Bulletin – May 23, 2021

May 21, 2021May 21, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The Day of Pentecost

The Spirit Gives Life

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Pastor John Dolan

May 22, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

May 23, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

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
† Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel 10:00a.m. at St. John’s
† Saturday: 4:30p.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 Day of Pentecost: The Spirit Does the Impossible! – There are many situations in life that seem impossible to deal with. People are drawn to despair and hopelessness. But our God is the God of the impossible. The day of Pentecost gave clear evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit to change things around. Just as dead bones became living, breathing beings in the Ezekiel reading, so people dead in sin become spiritually live through a message the Holy Spirit orchestrated and communicated through his people.

†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.

OPENING HYMN CW 176, Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord

† S E R V I C E O F W O R D & S A C R A M E N T †

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: God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us.

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.

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.

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Kyrie

M: For all that we need in life and for the wisdom to use all your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ.

M: For the well-being of your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: Merciful God, maker and preserver of life, uphold us by your power and keep us in your tender care:

M: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; his name is worthy of praise.

O LORD, OUR LORD

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

Holy Spirit, God and Lord, come to us this joyful day with your sevenfold gift of grace. Rekindle in our hearts the holy fire of your love that in a true and living faith we may tell abroad the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Father, 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 37:1-14

Summary: The Holy Spirit gives life and hope

The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

I said, “O Sovereign LORD, you alone know.”

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’”

CHOIR Oh, Breath of God

*Sunday only. In place of Psalm.

PSALM 51b

* Saturday only. Sing refrain, read verses in unison.

O Lord, open my lips,*

and my mouth will declare your praise.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;*

you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;*

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Refrain

Create in me a pure heart, O God,*

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence*

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,*

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,*

and sinners will turn back to you.

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

EPISTLE LESSON Acts 2:1-21 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: God poured out His Spirit

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

VERSE OF THE DAY

M: Alleluia. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON John 14:25-27

Summary: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY CW 183, Holy Spirit, Light Divine

SERMON Acts 2:1-21

“The Spirit Speaks Your Language”

Please stand.

NICENE CREED

All: 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.

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, Pentecost Prayers 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.

†T H E S A C R A M E N T †

Our Lord Jesus has given us a holy supper in which we receive his true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith. In this supper we celebrate the gift of his redemption, we bear witness to the fellowship we share as confessors of the truth, and we proclaim his death until he returns.

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

M: Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms and placed all things under his feet for the benefit of the Church.

Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ. To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and thanks and honor and glory for ever and ever.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

Please be seated for the distribution.

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice close 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.

CHOIR At the Table of the Lord

Please stand.

THANK THE LORD

M: Hear the prayer of your people, O Lord, that the lips which have praised you here may glorify you in the world, that the eyes which have seen the coming of your Son may long for his coming again, and that all who have received in his true body and blood the pledge of your forgiveness may be restored to live a new and holy life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Be seated.

*On Sunday only. In place of the blessing and closing hymn.

CHOIR Go Now in Peace

*On Saturday only, pastor speaks the blessing, and everyone sings the closing hymn.

M: 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.

The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

CLOSING HYMN CW 471, Renew Me, O Eternal Light

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 †

May 23 – May 29

Sun.	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

Mon.

Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel

Wed.	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
	6:00p.m.	Little Lambs Graduation

Thurs.		Class Trips

Fri.	10:45a.m.	End of School Closing Service & Kindergarten Graduation
	11:15a.m.	Last Day of School Picnic
	11:45a.m.	Summer Dismissal
Sat.
	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship

*Next week’s theme:-* *May 30, 2021* The Festival of the Holy Trinity
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

† 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, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), 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), Kathy North, Rhett Petersen (Dan Finger’s friend), 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, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch, Bill Zamzow (Kay Maass’ brother-in-law ) – (added this week: Ellie Kendall, Kathy Weinfurter, Bill Zamzow (Kay Maass’ brother-in-law ) -For the family of Donna Gray, the mother of our St. John’s member Annette St. Onge, who joined her heavenly home on 5/20

UPDATED COVID 19 PROTOCOL Emmanuel and St. John’s Joint Councils approved the following updates, effective Saturday & Sunday, May 22, 23, 2021: 1) Wearing masks and social distancing is still encouraged. 2) All pews at both churches will be open for seating. 3) Parish members are free to worship at either Emmanuel or St. John’s. 4) Congregational singing will be resumed at all worship services; soloists are discontinued. 5) Saturday outdoor worship will be held once monthly, June-September, pending Worship Committee approval.

ATTENTION ST. JOHN’S AND EMMANUEL MEMBERS: Starting Sunday, May 16 @ 6:30pm, there will be adult softball on the baseball diamond behind St. John’s. This is open to men and women who have graduated high school (recently or a long time ago!). We are not preparing for a future event, just gathering in fellowship and activity during the warmer months of the year. Come out and enjoy the season and meeting together!

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!

CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. Pentecost season scarves and descriptive cards are available for pickup! We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.

ST. JOHN”S LADIES, TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO VOTE for officers on the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Board of Directors and for mission projects for the international level. Your vote will be tabulated with those of LWMS members from across the country and in some foreign countries and announced at the virtual LWMS Convention, June 24-27. Your vote is very much appreciated.

THRIVENT SHIRTS There are many extra t shirts from various events located in St. John’s link way. Please help yourself!

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 †

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.

PRESCHOOL END OF THE YEAR The school board has approved a gathering for preschool students and families at the end of the year. The 4K students will “graduate” and all Little Lambs will present a program and receive a certificate. The program is called “I Can Go and Tell.” We will have a gathering after the program with refreshments. You may invite a few family members to attend the event. It will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 6:00 pm. The program will take place in church and the reception will be either in the church basement or in the gym. I hope you can join us!

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION The kindergartners will graduate at the closing service of the school year on Friday, May 28, in the morning. The closing service will take place in church toward the end of the morning. (Time to be determined.) The kindergartners will sing a song and receive their kindergarten diploma. There will be a cookout following the service for all students and family members. Make plans to attend now. It will be here before you know it!

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

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!

THRIVENT SHIRTS There are many extra t shirts from various events located in St. John’s link way. Please help yourself!

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

Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG)

AMMO Cans for Memorial Day

We’re a fairly young organization with an important mission – providing Christian support to our military and their families. We need your help.

LMSG stands for Lutheran Military Support Group. LMSG is a partnership of ELS and WELS veterans who are working to grow awareness of and bring Christian support to military members and their families in our congregations and beyond.

Monday, May 28, is a special day for our country because we remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. During this time of year, and also at Veterans Day, LMSG asks for donations to help carry out our work of sharing the Gospel with military members and their loved ones.

On Memorial Day, our LMSG chapter reminds each of you to give thanks for those who died for our freedoms, to pray for those who mourn and to comfort us with the joy that Christ died for all those who died for us and ultimately brings eternal life to all who believe in Him.

If you can financially support the work of LMSG, your offerings will be used in a variety of ways — from training and educating chaplains who serve our military on bases and in hospitals, to family assistance for things like child care, transportation assistance or snow removal. Our dollars are also expanding the reach of Time of Grace broadcasts to military bases around the globe so our men and women can hear God’s precious word wherever they are stationed.

Thank you for your time. And, thank you for joining LMSG in giving thanks to God for the men and women who faithfully answered the call to serve in our nation’s military.

Ammo cans are located near the entrance of both churches this Sunday, May 23 and next Sunday,

May 30.

To learn more, please visit: www.lutheranmilitary.org

The Spirit Does the Impossible!

Pentecost – B

God’s Word for Today

There are many situations in life that seem impossible to deal with. People are drawn to despair and hopelessness. But our God is the God of the impossible. The day of Pentecost gave clear evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit to change things around. Just as dead bones became living, breathing beings in the Ezekiel reading, so people dead in sin become spiritually live through a message the Holy Spirit orchestrated and communicated through his people.

First Lesson (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

1. What were the condition of the bones and what in your life do they represent?

2. What made these dead bones live? What does that mean for you?

Second Lesson (Acts 2:1-21)

3. What was so amazing about these men boldly speaking in tongues?

4. What was Peter’s explanation of this event?

Gospel (John 14:25-27)

5. Whom was the Father going to send in connection with the name of Jesus?

6. What would be the focus of the Holy Spirit?

Answers:

1. The bones were very dry. There was no life at all in them. The spirit among the people of God was one of hopelessness and despair. There seemed no chance to be released from captivity to return to their homeland. Sin leaves us dry too. (Eph 2:1-4) It makes us unable to do anything to return to God and the blessings he intended for us. It produces the feeling of being trapped and hopeless.

2. The Holy Spirit does the impossible by bringing what was dead to life. He will restore the nation of Israel and bring it to its feet to return to their homeland. In us he also creates a new heart and renews a steadfast spirit within us (Ps 51). What seems impossible becomes a reality in the promises of God – some that we experience fulfillment of now – others we look forward to.

3. These were common, everyday workingmen – “Galileans’ that would not have had such schooling to speak so many other languages fluently. They were ones who had earlier hidden for fear of people connecting them with Christ. Now they were boldly telling that message of the crucified and risen Savior in languages that could be clearly understood by foreigners.

4. This was the fulfillment of God’s prophecy that he would send his Spirit in a special way. This special outpouring began at Pentecost and continues today wherever the gospel is preached. The purpose was to get the news out so that all could call on the name of the Lord and be saved.

5. The Father and Son would send the Holy Spirit – the third person of the Godhead.

6. The truths that Jesus was sharing with the disciples seemed so confusing at the time. So much to learn that was different than what they had imagined. The Holy Spirit would “teach you all things” and “remind you of everything Jesus taught.” The Holy Spirit was not coming to draw attention to himself, but to turn our eyes and hearts to Jesus. Like a spotlight operator, he focuses the gospel light on Jesus so we can clearly see what he has done, understand what he has taught and be established firmly in faith.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
5-15		23
5-16	43	69
St. John’s Altar Committee for May 2021: Kay Maass & Jennie Utke

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, 1^st& 2^nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554
3^rd-5^th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021
Principal & 6^th – 8^th 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
●●●

Bulletin – May 16, 2021

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 7^th Sunday of Easter

The Ascended Lord, Our Great High Priest, Prepares His Church for Its Work

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

May 15, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

May 16, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us on this wonderful Mother’s Day! May God bless and fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together today.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
† Sunday:
8:00a.m. at Emmanuel
10:00a.m. at St. John’s

† Saturday:
4:30p.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.

