ST. JOHN’S
Evangelical Lutheran Church
Montello, WI
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
JANUARY 28, 2018
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!
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus is Revealed by Setting Captives Free – We call Jesus our Redeemer. The word “redeem” means to buy back from capture and captivity, to pay a ransom. As sinful human beings we were captive to the law of God because of our sin and the consequences of sin, principally death. But Jesus has set us free from the law, its threats and its curses, by keeping God’s law for us perfectly. As Christians we are no longer “under law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). But we are not to abuse our Christian freedom. Instead Jesus has set us free so we will become slaves to righteousness, serving others in love, always thanking our Redeemer.
PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Lord God, you know that we are surrounded by many dangers and that we often stumble and fall. Strengthen us in body and mind, and bring us safely through all temptations. Teach us today how Jesus is our Prophet. Amen.
ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY
“Gathering Rite on the Word of God” (see below)
PASTOR’S GREETING
(Please stand)
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (spoken) Amen.
OPENING HYMN 221 “Blessed Jesus, at Your Word” (printed in hymnal, all sing)
- Blessed Jesus, at your Word
We are gathered all to hear you.
Let our hearts and souls be stirred
Now to seek and love and fear you,
By your teachings, sweet and holy,
Drawn from earth to love you solely.
M: Oh, how I love your law!
C: I meditate on it all day long.
M: Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
C: for they are ever with me.
M: I have more insight than all my teachers,
C: for I meditate on your statutes.
M: How sweet are your words to my taste,
C: sweeter than honey to my mouth!
2 All our knowledge, sense, and sight
Lie in deepest darkness shrouded
Till your Spirit breaks our night
With the beams of truth unclouded.
You alone to God can win us;
You must work all good within us.
M: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
C: so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
M: Yet so often we have despised God’s Word and failed to gladly hear and learn it. For this and all our sins, we bow before God and humbly ask his 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.
3 Gracious Savior, good and kind,
Light from Light, from God proceeding,
Open now our heart and mind;
Help us by your Spirit’s pleading.
Hear the cry your people raises;
Hear and bless our prayers and praises.
M: God gave his Word so “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name”. The Scriptures testify about Jesus, who lived a perfect life for you, died on the cross to pay for all your sins, and rose again to assure you of your salvation. 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: (spoken) Amen.
4 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Praise to you and adoration!
Grant that we your Word may trust,
Confident of our salvation,
While we here below must wander,
Till we sing your praises yonder.
PRAYER OF THE DAY (read by pastor)
M: Let us pray.
C: (spoken) Amen.
(Please be seated)
THE DAY’S BIBLE READING THEME
Jesus Is Revealed By Setting Captives Free
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Deuteronomy 18:15-20
A Prophet like Moses will come
The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.”
The LORD said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.”
PSALM 1 (hymnal page 64 pulpit side sings the first line, lectern side sings the second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)
EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 8: 1-13 (today’s sermon text)
Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.
So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is on me; He has anointed me to preach good news. Alleluia! (Luke 4:18a)
LITURGY (hymnal page 30, all sing)
“Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!”
(Please stand)
GOSPEL Mark 1:21-28
As God’s Prophet, Jesus’ words and works have authority
They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
LITURGY (hymnal page 30b, all sing)
“Praise be to you, O Christ”
(Please be seated)
SERMON HYMN 735 “Speak, O Lord” (see page 7-8 of bulletin)
SERMON 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
“Practice Christian Freedom with Head and Heart!”
