BULLETIN- August 9, 2020

August 9, 2020August 9, 2020 lillyk24

The 10^th Sunday after Pentecost

August 9, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.

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

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

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

OPENING HYMN 282 Lord, Open Now My Heart to Hear

*Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

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

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

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

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PSALM OF THE DAY 119b

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

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

then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law*

and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,*

for there I find delight.

Refrain

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;*

preserve my life according to your Word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant,*

so that you may be feared.

How I long for your precepts!*

Preserve my life in your righteousness.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON Romans 8:28-30

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

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

VERSE OF THE DAY John 6:68

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

Please stand.

GOSPEL Matthew 13:44-52

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please be seated.

HYMN 421: 1-3 All Depends on Our Possessing

*Sung by soloist.

SERMONETTE 1 Kings 3: 5-12

“God, Give Me Wisdom!”

My heart’s desire
Your Word’s gift

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

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

I believe in 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 FOR GODLY WISDOM–TRUE SPIRITUAL WEALTH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Intercessory prayers listed on page 10.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY

*Read by pastor.

Please be seated for the distribution.

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service. See page 17 for communion schedule and distribution information.

Please stand.

CLOSING PRAYER

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

BLESSING

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Amen.

Be seated.

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

*Sung by soloist.

Announcements

Next week’s theme:

August 16 , 2020 11^thSunday after Pentecost

“God Satisfies Our Needs”

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

Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19

July 30, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or pastor

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

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

We Receive God’s Kingdom

Through His Word

The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

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

First Lesson (1 Kings 3:5-12)

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

Second Lesson (Romans 8:28-30)

How does God call us for his purpose?

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

Gospel (Matthew 13:44-52)

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

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

Answers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BULLETIN- August 2nd, 2020

August 2, 2020August 2, 2020 lillyk24

The 9^th Sunday after Pentecost

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August 2, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

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

*Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

Be seated.

✠ T H E W O R D ✠

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Joel 3:12-16

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

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

PSALM OF THE DAY 18

*For your personal devotion at home.

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

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

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

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

he rescued me from my powerful enemy.

He brought me out into a spacious place;*

he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Refrain

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;*

my God turns my darkness into light.

You save the humble*

but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

You give me your shield of victory,*

and your right hand sustains me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

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

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

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

VERSE OF THE DAY Isaiah 55:11b

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

Please stand.

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

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

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

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

“`An enemy did this,’ he replied.

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

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

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

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

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

Please be seated.

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

*Sung by soloist.

SERMONETTE Romans 8: 26, 27

“A Helping Hand From Our Heavenly Hook-up”

When our prayers are lacking
When our prayers need direction

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

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

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

PRAYER FOR BLESSINGS ON THE CHURCH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

*Intercessory prayers listed on page 10.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

CLOSING PRAYER

BLESSING

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Amen.

Be seated.

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

*Sung by soloist.

Announcements

Next week’s theme:

August 9, 2020 10^thSunday after Pentecost

“Wisdom from on High”

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

Updated Response to Worship Concerns Created by COVID-19

July 30, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Final Judgment Belongs to God

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

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

First Lesson (Joel 3:12-16)

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

Second Lesson (Romans 8:26-27)

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

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

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

Answers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BULLETIN- July 26, 2020

July 26, 2020July 26, 2020 lillyk24

The 8^th Sunday after Pentecost
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July 26, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

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

OPENING HYMN Good News of God Above

Sung by cantor. Christian Worship #568

Please stand

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

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

M: Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

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

M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son ✠ and of the Holy Spirit.

GLORY BE TO GOD

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

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Let us pray.

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

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

✠T H E W O R D ✠

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

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

Summary: God’s Word accomplishes what he desires

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

PSALM OF THE DAY 65

The cantor sings refrains. Pastor reads the verses.

The earth is full of the goodness of God,

the goodness of our God.

Praise awaits you, O God,*

you call forth songs of joy.

You care for the land and water it;*

you soften it with showers and bless its crops.

The streams of God are filled with water*

to provide the people with grain.

Refrain

You crown the year with your bounty,*

and your carts overflow with abundance.

The grasslands of the desert overflow;*

the hills are clothed with gladness.

The meadows are covered with flocks

and the valleys are mantled with grain;*

they shout for joy and sing.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND READING Romans 8:18-25

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

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

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

VERSE OF THE DAY Deuteronomy 30: 14

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

Stand.

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

Summary: The parable of the sower

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

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

NICENE CREED

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

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY Your Kingdom, O God

Sung by cantor. Christian Worship Supplement #755
$Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Supplement Electronic Pew Edition CD ROM\TIFF files\Hymns\CWS 755.tif$

SERMON Isaiah 55: 10-11

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

1. It comes down from God

2. It affects the heart

3. It feeds the soul

Stand after the sermon.

CREATE IN ME

Be seated.

✠ O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S ✠

THE OFFERING

Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord. Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained. Please deposit your offering on the plate located near the church entry.

PRAYERS

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

Stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

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

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

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

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

M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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

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

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

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Please be seated for the distribution

THANKSGIVING

Please stand.

SONG OF SIMEON

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

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

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast

Sung by cantor. Christian Worship #324

Announcements

Next week’s theme:

August 2, 2020 9^thSunday after Pentecost

“Waiting for the Final Harvest”

The Success of the Gospel Depends

On God’s Power and Blessing

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

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

First Lesson (Isaiah 55:10,11)

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

Second Lesson (Romans 8:18-25)

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

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

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

Answers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the source image

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

BULLETIN- July 19, 2020

July 19, 2020July 19, 2020 lillyk24

The 7^th Sunday after Pentecost

July 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 thankful hymns of praise.

Please note: Worship Service Restart Plans (Bulletin pages 17, 18.) Due to the recent increase of

COVID-19 virus cases testing positive in our area, worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.

