The 4th Sunday of Advent
A Ruler Will Come
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches
Montello & Mecan, WI
Pastor Peter Zietlow
December 18, 2021
4:30p.m. St. John’s
December 19, 2021
8:00a.m. Emmanuel
10:00 St. John’s
† PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP †
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
M: We light four Advent candles remembering Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Mary. He came to share our humanity.
C: We remember Jesus whose name means Savior. He came to save his people from their sins.
M: We hear his call to give him a place in our hearts.
C: We light four Advent candles as a sign of our joy and hope.
M: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed
Four Advent candles are lit.
OPENING HYMN CW 23, Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel
† THE COMMON SERVICE †
Please stand.
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
CONFESSION OF SINS
We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.
M: Beloved in the Lord; let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.
C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
Kyrie
M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
GLORY BE TO GOD
Gloria in Excelsis
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: The Lord be with you.
M: Let us pray.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings.
† THE WORD †
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
FIRST LESSON Micah 5:2-5a (today’s sermon text)
Summary: A Ruler will come out of Bethlehem
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.
PSALM 85
* All sing refrains, read verses and Gloria.
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
SECOND LESSON Hebrews 10:5-10
Summary: Christ came to do God’s will
Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, O God.’”
First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them” (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
VERSE OF THE DAY Matthew 1:23
M: Alleluia. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel. Alleluia.
Please stand.
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 1:39-55
Summary: Mary’s Song of Praise
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Be seated.
HYMN OF THE DAY CW 65, O Little Town of Bethlehem
SERMON Micah 5:2-5a
“Make Room For the Prince of Peace!”
- He came according to promise
- He came to be your Peace
Please stand.
Please be seated.
ADVENT SEASON & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
*Read by pastor, IP pg. 15)
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Please be seated.
HYMN CW 399:1,2 To God Be the Glory
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.
M: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Please be seated.
CLOSING HYMN CW 399:3 To God Be the Glory
*Bulletin page 12.
† ANNOUNCEMENTS †
December 19 – December 25
| Sun. | 8:00a.m. | Emmanuel Worship |
| 8:30a.m. | Sunday School at St. John’s | |
| 9:00a.m. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s | |
| 10:00a.m. | St. John’s Worship | |
| 11:00a.m. | Teacher Call meeting at St. John’s | |
| 3:00p.m. | Piano Recital at St. John’s | |
| Mon. | Christmas Spirit Week at St. John’s School | |
| 6:30p.m. | Joint Choir at St. John’s | |
| 7:30p.m. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s | |
| Tues. | 6:00p.m. | School Board Zoom meeting |
| Wed. | 8:00a.m. | School Chapel |
| 10:00a.m. | Montello Care Center Devotion | |
| 10:30a.m. | Adult Bible Study | |
| 1:45p.m. | Early School Release | |
| 2:15p.m. | Public Teen Confirmation Class at St. John’s | |
| Thurs | 8:30a.m. | St. John’s School Christmas Rehearsal |
| 9:30a.m. | School Christmas Parties | |
| 11:30a.m. | Early School Release | |
| 6:30p.m. | Emmanuel Christmas Worship | |
| Fri. | Christmas Eve | |
| Christmas School Break | ||
| 4:00p.m. | School Christmas Eve Service at St. John’s | |
| Sat. | Christmas Day | |
| 9:00a.m. | St. John’s Christmas Day Worship | |
| No St. John’s 4:30p.m. Worship | ||
| Next week’s theme: December 26, 2021 Christmas 1 – Christ Came to Be Our Brother | ||
| 8:00 a.m. | Emmanuel Worship with communion | |
| 8:30a.m. | Sunday School at St. John’s | |
| 9:00a.m. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s | |
| 10:00a.m. | St. John’s Worship with communion | |
† CHURCH NEWS †
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)
– For the sick and distressed…Caryl Bassett, Mike Brown, Ed & Warren Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Jan Dahlke, Ann & Roberta Davison (Beth Johnson’s daughters), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Mike Farrell, Judy Freitag, Donna Gatzke, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Roger Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Bob Klapper, Arden Klimke, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Diane Metcalf, Mary Anne Myers (Teacher Shelley Myers’ mother), Arlene Neale (Ruth Jones’ sister), Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Steve Parrish, Karen Radke, Wanda Sellnow (Principal Larry Sellnow’s mother), Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Kathy Weinfurter (Ken Pabelick’s mother-in-law) (added this week: )
– For those affected by last week’s tornados
– For the family of our St. John’s member, Louise Hillmer, called to her heavenly home on 12/13
– For Ed and Marlene Buchholz who will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on 12/25
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT ST. JOHN’S has been rescheduled for Sunday, Jan. 2. We will have practice on Thursday, Dec. 30 9:30-11:30am.
CHRISTMAS CARDS are available for purchase in St. John’s lower level. Cards range from $1-$5. Come get them while they last!
CHRISTMAS EVE FELLOWSHIP AT EMMANUEL Dec. 23 after the Christmas Eve Worship Service. All members and guests are invited for light refreshments and cookies. If you have extra cookies, please bring a plate to share.
