scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org – Page 22

Bulletin – December 13

December 11, 2020December 11, 2020 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 3^rd Sunday of End Times

Prepare & Proclaim the Good News

of Christ’s Coming

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

December 12, 2020

4:30p.m. St. John’s

December 13, 2020

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949
Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH
We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830.

ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN
If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY
Today’s theme: 3^rd Sunday of End Time: “Prepare & Proclaim the Good News of Christ’s Coming” Jesus is the Central Focus of Our Message and the Joy in Our Living – We often become enamored with eloquent and influential speakers who promise wealth and ease. But Malachi said that the true messenger of God would be another Elijah. He would speak God’s Word and prepare people for God’s judgment. He would turn fathers’ hearts to their children and children’s hearts to their fathers. Through the Word comes real change in our faith-born outlook. Through the Word comes humility that longs to serve God.

† 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 thankfulness of praise.

Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Nov.. 2020. bulletin page 16) Beginning (11/15) at the 10:00am St. John’s service, the 55+ age restriction ended . Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

M: O Lord – our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter – we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

M: We light three Advent candles remembering Jesus, the Light of the world. He came to defeat the prince of darkness.

C: We remember Jesus who came in answer to his people’s prayers. John proclaimed him the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

M: We hear his call to see the light.

C: We light three Advent candles as a sign of our trust and confidence.

M: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.

C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.

Three Advent candles are lit.

OPENING HYMN 12 Hark the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes

*Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

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 OF THE DAY

M: Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with your light; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

† T H E W O R D †

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 61:1-3,10-11 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The good news brings joy

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

PSALM OF THE DAY 71

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Blessed are they who hope, who hope in the Lord.

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;*

let me never be put to shame.

Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;*

turn your ear to me and save me.

Be my rock of refuge to which I can always go;*

For you are my rock and my fortress.

Refrain

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,*

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray,*

do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,*

your might to all who are to come.

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

SECOND LESSON 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Summary: Be joyful and grow in faith

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

VERSE OF THE DAY Matthew 11:10

P: Alleluia! I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON John 1:6-8, 19-28

Summary: John the Baptist’s joyful testimony about Christ

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Christ.”

They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”

He said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “No.”

Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, `Make straight the way for the Lord.'” {Isaiah 40:3}

Now some Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Please be seated.

HYMN 18 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You

*Sung by soloist.

SERMONETTE Isaiah 61:1-3,10-11

“Celebrate the Jubilee of our Anointed One!”

He has rescued us from the sorrow of sin
He has filled our hearts with endless joy
He moves us all to offer him our best

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

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.

ADVENT PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Read by pastor. Intercessory prayers listed on page 12.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

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.

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY

*Read by pastor.

Please be seated for the distribution.

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.

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER

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. Amen.

BLESSING

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 424 O God, Forsake Me Not

*Sung by soloist.

1 O God, forsake me not! Your gracious presence lend me;

Lord, lead your helpless child; Your Holy Spirit send me

That I my course may run. Oh, be my light, my lot,

My staff, my rock, my shield—O God, forsake me not!

2 O God, forsake me not! Take not your Spirit from me;

Do not permit the might Of sin to overcome me.

Increase my feeble faith, Which you alone have wrought.

Oh, be my strength and pow’r—O God, forsake me not!

3 O God, forsake me not! Lord, hear my supplication!

In ev’ry evil hour Help me o’ercome temptation;

And when the prince of hell My conscience seeks to blot,

Be then not far from me—O God, forsake me not!

4 O God, forsake me not! Lord, I am yours forever.

Oh, keep me strong in faith That I may leave you never.

Grant me a blessed end When my good fight is fought;

Help me in life and death—O God, forsake me not!

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.

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

December 13 – December 19

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Advent Devotion
	5:00 p.m.	Joint Advent Devotion – St. John’s Princeton
	6:00-7:00 p.m.	Carry out meal at Princeton
	7:15 p.m.	Bible Information Class at St. John’s (pastor’s office)
Thurs.
Fri.	6:00-7:00 p.m.	Christmas for Kids in St. John’s parking lot
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship (indoors)
*Next week’s theme:* *December 20, 2020* 4^thSunday of Advent: “The Son of David Reigns Forever”
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, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: ) – For the family of Joanne Valentine, Pat Sommerfeld’s sister in North Dakota, called home on 12/4 – For our communicants

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Joel Jaster, $5,000 was given to St. John’s for the new link way furnace and to Christmas for Kids by Jasters Ag Supply and J & L Fertilizer. We thank you for your gift!

CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS Come drive through the St. John’s parking lot on Friday, December 18 from 6-7 pm! There will be lots to look at: Christmas lights, carolers, and MORE!

A NOTE FROM LADIES AID We will no longer be selling cards due to the pandemic. The health and safety of everyone is very important to us. God bless you all during this Christmas season!

CHRISTMAS CAROLING For those of you wanting to participate in Christmas caroling, we will be meeting outside at 6:00pm before the December 23 Emmanuel service and at 3:30pm before the December 24 St. John’s service.

ADVENT DEVOTIONS This Wednesday, December 16 “Stories Behind the Hymns”. Please join us at Emmanuel 3:30pm. In place of the St. John’s 6:30pm devotion, all are invited to a Joint Advent Devotion at St. John’s Princeton at 5:00pm. A carryout meal will be served from 6:00-7:00pm. Please sign up in the church entry for the meal. Please also see special holiday worship schedule in the back of the bulletin for future Advent and holiday worship services.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are being sought to assist with delivery of weekly worship DVDs to our shut in members. For details or to volunteer to assist, please contact either James Wachholz 608-369-4006 or Gary Wegner 920-295-3456.

SATURDAY WORSHIP Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing.

Church News cont’d…

CAMP PHILLIP ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES St. John’s membership payment is due! If you would like to donate, please see the “Camp Phillip” free will offering jar located in the church entry way. You can make checks payable to Camp Phillip. Thank you!

THANK YOU to all those who donated toward wreaths and poinsettias at St. John’s! Your generosity has blessed us with the wondrous spirit of Christmas. Thank you to Janice Spillner, whose donation toward wreaths was in honor of her husband, Justus, who passed away in December of 2012; thank you to Al Rosenthal, whose donation was given in memory of his wife, Carolyn, who passed away in August of this year; and thank you to Marilyn Riemer, Kay Maass, and Anita Riemer, whose donations helped purchase two beautiful poinsettias. Thank you, once again, to Ashley Henke for the gorgeous wreaths she creates each year—4 for the front doors at St. John’s and another for the front door of St. John’s School.

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 following those Sundays sing “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home.