UPDATED COVID-19 PROTOCOL   Emmanuel and St. John’s Joint Councils approved the following updates, effective Sunday, May 23, 2021: 1) Wearing masks and social distancing is still encouraged. 2) All pews at both churches will be open for seating. 3) Parish members are free to worship at either Emmanuel or St. John’s. 4) Congregational singing will be resumed at all worship services; soloists are discontinued. 5) Saturday outdoor worship will be held once monthly, June-September, pending Worship Committee approval.

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 7^th Sunday of Easter – He Watches Over Me – Our ascended Lord watches over his Church. He intercedes for us with the Father. He protects us with his power. He guides us with his Holy Word of truth.

†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.

OPENING HYMN CW 232, “Lord of My Life, Whose Tender Care”

† 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.

Almighty God, your Son our Savior was taken up in glory and intercedes for us at your right hand. Through your living and abiding Word, give us hearts to know him and faith to follow where he has gone; 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 Acts 1:15-26

Summary: Preparation by the disciples for witnessing to the world

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) ¹⁶and said, “Brothers and sisters,^[^a^] the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. ¹⁷He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

¹⁸(With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’^[^b^]

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’^[^c^]

²¹Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, ²²beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

²³So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

PSALM 8

* Sing refrains and verses in unison.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!*

You have set your glory above the heavens.

When I consider your heavens,*

the work of your fingers,

what is man that you are mindful of him,*

the Son of Man that you care for him?

Refrain

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings*

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;*

you put everything under his feet.

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

EPISTLE LESSON 1 John 4:13-21

Summary: We love because he first loved us

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. ¹⁴And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. ¹⁶And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. ¹⁷This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. ¹⁸There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

¹⁹We love because he first loved us. ²⁰Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. ²¹And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 14:18

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON John 17:11-19 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Jesus prays that his disciples may be protected and sent out into the world

I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of^[^a^] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. ¹²While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by^[^b^] that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

¹³“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. ¹⁴I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. ¹⁵My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷Sanctify them by^[^c^] the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY CW 359, “Jesus, My Great High Priest”

SERMON John 17:11-19

“O LORD! SET US APART BY YOUR TRUTH!”

That we may have what You want us to have (13)
That we may be what You want us to be (14-17)
That we may do what You want us to do (18-19)

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

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Ascension Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see

announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN CW 469:1-4, “Take My Life and Let It Be”

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-11.png

M: 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.

The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN CW 469:5, 6, “Take My Life and Let It Be”

*See page 9.

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

May 16 – May 22

Sun.	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	9:00a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.
	6:30p.m.	Choir at St. John’s

Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	6:30p.m.	Joint Worship meeting at St. John’s
Wed.
	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
Thurs.	3:30p.m.	School Speech meetings
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare Movie/Pizza Night of “I Still Believe”
Fri.	12:45p.m.	School Arbor Day
Sat.
	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

*Next week’s theme:-* *May 23, 2021* The Day of Pentecost: The Spirit Gives Life
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, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy North, Rhett Petersen (Dan Finger’s friend), Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, Jeff Reimer & son Tim, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Sally Elmer, Thomas Marcelain, LuAnn Reber, Tim Reimer) – For the family of our Emmanuel member Pat Bornick called to her eternal home on Monday (5/10) at the age of 86 – For Armed Forces Day (5/15 – “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD. I SHALL NOT WANT…” On Monday (5/10/21) our loving Good Shepherd Jesus Christ called to his side in heaven the soul of our Emmanuel–Mecan member Pat Bornick. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Wednesday (5/19) at Emmanuel–Mecan. 10am visitation. 11am funeral. committal at a later date. “…AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.” (Psalm 23 that Pat and I recited together at the close of our 5/6 communion visit) – www.wachholzandsons.com

UPDATED COVID 19 PROTOCOL  Emmanuel and St. John’s Joint Councils approved the following updates, effective Sunday, May 23, 2021: 1) Wearing masks and social distancing is still encouraged. 2) All pews at both churches will be open for seating. 3) Parish members are free to worship at either Emmanuel or St. John’s. 4) Congregational singing will be resumed at all worship services; soloists are discontinued. 5) Saturday outdoor worship will be held once monthly, June-September, pending Worship Committee approval.

ATTENTION ST. JOHN’S AND EMMANUEL MEMBERS: Starting Sunday, May 16 @ 6:30pm, there will be adult softball on the baseball diamond behind St. John’s. This is open to men and women who have graduated high school (recently or a long time ago!). We are not preparing for a future event, just gathering in fellowship and activity during the warmer months of the year. Come out and enjoy the season and meeting together!

GRIEFSHARE This Thursday, May 20 at 6:00p.m., the Griefshare group will be showing the movie “I Still Believe”. All Griefshare members are invited and may bring a guest. If you, or anyone you know, could benefit from this, please come! Please RSVP to Mark Emond 608-697-1600. Pizza will also be provided!

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!

CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. Pentecost season scarves and descriptive cards are available for pickup! We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.

ST. JOHN’S LADIES, PLEASE VOTE!  All confirmed women are eligible to vote for officers on the International Board of Directors of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) and for mission projects for 2021-2022. A voting station is located in the linkway today.  Voting ends on Sunday, May 23. Results of this voting will be announced at the virtual LWMS Convention, June 24-27.  If you have questions, please contact Reporter Linda Wachholz.  Your vote is very much appreciated!

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 †

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.

PRESCHOOL END OF THE YEAR The school board has approved a gathering for preschool students and families at the end of the year. The 4K students will “graduate” and all Little Lambs will present a program and receive a certificate. The program is called “I Can Go and Tell.” We will have a gathering after the program with refreshments. You may invite a few family members to attend the event. It will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 6:00 pm. The program will take place in church and the reception will be either in the church basement or in the gym. I hope you can join us!

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION The kindergartners will graduate at the closing service of the school year on Friday, May 28, in the morning. The closing service will take place in church toward the end of the morning. (Time to be determined.) The kindergartners will sing a song and receive their kindergarten diploma. There will be a cookout following the service for all students and family members. Make plans to attend now. It will be here before you know it!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ART FOR DINNER WINNERS Cookbook cover: Keira Breiwa, Rhett Gimnick, Rilyn Henke, Johanna Jaster,    Connor Riesselmann and Nolan Van Treeck Individual who sold the most cookbooks: Keira Breiwa, 4^th grade (28 cookbooks!) Classroom that sold the most cookbooks: Miss Tindall’s 3^rd-5^th grade (61 cookbooks!) Each winner received a prize bag full of goodies and the 3^rd-5^th graders received a pizza and ice cream party. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Art For Dinner fundraiser! Stay tuned for when to pick up your cookbook, apparel/accessories and for our totals raised this year.

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

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

He Watches Over Me

Seventh Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

Our ascended Lord watches over his Church. He intercedes for us with the Father. He protects us with his power. He guides us with his Holy Word of truth.

First Lesson (Acts 1:15-26)

1. This takes place soon after Jesus’ ascension and before Pentecost. What did Peter propose to the early believers?

2. The disciples let God choose who would take Judas’ place. Explain.

Second Lesson (1 John 4:13-21)

3. According to verse 15, how can we know that God lives in us?

4. What does our love for God lead us to do?

5. Verse 18 says that there is no fear in love. So, if I am afraid at some point, have I lost my faith?

Gospel (John 17:11b-19)

6. Jesus prayed these words on the night before he died. It is commonly known as his High Priestly prayer. For what things did Jesus pray?

7. What did Jesus mean when he said, “Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth”?

Answers:

1. That they choose a replacement for Judas the Betrayer. He suggested that they choose a man who had been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry.

2. Even though the disciple’s “chose” the final two candidates, they did it prayerfully according to the criteria mentioned above. Then they prayed and cast lots. The lot fell to Matthias. This was not luck, but rather God’s decision.

3. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we know and trust that Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. Therefore our trust in Jesus is proof that God dwells within us.

4. Out of thanks for God’s love we seek to show love to others.

5. Our faith, which trusts solely in God’s love, does not fear anything. Faith says boldly with the Apostle Paul, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Our trust in God’s love shows no fear. Yet we are at the same time sinners and saints. Our sinful nature does doubt. Our sinful nature does fear. The life of a Christian is a struggle against that sinful nature. Moments of fear and doubt should not drive us to despair of our salvation, but rather to the loving promises of our Savior God who strengthens our faith and takes away our fears.

6. Because he was leaving, Jesus asked God to watch over his disciples and protect them.

7. To sanctify means to “set apart” for God and for holiness. God through his Word and the faith worked by that Word sets apart believers for himself. We are in the world, but we are not of it. Heaven is our home. Jesus prayed that God would continue to keep them from sin, the devil and the evil of this world through his Holy Word. God continues to set us apart through that same Word of truth.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
5-8		11
5-9	44	181
5-12		17
5-13	8
St. John’s Altar Committee for May 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, 1^st& 2^nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3^rd-5^th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021 Principal & 6^th – 8^th 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 ●●●

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Monday 8:00-4:00

Tuesday 8:00-4:00

Wednesday 8:00-4:00

Thursday 8:00-4:00

Bulletin – May 9, 2021

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 6^th Sunday of Easter

Mother’s Day – Love One Another

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

May 8, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

May 9, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

† 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.

OPENING HYMN CW 377:1-5, “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice“

1 Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice, With exultation springing,

And, with united heart and voice And holy rapture singing,

Proclaim the wonders God has done, How his right arm the vict’ry won.

How dearly it has cost him!

2 Fast bound in Satan’s chains I lay; Death brooded darkly o’er me.

Sin was my torment night and day; In sin my mother bore me.

Yet deep and deeper still I fell; Life had become a living hell,

So firmly sin possessed me.

3 My own good works availed me naught, No merit they attaining;

My will against God’s judgment fought, No hope for me remaining.

