BULLETIN- 10/18/2020

October 18, 2020October 18, 2020 lillyk24

The 20^th Sunday after Pentecost

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

October 17, 2020

4:30pm St. John’s Outdoor

(weather permitting)

October 18, 2020

8am Emmanuel

10am 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 thankfulness of praise.

Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Sept. 2020. bulletin pages 14) Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 virus cases testing positive in our area, worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose.

Thank you for your consideration.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

O Lord – our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter – we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

OPENING HYMN 469 Take My Life and Let It Be

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

Words: public domain. Music: public domain. Setting: public domain.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.

C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.

M: 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: Gracious Lord, our refuge and strength, pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your Word, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all their enemies, and bestow on the Church your saving peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 5:1-7 NIV

Summary: A song about God’s vineyard (unfruitfulness leads to destruction)

“Now I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit.

“Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it.”

The vineyard of the LORD Almighty is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the garden of his delight. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.

PSALM OF THE DAY 118

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!

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

SECOND LESSON Philippians 3:12-21 NIV

Summary: Press on because your citizenship is in heaven (enemies of the cross are heading for destruction)

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their

shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 8:31,32 NIV

M: Alleluia. If you continue in my Word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 21:33-43 NIV

Summary: Tenants in God’s vineyard (unfaithfulness leads to destruction)

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.

“The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. `They will respect my son,’ he said.

“But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, `This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

“Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

“He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “`The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ {Psalm 118:22,23}?

“Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

Please be seated.

HYMN 203 Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

Words: public domain. Music: public domain. Setting: public domain.

SERMONETTE Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

“How Will You Die?”

Following your ways?

Following God’s way?

The word of the Lord came to me: ²“What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel:

“‘The parents eat sour grapes,
and the children’s teeth are set on edge’?

³“As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. ⁴For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.

“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? ²⁶If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. ²⁷But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. ²⁸Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die. ²⁹Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?

³⁰“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. ³¹Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? ³²For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Read by vicar. Intercessory prayers listed on page 12.

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.

CLOSING PRAYER

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. Amen.

BLESSING

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.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

Amen.

Be seated.

HYMN 304 v. 1, 6, 7 Jesus Sinners Does Receive

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

Words: public domain. Music: public domain. Setting: public domain.

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL & LITTLE LAMBS SING OUTSIDE Jesus Strong and Kind

*Please join us outside for our closing song at St. John’s Saturday service only.

✠ A N N O U N C E M E N T S ✠

October 18 – October 24

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.
Tues.	6:30 p.m.	NO Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.
Thurs.	6:30 p.m.	Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s gym
Fri.
Sat.	4:00 p.m.	Wesley Schable baptism at St. John’s
	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Outdoor Worship with communion(last outdoor for the season)
*Next week’s theme:-* *October 25, 2020 21^stSunday after Pentecost* “Rejoice at the Lord’s Feast”
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan

Worship Updates – September 2020

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend our outdoor service!
Last outdoor service – October 24^th

Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s sanctuary (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at www.stjohnsmontello.org

Groups should be 50 or less indoors. Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.

Providing a safe worship experience is a high priority for the leaders in our congregations. Christ’s love also compels us to consider the needs of others before our own. In humility we want to protect the health and safety of our bodies and of others. Because the virus continues to spread, and because of the science regarding singing and speaking, the following policies will be continued:

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.

**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

As we hold firmly to the truths of scripture, we know that God continues to keep his promises to us. He has promised the wonderful spiritual blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation. He has not, however, promised that things will always remain the same. In the words of our synod president, Mark Schroeder, “we recommit ourselves–as individuals, as congregations, and as a synod–to the mission that God has called us to carry out, trusting that he will bless us in that work.” Let us work together as we move forward as a congregation. Let us help, support, and encourage each other as we gather around God’s Word.

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor

Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 369-1790

St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171,

James Wachholz (608) 369-4006 – Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830

Tending God’s Vineyard, the Church

Twentieth Sunday of Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

Whose responsibility is it to care for the Lord’s vineyard, the Church? Rightly answered, it’s all of us who love the Lord and produce abundant fruits of faith in His service. Conversely, there are those who reject their Savior and live for self. In the case of such individuals, invariably the judgment of God is not far behind.

First Lesson (Isaiah 5: 1-7)

1. In this song from Isaiah, what do the vineyard, vines, and grapes represent?

2. As the annals of history record, what resulted because the Lord’s chosen nation bitterly disappointed Him?

Second Lesson (Philippians 3: 12-21)

3. Explain verse 3’s comparison of the Christian life to that of a runner in a race?

4. What are the distinguishing characteristics of those who live as “enemies of the cross?”

5. Upon Christ’s return, what will our bodies be like in heaven someday?

Gospel (Matthew 21: 33-43)

6. What was the tenants’ ultimate display of wickedness? Of which important event in history does this remind you?

7. Verse 41 indicates that the vineyard was rented to “other tenants.” Who were they?

Answers:

1. The vineyard, represents God’s chosen people, the house of Israel – His Church. The vines are the men and women of Judah, dearly loved by God. The grapes are the fruits of faith, in this case, however, the rotten fruit of injustice and unrighteousness.

2. God sent His punishment in full measure upon His chosen people, not only through the Babylonian captivity, but also in the ultimate overthrow of the Jewish nation in the year 70 A.D. Let us take heed, for the Lord likewise searches the hearts of His people today for fruits of righteousness.

3. Near the end of a race a runner forgets what is behind him, leans forward toward the finish line, exerting himself to the utmost, straining every fiber in his body to win the prize. Just so, the Christian forgets all the disappointments and bad experiences of the past and instead valiantly strives on, with eyes fixed firmly on the finish line, the victory circle, the consummation of all his hopes and dreams, the heavenly prize, which goes beyond all human understanding.

4. They deny the power and efficacy of the cross. They live to gratify their human appetites and desires. The things they glory in and are proud of are in reality carnal and shameful. For such people, any show of sanctity is really nothing but hypocrisy.

5. Our lowly, frail, vile physical earthly bodies will be transformed into the likeness of Christ’s glorious body – holy, perfect, and beautiful in every way. Our new bodies will forever be incapable of experiencing any more sin, sorrow, stress, or sickness.

6. Not only did the tenants fail to respect the landlord’s son. In their devilish hatred, they killed him. This, of course, played itself out on Good Friday when the chief priests and elders, scribes and Pharisees, hardened their hearts against Jesus, put Him to death, and brought damnation down upon their own heads.

7. The vineyard with its fruit, that is, the Kingdom of God with all its riches of mercy and love, was taken from the Jews and given to the Gentiles, who have since enjoyed its blessings and produced abundant fruit.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
10-10 10-11	35	31 39
St. John’s Altar CommitteeOctober 2020	Elaine Kelm

BULLETIN- October 4, 2020

October 4, 2020October 4, 2020 lillyk24

The 18^th Sunday after Pentecost

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

October 3, 2020

4:30pm St. John’s Outdoor

October 4, 2020

8:00am Emmanuel

10:00am 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 thankfulness of praise.

Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Sept. 2020. bulletin page 13) Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 virus cases testing positive in our area, worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose.

Thank you for your consideration.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

OPENING HYMN 420 God Moves in a Mysterious Way

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Lord God, you call us to work in your kingdom and leave no one standing idle. Help us to order our lives by your wisdom and to serve you in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 55:6-9 NIV

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

PSALM OF THE DAY 27

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

The Lord is my light and my salvation—of whom shall I be afraid, of whom shall I be afraid?

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;*

be merciful to me and answer me.

Do not hide your face from me,*

do not turn your servant away in anger;

you have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me,*

O God my Savior.

Refrain

Though my father and mother forsake me,*

the LORD will receive me.

I am still confident of this:*

I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD;*

be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON Philippians 1:18b-27 NIV (today’s sermon text)

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.

VERSE OF THE DAY 2 Corinthians 12:9a NIV

M: Alleluia. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Alleluia.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 20:1-16 NIV

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

“About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.

“He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’

“‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

“The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Please be seated.

HYMN 756 We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation. $Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Supplement Electronic Pew Edition CD ROM\TIFF files\Hymns\CWS 756.tif$

Words: Henry Alford, © 1810-1871, alt. Music: SHANTI (86.86)Marty Haugen, b.1950@1984, 2006 GIA Publications Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722228. All rights reserved.

SERMONETTE Philippians 1: 18b-27 NIV

“Is God Fair?”

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Read by pastor. Intercessory prayers listed on page 11.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

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.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

Amen.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 390:1, 5, 6 Salvation unto Us Has Come

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

✠ A N N O U N C E M E N T S ✠

October 4 – October 10

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.
Tues.	9:00 a.m.	Elders meeting in St. John’s gym
	6:30 p.m.	Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Outdoor Worship
*Next week’s theme:-* *October 11, 2020 19^thSunday after Pentecost* “Repent and Turn from Evil Ways”
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan

Worship Updates – September 2020

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend our outdoor service!
Last outdoor service – October 24^th

Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s sanctuary (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at www.stjohnsmontello.org

Groups should be 50 or less indoors. Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.

**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor

Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 369-1790

St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171,

James Wachholz (608) 369-4006 – Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830 See the source image

Making the Most of Our Time of Grace

The Eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost

God’s Word for Today

The lyrics to a popular Christian song exclaim, “Everything I need, I already have!” Through faith in Christ Jesus, we know that we are members of His saved family and that heaven is ours. But not everyone in our insecure world today enjoys that confidence and conviction. May we use our time of grace here on earth wisely by exposing others to the love of Jesus, too.

First Lesson (Isaiah 55: 6-9)

1. What urgency do you sense in the words “while He may be found” and “while He is near”?

2. How are God’s thoughts and ways higher than man’s?

Second Lesson (Philippians 1: 18b-27)

3. Whom did Paul credit for sustaining him during his time of imprisonment?

4. How are the words “to live is Christ and to die is gain” a win-win situation in Paul’s mind?

5. What is Paul’s warning to the Philippians in verse 27?

Gospel (Matthew 20: 1-16)

6. How is the world’s system of justice different from God’s?

7. Explain the seeming contradiction that “the last will be first and the first last”?

Answers:

1. This was their time of grace. Salvation was close at hand in the Word that was being preached to them. The opportunity for repentance was still being held out to them. Indeed, for God’s chosen people, there was no time like the present.

2. Man’s thoughts and ways are inherently evil and lead to eternal destruction; the Lord’s are good, righteous, and holy and lead to everlasting life. Whereas the weight of man’s sins seems unpardonable, yet God in His mercy forgives them all.

3. Paul, first of all, was leaning heavily on the powerful, persistent prayers of the Philippians, whose petitions were serving to further advance the Gospel in his absence. Secondly, the ministration of the Holy Spirit in his heart gave him the strength and willingness both to endure the present tribulation and to rejoice in the knowledge that he could do all things through Christ, who gave him the strength.

4. Through Paul’s work, which entailed a good deal of hard, physical labor, as well as by the near-death experiences he encountered, Christ was highly exalted. It made no difference to Paul if this happened by his life or by his eventual death. If he lived, he would have the opportunity to grow more in the knowledge and likeness of Christ day by day. If he died, through Christ all his hopes and expectations would be fulfilled.

5. Paul’s hope was that the Philippians would lead lives that would in no way bring shame or disgrace on the message of the Gospel. This called for standing together firmly in one spirit. It called for solidarity and unity of faith in the face of attack. It called for firmness and constancy in the midst of temptation.

6. In temporal, worldly affairs, whatever a person accomplishes and merits will be credited to him as a matter of just reward. But in the kingdom of God, all are justified solely by the grace of God. Whether we labor diligently in God’s vineyard all our lives or heed God’s call in the eleventh hour of life, the resulting salvation in the same.

7. Unfortunately, there are those who are full of vain self-conceit who believe themselves to be the first before God, and for that very reason, in their woefully inadequate state, are the last. Conversely, those who are subservient and sincerely humble, assuming a meek attitude of heart, will be first where it counts – in the eyes of God.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
9-26 9-27	30	18 38
St. John’s Altar CommitteeOctober 2020	Elaine Kelm

BULLETIN- September 27, 2020

September 27, 2020September 27, 2020 lillyk24

The 17^th Sunday after Pentecost

September 26, 2020

4:30pm St. John’s Outdoor

September 27, 2020

8am Emmanuel

10am 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 thankfulness of praise.

Please note: Worship Service Restart Plans (Bulletin pages 14,15) Worship f.) Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 virus cases testing positive in our area, worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

OPENING HYMN 399 To God Be the Glory

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Lord, we pray that your mercy and grace may always go before and follow after us that, loving you with undivided hearts, we may be ready for every good and useful work; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Genesis 50:15-21 NIV (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Joseph assured his brothers of forgiveness

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: `This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

PSALM OF THE DAY 103

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

I will hear what the Lord proclaims: peace to his people.

Praise the LORD, O my soul;*

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

He forgives all your sins*

and heals all your diseases;

he redeems your life from the grave*

and crowns you with love and compassion.

Refrain

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,*

slow to anger, abounding in love.

He does not treat us as our sins deserve*

or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,*

so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,*

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Refrain

As a father has compassion on his children,*

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed,*

he remembers that we are dust.

Our days are like grass, like a flower of the field;*

the wind blows over it and it is gone.