GET FREE MEDICATION, FRIDGE, AND GUN LOCKS! St. John’s is partnering with Marquette County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) in their fall campaign emphasizing the need to secure what can be dangerous to children and others. To assist families, HCHY will have available, at no charge, medication lock boxes, refrigerator locks (where alcohol is stored in quantities), and gun locks. At St. John’s we have one of each of the three types of locks available for you to view. You may sign up for whatever you can use. Delivery will be at church. These items are available to all Marquette County residents at no charge, so spread the word. Members and friends can request these items. Let’s do all we can to keep our children from harm’s way. Sign up in the linkway, with Ciara or using the Google form. https://forms.gle/CpDT6awLesJRKbw26

School news

UPDATED SCHOOL COVID POLICY If a student or teacher tests positive, the entire school will move to two weeks virtual education. When parents who have not been in the school test positive, the school leadership will assess absences due to illness or quarantine as necessary for the health and safety of our student body and families. If a classroom or the entire school needs to go virtual, it will be for a period of two weeks.

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 for next week 12/15. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!

Jesus is the Central Focus of our Message and the Joy in our Living

The Third Sunday in Advent – Series B

God’s Word for Today

We become enamored with eloquent and influential speakers today and eat up anything they say. But the true messenger of God will step out of the limelight and let Christ himself shine in his Word. That is where the real change in our faith-born outlook comes from and the humble lifestyle that longs to serve him and his will.

First Lesson (Isaiah 61:1-3, 10-11)

Upon whom is this prophecy mainly focusing?
What are some of the changes that come in a relationship to God through Christ?
Who makes all these changes?

Second Lesson (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

4. What attitudes are to emerge from the Spirit-driven change in us?

5. How in the world are we to keep our whole spirit, soul and body blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus?

Gospel (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

6. Who was the focal point of John’s message?

7. What was John’s attitude toward Christ?

Answers:

When Jesus read this passage in the synagogue (Luke 4:21) he announced that it was talking about him. Many missed the good news he was anointed to preach with his life, death and resurrection. Life is often filled with misery, trouble and disappointment, but the good news from Jesus as savior brings comfort and strength.
Life may be rough and bring people down, but Jesus covers us with gladness and praise, beauty and splendor. A brand new spirit invades the negative environment of our sinful hearts and makes it alive!
The LORD, Jahweh, the God of faithful love, purchased a robe of righteousness for us through the righteous life of Jesus. He wraps that around us and views us as beautiful. This should result in greater praise to God and a new view of the people of God – ones who are forgiven and clothed with Christ.
Joy, continual prayer life, unflappable thanks despite obstacles, respect for God and his word all have a part in our Christian living. In all things we are to stay away from every brand of evil
This is the working of the one who called us. Too often we try to make these changes on our own and come up even more frustrated and guilty. These are attitudes that emerge as a fruit of the Spirit as he works in us. “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. “
Some might have focused on John as their leader. But John said he wasn’t the “light” but only the messenger to point out the light. Jesus is the Light of the world.
John didn’t want the spotlight on himself but on Christ. His selfless humility is heard as he voiced that he wasn’t even worthy to do slave duty for Christ. Can we have any less an understanding of our relationship to Christ?

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan

Worship Updates – November 2020

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 amSt. John’s. Beginning (11/15) the 55+ age restriction ended. ALL are welcome.
Online worship services continue and are found at www.stjohnsmontello.org

Providing a safe worship experience is a high priority for the leaders in our congregations. Christ’s love also compels us to consider the needs of others before our own. In humility we want to protect the health and safety of our bodies and of others. Because the virus continues to spread, and because of the science regarding singing and speaking, the following policies will be continued:

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.

**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

As we hold firmly to the truths of scripture, we know that God continues to keep his promises to us. He has promised the wonderful spiritual blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation. He has not, however, promised that things will always remain the same. In the words of our synod president, Mark Schroeder, “we recommit ourselves–as individuals, as congregations, and as a synod–to the mission that God has called us to carry out, trusting that he will bless us in that work.” Let us work together as we move forward as a congregation. Let us help, support, and encourage each other as we gather around God’s Word.

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor

Emmanuel Elders:

Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 494-0068

St. John’s Elders:

Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171,

James Wachholz (608) 369-4006, Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
12-5		19
12-6	42	51
12-9	41	14
St. John’s Altar Committee December 2020	Diane Eisermann & Dolores Cotte

ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2020 December 16     Advent Devotion     Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.
Joint at St. John’s Princeton 5:00 p.m.
December 23     Emmanuel Children’s Christmas     Emmanuel 6:30 p.m. December 24     School Christmas Eve     St. John’s 4:00 p.m.
December 25     Christmas Day     St. John’s 9:00 a.m.
December 31     New Years Eve.    Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.

*No age restrictions at holidays services.
*Regular service times continue:
Saturday St. John’s 4:30 p.m. – All are welcome (Please note: Dec. 26 & Jan. 2 – No worship)
Sunday Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. – Emmanuel members only
St. John’s 10:00 a.m. – All are welcome, no age restrictions.
*COVID-19 safety guidelines continue…please wear masks, practice social distancing & use sanitizer.

Parent conversations: What if we can’t follow our Christmas traditions this year?

For better or worse, Christmas is filled with traditions. Some of these traditions help celebrate Jesus’ birth—the Christmas Eve candlelight service or the children’s Christmas service, for example. Others may be more worldly, but they still help unite a family. My father-in-law “forgot” his keys each Christmas Eve when my husband and his siblings were young, so he had to run back inside before the family left for worship. When they arrived home later, their gifts would be under the tree. I love that story because it was a tradition filled with love.

So . . . what happens this year? So many things are already different. It’s likely that your Christmas is going to look different too. Of course, you can still celebrate your Savior’s birth, but . . . how exactly?

Read these two articles to help your family adjust its celebration. — Nicole Balza

What if we can’t follow our Christmas traditions this year?

It was a strange Christmas Eve. A sad Christmas Eve. A disappointing Christmas Eve. But it also had the potential to be the best Christmas Eve ever.

I’m thinking of the first Christmas Eve my wife and I experienced as empty nesters. That night the nest felt especially empty. Our daughters were with their families, hours away from our home. We were alone.

When we arrived home after worship, there was no scurry to set out snacks in the living room. There was no daughter laughter. No hugs. No anticipation about the gifts under the tree. No celebration of the love my family shares. Absent was the joy and excitement that made Christmas Eve our “most wonderful time of the year.”

However, the night had the potential to help us create a new empty-nest tradition, one we could treasure for decades to come.

But we created nothing.

Rather than sitting together in the living room in the glow of the tree lights, Sharon and I sat in the television room bathed in big screen LED light. We opened no presents. We didn’t regale each other with cherished holiday memories.

