Bulletins – Page 22 – St. John's Evangelical

BULLETIN- May 10, 2020

May 9, 2020May 9, 2020 lillyk24

The 5^th Sunday of Easter

Mother’s Day

May 10, 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.

P: Christ is risen!

C: He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

HYMN 141 At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing

INVOCATION hymnal page 15

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

OPENING PRAYER hymnal page 10

P: 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.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION hymnal page 38

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

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.

P: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will. Amen.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

FIRST LESSON Acts 17:1-12

Summary: The apostle Paul proclaims Jesus, only Jesus

When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

In Berea

As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

PSALM 33 hymnal page 79

*Read verses and sing refrains.

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;

It is fitting for the upright to praise him.

For the Word of the Lord is right and true;

He is faithful in all he does.

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made,

Their starry host by the breath of this mouth.

For he spoke, and it came to be;

He commanded, and it stood firm.

Refrain

The Lord foils the plans of the nations;

He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,

The purposes of his heart through all generations.

The Lord loves righteousness and justice;

The earth is full of his unfailing love.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

And to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning,

Is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Peter 2:4-10

Summary: The disciple Peter describes Jesus Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him

will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 14:6

P: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord. Alleluia.

♫ Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

GOSPEL LESSON John 14:1-12

Summary: “I am the way, the truth, and the life…”

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus the Way to the Father

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: O God, you form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may ever yearn for the lasting joys of heaven; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

SERMON HYMN 356 You Are the Way; through You Alone

SERMONETTE John 14: 1-6 (underlined in Gospel lesson)

“I Am the Way”

APOSTLES’ CREED

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

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

HYMN 367 Christ By My Leader

EASTER SEASON PRAYER

*Read by Pastor

LORD’S PRAYER hymnal page 43

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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 hymnal page 43

P: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING hymnal page 44

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.

CLOSING HYMN 759 Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

*Canter sings verses, everyone sing refrains.

Announcements

Next week’s theme: May 17, 2020 The 6^th Sunday after Easter:

“Living In and For the Living Lord”

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

(The LORD said:) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). For the past 6 weeks now, our nation’s “Safe at Home” social distancing mandate has changed how we live and how God feeds and leads us with his Word. However, we need to remember that the power of God’s Word and the comfort of the gospel is not diminished by the way it is delivered. You will hear law and gospel. You will be assured of Christ’s forgiveness. Your faith will be nourished and our trust in God’s unchanging promises will be strengthened.

Perhaps God will use this experience to lead us to never take public worship for granted again. I pray that God is also using this crisis to draw many in our nation to see the value of forgiveness, faith and the Word of God. As He tells us, “My Word will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). If you know of someone who doesn’t have access to these on-line worship opportunities, please let us know. Call (608-297-2866) or email <scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org> church/school secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or leave a message.

At the encouragement of our church synod leaders, we will be reserving distribution of the Lord’s Supper for its regular and normal use within the gathering of the body of believers, except in special circumstances. We take comfort in knowing that we have two forms of the means of grace – Word and sacrament. Forgiveness received through God’s Word is no less powerful and effective than the sacrament.

Every Saturday at 11am (either at Emmanuel at St. John’s) we will record an abbreviated service that will be uploaded to our website <www.stjohnsmontello.org> & linked You Tube channel together with a bulletin file available for viewing at your convenience. These services will also be available via DVD, printed sermon & bulletin mailings. Many thanks to those helping with our recorded services including: Darrell Buchholz, Pastor John Dolan, Kerry Mann, Rachel Naumann, Ciara Neuhauser, Larry & Lynn Sellnow, Lucas Stelter, Sue Tutaj, James Wachholz and Lauren Zietlow. Thanks also to the Sellnow’s for recording weekly school chapel devotions and for Pastor Dolan for recording weekly Bible studies.

While we might be tempted to face this situation with a great deal of disappointment and chagrin, we also recognize the opportunity God is placing before us to ponder and grasp ever more firmly his promise of spiritual health for our souls and to reflect the light of his love to others. We can:

– pray for God’s healing for those affected by the virus

– pray for those involved in essential services – medical personnel, first responders, and those who keep the peace

– share the links to our website and worship service with family, friends, and acquaintances

– renew our daily devotional life

– continue to support the message and ministry of our congregation by responding in thanks to God for his gift of eternal life through offerings mailed to the church office, by electronic-ACH-auto-pay-direct-deposit giving or via credit card at <www.stjohnsmontello.org> menu button “Church Recorded Service” DONATE NOW yellow button. Call Ciara at the church office for direct depost giving details.

– offer care and compassion for those who need support and a listening ear

Church elders, shepherd, trustees, other concerned members and Pastor Zietlow have been contacting all E/SJ members (via email, text, and phone) to make all aware of the situation, to offer alternatives for those who do not have a computer or internet access, and to offer any special assistance during these challenging times. Following our governor’s announcement on 3/24, all WI residents are to stay “Safe At Home”. President Trump also advises that we continue this “social distancing” until May. These are trying times..times for personal reflection, Bible study, devotion and prayer. Pastor Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text) and our E/SJ Elders are available for emergency home visits. Please reach out to them directly.

Elders:

Darrell Buchholz at E – (608) 215-7871, darrell.buchholz@gmail.com

Jerre Duerr at SJ – (608) 697-8706, jerre.asc@gmail.com

Jim Eisermann at SJ – (608) 297-8171, jay.diane.eisermann@gmail.com

Wayne Stelter at E – (608) 297-2761, shieldscreamery@gmail.com

James Wachholz at SJ – (608) 369-2635, lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

We as your church family want to be able to help and serve you, but we can all rejoice as we look to the One who is our real and lasting helper. He is our strength and that’s especially comforting in a time like this, when our human weakness is made so clear!

In Jesus Christ our loving, protecting, crucified & risen Savior,

Pastor Pete Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)

“The Lord knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

Dear School Children & Families:

Your goodness and generosity have been displayed by the offerings already made to the 2019-2020 Kids C.A.R.E. mission project: Early Childhood Education in Indonesia. Why do we support a mission project? God gives us, even as children, the opportunity to serve Him by sharing Jesus, the Best Gift God gave to us and the Best Gift we can give to others. While we live on earth, God gives us the task of sharing the Hope that we have in our Savior Jesus with others. Giving to missions is one way to do just that! Kids C.A.R.E.–Kids Care About Reaching Everyone with the Gospel.

While the children cannot meet at chapel, they can still share their final gifts for children in Indonesia, and we hope parents will encourage their children to do so. Most children brought weekly offerings through March. Since social distancing continues during the weeks of April and May, perhaps you would take that into consideration as final gifts are made. Place your gift in an envelope labeled “Kids C.A.R.E.” and drop in off with school work to your child’s teacher or mail it to “Kids C.A.R.E., St. John’s Lutheran School, 313 East Montello Street, Montello, WI 53949. All gifts must be received No Later than Friday, May 15.

Working together wonderful things can be achieved. The Kids C.A.R.E. Giving Thermometer currently stands at $966.96—wouldn’t it be great to stretch that figure to over $1,000 to share Jesus with children in Indonesia!

Our Hope Is Built On Christ

The Fifth Sunday of Easter – A

God’s Word for Today

The creative, sustaining Word of Christ brings people into fellowship with the one, true God. Christ, the “Living Stone,” builds up his people like living stones into a spiritual house. Such people of “noble character” now search the truth of God’s Word receiving from it every spiritual blessing.

First Lesson (Acts 17:1-12)

Why was it important for Paul to show the Jews in the synagogues that Christ had to suffer? (v. 3)
For what activity should we remember the Berean Jews?

Second Lesson (1 Peter 2:4-10)

What description does Peter give of all who are joined to Christ by faith?
According to Peter, to what purpose did God call us, his own people, out of darkness? (v. 9)

Gospel (John 14:1-12)

Why was Jesus’ departure not a source of sorrow but a reason for rejoicing?
Must we wait for eternal life to be united with Jesus?
What is the comfort of knowing that a place in heaven exists with our name on it?
Jesus calls himself “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” What is the significance of the three definite articles?

Answers:

The idea of a suffering Messiah was a stumbling block to the Jews, and so it was important to show that he must suffer.
They took their Bibles seriously. Each day they would test the message of Paul by comparing it with the Scriptures.
He describes them as living stones being built into a spiritual house. Believers are like a temple in which God dwells and where living sacrifices are continually being offered to him.
God called us to declare his praises, that is, to tell the whole world what he has done for us through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He was leaving in order to prepare for them a place in his Father’s house. And, he added, he would return and take them to the place he had prepared. There they would all be together again!
In John 14:23 Jesus stated that he and the Father will come to us and make their home with us. Thus the mystic union is a reality already in this life.
Things in this life come and go, they change, they see decay. But our God is our one constant in our lives. What comfort to know that beyond this ever-changing world we have a place prepared for us by Christ in heaven.
It clearly points out that Jesus is the only way to heaven. He is the world’s one and only Savior (Luke 2:32). Only through Christ our Savior do we ever come to the Father.