But the LORD’S love is with those who fear him*

from everlasting to everlasting.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON Romans 14:5-9 NIV

Summary: We who are forgiven honor God not ourselves

One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

VERSE OF THE DAY Romans 15: 4 NIV

M: Alleluia. Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 18:21-35 NIV

Summary: Forgive from the heart

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

“The servant fell on his knees before him. `Be patient with me,’ he begged, `and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. `Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, `Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’

“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

“Then the master called the servant in. `You wicked servant,’ he said, `I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Please be seated.

HYMN 493 Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

SERMONETTE Genesis 50:15-21 NIV

“Forgiveness Is Our Way Of Life”

It reflects God’s love to us
It results in God’s blessings for us

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

BEFRIEND A MISSION PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Intercessory prayers listed on page 12.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY

*Read by pastor.

Please be seated for the distribution.

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.

Be seated.

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

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.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

Amen.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 326 May the Grace of Christ Our Savior

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

Announcements

September 27 – October 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.	Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Outdoor Worship
*Next week’s theme:-* *October 4, 2020 18^thSunday after Pentecost*“God Acts in His Own Way, According to His Nature (Not Ours) By Grace” (Note: Pastor Dolan will lead services.)
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

$C:\Users\lwachholz.STJOHN\Desktop\67631007_386404928736963_6949620095563857920_n.png$

St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church Mecan

Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19

July 30, 2020

When will we worship? An outdoor Saturday service is being added to help members worship in a safe environment. This service will replace the Wednesday evening service.

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm (Any St. John’s or Emmanuel members)-Beginning Saturday, August 15
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at stjohnsmontello.org

Where will we worship? Groups should be 50 or less indoors. To provide safe worship experiences, the new Saturday worship service will be held outdoors when weather permits.

Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.
Sunday @ 8:00 am at Emmanuel in the sanctuary
Sunday @ 10:00 am at St. John’s in the sanctuary

How will we worship? Providing a safe worship experience is a high priority for the leaders in our congregations. Because the virus continues to spread, and because of the science regarding singing and speaking, the following policies will be continued and new ones enacted immediately:

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will currently be optional at all services (see below**) Masks will be available.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service. Some seating and a canopy may be available.
The congregation is asked to not sing for the time being.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The Saturday before the 2nd and 4th Sundays will also include communion. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or pastor

Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 369-1790

St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171, James Wachholz (608) 369-4006 – Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
See the source image

Christians – Models of Forgiveness

Seventeenth Sunday of Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

One timeless truth that we review Sunday after Sunday is this: God, in his boundless grace and mercy, has forgiven me, a poor, miserable sinner. One of the special blessings of having Christian friends is that they, too, forgive. Today, in His Word God speaks to us about the correlation between being forgiven and being forgiving.

First Lesson (Genesis 50: 15-21)

1. Joseph wept as his brothers spoke to him. Were these tears of sorrow or tears of joy?

2. What comfort does the Christian find in verse 20?

Second Lesson (Romans 14: 5-9)

3. What advice does Paul give for the maintenance of Christian harmony and charity in the church?

4. “Whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s (v. 8b). Apply these words to your life.

Gospel (Matthew 18: 21-35)

5. Put into practical terms the meaning of Jesus’ command to forgive “not seven times, but seventy- seven times.”

6. What makes the first servant’s lack of mercy so revolting?

7. Paraphrase the parable’s application as found in verse 35.

Answers:

1. Likely, both. There were tears of sorrow as it grieved Joseph to think that his brothers believed him capable of such retaliation. Also, his eyes welled with tears of joy over the evidence of his brothers’ complete repentance.

2. God, in His love and providence, frustrates the evil intent of those who oppose us and turns the intended evil to work good in our lives, in this case, for the salvation of many.

3. Let him that eats not despise him that doesn’t eat, thus looking down with contempt on the weaker brother and his scruples with regard to food. On the other hand, the one that refuses to partake of meat should not condemn him that eats, as though he were less spiritual. Thus, the warning against judging is substantiated in this, that God has accepted him. Do not pass judgment on a brother who is Christ’s own.

4. The mind of the Christian, whether he partakes of certain foods or not, whether he observes certain days or not, is always directed to the Lord, because the whole life of the Christian, as well as his death, is devoted and consecrated to the Lord. Since his soul and body, thoughts and acts, are dedicated to the Lord, the believer will naturally think of His honor first in all things.

5. Christ’s answer is staggering! Jesus did not begin with an insignificant number, nor would he be tied down to any definite sum. No number can begin to show the greatness of forgiving love that is found in the hearts of Christians. There is no set number of times that we should forgive an erring brother and reinstate him in our good graces. Love and forgiveness go beyond petty calculations.

6. Moments after receiving an immeasurable present of mercy from the king, the servant hunted down, seized by the throat, and choked a fellow-servant who owed him an insignificant sum, then wreaked his vengeance upon him by casting him into prison.

7. Ignorance and forgetfulness of our own guilt leave us harsh and unforgiving toward others. But remember, God will be merciless to the merciless. Without exception, He wants us to be ready at all times to forgive from the heart, just as He in mercy has forgiven our enormous debt.

See the source image

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
9-19 9-20	26	34 37
St. John’s Altar CommitteeSeptember 2020	Diane Eisermann& Delores Cotte

September 13, 2020 Announcement

September 13, 2020September 13, 2020 lillyk24

Announcements

Next week’s theme:-

September 20, 2020 16^thSunday after Pentecost

“Day of Trumpets” (special service)

Learn About St. John’s Befriended Missionary Paul Nitz

Hello St. John’s Members:

During September, we’d like to introduce you to the 4 WELS missionaries our church supports through the Befriend A Mission program. Everyone wants friends. Everyone can be a friend. Jesus is our ultimate Friend, “who sticks closer than a brother,” (Proverbs 18:24b), and we Christians, no matter our age or circumstance, should take our cues for interacting with others from Him.

A friend shows interest in us & prays for us: We hope you will read about Missionary Paul Nitz and his family. The Nitz Family recently returned to the United States after 27 years in Malawi. Pastor Nitz has accepted a new call stateside to serve as a world mission counselor. An article that appears in the September issue of Forward in Christ is attached. Here’s a prayer to use:

God and Father of All Nations:

Lord, you have called Missionary Paul and Susan Nitz and Family back to service in the United States. After 27 years serving in Malawi, Africa, it makes their homeland almost a foreign country to them. Aid their re-assimilation into the life and culture here in our country. Make Pastor Nitz a blessing as he serves and supports WELS world missions worldwide in his new call as a missionary counselor. Shower the Nitz family with grace in their own lives and the continued privilege and opportunity of seeing how powerful and effective God’s Word is in the lives of people around the world. In Jesus’ name, we ask. Amen.

