EMMANUEL and ST. JOHN’S
Evangelical Lutheran Churches
Mecan and Montello, WI
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 31, 2017
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH! We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and “link-way” at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. May God bless our worship together!
THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS On the Sundays after Christmas we stop to PONDER and PROCLAIM. With Mary at the manger we ponder the meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Savior. With the shepherds in from the fields we witness the miracle in Bethlehem, then spread the good news of great joy for all people–Jesus Christ the Savior is born!
A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP O Lord–my Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter–I have come before you to hear your holy Word. Open my heart by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word I may repent of my sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear me for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus Comes to Save Us, Even as an Infant – Whether or not we had a “good Christmas,” as some may ask us, today over and over we hear good news of God’s grace.
ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY
“Morning Praise” (hymnal page 45)
PASTOR’S GREETING
(Please stand)
MORNING HYMN (hymnal page 45, all sing)
LITURGY (hymnal page 45b, read & sung responsively)
(Please be seated for today’s scripture readings)
SCRIPTURE READING THEME
New Year’s Eve: Jesus Shared Our Humanity
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 45:20-25 (sermon text)
In the Lord all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exalt
“Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. Declare what is to be, present it– let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.
“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, `In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.'” All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult.
PSALM 111 (hymnal page 106, all read verses in unison, all sing refrain in unison)
EPISTLE LESSON Colossians 3:12-17
Live as God’s chosen people
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Alleluia.
(Please stand)
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 2:25-40
Simeon and Anna lived as God’s people
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
(Please be seated)
At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
SERMON HYMN 77 “In His Temple Now Behold Him”
(printed in hymnal, all sing)
SERMON Isaiah 45:22-25
“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, `In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.'” All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult.
A Turn for the Better
- Possibly only through our Lord
- Available to all people
3. Accomplished for our salvation
(Please stand after the sermon)
LITURGY (hymnal page 48, all sing)
(Please be seated)
OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS
OFFERING PRAYER
(Please stand)
PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR (read by pastor)
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and others facing trials: George Alexander, Bill Aumann, Chuck Boetcher, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Mavis DeWitt, Susan DeWitt (Mavis’ daughter-in-law), Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Mike Farrell, Jaedan Gain (Ed & Marlene Buchholz’s great grandson), Donna Gatzke, Lori Gerth (Marvis Wegner’s sister), Millie Henke, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), LuAnn Hoffman-Reber, Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Anna Madigan, Linda Malsack, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Marion Neuman (Marjorie Fabian’s sister), Marolyn Riemer, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Jordan Scott (Debbie Parrish’s grandson), Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Jennifer Strauss, Dennis Umland (Harold Fandrey’s brother), Linda Lou Wacholtz, Bob Wegner – (added this week: Bob Buehrens)
– For Gordon & Marjorie Fabian who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary yesterday (12/30)
LITURGY (hymnal page 50, all sing)
LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 50b, all read)
(Please be seated)
HYMN 78:1-3 “O Light of Gentile Nations” (printed in hymnal, all sing)
PRAYER FOR GRACE AND BLESSING (hymnal page 50c-51)
CLOSING HYMN 78:4 “O Light of Gentile Nations” (printed in hymnal, all sing)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Theme for next Sunday (1/7):
Reformation 500 “Faith Alone”
Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.
| ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 6 | |||
| Sun. | 8:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Worship | |
| 8:20 A.M. | Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School | ||
| 8:30 A.M. | St. John’s Sunday School | ||
| 10:00 A.M. | St. John’s Worship | ||
| 7:00 P.M. | St. John’s Candlelight Memorial/New Year’s Eve Worship with communion | ||
| Mon. | 9:00 A.M. | Emmanuel memorial/New Year’s Day Worship with communion | |
| Tues. | 8:00 A.M. | SJS classes resume | |
| 9:00 A.M. | Elder’s meeting at St. John’s | ||
| Wed. | 10:00 A.M. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s begins | |
| 1:40 P.M. | SJS/LL Early dismissal | ||
| 2:15 P.M. | Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s | ||
| 6:30 P.M. | St. John’s Worship | ||
| 7:30 P.M. | Bible Information Class at St. John’s begins | ||
| Thurs. | 12:00 P.M. | Ladies Aid lunch & meeting | |
| Fri. | |||
| Sat. | |||
| SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018
Reformation 500 “Faith Alone” |
|||
| 8:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Worship with communion | ||
| 8:20 A.M. | Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School | ||
| 8:30 A.M. | St. John’s Sunday School | ||
| 9:00 A.M. | Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study | ||
| 10:00 A.M. | St. John’s Worship | ||
| 11:15 A.M. | Call meeting at St. John’s | ||
LITTLE LAMBS DIRECTOR CALL MEETING Our current Little Lambs director, Sandy Hemling, has asked to step down from her position as Little Lambs director. The school board has requested from our WELS Northern Wisconsin District President, Pastor Joel Zank, a list of candidates to be reviewed at a Call meeting scheduled for Sunday 1/7/18 at 11:30 a.m. We thank Sandy Hemling for her faithful service and willingness to continue serving part-time in coming months until her position as Little Lambs director is filled.
ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.