Dear members of Emmanuel and St. John’s,

As you all are very aware, we have not been able to physically worship together as a church family or have our students attend school since mid-March. That does not mean that our ministry has slowed down.

In almost every way our ministry here at Emmanuel and St. John’s has had to be retooled and redoubled efforts to meet the challenge that COVID-19 placed before us. And, with any great challenge lies great opportunity.

Your Emmanuel and St. John’s church leadership put together an emergency team in March and met to outline how the churches could carry on our ministry to get the Sunday sermons to our members. In that meeting we decided to have Pastor record his sermons and have them uploaded to our YouTube channel. It was also decided that Pastor and the Elders of both congregations would identify and reach out to the members they KNEW would not be able to utilize the YouTube sermons and provide a different format for those members.

Even though our St. John’s and Little Lambs students have not been able to be in the school physically, our staff have continued to work tirelessly to provide for their spiritual and academic needs via technology and distance learning. Our staff has been there to support school parents through the transition to this new way of spiritual and academic learning.

The Synod recommended for churches to apply and utilize the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program through the CARES Act. Emmanuel and St. John’s financial team met, filled out the loan application, and turned it in to FORTIFI Bank. We were granted the loan on the second round of funding from the federal government. This loan gives us the two and a half months of payroll that is completely forgivable as long as we utilize it for payroll.

After having our teacher calls returned, the St. John’s School Board has requested a Martin Luther College graduate from the WELS assignment committee. Assignments will be announced on May 16. Please keep the assignment committee, MLC graduates, and our school in your prayers.

The St. John’s council will be meeting later in the month in anticipation that at that meeting we can be laying the ground work to a return to physically worshiping together and, God willing, preparing for the physical return of our students our classrooms in the fall.

Please keep our ministry, staff, and leaders in your prayers until we meet again. Know that YOU are in our prayers as well.

BULLETIN- MAY 3, 2020- The 4th Sunday of Easter

May 2, 2020May 2, 2020 lillyk24

Link to Easter Summary Q&A

The 4^th Sunday of Easter

May 3, 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.

P: Christ is risen!

C: He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

HYMN 360 The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want

INVOCATION hymnal page 15

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

OPENING PRAYER hymnal page 10

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION hymnal page 38

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

FIRST LESSON Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60

Summary: Jesus the Good Shepherd leads us into service and through the valley of the shadow of death.

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jewsamong them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen.

To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran.

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

PSALM 23 hymnal page 72

*Read verses and sing refrains.

The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me besides quiet waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in paths of righteousness

For his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley

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

For you are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Refrain

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

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me

All the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

And to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning,

Is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Peter 2:19-25

Summary: You were like sheep gone astray but have now returned to the Good Shepherd

For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ^“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 10:14

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

♫ Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

GOSPEL LESSON John 10:1-10

Summary: “I am the Good Shepherd”

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

SERMON HYMN 432 I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb

SERMONETTE John 10: 11-16

“Jesus is our Good Shepherd”

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

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

APOSTLES’ CREED

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

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

HYMN 766 The Lord’s My Shepherd

C:\Users\secretary\Downloads\CWS 766.tif

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY PRAYER

*Read by Pastor

LORD’S PRAYER hymnal page 43

CLOSING PRAYER hymnal page 43

BLESSING hymnal page 44

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.

CLOSING SOLO “God is My Shepherd”

*Soloist Lucas Stelter.

Announcements

Next week’s theme: May 10, 2020 The 5^th Sunday after Easter-Mother’s Day:

“Jesus Is the Only Savior”

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

“Seek the Lord while he may be found! Call on him while he is near! Let the wicked man abandon his way. Let an evil man abandon his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will show him mercy. Let him turn to our God, because he will abundantly pardon. Certainly my plans are not your plans, and your ways are not my ways, declares the Lord. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my plans are higher than your plans.

Just as the rain and the snow come down from the sky and do not return there unless they first water the earth, make it give birth, and cause it to sprout, so that it gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater, in the same way my word that goes out from my mouth will not return to me empty. Rather, it will accomplish whatever I please, and it will succeed in the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:6-9 Evangelical Heritage Version)

For the past month now, our nation’s “Safe St Home” social distancing mandate has changed how we live and how God feeds and leads us with his Word. However, we need to remember that the power of God’s Word and the comfort of the gospel is not diminished by the way it is delivered. You will hear law and gospel. You will be assured of Christ’s forgiveness. Your faith will be nourished and our trust in God’s unchanging promises will be strengthened.

– pray for God’s healing for those affected by the virus

– pray for those involved in essential services – medical personnel, first responders, and those who keep the peace

– share the links to our website and worship service with family, friends, and acquaintances

– renew our daily devotional life

– offer care and compassion for those who need support and a listening ear

Church elders, shepherd, trustees, other concerned members and Pastor Zietlow have been contacting all E/SJ members (via email, text, and phone) to make all aware of the situation, to offer alternatives for those who do not have a computer or internet access, and to offer any special assistance during these challenging times. Following our governor’s announcement on 3/24, all WI residents are to stay “Safe At Home”. President Trump also advises that we continue this “social distancing” until May. These are trying times…times for personal reflection, Bible study, devotion and prayer. Pastor Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text) and our E/SJ Elders are available for emergency home visits. Please reach out to them directly.

Elders:

Darrell Buchholz at E – (608) 215-7871, darrell.buchholz@gmail.com

Jerre Duerr at SJ – (608) 697-8706, jerre.asc@gmail.com

Jim Eisermann at SJ – (608) 297-8171, jay.diane.eisermann@gmail.com

Wayne Stelter at E – (608) 297-2761, shieldscreamery@gmail.com

James Wachholz at SJ – (608) 369-2635, lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

In Jesus Christ our loving, protecting, crucified & risen Savior,

Pastor Pete Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)

“The Lord knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

(Job 23:10)

Dear School Children & Families:

BULLETIN- April 26, 2020- 3rd Sunday Easter

April 26, 2020April 26, 2020 lillyk24

The 3^rd Sunday of Easter

April 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 thankfulness of praise.

P: Christ is risen!

C: He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

HYMN 152: 1,5,7,8 I Know that My Redeemer Lives

INVOCATION hymnal page 15

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

OPENING PRAYER hymnal page 10

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION hymnal page 38

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

FIRST LESSON Acts 2:14a, 36-47

Summary: Christians live in joy of the risen Savior

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

PSALM 67 hymnal page 91

*Read verses and sing refrains.

May God be gracious to us and bless us

And make his face shine upon us;

May your ways be know on earth,

Your salvation among all nations.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy

For you rule the peoples justly

And guide the nations of the earth.

Refrain

Then the land will yield its harvest,

And God, our God, will bless us.

God will bless us,

And all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

And to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning,

Is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Peter 1:17-21

Summary: God raised the lamb who shed his blood for us

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. ¹⁸For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. ²⁰He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. ²¹Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

VERSE OF THE DAY Luke 24:32

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

♫ Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

GOSPEL LESSON Luke 24:13-35

Summary: The risen Lord revived the hopes of the Emmaus disciples

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles^[^a^] from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world from the despair of death. By his resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys; through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

SERMON HYMN 439 Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me

SERMONETTE Luke 24:13-35

“Thrown for a loop!”

APOSTLES’ CREED

*Sung to the tune of CW 486 “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us”. See lyrics below.

1. I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heav’n and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s own Son of human birth.

Virgin-born, the Lord incarnate, whom the Spirit did conceive;

Suffered under Pontius Pilate; he’s the God whom I believe.

2. Crucified, was dead and buried, down to hell in victory,

From the dead he rose the third day; up to heav’n triumphantly.

There at God’s right hand he’s ruling, by his will the world is led.

He will come to judge the nations, both the living and the dead.

3. I believe in God the Spirit, in his Church, his chosen band.

They are joined in sweet communion, holy in his sight they stand.

I believe in sins forgiven; I believe I’ll rise again;

I believe in life eternal. Amen, Amen, Amen.

EASTER SEASON PRAYER

*Read responsively.

P: O Lord God, our strength, our song, and our salvation, you fulfilled your promises by the

resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead.

C: Thanks be to God! You gave us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

P: In your compassion you sent Christ, the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life to rescue the lost.

C: Drive out all doubt and gloom that we may delight in your glorious triumph.

P: Lift our eyes heavenward to see him who lives to make intercession for the saints, and grant us confidence in the greatness of his power. Keep before us the vision of your redeemed people standing before your throne and singing the song of victory.

C: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive wisdom and power and honor and glory and

praise.

P: Make us instruments of your peace as we bring the good news of hope and new life to those around us. Guide us in the use of all that you have entrusted to us: our time, our talents, and our treasures.