NEW CHURCH ATTENDANCE SYSTEM Using your smartphone, please scan the code on the back side of the bulletin, using your phone camera, and fill out the prompted information. This new system directly notifies our pastor and keeps you current and our system up to date.
If you do not have a smartphone, please fill out the attendance card located at the end of each pew. Place it in the offering plate when you are finished. Thank you!
NEW HYMNALS The hymnals are here! If you haven’t picked yours up yet, please find them on the pew in the linkway or see Ciara in the office. It seems as though we should start using them, but for several reasons we need to be patient. We want the use of our new hymnals and worship tools to start out as comfortably as possible so we need a little time to explore the musicians’ resources and the technology resources. Please be patient. We hope to begin using them sometime soon after the first of the year. Now is a great time to become familiar with the hymnal itself. If you purchased one, take it out and open it up. You will find some differences, but overall there is a great amount of continuity between Christian Worship and our new hymnal, Christian Worship 21 (CW21).
If you have any questions about the hymnal or would like to order one, please contact a member of the worship committee. Thank you. May God be praised with our new worship tools!
WLA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Thank you from Winnebago Lutheran Academy for having us visit your church services recently. It was a privilege to share with you some WLA Association news along with our plans to build a new high school campus. Please contact Kevin Ehlke with any questions you may have at 920-539-4041 or kehlke@wlavikings.org. If you would like to give in support of our current capital campaign, please use the brochures provided at your church or go to our website forward.wlavikings.org/donate. Gifts can be mailed to WLA or given online at our website. Thank you for your continued support of WLA!
GIFTS FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS Please consider making a gift towards the following church or school projects. Your gift, to the project of your choice, will be recorded under your member account in our Shepherd’s Staff program unless you specifically request it be recorded as anonymous. Donor names and gift amounts are not published. Your gift can be placed in the offering plate, the locked drop box by the office, or mailed. Please contact the church/school secretary, Ciara Neuhauser, if you have any questions.
Project Name & Brief Description_____________________ _ Amount Needed
Church & School Computer Server Upgrade $6,621.64
(costs for replacing server)
House Demolition $9,500.00
(costs related to tear down of old Little Lambs house)
Church Piano $1,500.00
Church A/V Upgrades $2,000.00
Ministerial Tuition Assistance No limit in place
(assistance for members pursuing the ministry)
Outreach Activities No limit in place
(church and/or school outreach supplies, fees)
St. John’s School Tuition Assistance No limit in place
(assistance for parents of students)
School Technology Fund No limit in place
(maintain teacher and student computers, smartboards)
† SCHOOL NEWS †
BASKETBALL & CHEERLEADING No practice Dec. 20-Dec. 31
CHRISTMAS BREAK Dec. 24-Jan. 2
God’s Great Promises Become Reality
The Fourth Sunday in Advent – Series C
God’s Word for Today
God left enough clues for the people of the Old Testament to know what was coming in the Messiah. This not only included the city in which He would be born, but also what his great work would be – the sacrifice “once for all.” How exciting it must have been for those who realized it was now happening!
First Lesson (Micah 5:2-5a)
- What is going to make little Bethlehem great?
- What effect will that child of Bethlehem have on us today?
Second Lesson (Hebrews 10:5-10)
- Why wasn’t God pleased with the sacrifices of the Old Testament times?
- What assurances do you have now that Jesus has finished his work?
Gospel (Luke 1:39-55)
- What amazing thing happened when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting.
- What does Mary’s song reveal?
Answers:
- In connection with Christmastime the city of Bethlehem will be known throughout the world because the ancient of days, the ruler of Israel, the Savior will be born there.
- He will be our peace and calm our hearts. He will be the one who watches over us like a shepherd but with the power of the universe at his disposal. Such a picture of his tender care for us will reach throughout the world. (Do your realize that peace?)
- The ritual offerings of the sacrifices could not do away with sin nor could they calm the guilty conscience. They did however help the nation of Israel realize the death sentences of sin as well as look forward to the promised substitute, the Messiah who would provide eternal forgiveness.
- Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross of Christ had to be done only once and it became effective for everyone. Because of it, we are considered holy in God’s sight and prepared for being transformed to be like him. (Is this the central part of your faith and life?
- The baby in her womb, John the Baptist, leaped in her womb for joy. Then the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth with new insight and thrill for what was happening. What awesome things the Holy Spirit does in connection with the message of Jesus!
- Mary knew that like the rest of the world she needed a Savior. Now God was carrying out the promise that was clearly spoken to Abraham and anticipated for generations. Generations to come would look at this event and see how God powerfully lifts the humble up to experience the great things he won for us.
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 12-8 | ||
| 12-11 | 13 | |
| 12-12 | 51 | 51 |
| St. John’s Altar Committee for November 2021:Kay Maass & Jennie Utke |
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Scan the code below using your smartphone camera and fill out the prompted information.
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