A friend encourages us: We hope you will take a few minutes this week to write a note, send a card or email, draw a picture (Children can befriend also!) and send it as an encouragement to the Nitz Family: Address:

Paul & Susan Nitz & Family

c/o Ann Tolly

546 N. Tolly Court

Midland, MI 48636

E–mail: pnitz@seelsorger.org

Please sign in this way:

Your Name(s)

St. John’s-Montello, WI

Beaver Dam Circuit

A friend shares with us: Presently a fall mission offering is being collected at St. John’s by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) to support our WELS home and world missions. Everyone with a heart for missions is invited to share a special gift! A collection container is located in the entrance of church where you pick up your bulletin or contact Linda Wachholz, LWMS Reporter, 608-369-2635.

For St. John’s LWMS,

Reporter Linda Wachholz

St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church Mecan

Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19

July 30, 2020

When will we worship? An outdoor Saturday service is being added to help members worship in a safe environment. This service will replace the Wednesday evening service.

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm (Any St. John’s or Emmanuel members)-Beginning Saturday, August 15
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at stjohnsmontello.org

Where will we worship? Groups should be 50 or less indoors. To provide safe worship experiences, the new Saturday worship service will be held outdoors when weather permits.

Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.
Sunday @ 8:00 am at Emmanuel in the sanctuary
Sunday @ 10:00 am at St. John’s in the sanctuary

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will currently be optional at all services (see below**) Masks will be available.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service. Some seating and a canopy may be available.
The congregation is asked to not sing for the time being.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The Saturday before the 2nd and 4th Sundays will also include communion. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or pastor

Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 369-1790

St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171, James Wachholz (608) 369-4006 – Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
See the source image

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
9-5 9-6	32	28 44
St. John’s Altar CommitteeSeptember 2020	Diane Eisermann&Delores Cotte

BULLETIN- September 6, 2020

September 6, 2020September 6, 2020 lillyk24

The 14^th Sunday after Pentecost

September 5 & 6, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠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.

Please note bulletin pages 12 & 13. St. John’s Lutheran Church–Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church–Mecan Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19 – July 30, 2020 Briefly, all indoor worshipers are required to hand sanitize, maintain social distancing and wear masks. Also, at all indoor services, a soloist will sing hymns and the congregation will be asked to refrain from singing. At our outdoor worship services on Saturday (weather-permitting), worshipers are asked to maintain social distancing, are not required to wear masks, and are invited to sing hymns. Thank you for your consideration. May God bless and keep us all safe.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

OPENING HYMN 239 Glory Be to God the Father

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Exodus 6:2-8

Summary: The Lord’s reputation: He keeps His promises to save His people.

God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they lived as aliens. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.

“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.'”

PSALM OF THE DAY 34

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Taste and see that the LORD is good;*

blessed are they who take refuge in him.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous*

and his ears are attentive to their cry.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,*

and he delivers them.

Refrain

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;*

he delivers them from all their troubles.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted*

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The LORD redeems his servants;*

no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON Romans 11:33-36

Summary: A hymn of praise to our wonderful God

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY 1 Timothy 1: 10b

M: Alleluia. Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 16:13-20 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Jesus’ reputation is the Rock of His Church

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Please be seated.

HYMN 536 Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

SERMONETTE Matthew 16: 13-20

“Who Do You Say Jesus Is?”

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

BEFRIEND A MISSION PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Intercessory prayers listed on page 10.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

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.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

Amen.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 323 Almighty Father, Bless the Word

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

Announcements

Next week’s theme:-

September 13, 2020 15^thSunday after Pentecost

“True Discipleship (Following Jesus) Means Giving Up Our Way for His Way”

St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church Mecan

Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19

July 30, 2020

When will we worship? An outdoor Saturday service is being added to help members worship in a safe environment. This service will replace the Wednesday evening service.

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm (Any St. John’s or Emmanuel members)-Beginning Saturday, August 15
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at stjohnsmontello.org

Where will we worship? Groups should be 50 or less indoors. To provide safe worship experiences, the new Saturday worship service will be held outdoors when weather permits.

Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.
Sunday @ 8:00 am at Emmanuel in the sanctuary
Sunday @ 10:00 am at St. John’s in the sanctuary

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will currently be optional at all services (see below**) Masks will be available.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service. Some seating and a canopy may be available.
The congregation is asked to not sing for the time being.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The Saturday before the 2nd and 4th Sundays will also include communion. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or pastor

Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 369-1790

St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171, James Wachholz (608) 369-4006 – Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
See the source image

Christ Builds and Sustains His Church

On Those Who Confess His Name

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

“The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord.” The Holy Christian Church is not a building made by human hands, but it is a spiritual house made of living stones, people who have confessed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, their Savior. Built on Christ, the sure foundation, this Church will endure throughout time and into eternity, though the attacks against it will be severe. Praise God that he has made known to us the truth, that we might confess with Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God!

First Lesson (Exodus 6:2-8)

Four times in this passage God says, “I am the LORD.” What does he mean by this?
What comfort can Christ’s Church today find in words like these spoken through Moses?
How does God’s picture of freeing Israel from Egypt’s oppression typify our condition?

Second Lesson (Romans 11:33-36)

How is this praise hymn a fitting conclusion to our past weeks’ readings, where Paul spoke of mankind’s disobedience being an opportunity for God to show his mercy?

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20)

Why must Peter’s confession be ours? How will this occur?
What are the keys of heaven?Answers:

When it is written in capital letters, it means “the Savior-God,” Jehovah. This was the same gracious God who had promised salvation to those heroes of faith who had come before Moses, and he would extend his salvation also to the people of Moses’ time.

The same Savior-God is speaking to us today and offers the same salvation and deliverance from bondage that he offered in the past.

The Israelites were to be delivered from slavery, and in its place be given their own land, their freedom, and the joy of serving God. In the same way we are delivered from our bondage to Satan and brought into the loving family of God where we enjoy freedom in Christ and the opportunity to serve him out of gratitude.

Truly, who can understand the mind and judgments of the Lord? Instead of treating us as our disobedient rebellion deserves, he uses it as a platform to extend his mercy and grace. All glory belongs to God alone!

It is through Christ alone that we can enter the kingdom of God. This confession can come to us only as it is revealed to us by God, for our sinful natures could never come to this knowledge on our own. It will be revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through the means of grace, and once made, it can withstand even the fullest onslaught of the weapons of Satan.

How amazing that Christ should give us the keys to his kingdom! Those keys are the authority that Christ gives us to lock and unlock the doors of heaven. To those who are repentant, we may offer forgiveness through the Gospel and throw the doors of heaven wide open! But to those who do not repent, we must use the Law to lock the doors of heaven, lovingly praying that they will through this action confess their sins and receive life.