C: Risen Lord, live in us that we may live in you.

P: Merciful Lord Jesus, grant healing to the sick, and strengthen the faith of the suffering and the dying. Assure them of your abiding presence, and comfort them with the hope of eternal life.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

P: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.

P: Gracious Father, you have restored to us the joy of your salvation. With happy hearts, we come before you and say:

C: Alleluia! Thanks be to God! Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER hymnal page 43

CLOSING PRAYER hymnal page 43

BLESSING hymnal page 44

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.

CLOSING SOLO “Christ Is Risen! He’s Risen Indeed!” by Keith & Krysten Getty

*Soloist James Wachholz.

Announcements

Next week’s theme: May 3, 2020 The 4^th Sunday after Easter:

“The Risen Lord Is Our Good Shepherd”

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Perhaps God will use this experience to lead us to never take public worship for granted again. I pray that God is also using this crisis to draw many in our nation to see the value of forgiveness, faith and the Word of God. As He tells us, “My Word will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). If you know of someone who doesn’t have access to these on-line worship opportunities, please let us know. Call (608-297-2866) or email scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org church/school secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or leave a message.

– pray for God’s healing for those affected by the virus

– pray for those involved in essential services – medical personnel, first responders, and those who keep the peace

– share the links to our website and worship service with family, friends, and acquaintances

– renew our daily devotional life

– offer care and compassion for those who need support and a listening ear

Church elders, shepherd, trustees, other concerned members and Pastor Zietlow have been contacting all E/SJ members (via email, text, and phone) to make all aware of the situation, to offer alternatives for those who do not have a computer or internet access, and to offer any special assistance during these challenging times. Following our governor’s announcement on 3/24, all WI residents are to stay “Safe At Home”. President Trump also advises that we continue this “social distancing” until May. These are trying times…times for personal reflection, Bible study, devotion and prayer. Pastor Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text) and our E/SJ Elders are available for emergency home visits. Please reach out to them directly.

Elders:

Darrell Buchholz at E – (608) 215-7871, darrell.buchholz@gmail.com

Jerre Duerr at SJ – (608) 697-8706, jerre.asc@gmail.com

Jim Eisermann at SJ – (608) 297-8171, jay.diane.eisermann@gmail.com

Wayne Stelter at E – (608) 297-2761, shieldscreamery@gmail.com

James Wachholz at SJ – (608) 369-2635, lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

In Jesus Christ our loving, protecting, crucified & risen Savior,

Pastor Pete Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)

“The Lord knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

(Job 23:10)

* * * * * * * *

We Rejoice In The Risen Christ

The Third Sunday of Easter – A

God’s Word for Today

Most of our celebrations are very brief. The festival of Easter, however, inspires a certain “afterglow” that by God’s grace burns ever brighter as we celebrate anew each Sunday during the Easter season. Led by the Spirit to believe in the resurrected Lord, we rejoice in holy awe in this glorious truth and are filled with a desire to speak of our hope with others.

First Lesson (Acts 2:14a,36-47)

For whom is baptism intended?
Why could and did the first congregation: in Jerusalem continue to use the temple courts as a place to meet and worship?

Second Lesson (1 Peter 1:17-21)

Why does Peter encourage us to live as “strangers” while here on this earth?

Gospel (Luke 24:13-35)

Why do you think Jesus didn’t reveal his identity to the Emmaus disciples?
They had just told Jesus not to go on because of the approaching night. But once Jesus revealed himself, why did they quickly go back to Jerusalem?
What lessons can we learn from the account of the Emmaus disciples?

Answers:

Peter tells us that this means of grace is for all who hear his words. It is also for their children. It is also for those who were not there that day, including us. It is for all whom God has called or ever will call by the message which Peter proclaimed that day.
They met at the temple because it was the house of the Lord and they were the Lord’s people. It was the Father’s house and they were his children. They gathered there daily.
It will always be a temptation for Christians to set their hearts on what they can see⎯material things, institutions, approval from others, etc.. It is a lifelong struggle to learn that everything visible is perishable while what is not seen has lasting value. As Christians, we need to remember that we live in tents⎯temporary settings⎯because we are not yet home.
It gave the disciples the chance to openly confess their unbelieving doubts. Jesus was providing them the opportunity to learn from him again as he reviewed what the Scriptures had to say about the Messiah.
Their hearts were burning within them. They couldn’t keep the joy of this wonderful message to themselves, so they had to tell the others in Jerusalem.
We need exactly what they received from Jesus. Through the Word we too need a call to repentance because of our foolish and slow hearts. We need a renewed sense of joy that the message of Easter gives us so that with the wonder of our risen Savior before us, we are compelled to proclaim the Easter message to others.

* * * * * * * *

Dear School Children & Families:

How the Virus Stole Easter

A Poem by Kristi Bothur, inspired by Dr. Seuss, edited by Pastor Zietlow

Twas late in ‘19 when the virus began

Bringing chaos and fear to all people, each land.

People were sick, hospitals full,

Doctors overwhelmed, no one in school.

As winter gave way to the promise of spring,

The virus raged on, touching peasant and king.

People hid in their homes from the enemy unseen.

They YouTubed and Zoomed, social-distanced, and cleaned.

April approached and churches were closed.

“There won’t be an Easter,” the world supposed.

“There won’t be church services, and egg hunts are out.

No reason for new dresses when we can’t go about.”

Holy Week started, as bleak as the rest.

The world was focused on masks and on tests.

“Easter can’t happen this year,” it proclaimed.

“Online and at home, it just won’t be the same.”

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the days came and went.

The virus pressed on; it just would not relent.

The world woke Sunday and nothing had changed.

The virus still menaced, the people, estranged.

“Pooh pooh to the saints,” the world was grumbling.

“They’re finding out now that no Easter is coming.

“They’re just waking up! We know just what they’ll do!

Their mouths will hang open a minute or two,

And then all the saints will all cry boo-hoo.

“That noise,” said the world, “will be something to hear.”

So it paused and the world put a hand to its ear.

And it did hear a sound coming through all the skies.

It started down low, then it started to rise.

But the sound wasn’t depressed.

Why, this sound was triumphant!

It couldn’t be so!

But it grew with abundance!

The world stared around, popping its eyes.

Then it shook! What it saw was a shocking surprise!

Every saint in every nation, the tall and the small,

Was celebrating Jesus in spite of it all!

It hadn’t stopped Easter from coming! It came!

Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the world with its life quite stuck in quarantine

Stood puzzling and puzzling.

“Just how can it be?”

“It came without bonnets, it came without bunnies,

It came without egg hunts, cantatas, or money.”

Then the world thought of something it hadn’t before.

“Maybe Easter,” it thought, “doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Easter, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

The churches are empty – but so is the tomb,

And Jesus is victor over death, doom, and gloom.

So this year at Easter, let this be our prayer,

As the virus still rages all around, everywhere.

May the world see our hope when it looks at God’s people.

May the world see the church is no building or steeple.

May the world learn our faith that Jesus still lives,

And join us in hope his redemption now gives.

Bulletin- Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches 4/19/20

April 18, 2020April 18, 2020 lillyk24

The 2^nd Sunday of Easter

April 19, 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.

P: Christ is risen!

C: He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

OPENING HYMN 143: 1-3 He’s Risen, He’s Risen

INVOCATION hymnal page 15

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

OPENING PRAYER hymnal page 10

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.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION hymnal page 38

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.

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. Amen.

PSALM 16 hymnal page 68

*sung in unison.

Keep me safe, O God,

For in you I take refuge.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;”

Apart from you I have no good thing.

I have set the Lord always before me,

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

Refrain

My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

My body also will rest secure,

Because you will not abandon me to the grave,

Nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

You have made known to me the path of life;

You will fill me with joy in your presence.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

And to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning,

Is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Acts 2:14a, 22-32

Summary: God’s Holy One (Jesus Christ) did not decay

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.

“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

“Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.

HYMN 165: 1-3 O Sons and Daughters of the King

1 O sons and daughters of the King,

Whom heav’nly hosts in glory sing,

Today the grace has lost its sting!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2 On that first morning of the week

Before the day began to break,

The Marys went their Lord to seek.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

3 An angel bade their sorrow flee,

For thus he spoke unto the three,

“Your Lord will go to Galilee.”

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Peter 1:3-9

Summary: Praise God for the blessings He gives us through the risen Lord

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

HYMN 165: 4-6 O Sons and Daughters of the King

4 That night th’ apostles met in fear;

Among them came their Lord most dear

And said, “Peace be unto you here.”

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

5 When Thomas afterwards had heard

That Jesus had fulfilled his word,

He doubted that it was the Lord.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

6 “Thomas, behold my side,” said he,

“My hands, my feet, my body see;

And doubt not, but believe in me.”

