The 4th Sunday after Pentecost
Father’s Day
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches
Montello & Mecan, WI
June 19, 2021
4:30p.m. St. John’s
June 20, 2021
8:00a.m. Emmanuel
10:00a.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 Pastor Pete Zietlow |
| WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Pentecost season. WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES † Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s † Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel 10:00a.m. at St. John’s Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow. HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 4th Sunday after Pentecost – Don’t Underestimate Jesus and His People! – On Independence days people celebrate the growth and power of the nation. Yet there is a more powerful kingdom that has grown up from humble beginnings. It is the kingdom of God, which often makes unnoticeable progress in conquering hearts for Christ. Yet stepping back to look at it you can see its tremendous growth. Those who are part of it will be longing for the final outcome when they are “clothed” with immortal life away from the struggles of the world. |
†P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.
WELS CONNECTION
OPENING LITANY
M: See what love the Father has given us,
C: that we should be called the children of God.
M: You are my sons and daughters, this day I have begotten you.
C: See what love the Father has given us.
M: As many received him, to them he gave power to become the children of God.
C: See what love the Father has given us.
M: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
C: See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called the children of God.
OPENING HYMN CWS 753, “Father, God of Grace, You Knew Us”
† S E R V I C E O F W O R D †
Please stand.
M: The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
C: And also with you.
CONFESSION OF SINS
We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.
M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.
C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.
C: Amen.
PRAYER AND PRAISE
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
OH, TASTE AND SEE
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Let us pray.
O God, protector of all the faithful, you alone make strong; you alone make holy. Show us your mercy and forgive our sins day by day. Guide us through our earthly lives that we do not lose the things you have prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings
†T H E W O R D †
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
FIRST LESSON Ezekiel 17:22-24
Summary: The Lord builds His Kingdom from the Messianic shoot
“`This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.’”
“`I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'”
PSALM 92
* Cantor sings 1st line, congregation sings 2nd line and refrains.
How great are your works, O LORD,*
how profound your thoughts!
The senseless man does not know,*
fools do not understand,
that though the wicked spring up like grass*
and all evildoers flourish,
they will be forever destroyed.*
But you, O LORD, are exalted forever.
Refrain
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,*
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,*
they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, “The LORD is upright;*
he is my rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
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 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Summary: Kingdom living – by faith not by sight
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
VERSE OF THE DAY Psalm 132:9
M: Alleluia. May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy. Alleluia.
Please stand
GOSPEL LESSON Mark 4:26-34(today’s sermon text underlined)
Summary: Internal and external growth of God’s Kingdom
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain– first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”
With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Please be seated.
HYMN OF THE DAY CW 559, “Lord of the Living Harvest”
SERMON Mark 4:26-29
“The Word of God Works Like a Seed” (It is…)
- Imperceptible
- Powerful
- Productive
Please stand.
APOSTLES’ CREED
All: I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please be seated.
†O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S †
THE OFFERING
Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord. Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained. Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. The plate is located in the church entryway.
PRAYERS
The Offering Prayer, Father’s Day Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see
announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
HYMN CW 324:1-3, “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast”
M: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
M: As you go from here, remember this:
God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting,
from generation to generation.
Just as a father has compassion on his children
so God has compassion on those who fear him,
who listen to his voice,
and who do his will.
Go out in the knowledge that the everlasting love of God goes with you.
Amen.
Please be seated.
CLOSING HYMN CW 324:4, “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast”
*See page 9.
| Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228. Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Service of Word and Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved. |
† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †
June 20 – June 26
| Sun. | |||
| Mon. | |||
| Tues. | |||
| Wed. | 10:00a.m. | Care Center Devotion | |
| Thurs. | |||
| Fri. | |||
| Sat. | 4:30p.m. | St. John’s Worship with communion | |
| Next week’s theme:- June 20, 2021 The 5thSunday after Pentecost: God Governs Creation | |||
| 8:00 a.m. | Emmanuel Worship with communion | ||
| 10:00 a.m. | St. John’s Worship with communion | ||
† C H U R C H N E W S †
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Cheri Borzick, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Shelley Myers, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer & son Tim, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, Kathy Weinfurter (Ken Pabelick’s mother-in-law), John Wildt, Bill Zamzow (Kay Maass’ brother-in-law) – (added this week: Dan Finger)
– For laborers in God’s harvest field
– For the family of David Finger, age 62, Dan’s father, called to his heavenly home on 6/13
VOTERS MEETING Save the date: Sunday, June 27 immediately following 10:00am St. John’s service.