My fears increased till sheer despair Left naught but death to be my share

And hell to be my sentence.

4 But God beheld my wretched state Before the world’s foundation,

And, mindful of his mercies great, He planned my soul’s salvation.

A Father’s heart he turned to me, Sought my redemption fervently;

He gave his dearest treasure.

5 He spoke to his beloved Son: “’Tis time to have compassion.

Then go, bright Jewel of my crown, And bring mankind salvation.

From sin and sorrow set them free; Slay bitter death for them that they

May live with you forever.”

† T H E C O M M O N S E R V I C E †

Please stand.

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

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

C: Lord, have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

C: Amen.

M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

GLORY BE TO GOD

Gloria in Excelsis

C: Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

We praise you, we bless you, we worship you,

we glorify you, we give thanks to you, your great glory,

O Lord God, heav’nly King, God the Father almighty.

O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ;

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

You take away the sin of the world; receive our prayer.

You sit at the right hand of God the Father; have mercy on us.

For you only are holy; you only are the Lord.

You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

M: Let us pray.

Father of lights, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Inspire us to think those things that are true and long for those things that are good, that we may always make our petitions according to your gracious will; through you Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

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 Acts 11:19-26 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Barnabas encourages believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. ²⁰Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. ²¹The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

²²News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ²³When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. ²⁴He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

²⁵Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL CHIMES

*At Sunday St. John’s service only & in place of the Psalm.

PSALM 98

* At. Saturday St. John’s & Sunday Emmanuel services.

Refrain: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.

Sing to the LORD a new song,*

for he has done marvelous things.

The LORD has made his salvation known*

and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

He has remembered his love and his faithfulness

to the house of Israel;*

all the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.

Refrain

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,*

burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the LORD with the harp,*

with the harp and the sound of singing.

Shout for joy before the LORD, the King.*

He will judge the world in righteousness

and the peoples with equity.

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

EPISTLE LESSON 1 John 4:1-11

Summary: Test the spirits to remain faithful in love to the Lord and eachother

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ²This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

⁴You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit^[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

⁷Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 14:23

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Alleluia.

C: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Please stand.

C: Glory be to you, O Lord!

GOSPEL LESSON John 15:9-17

Summary: Jesus says, “Remain in My love”

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹²My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. ¹⁷This is my command: Love each other.

C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

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 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 377:6-10, “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice”

6 The Son obeyed his Father’s will, Was born of virgin mother,

And, God’s good pleasure to fulfill, He came to be my brother.

No garb of pomp or pow’r he wore; A servant’s form like mine he bore

To lead the devil captive.

7 To me he spoke, “Hold fast to me—I am your rock and castle.

Your ransom I myself will be; For you I strive and wrestle.

For I am yours, your friend divine, And evermore you shall be mine;

The foe shall not divide us.

8 “The foe shall shed my precious blood, Me of my life bereaving.

All this I suffer for your good; Be steadfast and believing.

Life shall from death the vict’ry win; My innocence shall bear your sin,

And you are blest forever.

9 “Now to my Father I depart, The Holy Spirit sending

And, heav’nly wisdom to impart, My help to you extending.

He will a source of comfort be, Teach you to know and follow me,

And in all truth will guide you.

10 “What I on earth have lived and taught Be all your life and teaching;

So shall my kingdom’s work be wrought And honored in your preaching.

Take care that no one’s man-made laws Should e’er destroy the gospel’s cause.

This final word I leave you.”

SERMON Acts 11:19-30

“The Church in Antioch-A Model Church”

A church with good news for all (19-21)
A church with a ministry for all (22-26)
A church with a heart for all (27-30)

Please stand.

C: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your free Spirit. 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

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Easter Season 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.

† H O L Y C O M M U N I O N †

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

C: We lift them up unto the Lord.

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.

C: It is good and right so to do.

M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we praise you especially for the glorious resurrection of your Son, the true Passover Lamb, who by his sacrifice took away the sins of the world and by his resurrection restored everlasting life. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

C: Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts: heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: Amen.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

C: O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace. Amen.

Be seated.

DISTRIBUTION

During the distribution the congregation may sing one or more hymns.

DISTRIBUTION HYMN CW 309, “Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord”

1 Draw near and take the body of the Lord,

And drink the holy blood for you outpoured.

Offered was he for greatest and for least,

Himself the victim and himself the priest.

2 He that his saints in this world rules and shields

To all believers life eternal yields,

With heav’nly bread makes them that hunger whole,

Gives living waters to the thirsty soul.

3 Come forward, then, with faithful hearts sincere,

And take the pledges of salvation here.

Before your altar, Lord, your servants bow;

In this your feast of love be with us now.

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL & LITTLE LAMBS “God Is the Strength of My Heart”

*At Sunday St. John’s only.

Please stand.

SONG OF SIMEON

Nunc Dimittis

C: Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.

M: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

C; And his mercy endures forever.

M: We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this holy supper. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

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.

C: Amen. Amen. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN CW 506, “Oh, Blest the House, Whate’er Befall”

1 Oh, blest the house, whate’er befall,

Where Jesus Christ is all in all!

A home that is not wholly his—

How sad and poor and dark it is!

2 Oh, blest that house where faith you find

And all within have set their mind

To trust their God and serve him still

And do in all his holy will.

3 Oh, blest the parents who give heed

Unto their children’s foremost need

And weary not of care or cost.

May none to them and heav’n be lost!

4 Blest such a house; it prospers well.

In peace and joy the parents dwell,

And in their children’s lives is shown

How richly God can bless his own.

5 Then here will I and mine today

A solemn promise make and say:

Though all the world forsake his Word,

I and my house will serve the Lord!

Mothers, please accept a carnation as you exit church. Happy Mother’s Day! ♥

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

May 9 – May 15


Sun.		Mother’s Day
	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	9:00a.m.	Pastors’ Study Club-Green Lake
	6:30p.m.	NO Choir due to Council meeting
	6:30p.m.	Joint Council at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	10:00a.m.	Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
	6:30p.m.	St. John’s Ascension Eve Worship
Thurs.	9:00a.m.	Emmanuel Ascension Day Worship
Fri.
Sat.		Armed Forces Day
	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship

*Next week’s theme-* *May 16, 2021* The 7^th Sunday of Easter : Mother’s Day The Ascended Lord, Our Great High Priest, Prepares His Church for Its Work
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
9:00a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

Love One Another

Sixth Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

What one word summarizes all of God’s commands? Love. Luke tells us that the early Christians showed love for God and for others by preaching the Gospel boldly even in the face of persecution. The Apostle John teaches us that love for God and his Word compels us to carefully examine all teachings and churches in the light of Scripture. Jesus himself commands us to love one another as he has loved us.

First Lesson (Acts 11:19-26)

1. According to verse 21, what happened to the church despite persecution?

2. Believers were called Christians first at Antioch. What is the significance of being called Christians?

Second Lesson (1 John 4:1-11)

3. What are the “spirits” of which John speaks here?

4. Evaluate the following statement. “If we do not always show true love for others, that means that we are not true believers.”

Gospel (John 15:9-17)

5. The world often portrays true love as weak and God’s commands as burdensome. According to verse 11, why did Jesus command us to show love?

6. What is love?

Answers:

1. Because of the persecution of the Jews, many Christians were scattered and the Wordof God spread to other regions. In Antioch, many non-Jews heard the Gospel and came to believe.

2. By bearing the name “Christians” we give testimony to the fact that we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Savior of the world. We bear the name proudly. We also recognize that the life we live reflects upon him whose name we bear.

3. Moved by the Holy Spirit, we confess and teach God’s Word in truth and purity. Those who do not are led by deceitful spirits, i.e., the devil and his angels. When John tells us to test the spirits he encourages us to test teachers and churches according to the truth of Scripture. If they go against Scripture – if they deny that Jesus is the Christ – then they are not from God.

4. If we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we will produce fruits of love. Being sinners, however, we will not always show perfect love. The fact that we don’t always show love doesn’t mean that we aren’t believers; it just means that our faith still needs to grow. As believers, we won’t use that fact as an excuse to not show love, but rather as a reason to grow in our faith through the use of the Gospel.

5. So that we might have his joy and that our joy may be complete. God does not give us his commandments to make our lives boring or more difficult, but rather because he knows that it is for our good. Following his commandments makes our lives happier.

6. Love is self-sacrifice in attitude and action. Love is the opposite of selfishness. Love does everything for the other person. Jesus gives us the ultimate example of love in verse 13: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
5-1		10
5-2	35	104
St. John’s Altar Committee for May 2021: Kay Maass & Jennie Utke

Bulletin – April 25, 2021

April 23, 2021April 23, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 4^th Sunday of Easter

Confirmation Sunday

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Pastor Pete Zietlow

April 24, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

April 25, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel, 10:00a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
Address: 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949
Office: 608-297-2866
Pastor Zietlow: 608-408-7830
Website: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Address: W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! 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 Easter season.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
† Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel 10:00a.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation sings during worship.

† Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation does not sing during worship. Instead, a soloist sings.

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 4^th Sunday of Easter – The Risen Lord Is Our Shepherd – Jesus is our Good Shepherd. We are his sheep. Our Good Shepherd loves us so much that he gave his life for us. He knows us all by name. He protects us from our enemies. He gives us courage and strength. He continually brings more sheep into his fold. He promises heaven to all who believe in him. How great is the love that God has lavished upon us!

†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.

OPENING HYMN CW 249, “God of Mercy, God of Grace”

†S E R V I C E O F W O R D & S A C R A M E N T †

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: God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us.

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Kyrie

M: For all that we need in life and for the wisdom to use all your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ.

M: For the well-being of your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: Merciful God, maker and preserver of life, uphold us by your power and keep us in your tender care:

M: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; his name is worthy of praise.

O LORD, OUR LORD

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd who laid down your life for the sheep. Lead us now to the still waters of your life-giving Word that we may abide in your Father’s house forevermore; for you live and reign with him 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 Acts 4:23-33

Summary: The early church: one in heart and mind in the Good Shepherd

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ²⁵You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
²⁶The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.^[^a^]’^[^b^]

²⁷Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. ²⁸They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. ²⁹Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

³¹After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions

³²All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ³³With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all…

PSALM 23

* Sing refrain, read verses in unison.