The immediate reward is the healing of her daughter; the ultimate reward is Jesus’ statement regarding her great faith and her life in him.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
8-29 8-30	cancelled	cancelled
St. John’s Altar CommitteeSeptember 2020	Diane Eisermann&Delores Cotte

BULLETIN- August 22 & 23, 2020

August 23, 2020August 23, 2020 lillyk24

The 12^th Sunday after Pentecost

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August 22 & 23, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠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

OPENING HYMN 379 Amazing Grace — How Sweet the Sound

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.
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Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Kings 19:9-18

Summary: The Lord reassured Elijah

There he went into a cave and spent the night.

And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel– all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”

PSALM OF THE DAY 73

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Surely, it is God who saves me;

I will trust in him and not be afraid.

For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense,

and he will be my Savior.

I am always with you, O LORD;*

you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,*

and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?*

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,*

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion 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

SECOND LESSON Romans 9:1-5 Summary: Paul’s sorrow for the unbelieving Jews

I speak the truth in Christ–I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit–I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY Hebrews 11: 1

M: Alleluia. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 14:22-33

Summary: Jesus teaches us not to doubt his Word

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the

water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Please be seated.

HYMN 405 Oh, for a Faith that Will Not Shrink

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.
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SERMONETTE Luke 17:5

“Increase Our Faith!”

1. Listen like Elijah $C:\Users\secretary\Downloads\Sermon (1).jpg$

2. Look like Peter

3. Love like Paul

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

PRAYER FOR A STRONGER FAITH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Intercessory prayers listed on page 10.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

RITE OF TEACHER INSTALLATION Ms. Katlynn Tindall

*Spoken by pastor. Saturday service only.

SOLO Before You I Kneel (A Worker’s Prayer) by Keith Getty

*Sung by Lucas Stelter.

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY

*Read by pastor. Please see page 10 for communion schedule.

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. See page 17 for communion schedule and distribution information.

Please stand.

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

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.

Amen.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 439 Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me

*Indoors: sung by soloist. Outdoors: sung by congregation.

Words: Lutheran Book of Worship, © 1978 Augsburg Fortress.; Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-700000. All rights reserved.
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Announcements

Next week’s theme:

August 30, 2020 13^thSunday after Pentecost

“God’s Mercy Is for All”

◦ ◌ ◦ ◌ ◦ ◌ Teacher Installation Saturday ◌ ◦ ◌ ◦ ◌ ◦

August, 22, 2020

Ms. Katlynn Tindall

We want to wish a big welcome our 3^rd – 5^th grade teacher!

Please shower our new teacher with thoughts, love and blessings as she begins her new journey with us. Located on our outdoor table/in the link way at St. John’s is a

“Welcome Card Shower” station.

If you wish to send a card, please mail to 313 E Montello St., Montello, WI 53949.

◦ ◌ ◦ ◌ ◦ ◌ ◦◌ ◦ ◌ ◦ ◌ ◦◌ ◦ ◌ ◦ ◌ ◦◌ ◦ ◌ ◦ ◌ ◦◌ ◦ ◌ ◦ ◌ ◦

St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church Mecan

Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19

July 30, 2020

When will we worship? An outdoor Saturday service is being added to help members worship in a safe environment. This service will replace the Wednesday evening service.

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm (Any St. John’s or Emmanuel members)-Beginning Saturday, August 15
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at stjohnsmontello.org

Where will we worship? Groups should be 50 or less indoors. To provide safe worship experiences, the new Saturday worship service will be held outdoors when weather permits.

Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.
Sunday @ 8:00 am at Emmanuel in the sanctuary
Sunday @ 10:00 am at St. John’s in the sanctuary

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will currently be optional at all services (see below**) Masks will be available.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service. Some seating and a canopy may be available.
The congregation is asked to not sing for the time being.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The Saturday before the 2nd and 4th Sundays will also include communion. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or pastor

Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 369-1790

St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171, James Wachholz (608) 369-4006 – Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
See the source image

God’s Promises Create

And Strengthen Faith

The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Faith is a spiritual quality and accepts the gracious gift of eternal life from our Savior. But faith is not something we can achieve on our own. It is completely the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. With such a value attached to this gift, God provides means to strengthen that faith so that it will remain strong until the day of Christ Jesus. Lord, give us such a faith as this!

First Lesson (1 Kings 19:9-18)

Why was Elijah at Mount Horeb?
What did God mean to teach Elijah by appearing in a whisper instead of the other more astounding methods?
What reassurance does God provide Elijah in his loneliness?

Second Lesson (Romans 9:1-5)

Why is Paul grieving the state of his people?
Comment on Paul’s love for his people.
Was it too late for Israel to be saved?

Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33)

What enabled Peter to walk on water?
What caused Peter to begin sinking?

Answers:

Elijah was fleeing wicked Queen Jezebel who had vowed to execute him.

The whisper represented God’s patience with his people, as opposed to the violent destruction that the other responses indicated. It also reminded Elijah of the power of the simple word of God, living and active, that called all the worlds into being.

Elijah was not alone as he supposed; there were still seven thousand Israelites who remained faithful to the Lord and his promises.

As a nation, Paul’s people—the Jews—had rejected Christ and therefore were destined to face God’s wrath eternally.

Paul’s love was of the most selfless variety, a sacrificial love. Note that in verse three, Paul states that, if it were possible, he would rather face eternal judgment himself than to see his people perish. What a powerful model of selfless love this is!

Not as long as they were still alive on earth. Their teachers still held the books of Moses and the prophets, containing the promises of salvation. They were still living in a time of grace. (Note that their nationality and lineage would not be sufficient to deliver them from judgment.)

Peter’s Spirit-wrought faith trusting the invitation from Jesus to walk to him.

When Peter took his focus off Christ, the solid rock, he began to place his trust in earthly things. But Jesus lovingly forgives Peter’s weakness as he does so often with ours.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
8-15 8-16	28	43 42
St. John’s Altar CommitteeAugust 2020	Susan Brown&Jennie Utke

BULLETIN- August 16, 2020 The 11th Sunday after Pentecost

August 16, 2020August 16, 2020 lillyk24

The 11^th Sunday after Pentecost

August 15 & 16, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠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.

Please note: Worship Service Restart Plans (Bulletin pages 12, 13) Worship f.) Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 virus cases testing positive in our area, worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

OPENING HYMN 339 Today Your Mercy Calls Us

*Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: O God, you reveal your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy and kindness. Grant us the full measure of your grace that we may obtain your promises and become partakers of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 55:1-5

Summary: God satisfies our spiritual needs

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples. Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.”

PSALM OF THE DAY 42-43

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Blessed are they who hope, who hope in the Lord.

As the deer pants for streams of water,*

so my soul pants for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.*

Where can I go and meet with God?

Why are you downcast, O my soul?*

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,*

for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Refrain

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me;*

let them bring me to the place where you dwell.

Then will I go to the altar of God, my joy and my delight.*

I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON Romans 8:35-39

Summary: God satisfies our eternal needs

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 14: 23

M: Alleluia. Jesus replied, “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.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 14:13-21

Summary: God satisfies our physical needs

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

“Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Please be seated.