LADIES AID Ladies Aid would like to invite all Emmanuel and St. Johns ladies to our summer meeting on July 1 at 12 noon. We will have a light lunch before the meeting, please feel free to join us and see what we are all about. Please RSVP, so we know how many to prepare for, to Dolly Eggert at 414-294-9382
CROSSES The Time of the Church is the longest season of the church year. Green represents growth-growing the Church through witnessing and missions-becoming “fishers of men.”
This season appears 1st and 2nd Sunday of Epiphany and ends Transfiguration Sunday just before Lent. It reappears the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost and ends on Reformation Sunday.
Please pick up your ribbon today! If you are in need of a cross or would like to gift to someone, please help yourself. They are available and both Emmanuel and St. John’s. Thank you again to Gene Crook (Emmanuel) and LuAnn Zieman (St. John’s) for creating and coordinating!
CHURCH NEWSLETTER The St. John’s church newsletter will again resume starting in July. It will be sent out via email to the congregations. Need to sign up on our mailing list? Please call the office. If you wish to receive a hard copy, we offer a yearly subscription for $10.00.
APPLIANCES Do you (or someone you know from our congregation) need a washer, dryer, refrigerator, or stove? Our retired Little Lambs house has these items in working condition. Please contact the office for more information.
OUR KIDS COMPLETE 2020-2021 MISSION PROJECTS Thank you to our school children and Sunday school children for their generous gifts to missions and to parents for supporting them as they actively practiced Jesus’ command “to go and make disciples.” Kids may not be able to go into the mission field, but they can still share the Message by giving to missions. St. John’s School and Little Lambs children gave $951.53 to their Kids C.A.R.E. project, Children’s Outreach Ministry, which helps congregations start programs to minister to small children and builds bridges to sharing Christ with their families as well. Their gift will be pooled with those given by kids around the WELS and presented at the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Convention, June 24-27. The Sunday school children gave $654.68 to Costa Maya Ministries in Mexico. Their gifts will aid the building of a new church as well as helping with children’s programs. To God be the glory!
CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office. Thanks!
LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:
Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System
† S C H O O L N E W S †
OUR KIDS COMPLETE 2020-2021 MISSION PROJECTS Thank you to our school children and Sunday school children for their generous gifts to missions and to parents for supporting them as they actively practiced Jesus’ command “to go and make disciples.” Kids may not be able to go into the mission field, but they can still share the Message by giving to missions. St. John’s School and Little Lambs children gave $951.53 to their Kids C.A.R.E. project, Children’s Outreach Ministry, which helps congregations start programs to minister to small children and builds bridges to sharing Christ with their families as well. Their gift will be pooled with those given by kids around the WELS and presented at the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Convention, June 24-27. The Sunday school children gave $654.68 to Costa Maya Ministries in Mexico. Their gifts will aid the building of a new church as well as helping with children’s programs. To God be the glory!
LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office, church Information Room or from Director Lynn Sellnow.
FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES
CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office. Thanks!
LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:
Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System
St. John’s Lutheran PRINCETON Soccer Camp 2021 – Jesus Always Makes The Save!
When: July 6th – 8th
Time: Times will be run differently this year. Please see below for age group and time:
K3-1st Grade: 4:30 pm – 7 pm
2nd-6th Grade: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: St. John’s Lutheran School 227 Harvard St.
Theme: Jesus Always Makes The Save!
Soccer camp begins with registration each evening at 4:30, and each camp participant will receive dinner and a T-shirt. And it’s all FREE! Boys and girls, ages 3 through 12 are welcome!
In the game of soccer, the goalie needs to make the save again and again or the team has no chance of victory. In life, the Bible tells us that our victory is assured because Jesus has come to seek and to save the lost. Your children are invited to a three-day camp where they will learn how to “make the save” in soccer and grow closer to their Savior Jesus. Drills, exercises, and scrimmages will help them set goals for soccer. Breaks for devotions, music and other activities will help them set goals for life as they grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ their Savior.
For more information: https://www.sjlprinceton.com/
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeT4vV2bfkIvG8cy3tjLz2IJWWO7muf0sb-c37RfuTn3172Tg/viewform
SCHOOL MERGER UPDATE
Some of you may have heard that your church leaders are making plans to lead us into the future as far as our educational system here at St. John’s is concerned. We are looking at ways to meet the educational needs of our church and community. The Church Council has been kept aware of the ongoing meetings, but most of you may not have been updated for some time.
The St. John’s School Board sent out a survey to our school parents last winter regarding a possible move of our upper grades to Princeton. The response from our school families was quite positive overall.