The LORD is my shepherd,*

I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;*

he leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;*

he guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,*

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Refrain

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.*

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,*

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

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

EPISTLE LESSON 1 John 3:1-3 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: We are children of the heavenly Father–adopted sheep of the Good Shepherd

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be, has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 10:14

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON John 10:11-18

Summary: Jesus is our Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹²The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. ¹³The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

¹⁴“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. ¹⁷The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. ¹⁸No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY CW 375, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”

SERMON 1 John 3:1-3

“Our Father Is God”

John describes what’s involved in…

Becoming God’s child
Being God’s child

Please stand.

NICENE CREED

All: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

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.

RITE OF TEEN CONFIRMATION

At St. John’s Sunday service, the congregation receives our confirmands into communicant membership through the Rite of Confirmation and prays for their eternal blessing.

These young Christians have successfully completed a study of the Holy Scriptures on the basis of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. They have also expressed a desire to join the communicant members at St. John’s in receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It is our privilege to welcome them to the Lord’s table and to offer our ardent prayers on their behalf.

These young Christians are entering some of the most formative years of their lives. Satan will work overtime to pull them away from Jesus and a regular study of his Word. We pray the Lord to keep them safe according to his baptismal promises to them, that they remain faithful to him in their regular use of Word and Sacrament until the day he welcomes them and all the saints to sit at the table of his heavenly banquet. God grant this for Jesus’ sake!

ADULT CHOIR “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Good Shepherd Sunday Prayer, Confirmand Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

†T H E S A C R A M E N T †

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

M: Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms and placed all things under his feet for the benefit of the Church.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

Please be seated for the distribution.

Please stand.

THANK THE LORD

M: 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.

The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN CW 152:2-3, “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”

Cantor: (spoken) “But now, this is what the Lord says – ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I have called you by name; you are mine.’ ”

I know that my Re – deem – er lives; What com-fort
When Satan’s lies tempt me to sin, Give me the
Let me con – fess with all my breath, I will be

this sweet sen – tence gives. He lives, he lives who

strength to not give in. Lord, keep me honest, faithful

faith – ful un – til death. Since you have given me the

once was dead, He lives my e – ver – liv – ing Head!

pure, and true; Giv – ing my heart and praise to you.

gift of faith, I will re – ceive the crown of life.

Cantor: (spoken) “I have called you by name; you are mine.”

Class of 2021 St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello, Wi

Alyssa Lynn Mann

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

Emma Elizabeth Mann

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Katie Sue Mann

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Olivia Irene Zuehls

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Congratulations to this year’s confirmands!

May the Lord bless you and keep you in the faith, now and forever.

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

April 25 – May 1

Sun.		Teen Confirmation
	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	6:30p.m.	Joint Choir at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	6:30 p.m.	Joint Council meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	10:00a.m.	Montello Care Center Devotion
	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
Thurs.	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
	6:30p.m.	Evangelism meeting at St. John’s
Fri.	4:00p.m.	School softball game home vs Pardeeville
Sat.	10:00 a.m.	Private baptism for Aurora Hagman (Charlie & Alyssa Hagman)
	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship
*Next week’s theme:* *May 2, 2021* The 5^th Sunday of Easter : Fruits of Faith Flow from our Connection to the Risen Lord
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Council meeting
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, Cheri Borzick, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, Jeff Reimer, Wilma Rudolph, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Ramona Wacholtz) – For our teen confirmands – For our communicants

CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. A variety of church year season “scarves” and descriptive cards will be available for pickup soon. We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR All Emmanuel and St. John’s members are invited to join on Mondays at St. John’s at 6:30pm. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being. All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable. Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816 if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

SPRING LWMS MISSION OFFERINGS totaled $674.00 at St. John’s! World Mission Latin America Special Projects and the Home Mission Pastoral Studies Institute are the current Beaver Dam Circuit projects that will benefit. Also, the

LWMS SPRING SERVICE PROJECT for the Seminary Food Pantry totaled $72.00. Thank you to all who shared offerings!

LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

CHURCH GARAGE SALE Save the date: June 5 & 6! Starting in May, we will be accepting donations to sell. All proceeds made will go towards the Little Lambs house demolition. If you would like to volunteer, please call the office. Thanks!

SCHOOL NEWS

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office or from Lynn Sellnow.

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation 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

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

On Monday 3/8, the Joint Council met to discuss the 2/25 Joint Worship Committee’s proposals regarding the next phase of our COVID worship guidelines. Beginning on Easter Sunday 4/4, the JC approved returning to the pre-COVID common forms of liturgy with full congregational singing, masks and social distancing for the Sunday services. The Saturday service music, however, would continue to be led by a soloist. The JC decided to replace the 6am Easter Sunrise Service at St. John’s to a 8am Easter Worship at St. John’s. The JC also approved the Joint Worship Committee’s proposal to resume choir practice and school singing after Easter. Finally, the JC also approved the change in the wording of the COVID plan to encourage in-person worship. We are concerned that some are staying away from in-person worship because the policy states that if a person can watch the service online, he or she is asked to do so. We feel it is very important for our members to get back to in-person worship when they feel comfortable to do so. – Pastor Z

Good Shepherd Sunday

Fourth Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

Jesus is our Good Shepherd. We are his sheep. Our Good Shepherd loves us so much that he gave his life for us. He knows us all by name. He protects us from our enemies. He gives us courage and strength. He continually brings more sheep into his fold. He promises heaven to all who believe in him. How great is the love that God has lavished upon us!

First Lesson (Acts 4:23-33)

1. According to verse 24, how did the believers in Jerusalem respond when the Sanhedrin ordered Peter and John to no longer preach in Jesus’ name?

2. What did they ask for in verses 29 and 30? How did God respond?

3. Evaluate the following statement: As Christians, we should ask for such things today.

Second Lesson (1 John 3:1,2)

4. What have we become because of God’s love?

5. What does John mean when he says, “what we will be has not yet been made known”?

Gospel (John 10:11-18)

6. Describe Jesus our Good Shepherd.

Answers:

1. They responded by turning to God in prayer. What a great example for us today! When we are faced with difficulties, trials and set backs in the Church, let’s always take it to the Lord in prayer.

2. They asked for boldness to preach and also the special gift of healing and miracles. Luke tells us that they received a special measure of the Holy Spirit and preached boldly. We see in other sections of Acts that some were given the gift of healing and of miracles.

3. God encourages us to ask him for whatever we desire in our hearts and he promises to give us whatever is for our good. Therefore, it is good and right that we pray for boldness to preach. Through the power of his Gospel, God answers our prayers and gives us strength and courage. Today God does not give all of the same gifts that he gave to the early church. Gifts such as healings, tongues and prophecy were given at that time according to their needs. God could still give such gifts today, but we should never expect them or doubt God if he decides not to give them to us.

4. Though we were rebellious sinners and slaves to sin, God in his love has adopted us as his dear children. Through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, we are now heirs of heaven. We are sons and daughters of the king. Through God’s great love, we have become the greatest rags to riches story ever told!

5. Though we are sons and daughters of the King, in this world many times what we are is not so obvious. As believers we may suffer sickness, poverty and disaster. Only when we get to heaven will the glory that is ours be fully revealed.

6. Jesus our Good Shepherd willingly gave up his life for us his sheep. He protects his sheep. He knows and loves each of his sheep personally. His sheep know and love him. He continually brings new sheep into his flock.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
4-17
4-18
St. John’s Altar Committee for April 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

Bulletin – April 18, 2021

April 16, 2021April 16, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 3^rd Sunday of Easter

Believe in the Risen Lord

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Pastor John Dolan

April 17, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

April 18, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church

Address: 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949
Office: 608-297-2866
Pastor Zietlow: 608-408-7830
Website: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! 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 Easter season.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
† Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel
10:00a.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation sings during worship.

† Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation does not sing during worship. Instead, a soloist sings.

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 3^rd Sunday of Easter – Being Certain of What We Do Not See – Our faith is based on Jesus, our risen Lord. We cannot see him. We cannot touch him. We have not yet experienced the joy that will be ours in heaven. We come to know and trust in him as our Savior only through the precious Gospel that is revealed to us in the words of Scripture.

†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.

OPENING HYMN CW 159, “Morning Breaks upon the Tomb”

† 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.

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 risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace. Come to us also by your Word, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your abiding presence; 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

†T H E W O R D †

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST LESSON Acts 3:12-20

Summary: By faith in Jesus’ name we have life

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. ¹⁴You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. ¹⁶By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

¹⁷“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. ¹⁸But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. ¹⁹Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

PSALM 16

* Sing refrain, read verses in unison.

Keep me safe, O God,*

for in you I take refuge.

I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord;*

apart from you I have no good thing.”

I have set the LORD always before me.*

Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Refrain

My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;*

my body also will rest secure,

because you will not abandon me to the grave,*

nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

You have made known to me the path of life;*

you will fill me with joy in your presence.

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

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 15:12-26 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The victory of faith

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 20:29b

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON John 20:19-31

Summary: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

²¹Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²²And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas

²⁴Now Thomas (also known as Didymus^[^a^]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

²⁶A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

²⁸Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

³⁰Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹But these are written that you may believe^[^b^] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY CWS 165:1-4, “O Sons and Daughters of the King”

SERMON 1 Corinthians 15:12-26

“Easter Peace Means There Are No Easter What-Ifs”

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

All: I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

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

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Easter Season Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN CWS 720:1, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands”

M: 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.