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

GOSPEL LESSON John 20:19-31 (today’s sermon text underlined)

Summary: Thomas hailed Jesus as Lord and God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HYMN 165: 7-9 O Sons and Daughters of the King

7 No longer Thomas then denied;

He saw the feet, the hands, the side;

“You are my Lord and God,” he cried.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

8 Blessed are they that have not seen

And yet whose faith has constant been;

In life eternal they shall reign

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

9 On this most holy day of days

To God your hearts and voices raise

In laud and jubilee and praise.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace. Come to us also by your Word and sacrament, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your abiding presence; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

SERMONETTE John 20: 24-31

“Seeing Is Believing”

VERSE OF THE DAY John 20:29b

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

♫ Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

APOSTLES’ CREED hymnal page 41

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

*Read responsively.

P: Risen Savior, we come to you in our weakness. We turn to you in our time of need. We place before you the disease present in our world. Bring wisdom to doctors. Give understanding to scientists. Endow caregivers with compassion. Bring healing to those who are ill. Protect those who are most at risk. Give comfort to those who have lost a loved one. Stabilize our communities. Unite us in our compassion. Remove all fear from our hearts. Fill us with confidence in your care. Lord, in your mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

P: Risen Savior, use this pandemic to remind us that sickness and death are symptoms of the greater problem of sin. Fill our hearts with joy that through your death you have healed our souls, and in your resurrection you have granted us the hope of a life that death cannot overcome. Give us the courage to share our Easter faith, so that this news of healing and redemption might spread far and wide. Lord, in your mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

P: Risen Savior, in this time of isolation, give us comfort and assurance that you hear our prayers and our praise raised together with the saints and angels. The whole Church in heaven and on earth thanks you for your great victory. Lord, in your mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

P: Risen Savior, we ask you to grant strength and wisdom to our president, the Congress of these United States, and all state and local officials. May their labors for our nation’s health and welfare not be in vain. May their actions demonstrate compassion for the vulnerable, aging and unemployed. Lord, in your mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

P: Risen Savior, fill us with the fire of your love, that in the difficult days and weeks ahead we may see your face in our neighbor’s face and serve you by serving them. Grant to us the willingness to bear any burden or make any sacrifice for the well-being of others. Lord, in your mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

P: Risen Savior, you have opened up for us the way to eternal life. Embolden us by your resurrection to be fearless in the face of disease, chaos, loneliness and every sorrow of this world. Our Redeemer lives, and so we know that we too shall be resurrected and glorified to live with him and one another in an eternal Kingdom. Lord, in your mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

P: INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (listed on bulletin page 15)

C: THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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.

P: BLESSING Now may the glorious Father, who by his power raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, give you the Spirit of wisdom to know the hope to which he has called you. And may he preserve you in body, soul, and spirit until our own resurrection on the day of Christ Jesus. Amen.

P: Christ is risen!

C: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

CLOSING PRAYER hymnal page 43

BLESSING hymnal page 44

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.

CLOSING HYMN 162 He is Arisen! Glorious Word!

*Soloist James Wachholz.

Announcements

Next week’s theme: April 26, 2020 The 3^rd Sunday after Easter:

“The Risen Lord Brings Hope”

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

For the past month now, our nation’s “Safe At Home” social distancing mandate has changed how we live and how God feeds and leads us with his Word. However, we need to remember that the power of God’s Word and the comfort of the gospel is not diminished by the way it is delivered. You will hear law and gospel. You will be assured of Christ’s forgiveness. Your faith will be nourished and our trust in God’s unchanging promises will be strengthened.

Every Saturday at 11am (either at Emmanuel at St. John’s) we will record an abbreviated service that will be uploaded to our website <www.stjohnsmontello.org> & linked You Tube channel together with a bulletin file available for viewing at your convenience. These services will also be available via DVD, printed sermon & bulletin mailings. Many thanks to those helping with our recorded services including: Darrell Buchholz, Pastor John Dolan, Kerry Mann, Rachel Naumann, Ciara Neuhauser, Lynn Sellnow, Lucas Stelter, James Wachholz and Lauren Zietlow. And many thanks to Larry & Lynn Sellnow for recording Wednesday school chapel devotions.

– pray for God’s healing for those affected by the virus

– pray for those involved in essential services – medical personnel, first responders, and those who keep the peace

– share the links to our website and worship service with family, friends, and acquaintances

– renew our daily devotional life

– offer care and compassion for those who need support and a listening ear

Church elders, shepherd, trustees, other concerned members and Pastor Zietlow have been contacting all E/SJ members (via email, text, and phone) to make all aware of the situation, to offer alternatives for those who do not have a computer or internet access, and to offer any special assistance during these challenging times. Following our governor’s announcement on 3/24, all WI residents are to stay “Safe At Home”. President Trump also advises that we continue this “social distancing” until May. These are trying times, times for personal reflection, Bible study, devotion and prayer. Pastor Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text) and our E/SJ Elders are available for emergency home visits. Please reach out to them directly.

Elders:

Darrell Buchholz at E – (608) 215-7871, darrell.buchholz@gmail.com

Jerre Duerr at SJ – (608) 697-8706, jerre.asc@gmail.com

Jim Eisermann at SJ – (608) 297-8171, jay.diane.eisermann@gmail.com

Wayne Stelter at E – (608) 297-2761, shieldscreamery@gmail.com

James Wachholz at SJ – (608) 369-2635, lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

In Jesus Christ our loving, protecting, crucified & risen Savior,

Pastor Pete Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)

“The Lord knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

(Job 23:10)

* * * * * * * *

Our Hope Is Certain In The Risen Christ

The Second Sunday of Easter – A

God’s Word for Today

Today we have the sure testimony of the resurrection before us. Our Savior’s resurrection is validated through the Holy Scriptures and by the eyewitness accounts of those who personally saw him. Our faith holds unto these clear testimonies and places confidence in the sure hope of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior. In faith we look beyond the troubles of this world to the glories of the next. It is in that blessed hope that we now live each day.

First Lesson (Acts 2:14a,22-32)

What was the purpose of the miracles that Jesus performed?
What do the words quoted from Psalm 16 teach us about death?

Second Lesson (1 Peter 1:3-9)

What does Peter mean when he says we have a “living hope”? (v. 3)

Gospel (John 20:19-31)

What greater meaning did the common greeting, “Peace be with you!”, take on when spoken by Jesus that first Easter evening?
What comfort was gained when Jesus showed the nail marks?
What did Thomas confess?

Answers:

Peter said that those works were God’s certification that Jesus came from God and did God’s work. Those works bore witness that Jesus’ message was God’s message. They attested to the fact that he was the promised Messiah.
As David, we too can be filled with joy and hope confident that God will not simply leave our bodies to decay in the grave. We are one of God’s “holy ones” certain of the joys of eternal life.
Our attention is once again directed to the empty tomb. While many religions hold out a hope of either blessings here on this earth or in the hereafter to their hearers, that hope is acquired as one earns them. Thus, one can never be sure and their hope is tainted. A Christian’s hope is a “living hope” because it is founded on Christ, our Savior, who has conquered sin and death, and has given us the sure promise of eternal life.
With the word peace, Jesus is proclaiming what he was giving to the world, through his crucifixion and resurrection. It wasn’t the shallow peace that the world frantically seeks, but rather peace with God, which comes to us through the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation won for us through Christ, our Savior.
It absolutely proves that he wasn’t a ghost. The nail marks also were a visible reminder of the forgiveness that was theirs through Christ.
After having struggled with doubt earlier, he now boldly confessed that Jesus is the one true and eternal God. Thomas confessed that Jesus was indeed his gracious Savior. Jesus had overcome the doubt and unbelief of Thomas.

* * * * * * * *

QUARANTINE PRAYER CHECKLIST √

Use This List To Pray Every Day

Praise God for His mighty power and perfect love.
Thank God for promising to always be with us.
Ask God to heal those who are sick.
Ask God to comfort those who are afraid.
Ask God to protect those in the medical field.
Ask God to give leaders wisdom.
Ask God to forgive your sins and heal our nation.
Ask God to use the church to share His love.
Ask God to bring revival through this time.
Read Psalms 121 out loud to close out your prayer time.

Dear Members of St. John’s and Emmanuel,

I assume the present situation has changed your plans for when you will be celebrating the 90^th anniversary of the school, but I wanted to let you know I was thinking of that special milestone as April 19 approaches. Perhaps you are also doing something on that day.

Either way, I join you in thanking God that he has allowed you carry on this ministry for all these decades, and I also express my personal gratitude that I was able to personally benefit from your devotion to Christian education.

My family moved to Montello in the summer of 1964 as I was about to begin second grade. I don’t remember all the details, but I know that for some period of time we went to school at the “old public school” on the top of the hill, while the construction of our new school was being finalized. It was especially a treat to get into that new gym! Many us had a lot of fun in that gym, especially with Mr. Mateske and Mr. Runke developing us into such good basketball teams for our little school.

