Bulletin – February 14, 2021

The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Jesus Reveals His Future Glory

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

February 13, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

February 14, 2021

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: Jesus Reveals His Future Glory – The Transfiguration of Our Lord – There was only one time recorded in Scripture when Jesus revealed his future glory before his resurrection.  That one time was on the Mount of Transfiguration, where Peter, James and John had a firsthand (and terrifying) look at Jesus’ perfect glory.  Why did Jesus do this?  He did it to give his disciples a glimpse at what the future holds for all believers.  They were about to enter a difficult time as disciples.  They would see their Messiah crucified.  But future glory would follow!

† 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.

Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing and wear masks. Thank you for your consideration. Please refer to our church website or our church Information Room for a full description of our special COVID protocol.

The congregation is welcome to join in singing the closing hymn. Anyone who wishes to leave prior may do so.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

M: Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we say and do. Through the good news of Jesus in Word and Sacrament, come to us. Forgive our sins, strengthen our faith. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and our lives with peace and joy. Live in us that we might live for you and tell others about you in word and deed. Bless our worship. Amen.

OPENING HYMN 95                                               How Good, Lord, to Be Here

*Sung by soloist. 

Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                         

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

C: And also with you.

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: Lord God, before the suffering and death of your one and only Son, you revealed his glory on the holy mountain. Grant that we who bear his cross on earth may behold by faith the light of his heavenly glory and so be changed into his likeness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.   

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ, your Son, 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.

THE FIRST LESSON                                                                            2 Kings 2:1-12

Summary: Elijah ascends to heaven

When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “but do not speak of it.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “but do not speak of it.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on. Fifty men of the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you it will be yours―otherwise not.” As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a 4 chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more.

PSALM OF THE DAY 148

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Forever let us sing the goodness of the Lord.

Praise the LORD from the heavens,*

praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels,*

praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon,*

praise him, all you shining stars.

Refrain

Praise the LORD from the earth,*

lightning and hail, stormy winds that do his bidding,

you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,*

wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all rulers on earth,*

young men and maidens, old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,*

for his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

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

THE SECOND LESSON           2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The veil of Moses

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                Mark 9:7b

P: Alleluia!  A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                Mark 9:2-9

Summary:The transfiguration of our Lord

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Please be seated.

HYMN 712            Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain

*Sung by soloist.

SERMON                                                                2 Corinthians 3:12 – 4:2

“The Veil of Moses”

1. Worn to keep old glory from fading
2. Torn to show new glory unfailing

NICENE CREED   

*For your personal devotion at home.

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.

TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS  

*Bulletin page 12.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

Words of Institution

Distribution

Thanksgiving

Please be seated.

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.

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.

Please stand.

† F A R E W E L L   T O   A L L E L U I A †

M: Brothers and sisters in Christ, when we next gather for worship, it will be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. On that day we will begin our solemn journey to the Savior’s cross. While the joy of faith remains undiminished throughout the year, our rejoicing during Lent is muted and quiet. For centuries, therefore, the Christian churches have omitted their most jubilant songs during this season, including the word alleluia, which means, “praise the Lord.”

        Now for a time we say farewell to alleluia. We do this to prepare ourselves for the quieter days of Lent. The alleluias will return on Easter dawn as we gather to shout our praise to the risen Lord.

ALLELUIA, SONG OF TRIUMPH

*Congregation sings to the tune of CW 578 “Saints of God, the Dawn Is Brightening”.

Alleluia, song of triumph, sound of joy that cannot die;

Alleluia is the anthem ever dear to choirs on high;

Saints adorned in robes of glory join the great angelic cry.

Alleluia we are singing, voicing hymns in pure accord,

With Christ’s holy Church united, justified, redeemed, restored,

And with all his faithful people raise our songs to praise the Lord.

Alleluia cannot always be our song while here below;

Alleluia our transgressions make us for a while forego.

For the solemn time is coming when our tears for sin must flow.

May our hymns be filled with longing—hear us, Holy Trinity—

As we look to your blest Easter, here, and then eternally,

When we shall once more be singing alleluia joyfully!

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. ã2004 Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved

 