The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN CWS 720:5-7, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands”

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

April 18 – April 24

Sun.	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.	6:30p.m.	Joint Choir at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	6:30p.m.	Councilmen’s Conference-Redgranite
Wed.	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
Thurs.	8:00a.m.	St. John’s Teen Confirmation
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s (final)
	6:30p.m.	Teen Confirmation Examination Service via Zoom
Fri.
Sat.	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
*Next week’s theme:* *April 25, 2021* The 4^th Sunday of Easter – Teen Confirmation: The Risen Lord is our Good Shepherd
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

CHURCH NEWS

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Cheri Borzick, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Luanne Mittlestead, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, Jeff Reimer, Wilma Rudolph, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Don Ebert, Luanne Mittlesteadt, Wilma Rudolph) – For the family of Lisa Haag (WLA Pastor David Haag’s wife) called home on 4/10 – For the family of Eldon Radtke (Kathy’s Ninneman’s father) called home on 4/13

CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. A variety of church year season “scarves” and descriptive cards will be available for pickup soon. We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR All Emmanuel and St. John’s members are invited to join on Mondays at St. John’s at 6:30pm. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being. All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable. Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816 if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

SPRING LWMS MISSION OFFERINGS totaled $674.00 at St. John’s! World Mission Latin America Special Projects and the Home Mission Pastoral Studies Institute are the current Beaver Dam Circuit projects that will benefit. Also, the

LWMS SPRING SERVICE PROJECT for the Seminary Food Pantry totaled $72.00. Thank you to all who shared offerings!

SCHOOL NEWS

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office or from Lynn Sellnow.

OPEN HOUSE FOR LITTLE LAMBS There will be an open house on Saturday, April 24, from 8:00 – noon by appointment only. Please contact Lynn at lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or by phone at 616-826-0816. Please share this info with anyone who might be interested in a Christian preschool. Thank you!

ORDER YOUR ART FOR DINNER COOKBOOK NOW! If you would like to order a cookbook, please call Ciara at the office 608-297-2866. The deadline to order is April 23. The price per book is $20. Books are made by order so Megan or Ciara will contact you when they are ready for pickup (you may submit your payment then). Checks may be made out to St. John’s. Thank you for your support!

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation 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

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

– Pastor Z

Being Certain of What We Do Not See

Second Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

Our faith is based on Jesus, our risen Lord. We cannot see him. We cannot touch him. We have not yet experienced the joy that will be ours in heaven. We come to know and trust in him as our Savior only through the precious Gospel that is revealed to us in the words of Scripture.

First Lesson (Acts 3:12-20)

1. Peter here is responding to the crowds after healing a crippled beggar in the temple. According to verse 16, why was the man healed?

2. What does Peter encourage the people to do in verse 19?

Second Lesson (1 John 5:1-6)

3. According to verses two and three, now that we believe in Jesus as our Savior, what does that faith lead us to do?

4. What does Paul mean in verse six when he says that Jesus came by water and blood?

Gospel (John 20:19-31)

5. Why are Jesus’ words in verse 29 so important for us as Christians today?

6. Why did John write the words of his Gospel?

Answers:

1. The man was healed “by faith in the name of Jesus.” Through faith in Peter’s words and Jesus’ promises, the crippled beggar received salvation and the added blessing of healing.

2. Peter is speaking to the Jews who had only a short time before allowed and even asked for the crucifixion of Jesus. Peter tells them that forgiveness is found in Jesus Christ alone. He encourages them to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus their Savior.

3. Faith leads us to love God and obey his commandments.

4. Water is a reference to Jesus’ baptism and blood is a reference to his sacrificial death on the cross. John wrote this letter as a reaction to those who were teaching that Jesus was not true God, but only true man. They were teaching that God somehow descended upon Jesus after his baptism and left him before he died. John tells us that Jesus is God’s eternal Son made man. As true God and true man, Jesus lived, suffered and died for our sins.

5. Because, unlike those first disciples, we did not have the opportunity to see Jesus in the flesh and witness his saving work. Even though we have not see him, we have God’s promise that we will receive the same blessing of heaven through faith.

6. John did not record every last detail of Jesus’ life in his Gospel. He wrote what he wrote so that we might believe that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world. Through faith in Jesus we, as those first disciples, will receive God’s eternal reward in heaven.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
4-10		18
4-11	48	59
St. John’s Altar Committee for April 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

Bulletin – April 11, 2021

April 9, 2021April 9, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 2^nd Sunday of Easter

The Risen Lord Commissions His Followers

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Pastor Pete Zietlow

April 10, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

April 11, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St.
Montello, WI 53949
Office: 608-297-2866
Pastor Zietlow: 608-408-7830
Website: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! 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 Easter season.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
† Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel
10:00a.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation sings during worship.

† Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s
*Please note: congregation does not sing during worship. Instead, a soloist sings.

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 2^nd Sunday of Easter – We Are His Witnesses – Does witnessing to your faith intimidate you? Are you afraid of how people will react? Today we will see that Jesus’ death and resurrection give the believer confidence. Our sins have been washed clean in his blood. We have forgiveness for any and all sins. Such truths give us the courage to witness boldly to others of Christ’s love and of the salvation that we have in his name.

†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.

OPENING HYMN CW 225, “This Is the Day the Lord Has Made”

† S E R V I C E O F W O R D & S A C R A M E N T †

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: God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us.

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Kyrie

M: For all that we need in life and for the wisdom to use all your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ.

M: For the well-being of your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord.

M: Merciful God, maker and preserver of life, uphold us by your power and keep us in your tender care:

M: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; his name is worthy of praise.

O LORD, OUR LORD

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

O God, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world from the depair of death. By his resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys; through your Son, Jesus Christ, 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 Acts 4:8-12 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The message we proclaim: Salvation is found only in Jesus

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

PSALM 118

* Sing refrain, read verses in unison.

The LORD is my strength and my song;*

he has become my salvation.

The LORD’S right hand is lifted high;*

the LORD’S right hand has done mighty things!

I will not die but live,*

and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

Refrain

I will give you thanks, for you answered me;*

you have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;*

the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day the LORD has made;*

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

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

EPISTLE LESSON 1 John 1:1-2:2

Summary: We proclaim the Word of Life

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make ourjoy complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

VERSE OF THE DAY Luke 24:32

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Our hearts were burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON Luke 24:36-49

Summary: The risen Lord commissions his followers to proclaim repentance and forgiveness

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY CWS 719, “Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia”

SERMON Acts 4:8-12

“There’s No Other Way”

Jesus lived
Jesus died
Jesus rose again

Please stand.

NICENE CREED

All: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

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

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Easter Season Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

†T H E S A C R A M E N T †

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

M: Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms and placed all things under his feet for the benefit of the Church.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

Please be seated for the distribution.

Please stand.

THANK THE LORD

M: 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.

The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN CW 351, “Hail, O Once-Despised Jesus”

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

April 11 – April 17

Sun.	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	9:00a.m.	Pastors’ Conference – Princeton
	6:30p.m.	Joint Choir at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
Wed.		School Field trip to Camp Phillip
	10:00a.m.	Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
	11:40a.m.	Early School Release
Thurs.	8:00a.m.	St. John’s Teen Confirmation
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
	6:30p.m.	Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s
Fri.
Sat.	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Worship
*Next week’s theme:* *April 18, 2021* The 3^rd Sunday of Easter: Believe in the Risen Lord
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, Cheri Borzick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Lisa Haag, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Lisa Haag ) – For the family of Arlene Boetcher, Chuck’s sister, called home on Thursday (4/8) – For our communicants

EASTER FLOWERS if you purchased Easter flowers you are welcome to take them home after the church service or pick them up after another church service. The altar ladies will keep them watered. If they do not want them at all that is ok too.

CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden Easter crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. A variety of church year season “scarves” and descriptive cards will be available for pickup soon. We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together. Easter blessings!

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR All Emmanuel and St. John’s members are invited to join on Mondays at St. John’s at 6:30pm. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being. All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable. Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816 if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

SEMINARY FOOD PANTRY – TODAY IS THE LAST DAY! At St. John’s, monetary gifts are being collected for the Seminary Food Pantry. Our seminarians and their families appreciate this help! You are invited to participate in this collection, sponsored by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Thank you for supporting our future pastors!!

SCHOOL NEWS

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office or from Lynn Sellnow.

OPEN HOUSE FOR LITTLE LAMBS There will be an open house on Saturday, April 24, from 8:00 – noon by appointment only. Please contact Lynn at lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or by phone at 616-826-0816. Please share this info with anyone who might be interested in a Christian preschool. Thank you!

ORDER YOUR ART FOR DINNER COOKBOOK NOW! If you would like to order a cookbook, please call Ciara at the office 608-297-2866. The deadline to order is April 23. The price per book is $20. Books are made by order so Megan or Ciara will contact you when they are ready for pickup (you may submit your payment then). Checks may be made out to St. John’s. Thank you for your support!

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation 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

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

We Are His Witnesses

Third Sunday of Easter – B

God’s Word for Today

Does witnessing to your faith intimidate you? Are you afraid of how people will react? Today we will see that Jesus’ death and resurrection give the believer confidence. Our sins have been washed clean in his blood. We have forgiveness for any and all sins. Such truths give us the courage to witness boldly to others of Christ’s love and of the salvation that we have in his name.

First Lesson (Acts 4:8-12)

1. Peter stands before the Sanhedrin, the religious court of the Jews, to defend his healing of a crippled beggar. What does it mean that the man was healed “by the name of Jesus Christ”?

2. Peter here quotes Psalm 118:22. What does it mean that Jesus is the capstone?

Second Lesson (1 John 1:1-2:2)

3. How could John be so sure about what Jesus did for our salvation?

4. With what confidence do we confess our sins to God?

5. What does the word “atonement” mean?

Gospel (Luke 24:36-49)

6. What did the disciples think when Jesus appeared to them?

7. In what way were the disciples witnesses? In what way are we also witnesses?

Answers:

1. Peter did not heal the crippled beggar. God healed him. Moreover, to heal by the name of Jesus does not mean that his name is some sort of magical incantation. It just means that Jesus was the one who healed him. Such a miracle shows God’s incredible mercy and also the authority that Peter and John had to be preaching what they were preaching.

2. The capstone in a building was either the stone that was placed at the top of an arch or the cornerstone that guided the dimensions of the building. The capstone was the most important stone of a building. Without it, a building could not stand or even be built. Jesus, the stone rejected by the Jews, is the one stone that is necessary for our salvation. Without him there is no salvation. Without him the Church cannot stand.

3. He was an eyewitness to Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection.

4. With the confidence that God will always forgive us because Jesus, with his sacrifice on the cross, washed away all of our sins.

