS

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

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

Please be seated.

HYMN CW153, “Alleluia! Jesus Lives”

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER

P: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

BLESSING

P: 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.

Please be seated

CLOSING HYMN CW149, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

April 4 – April 10

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel & St. John’s Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.		Easter Monday – No School
	5:30p.m.	Hand In Prayer meeting at St. John’s
	6:30p.m.	Choir resumes at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	9:00 a.m.	Joint Elders meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	Early School Release
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s Teen Confirmation
	6:00 p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.

Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
*Next week’s theme:-* *April 11, 2021* The Risen Lord Commissions His Followers
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

He is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!!

Ultimate Love put Jesus on the cross and kept him there.

His death paid the spiritual debt for every person, ever. You, too.

His rising demonstrates that he is true to his word and is the Son of God.

I pray the truth of Christ’s resurrection fills your heart, mind, and life this Easter and throughout your life. God gave us new life to live for him.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

1 Peter 2:24

Together at the Empty Tomb

It has not been easy. Being deprived of the blessing of gathering with fellow Christians in church for worship has been a serious burden for us to carry. We hunger for the face-to-face fellowship with other Christians, and we long for the day when we can be together for worship again.

In the meantime, congregations in many places around our synod have found ways to continue the proclamation of the saving message of Jesus to their members. I commend pastors and congregational leaders for their faithful efforts to serve people with the Word.

In spite of our inability to be with each other in person, all members of the synod are joined together in a wonderful fellowship of faith. To help bring us together in spirit and to testify to that bond of faith we share, a special synodwide virtual worship service was held on Easter Sunday evening. The service, with the theme “Together at the Empty Tomb,” was streamed from the chapel of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis.

Thank you to Seminary President Rev. Earle Treptow, who delivered the sermon brimming with Easter comfort; to the Trinitas worship ensemble from Trinity, Waukesha, Wis., who provided the instrumental and vocal music; to Rev. Bryan Gerlach, director of WELS Commission on Worship, for arranging the order of service; and to Rev. Jon Hein, coordinator for WELS Congregational Services, for coordinating this effort and for hosting the live Q&A that took place after the service.

More than 20,000 people tuned in for the synodwide virtual Easter service. If you missed it—or if you loved it and want to see it again—you can watch the archived service online.

Also, due to popular demand, a video is available of the service’s Hymn of the Day, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” featuring WELS members from around the country singing at home. View the hymn.

The good news of a risen Savior continues to be preached and proclaimed no matter what the circumstances. It’s likely an Easter celebration that we will never forget.

Serving you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

Church News

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week:) – For our communicants

EASTER CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden Easter crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. A variety of church year season “scarves” and descriptive cards will be available for pickup soon. We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together. Easter blessings!

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE On Monday 3/8, the Joint Council met to discuss the 2/25 Joint Worship Committee’s proposals regarding the next phase of our COVID worship guidelines. Beginning on Easter Sunday 4/4, the JC approved returning to the pre-COVID common forms of liturgy with full congregational singing, masks and social distancing for the Sunday services. The Saturday service music, however, would continue to be led by a soloist. The JC decided to replace the 6am Easter Sunrise Service at St. John’s to a 8am Easter Worship at St. John’s. The JC also approved the Joint Worship Committee’s proposal to resume choir practice and school singing after Easter. Finally, the JC also approved the change in the wording of the COVID plan to encourage in-person worship. We are concerned that some are staying away from in-person worship because the policy states that if a person can watch the service online, he or she is asked to do so. We feel it is very important for our members to get back to in-person worship when they feel comfortable to do so. – Pastor Z

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR Emmanuel and St. John’s joint choir will resume tomorrow, April 5 @6:30pm at St John’s. All Emmanuel and St. John’s members are invited to join. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being. All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable. Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816 if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

SEMINARY FOOD PANTRY At St. John’s, monetary gifts are being collected for the Seminary Food Pantry TODAY, Easter Sunday, and NEXT SUNDAY only. Our seminarians and their families appreciate this help! You are invited to participate in this collection, sponsored by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Thank you for supporting our future pastors!!

School news

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office or from Lynn Sellnow. There will be an open house on Saturday, April 24, from 8:00 – noon by appointment only. Please contact Lynn at lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or by phone at 616-826-0816. Please share this info with anyone who might be interested in a Christian preschool. Thank you!