OPENING HYMN Come unto Me, Ye Weary Sung by cantor. Christian Worship Supplement #336

Please stand

M: The grace of our Lord ✠ Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

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

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

C: Amen.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

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

OH, TASTE AND SEE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

God of all power and might, you are the giver of all that is good. Help us to love you with all our heart, strengthen us in true faith, provide us with all we need, and keep us safe in your care; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

✠T H E W O R D ✠

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

FIRST READING Exodus 33:12-23

Summary: The Lord reassured Moses, “I will give you rest.”

Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, `Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, `I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

PSALM OF THE DAY 145

The cantor sings refrains. Pastor reads the verses.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;*

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another;*

they will tell of your mighty acts.

The LORD upholds all those who fall*

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

Refrain

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.*

You open your hand

and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is near to all who call on him,*

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;*

he hears their cry and saves them.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND READING Romans 7:15-25

Summary: Our struggle against sin ends when Jesus rescues us for heaven

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do– this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God– through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

VERSE OF THE DAY Luke 8: 15

Alleluia. Happy are they who hear the Word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience. Alleluia.

Stand.

GOSPEL READING Matthew 11:25-30 (today’s sermon text underlined)

Summary: Jesus invites us to come to him for rest

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY Day by Day

Sung by cantor. Christian Worship Supplement #765
$Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Supplement Electronic Pew Edition CD ROM\TIFF files\Hymns\CWS 765.tif$

$Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Supplement Electronic Pew Edition CD ROM\TIFF files\Hymns\CWS 765.tif$

SERMON Matthew 11: 28-30

“Jesus, the Friend Who Gives…”

…the warmest invitation
…the greatest comfort

Stand after the sermon.

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.

Be seated.

✠ O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S ✠

THE OFFERING

PRAYER FOR PATIENCE AND PEACE AND INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

Read by Pastor. Intercessory Prayers on bulletin page 12.

Stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

CLOSING HYMN I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Sung by cantor. Christian Worship #338 $Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Hymns and Canticles\26. Invitation\CW 338.tif$

Announcements

Next week’s theme July 26, 2020 8^thSunday after Pentecost:

“The Seed of the Word”

“PRAYING HANDS” by Albrecht Dürer is a famous ink and pencil sketch drawing that was created in the early 16th century. There are several competing references to the creation of this piece of art.

Description of the Artwork

The drawing is on blue colored paper that the artist made himself. “Praying Hands” is part of a series of sketches that Dürer drew for an altarpiece in 1508. The drawing shows the hands of a man praying with his body out of view on the right. The sleeves of the man are folded and noticeable in the painting.

Origin Theories

The work was originally requested by Jakob Heller and is named after him. It is posited that that sketch is actually modeled after the artist’s own hands. Similar hands are featured in other of Durer’s artworks.

It is also theorized that there is a deeper story connected to “Praying Hands.” A heartwarming story of familial love, sacrifice, and homage.

A Story of Familial Love

The following account is not attributed to an author. However, there is a copyright filed in 1933 by J. Greenwald called “The Legend of the Praying Hands by Albrecht Durer.”

Back in the 16th century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with 18 children. In order to keep food on the table for his brood, Albrecht Durer the Elder, the father and head of the household, was a goldsmith by profession and worked almost 18 hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood

Despite the family strain, two of Durer’s male children, Albrecht the Younger and Albert, had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the academy there.

After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go to work in the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, in four years, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines.

They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht the Younger won the toss and went off to Nuremberg. Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht’s etchings, his woodcuts and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.

When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht’s triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, “And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you.”

All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, “No.”

Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, “No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother, for me it is too late.”

More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer’s hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with Albrecht Durer’s most famous work, “Praying Hands.”

Some believe that Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother’s abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward in honor of his brother Albert. He called his powerful drawing simply “Hands,” but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love, “Praying Hands.”

Let this work be your reminder, that no one ever makes it alone!

(by Desy, Phylameana lila. “History or Fable of the Praying Hands Masterpiece.” Learn Religions, Feb. 11, 2020, learnreligions.com/praying-hands-1725186)

Our Relationship With God Depends

On His Good Pleasure

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

How do you strike up friendships or relationships with other people? Most people attempt to find something that they have in common with another person, and they try to develop a friendship based on those common interests. But how do we strike up a relationship with God. We don’t. Our relationship with God depends on his good pleasure. God is “out of our league” and really shouldn’t have anything to do with us. But miraculously he does! Amazingly he loves us and cares for us. He desires to be our dearest friend! But he always makes “the first move” through the gospel.

First Lesson (Exodus 33:12-23)

What condition did Moses put upon his leading God’s Old Testament people?
How did Moses want God to “seal the deal”?

Second Lesson (Romans 7:15-25a)

What struggle does Paul outline in these verses?
How are we able to overcome our sinful nature?

Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30)

True or false: We make the choice to enter into a relationship with God.
To whom does God choose to reveal the truths of the Gospel?

Answers:

God must go with his people, otherwise Moses was not willing to lead them. Moses recognized the importance of having a close relationship with the Lord and that such a relationship depended on God’s good pleasure.

He wanted the Lord to show him his glory as a seal of God’s presence. The Lord conceded to show Moses his “back side” and proclaim his name (Ex 34:5-7).

The struggle that every Christian has between the sinful flesh and the new person, who is guided by the Holy Spirit. Only the Christian has this struggle.

We aren’t able to overcome the sinful flesh by ourselves. We must rely upon the working of the Holy Spirit through the gospel. This is our Christian life of sanctification. God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

False. By nature, we are enemies of God and objects of his wrath (Eph 2:3). God is the one who wins us over to friendship with his wonderful promises. He’s the one who makes us alive with Christ (Eph 2:5). Our relationship with God depends on his good pleasure.

Jesus says that God reveals the truths of the gospel, not to the “wise and learned,” but to “little children.” In other words, to those who do not persistently reject the working of the Holy Spirit through the gospel. God is the one who wins us to faith. We have no power to choose God as our friend; it’s all God’s doing (Luther’s Small Catechism, Explanation to the Third Article of the Creed).