HYMN 728 Jerusalem the Golden

*Sung by soloist.

SERMONETTE 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18

“Find Courage in the Facts”

Fact #1 Jesus’ Resurrection

Fact #2 Jesus’ Return

Fact #3 Our Forever

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

PRAYER FOR GROWTH IN FAITH & CHRISTIAN LIVING & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Intercessory prayers listed on page 11.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

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.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

Amen.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 332 Go, My Children, with My Blessing

*Sung by soloist.

$Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Hymns and Canticles\25. Close of Service\CW 332.tif$

Announcements

Next week’s theme:

August 23, 2020 11^thSunday after Pentecost

“God Overcomes our Doubts and Fears”

St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church Mecan

Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19

July 30, 2020

When will we worship? An outdoor Saturday service is being added to help members worship in a safe environment. This service will replace the Wednesday evening service.

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm (Any St. John’s or Emmanuel members)-Beginning Saturday, August 15
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at stjohnsmontello.org

Where will we worship? Groups should be 50 or less indoors. To provide safe worship experiences, the new Saturday worship service will be held outdoors when weather permits.

Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.
Sunday @ 8:00 am at Emmanuel in the sanctuary
Sunday @ 10:00 am at St. John’s in the sanctuary

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will currently be optional at all services (see below**) Masks will be available.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service. Some seating and a canopy may be available.
The congregation is asked to not sing for the time being.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The Saturday before the 2nd and 4th Sundays will also include communion. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or pastor

Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 369-1790

St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171, James Wachholz (608) 369-4006 – Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
See the source image

Our Savior Provides Food

For Both the Body and the Soul

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

Our Savior is a God of mercy and kindness. Our very existence is testimony to that fact. Daily he provides us with all that we need to keep our body and life. He also grants protection from all earthly dangers. In addition, our Savior provides us with spiritual blessings—food for the soul. In his Word we receive the good news of sins forgiven and free salvation.

First Lesson (Isaiah 55:1-5)

What satisfying sustenance does God promise to his people?
What is the imitation bread in which some invest?
To whom do verses 4-5 point?

Second Lesson (Romans 8:35-39)

Suffering might cause us to question God’s love. But in the end, what capability does any suffering have?
What makes us more than conquerors?
Name anything that isn’t covered in Paul’s list of agents that “cannot separate us from the love of God…”

Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)

How does Jesus show his nature as provider of all things physical?
Which attributes of Jesus shine through clearly in this miracle?

Answers:

In his Word, Jesus promises to give us food and drink that is truly satisfying, for it will quench the hunger and thirst we feel because of our sin. This spiritual food and drink offer us forgiveness of sins and eternal life, a truly satisfying fare!

The imitation bread might look appealing on the outside, but it offers no relief from hunger. Consider the many religious practices performed to make oneself right with God. But we can never know with certainty if we’ve offered enough; therefore, we are never truly satisfied—a most unsatisfactory fare!

The Holy One of Israel must be pointing to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

While Paul indicates that suffering has been around for ages and is generally something we can’t escape, he also states boldly that none of it is capable of separating us from God’s love for us in Christ.

Christ’s victory on the cross makes us conquerors as well.

Paul’s list of agents ends with “nor anything else in all creation.” The only being uncreated is God himself, and it is he who worked and won our salvation. It is therefore reaffirmed that absolutely nothing can come between us and God’s love for us!

Jesus provides for this crowd of more than 10,000 people by miraculously stretching the bread and fish to fill all their stomachs. Compare Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 23:1.

Obviously, as in all of his other miracles, Jesus shows his omnipotence, or almighty power. But note also that Jesus shows his compassion for the people (v14).

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
8-9 8-12	33	43 discontinued
St. John’s Altar CommitteeAugust 2020	Susan Brown&Jennie Utke

BULLETIN- August 9, 2020

August 9, 2020August 9, 2020 lillyk24

The 10^th Sunday after Pentecost

August 9, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠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.

Please note: Worship Service Restart Plans (Bulletin pages 11, 12) Worship f.) Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 virus cases testing positive in our area, worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

M: O Lord – our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter – we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

OPENING HYMN 282 Lord, Open Now My Heart to Hear

*Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: O Lord, your ears are always open to the prayers of your humble servants, who come to you in Jesus’ name. Teach us always to ask according to your will that we may never fail to obtain the blessings you have promised; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Kings 3:5-12 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The Lord offered King Solomon whatever he wanted. Solomon did not ask for the earthly props in which the world places its trust. He was struck by his solemn, God-given responsibility and his own inability. Solomon first sought God’s kingdom by asking for a heart that would lead God’s people God’s way. God granted his prayer and added everything he had not asked for as well.

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

“Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

PSALM OF THE DAY 119b

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;*

then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law*

and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,*

for there I find delight.

Refrain

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;*

preserve my life according to your Word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant,*

so that you may be feared.

How I long for your precepts!*

Preserve my life in your righteousness.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON Romans 8:28-30

Summary: This is the most comforting gospel for the trembling believer in Christ: Before he created us, God knew us and destined us to be his. In this life he called us to faith by the gospel and justified us. Even now there are no accidents in life, no blind twists of fate. God turns Satan’s evil into good for those who love him. If our gracious God has so carefully forged each link in the chain of salvation, we can be sure he will not forget the final link:” he will bring us to glory!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 6:68

M: Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL Matthew 13:44-52

Summary: The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl show us the inestimable value of the kingdom of heaven. The trusting heart will joyfully sacrifice everything to keep from being separated from it. God’s kingdom, like a net, attracts both believers and unbelieving hangers-on. How precious our faith in Christ is as we prepare for our final destination―heaven.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied.

He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Please be seated.

HYMN 421: 1-3 All Depends on Our Possessing

*Sung by soloist.

SERMONETTE 1 Kings 3: 5-12

“God, Give Me Wisdom!”

My heart’s desire
Your Word’s gift

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

PRAYER FOR GODLY WISDOM–TRUE SPIRITUAL WEALTH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Intercessory prayers listed on page 10.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY

*Read by pastor.

Please be seated for the distribution.

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 17 for communion schedule and distribution information.

Please stand.

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

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.

Amen.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 421: 4, 5 All Depends on Our Possessing

*Sung by soloist.

Announcements

Next week’s theme:

August 16 , 2020 11^thSunday after Pentecost

“God Satisfies Our Needs”

St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church Mecan

Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19

July 30, 2020

When will we worship? An outdoor Saturday service is being added to help members worship in a safe environment. This service will replace the Wednesday evening service.

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm (Any St. John’s or Emmanuel members)-Beginning Saturday, August 15
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at stjohnsmontello.org

Where will we worship? Groups should be 50 or less indoors. To provide safe worship experiences, the new Saturday worship service will be held outdoors when weather permits.

Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.
Sunday @ 8:00 am at Emmanuel in the sanctuary
Sunday @ 10:00 am at St. John’s in the sanctuary

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will currently be optional at all services (see below**) Masks will be available.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service. Some seating and a canopy may be available.
The congregation is asked to not sing for the time being.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The Saturday before the 2nd and 4th Sundays will also include communion. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or pastor

Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 369-1790

St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171, James Wachholz (608) 369-4006 – Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
See the source image

We Receive God’s Kingdom

Through His Word

The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

God in heaven has blessed us in untold ways. Take a moment to consider just how many blessings you have. Chances are that most of what you considered was temporal, that is, for this life only. More important that all that, certainly, is our salvation in Christ Jesus, the only blessing that offers us an assurance of life eternal. This blessing is ours through the precious Word of God alone.

First Lesson (1 Kings 3:5-12)

What excellent role model does Solomon provide for us as we undertake tasks in life?
Since Solomon placed godly things first, what else did God provide?

Second Lesson (Romans 8:28-30)

How does God call us for his purpose?

4. A wonderful chain of events is described, beginning long before we came to be. If God intricately wove his plan for us through all these steps, what continuation of these steps will he most certainly bring to pass?

Gospel (Matthew 13:44-52)

5. What do both the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value represent?

6. The Parable of the Net teaches of the final judgment. How does its message also extend the thought of the first two parables?

Answers:

Young King Solomon was poised to begin his reign as ruler of Israel, replacing his father, King David. This was certainly a daunting task. So Solomon correctly subjects all earthly things to the important spiritual things and seeks for God’s wisdom to carry out the demands of his new position in a God-pleasing way. In the words of the hymn-writer: “With the Lord begin your task, Jesus will direct it.”

In addition to the wisdom Solomon requested, God also granted him riches, power, and fame unparalleled in any other human. Remember the words of the Savior: “Seek first the kingdom, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:31)

As in days past, God still calls us through the means of grace—his Gospel found in the Word and Sacraments.

From eternity God foreknew us and predestined us to be conformed in the likeness of Jesus Christ. Through the Gospel he called us and justified us by faith in the promises that he himself made. Since God carefully planned each of these steps, bringing us into our current relationship with him, we can with confidence expect that he will bring that plan to completion by glorifying us one day as we enter heaven itself. Note that Paul’s confidence in this is so strong that he speaks of it as if even the final step had already occurred.

Each represents the kingdom of heaven, a prize of priceless value. Each parable indicates that nothing else should be considered so highly as to risk losing this most precious possession.

While its main teaching is of the final judgment, this parable implies the importance of our faith in God’s promises. May that faith remain strong so that our stake in the kingdom of God is not lost!

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
8-2 8-5	28	39
St. John’s Altar CommitteeAugust 2020	Susan Brown&Jennie Utke

BULLETIN- August 2nd, 2020

August 2, 2020August 2, 2020 lillyk24

The 9^th Sunday after Pentecost

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August 2, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠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

OPENING HYMN 181: 1-3 Come, Oh, Come, Life-Giving Spirit

*Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Grant us, Lord, the spirit to think and do what is right that we, who cannot do anything that is good without you, may by your help be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Joel 3:12-16

Summary: The Lord calls his enemies to assemble and advance. Let them do what they will. He sits on his throne and he is the Judge. The forces of darkness are many, but their destruction is as sure as the fall of ripe grain before a sickle or grapes under a press. For those who trust in the Lord, he is their shelter and refuge.

“Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side. Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full and the vats overflow– so great is their wickedness!” Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

PSALM OF THE DAY 18

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain: The mighty Lord is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and by deliverer;*

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He reached down from on high and took hold of me;*

he rescued me from my powerful enemy.

He brought me out into a spacious place;*

he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Refrain

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;*

my God turns my darkness into light.

You save the humble*

but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

You give me your shield of victory,*

and your right hand sustains me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON Romans 8:26, 27 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: When God’s people are suffering, sometimes they don’t know what to pray. Here we have the gracious promise that God the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf! With such a perfect petition prayed for us, we can be sure that God’s good and gracious will is done!

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

VERSE OF THE DAY Isaiah 55:11b

M: Alleluia. My Word will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Summary: In righteous zeal, Jesus’ followers have been tempted to destroy the enemies of God’s Church. In this parable Jesus shows why his church must never use the sword. First of all, we may destroy believers together with unbelievers. Secondly, judgment of the wicked belongs to God and his angels on the last Day.

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

“The owner’s servants came to him and said, `Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

“`An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, `Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

“`No,’ he answered, `because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'”

Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

“As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Please be seated.

HYMN 541: 1-4 Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide

*Sung by soloist.

SERMONETTE Romans 8: 26, 27

“A Helping Hand From Our Heavenly Hook-up”

When our prayers are lacking
When our prayers need direction

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

PRAYER FOR BLESSINGS ON THE CHURCH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Intercessory prayers listed on page 10.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

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.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

Amen.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 541: 5-7 Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide!

*Sung by soloist.

Announcements

Next week’s theme:

August 9, 2020 10^thSunday after Pentecost

“Wisdom from on High”

St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church Mecan

Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19

July 30, 2020

When will we worship? An outdoor Saturday service is being added to help members worship in a safe environment. This service will replace the Wednesday evening service.

Saturdays @ 4:30 pm (Any St. John’s or Emmanuel members)-Beginning Saturday, August 15
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at stjohnsmontello.org

Where will we worship? Groups should be 50 or less indoors. To provide safe worship experiences, the new Saturday worship service will be held outdoors when weather permits.

Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.
Sunday @ 8:00 am at Emmanuel in the sanctuary
Sunday @ 10:00 am at St. John’s in the sanctuary

Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will currently be optional at all services (see below**) Masks will be available.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service. Some seating and a canopy may be available.
The congregation is asked to not sing for the time being.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The Saturday before the 2nd and 4th Sundays will also include communion. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies

Final Judgment Belongs to God

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” These words of our God place the responsibility for judgment—especially the final judgment—solely into the hands of God himself. Of course, to the person without Christ, that is a frightening notion, for none will escape the judgment of the Lord. But to God’s children, who still struggle daily with temptation and sin, these words are a sobering reminder of our evil nature but also an opportunity to remember that our good Savior has already borne that judgment for us.

First Lesson (Joel 3:12-16)

Of what is the harvest a picture?
While God has chastised his people for their wickedness, ultimately he would judge the heathen nation that oppressed them. What promise of grace does Joel proclaim?

Second Lesson (Romans 8:26-27)

What assurance do Christians have, even in the worst of times?
In what manner may we confidently assume our “unspeakable” petitions are prayed?