We could have launched new Christmas Eve traditions. We could have opened albums with Christmas photos and celebrated the blessings God has given us in our children. We could have invited others who, like us, were without family. We could have taken couple-time with the Christmas story: reading it, talking about it, praying over it. We could have used Christmas Eve to sharpen our focus on Christ’s birth. We could have. But we didn’t.

We didn’t because we did not prepare for that evening. We didn’t use the days before to talk about our sense of loss or the options we could explore. We didn’t identify our new opportunities and plan ways to capture them.

Christmas 2020 has the potential to shatter your treasured holiday traditions. COVID-19 may threaten the ways we have celebrated Jesus’ birth in the past. The grief of death and divorce may destroy your Christmas customs. Job loss may package frustration, not presents, beneath your Christmas tree.

The solution? Learn from what Sharon and I should have done:

Choose to focus on how the baby born in Bethlehem guarantees that all things must work for our good. Pray with each other for the Spirit to help you trust that truth.
Make time to talk with your family about how this Christmas will be different.
Name and grieve over the family traditions you have lost. Be real with each other about how you will feel this Christmas.
Talk about how developing different family traditions is normal. For example, chances are the family traditions you and your spouse grew up with are different than those you and your children have developed.
Brainstorm ways to highlight the reason for the season in your celebrations. Bring a sharper focus on Jesus’ birth into your home.

Nothing can take away Christmas’ “good news of great joy” that “a Savior has been born.” So embrace your new normal. Waiting for you are other ways to make this the “most wonderful time of the year.”

-James Aderman

Christmas is all about connection.

Jesus connected with humanity by taking on human flesh and living among us. He told stories to connect people to truth, and he reconnected sick people with health and healing. Ultimately, he connected us to God for all eternity. Sin separates, but Christ connects.

We celebrate that connection every Christmas by connecting with each other. We step into each other’s houses, shake off the snow, and give big, long hugs. We ooh and ahh at the tree, exchange gifts, laugh hard, and eat too many cookies. And we worship! We crowd into pews, sing loudly, and then sit quietly, letting Word and song wash over us together.

As I write this, we’re in a state of disconnection. Countries are locking down again, limiting gatherings, enforcing curfews, disconnecting people to stifle the virus. More locally, my neighbor is sick. I leave what she needs inside her door, but I don’t go in, because I have family members who need to be protected. She understands, but it’s heart wrenching.

Disconnection is unnatural, and forced disconnection feels like an abridgment of freedom. Part of me says, “Where’s the love?” and “You’re not the boss of me!” But the more mature part of me realizes that right now, temporary disconnection is a token of love.

Even if we’re temporarily disconnected due to COVID-19, we’re connected to each
other in Christ.

So what happens if we can’t connect physically with our families this Christmas? We’ll just have to connect in other ways. Here are a few to contemplate:

Facetime or Zoom. Set up the phone or tablet so Grandma and Grandpa can watch the gift opening and sing along with the hymns. (Do a test run ahead of time, so it all goes smoothly. And remember to talk loudly!)
Call and text. If Zoom is a bridge too far, you can still call and text throughout the day. Call to say thanks for the jeans. Put the phone on speaker and let Uncle Jeff read Luke 2 after supper. Text “I love you” before bed.
Share pictures all day long. Send both the idyllic shots (fresh-faced family in front of the tree) and the real-life shots (Dad’s weird sweater, little Sophie’s sobs because she didn’t get a pony).
Prepare the same dinner menu. Everybody make the Christmas kielbasa, Great-Grandma’s schaum torte, and Uncle Brad’s “Orange Jeromes.”
Follow a schedule. Though you’re at separate houses, follow the same plan. Worship at 9 (maybe you can even “attend” the same service virtually if you’re not able to be there in person), lunch at noon, gifts at 1 (with matching socks for everyone), walk at 2, Hallmark movie at 3 (with a movie bingo game).
Let Amazon and Etsy do the shipping. Shop online and have gifts delivered. Maybe this year’s wrapping paper is brown cardboard. Would that be so terrible for one year?
Send a few things yourself ahead of time: an Advent calendar, a photo collage of Christmases past, a batch of fudge, an essential oil so you’re all enjoying the same scent on Christmas. Yes, this takes a little planning and postage, but you’re not traveling or spending money on gas, so it’s not a difficult trade-off. (My first year in college, my mom sent me a fully decorated mini-Christmas tree. I owe her.)

Even if we’re temporarily disconnected due to COVID-19, we’re connected to each other in Christ. Those are not just words. Christ is here with us, right this second. And on Christmas, he’ll be sitting at each Christian’s dinner table as he always does, chuckling at the collapsed dessert, enjoying the out-of-tune piano.

I hope we can be physically together this Christmas, but if we can’t, we’ll be okay. We know that soon we’ll be connected again, and in Jesus we’re connected forever!

–Laurie Gauger-Hested

●●●
Welcome To Our Visitors!
Please Sign Our Guest Register Find & Like us on Facebook
Visit our website link: www.stjohnsmontello.org
Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816
K, 1^st& 2^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
Altar Lady: Elaine Kelm: (920) 344-0025
●●●

Bulletin – December 6

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 2^nd Sunday of Advent

Preparation for Christ’s Coming Means: Repent!

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

December 5, 2020

4:30p.m. St. John’s (Indoor)

December 6, 2020

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949

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

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830.

ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: 2^nd Sunday of Advent, Preparation for Christ’s Coming Means: Repent! The Second Sunday in Advent: God Provides Messengers and Means to Prepare Us For the End – God doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own in this world but prepares us for the final great event—Jesus’ return at the end. He sends his messengers to point out the reality of sin and its consequences, so we don’t drift into complacency. He sends his good news of salvation in Christ and connects us with him in baptism. What a change that should create in our focus for living!

Pastor Peter Zietlow

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 thankfulness of praise.

Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Nov.. 2020. bulletin pages 16) Beginning (11/15) at the 10:00am St. John’s service, the 55+ age restriction ended . Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

P: We light two Advent candles remembering Jesus who came in history. He came into a world of sin and death.

C: We remember Jesus who came as the promised Messiah. John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord.

P: We hear his call to repent.

C: We light two Advent candles as a sign of our repentance and desire for renewal.

P: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.

C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.

Two Advent candles are lit.

Please stand.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION O Jesus, Lamb of God, You Are

*Responsive scripture with Christian Worship 27.

P: Dear friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.

Stanza 1 (soloist)

O Jesus, Lamb of God, you are

My comfort and my guiding star;

I come, a sinner, trustingly

And bring my many sins with me.