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
7-12 7-15	31	54 4
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJuly 2020	Elaine Kelm&Carolyn Rosenthal

BULLETIN- July 12th, 2020

July 12, 2020July 12, 2020 lillyk24

The 6^th Sunday after Pentecost $C:\Users\secretary\Downloads\Cover Pic (5).jpg$

July 12, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

Please note: Worship Service Restart Plans (Bulletin pages 21, 22) Worship f.) There will be limited congregational singing and speaking. A cantor will assist with the singing and liturgical responses.

OPENING HYMN O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace Christian Worship Supplement #185 $Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Hymns and Canticles\13. Pentecost\CW 185.tif$

Please stand

M: The grace of our Lord ✠ Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

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

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

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

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

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

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

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

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

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

O LORD, OUR LORD

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

O God, you have prepared joys beyond understanding for those who love you. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

✠T H E W O R D ✠

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

FIRST READING Jeremiah 28:5-9

Summary: Following Christ means proclaiming the truth

Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah before the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD. He said, “Amen! May the LORD do so! May the LORD fulfill the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the LORD’s house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the LORD only if his prediction comes true.”

PSALM OF THE DAY 89

The cantor sings refrains. Pastor reads the verses.
$Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Psalms\Ps 089.tif$

I will sing of the LORD’S great love forever;*

I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

I will declare that your love stands firm forever,*

that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,*

your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

Refrain

O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?*

You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,*

who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

They rejoice in your name all day long;*

they exult in your righteousness.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND READING Romans 6:1b-11

Summary: Following Christ means dying to sin and living for God

Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

VERSE OF THE DAY Mark 8:34b

Alleluia. If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up the cross and follow me. Alleluia.

Stand.

GOSPEL READING Matthew 10:34-42 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Following Christ will bring swords and rewards

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

“He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke

Christian Worship #453
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SERMON Matthew 10: 34-42

“A Realistic Look at a Disciple’s Life”

There probably will be swords
There certainly will be rewards

Stand after the sermon.

NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Be seated.

✠ O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S ✠

THE OFFERING

PRAYER FOR BEARING THE CROSS AND INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

Read by Pastor. Intercessory Prayers on bulletin page 16.

Stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

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

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

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

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

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

SEASONAL SENTENCE

M: He sends the Holy Spirit to testify that we are his children and to strengthen us when we are weak.

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

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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

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

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Please be seated for the distribution

Please stand.

THANK THE LORD

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

BLESSING

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus

Christian Worship Supplement #452
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Announcements

Next week’s theme July 19, 2020 7^thSunday after Pentecost:

“The Costs & Rewards of Discipleship”

Our Life of Discipleship Depends

On Carrying Crosses

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

Being a Christian is painful. Being a Christian means that there will be crosses to bear. St. Peter once wrote that Christians are called to suffering, “because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Pe 2:21). Jesus clearly states in the Gospel that anyone who is not willing to take up their cross and follow him cannot be his disciple. Are you ready to be his disciple? If you are, recognize that our life of discipleship depends on carrying crosses.

First Lesson (Jeremiah 28:5-9)

What was Jeremiah predicting about the city of Jerusalem?
What did the prophet Hananiah predict about the same city?

Second Lesson (Romans 6:1b-11)

How does St. Paul say we should regard our baptism?
Since baptism means the death of our sinful flesh in this world, what can we expect from our lives in this world?

Gospel (Matthew 10:34-42)

What does Jesus mean: he came to bring a sword?
Why does Jesus speak such thorny words in these verses?

Answers:

Jeremiah had long predicted that the city of Jerusalem would face war, disaster and plague because of their rebellion against the Lord. He said that there would be crosses to bear for God’s people.

Hananiah was predicting, contrary to the prophets of the Lord, that Jerusalem would soon enjoy times of peace and prosperity. His message, of course, was popular among the people of Jerusalem.

Paul says that we should understand our baptism as being buried with Christ. Our sinful flesh has been crucified with him.

There will be many painful experiences as we continue to battle our sinful flesh and daily crucify it with a life of repentance.

Jesus wants us to realize that he is a divisive figure. People argue about who Jesus is and what he came to do. While many people in this world suggest that there is more than one way to God, Jesus is unequivocal: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me” (Jn 14:6). As a result, one can either be for Jesus or against him. There is no middle ground.

He wants us to realize the cost of discipleship and to make an informed decision before we become one of his disciples. The life of discipleship is not an easy one. There are crosses are to bear.

A Little See the source image

Christian Humor…
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Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
7-5 7-8	28	63 7
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJuly 2020	Elaine Kelm&Carolyn Rosenthal

BULLETIN- July 5th 2020

July 5, 2020July 5, 2020 lillyk24

Independence Day Worship

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear and forgive their sin and heal their land.”—God

2 Chronicles 7:14

Sunday, July 5, 2020

8 a.m. St. John’s

10 a.m. Emmanuel

Pastor Peter Zietlow

From Sea to Shining Sea—Independence Day Worship

Pastor’s Greeting

The liturgy is read responsively by the pastor and the congregation, interspersed with verses of the hymn “America the Beautiful” sung by soloist.

O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!

P: From east to west, you have blessed us, Lord God Almighty.

C: From fields ripe for harvest, from business and industry creating products to make our lives better, to the natural beauty of animals and plants, fish and fowl, lakes and streams, thank you for your many gifts to our nation in land and sea and sky.

P: For the blessings that span our nation from sea to shining sea,

C: We give you thanks and praise.

P: For the rights we share as citizens in this land and especially for the freedom we have to worship and speak of our faith in you,

C: Lord God, we praise and glorify you!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet whose stern impassioned stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wilderness!

America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!

P: From north to south, you have gathered people to live united in these states,

C: We thank you for our government leaders and for all those who guard our cities and keep us safe.

P: We pray for our armed forces at home and across the sea, for those who protect our nation and keep our country strong.