ST. JOHN’S OFFERING ENVELOPES 2018 are located in the link way of church. Please pick yours up but do not use until January 2018. If you do not have a box, feel free to contact pastor or the office and we will get one to you!
EMMANUEL SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS will resume January 7, 2018 at 9:00a.m.
NEW YEAR’S EVE LOCK-IN All 6th-12th graders are invited to our youth group’s 3rd annual NYE lock-in. Enjoy an evening of fun & games, movies, not to mention lots of snacks & food. We will begin after St. John’s New Years Eve service, concluding at 9 am on NY’s day. For more details, or to sign up, call or text us at 608-697-1600(Mark)or 608-697-3327(Patty). Deadline to sign up is December 27.
NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY COMMUNION/SAINTS TRIUMPHANT SERVICES Sunday 12/31 7pm at St. John’s and Monday 1/1 9am at Emmanuel, communion services are scheduled where the names of our E/SJ members called to their heavenly home in 2017 will be read and bells tolled. “For all the saints who from their labors rest…” (Hymn 551)
INTERACTIVE FAITH Adult Discipleship offers LIVE online Bible studies for use by congregations, small groups, or individuals to serve as a mid-week Bible study. Gather at your church or around the computer to join in fellowship and learn about the Bible with brothers and sisters in faith from around the country.
Daniel Habben, pastor at St. John, St. John’s, Antigua, will lead the next interactive faith Bible study starting in January. Entitled “Isaiah: God confronts and comforts his people,” the study will cover the first 12 chapters of Isaiah. “ ‘A virgin will be with child . . . and he was pierced for our transgressions.’ Seven hundred years before the arrival of God’s Son into our world, the Holy Spirit worked especially hard through the prophet Isaiah to get the people of his day to turn from their sin and embrace their Savior-God,” says Habben. “Through the words of Isaiah, God still confronts and comforts his people.”
The study will be streamed Wednesdays at 6 and 8 p.m. CT, from Jan. 10–Feb. 7, 2018.
When: Wednesday’s Jan. 10 – Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (central)
Who: Rev. Daniel Habben
What:“Isaiah: God confronts and comforts his people”
Study guides will be available in January.
For more information, visit the website: https://wels.net/serving-you/christian-life/adult-discipleship/interactive-faith/
CHURCH WEBSITE Thank you Kerry and Jen Mann for the work on our church website: www.stjohnsmontello.org. Your comments and suggestions for improvement are welcomed: 414-339-9031 – kerry@inmarketsuccess.com
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 12/3 at Emmanuel: Josh & Amanda Kuchar and son Weston, 12/10 at St. John’s: Adam Myers & Jennifer Strauss – A new “Bible Information Class” will begin on Wed 1/3/18 at 7:30pm in pastor’s office/conference room at St. John’s. Alternate days/times can also be scheduled. Free study guides are available from pastor…just ask.
NEW WEEKDAY/EVE BIBLE CLASS Beginning January 2018, we’ll be starting a new weekday/eve Bible Study entitled: “Your Questions–Scriptures Answers: Adiaphora” (things that God doesn’t command or forbid in the Bible and how we are to properly use our Christian freedom). We meet at St. John’s in the pastor’s office/conference room Monday 7:30pm (beginning 1/8) and Wednesday 10am (beginning 1/3). “Therefore let us leave the elementery teachings about Chrsit and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)
In addition to our regular St. John’s Sunday 10:00 a.m. and Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. services, please see our special Christmas Service schedule below. God bless you this Christmas season!
| Sunday, December 31, 2017 | 7:00 p.m. | New Year’s Eve Service at St. John’s with communion |
| Monday, January 1, 2018 | 9:00 a.m. | New Year’s Day service at Emmanuel with communion |
USHERS
Emmanuel: December 31 New Year’s Eve Lucas Stelter, Paul Wuerch, DuWayne Sommerfeld January 1 New Year’s Day (C) 9:00am Brian Ninneman, Bob Ferber, Joe Heller, communion assistant: Wayne Stelter, January 1 New Year’s Day (C) Brian Ninneman, Bob Ferber, Joe Heller, communion assistant: Wayne Stelter, January 7 (C) Lucas Stelter, Warren Buchholz, Don Stelter, communion assistant: Wayne Stelter
St. John’s: December 31 New Year’s Eve Don Smith; Chief, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, December 31 New Year’s Eve Candlelight (C) 7:00pm Kenon Smith; Chief, Scott Ritz, James Kunde, Ken Borzick, Thomas Wojtalewicz, January 7 Cal Kapp; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher
GREETERS TODAY Paul & Christa Van Treeck
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 12-23E 12-24 12-24 Candle. 12-25 12-27 | 150 30 79 79 | 91 124 0 |
| ST. JOHN’S ALTAR COMMITTEE CONTACT DECEMBER 2017 | Jennie Utke & Susan Brown | |
Welcome To Our Visitors!
Please Sign Our Guest Register
Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org
Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321
Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com
Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549
Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689
Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919
Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776
Parish/School Secretary Ciara Neuhauser (608) 297-2866
Altar Ladies Elaine Kelm (920) 344-0025 &
Carolyn Rosenthal 589-5036
Mail to: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949
OR scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org
Winnebago Lutheran Academy
Principal Mr. David Schroeder/WLA office (920) 921-4930
WLA website: www.wlavikings.org