C: O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. I am bowed down and brought very low; I groan in anguish of heart. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior. (selected verses from Psalm 38)

Stanza 2 (soloist)

O Lord, my sin indeed is great;

I groan beneath the dreadful weight.

Be merciful to me I pray;

Take guilt and punishment away.

SILENT CONFESSION

Stanza 3 (soloist)

Saint John the Baptist points to you

And bids me cast my sin on you,

For you have left your throne on high

To suffer for the world and die.

P: Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. In Jesus you have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. (Ephesians 2:4-5 & 1:7)

C: We have been brought from death to life. Sin shall not be our master, because we are not under law, but under grace. (Romans 6:13-14)

Stanza 4 (soloist)

Help me to change my ways, O Lord,

And gladly to obey your Word.

While here I live, abide with me,

Then take me home eternally.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son. By his coming give us strength in our conflicts and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Please be seated.

T H E W O R D

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 40:1-11

(today’s sermon text is underlined)

Summary: Prepare the way for the Lord

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.

A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

PSALM OF THE DAY 85

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

I will hear what the Lord proclaims: peace to his people.

You showed favor to your land, O LORD;*

you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

You forgave the iniquity of your people*

and covered all their sins.

Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,*

and grant us your salvation.

Refrain

I will listen to what God the LORD will say;*

he promises peace to his people, his saints.

Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,*

that his glory may dwell in our land.

Love and faithfulness meet together;*

righteousness and peace kiss each other.

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 2 Peter 3:8-14

Summary: The Lord wants everyone to come to repentance

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

VERSE OF THE DAY Luke 3:4, 6

P: Alleluia! Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. All mankind will see God’s salvation. Alleluia!

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Mark 1:1-8

Summary: John the Baptist prepares the way for the Lord

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” {Mal. 3:1}– “a voice of one calling in the desert, `Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” {Isaiah 40:3}

And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Please be seated.

HYMN 11 Comfort, Comfort All My People

*Sung by soloist.

SERMONETTE Isaiah 40: 1-8

“Get Ready for the Lord of Glory!”

Listen to his gracious comfort
Prepare his desert highway
Believe his everlasting Word

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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 stand.

ADVENT PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Read by responsively. Intercessory prayers listed on page 12.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

CLOSING PRAYER

P: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 702 Prepare the Royal Highway

*Sung by soloist.

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

December 6 – December 12

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Council meeting
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.	9:00 a.m.	Pastors Circuit Study Club at St. John’s school gym
Tues.	6:00 p.m.	St. John’s School Board meeting
Wed.	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Advent Devotion
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Advent Devotion
	7:15 p.m.	Bible Information Class at St. John’s (pastor’s office)
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship (indoors) with communion
*Next week’s theme:-* *December 13, 2020* 3^rd Sunday of Advent: “Prepare Your Hearts and Proclaim the Good News of Christ’s Coming”
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, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: ) – After an election

GET FREE MEDICATION, FRIDGE, AND GUN LOCKS! St. John’s is partnering with Marquette County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) in their fall campaign emphasizing the need to secure what can be dangerous to children and others. To assist families, HCHY will have available, at no charge, medication lock boxes, refrigerator locks (where alcohol is stored in quantities), and gun locks. At St. John’s we have one of each of the three types of locks available for you to view. You may sign up for whatever you can use. Delivery will be at church. These items are available to all Marquette County residents at no charge, so spread the word. Members and friends can request these items. Let’s do all we can to keep our children from harm’s way. Sign up in the linkway, with Ciara or using the Google form. https://forms.gle/CpDT6awLesJRKbw26

CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS Come drive through the St. John’s parking lot on Friday, December 18 from 6-7 pm! There will be lots to look at: Christmas lights, carolers, and MORE!

ADVENT DEVOTIONS This Wednesday, December 9! Please join us at Emmanuel 3:30pm and St. John’s at 6:30pm. Please also see special holiday worship schedule on bulletin page 18 for future Advent and holiday worship services.

SATURDAY WORSHIP Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. We take everyone’s health and safety seriously so please remember that we are still encouraging a 50 person maximum and to kindly practice social distancing.

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 following those Sundays sing “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home.

Church News cont’d…

NOTE FROM ST. JOHN’S–PRINCETON REGARDING THE 12/16 6-7PM CARRY-OUT DINNER FOLLOWING THE JOINT ADVENT SERVICE AT ST. JOHN’S PRINCETON There has been a slight change as far as the menu goes for the meal. We will be serving BBQs with Cheesy potatoes and a lettuce salad. There are three areas that we will need volunteers. The first is that we will need volunteers to bake desserts. We are planning on 150 dinners, so we would need 150 desserts/bars. We will also need help preparing the meal. We will be making the meat and potatoes the night before (Tuesday, December 15th) at 6:00pm in the school cafeteria. And the final thing we need volunteers for is serving/packaging on the night of. Please let me know if you are able to help and in what areas you can help. Thank you so much for considering volunteering. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or suggestions via email <tbargenq@amfam.com> or call or text me at 920-960-2006.
Tiffany Bargenquast

School news

UPDATED SCHOOL COVID POLICY If a student or teacher tests positive, the entire school will move to two weeks virtual education. When parents who have not been in the school test positive, the school leadership will assess absences due to illness or quarantine as necessary for the health and safety of our student body and families. If a classroom or the entire school needs to go virtual, it will be for a period of two weeks.

VIRTUAL LEARNING St. John’s school and Little Lambs will resume physically tomorrow, December 7.

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 for next week 12/8. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!

God Provides Messengers and Means to Prepare us for the End

The Second Sunday in Advent – Series B

God’s Word for Today

God doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own in this world but prepares us for the final great event – Jesus’ return at the end. He sends his messengers to point out the reality of sin and its consequences so we don’t drift into complacency. He sends his good news of salvation in Christ and connects us with him in baptism. What a change that should create in our focus for living!

First Lesson (Isaiah 40:1-11)

How will the people receive “double” for all their sins?
Who is the “voice of one calling in the desert to prepare a way for the Lord?”

Second Lesson (2 Peter 3:8-14)

“With the Lord a day is like a 1000 years and a 1000 years like a day.” What does that have to do with this reading?
Knowing that the Lord will come suddenly and destroy the earth, what change should be evident in our lives?

Gospel (Mark 1:1-8)

5. What was the focus of John’s baptisms?

6. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit?” What was to be different?