C: We thank you for their sacrifice and for all those who work tirelessly to preserve us as a people.

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life!

America! America! May God thy gold refine

‘Til all success be nobleness and ev’ry gain divine!

Confession and Absolution

P: God said, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear and forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

C: Merciful God, we humbly confess that we have not loved you with all our heart and mind and strength, and that we have not loved our neighbors as Christ loves them and us. We have resisted your Spirit and gone our own ways. Have mercy on us for not always obeying the laws of the land. Pardon us for not honoring all those in authority over us as you have commanded. Forgive what we have been and help us to change what we are. Amen

P: It is my privilege as a called and ordained servant of the Word to announce the grace of God to all of you. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed your sins from you. Therefore, in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And all God’s people say,

C: Amen.

Prayer of the Day

Lord, keep this nation under your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Help us elect trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve you faithfully in our generation to the honor of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen

First Lesson, Genesis 1:6-10

And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. And it was so. God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

Psalm 33 Responsory

P: By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,

C: their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

P: He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;

C: he puts the deep into storehouses.

P: Let all the earth fear the LORD;

C: let all the people of the world revere him.

P: For he spoke, and it came to be;

C: he commanded, and it stood firm.

P: But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,

C: the purposes of his heart through all generations.

P: Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,

C: the people he chose for his inheritance!

Second Lesson, Romans 13:1-7

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Verse of the Day

Alleluia. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Alleluia. Proverbs 14:34

C: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! (Hymnal, page 18)

Rise for the Gospel Lesson, Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The Sermon Hymn: 755 from CW Supplement

Your Kingdom, O God, verses 1-3

Your kingdom, O God, is my glorious treasure,

My pearl of incomp’rable worth.

Its value exceeds ev’ry standard of measure,

Surpassing the wealth of the earth.

Lord, give me your grace and the pow’r of the Spirit

To value this treasure aright.

That never allured by the world, I inherit

Your kingdom of glory and light.

Your kingdom, O God is alive with the power

Your Word and your Spirit bestow.

Like yeast, they affect the whole measure of flour,

Enabling your kingdom to grow.

Empower me, Lord, as I live your commission,

Though humble my service may be,

And bring ev’ry planting to perfect fruition,

A mustard seed grown to a tree.

Your kingdom, O God is a field for the growing

Of seeds that your mercy has sown,

But still in our midst is the enemy sowing

The weeds that imperil your own.

Sustain me, O Lord, till your day of returning

And harvest me homeward at last,

To shine in the homeland that quiets all yearning,

Where sorrow and danger are past.

The Sermon: Guest Preacher–Seminary student Justin Digman

“Illogical Forgiveness”

Limited Forgiveness
Limitless Forgiveness

Matthew 18:21-35

²¹Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

²²Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

²³“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ²⁴As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. ²⁵Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

²⁶“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ ²⁷The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

²⁸“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

²⁹“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

³⁰“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. ³¹When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

³²“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. ³³Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ ³⁴In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

³⁵“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

The Offering.

Prayer

P: Almighty God, You have provided this nation with forefathers who had vision, wisdom, patience, faith and courage. For the blessings of this firm foundation we praise you, Lord. Likewise, you have built your Church upon the firm foundation of your Living Word. Continue to lead your children to search and study the Scriptures that we may be one in heart and mind, and that we may be strong against any attacks of the evil one. Bless our nation with wise leadership, justice, plenty and peace. On this day of independence, free all who mourn from their sorrow and comfort them with the strong hope of resurrection from the dead. Lead your people in paths of righteousness for your names’ sake. Amen

Intercessory Prayer

These things we pray according to your gracious will in the name of Jesus, our Lord. And we also pray together the prayer he taught us:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen

Benediction

P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

All: Amen

Recognition of all veterans present. Please rise and state your name. We thank you for your service.

Closing Congregational Hymn, “God Bless Our Native Land,” Hymn 619

God bless our native land; firm may she ever stand

Through storm and night!

When the wild tempests rave, Ruler of wind and wave, Do thou our country save by thy great might.

For her our prayers shall rise to God above the skies;

On him we wait.

Thou who art ever nigh, guarding with watchful eye,

To thee aloud we cry, God save the state!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday July 12, 2020

The 6^th Sunday after Pentecost:

“The Costs & Rewards of Discipleship”

Intercessory Prayers (read by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Wyatt Beahm (William and Alyssa Beahm’s infant son), David Broderick, Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Lilah Farrell, Roger Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Betty Kozlowski, Chris Krause (Gordy and Linda’s son), Robert Lederer (Jackie and Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Lilly Mann, Dawn Marcelain, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Steve Parrish, Valerie Pepin, Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Doris Smith, Amanda Stalker, Jennifer Strauss, Leevi Walker, Tenley Zuehls – (added this week: Mitch Simon)

July Ladies Aid Meeting The July Ladies Aid meeting has been canceled.

Voter Meeting July 19^th at 11:00am following the limited St. John’s service.

Welcome Card Shower for Ms. Katlynn Tindall Located in our link way at St. John’s is a “Welcome Card Shower” station. Please send your welcome to Ms. Tindall and shower her with love as she settles with us. If you are attending our limited church services, be sure to drop by or you can send a card to the office at 313 E Montello St. Montello, WI 53949 and it will be delivered.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
6-28 7-1	25	46 3
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJuly 2020	Carolyn Rosenthal&Elaine Kelm

BULLETIN- June 28, 2020

June 26, 2020June 26, 2020 lillyk24

The 4^th Sunday after Pentecost

June 28, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

OPENING HYMN Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs Christian Worship #227

Please stand

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

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

M: Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

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

GLORY BE TO GOD

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

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Let us pray.

O God, protector of all the faithful, you alone make strong; you alone make holy. Show us your mercy and forgive our sins day by day. Guide us through our earthly lives that we do not lose the things you have prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

✠T H E W O R D ✠

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

FIRST READING Exodus 19:2-8a

Summary: God sets apart His people to be a kingdom of priests

After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.

Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.”