- Learn of the freedom that is yours in Christ
- Use that knowledge in love toward your neighbor
(Please stand after the sermon)
THE NICENE CREED (hymnal page 31, all read)
(Please be seated)
OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS, & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS
SOLOIST James Wachholz sings “Star of the East” during the offering
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN LOVE (read by pastor)
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Ardis Henning, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), 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), Steve Parrish, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Tim Schultz, Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Bob Wegner – (added this week: George Chapman)
– For the family of Pastor Jim Weiland from Merrill called home on Monday (1/22)
– For our communicants at St. John’s
LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 32)
LITURGY FOR HOLY COMMUNION (hymnal pages 33-35)
(Please be seated for the distribution)
At Emmanuel and St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Churches we practice close Communion, to which only congregational members are invited, in obedience to Scripture’s teaching that the Lord’s Supper is an expression of our complete unity in faith. This has been the historic practice of the Christian church for nearly 2,000 years. If you are our guest today, we respectfully ask that you speak with the pastor before approaching the altar for Communion.
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 306 “Before You, God, the Judge of All”
(After the distribution, please stand)
THANK THE LORD, CLOSING PRAYER, & BLESSING (hymnal pages 36-37)
(Please be seated)
CLOSING HYMN 498 “Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire” (printed in hymnal, all sing)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Theme for next Sunday (2/4):
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless
Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.
| ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3 | |||
| Sun. | 8:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Worship | |
| 8:20 A.M. | Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School | ||
| 8:30 A.M. | St. John’s Sunday School | ||
| 9:00 A.M. | St. John’s Adult Bible Study | ||
| 9:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Council meeting | ||
| 10:00 A.M. | St. John’s Worship with communion | ||
| 2:00 P.M. | WLA Let’s Celebrate | ||
| Mon. | 9:00 A.M. | Pastor’s Conference at Campbellsport | |
| 6:00 P.M. | St. John’s School Board meeting | ||
| NO CHOIR | |||
| Tues. | 7:00P.M. | St. John’s Council meeting | |
| Wed. | 10:00 A.M. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s | |
| 1:40 P.M. | St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal | ||
| 2:15 P.M. | Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s | ||
| 6:30 P.M. | St. John’s Worship with communion | ||
| 7:30 P.M. | Bible Information Class at St. John’s | ||
| Thurs. | 12:00 A.M. | St. John’s Ladies Aid lunch and meeting | |
| 6:00 P.M. | Griefshare at St. John’s lower level begins (3 of 13 weeks) | ||
| Fri. | GROUNDHOG DAY | ||
| Sat. | |||
| SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018
Theme for next Sunday (2/4): The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless |
|||
| 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. | St. John’s Adult Bible Study | ||
| 9:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Congregational meeting | ||
| 10:00 A.M. | St. John’s Worship | ||
| 11:15 A.M. | St. John’s Voters meeting | ||
MEMORIALS In loving memory of Brian Sluga, $100.00 has been given to St. John’s school by Valerie Schable. In loving memory of Walter Bubolz, $500.00 has also been given to St. John’s school by friends and family. In loving memory of Millie Henke, $20.00 has been given to St. John’s Sunday School by James and Linda Wachholz and $25.00 has been given to St. John’s church by the Ladies Aid. Thank you all for your gifts.
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19:25-26
THANK YOU all for your constant, steadfast support every year to our Lutheran Military Support Group. What a difference you make! God bless! -Semper Fi, John & St. John’s member, Mark Emond
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God.” Isaiah 43:2-3a
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 if you haven’t yet! If you do not have a box, feel free to contact pastor or the office and we will get one to you!
2017 OFFERING STATEMENTS If you have signed up to receive your 2017 offering statement, please pick it up in the link way.
FOOD BANK There is a Food Bank Donation Jar out today, January 28, located near the entrance of both churches.