ORDER YOUR ART FOR DINNER COOKBOOK NOW! If you would like to order a cookbook, please call Ciara at the office 608-297-2866. The deadline to order is April 23. The price per book is $20. Books are made by order so Megan or Ciara will contact you when they are ready for pickup (you may submit your payment then). Checks may be made out to St. John’s. Thank you for your support!

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s Church and School that you can choose from: Church General School General House/Parking Lot Family Easter Festival Sunday School Vacation Bible School School Technology Church Video/Audio System Security System Tuition Assistance Athletic Fund Outreach Events School Server Upgrade School HVAC/Purifying System

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
3-27		19
3-28	52	91
4-1 MT	46
St. John’s Altar Committee for April 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

●●●
Welcome To Our Visitors!
Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website: 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^nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554
3^rd-5^th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021
Principal & 6^th – 8^th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow: 616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org
Church & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866
Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949
Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org
●●●

April 2, 2021 – Good Friday

April 2, 2021April 2, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

† WHAT DOES THE CROSS MEAN FOR US? †

The empty cross symbolizes Jesus’ execution and His painful suffering and death for all sinners. It tells His story and symbolizes the burden and pain that a follower of Jesus must be prepared to take on. The horizontal bar symbolizes divine and eternal. The vertical bar symbolizes all things earthly, human and temporary. It symbolizes heaven and earth, victory of life over death and the miracle of resurrection.

The crucifix cross comes from the Latin word “cruci fixus” meaning “one fixed to a cross“. It represents Jesus’ body and how his sacrifice brought salvation to the world.

✝️ Be sure to check our website (www.stjohnsmontello.org) and Facebook page for our daily Holy Week videos created by our very own church and school members. ✝️

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EYhMwGo3rteMx3ApBnnlwG5M7smKNZja/view?usp=sharing

Bulletin – April 2, 2021 Good Friday

April 1, 2021April 1, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

Good Friday – April 2, 2021

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Montello, Wisconsin

Pastor John Dolan

All of human history hinges on this day. Humbling himself before the will of the Father and the blood-thirst of men, the Son of God is crucified. The Father must reject his own Son since he bears the sin of the world. But all this served God’s saving purpose, and so we call this Friday…Good.

The bell is tolled seven times to begin the service.

Hand Chimes – “Amazing Grace”

Invocation and Prayer

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

C: Amen.

M: God Most Holy, look with mercy on this your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, be given over into the hands of the wicked, and suffer death upon the cross. Keep us always faithful to him, our only Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Hymn, CW119, Were You There – Sung by soloist

The Hands of the Passion Devotion – Nail-Pierced Hands (Jesus) – Luke 23:32-34

²Two other men, who were criminals, were led away with Jesus to be executed.

³³When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left.

³⁴Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Hymn, CW140, God Was There on Calvary – Sung by soloist

Please stand.

Confession and Absolution

M: 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: Cleanse me from my sins.

Release me from my guilt.

Grant me your Holy Spirit to amend my sinful life.

M: The almighty God has been merciful to us and has sent his Son to die for all. For his sake, God forgives our sins and calls us from darkness to his marvelous light.

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.

Exhortation

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. Relying on his promise, therefore, be reconciled with one another.

M and C: Brothers and sisters, may the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, in our words, and in our actions.

Be seated.

Scripture Reading – Isaiah 53:1-5

M: Who has believed our message?

C: And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

M: He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

C: Like a root out of dry ground.

M: He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

C: Nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

M: He was despised and rejected by men,

C: A man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

M: Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised,

C: And we esteemed him not.

M: Surely, he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,

C: Yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

M: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.

C: The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

† T H E S E V E N W O R D S F R O M T H E C R O S S †

The First Word – Luke 23:32-34 (The Good Friday Gospel)

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ touch us with your hands which the sins of the world pierced with nails, and forgive our ignorance, for Lord, we knew not, indeed we know not what we did in sinning against you. Forgive and bless us, O Lord, for your endless mercy’s sake.