PSALM OF THE DAY 100

The cantor sings refrains. Pastor reads the verses.

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

Worship the LORD with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.*

Know that the LORD is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;*

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Refrain

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;*

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;*

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND READING Romans 5:6-11

Summary: Christ died for us in order to reconcile us to God

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

VERSE OF THE DAY Psalm 132:9

Alleluia. May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy. Alleluia.

Stand.

GOSPEL READING Matthew 9:35–10:8 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Jesus sends out the Twelve to bring back the lost sheep of Israel

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

NICENE CREED

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

We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY Spread, Oh, Spread the Mighty Word

Christian Worship #576

SERMON Matthew 9:35-10:8

“Communicate Christ-like Compassion”

1. Who?

2. To whom?

3. What?

4. How?

5. Why?

Stand after the sermon.

CREATE IN ME

Be seated.

✠ O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S ✠

THE OFFERING

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, A Prayer for Us to See People Through Jesus’ Eyes and for Courage to Share the Gospel and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcements on page 16 for those on our Intercessory Prayers list.

Stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

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

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

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

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

M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Who promised that wherever two or three come together in his name, there he is with them to shepherd his flock till he comes again in glory.

Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Please be seated for the distribution

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service. The Joint Worship Committee has recommended that communion be served on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month at both Emmanuel and St. John’s and also on the Wednesdays at St. John’s following those Sunday services. Private communion may also be scheduled with Pastor Zietlow.

THANKSGIVING

Please stand.

SONG OF SIMEON

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

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN O Christ, Who Called the Twelve

Christian Worship Supplement #770

Announcements

Next week’s theme July 5, 2020 5^thSunday after Pentecost & Independence Day:

Special service with guest preacher & seminary student, Justin Digman (Pastor Z’s son-in-law) “Confessing Christ is Spite of Opposition”

KATLYNN TINDALL ACCEPTANCE LETTER

Dear Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School,

On May 16, I received the divine call extended to me through the WELS Assignment Committee to serve as your 3rd-5th grade teacher.

I am really looking forward to this wonderful opportunity to serve the congregation, school and most importantly our God. Thank you very much for your thoughts and prayers. I look forward to meeting all of you. God’s Blessings.

In Christ,

Katlynn Tindall

“Hello! My name is Katlynn Tindall. I grew up in Waukesha, WI and graduated from WISCO in 2014. I attended MLC and graduated in December 2018. Upon graduation I taught grade 2 at Trinity in Brillion for a semester. Then I was assigned grades 2-4 at Zion in Toledo, OH. For fun I enjoy baking, drinking coffee, game nights, outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to meet all of you and continue sharing Jesus’ love to the students at St. Johns!”

CONTACT INFORMATION

Katlynn Tindall

Send a card, call, text or e-mail your words of encouragement!

2960 W Central Ave. Apt. #122

Toledo, OH 43606

262-352-7021

tindalka@mlc-wels.edu

The Work of the Church Depends

On the Proclamation of the Gospel

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

What is the primary work of the Christian church? Surprisingly, many people answer that question in different ways. Some suggest that the primary work of the church is to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. Some say that the church is to work for overall social justice. Others think that the church’s job is to reform and restore the moral fiber of our world. Those are perhaps all worthy tasks, but there really shouldn’t be any debate about the church’s primary task because Jesus tells us what it is: Preach the gospel of forgiveness! (Mk 16:15) That’s our work and our privilege!

First Lesson (Exodus 19:2-8a)

What is a covenant? (verse 5)
How would God view his Old Testament people if they obeyed his Word?
What is a priest?

Second Lesson (Romans 5:6-11)

How did God demonstrate his love for all people?
What does it mean for us to be reconciled to God?

Gospel (Matthew 9:35 – 10:8)

Why did Jesus show compassion toward the crowds?
What is an apostle?

Answers:

A covenant is an agreement. God is here establishing a covenant with his people: obey me fully and you will be my treasured possession. This is a two-sided covenant. God’s covenant with us is one-sided (cf. Jer 31:31-34).

They would be for him a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

The Scriptural job description of a priest is to be a go-between or mediator between God and human beings. In particular, he offered sacrifices for the sins of the peo-ple. God commanded that there be such priests in Old Testament times from the tribe of Levi. But in the New Testament there is no longer any need for such priests because through the sacrifice of Jesus, our great High Priest (Heb 7:26-28), we have all become priests of God (1 Pe 2:4-10), offering up our own spiritual sacrifices.

Jesus died for us while we were still sinners, his enemies. God’s love is unconditional! He didn’t wait for us to love him first.

To be reconciled with God means that all people were estranged or separated from him at one time because of our sinfulness, but now Jesus has washed our sinfulness away with his sacrifice on the cross. All people are now reconciled to God, and as Christians we share that message of reconciliation with others who don’t realize or believe it (2 Co 5:18-21).

Because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

An apostle is one who is “sent out” to proclaim the gospel. The twelve apostles had a special call from Jesus to proclaim the gospel without boundaries. In a very real sense, though, we are also “apostles” whenever we proclaim the gospel.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
6-21 6-24	42	46 6
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJune 2020	Diane Eisermann&Delores Cotte

BULLETIN- June 21, 2020

June 21, 2020June 21, 2020 lillyk24

3^rd Sunday After Pentecost

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June 21, 2020

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

✠P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

OPENING HYMN Blessed Jesus, at Your Word Solo sung by cantor. Christian Worship #221 v. 1,2,3,4

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✠G A T H E R I N G R I T E O N T H E W O R D O F G O D ✠

God’s people long ago gather together for strength from God and for mutual encouragement. This alternate beginning for worship may be used on any occasion to remind God’s people of the blessings of his Word.

Please stand.

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

C: (spoken) Amen.

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M: Oh, how I love your law!

C: I meditate on it all day long.

M: Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

C: for they are ever with me.

M: I have more insight than all my teachers,

C: for I meditate on your statutes.