Leaders from St. John’s have had numerous meetings with leaders from our WELS congregations in Princeton and Green Lake. These started before the pandemic, stalled for quite some time during the pandemic, and have now picked up again. Our leadership is very interested in joining with Princeton and Green Lake (and possibly other neighboring churches) to form a federation school for grades 3-8 at the St. John’s, Princeton facility. We have received great support and interest from Princeton and are hoping to move forward with this vision.
The main reason for this idea is to allow for growth in our early childhood program. Our larger early childhood classes could greatly benefit from being in separate classrooms. In addition, many families are requesting extra childcare options. Because of this, there is interest in building a new facility that would be able to provide full-time childcare, beginning at the infant/toddler level. There is currently a great need for childcare in our area. A committee is in the process of studying our long-range plans and needs as a congregation.
Another reason for this proposal is that the upper grades would be much better served by having larger class sizes and a larger gym so we can provide activities and competitive sports for our students.
There had been talk of moving grades 3-8 to Princeton already next school year. However, Princeton’s council met and is presenting a plan to their voters to join with Montello for a federated school (rather than this being an east campus of St. John’s, Montello) beginning in the 2022-23 school year. By working together, we can more efficiently accomplish the work of spreading the Gospel to the children of our congregations, as we train the next generation of church leaders.
At the past two joint meetings between Princeton and Montello, the main topic has been budget since both congregations need to know what their financial obligation will be before they can approve the plan. Obviously that obligation will be contingent on the possibility of other congregations joining as federation members. At our most recent meeting, we toured the facility and found it to be in very good shape (for having no occupancy since its closure in 2011). There will need to be a few upgrades (especially carpeting and technology), but nothing too intrusive.
We are currently awaiting full approval from the Princeton congregation to move forward with the next planning stages. At that point, our leaders will also bring this to the congregation to ask for full support. This merger will definitely not happen until at least the 2022-23 school year.
Your leaders are excited for this opportunity to expand our ministry, and we pray that God will use and bless our efforts to spread His Word so that His Kingdom can grow.
Don’t Underestimate Jesus and His People!
Pentecost 4 – B
God’s Word for Today
On Independence days people celebrate the growth and power of the nation. Yet there is a more powerful kingdom that has grown up from humble beginnings. It is the kingdom of God, which often makes unnoticeable progress in conquering hearts for Christ. Yet stepping back to look at it you can see its tremendous growth. Those who are part of it will be longing for the final outcome when they are “clothed” with immortal life away from the struggles of the world.
First Lesson (Ezekiel 17:22-24)
1. What will he do with the “top of the cedar tree?”
2. What will the new tree attract?
Second Lesson (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)
3. Why does Paul call this life (his body) “a tent?”
4. What difference will that make in our lives?
Gospel (Mark 4:26-34)
5. How does Jesus help us understand the kingdom of God with the illustration of the growing seed?
6. What else do we learn about the kingdom of God from the mustard seed?
Answers:
1. God uses the picture of breaking off the top of a cedar tree and planting it to vividly prophesy the miraculous success of his people. They would start off insignificant and small. But this kingdom of God would grow more powerful than the nations around because Jesus will be at its core.
2. This kingdom of God would have a worldwide influence. People with every kind of background from all over the world will find safety and shelter in its “branches.” (See the parable of the mustard seed – Matthew 13:31-32)
3. Our bodies on this earth are not our permanent dwelling but just temporary (like a tent). We groan with the pains and struggles of our bodies, but know that God has given us more – eternal life! The more we understand what is coming up, the more we will long for it. How much is this a part of your daily perspective?
4. Because we know confidently look ahead to the judgment, we make it our goal to please him and do all for the glory of God. Christian living is not a matter of rules and regulations but joyful response to the gospel as we join in unfolding God’s effect on the world.
5. The growth of God’s kingdom is God’s work as he provides consistent progress toward bearing fruit for the final harvest. The seed of the gospel unfolds God’s ruling activity in people in often-unnoticed development. Can you look back and see the progress God has made in your faith life?
6. The kingdom of God in a big world sometimes seems small and insignificant, but it grows to be the largest. The parable emphasizes the extraordinary power and growth of the gospel as it brings growth to the church where all peoples can find its benefit (“perch in its shade”).
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 6-12 | 18 | |
| 6-13 | 65 | 79 |
| St. John’s Altar Committee for June 2021: Delores Cotte & Diane Eisermann |
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm
| ●●● 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 ●●● |