C: Jesus, in your dying woes, Even while your lifeblood flows,

Craving pardon for your foes: Hear us, holy Jesus! (CW 139)

The Second Word – Luke 23:38-43

There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. ³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, look upon us with your eyes as you looked upon the thief on the cross, that with him we may confess our sins and ask humbly, “Lord, remember us when you come into your kingdom,” and by your same voice be comforted, for your endless mercy’s sake.

C: Jesus, pitying the sighs of the thief who near you dies,

Promising him paradise: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Third Word – John 19:25-27

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, fill us with your love, as in your pain you comforted your mother and provided for her need and gave her both home and son. To such love without compare, without limit, lead us, O Lord, now and forever.

C: Jesus, loving to the end Her whose heart your sorrows rend,

And your dearest human friend: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Fourth Word – Matthew 27:45-49

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, fill us with your faith, since in your last agony you cried to your Father, “My God, my God!” that no suffering, no shadow of doubt, may darken our trust in God nor separate us from your Father and ours, now or ever.

C: Jesus, plunged in depths unknown with our evil foe alone,

While no light from heav’n is shown: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Fifth Word – John 19:28-29

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, lead us to see your thirst as you suffered in your humanity, that we might drink from you and never thirst again, but live in your Father’s house forever, for your tender mercy’s sake.

C: Jesus, in your thirst and pain, While your wounds the lifeblood drain,

Thus, fulfilling Scripture’s plan: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Sixth Word – John 19:30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, give us your strength, as you resolved to do your Father’s work and finish it, that morning and evening we live in hope, knowing that your great work for us is completed, to the glory of your holy name.

C: Jesus, all our ransom paid, All your Father’s will obeyed,

By your suff’rings perfect made: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Seventh Word – Luke 23:44-46

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, ⁴⁵ for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, give us your trust—unquestioning and complete—as on the cross you committed your spirit to your Father, that whatever may happen we rest in the same everlasting arms, for your endless mercy’s sake.

C: Jesus, all your labor vast, All your woe and conflict past,

Yielding up your soul at last: Hear us, holy Jesus!

Prayer of the Church for Good Friday and Lord’s Prayer

M: Heavenly Father, you are a just God who accepts nothing less than perfection. We fall short and our sins condemn us. Lead us to recognize the seriousness of our sinfulness. Lead us also to admit our inability to make things right with you. Teach us to look to you as the only one who can make us just and right. Today we are reminded not only of your justice but also of your love. You did not spare your own Son but gave him as a ransom for each one of us. Comfort us with the knowledge of this great love and peace in the forgiveness of our sins. For being our perfect substitute, we thank you, Lord Jesus. The cross was once an instrument of death. It is now a sign of life. Dear Savior, we humbly kneel at the cross in awe of your power and your love. Amen,

All: 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.

† T H E S A C R A M E N T †

Personal preparation for Holy Communion listed on page 10.

Hymn of Preparation, CW127 v1,2, Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted – Sung by soloist

Please stand.

Preface

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

C: We lift them up unto the Lord.

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

C: It is good and right so to do.

M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who brought the gift of salvation to all people by his death on the tree of the cross, so that the devil, who overcame us by a tree would in turn by a tree be overcome. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

Holy, Holy, Holy – Sanctus

C: Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts: heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

Words of Institution

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: Amen.

O Christ, Lamb of God – Angus Dei

C: O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace. Amen.

Distribution of the Lord’s Supper

Prayer of Thanksgiving

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.

The Benediction

M: 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 – CWS 748, Lamb of God – v1 school children, v2,3 children and congregation

PERSONAL PREPARATION FOR

HOLY COMMUNION

Q: What does God tell me about myself in his holy Word?

A: He says that I am a sinner and deserve only his punishment.

Q: What should I do if I am not aware of my sins or am not troubled by them?

A: I should examine myself according to the Ten Commandments and ask how well I have carried out my responsibilities as a husband or wife or single person, as a parent or child, an employer or employee, a teacher or student. Have I loved God with all my heart, gladly heard his Word, and patiently endured affliction? Have I been disobedient, proud, or unforgiving? Have I been selfish, lazy, envious, or quarrelsome? Have I lied or deceived, taken something not mine, or given anyone a bad name? Have I abused my body or permitted indecent thoughts to linger in my mind? Have I failed to do what is right and good?