Answers:

God was not going to punish them twice as hard as they deserve. Instead they would receive “double” grace – much more blessing than any one could expect. This is not something that can be earned, but what we inherit by his free grace – a full forgiveness we don’t deserve.
The Lord makes it clear (Mtt 3:3, Mk 1:3 and Lk 3:4) that this is pointing ahead to the person of John the Baptist. He was the voice who preached stern and pointed law to the people to prepare their hearts with repentance. And he was the one who preached the sweet gospel as he pointed out the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” This is the good news we are also to shout out to people – a word that will outlast worldly “experts.”
We are bound to clocks and passing schedules. But God is not restrained by time, which he created for us. He sees and knows all things as if they were “now.” The end of the world may seem like a long ways away for scoffers, but God sees it clearly as “today” and patiently opens opportunities all over the world to come to repentance and avoid perishing eternally at that time.
It should be evident in our lives that we are looking forward in Christ to the transition into heaven. Every effort should be made to be at peace with God realized by faith in Christ. Every effort should be made to live lives that represent the holiness he has destined us for.
John baptized with a focus on the reality of our sinfulness and the forgiveness God gives us in the Lamb of God – Jesus. This is the same focus you hear from Peter on Pentecost as he sets the pace for our baptisms.

6. Although true baptism always carries the Holy Spirit’s presence, Jesus carries the full authority to send the Spirit in a miraculous way as was first evidenced at Pentecost. It is Christ the gives baptism its power.

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan

Worship Updates – November 2020

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 amSt. John’s. Beginning (11/15) the 55+ age restriction ended. ALL are welcome.
Online worship services continue and are found at www.stjohnsmontello.org

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.

**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor

Emmanuel Elders:

Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 494-0068

St. John’s Elders:

Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171,

James Wachholz (608) 369-4006, Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830

ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2020 December 9     Advent Devotion
Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.     St. John’s 6:30 p.m.
December 16     Advent Devotion
Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.
Joint at St. John’s Princeton 6:30 p.m.
December 23     Emmanuel Children’s Christmas     Emmanuel 6:30 p.m. December 24     School Christmas Eve    St. John’s 4:00 p.m.
December 25     Christmas Day     St. John’s 9:00 a.m.
December 31     New Years Eve.    Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.

*No age restrictions at holidays services.
*Regular service times continue:
Saturday St. John’s 4:30 p.m. – All are welcome (Please note: Dec. 26 & Jan. 2 – No worship)
Sunday Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. – Emmanuel members only
St. John’s 10:00 a.m. – All are welcome, no age restrictions.
*COVID-19 safety guidelines continue…please wear masks, practice social distancing & use sanitizer.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
11-28		5
11-29	33	39
12-2	28	17
St. John’s Altar Committee December 2020	Diane Eisermann & Dolores Cotte

Bulletin – November 29

November 27, 2020November 27, 2020 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 1^st Sunday of Advent

Prepare for Christ’s Coming: Be on Guard

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

November 28, 2020

4:30p.m. St. John’s (Indoor)

November 29, 2020

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949
Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH
We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830.

ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN
If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY
Today’s theme: 1^st Sunday of Advent
Prepare for Christ’s Coming: Be on Guard!
God’s Faithful Intervention in Our Lives Connects Us to an Eternal Life with Him – Advent reminds us: Jesus is coming soon. The world will end soon. If we seriously look at our sins, we have plenty cause for fear and worry. But our lessons focus on the faithfulness of God, who calls himself our Father and who takes care of all the details. Instead of feeling down about the end drawing near, by God’s grace we see the richness we have in Christ and the gifts we have to serve him in these last days.

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 thankfulness of praise.

Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Nov.. 2020. bulletin pages 16-17) Beginning (11/15) at the 10:00am St. John’s service, the 55+ age restriction ended . Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

P: We light one Advent candle, remembering Jesus who is coming again. He will come to gather his people from everywhere, both the living and the dead.

C: We remember Jesus who will come at the end of time. None of us know what day that will be.

P: We hear his call to watch.

C: We light one Advent candle as a sign of our watchfulness and waiting.

P: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.

C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.

One Advent candle is lit.

OPENING HYMN 2 Savior of the Nations, Come

Please stand.

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

CONFESSION OF SINS

P: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

C: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

P: Let us confess our sins to the Lord.

C: Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his holy life and innocent death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Silence for meditation and reflection.

ABSOLUTION

P: Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. 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.

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

T H E W O R D

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 63:16,17; 64:1-8

Summary: Come and make your name known, O Lord

But you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. Why, O LORD, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts so we do not revere you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes that are your inheritance.

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways.

But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins.

O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

PSALM OF THE DAY 24

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.

The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it,*

the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it upon the seas*

and established it upon the waters.

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?*

Who may stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,*

he will receive blessing from God his Savior.

Refrain

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

be lifted up, you ancient doors,*

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?*

The LORD strong and mighty,

the LORD mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

lift them up, you ancient doors,*

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is he, this King of glory?*

The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory.

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 1:1-9 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: God will keep you strong as your eagerly await Jesus Christ to be revealed

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way– in all your speaking and in all your knowledge– because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

VERSE OF THE DAY Revelation 22: 20

P: Alleluia! He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Mark 13:32-37

Summary: Be on guard; be alert

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back– whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: `Watch!'”

Please be seated.

HYMN 9 Jesus, Your Church with Longing Eyes

*Sung by soloist.

SERMONETTE 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9

“See What God Has Made You”

A believer…
Who serves…
On his way to heaven.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Read by responsively. Intercessory prayers listed on page 12.

P: Eternal Lord, you speak to us in words of love and light and power. Fill us with peace today as we ponder the good news that you forgive our sins in Christ. Guide our lives today as we see clearly the path you have laid out for us. Work in us today through your Spirit that our thoughts, words, and actions glorify you and serve our neighbor.

C: Fill us with the Word we have heard today and move us to believe it and live it.

P: Provide courage and compassion to all who preach and teach your Word. Take away their fear of criticism and contention and make them bold to say what you say. Fill them with a love like yours and lead them to announce the forgiveness of sins as your free gift to us and all people.

C: Move us to love all ministers of the Word wherever they serve.

P: Forgive us for the times we hear your Word but fail to live it in our lives. Break down the apathy that lurks in us and leads us to ignore eternal realities. Convict us with your law and then fill us so full of your gospel that we overflow with zeal to do your will.

C: Give us thankful hearts to live and love with joy.

P: Guard and guide us as we live in a society that despises what you say about marriage. Lead husbands and wives to love each other with commitment, respect, and patience. Move parents to grasp the eternal value of keeping their children close to Jesus even when their children grow up.

C: Protect us from the evil that surrounds us; give us pure hearts and minds.

P: Provide your divine compass for those who govern us by making laws and setting policies. Give us respect for those who protect us from crime and aggression. Lead us to value the rights of our fellow citizens and to care for those who cannot care for themselves.