I believe Mrs. Griepentrog, Mrs. Wilkens and Mr. Runke were our teachers in those first years. A few years later my mom began teaching kindergarten. I always appreciated the opportunity to learn in multiple-grade classrooms. When we were younger, we could “learn ahead” from the older kids, and when we were older, we could help teach the younger ones. It really helped us become a family of learners. The one thing that stymied me, though, was Grade 7-8 Science. To this day I think that Grade 7-8 Science workbook was the most difficult textbook I ever encountered in school!

Another special memory was our morning devotions and all the singing we did. Some of us older kids were able to go into Mrs. Wilkens’ room to play the piano for her devotions. We also were able to be part of the Junior Choir. We sang in many worship services. During a spring or early summer Sunday worship service we had a concert at which we sang all the songs we had sung during the course of the church year. We also sang for a number of funerals. It was quite an experience to sit in the balcony and observe the comfort given to families that their loved one was in heaven because of the work of Jesus.

Our confirmation class was held in the church basement at that time, with my dad writing his notes on an old chalkboard. I remember that we had to know the answers to almost every single question in the Catechism for our Examination! On Confirmation Day I received a hymnal from my parents, engraved with the date April 4, 1971. I have always tried to reflect on that special day – and my Confirmation verse from Romans 1:16 (“I am not ashamed of the gospel…”) at the many confirmation services I have been able to be part of since that time.

In a way it seems appropriate that you should be observing this anniversary during a time of uncertainty. After all, one of God’s messages to us is that everything about this life is uncertain. Certainty certainly comes from knowing we have a God whose love never changes, because the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus are always exactly what we need for comfort and for peace and for joy.

I thank God that my siblings and I were strengthened in that certainty of forgiveness and eternal life as students at St. John’s Lutheran School. I praise God that that message was shared with us, and I know that message continues to be shared and proclaimed today.

God bless you as you join in that praise to God for yourselves, as well. And if you going to be doing so officially at a later date, then praise God all the more for when he lets everyone get together!

In Our Risen and Ruling Lord,

David Kolander

St. John’s Lutheran School, Class of 1971

Bulletin- Easter Sunday April 12, 2020

April 10, 2020April 11, 2020 lillyk24

The Foundation of our Faith: The Resurrection

C:\Users\Zieman\Pictures\Christ the solid rock.jpg

Easter Sunday

April 12, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Welcome To Our Church We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website <stjohnsmontello.org>, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin may be mailed. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830.

Online Service, Printed Bulletin or Split Screen If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin and follow it as you view the recorded worship service. Or, you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin.

P: Christ is risen!

C: He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

Congregational Hymn 157 Jesus Christ is Risen Today

Easter Litany

P: Christ is risen!

C: He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

P: The stone has been rolled away.

C: The tomb is empty.

P: The women have told the disciples.

C: The disciples have come to see.

P: The Lord lives,

C: Never to die again.

P: The victory has been won.

C: Death has been defeated.

P: The stone has been rolled away.

C: Our faith is built on this foundation.

1^st Reading: The Wise and Foolish Builders Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Confession and Absolution

P: Though our faith is built on the rock-solid foundation of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, there are times when we hear his words but do not do them. It is then that our lives are built on that faulty foundation of our own weak and sinful nature. For that, we must repent and confess our sin to our Savior who paid the price, hears our confession and then forgives.

C: Most merciful God, we confess that our very nature is sinful. We do not love you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We do not love our neighbors as ourselves. Far too often we trust in our own willpower and resolve rather than the firm foundation of a Savior crucified and risen again for us. We fail to do what you command and do the things that you detest. We deserve to have our spiritual houses destroyed for lack of a firm foundation. Forgive us, most holy God.

P: The stone was rolled away from the tomb, and the death and resurrection of Jesus have become the source of infinite forgiveness from the God who loves and saves. He hears our plea and responds by washing away our sin in the flood of his mercy. Therefore, all of our sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Hymn of Response 152v1 I Know That My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives;

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, he lives, who once was dead:

He lives my ever-living Head!

The Prayer of the Day

Heavenly Father, you have laid the perfect foundation for us in the death and resurrection of your beloved Son, Jesus our Savior. Grant that our faith would ever be founded on this firm foundation and that we would hear your words and do them. Amen.

2^nd Reading: Isaiah 28:16

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”

3^rd Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:10-22

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours.

Verse of the Day: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Alleluia. Psalm 118:24

Congregational Hymn, “This is the Day the Lord Has Made,” Hymn 225, verses 1 & 2

This is the day the Lord has made;

He calls the hours his own.

Let Heav’n rejoice; her earth be glad

And praise surround the throne.

Today he rose and left the dead,

And Satan’s empire fell; Today the saints his triumphs spread

And all his wonders tell.

Gospel Reading: Jesus Has Risen Mark 16:1-8

P: When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

Congregational Hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” Hymn 382, Verse 1

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare to make no other claim

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

4^th Reading: The parable of the wise and foolish builders in our 1^st Scripture reading is a well known teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. At one level Jesus’ meaning is obvious. You build on a solid foundation if you want what you build to stand. Obeying Jesus’ words provides just such a solid foundation. However, Jesus uses symbolic elements in this picture to give it a deeper and richer meaning. The Bible portrays floods and winds as forces that brought chaos and could only be controlled by God. Jesus uses them as a metaphor to describe the causes of calamity that could overtake a person or even a nation. When illness hits or relationships falter; when we fail utterly or lose our job or do something really stupid and face the consequences for it, we feel our lives are falling apart. Fair-weather foundations do not hold up—only Jesus is faithful.

Congregational Hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” Hymn 382, Verse 2

When darkness veils his lovely face,

I rest on his unchanging grace; In ev’ry high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

5^th Reading: Moses describes God himself as “The Rock” in Deuteronomy 32:4. The Hebrews understood this. God was their sure place of refuge and strong tower against the enemy. In our 2^nd Scripture reading, Isaiah tells us that God has laid “a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.” And that “the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” We are safe and secure with Jesus.

Congregational Hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” Hymn 382, Verse 3

His oath, his covenant and blood

Support me in the raging flood;

When ev’ry earthly prop gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

6^th Reading: Christ is laid for a foundation, and everything besides Christ is sand. Some build their hopes upon worldly prosperity—making a lot of money or collecting a lot of stuff; others upon becoming well-known and respected, or competing and winning. Some build a life on being healthy or happy or smart, or build it on an outward profession of religion or their own goodness. But all is sand, too weak to bear our hopes of heaven. First, and foremost, the resurrection of Jesus paves the way to life beyond death for all who believe in him. Jesus can be trusted. Jesus said he would suffer, die, and then rise in three days, and he did! May the risen Lord make us wise builders.

Congregational Hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” Hymn 382, Verse 4

When he shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in him be found,

Clothed in his righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before his throne.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

Sermon Text: Revelation 19: 11-16

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Sermon Theme:

“The Son of God Goes Forth to War – VICTORY!”

Prayers

P: When the rains fall and the floods come, O Lord,

C: we build our house on you, our Rock.

P: God, who lays the firm foundation for our faith, we give you thanks for the glorious resurrection of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave his life, laid in the tomb, and rose from the dead so that our salvation is secure and our faith is firm. When the rains fall and the floods come, O Lord, we build our house on you, our Rock.

C: Father, use your people to make a firm foundation for this nation, so that we live in peace and serve others to the glory of your name, Be with our elected leaders that they would see in you the source of all hope, courage and strength. When the rains fall and the floods come, O Lord, we build our house on you, our Rock.

P: Lord Jesus, be the bedrock of your church wherever your Word is preached and your Sacraments are given to the faithful as gifts from your hand. Use this church to be a foundation of renewal in this community so that many will know of your eternal love and your overwhelming forgiveness. When the rains fall and the floods come, O Lord, we build our house on you, our Rock.

C: God, our Creator, for those who are facing storms in their life due to illness or disease, be their source of healing and hope. Provide caregivers, medicine and medical personnel to be your instruments of help. When the rains fall and the floods come, O Lord, we build our house on you, our Rock.

P: God, who lays the firm foundation of our faith, today we look forward to the resurrection of the dead when we will rejoin all those who have gone before us in the faith. We especially ask that our faith would be firm, as was theirs, so that we would be lasting witnesses of your resurrection story. When the rains fall and the floods come, O Lord, C: we build our house on you, our Rock. Amen.

We join together in the Lord’s Prayer.

Benediction

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.

All: Amen

Closing Hymn, “Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won,” Hymn 145

Announcements

WORSHIP CHANGE

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

Yes, this is definitely a change from what we’re used to. Wisconsin’s state directive “Safer At Home” has changed how we will worship, for now. We need to remember that the power of God’s Word and the comfort of the gospel is not diminished by the way it is delivered. You will hear law and gospel. You will be assured of Christ’s forgiveness. Your faith will be nourished and our trust in God’s unchanging promises will be strengthened.