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

February 14 – February 20

Sun.		VALENTINE’S DAY
	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.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00 p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel (final)
Wed.		ASH WEDNESDAY
		No School
	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Lenten Devotion
Thurs.	1:45-3:00 p.m.	Little Lambs & Grade School Shut-In Outreach Fieldtrip
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Council meeting
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme:-  February 21, 2021 The First Sunday in Lent: Overcoming Temptations; Growing Through Tests
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), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Jerre Duerr, 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, Eleanor Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, 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, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: ) – For missions – For our communicants   ST. JOHN’S VOTERS’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  Membership Changes:  Transfer in: Reid Barnhart from St. Peter’s, Helenville, WI.  Rejoin:  Brianna Dunning.  Profession of Faith:  Brad & June Kahlstorf from ELCA Church in Minnesota. Principal’s Report:  Current enrollment: 10 in Little Lambs & 44 in K-8.  AV Project Upgrade-Two 85-inch TVs will replace the screen. Livestreaming will take place, and recording of services will be easier. Facility Master Plan-Committee to be appointed to explore needs of church/school for the next 5-20 years. Update at April meeting.  Election–School Board:  Zeb Zuehls. Council: Jacob Jaster & Aaron Wachholz.  Thank you to all who have served and are currently serving. 2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES are ready for pick up in St. John’s link way.If you weren’t assigned a box and you would like one, please call Ciara in the office 608-297-2866 or let Pastor Zietlow know. 2020 OFFERING STATEMENTS Each member has received a statement via snail mail. No need to sign up. OFFERING PLATE Just a reminder that the offering plate is located in the entry way (front doors) at St. John’s. We care about your health and safety and are currently still not passing the plates around. You may also mail in your offering at 313 E Montello St. Thank you! 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. 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.   FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! The public school is offering 5 days’ worth of breakfast and lunch meal kits to our children 18 years and younger of age. Any of our families may sign up, virtual or physical. St. John’s School meals will be dropped off at school on Wednesdays and available for you to pick up when you pick up your child at the end of the school day. As of right now these meals are free to all school families through May 2021!   WISHLIST ITEMS Little Lambs Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 Geoboards $20.30 Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade iPad covers   3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 Document camera – $69.00 Magnetic book holder – $23.79 Stadium seats – $49.99   6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance

This coming Wednesday, February 17, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the holy season of Lent. Lent is the six week observance of the “passion” of Christ, that is, his suffering and death for our sins and the eternal rescue of all! The Church traditionally observes Lent with midweek worship that helps point to and prepare God’s people for Holy Week and Easter. 

There will be 3:30pm worship at Emmanuel with Pastor Dolan leading.

Also, there is 6:30pm worship at St. John’s led by Pastor Zietlow and the pastors of our nearby sister congregations.

The Scripture devotions will talk about “The Hands of Lent.”

The 3:30pm Emmanuel worship will be recorded and be made available for viewing on the St. John’s website, stjohnsmontello.org.

Jesus Reveals His Future Glory

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany – B

The Transfiguration of Our Lord

God’s Word for Today

There was only one time recorded in Scripture when Jesus revealed his future glory before his resurrection.  That one time was on the Mount of Transfiguration, where Peter, James and John had a firsthand (and terrifying) look at Jesus’ perfect glory.  Why did Jesus do this?  He did it to give his disciples a glimpse at what the future holds for all believers.  They were about to enter a difficult time as disciples.  They would see their Messiah crucified.  But future glory would follow!

First Lesson (2 Kings 2:1-12a)

• Why was Elisha upset?
• What request did Elisha have for Elijah?
• How was Elijah taken away into heaven?

Second Lesson (2 Corinthians 3:12 – 4:2)

• To which Old Testament event does Paul refer in this lesson?
• True or false: The old covenant (the law) is more glorious than the new covenant (the gospel).
• As ministers of the glorious gospel, how do we proceed in our mission?

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

• Who met Jesus and his disciples when they climbed this high mountain?
• Why did Peter make the suggestion he did in verse 5?

Answers:

• He realized that his master, Elijah, was going to be taken away from him.
• Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of Eiljah’s spirit. He knew he would need spiritual strength when Elijah was gone.
• Elijah was taken to heaven in whirlwind, a chariot and horses made of fire.
• When Moses returned from Mt. Sinai and his face shone because he had seen a portion of the Lord’s glory. Moses put a veil over his face because the people couldn’t stand to look at him. Paul says that the stubborn Jews who rejected Jesus as Savior still have a veil over their hearts.

• False. The law brings sin, guilt and death to sinful people. It is glorious because the law is truth and shows us that God is holy and perfect. But, Paul says, that the gospel is more glorious because it brings freedom from sin, life and salvation (cf. 2 Co 3:10, 17-18).
• We don’t need to use trickery or slight of hand. We don’t need to distort the word of God. Instead, we set forth the truth plainly and trust that God works life and salvation through the simple gospel. There’s no need to manipulate the truth to make it more acceptable; glory comes only through the truth of the gospel.
• They met Moses and Elijah, who were generally considered by the Jews to be the two greatest prophets in the Old Testament.
• Peter wanted to build shelters on the mountain for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, in order to keep the glory of God all to themselves. Mark the Evangelist suggests that Peter was speaking foolishly. Jesus needed to head for Jerusalem, where he would suffer death on a cross to secure eternal glory for his followers (verse 9).

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
2-6		22
2-7	18	48
St. John’s Altar Committee February 2021	Kay Maass & Jennie Utke

●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website:  www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816 K, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3rd-5th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021 Principal & 6th – 8th 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   ●●●