5. To atone literally means to make “at one” with someone. It has the idea of reconciliation. Our sins separate us from God, but Jesus’ sacrifice reconciles us to God and makes us “at one” with the Father.

6. They thought he was a ghost. The disciples even after Jesus’ resurrection were weak and still didn’t quite understand what Jesus’ death and resurrection meant. It was only after receiving a special measure of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost that they truly understood and received the strength and courage to be witnesses to the Gospel.

7. The disciples were first hand witnesses of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. They walked with him and talked with him. They were sent out to share with the world what they had seen and heard. We too are witnesses, even though we have not seen Jesus physically. We have come to know him through his Word. We now have the privilege and responsibility of sharing that precious message with others.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
4-1 MT	43
4-2 GF		143
4-3		29
4-4 Easter	54	84 (8am) 87 (10am)
St. John’s Altar Committee for April 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

Bulletin – April 4, 2021 Easter Sunday

April 2, 2021April 2, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

EASTER SUNDAY
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches – Montello & Mecan, WI

April 4, 2021
8:00a.m. Pastor John Dolan
10:00a.m. Pastor Peter Zietlow

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! 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 Easter season.

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
† Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel, 10:00a.m. at St. John’s
† Saturday: 4:30p.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: Easter Sunday – He Has Risen! Alleluia! – What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for us? It means that just as he lives, we also will live—bodily, eternally. Through faith in Jesus, we have the victory of death and the devil. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have a place in God’s heavenly banquet where there will be no more sorrow, suffering, or death.

†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.

Please stand

OPENING HYMN CW143, “He’s Risen! He’s Risen”

†S E R V I C E O F T H E W O R D †

P: 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.

P: 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.

P: 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.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FORGIVENESS

The pastor announces the forgiveness of sins won for us by the perfect life and innocent sufferings and death of Jesus, our Savior.

P: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

HYMN CW162, “He Is Arisen! Glorious Word”

*In place of Oh, Taste and See.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Let us pray.

Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through baptism, may walk in the newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit be dominion and praise 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.

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 25:6-9

⁶On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare
    a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
    the best of meats and the finest of wines.
⁷On this mountain he will destroy
    the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
⁸    he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
    from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
    from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.

⁹In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

HYMN CW152 v1,2, “ I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

1 I know that my Redeemer lives;

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, he lives, who once was dead;

He lives, my ever-living Head!

2 He lives triumphant from the grave;

He lives eternally to save.

He lives all-glorious in the sky;

He lives exalted there on high.

PSALM 118

* Sing refrain, read verses in unison.

The LORD is my strength and my song;*

he has become my salvation.

The LORD’S right hand is lifted high;*

the LORD’S right hand has done mighty things!

I will not die but live,*

and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

Refrain

I will give you thanks, for you answered me;*

you have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;*

the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day the LORD has made;*

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

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

HYMN CW152 v3,4, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives“

3 He lives to bless me with his love;

He lives to plead for me above.

He lives, my hungry soul to feed;

He lives to help in time of need.

4 He lives to grant me rich supply;

He lives to guide me with his eye.

He lives to comfort me when faint;

He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

¹⁹If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

²⁰But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. ²²For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. ²³But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. ²⁴Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. ²⁵For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. ²⁶The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

HYMN CW152 v5,6, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives“

5 He lives to silence all my fears;

He lives to wipe away my tears.

He lives to calm my troubled heart;

He lives all blessings to impart.

6 He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend;

He lives and loves me to the end.

He lives, and while he lives I’ll sing;

He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

VERSE OF THE DAY Psalm 118:24

P: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Alleluia.

Please stand

EASTER GOSPEL LESSON John 20:1-23 (today’s sermon text underlined)

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. ²So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

³So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. ⁴Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. ⁶Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, ⁷as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. ⁸Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. ⁹(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) ¹⁰Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

¹¹Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb ¹²and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

¹³They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” ¹⁴At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

¹⁵He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

¹⁶Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

¹⁷Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

¹⁸Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

¹⁹On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

HYMN CW152 v7,8, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

7 He lives and grants me daily breath;

He lives, and I shall conquer death.

He lives my mansion to prepare;

He lives to bring me safely there.

8 He lives, all glory to his name!

He lives, my Jesus, still the same.

Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives:

“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

Please be seated.

SERMON John 20:19-23 “Life-giving Hands of the Passion” (Jesus)

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

All: I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

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

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Easter Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcements for those on our Intercessory Prayers list.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

Please be seated.

HYMN CW153, “Alleluia! Jesus Lives”

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER

P: 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.

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.

The Lord look on you with favor and † give you peace.

Please be seated

CLOSING HYMN CW149, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

April 4 – April 10

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel & St. John’s Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.		Easter Monday – No School
	5:30p.m.	Hand In Prayer meeting at St. John’s
	6:30p.m.	Choir resumes at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00a.m.	School Chapel
	9:00 a.m.	Joint Elders meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	Early School Release
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s Teen Confirmation
	6:00 p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.

Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
*Next week’s theme:-* *April 11, 2021* The Risen Lord Commissions His Followers
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

He is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!!

Ultimate Love put Jesus on the cross and kept him there.

His death paid the spiritual debt for every person, ever. You, too.

His rising demonstrates that he is true to his word and is the Son of God.

I pray the truth of Christ’s resurrection fills your heart, mind, and life this Easter and throughout your life. God gave us new life to live for him.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

1 Peter 2:24

Together at the Empty Tomb

It has not been easy. Being deprived of the blessing of gathering with fellow Christians in church for worship has been a serious burden for us to carry. We hunger for the face-to-face fellowship with other Christians, and we long for the day when we can be together for worship again.

In the meantime, congregations in many places around our synod have found ways to continue the proclamation of the saving message of Jesus to their members. I commend pastors and congregational leaders for their faithful efforts to serve people with the Word.

In spite of our inability to be with each other in person, all members of the synod are joined together in a wonderful fellowship of faith. To help bring us together in spirit and to testify to that bond of faith we share, a special synodwide virtual worship service was held on Easter Sunday evening. The service, with the theme “Together at the Empty Tomb,” was streamed from the chapel of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis.

Thank you to Seminary President Rev. Earle Treptow, who delivered the sermon brimming with Easter comfort; to the Trinitas worship ensemble from Trinity, Waukesha, Wis., who provided the instrumental and vocal music; to Rev. Bryan Gerlach, director of WELS Commission on Worship, for arranging the order of service; and to Rev. Jon Hein, coordinator for WELS Congregational Services, for coordinating this effort and for hosting the live Q&A that took place after the service.

More than 20,000 people tuned in for the synodwide virtual Easter service. If you missed it—or if you loved it and want to see it again—you can watch the archived service online.

Also, due to popular demand, a video is available of the service’s Hymn of the Day, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” featuring WELS members from around the country singing at home. View the hymn.

The good news of a risen Savior continues to be preached and proclaimed no matter what the circumstances. It’s likely an Easter celebration that we will never forget.

Serving you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

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), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week:) – For our communicants

EASTER CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden Easter crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. A variety of church year season “scarves” and descriptive cards will be available for pickup soon. We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together. Easter blessings!

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE On Monday 3/8, the Joint Council met to discuss the 2/25 Joint Worship Committee’s proposals regarding the next phase of our COVID worship guidelines. Beginning on Easter Sunday 4/4, the JC approved returning to the pre-COVID common forms of liturgy with full congregational singing, masks and social distancing for the Sunday services. The Saturday service music, however, would continue to be led by a soloist. The JC decided to replace the 6am Easter Sunrise Service at St. John’s to a 8am Easter Worship at St. John’s. The JC also approved the Joint Worship Committee’s proposal to resume choir practice and school singing after Easter. Finally, the JC also approved the change in the wording of the COVID plan to encourage in-person worship. We are concerned that some are staying away from in-person worship because the policy states that if a person can watch the service online, he or she is asked to do so. We feel it is very important for our members to get back to in-person worship when they feel comfortable to do so. – Pastor Z

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR Emmanuel and St. John’s joint choir will resume tomorrow, April 5 @6:30pm at St John’s. All Emmanuel and St. John’s members are invited to join. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being. All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable. Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816 if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

SEMINARY FOOD PANTRY At St. John’s, monetary gifts are being collected for the Seminary Food Pantry TODAY, Easter Sunday, and NEXT SUNDAY only. Our seminarians and their families appreciate this help! You are invited to participate in this collection, sponsored by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Thank you for supporting our future pastors!!

School news

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office or from Lynn Sellnow. There will be an open house on Saturday, April 24, from 8:00 – noon by appointment only. Please contact Lynn at lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or by phone at 616-826-0816. Please share this info with anyone who might be interested in a Christian preschool. Thank you!

ORDER YOUR ART FOR DINNER COOKBOOK NOW! If you would like to order a cookbook, please call Ciara at the office 608-297-2866. The deadline to order is April 23. The price per book is $20. Books are made by order so Megan or Ciara will contact you when they are ready for pickup (you may submit your payment then). Checks may be made out to St. John’s. Thank you for your support!

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation 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

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
3-27		19
3-28	52	91
4-1 MT	46
St. John’s Altar Committee for April 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

●●●
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, 1^st& 2^nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554
3^rd-5^th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021
Principal & 6^th – 8^th 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
●●●

Bulletin – April 2, 2021 Good Friday

April 1, 2021April 1, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

Good Friday – April 2, 2021

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Montello, Wisconsin

Pastor John Dolan

All of human history hinges on this day. Humbling himself before the will of the Father and the blood-thirst of men, the Son of God is crucified. The Father must reject his own Son since he bears the sin of the world. But all this served God’s saving purpose, and so we call this Friday…Good.

The bell is tolled seven times to begin the service.

Hand Chimes – “Amazing Grace”

Invocation and Prayer

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

M: God Most Holy, look with mercy on this your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, be given over into the hands of the wicked, and suffer death upon the cross. Keep us always faithful to him, our only Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Hymn, CW119, Were You There – Sung by soloist

The Hands of the Passion Devotion – Nail-Pierced Hands (Jesus) – Luke 23:32-34

²Two other men, who were criminals, were led away with Jesus to be executed.