C: Bless our land with peace and prosperity so that the gospel may be proclaimed to all.

P: Give us passion to share the story of your love with our family and friends. Overcome unbelief and open the hearts of people everywhere to believe the good news that Jesus has forgiven their sins and opened the gates of heaven.

C: Fill us with joy over every sinner who repents and comes to trust in your grace.

P: Extend your healing power to those who are sick and suffering in body or mind. Fill eager minds with wisdom to discover new ways to treat disease and illness. Give patience and compassion to those who care for the sick and dying.

C: Lift the eyes of the dying to your love in Christ.

P: Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.

Silent prayer

P: Eternal Lord, you guide the world with your mighty power and love all people because your Son lived and died and rose again. Hear our prayers, spoken and in silence, and answer them in your wisdom and grace.

C: In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

CLOSING PRAYER

M: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 737 God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It

*Sung by soloist.

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

November 29 – December 5

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.
Tues.	9:00 a.m.	Joint Elders meeting at St. John’s
	6:30 p.m.	Council meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Advent Devotion
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Advent Devotion
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship (indoors) with communion
*Next week’s theme:-* *December 6, 2020 2^nd Sunday of Advent:* “Preparation for Christ’s Coming Means: “Repent!”
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, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Mike Farrell, Julie Klawitter, Roxanne Schmanke) – For singles and families

CHRISTMAS WREATHS Advent begins on Sunday, November 29^th, this year. It’s the season that anticipates the coming of the Savior. We prepare for this coming in many ways. But one way is by decorating and beautifying our homes and churches. We use a circle of artificial greens around our Advent candles in the front of the church, with each candle lit in order on Sundays in Advent, and each candle symbolizing an important event on the way to the Savior’s birth—the last candle is the Christ Candle. But another way is to hang Christmas wreaths on the church doors as a sign of welcome. Once again—anyone interested in donating toward the purchase of wreaths for the front doors at St. John’s is encouraged to contact LuAnn Zieman at 608-297-2422 or email elteezee497@gmail.com or by mail at W1440 State Rd 23, Montello, WI 53949. In addition, this year the St. John’s Ladies Aid has asked that anyone interested in donating toward 2 poinsettias for the altar, please also contact LuAnn Zieman. Due to COVID-19, the Ladies Aid is limited in funds.

GET FREE MEDICATION, FRIDGE, AND GUN LOCKS! St. John’s is partnering with Marquette County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) in their fall campaign emphasizing the need to secure what can be dangerous to children and others. To assist families, HCHY will have available, at no charge, medication lock boxes, refrigerator locks (where alcohol is stored in quantities), and gun locks. At St. John’s we have one of each of the three types of locks available for you to view. You may sign up for whatever you can use. Delivery will be at church. These items are available to all Marquette County residents at no charge, so spread the word. Members and friends can request these items. Let’s do all we can to keep our children from harm’s way. Sign up in the linkway, with Ciara or using the Google form. https://forms.gle/CpDT6awLesJRKbw26

CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS Come drive through the St. John’s parking lot on Friday, December 17 from 6-7 pm! There will be lots to look at: Christmas lights, carolers, and MORE!

Church News cont’d.

ADVENT DEVOTIONS Starting this Wednesday, December 2! Please join us at Emmanuel 3:30pm and St. John’s at 6:30pm. Please also see special holiday worship schedule on bulletin page 18 for future Advent and holiday worship services.

SATURDAY WORSHIP Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. We take everyone’s health and safety seriously so please remember that we are still encouraging a 50 person maximum and to kindly practice social distancing.

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 following those Sundays sing “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home.

School News

UPDATED SCHOOL COVID POLICY If a student or teacher tests positive, the entire school will move to two weeks virtual education. When parents who have not been in the school test positive, the school leadership will assess absences due to illness or quarantine as necessary for the health and safety of our student body and families. If a classroom or the entire school needs to go virtual, it will be for a period of two weeks.

VIRTUAL LEARNING St. John’s school and Little Lambs are attending virtually through Friday, December 4. We plan to return physically on Monday, December 7.

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please see the link below or go on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals for next week 12/1. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. https://forms.gle/7sNXBmgR3yioSdz8A

God’s Faithful Intervention in our Lives Connects us to an

Eternal Life with Him

The First Sunday in Advent – Series B

God’s Word for Today

As we enter this Advent season we are reminded of the coming of Jesus at the end of the world. If we are seriously looking at our sins, we would have plenty cause for fear and worry. But our lessons focus on the faithfulness of God, who calls himself our Father and himself takes care of all the details. Instead of feeling down, by God’s grace we see the richness we have in Christ and the gifts we have to serve him in these last days.

First Lesson (Isaiah 63:16,17 64:1-8)

What comfort is there in knowing God as “Father?”
Why does he want God to do awesome things?
What makes God’s grace and love even more spectacular when we look at our own lives?

Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 1:3-9)

4. Upon what is Paul’s thankfulness focused as he writes to the people in Corinth?

Gospel (Mark 13:32-37)

5. Who can predict the day when “heaven and earth will pass away?”

6. Since we know the end of the world is coming in a sudden moment, what should our lives be like?

Answers:

He talks about the tenderness and compassion of God. He is the one who knows us. The saints in glory do not know or influence the affairs of people on earth. Only God, our Father, is our Redeemer to rescue us; the potter who fashions our lives according to his good pleasure. Remember that when you address God as “Our Father” in the Lord’s Prayer.
He knows that the world does not recognize the true God who is behind the scenes. Often God reveals himself in unexpected, miraculous happenings that draw even enemies to acknowledge his name and see that he comes to help those who depend on him.
Even the things we think are so good are disgusting and revolting in the sight of God because they still carry the stain of sin. The penitential heart sees that. Our troubled lives evidence it. Yet the God of grace forgives our sins for the sake of Christ. Those who understand this live in the true joy of the Lord.
Paul focuses his thanks not toward the Corinthians but toward God for the undeserved love he brought them. He knew what they really were like in their selfish, prideful ways. Yet God was glad to call them “saints” and “holy” because of Jesus and equip them with a richness of spiritual gifts and an eager anticipation of the Lord’s return. When you are feeling insignificant or unworthy, think back to God’s faithfulness towards you.
God has the specific time set for judgment day. No one can discover that with his or her logical calculations.
Instead of being caught up in the busyness of our world, we should be watchful and on our guard against falling away. We should be busy with the assigned tasks he has given us so we can impact the world with the gospel in whatever scheduled time is left.

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan

Worship Updates – November 2020

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 amSt. John’s. Beginning (11/15) the 55+ age restriction ended. ALL are welcome.
Online worship services continue and are found at www.stjohnsmontello.org

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.