– pray for God’s healing for those affected by the virus

– pray for those involved in essential services – medical personnel, first responders, and those who keep the peace

– share the links to our website and worship service with family, friends, and acquaintances

– renew our daily devotional life

– offer care and compassion for those who need support and a listening ear

Church elders, shepherd, trustees, other concerned members and Pastor Zietlow have begun contacting all E/SJ members (via email, text, and phone) to make all aware of the situation, to offer alternatives for those who do not have a computer or internet access, and to offer any special assistance during these challenging times. Following our governor’s announcement on 3/24, all WI residents are to “stay safe at home”. President Trump also advises that we continue this “social distancing” until May. These are trying times..times for personal reflection, Bible study, devotion and prayer. Pastor Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text) and our E/SJ Elders are available for emergency home visits. Please reach out to them directly.

Elders:

Darrell Buchholz at E –

(608) 215-7871, darrell.buchholz@gmail.com

Jerre Duerr at SJ –

(608) 697-8706, jerre.asc@gmail.com

Jim Eisermann at SJ –

(608) 297-8171, jay.diane.eisermann@gmail.com

Wayne Stelter at E –

(608) 297-2761, shieldscreamery@gmail.com

James Wachholz at SJ –

(608) 369-2635, lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

In Jesus Christ our loving & protecting Savior,

Pastor Pete Zietlow

(608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)

“The Lord knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

* * * * * *

Good Friday- April 10, 2020

April 8, 2020April 8, 2020 lillyk24

O for sinners slain,
“Father forgive”, cries the Son –
Worthy Lamb of God!

April 10, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Hymn: Oh, Perfect Life of Love (Christian Worship #138)

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Hymns and Canticles\10. Good Friday\CW 138.tif

Gospel Affirmations (Based on Words from Scripture)

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Christ died for sins once and for all, the righteous for unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.
God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all.
Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.

Prayer of Invocation

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who sent your Son to become the Savor of the world; today, in spirit we wait in the shadows of the cross as we worship together. We see ourselves in the faces of those who were around him as he was crucified. Forbid it that we should be in the company of those who mocked him and ridiculed him; challenge us that we might be more faithful witnesses to the fact that his Spirit lives and reigns within our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Good Friday Gospel According to St. John 19

So they took Jesus away. ¹⁷Carrying his own cross, he went out to what is called the Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. ¹⁸There they crucified him with two others, one on each side, and Jesus in the middle.¹⁹Pilate also had a notice written and fastened on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.” ²⁰Many of the Jews read this notice, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. ²¹So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that ‘this man said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’” ²²Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

²³When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier. They also took his tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. ²⁴So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it. Instead, let’s cast lots to see who gets it.” This was so that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.So the soldiers did these things.

²⁵Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene were standing near the cross. ²⁶When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son!” ²⁷Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother!” And from that time this disciple took her into his own home.

²⁸After this, knowing that everything had now been finished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I thirst.” ²⁹A jar full of sour wine was sitting there. So they put a sponge soaked in sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. ³⁰When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished!” Then, bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.

Hymn: Were You There (Christian Worship #119)

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Hymns and Canticles\07. Lent\CW 119.tif

Message: The Son of God Goes Forth to War: The Greatest Battle Ever Fought

Matthew 27:45-50

⁵From the sixth hour until the ninth hour, there was darkness over all the land. ⁴⁶About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”⁴⁷When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “This fellow is calling for Elijah.” ⁴⁸Immediately one of them ran, took a sponge, and soaked it with sour wine. Then he put it on a stick and gave him a drink. ⁴⁹The rest said, “Leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” ⁵⁰After Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you are a just God who accepts nothing less than perfection. All too often we fail to realize how much our sins offend you. We forget that the wages of sin truly is death. We forget that there is a hell. Lead us to recognize the seriousness of our sinfulness. Lead us also to admit our inability to make things right with you. Teach us to look to you as the only one who can make us just and right. Today we are reminded not only of your justice but also of your love. You did not spare your own Son but gave him as a ransom for each one of us. Comfort us with the knowledge of this great love. Give us the peace that the forgiveness of sins brings. When we feel our guilt, point us to the cross, where our guilt was washed away in Jesus’ blood.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for paying the debt that we could not pay. We thank you for coming to earth so that we could be with you forever in heaven. For being our perfect substitute, we thank you, Lord Jesus. Son of God, you offered up your body as an unblemished sacrifice for sin and commended your spirit into the hands of your Father. Teach us to cast the cares of this brief life on our heavenly Father and commit our bodies and souls to his love. Give us the courage to face death, knowing that it is the gate to our home in heaven. Hear us, Lord, as we offer our personal thanks for the forgiveness that you have given us and for the home that you have won for us.

Private Petitions

The cross was once an instrument of death. It is now a sign of life. Dear Savior, we humbly kneel at the cross in awe of your power and of your love. Amen.

Closing Word – Psalm 22

¹My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
My groaning does nothing to save me.
²My God, I call out by day, but you do not answer.
I call out by night, but there is no relief for me.

⁶But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
⁷All who see me mock me. They sneer.
They shake their heads.
⁸They say, “Trust in the Lord.”
“Let the Lord deliver him.
Let him rescue him, if he delights in him.”

¹⁵My strength is dried up like broken pottery,
and my tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth.
They have piercedmy hands and my feet.
¹⁷I can count all my bones.
They stare and gloat over me.
¹⁸They divide my garments among them.
For my clothing they cast lots.

¹⁹But you, O Lord, do not be distant.
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
²³You who fear the Lord, praise him!
²⁴For he has not despised nor detested the affliction of the afflicted.
He has not hidden his face from him,
but when he cried out to him, he heard.
²⁷All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations will bow down before you.
²⁸For the kingdom belongs to the Lord,
and he rules over the nations.
²⁹All the rich of the earth will eat and bow down.
All who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
³⁰Descendants will serve him.
For generations people will be told about the Lord.
³¹They will come and proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet to be born— because he has done it.

Hymn: Rest, O Christ, From All Your Labor (CWS#718)

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Supplement Electronic Pew Edition CD ROM\TIFF files\Hymns\CWS 718.tif

Maundy Thursday- April 9, 2020

April 8, 2020April 8, 2020 lillyk24

Maundy Thursday

April 9, 2020

Emmanuel and St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan and Montello, Wisconsin

The Son of God Goes Forth to War

Welcome To Our Church We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website www.stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin may be mailed. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830.

Opening Hymn 116 In the Hour of Trial

Invocation and Confession

Pastor: In the name of our God, to whom all hearts are open and from whom no secrets are hidden.

People: Amen.

All: O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy, and in your faithfulness, come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

Almighty God, merciful Father, I, a troubled and repentant sinner, confess that I have sinned against you in my thoughts, my words, and my actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I am distressed by the sins that trouble me and am deeply sorry for them.

Pastor: Jesus says to his people: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.” His death paid for the guilt of your sins and the sins of the whole world. Do you believe this?

People: Yes, I believe.

Pastor: Because of the promise of our Savior Jesus, I forgive you all your sins. Be assured that you are a dear child of God and an heir of eternal life.

Prayer

Pastor: Lord God, we thank you for this day of grace now drawing to a close. Stay with us and warm our hearts with your forgiving love in Christ. May your Word keep our faith burning brightly, that we may walk in the light of your presence through the darkness of this world.

Come and bless us as we worship you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: Amen.

Passion History Luke 22: 1-48

Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you.For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”

“That’s enough!” he replied.

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Seasonal Response

All: All we like sheep have gone astray, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. By his wounds we are healed.

Hymn 104 Go to Dark Gethsemane

Message Luke 22: 47-48 “The Battle Is Personal”

See underlined verses in Passion History reading.

Prayer

Blessing

Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ †, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

All: Amen.

Hymn 319 On My Heart Imprint Your Image

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BULLETIN- April 5, 2020- PALM SUNDAY

April 4, 2020April 4, 2020 lillyk24

Palm Sunday

April 5, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church

Mecan & Montello, WI

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\St. John's\Pictures\Church.jpg

✠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.

WELCOME, EXPLANATION OF WHAT WILL FOLLOW & WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

HYMN 133 Ride On, Ride On in Majesty Led by soloist James Wachholz.

INVOCATION hymnal page 15

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

OPENING PRAYER hymnal page 10

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION hymnal page 38

PSALM 24 hymnal page 73, Refrain led by soloist James Wachholz.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

The world, and all who live in it;

For he founded it upon the seas

And established it upon the waters.

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?

Who may stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

He will receive blessing from God his Savior.

Refrain

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

Be lifted up, you ancient doors,

That the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?

The Lord strong and mighty,

The Lord almighty in battle.

Lift up your heads O you gates;

Lift them up you ancient doors,

That the King of glory may come in.

Who is he, this King of glory?