M: How sweet are your words to my taste,

C: sweeter than honey to my mouth!

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M: All scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

C: so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16,17

M: Yes so often we have despised God’s Word and failed to gladly hear and learn it. For this and all our sins, we bow before God and humbly ask his forgiveness.

C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

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M: God gave his Word so ”that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). The Scriptures testify about Jesus, who lived a perfect life for you, died on the cross to pay for all your sins, and rose again to assure you of your salvation. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son ✠ and of the Holy Spirit.

C: (spoken) Amen.

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PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

O God, the strength of all who trust in you, mercifully hear our prayers. Be gracious to us in our weakness and give us strength to keep your commandments in all we say and do; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: (spoken) Amen.

Be seated.

✠S E R V I C E O F T H E W O R D ✠

This service offers the congregation a form of worship that focuses on the proclamation of God’s Word. Believers respond to this divine gift with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.

FIRST LESSON Hosea 5:15–6:6

Summary: God desires mercy, not sacrifice

Then I will go back to my place until they admit their guilt. And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me.”

“Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

“What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears. Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, I killed you with the words of my mouth; my judgments flashed like lightning upon you. For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

PSALM 119c

Refrains sung by cantor, pastor reads verses.

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Oh, how I love your law!

I meditate on it all day long.

I have more insight than all my teachers,

for I meditate on your statutes.

I have more understanding than the elders,

for I obey your precepts.

Refrain

I have kept my feet from every evil path

so that I might obey your Word.

I have not departed from your laws,

for you yourself have taught me.

How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

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 Romans 4:18-25

Summary: God credits faith in the Savior to us as righteousness

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” {Gen. 15:5} Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead– since he was about a hundred years old– and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness– for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

VERSE OF THE DAY 2 Corinthians 5:19

M: Alleluia. God was in Christ reconciling the world himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Alleluia.

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Stand.

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 9:9-13 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The calling of Matthew

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and `sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ {Hosea 6:6} For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY Let Me Be Yours Forever

Christian Worship #596

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SERMON Matthew 9:9-13

“Follow Me!”

An invitation meant for those only sick with sin
A call meant only for those saved from sin

Stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

Sung to tune of CW 486 “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us”

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.

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.

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.

Be seated.

✠ O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S ✠

THE OFFERING

MISSION OF THE CHURCH PRAYER

M: Eternal God and Father, we give you thanks for the blessings we share as members of your holy Church, for your gracious Word and sacraments, for opportunities to worship and to grow in faith and knowledge, for occasions to serve and be served, for fellowship with believers in our congregation and in our synod.

C: Help us to rejoice in these blessings, dear Lord, and to use them faithfully.

M: Jesus Christ, Lord of the Church, you give grace to your people by calling us to be your witnesses in the world. Open our eyes to see the great and noble mission that lies before us. In the hurting eyes of the lonely, in the pained eyes of the sick, and in the searching eyes of the lost, help us to see your face, O Jesus, and to serve others as we would serve you.

C: Awaken us to the opportunities you give to proclaim your message of love.

M: Holy Spirit, giver of life, through Word and sacrament bestow on us the wisdom and power we need to witness clearly and to act boldly. Help us to speak the truth in love, to give the reason for the hope we have, and to conduct ourselves with gentleness and respect.

C: Set our hearts on fire as we work and witness for Christ.

M: Hear us, Lord, as we pray for a family member, an acquaintance, a neighbor, or a friend who does not believe in you, or whose faith is weak or troubled.

Silent prayer.

M: Bless the Church with men and women who are willing to proclaim your Word in places where we cannot go. Keep them and their loved ones in your care, and let nothing hinder their work. By the power of the gospel, restore their spirits each day, so that they do not lose heart as they serve us and others.

C: Move us to support them with our sincere prayers and generous offerings.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

M: Wherever your Word is proclaimed, O Lord, grant it success. Let your kingdom come to us and others, so that we and many more might join the assembly of saints and angels to sing your praise forever.

C: Savior of all, hear our prayer and help us in our mission. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

CLOSING HYMN A Father’s Prayer Is to the One

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v. 1,2,3,4

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M: Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

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CLOSING HYMN A Father’s Prayer Is to the One

v. 5,6,7,8

Annoucements

Next week’s theme June 28, 2020 4^th Sunday after Pentecost:

“God Saved Us That We Might Serve Him”

KATLYNN TINDALL ACCEPTANCE LETTER

Dear Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School,

On May 16, I received the divine call extended to me through the WELS Assignment Committee to serve as your 3rd-5th grade teacher.

In Christ,

Katlynn Tindall

CONTACT INFORMATION

Katlynn Tindall

Send a card, call, text or e-mail your words of encouragement!

2960 W Central Ave. Apt. #122

Toledo, OH 43606

262-352-7021

tindalka@mlc-wels.edu

Our Life of Faith Depends

On God’s Promises

The Third Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

Trusting people isn’t easy, because people tend to let us down when we’re depending on them. It’s also hard to confess our sinfulness to others because we’re afraid that those people will use our sins and mistakes against us and hold a grudge. We shouldn’t have the same concerns with our Savior! Jesus is totally reliable, entirely trustworthy. He keeps his promises! Most of all, he keeps his promise of forgiveness through the gospel. We can confidently confess our sin to him, knowing that in him we have certain forgiveness and eternal life.

First Lesson (Hosea 5:15 – 6:6)

What did the Lord want his Old Testament people to do?

Why can we confidently acknowledge our sin to the Lord?

Second Lesson (Romans 4:18-25)

What promise of God to Abraham is Paul referring to in these verses?

True or false: Abraham simply ignored the physical evidence which suggested that there was no way he and his wife could have a child.

Upon what did Abraham base his faith?

Gospel (Matthew 9:9-13)

Why were Jesus’ actions so repulsive to the Pharisees?

What did Jesus want the Pharisees to learn?

Answers:

He wanted them to confess their sins.

Because he promised us that he will heal us and bind up our wound, that we may live in his presence.