**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor

Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 494-0068

St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171, James Wachholz (608) 369-4006, Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830

ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2020

December 2
Advent Devotion     Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.     St. John’s 6:30 p.m.
December 9
Advent Devotion     Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.     St. John’s 6:30 p.m.
December 16
Advent Devotion Emmanuel 3:30 p.m. Joint at St. John’s –
Princeton 6:30 p.m.
December 23
Emmanuel Children’s Christmas     Emmanuel 6:30 p.m.
December 24
School Christmas Eve     St. John’s 4:00 p.m.
December 25
Christmas Day     St. John’s 9:00 a.m.
December 31
New Years Eve.    Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.

*No age restrictions at holidays services.
*Regular service times continue:
Saturday St. John’s 4:30 p.m. – All are welcome (Please note: Dec. 26 & Jan. 2 – No worship)
Sunday Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. – Emmanuel members only
St. John’s 10:00 a.m. – All are welcome, no age restrictions.
*COVID-19 safety guidelines continue…please wear masks, practice social distancing & use sanitizer.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
11-21		8
11-22	18	37
11-25	29
11-26		25
St. John’s Altar Committee December 2020	Diane Eisermann & Dolores Cotte

BULLETIN November 15th, 2020

November 17, 2020November 17, 2020 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 3^rd Sunday of End Times

Saints Triumphant

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

November 14, 2020

4:30p.m. St. John’s (Indoor)

November 15, 2020

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949

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

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830.

ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: 3^rd Sunday of End Time: “Saints Triumphant” Keep Us Watchful for Our Triumph – Like children playing hide and seek, Jesus calls out to us through his Word, “Ready or not here I come!” Thanks be to God that in his love and through Jesus’ saving work on the cross, we have been made ready. When Jesus comes in the end, we will be raised and united with all those who have preceded us in the faith. Therefore, let us continue to be vigilant in the faith until that day comes.

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 thankfulness of praise.

Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Nov.. 2020. bulletin pages 16-17) Beginning today (11/15) at the 10:00am St. John’s service, the 55+ age restriction ends . Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

OPENING HYMN 206 Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying

*Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Almighty God and Savior, you have set the final day and hour when we shall be delivered from this world of sin and death. Keep us ever watchful for the coming of your Son that we may sit with him and all your holy ones at the marriage feast in heaven; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

T H E W O R D

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 52:1-6

Summary: Awake! Be prepared! The Lord brings redemption

Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength. Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion. For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “At first my people went down to Egypt to live; lately, Assyria has oppressed them. “And now what do I have here?” declares the LORD. “For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock,” declares the LORD. “And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed. Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I.”

PSALM OF THE DAY 84

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

How lovely is your dwelling place,*

O LORD Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints,*

for the courts of the LORD.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;*

they are ever praising you.

Refrain

Better is one day in your courts*

than a thousand elsewhere;

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God*

than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

O LORD Almighty,*

blessed are they who trust in you.

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

SECOND LESSON 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Summary: Do not be ignorant about the coming of the Lord

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with 2 Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

VERSE OF THE DAY Revelation 7:15a

P: Alleluia! They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 25:1-13

Summary: The parable of the Bridegroom and the 10 virgins

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: `Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “`No,’ they replied, `there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. `Sir! Sir!’ they said. `Open the door for us!’ “But he replied, `I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Please be seated.

HYMN 10 The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us

*Sung by soloist.

SERMONETTE Matthew 25:1-13

“The Bridegroom is coming!”

His coming is sure.

2. Is your preparation sure?

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL CHIMES America the Beautiful

*Saturday St. John’s only.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

SAINTS TRIUMPHANT PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Read responsively. Intercessory prayers listed on page 12.

M: Lord of eternity and King of saints, all the heavens adore you. Saints and angels sing before you.

C: We too join them to praise your majesty.

M: You clothe us with garments of splendor. You bless us with grace and mercy in this life and eternal glory forever. What undeserved love you show us!

C: We thank you, Lord, that you have made us your saints.

M: Encourage us by your gracious promises. Forgive our failures to live as you desire. Strengthen the faith of all who are weak and wandering.

C: Give us power to live as your faithful people.

M: Your saints will triumph forever in new heavens and a new earth. The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more. We anticipate with joy an eternity of perfect fellowship with you.

C: Be with us as we work and witness for Christ, so that many more people can join us before your throne.

M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. (Silent prayer)

M: Lord of life, the day is coming when you will come down from heaven with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. On that glorious day, the saints triumphant will rise in bright array, clothed in your perfect righteousness.

C: Give us strength until that day when we will share fully in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 776 Sing With All the Saints in Glory

*Sung by soloist.

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

November 15 – November 21

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.	6:00 p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
Tues.		Parent Teacher Conferences (after school)
	6:30 p.m.	Bible Study at Emmanuel (final)
Wed.		Parent Teacher Conferences – No School
Thurs.	6:30 P.M.	Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s gym
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship (indoors) with communion
*Next week’s theme:-* *November 22, 2020 4^th Sunday of End Times:* “Christ the King”
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, David Broderick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Shawn & Theresa Campion, Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Geri Kerl, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Glenn Buchholz, Shawn & Theresa Campion, Ellie Kendall, John Wildt) – For Sharon Crook who celebrated her 78th birthday on 11/6 – For civil authorities – For the COVID-19 curb and cure

CHRISTMAS WREATHS Advent begins on Sunday, November 29^th, this year. It’s the season that anticipates the coming of the Savior. We prepare for this coming in many ways. But one way is by decorating and beautifying our homes and churches. We use a circle of artificial greens around our Advent candles in the front of the church, with each candle lit in order on Sundays in Advent, and each candle symbolizing an important event on the way to the Savior’s birth—the last candle is the Christ Candle. But another way is to hang Christmas wreaths on the church doors as a sign of welcome. Once again—anyone interested in donating toward the purchase of wreaths for the front doors at St. John’s is encouraged to contact LuAnn Zieman at 608-297-2422 or email elteezee497@gmail.com or by mail at W1440 State Rd 23, Montello, WI 53949. In addition, this year the St. John’s Ladies Aid has asked that anyone interested in donating toward 2 poinsettias for the altar, please also contact LuAnn Zieman. Due to COVID-19, the Ladies Aid is limited in funds.