The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

And to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning,

Is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

✠T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Zechariah 9:9,10

Summary: See, your King comes to you

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

EPISTLE LESSON Philippians 2:5-11

Summary: Christ humbled himself to save us and is now exalted

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 21: 1-11 (today’s sermonette text)

Summary: The King is coming

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, `See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'” {Zech. 9:9}

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” {Psalm 118:26} “Hosanna in the highest!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

SERMONETTE Matthew 21: 1-11

“Worship the King of Love”

APOSTLES’ CREED hymnal page 41

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.

PALM SUNDAY PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS read by pastor, bulletin page 13

LORD’S PRAYER hymnal page 43

CLOSING PRAYER hymnal page 43

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 hymnal page 44

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.

CLOSING HYMN 341 Crown Him with Many Crowns Led by soloist James Wachholz.

Announcements

Next week’s theme: April 12 , 2020 Easter Sunday: “The Resurrection Of Our Lord”

WORSHIP CHANGE

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

– pray for God’s healing for those affected by the virus

– pray for those involved in essential services – medical personnel, first responders, and those who keep the peace

– share the links to our website and worship service with family, friends, and acquaintances

– renew our daily devotional life

– offer care and compassion for those who need support and a listening ear

Elders:

Darrell Buchholz at E – (608) 215-7871, darrell.buchholz@gmail.com

Jerre Duerr at SJ – (608) 697-8706, jerre.asc@gmail.com

Jim Eisermann at SJ – (608) 297-8171, jay.diane.eisermann@gmail.com

Wayne Stelter at E – (608) 297-2761, shieldscreamery@gmail.com

James Wachholz at SJ – (608) 369-2635, lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

In Jesus Christ our loving & protecting Savior,

Pastor Pete Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)

“The Lord knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

Through Faith We See Our King

Riding on a Donkey

The Sixth Sunday of Lent – A Palm Sunday

God’s Word for Today

Today is Palm Sunday, named for that day nearly two thousand years ago when Jesus entered Jerusalem to the sounds of praise and adoration of the people there. Laying palm branches and their cloaks in the road, the people honored this prophet from Nazareth as their Savior. Some surely saw their Savior from sin; others likely saw their earthly savior from the Romans and foreign rule. But either way, the songs of exultation rose: “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he that comes!”

First Lesson (Zechariah 9:9-10)

How is Christ “your king”?

How would this king be different than other earthly kings?

Second Lesson (Philippians 2:5-11)

What quality of Christ is stressed as a model for us?

Where was Christ’s humility most obvious?

What was the end result of Jesus’ humility?

Gospel (Matthew 21:1-11)

Of what significance is the fact that Jesus is the Son of David?

Answers:

Though he was more than qualified, Jesus never claimed an earthly kingdom like we normally think with the word “king.” Instead, Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. We often consider him ruling in three kingdoms: the Kingdom of Power (his power places him above all things in heaven and earth), the Kingdom of Grace (where he rules in the hearts of his believers), and the Kingdom of Glory (he rules in heaven and will continue there into all eternity).

This king is gentle and humble, not the ruthless, power-hungry despot of earthly kingdoms. He also extends peace, contrasting the bloody kingdoms of the worldly empires.

His humility which caused him willingly to lay aside the honor and majesty that were his as God.

In the death he died, a form reserved for the worst of criminals, “death on a tree.”

“God exalted him to the highest place,” and at his name, “every knee should bow.” Jesus extends the same promise to us when he says that the last shall be first (Mark 10:31).

The Messiah was foretold to be of David’s family (2 Samuel 7:16), and Jesus could trace his line back to King David through both his mother and his earthly father. The Jewish people knew well that the Messiah must have these credentials.

Teacher Call Update from our Principal Larry Sellnow

Dear Members of Emmanuel and St. John’s Lutheran Churches, and St. John’s Lutheran School and Little Lambs:

God’s blessings to all of you in this turbulent time. May God grant you peace in knowing that He is in control and He will be glorified through this, too.

This past Monday our congregation leaders issued a Call to Ms. Kim Gnewuch (G-nay-vock – as in clock). This Call is to replace Miss Naumann (gr. 3-5) who is getting married and will not be with us next school year. Ms. Gnewuch currently teaches at Westside Christian School in Middleton, WI. Ms. Gnewuch is single with no children. She graduated from DMLC in 1994 and received her Master’s degree of Arts in Elementary Education from Viterbo University in 2008. She has taught at Zion, Columbus, WI; Our Redeemer, Madison, WI; and now Westside in Middleton, WI. She has a heart for teaching grades 3-5 and shows high interest and ability in drama, as well as all music categories – piano, organ, choir, and handbells. She also shows high interest in Bible studies and VBS. Kim also has strong or exceptional ratings in her classroom and professional duties.

We encourage you to contact Kim if you would like to offer any words of encouragement through cards or emails. Her contact information is as follows:
Miss Kim Gnewuch
302 Castle Oaks Xing
Waunakee, WI 53597-1417
kim.gnewuch@westside-christian.org
Phone: 608-347-0551 (Home)

We pray that the Lord would bless her deliberations. We also pray for God’s blessings on both schools at this time, that God’s will be done.

God bless you all!

Larry Sellnow

Call Acknowledgement Letter

Dear members of St. John’s:

Our loving King has blessed us all with the privilege of serving Him in many varied ways on this earth. Recently, I received a call through your congregation to teach grades 3-5 at St. John’s in Montello, Wisconsin. Prayerfully considering both my present call here at St. Andrew and Westside Christian School in Middleton, Wisconsin as well as your call to St. John’s is a time to reflect on where I can serve my Lord to the best of my given abilities. I welcome your prayers in the near future as I deliberate where I can best carry out God’s commission to “Feed His lambs.”

Your servant in Christ,

Kim Gnewuch

Synodwide Holy Week Messages from WELS President Mark Schroeder

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

Many congregations throughout the synod have been, or soon will be, forced to find alternative ways to gather around God’s Word. My wife and I have already spent two Sundays worshiping at home via the online worship provided by my congregation. I’m gratified that so many congregations have moved so quickly to continue to serve their members with the comfort and guidance of the Scriptures.

This Sunday evening, Palm Sunday, I will be delivering a brief message to the members of our synod in an online video broadcast. The message will be broadcast live at 6:00 p.m. (central). I invite you to access that message live online. I look forward to speaking with you. If you are not able to view the video when it is broadcast live, it will be archived online.

A week later, we will be celebrating our Savior’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Our Easter Sunday worship will be different than any we have ever experienced. Most likely you will gather “virtually” with members of your congregation (or that of another congregation) to gaze at the empty tomb and praise God for what he has done for us.

Not to replace your Easter morning worship, but to supplement it, we will be offering an opportunity for our entire synod to gather online for a special Easter Sunday evening service to be broadcast from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary at 6 p.m. (central). We will gather as one family of believers, from across the country and around the world, not only to celebrate our Savior’s Easter victory but also to express our unity of faith and mission as members of the Wisconsin Synod. The theme of the service will be, “Together at the Empty Tomb.” Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary President Earle Treptow will deliver the Easter message. A small choir, along with a few instruments, will enhance the worship with music and songs of praise. I’m thankful to Pastor Jon Hein, coordinator of WELS Congregational Services, for planning and coordinating this event. I look forward to being with you for this special Easter celebration. You can watch it live online. Stay online after the service for a live Q&A session hosted by President Treptow and Rev. Hein, where viewers can ask questions.

Elsewhere in this issue of Together, you will find information and resources that we have gathered to help congregations begin to make use of the CARES Act. This information, as well as the information provided on the synod website, will be continuously updated whenever anything new develops.

One other important item: President Mark Zarling of Martin Luther College has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus and has been hospitalized in Mankato, Minn. Please join me in approaching the throne of grace, fervently asking God to keep President Zarling and all those afflicted by this worldwide pandemic in his loving care and to grant them a full recovery. Our times, as well as President Zarling’s, are in God’s hands—no better place to be.

(https://wels.net/synodwide-holy-week-messages/)

Bulletin-March 29, 2020

March 28, 2020March 28, 2020 lillyk24

The 5^th Sunday in Lent

C:\Users\secretary\Downloads\Front Cover.jpg

March 29, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church

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.

WELCOME, EXPLANATION OF WHAT WILL FOLLOW & WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

HYMN 440 On Eagles’ Wings

Led by soloist Lucas Stelter.

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Hymns and Canticles\31. Trust\CW 440.tif

INVOCATION hymnal page 15

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

OPENING PRAYER hymnal page 10

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION hymnal page 38

C: Merciful Father in heave, 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.

PSALM 116 hymnal page 107

Refrain led by soloist Lucas Stelter.

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Psalms\Ps 116.tif

I love the Lord, for he hear my voice;

he heard my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me,

I will call on him as long as I live.

The Lord is gracious and righteous;

when I was in great need, he saved me.