³³When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left.

³⁴Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Hymn, CW140, God Was There on Calvary – Sung by soloist

Please stand.

Confession and Absolution

M: Let us confess our sins to God and ask for his forgiveness.

C: Almighty God, merciful Father,

I confess to you that I have not loved you with all my heart.

In what I have done and left undone,

I have pursued my ways instead of your ways.

I have not loved my brothers and sisters as myself.

For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity.

I am truly sorry for my sins.

I repent of them.

I beg for your mercy, O Lord.

Silence for meditation

M: Forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us.

C: Cleanse me from my sins.

Release me from my guilt.

Grant me your Holy Spirit to amend my sinful life.

M: The almighty God has been merciful to us and has sent his Son to die for all. For his sake, God forgives our sins and calls us from darkness to his marvelous light.

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: Amen.

Exhortation

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven us and reconciled us to God and has promised us the power to forgive and love each other. Relying on his promise, therefore, be reconciled with one another.

M and C: Brothers and sisters, may the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, in our words, and in our actions.

Be seated.

Scripture Reading – Isaiah 53:1-5

M: Who has believed our message?

C: And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

M: He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

C: Like a root out of dry ground.

M: He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

C: Nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

M: He was despised and rejected by men,

C: A man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

M: Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised,

C: And we esteemed him not.

M: Surely, he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,

C: Yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

M: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.

C: The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

† T H E S E V E N W O R D S F R O M T H E C R O S S †

The First Word – Luke 23:32-34 (The Good Friday Gospel)

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ touch us with your hands which the sins of the world pierced with nails, and forgive our ignorance, for Lord, we knew not, indeed we know not what we did in sinning against you. Forgive and bless us, O Lord, for your endless mercy’s sake.

C: Jesus, in your dying woes, Even while your lifeblood flows,

Craving pardon for your foes: Hear us, holy Jesus! (CW 139)

The Second Word – Luke 23:38-43

There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. ³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, look upon us with your eyes as you looked upon the thief on the cross, that with him we may confess our sins and ask humbly, “Lord, remember us when you come into your kingdom,” and by your same voice be comforted, for your endless mercy’s sake.

C: Jesus, pitying the sighs of the thief who near you dies,

Promising him paradise: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Third Word – John 19:25-27

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, fill us with your love, as in your pain you comforted your mother and provided for her need and gave her both home and son. To such love without compare, without limit, lead us, O Lord, now and forever.

C: Jesus, loving to the end Her whose heart your sorrows rend,

And your dearest human friend: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Fourth Word – Matthew 27:45-49

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, fill us with your faith, since in your last agony you cried to your Father, “My God, my God!” that no suffering, no shadow of doubt, may darken our trust in God nor separate us from your Father and ours, now or ever.

C: Jesus, plunged in depths unknown with our evil foe alone,

While no light from heav’n is shown: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Fifth Word – John 19:28-29

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, lead us to see your thirst as you suffered in your humanity, that we might drink from you and never thirst again, but live in your Father’s house forever, for your tender mercy’s sake.

C: Jesus, in your thirst and pain, While your wounds the lifeblood drain,

Thus, fulfilling Scripture’s plan: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Sixth Word – John 19:30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, give us your strength, as you resolved to do your Father’s work and finish it, that morning and evening we live in hope, knowing that your great work for us is completed, to the glory of your holy name.

C: Jesus, all our ransom paid, All your Father’s will obeyed,

By your suff’rings perfect made: Hear us, holy Jesus!

The Seventh Word – Luke 23:44-46

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, ⁴⁵ for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

M: O Lord Jesus Christ, give us your trust—unquestioning and complete—as on the cross you committed your spirit to your Father, that whatever may happen we rest in the same everlasting arms, for your endless mercy’s sake.

C: Jesus, all your labor vast, All your woe and conflict past,

Yielding up your soul at last: Hear us, holy Jesus!

Prayer of the Church for Good Friday and Lord’s Prayer

M: Heavenly Father, you are a just God who accepts nothing less than perfection. We fall short and our sins condemn us. Lead us to recognize the seriousness of our sinfulness. Lead us also to admit our inability to make things right with you. Teach us to look to you as the only one who can make us just and right. Today we are reminded not only of your justice but also of your love. You did not spare your own Son but gave him as a ransom for each one of us. Comfort us with the knowledge of this great love and peace in the forgiveness of our sins. For being our perfect substitute, we thank you, Lord Jesus. The cross was once an instrument of death. It is now a sign of life. Dear Savior, we humbly kneel at the cross in awe of your power and your love. Amen,

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.

† T H E S A C R A M E N T †

Personal preparation for Holy Communion listed on page 10.

Hymn of Preparation, CW127 v1,2, Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted – Sung by soloist

Please stand.

Preface

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

C: We lift them up unto the Lord.

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.

C: It is good and right so to do.

M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who brought the gift of salvation to all people by his death on the tree of the cross, so that the devil, who overcame us by a tree would in turn by a tree be overcome. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

Holy, Holy, Holy – Sanctus

C: Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts: heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

Words of Institution

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: Amen.

O Christ, Lamb of God – Angus Dei

C: O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace. Amen.

Distribution of the Lord’s Supper

Prayer of Thanksgiving

M: We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet that you have given us to eat and to drink in this sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

The Benediction

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.

C: Amen

Closing Hymn – CWS 748, Lamb of God – v1 school children, v2,3 children and congregation

PERSONAL PREPARATION FOR

HOLY COMMUNION

Q: What does God tell me about myself in his holy Word?

A: He says that I am a sinner and deserve only his punishment.

Q: What should I do if I am not aware of my sins or am not troubled by them?

A: I should examine myself according to the Ten Commandments and ask how well I have carried out my responsibilities as a husband or wife or single person, as a parent or child, an employer or employee, a teacher or student. Have I loved God with all my heart, gladly heard his Word, and patiently endured affliction? Have I been disobedient, proud, or unforgiving? Have I been selfish, lazy, envious, or quarrelsome? Have I lied or deceived, taken something not mine, or given anyone a bad name? Have I abused my body or permitted indecent thoughts to linger in my mind? Have I failed to do what is right and good?

Q: When I realize that I have sinned against God and deserve his punishment, what should I do?

A: I will confess before God all my sins, those which I remember as well as those of which I am unaware. I will pray to God for his mercy and forgiveness.

Q: How do I receive his gracious forgiveness?

A: His Word assures me that Jesus led a pure and holy life for me and died on the cross for me to pay the full price for all my sins. Through faith in Jesus, I have been clothed in my Savior’s perfect righteousness and holiness.

Q: What further assurance do I have that Jesus is mine and I am his?

A: In Holy Communion he gives me his body and blood together with the bread and wine as a truly life-giving food and drink to unite me with him and my fellow believers. By means of this sacrament, Jesus not only forgives my sins but sweeps away all my doubts about his love for me, gives me his own strength to live a God-pleasing life, and grants me a joyful foretaste of heaven.

Q: How can I be sure that I receive all these blessings in the Lord’s Supper?

A: I have his own word spoken as his last will and testament on the night before he died. There he tells me: “Take and eat; this is my body. Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Q: How will I respond to this priceless gift from Jesus?

A: I will daily thank and praise him for his love to me. With his help I will fight temptation, do my best to correct whatever wrongs I have done, and serve him and those around me with love and good works.

Lord Jesus, with joy and gratitude I now come to your table to receive the precious food of your life-giving body and blood. May it strengthen me to remain in you as you remain in me, so that I bear much fruit in devoted service to you and in acts of kindness to others. Amen.

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, 1^st& 2^nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554

3^rd-5^th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021

Principal & 6^th – 8^th 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

HOLY WEEK ONLINE VIDEOS

This year for Holy Week (Sunday, March 28-Sunday, April 4), we are hosting our online event:

“Palm Branches to the Tomb: Telling HIStory”.

This event entails short, themed videos each day created by our very own church and school members.

Be sure to check our website www.stjohnsmontello.org and follow us on our church Facebook page each day. Feel free to share this information with your family and friends!

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

On Monday 3/8, the Joint Council met to discuss the Joint Worship Committee’s proposals regarding the next phase of our COVID worship guidelines. Beginning on Easter Sunday 4/4, the JC approved returning to the pre-COVID common forms of liturgy with full congregational singing, masks and social distancing for the Sunday services. The Saturday service music, however, would continue to be led by a soloist. The JC decided to replace the 6am Easter Sunrise Service at St. John’s to a 8am Easter Worship at St. John’s. The JC also approved the Joint Worship Committee’s proposal to resume choir practice and school singing after Easter. Finally, the JC also approved the change in the wording of the COVID plan to encourage in-person worship. We are concerned that some are staying away from in-person worship because the policy states that if a person can watch the service online, he or she is asked to do so. We feel it is very important for our members to get back to in-person worship when they feel comfortable to do so.

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR

Emmanuel and St. John’s joint choir will resume on April 5 @6:30pm at St John’s. All Emmanuel and

St. John’s members are invited to join. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being.

All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable.

Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816

if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

Bulletin – April 1, 2021 Maundy Thursday

April 1, 2021April 1, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

Maundy Thursday

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church

Mecan, WI

April 1, 2021

6:30 p.m.

Pastor Peter Zietlow

† H A N D S O F T H E P A S S I O N †

† H A N D S O F H U M I L I T Y (J E S U S) †

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

P: Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word and Sacrament, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise in your gracious Word and Sacrament. Amen.

HYMN 128 Not All the Blood of Beasts

*Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

P: O Lord, open my lips.

C: And my mouth shall declare your praise.

P: Hasten to save me, O God.

C: O Lord, come quickly to help me.

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Lord God, you have brought us safely to this hour of evening prayer. We thank you for providing all that we need for body and life. Bless us who have gathered in your name. Forgive our sins. Speak to our hearts. Dispel our sorrows with the comfort of your Word, and receive our hymns of thanks and praise, through Jesus Christ, our living Savior, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Be seated.

† T H E W O R D †

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

Exodus 12:1-14

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, ²“This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. ³Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb^[^a^] for his family, one for each household. ⁴If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. ⁵The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. ⁶Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. ⁷Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. ⁸That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. ⁹Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. ¹⁰Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. ¹¹This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.