NEW MEMBER WELCOME DINNER Many thanks to the 70+ members who joined us on Sunday 1/21 at 11:15 a.m. for our joint E/SJ new member welcome dinner. Special thanks to Linda Wachholz for advertizing & coordinating the event. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
YOUTH WOODCRAFT PROJECT On 7/6/17 lightning struck Gene Crook’s woodshop which was destroyed by fire. In thanksgiving to God that no one was hurt, and now that his woodshop has been rebuilt and tools replaced, Gene invites up to 16 youth (grades 5-8) to come on Tuesday 2/13 at 3:30pm to his new woodshop to assemble bird feeder kits for youth to take and set up at their home. Gene & Sharon Crook – W4018 County Rd. D – Montello, WI 53949 – Directions: County Road F @ 3 miles south of Montello, West on CR D, 2nd house, 1st farm on right – Please let Gene’s helper, Pastor Z, know if you plan to attend.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS A new “Bible Information Class” began 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 started 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 and Wednesday 10am. “Therefore let us leave the elementery teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)
WEDNESDAY LENTEN DEVOTIONS “Jesus, Our Great High Priest” (based on the New Testament book of Hebrews) is the theme for this year’s midweek Lenten devotions beginning, Ash Wednesday, 2/14 3:30 p.m. at Emmanuel and 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s. Supper will be served in the St. John’s lower level from 4:30–6:00 p.m. “Jesus, I will ponder now, on your holy passion.” (Hymn 98)
LENT BY CANDLELIGHT Ladies, you won’t want to miss the second ever Lent by Candlelight on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 5:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello. Please plan to join us for an evening of visiting, beautiful music and scrumptious snacks. All women are invited and are encouraged to invite their friends to prepare their hearts for Lent. There is no charge for this event. Seating is limited, so RSVP by emailing christavantreeck@gmail.com or signing up in the link way at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello.
LUTHER PREP SCHOOL AUCTION GALA Donations of new items are currently being accepted for the Luther Prep Auction Gala to be held on Saturday, April 21. If you have something to share it can be brought to the Mission Advancement office anytime during the LPS school day. If you cannot attend the Gala in person this would be a great way to show support! Monetary donations can be made online:
http://events.readysetauction.com/lutherpreparatoryschool/carnival
Deadline for donations is March 9. Questions? Contact Sue at 920-262-8104.
Your support benefits future pastors, teachers, and lay leaders.
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY Following the Sunday 8:00 a.m. worship service at Emmanuel, usually about 9:00 a.m., all are invited to the parish hall for our study of “Timely Topics–Timeless Truths” led by Lucas Stelter. At 9:00 a.m. in the St. John’s sanctuary, all are invited to our study of the New Testament book of James: “Concrete Christianity” led by Pastor John Dolan and others. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” (2 Peter 3:18)
SECOND IMPRESSIONS THRIFT STORE is making plans to celebrate its one year anniversary, which is February 9th! Be sure to watch church bulletins and/or Facebook for the latest news!
The Thrift Store has been very blessed with approximately 100 volunteers who so graciously and generously give of their time and talents! Many referrals by our customers are helping make our customer list grow! Volunteers continue to be needed to help keep up with the growth!
Customers may shop the store which provides a friendly, Christian atmosphere, with clean, well-organized, quality merchandise at great prices! Store hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 10a.m. to 6p.m. and Saturdays 10a.m. to 3p.m. It is located at 325 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac. We are also thankful to everyone who has so generously donated to the store! It certainly is a blessing. The donations have proved to be popular with our customers. Donations may be dropped off Mondays 10a.m. to 4p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays 10a.m. to 5p.m., and Saturdays 10a.m. to 2p.m. Thank you to everyone who has helped make our store a success!
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor) It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
| Usher Schedule | |
| January 28 (E) | DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller |
| (SJ) | Jack Yates; Chief, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt |
| February 4 (C) | |
| February 11 | |
| February 18 | |
| February 25 | |
| Greeter Schedule | |
| January 28 | LuAnn Zieman & Kay Maass |
| February 4 | Phyllis Farrell & Pat Henning |
| February 11 | Ciara Neuhauser & Bonnie Weiss |
| February 18 | Jim & Diane Eisermann |
| February 25 | Harold & Judy Fandrey |
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 1-21 1-24 | 66 | 169 8 |
| St. John’s Altar Committee
January 2018 |
Elaine Kelm & Carolyn Rosenthal | |
Welcome To Our Visitors!
Please Sign Our Guest Register
Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org
https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-107160252675/
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