GET FREE MEDICATION, FRIDGE, AND GUN LOCKS! St. John’s is partnering with Marquette County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) in their fall campaign emphasizing the need to secure what can be dangerous to children and others. To assist families, HCHY will have available, at no charge, medication lock boxes, refrigerator locks (where alcohol is stored in quantities), and gun locks. At St. John’s we have one of each of the three types of locks available for you to view. You may sign up for whatever you can use. Delivery will be at church. These items are available to all Marquette County residents at no charge, so spread the word. Members and friends can request these items. Let’s do all we can to keep our children from harm’s way. Sign up in the linkway, with Ciara or using the Google form. https://forms.gle/CpDT6awLesJRKbw26

Church News cont’d...

TOTS TO TEENS HOLIDAY BOOK DRIVE is sponsored by Literacy Volunteers-Marquette County, has begun early this year since the drop-box locations are limited. There will not be a drop-box at St. John’s, but anyone wishing to donate new or gently used children’s books can bring them to any Marquette County library. The cut off date for dropping off books will be December 8. The book giveaway will be held in conjunction with the Giving Tree program on December 12 at Trinity Methodist Church in Montello.

LUTHERAN MILITARY SUPPORT GROUP Our congregation’s Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG) is asking for donations in support of our military men, women and their families. LMSG, a partnership of ELS and WELS veterans, is working to grow awareness of and bring Christian support to military members and their families in our congregations and beyond. By placing your gift in the AMMO can located in the front entry of both churches, you are supporting the work of local congregations that are ministering to nearby military families, the WELS European chaplain program and global broadcasts of Time of Grace to our military. Questions? See LMSG Congregational Liaison Mark Emond or visit www.lutheranmilitary.org. THANK YOU for standing shoulder to shoulder with those serving our nation!! The ammo cans are located at the front entries of both churches.

POLITICS BIBLE STUDY CONCLUDED! After the new year we will look into another topic.

SATURDAY WORSHIP Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. We take everyone’s health and safety seriously so please remember that we are still encouraging a 50 person maximum and to kindly practice social distancing.

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 following those Sundays sing “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home.

TEEN & ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES I resumed Teen Confirmation Class with St. John’s 5-8th graders. I also began public school TCC, asking parents and their 7th, 8th graders to work through lessons at home and then meet with me each month in person or on-line. In coming weeks I will also be resuming Adult Confirmation Class (aka: Bible Information Class) with Amanda Finger and Matthias Gimnick , and starting a new class for those who are interested. Please let me know if you know of any Teens and Adults interested in my classes. -Pastor Zietlow

Saints Triumphant

Third Sunday of End Time – A

God’s Word for Today

Like children playing hide and seek, Jesus calls out to us through his Word, “Ready or not here I come!” Thanks be to God that in his love and through Jesus’ saving work on the cross, we have been made ready. When Jesus comes in the end, we will be raised and united with all those who have preceded us in the faith. Therefore, let us continue to be vigilant in the faith until that day comes.

First Lesson (Isaiah 52:1-6)

1. Who are the “uncircumcised and defiled” that will never enter the holy city of Jerusalem?

2. Verse three tells us that we were redeemed without money. Define the term “redeem”.

Second Lesson (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

3. Who are those who had “fallen asleep”?

4. Agree or Disagree. A Christian should never mourn the death of a fellow Christian.

Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)

5. How did the five foolish virgins demonstrate their foolishness?

6. How do we “keep watch” for Jesus’ coming?

Answers:

1. Throughout its history, Israel had been invaded and attacked by foreign nations (most recently by the nation of Assyria). Due to their disobedience, pagan armies entered and even conquered Jerusalem. God promised that a day would come when Jerusalem would be freed from such invasions. In the New Testament we find that the true Israel and the true Jerusalem are God’s holy people – his church. We will see the deliverance foretold by Isaiah when we put on our “garments of splendor” in heaven.

2. To redeem means “to buy back” or “to pay the price of freedom.” Jesus paid the price necessary to free us from our slavery to sin and death. He did this, “not with gold or silver, but with his holy precious blood and innocent suffering and death.”

3. This word picture is often used in the Bible to describe those who have died. It seems that there was some confusion in the Thessalonian congregation about those who had died. The Thessalonians were waiting eagerly for the imminent return of Jesus. They were worried because they were afraid that those who died before his coming would not receive the same salvation.

4. As Christians we are comforted and encouraged by the fact that those who die in Christ will receive the reward that he won for them on the cross. We are consoled by the knowledge that we will see them again in heaven. A Christian will not despair as many in this world do. Yet, death is separation. A Christian will feel the loss. A Christian will miss his loved ones. A Christian will mourn and even cry. Did not Jesus cry when his friend Lazarus died? As Christians, however, we are comforted by the promises of our loving God.

5. The virgins of Jesus’ parable are comparable with the bridesmaids of today. Their responsibility was to prepare the bride for the coming of the bridegroom. The foolish virgins did not bring enough oil for their lamps. They were not prepared. So when the bridegroom took longer than was expected, they were not ready for him.

6. As Christians we are ready for Jesus’ coming through faith. We keep watch, therefore, by maintaining and strengthening that faith through a constant use of the Word and Sacraments.

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan

Worship Updates – November 2020

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 amSt. John’s. Beginning today (11/15) the 55+ age restriction ends. ALL are welcome.
Online worship services continue found at www.stjohnsmontello.org

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.

**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor

Emmanuel Elders:

Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871

Wayne Stelter (608) 494-0068

St. John’s Elders:

Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706

Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171

James Wachholz (608) 369-4006

Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830

God made

A WAY

in a manger

ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2020 November 25     Thanksgiving Eve     Emmanuel 6:30 p.m.
November 26     Thanksgiving Day     St. John’s 9:00 a.m.
December 2     Advent Devotion   Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.   St. John’s 6:30 p.m.
December 9     Advent Devotion   Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.   St. John’s 6:30 p.m.
December 16     Advent Devotion     Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.
Joint at St. John’s Princeton 6:30 p.m.
December 23     Emmanuel Children’s Christmas     Emmanuel 3:30 p.m. December 24     School Christmas Eve     St. John’s 4:00 p.m.
December 25     Christmas Day     St. John’s 9:00 a.m.
December 31     New Years Eve.    Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.

*No age restrictions at holidays services.
*Regular service times continue:
Saturday St. John’s 4:30 p.m. – All are welcome (Please note: Dec. 26 & Jan. 2 – No worship)
Sunday Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. – Emmanuel members only
St. John’s 10:00 a.m. – All are welcome, no age restrictions.
*COVID-19 safety guidelines continue…please wear masks, practice social distancing & use sanitizer.

Welcome To Our Visitors!
Find & Like us on Facebook
Visit our website link: www.stjohnsmontello.org
Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816
K, 1^st& 2^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
Altar Ladies: Elaine Kelm: (920) 344-0025

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
11-7 11-8	34	13 46
St. John’s Altar Committee November 2020	Jennie Utke & Susan Brown

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.