¹²“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. ¹³The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

¹⁴“This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17

Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? ¹⁷Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.

Please stand.

John 13:1-5, 12-17 (today’s sermon text)

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

²The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. ³Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; ⁴so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁵After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. ¹³“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Be seated.

HYMN 136 ‘Twas on that Dark, that Doleful Night

*Sung by soloist.

SERMON John 13:1-5, 12-17

“Hands of Humility – Jesus”

Please stand.

P: Maundy Thursday Prayer

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.

Please be seated.

† T H E S A C R A M E N T †

THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Personal preparation for Holy Communion listed on page 7.

Invitation

Words of Institution

Distribution

Thanksgiving

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.

SOLOIST Bread of the World

1 Bread of the World in mercy broken,

Wine of the soul in mercy shed,

By whom the words of life were spoken

And in whose death our sins are dead.

2 Look on the heart by sorrow broken,

Look on the tears by sinners shed

And be your feast to us the token

That by your grace our souls are fed.

Please stand.

CLOSING PRAYER

P: Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for nourishing me in this sacrament with your body and blood. You have given me forgiveness, life and salvation. Let me always remain in you as a branch remains in the vine. Send me out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.

O living Bread from heaven, how richly you have fed your guest! The gifts you now have given have filled my heart with joy and rest. Lord, grant me that thus strengthened with heavenly food, while here my course on earth is lengthened, I serve with holy fear. And when you call my spirit to leave this world below, I enter through your merit where joys unmingled flow. 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 be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 303 With Broken Heart and Contrite Sigh

*Congregation sings.

Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228.

Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®).

PERSONAL PREPARATION FOR

HOLY COMMUNION

Q: What does God tell me about myself in his holy Word?

A: He says that I am a sinner and deserve only his punishment.

Q: What should I do if I am not aware of my sins or am not troubled by them?

Q: When I realize that I have sinned against God and deserve his punishment, what should I do?

A: I will confess before God all my sins, those which I remember as well as those of which I am unaware. I will pray to God for his mercy and forgiveness.

Q: How do I receive his gracious forgiveness?

Q: What further assurance do I have that Jesus is mine and I am his?

Q: How can I be sure that I receive all these blessings in the Lord’s Supper?

Q: How will I respond to this priceless gift from Jesus?

The liturgical color is either scarlet or white.

What does the name mean?
The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin “mandatum;” it is from a verb that means “to give” or “to order” — command. After Jesus and the disciples finished the Last Supper and walked toward Gethsemane, Jesus taught them a new commandment — “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34).

The Last Supper
On the first Maundy Thursday, after they had eaten, Jesus gave the disciples his body and blood together with the bread and wine for the forgiveness of their sins. Called Holy Communion or the Eucharist, Lutherans believe this to be one of two sacraments — gifts from God. Most worship services focus on the meal and communion as a way to commemorate this day.

Foot washing
The story of the Last Supper in John’s Gospel records a remarkable event that is not mentioned in the other Gospels — to illustrate humility, Jesus performs the duty of a slave, washing the feet of his disciples and urging them to do the same for one another. Some Lutheran congregations incorporate this act of humility into their Maundy Thursday services.

Stripping of the altar
After the Eucharist is celebrated it is customary to “strip the altar,” which symbolizes the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples and the stripping of Jesus by the soldiers before his crucifixion. It represents the humiliation of Jesus and the consequences of sin as a preparation for the celebration of new life. In many congregations Psalm 22 is read or sung while the paraments are being removed.

HOLY WEEK ONLINE VIDEOS

This year for Holy Week (Sunday, March 28-Sunday, April 4), we are hosting our online event:

“Palm Branches to the Tomb: Telling HIStory”.

This event entails short, themed videos each day created by our very own church and school members. Be sure to check our website www.stjohnsmontello.org and follow us on our church Facebook page each day. Feel free to share this information with your family and friends!

COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE

JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR

Emmanuel and St. John’s joint choir will resume on April 5 @6:30pm at St John’s. All Emmanuel and

St. John’s members are invited to join. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being.

All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable.

Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816

if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!

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, 1^st& 2^nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554

3^rd-5^th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021

Principal & 6^th – 8^th 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

Bulletin – March 28, 2021 Palm Sunday

March 28, 2021March 28, 2021 scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 6^th Sunday in Lent

Palm Sunday: The King Comes to Us

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

March 27, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

March 28, 2021

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church313 East Montello St.Montello, WI 53949

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran ChurchW1568 Evergreen LaneMontello, 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.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: Palm Sunday – Jesus Humbly Rides Into Jerusalem To Die – So different from earthly rulers is our Lord Jesus. Jesus was coming to finish the most important battle of time and eternity, yet he did not enter Jerusalem as a mighty warrior in the world’s eyes. Instead of coming with a huge army on mighty horses, Jesus came on a lowly donkey, with twelve men that weren’t anything special in the eyes of most. It was this humble King that the crowd greets with words that rang to the heavens then, and continue to be lifted to Jesus today, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

† 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.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

M: Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise in your gracious Word and Sacrament. Amen.

OPENING HYMN 131 All Glory, Laud, and Honor

*Sung by soloist.

1 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

You are the King of Israel And David’s royal Son,

Now in the Lord’s name coming, Our King and blessed one.

2 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

The company of angels Is praising you on high,

And we with all creation In chorus make reply.

3 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

The people of the Hebrews With palms before you went;

Our praise and prayer and anthems Before you we present.

4 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

To you before your passion They sang their hymns of praise;

To you, now high exalted, Our melody we raise.

5 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

As you received their praises, Accept the prayers we bring,

O Source of ev’ry blessing, Our good and gracious King.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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 & ABSOLUTION

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 OF THE DAY

M: We praise you, O God, for the great acts of love by which you redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ. As he was acclaimed by those who scattered their garments and branches of palm in his path, so may we always hail him as our King and follow him with perfect confidence; 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 Zechariah 9:9, 10

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I will take away the chariots from Ephraim

and the warhorses from Jerusalem,

and the battle bow will be broken.

He will proclaim peace to the nations.

His rule will extend from sea to sea

and from the Riverto the ends of the earth.

PSALM OF THE DAY 24

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.

The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it,*

the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it upon the seas*

and established it upon the waters.

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?*

Who may stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,*

he will receive blessing from God his Savior.

Refrain

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

be lifted up, you ancient doors,*

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?*

The LORD strong and mighty,

the LORD mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

lift them up, you ancient doors,*

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is he, this King of glory?*

The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory.

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 Philippians 2:5-11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mind set as Christ Jesus:

⁶Who, being in very nature^[^a^] God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

⁷rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature^[^b^] of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

⁸And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

¹¹and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 12:23

P: The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Mark 11:1-10 (today’s sermon text)

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, ²saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

⁴They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, ⁵some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” ⁶They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. ⁷When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. ⁸Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!^[^a^]”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”^[^b^]

¹⁰“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Please be seated.

HYMN 134 O Bride of Christ, Rejoice

*Sung by soloist.

SERMON Mark 11:1-10

“Hands of the Passion”

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.

PALM SUNDAY PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

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.

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER

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.

CLOSING HYMN 130 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

*Sung by congregation.

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.

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

March 28 – April 3

Sun. 8:00 a.m. Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m. St. John’s Worship with communion

Mon.

Tues. 6:30 p.m. St. John’s Council meeting at St. John’s

Wed. 10:00 a.m. Confirmation Zoom meeting
11:40 a.m. Early School Release

Thurs. 8:00 a.m. Teen Confirmation
6:00 p.m. Griefshare at St. John’s
6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship at Emmanuel with communion

Fri. 1:00 p.m. Good Friday Worship at St. John’s with communion
2:00 p.m. Early School Release

Sat. 4:30 p.m. St. John’s Worship

Next week’s theme:
April 4, 2021
Easter Sunday:
Jesus Rises from the Grave

8:00 a.m. Emmanuel & St. John’s Worship
10:00 a.m. St. John’s Worship

Jesus Humbly Rides Into Jerusalem To Die
The Sixth Sunday of Lent – B
Palm Sunday

God’s Word for Today
So different from earthly rulers is our Lord Jesus. Jesus was coming to finish the most important battle of time and eternity, yet he did not enter Jerusalem as a mighty warrior in the world’s eyes. Instead of coming with a huge army on mighty horses, Jesus came on a lowly donkey, with twelve men that weren’t anything special in the eyes of most. It was this humble King that the crowd greets with words that rang to the heavens then, and continue to be lifted to Jesus today, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

First Lesson (Zechariah 9:9-10)

Zechariah writes 520 years before Christ. What is he prophesying about in verse 9?
What amazing and wonderful gift would this King riding on a donkey bring?
How does Zechariah give us a picture of the salvation our King would bring in verse 10?

Second Lesson (Philippians 2:5-11)

As followers of Jesus what kind of attitude are we to have?
Why is it such a surprising thing that Jesus humbled himself all the way to the most cursed death, that of a cross?
Because Jesus was willing to endure so much for us, what glory did God, the Father, give him?

Gospel (Mark 11:1-10)

What does the word “Hosanna” mean?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Answers:

Jesus coming as a lowly King into Jerusalem. We now know this as Palm Sunday.
Salvation—eternal life—for all people.
There would be no more instruments of war. In Zechariah’s day the instruments of war were chariots, warhorses and bows. Today we would say that there are no more guns, missiles, tanks, bombers, or fighters. Instead there would be peace throughout the earth and the King (Jesus) would rule over all. This picture finds its fulfillment in heaven, where sin and war will rage no more for God’s people.
The same attitude as Christ Jesus who humbled himself in service to serve his Father and others.
If we had been in a position of authority over all things, we wouldn’t want to give it up to serve others, let alone die the cursed death of the cross. Just think how reluctant most of us would be to move to the slums of Mexico or India. Jesus left the glory of heaven to live in a world filled with sin, violence and death. What great love for sinners!
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Originally “Hosanna” literally meant, “Save, I pray;” it was a call of deliverance. Over the centuries it has become known as a shout of exclamation or praise.