Q: When I realize that I have sinned against God and deserve his punishment, what should I do?

A: I will confess before God all my sins, those which I remember as well as those of which I am unaware. I will pray to God for his mercy and forgiveness.

Q: How do I receive his gracious forgiveness?

A: His Word assures me that Jesus led a pure and holy life for me and died on the cross for me to pay the full price for all my sins. Through faith in Jesus, I have been clothed in my Savior’s perfect righteousness and holiness.

Q: What further assurance do I have that Jesus is mine and I am his?

A: In Holy Communion he gives me his body and blood together with the bread and wine as a truly life-giving food and drink to unite me with him and my fellow believers. By means of this sacrament, Jesus not only forgives my sins but sweeps away all my doubts about his love for me, gives me his own strength to live a God-pleasing life, and grants me a joyful foretaste of heaven.

Q: How can I be sure that I receive all these blessings in the Lord’s Supper?

A: I have his own word spoken as his last will and testament on the night before he died. There he tells me: “Take and eat; this is my body. Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Q: How will I respond to this priceless gift from Jesus?

A: I will daily thank and praise him for his love to me. With his help I will fight temptation, do my best to correct whatever wrongs I have done, and serve him and those around me with love and good works.

Lord Jesus, with joy and gratitude I now come to your table to receive the precious food of your life-giving body and blood. May it strengthen me to remain in you as you remain in me, so that I bear much fruit in devoted service to you and in acts of kindness to others. Amen.

WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS!

Find & Like us on Facebook

Visit our website: 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^nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554

3^rd-5^th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021

Principal & 6^th – 8^th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow: 616-822-6689,

Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org

Church & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866

Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949

Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

HOLY WEEK ONLINE VIDEOS

This year for Holy Week (Sunday, March 28-Sunday, April 4), we are hosting our online event:

“Palm Branches to the Tomb: Telling HIStory”.

This event entails short, themed videos each day created by our very own church and school members.

Be sure to check our website www.stjohnsmontello.org and follow us on our church Facebook page each day. Feel free to share this information with your family and friends!

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

On Monday 3/8, the Joint Council met to discuss the Joint Worship Committee’s proposals regarding the next phase of our COVID worship guidelines. Beginning on Easter Sunday 4/4, the JC approved returning to the pre-COVID common forms of liturgy with full congregational singing, masks and social distancing for the Sunday services. The Saturday service music, however, would continue to be led by a soloist. The JC decided to replace the 6am Easter Sunrise Service at St. John’s to a 8am Easter Worship at St. John’s. The JC also approved the Joint Worship Committee’s proposal to resume choir practice and school singing after Easter. Finally, the JC also approved the change in the wording of the COVID plan to encourage in-person worship. We are concerned that some are staying away from in-person worship because the policy states that if a person can watch the service online, he or she is asked to do so. We feel it is very important for our members to get back to in-person worship when they feel comfortable to do so.

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR

Emmanuel and St. John’s joint choir will resume on April 5 @6:30pm at St John’s. All Emmanuel and

St. John’s members are invited to join. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being.

All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable.

Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816

if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

Bulletin – April 1, 2021 Maundy Thursday

April 1, 2021April 1, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

Maundy Thursday

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church

Mecan, WI

April 1, 2021

6:30 p.m.

Pastor Peter Zietlow

† H A N D S O F T H E P A S S I O N †

† H A N D S O F H U M I L I T Y (J E S U S) †

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

P: Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word and Sacrament, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise in your gracious Word and Sacrament. Amen.

HYMN 128 Not All the Blood of Beasts

*Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

P: O Lord, open my lips.

C: And my mouth shall declare your praise.

P: Hasten to save me, O God.

C: O Lord, come quickly to help me.

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Lord God, you have brought us safely to this hour of evening prayer. We thank you for providing all that we need for body and life. Bless us who have gathered in your name. Forgive our sins. Speak to our hearts. Dispel our sorrows with the comfort of your Word, and receive our hymns of thanks and praise, through Jesus Christ, our living Savior, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Be seated.

† T H E W O R D †

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

Exodus 12:1-14

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, ²“This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. ³Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb^[^a^] for his family, one for each household. ⁴If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. ⁵The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. ⁶Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. ⁷Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. ⁸That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. ⁹Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. ¹⁰Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. ¹¹This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.