Gospel (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43)

In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus indicates that the sons of God will live along side the sons of evil until the end. How can we tell who’s who?
How will God’s victory finally be seen by all?

Answers:

While a physical harvest of crops seems also to be coming, the symbolism here points to the judgment “harvest,” where God will bind up those who are against him and destroy them in eternal hellfire. Compare Revelation 14:14-20.

God’s own people, also wicked, had already received punishment at the hands of the oppressors. But, faithful to his promises, the Lord also remembers his people and remains their refuge and stronghold (verse 16).

Even in the worst of times, God is there to help. Sometimes our situation may be so severe that we don’t even know how or what to pray. When our own spirit fails, the Holy Spirit takes up our petitions for us and intimately shares our needs with our Father in heaven.

Since the Holy Spirit is carrying it, and since he and the Father share a common deity, knowing even each other’s minds, our petitions will be conveyed perfectly, in accordance with God’s good will.

Compare 1 John 3:10. We will look to outward actions and words as indication of who the believers and unbelievers are.

While Satan and his evil army are given freedom in this world and even sometimes appear to have the upper hand, yet in the end—the final judgment—all those creatures found outside the family of Christ will be destroyed in everlasting fire, a fact of which Satan’s forces are keenly aware (1 Peter 3:18-20). God keep us strong in faith and in our walk with our Savior, and bring us at last to our heavenly inheritance!

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
7-26 7-29	33	51 4
St. John’s Altar CommitteeAugust 2020	Susan Brown&Jennie Utke

BULLETIN- July 26, 2020

July 26, 2020July 26, 2020 lillyk24

The 8^th Sunday after Pentecost
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July 26, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠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 note: Worship Service Restart Plans (Bulletin pages 20, 21) Worship f.) Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 virus cases testing positive in our area, worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.

OPENING HYMN Good News of God Above

Sung by cantor. Christian Worship #568

Please stand

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

When we confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, the pastor announces the perfect forgiveness of sins won for us by Jesus.

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

The Church brings her concerns and prayers to a loving Father in heaven, who has shown great mercy to us and promised to hear our ardent cries for help.

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.

GLORY BE TO GOD

This song of praise reminds us of the wonderful things God has done for us, not the least of which is the salvation he gives through Jesus Christ.

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Let us pray.

Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your Word. By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy and to bring forth fruits in faith and hope and love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

✠T H E W O R D ✠

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

FIRST READING Isaiah 55:10-11 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: God’s Word accomplishes what he desires

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

PSALM OF THE DAY 65

The cantor sings refrains. Pastor reads the verses.

The earth is full of the goodness of God,

the goodness of our God.

Praise awaits you, O God,*

you call forth songs of joy.

You care for the land and water it;*

you soften it with showers and bless its crops.

The streams of God are filled with water*

to provide the people with grain.

Refrain

You crown the year with your bounty,*

and your carts overflow with abundance.

The grasslands of the desert overflow;*

the hills are clothed with gladness.

The meadows are covered with flocks

and the valleys are mantled with grain;*

they shout for joy and sing.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND READING Romans 8:18-25

Summary: We have been born again through the imperishable seed, the Word of God

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that^[^a^] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerlyfor our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

VERSE OF THE DAY Deuteronomy 30: 14

Alleluia. The Word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. Alleluia.

Stand.

GOSPEL READING Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

Summary: The parable of the sower

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop– a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.”

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

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 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.

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY Your Kingdom, O God

Sung by cantor. Christian Worship Supplement #755
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SERMON Isaiah 55: 10-11

“How Is God’s Word Like Rain and Snow?”

1. It comes down from God

2. It affects the heart

3. It feeds the soul

Stand after the sermon.

CREATE IN ME

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. Please deposit your offering on the plate located near the church entry.

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Prayer for the Seed of God’s Word and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcements on page 17 for those on our Intercessory Prayers list.

Stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

✠S E R V I C E O F T H E S A C R A M E N T ✠

In this service we celebrate the gift of Jesus’ redeeming love, we bear witness to the Christian fellowship we share, and we proclaim his death until he returns.

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

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

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 promised that wherever two or three come together in his name, there he is with them to shepherd his flock till he comes again in glory. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:”

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

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 is remembrance of me.”

M: 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 our 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

Please be seated for the distribution

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 17 for communion schedule and distribution information.

THANKSGIVING

Please stand.

SONG OF SIMEON

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

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 as this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

BLESSING

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.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast

Sung by cantor. Christian Worship #324

Announcements

Next week’s theme:

August 2, 2020 9^thSunday after Pentecost

“Waiting for the Final Harvest”

The Success of the Gospel Depends

On God’s Power and Blessing

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

How do you get people to join your church? There are lots of suggestions. Most people suggest something special for every age group. It seems that you need to provide people with all kinds of programs. You also need to tell people what they want to hear. You may get people to join your church that way, but chances are they won’t ever become a part of the Holy Christian Church. You only become a member of God’s kingdom one way: through the preaching of the gospel. But even the success of our gospel preaching doesn’t depend on us. Instead it depends entirely upon God’s power and blessing.

First Lesson (Isaiah 55:10,11)

True or false: Whenever we proclaim God’s Word, we can be certain that our listeners will be brought to faith.
What does God mean that his Word “never returns to him empty”?

Second Lesson (Romans 8:18-25)

What is God’s creation awaiting?
What are we eagerly awaiting?
Why do we need to be patient?

Gospel (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)

What is a parable?
What is Jesus’ point in the Parable of the Sower?

Answers:

False. The gospel does not automatically produce faith. When we use the gospel, we hope and pray that this will be the outcome, but sadly there are many who reject the forgiveness that God offers in his Word and harden their hearts to its truths, as Isaiah experienced in his own ministry (cf. Is 6:9,10).

He means that there is never a “neutral” hearing of his Word. God’s Word either produces and strengthens faith in the hearts of his hearers, or it serves to harden those hearts. Even Jesus’ disciples – although still believers – were sometimes hardened to the truth of God’s Word when they refused to believe certain things (cf. Mk 6:52; Mk 8:17).

Awaiting the return of the Lord when it will be freed from the bondage of decay. In other words, things die and corrode in this world because of our sinfulness.

We await our adoption as children of God, when our broken-down and decaying bodies will be replaced with a body like the one Jesus received in his resurrection (cf. Php 3:21).

We need to be patient because Jesus’ return won’t take place until all those who were elected to faith from eternity are brought to faith the powerful Word of God. We don’t know when that will be, so we need to be patient.

A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus told many simple parables to the people of his day, using everyday events to help people understand the kingdom of God.

Jesus is pointing out to us that it is our job to cast the seed of his Word. That’s all. Whether that seed takes root is dependent on his power and blessing.

See the source image

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
7-19 7-22	30	43 7
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJuly 2020	Elaine Kelm&Carolyn Rosenthal