Refrain

For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death,

my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.

How can I repay the Lord

for all his goodness to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation

and call on the name of 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

✠T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Ezekiel 37:1-14

Summary: God gives hope to the hopeless and life to the lifeless

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

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

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

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

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

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

EPISTLE LESSON Romans 8:11-19 Summary: God gives spiritual and eternal life

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation– but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs– heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.

GOSPEL LESSON John 11:17-27, 38-45 (today’s sermonette text underlined)

Summary: Jesus is the resurrection and the life

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Eternal God and Father, help us to remember Jesus, who obeyed your will and bore the cross for our salvation that through his anguish, pain, and death we may receive forgiveness of sins and inherit eternal life; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

SERMONETTE John 11: 17-27

“Christians Comfort Christians!”

APOSTLES’ CREED hymnal page 41

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.

LENTEN SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS read by pastor, bulletin page 13

LORD’S PRAYER hymnal page 43

CLOSING PRAYER hymnal page 43

BLESSING hymnal page 44

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.

HYMN 327 God Be with You till We Meet Again

Led by soloist Lucas Stelter.

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Hymns and Canticles\25. Close of Service\CW 327.tif

CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS, INSTRUCTIONS AND ENCOURAGEMENT

Announcements

Next week’s theme: April 5, 2020 Palm Sunday: “The King Comes To Us”

Emmanuel & St. John’s Lutheran Church leaders offer their response to COVID-19 to align with all current bans and guidelines for the next few weeks.

1 “God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.”

Following the announcement from government officials on March 16, all worship services and gatherings are suspended at Emmanuel & St. John’s. However worship services will be offered online via our stjohnsmontello.org website “Videos” menu button & linked You Tube channel, or via recorded DVDs, or via printed bulletins and sermons.

4 “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.”

Every Saturday at 11:00am, I will record an abbreviated service that will be uploaded to our website/linked You Tube channel together with a bulletin (.pdf) file and available for viewing at your convenience. Remaining Wednesday Lenten Devotions (3/25 & 4/1) via printed materials will be e-mailed out to our members and made available on our website via the “Bulletins” menu button.

7 “The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

– pray for God’s healing for those affected by the virus

– pray for those involved in essential services – medical personnel, first responders, and those who keep the peace

– share the links to our website and worship service with family, friends, and acquaintances

– renew our daily devotional life

– continue to support the message and ministry of our congregation by responding in thanks to God for his gift of eternal life through offerings mailed to the church office or by electronic giving. Call secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office 608-297-2866 for details.

– offer care and compassion for those who need support and a listening ear

8 Come and see what the Lord has done.

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease

to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

Church elders and I have begun contacting all E/SJ members (via email, text, and phone) to make all aware of the situation, to offer alternatives for those who do not have a computer or Internet access, and to offer any special assistance during these challenging times. Following our governor’s announcement on 3/24, all WI residents are to “stay safe at home”. We are suspending all communion distribution until further notice. Pastor Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text) and our E/SJ Elders are also available for emergency home visits. Please reach out to them directly.

Elders:

Jerre Duerr – (608) 697-6706, glojbean@maqs.net

Jim Eisermann – (608) 297-8171, jay.diane.eisermann@gmail.com

James Wachholz – (608) 369-2635, lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

Darrell Buchholz – (608) 215-7871, darrell.buchholz@gmail.com

Wayne Stelter – (608) 297-2761, shieldscreamery@gmail.com

“The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.” – Psalm 46

In Jesus Christ our loving & protecting Savior,

Pastor Pete Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)

Through Faith We Are Raised

from Death to Life

The Fifth Sunday of Lent – A

God’s Word for Today

We are drawing ever closer to Holy Week, when Jesus undergoes the incredible events of his Passion. Now, one week before that begins, we hear about our progress from death to life. Through faith in Jesus, we are raised from our spiritual death to a new life in Christ, and we are nurtured in this new life through the Word and Sacraments.

First Lesson (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

How does the vision of the dry bones characterize God’s people in Ezekiel’s time?

What tool was used in restoring life to the dead bones?

Second Lesson (Romans 8:11-19)

Through his Spirit, Paul says, God has breathed new life into our mortal bodies (v 11). What changes does that bring about?

Though life in Christ Jesus means sharing his suffering, what other observation is made?

Gospel (John 11:17-27,38-45)

What does Jesus mean by saying that he is life?

How would Mary and Martha see the glory of God in the raising of Lazarus?

Answers:

The bones were many and very dry. This indicates the widespread condition of God’s people as they were exiled in Babylon. Their unfaithfulness had brought about God’s judgment, and they seemed beyond the point of resuscitation. Yet God’s grace is apparent.

The same tool we use today—the Word of God. “Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.”

Paul previously had said that those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires (vv 5-8). We now seek to put to death the misdeeds of the body (v 13) and willingly share in Christ’s suffering with a view also to sharing in his glory (v 17).

Paul suggests a wise perspective: our present sufferings are “not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” As a runner endures the pain of the exertion by keeping his eyes focused on the finish line, so the Christian’s perspective will always be goal-oriented. What waits for us at the end far outshines the clouds that we encounter along the way.

More than saying that he is the source of life or the giver of life, Jesus for the first time (see also 14:6) claims to be life itself. There is no life apart from him. As life itself, final death is impossible for him. The events surrounding the raising of Lazarus occur just days before the Passion events in Jerusalem. What a comfort to know that Jesus was confidently assured of the outcome of his upcoming battle with evil—he would be victorious!

Jesus would perform what only God could do—raising someone from death. The glory of God would be seen in Jesus himself both here and then in the future as these events helped to initiate the events leading to the cross, where’s God’s true identity and love were revealed.

God feeds his flock in a time of crisis

By: Pastor Mark Schroeder

After earlier placing restrictions on the size of public gatherings, today Wisconsin governor Tony Evers issued an even more restrictive “Safer at Home” directive. The directive effectively closes all Wisconsin businesses and entities other than those that are deemed essential. Other states have issued, or likely will issue, similar directives.

Already after the first restrictions were imposed, many WELS congregations found ways to continue to serve their members with God’s Word and with new and different types of worship formats. I am thankful at the way so many of our congregations have put these things into place with only brief notice, and pray they will be able to continue in those efforts.

On Sunday, my wife and I worshiped via an online worship service provided by my home congregation. The service that was broadcast was a complete service with the normal liturgy, hymns, and prayers. Before we began, we wondered just how “worshipful” such a service would be. But by the time the service was over, we agreed that it was one of the most meaningful and moving worship experiences we had ever had.

First, we were reminded that the power of God’s Word and the comfort of the gospel is not in any way diminished by the way it is delivered. We heard law and gospel. We were assured of our forgiveness in Christ. We were directed as always to the cross and empty tomb. Our faith was nourished and our trust in God’s unchanging promises was strengthened.

Second, I couldn’t help but think that being prevented from gathering physically with other believers helped to renew our appreciation for corporate worship, where believers gather not only to be strengthened by the means of grace, but also to provide encouragement and love to each other. Perhaps God will use this experience to lead our WELS members to never take public worship for granted again. Perhaps he also will use this entire crisis as a time to draw many in our nation to see the value of faith and the Word of God.

Finally, we were not alone in this experience. Congregations around the synod moved quickly to see to it that the Word of God would not be silenced. Worship services were streamed live in many places. Devotions and sermons were posted online. Materials and words of comfort and instruction were sent via e-mail. Pastors assured their members that they continued to be ready to serve their flocks whenever called upon to do so.

I pray that the need for online remote worship will end soon. In the meantime, I will join you in thanking God that his Word will not be silenced. As he told us, “[My Word] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

Communion Services Update

March 28, 2020March 28, 2020 lillyk24

Due to Governor Ever’s 3/24 “Stay Safe At Home” declaration, all communion services are postponed until further notice. Contact Pastor Zietlow 608-408-7830 (talk/text) for any emergencies.”

2nd Reading: Isaiah 28:16

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”

3rd Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:10-22

Gospel Reading: Jesus Has Risen Mark 16:1-8

Congregational Hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” Hymn 382, Verse 1

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare to make no other claim

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face,

I rest on his unchanging grace; In ev’ry high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

Congregational Hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” Hymn 382, Verse 3

His oath, his covenant and blood

Support me in the raging flood;

When ev’ry earthly prop gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

Congregational Hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” Hymn 382, Verse 4

When he shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in him be found,

Clothed in his righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before his throne.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

Prayers

P: When the rains fall and the floods come, O Lord,

C: we build our house on you, our Rock.

C: God, our Creator, for those who are facing storms in their life due to illness or disease, be their source of healing and hope. Provide caregivers, medicine and medical personnel to be your instruments of help. When the rains fall and the floods come, O Lord, we build our house on you, our Rock.

Closing Hymn, “Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won,” Hymn 145

2^nd Reading: Isaiah 28:16

3^rd Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:10-22