¹²“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. ¹³The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

¹⁴“This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17

Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? ¹⁷Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.

Please stand.

John 13:1-5, 12-17 (today’s sermon text)

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

²The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. ³Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; ⁴so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁵After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. ¹³“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Be seated.

HYMN 136 ‘Twas on that Dark, that Doleful Night

*Sung by soloist.

SERMON John 13:1-5, 12-17

“Hands of Humility – Jesus”

Please stand.

P: Maundy Thursday Prayer

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.

Please be seated.

† T H E S A C R A M E N T †

THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Personal preparation for Holy Communion listed on page 7.

Invitation

Words of Institution

Distribution

Thanksgiving

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & 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. See page 13 for communion schedule and distribution information.

SOLOIST Bread of the World

1 Bread of the World in mercy broken,

Wine of the soul in mercy shed,

By whom the words of life were spoken

And in whose death our sins are dead.

2 Look on the heart by sorrow broken,

Look on the tears by sinners shed

And be your feast to us the token

That by your grace our souls are fed.

Please stand.

CLOSING PRAYER

P: Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for nourishing me in this sacrament with your body and blood. You have given me forgiveness, life and salvation. Let me always remain in you as a branch remains in the vine. Send me out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.

O living Bread from heaven, how richly you have fed your guest! The gifts you now have given have filled my heart with joy and rest. Lord, grant me that thus strengthened with heavenly food, while here my course on earth is lengthened, I serve with holy fear. And when you call my spirit to leave this world below, I enter through your merit where joys unmingled flow. Amen.

BLESSING

P: 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.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 303 With Broken Heart and Contrite Sigh

*Congregation sings.

Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228.

Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®).

PERSONAL PREPARATION FOR

HOLY COMMUNION

Q: What does God tell me about myself in his holy Word?

A: He says that I am a sinner and deserve only his punishment.

Q: What should I do if I am not aware of my sins or am not troubled by them?

Q: When I realize that I have sinned against God and deserve his punishment, what should I do?

A: I will confess before God all my sins, those which I remember as well as those of which I am unaware. I will pray to God for his mercy and forgiveness.

Q: How do I receive his gracious forgiveness?

Q: What further assurance do I have that Jesus is mine and I am his?

Q: How can I be sure that I receive all these blessings in the Lord’s Supper?

Q: How will I respond to this priceless gift from Jesus?

The liturgical color is either scarlet or white.

What does the name mean?
The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin “mandatum;” it is from a verb that means “to give” or “to order” — command. After Jesus and the disciples finished the Last Supper and walked toward Gethsemane, Jesus taught them a new commandment — “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34).

The Last Supper
On the first Maundy Thursday, after they had eaten, Jesus gave the disciples his body and blood together with the bread and wine for the forgiveness of their sins. Called Holy Communion or the Eucharist, Lutherans believe this to be one of two sacraments — gifts from God. Most worship services focus on the meal and communion as a way to commemorate this day.

Foot washing
The story of the Last Supper in John’s Gospel records a remarkable event that is not mentioned in the other Gospels — to illustrate humility, Jesus performs the duty of a slave, washing the feet of his disciples and urging them to do the same for one another. Some Lutheran congregations incorporate this act of humility into their Maundy Thursday services.

Stripping of the altar
After the Eucharist is celebrated it is customary to “strip the altar,” which symbolizes the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples and the stripping of Jesus by the soldiers before his crucifixion. It represents the humiliation of Jesus and the consequences of sin as a preparation for the celebration of new life. In many congregations Psalm 22 is read or sung while the paraments are being removed.

HOLY WEEK ONLINE VIDEOS

This year for Holy Week (Sunday, March 28-Sunday, April 4), we are hosting our online event:

“Palm Branches to the Tomb: Telling HIStory”.

This event entails short, themed videos each day created by our very own church and school members. Be sure to check our website www.stjohnsmontello.org and follow us on our church Facebook page each day. Feel free to share this information with your family and friends!

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR

Emmanuel and St. John’s joint choir will resume on April 5 @6:30pm at St John’s. All Emmanuel and

St. John’s members are invited to join. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being.

All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable.

Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816

if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!