God promised Abraham a son in his old age.

False. Paul says that Abraham indeed “faced the fact that his body was as good as dead … and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.” Despite this evidence, however, Abraham “against all hope … in hope believed” God’s promise.

Abraham was “fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

They couldn’t believe that Jesus would eat with tax collectors and sinners. Neither could they believe that Jesus would call a tax collector to be his disciple.

He wanted them to learn what the Lord meant through the prophet Hosea when he said: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Jesus’ meaning is this: God has been merciful and forgiving to us, and he wants us to be merciful and forgiving toward one another. Jesus was showing mercy to these “sinners,” something the Pharisees didn’t want to do.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
6-14 6-17	38	37 6
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJune 2020	Diane Eisermann&Delores Cotte

BULLETIN- June 14th, 2020

June 12, 2020June 12, 2020 lillyk24

The 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost

June 14, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

OPENING HYMN Speak, O Lord Solo sung by cantor. Christian Worship Supplement #735

Please stand

M: The grace of our Lord ✠ Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

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

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

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

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

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

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

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

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

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

O LORD, OUR LORD

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

O God, you rule over all things in wisdom and kindness. Take away everything that may be harmful and give us whatever is good; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

✠T H E W O R D ✠

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

FIRST READING Deuteronomy 11:18-21,26-28

Summary: God wants His people to remember His words and be blessed

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse—the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.

PSALM OF THE DAY 78

The cantor sings refrains. Pastor reads the verses.

O my people, hear my teaching;

listen to the words of my mouth.

I will utter things from old,

what we have heard and what our fathers have told us.

We will not hide them from our children;

we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.

Refrain

The Lord decreed statutes for Jacob

an established the law in Israel,

So the next generation would know them,

and they in turn would tell their children.

Then they would put their trust in God

and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND READING Romans 3:21-25a,27-28 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: We are justified by faith, not by works–the core teaching of the Word of God

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

VERSE OF THE DAY Psalm 119: 105

Alleluia. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Alleluia.

Stand.

GOSPEL READING Matthew 7:15-29

Summary: Only he who does the will of God will enter heaven

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

“Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

“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.”

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY Chief of Sinners Though I Be

Christian Worship #385

SERMON Romans 3:21-25a,27-28

“Not Guilty A Declaration”

Coming from the Father
Earned by the Son
Given through the Holy Spirit

Stand after the sermon.

NICENE CREED

Be seated.

✠ O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S ✠

THE OFFERING

Stand.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

M: Gracious God and Father, we praise you for the countless blessings, which we receive from your hand: the beauties of creation and the bounties of the earth, the joy of life and the pleasure of friendship, the good of work and the gift of rest, the privilege to share happiness and sorrow with one another. Above all we praise and thank you for your saving Word and for your Son’s body and blood, which you give us to eat and to drink in the sacrament. Through these means of grace, you send the Holy Spirit into our hearts and unite us to Jesus and to the whole Christian Church on earth.

C: Strengthen us through this heavenly food; increase our trust in Christ and our love for one another.

M: Great God and Lord, without your continuing help we easily waver in our faith, lose courage, and grow careless in our watchfulness. The times and days are perilous. Give us strength to face the evils of each day with fresh confidence. Open our lips to speak of your grace, and move us to use the gifts that you give us to share your Word of salvation with all people. Protect and prosper the family, the school, the government, and all good institutions that you have established for the benefit of society. Remember in mercy those who are sick and suffering, and bring your healing to troubled homes and lives.

C: Move us to pray for those in need and to help them with deeds of kindness.

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

Silence.

M: Now, eternal God and Father, keep us in the saving faith and so enable us to overcome all things through our Lord Jesus Christ.

LORD’S PRAYER

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

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

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

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

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

SEASONAL SENTENCE

M: He sends the Holy Spirit to testify that we are his children and to strengthen us when we are weak.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Please be seated for the distribution

Please stand.

THANK THE LORD

BLESSING

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage

Christian Worship Supplement #293

Annoucements

Next week’s theme June 21, 2020 3^rd Sunday after Pentecost:

“God’s Heart Full of Mercy Affects the Hearts of Lost Sinners”

KATLYNN TINDALL ACCEPTANCE LETTER

Dear Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School,

On May 16, I received the divine call extended to me through the WELS Assignment Committee to serve as your 3rd-5th grade teacher.

In Christ,

Katlynn Tindall

CONTACT INFORMATION

Katlynn Tindall

Send a card, call, text or e-mail your words of encouragement!

2960 W Central Ave. Apt. #122

Toledo, OH 43606

262-352-7021

tindalka@mlc-wels.edu

Our Fruits of Faith Depend

On the Spirit’s Working Through the Word

The Second Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

How do things in this world grow? Usually they don’t grow up overnight; it takes lots of patience. We water, fertilize and cultivate. Then we wait. That’s true of the growth that takes place in our Christian lives, too. It doesn’t happen overnight. Instead God waters and fertilizes us through his Word. Slowly but surely through the gospel the Spirit brings forth growth and eventually fruits of faith. The encourage-ment of the Lessons and Gospel today is: Stay connected to God’s Word. The fruits of our faith depend on it!

First Lesson (Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28)

How familiar with his Word does the Lord want us to be?
Why is a familiarity with the Word so important?
What’s consequence of disregarding God’s Word?

Second Lesson (Romans 3:21-25a, 27,28)

What does the word “justified” mean in verse 24?
Who has been justified?
How have we been justified?

Gospel (Matthew 7:15-29)

How will be able to recognize false prophets?
True or false: Everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” on the Day of Judgment will enter into heaven?
Why were the people amazed at Jesus’ teaching?

Answers:

He wants us to fix his Word in our hearts, minds and heads; for it to become second nature to us.

Only through the Word and sacraments does the Holy Spirit work faith and Christian life (cf. Ro 10:17).

The Lord promises a curse upon those who disregard his Word of promise.

To justify someone means to declare them “not guilty” by judicial act, as when a jury declares a defendant “not guilty.” The defendant is acquitted or justified.

God has declared all people “not guilty.” All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified.

St. Paul uses two similar phrases: “freely” and “by grace.” God didn’t owe us anything. He doesn’t forgive our sins because he has to. He does it without obligation, free of charge, according to his merciful nature because of the sacrifice that Jesus made.

Jesus says that we can recognize them by their fruits.

False. Jesus is interested in more than mere words. He is looking for the natural fruits of faith that the Holy Spirit works in our lives through the gospel.

Because he taught with authority. In other words, he didn’t base his teachings on what someone else had said (like the teachers of the law). Instead, Jesus would say things like: “Truly, truly I say to you …” Jesus can do this because he is God.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
6-7 6-10	22	30 5
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJune 2020	Diane Eisermann&Delores Cotte

BULLETIN June 7th, 2020

June 7, 2020June 7, 2020 lillyk24

Trinity Sunday

June 7, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

Please note: Worship Service Restart Plans (Bulletin pages 22, 23) Worship f.) There will be limited congregational singing and speaking. A cantor will assist with the singing and liturgical responses.

OPENING HYMN Holy God, We Praise Your Name Christian Worship #278

Please stand

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

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

M: Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

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

GLORY BE TO GOD

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

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Let us pray.

Almighty God and Father, dwelling in majesty and mystery, filling and renewing all creation by your eternal Spirit, and manifesting your saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ: in mercy cleanse our hearts and lips that, free from doubt and fear, we may ever worship you, one true immortal God, with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

✠T H E W O R D ✠

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

FIRST READING Genesis 1:1-2:3

Summary: The Triune God created the world, including Adam & Eve, in six 24-hour days

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning– the first day.

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning– the third day.

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights– the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning– the fourth day.

And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” And there was evening, and there was morning– the fifth day.

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground– everything that has the breath of life in it– I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning– the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

PSALM OF THE DAY 150

The cantor sings refrains. Pastor reads the verses.

O Lord, open my lips,

And my mouth shall declare your praise.

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

You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

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

Refrain

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

Or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

And grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

And sinners will turn back to you.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Summary: Paul closes his second letter to the Christians in Corinth with the Triune God’s blessing

Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send their greetings.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

VERSE OF THE DAY Isaiah 6:3b

Alleluia. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. Alleluia.

Stand.

GOSPEL READING Matthew 28:16-20 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Before ascending to heaven, Jesus both commissions and equips his disciples

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

NICENE CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds with the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the light of the world to come. Amen.

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY Come, Now, Almighty King

Christian Worship #193

SERMON Matthew 28:16-20

“We Make Disciples in the Name of the Triune God”

We’ve got God’s…

Message and means

2. Power and presence

Stand after the sermon.

CREATE IN ME

Be seated.

✠ O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S ✠

THE OFFERING

The ushers now gather the “Thank-Offering.” Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord. Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained. Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. Please also sign our Friendship Registers and greet one another.

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Trinity Sunday Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcements on page 16 for those on our Intercessory Prayers list.

Stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

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

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

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

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

M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

We now confess that you, with your Son and the Holy Spirit, are one God and one Lord, and we acknowledge you as our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier.

M: Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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

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

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Please be seated for the distribution

THANKSGIVING

Please stand.

SONG OF SIMEON

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

BLESSING

M: The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

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

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN Father, God of Grace, You Knew Us

Christian Worship Supplement #753

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Announcements

Next week’s theme June 14, 2020 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost:

“Faithfulness to the Word of God in Doctrine and Practice”

KATLYNN TINDALL ACCEPTANCE LETTER

Dear Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School,

On May 16, I received the divine call extended to me through the WELS Assignment Committee to serve as your 3rd-5th grade teacher.

In Christ,

Katlynn Tindall

CONTACT INFORMATION

Katlynn Tindall

Send a card, call, text or e-mail your words of encouragement!

2960 W Central Ave. Apt. #122

Toledo, OH 43606

262-352-7021

tindalka@mlc-wels.edu

Our Entire Being Depends

On the Holy Trinity

The First Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Trinity – A

God’s Word for Today

We like to think that we can take care of ourselves. God has given us many talents and gifts so that we can provide for ourselves and our families. And yet we shouldn’t forget that God is the one who ultimately provides all things. Apart from him we can do nothing. If it weren’t for our Triune God – our Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier – we would be absolutely helpless and hopeless in our lives. Yes, apart from him we wouldn’t even exist. Our entire being depends on the Holy Trinity.

First Lesson (Genesis 1:1 – 2:3)

How did God create most everything in this universe?
hat clue do we get in Genesis 1:26 about God’s unique makeup?
Why is God’s creation of human beings so unique?

Second Lesson (2 Co 13:11-14)

Why are the key words of the apostolic blessing in verse 14 so important to our lives as Christians?

Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20)

According to Jesus’ words, what has been given to him?
How are we to make disciples of Jesus?
What promise does Jesus give his disciples?

Answers:

Almost everything in creation was brought into being simply by God speaking his powerful Word.

He says: “Let us …,” indicating his unique being of being one God yet multiple persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God created Adam from the earth and breathed the breath of life into Adam. This account shows us how special human beings are in the eyes of God.

The word “grace” reminds us that God loves us because of the type of person he is and not the type of people we are. His “love” is undeserved and unearned; it’s free. And through his love and the working of his Spirit in our hearts and lives, we are brought into “fellowship” with him. Our relationship with God is entirely his doing.

Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. The exalted Jesus, now even according to his human nature, has controls over all things.

Jesus says that we should baptize in the name of the Triune God and teach everything that he has commanded. That’s how disciples (pupils) are made.

He tells us that he will be with us always, even to the end of the age (until he returns again). He gives us a big task – to preach the gospel in all the world – but he also gives us big promises!

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
5-31 6-3	29	38 cancelled
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJune 2020	Diane Eisermann&Delores Cotte