Category: News

Please note- St. John’s Midweek Worship has changed. Beginning this week, no more Wednesday service at 6:30pm.  Beginning 8/15 we’ll worship on Saturday at 4:30pm, outdoors, north of church, weather-permitting. 

Please bring a lawn chair. 

In Jesus Christ our loving & protecting Savior,
Pastor Pete Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)

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. 

Dear friends,

Summer is a great time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. This summer, many of us are limited in where we can go and what we can do. Because of the concerns surrounding COVID 19, we are not having the St. John’s Soccer Camp this year. Instead, we are pleased to offer our very first “Creation Camp.” This six day, at home Vacation Bible School will allow children and parents to explore the wonders of God’s creation through arts and crafts, science projects and Christ centered devotions.

Packets of goodies will be available at St. John’s for pick up or delivery to your home. In this packet you will find the materials and instructions for six unique projects, snacks and devotions. Each day, a new video will be posted on Facebook and our website guiding families through the devotion and the craft of the day. Each day, students can send in pictures or videos of their crafts and projects; we’ll feature a few “stars” on our Facebook page each day! Families will also be invited to bring their completed crafts for display at our August 2^nd Church Picnic. 

Who may participate?
The crafts and devotions are aimed at children ages 4 through 10. Of course, younger children will require more help from a parent . Having older siblings help the younger could be a great way to involve the whole family. 

How may I participate?
Online Registration is open!!! Simply go to –https://www.sjlprinceton.com/page/vacation-bible-school

The six day, at home Creation Camp runs from July 26 through July 31. Packets can be picked up at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Princeton Thursday, July 23^rd or Sunday July 26th. Our volunteers can also deliver them to your home upon request. You will be able to select one of those three options when you register.  

Any other questions?
Please email sjlcprinceton@gmail.com or call 920-295-4400 
While we are saddened that we will not be seeing you at Soccer Camp this summer, we hope that you can participate in this online, at home Vacation Bible School experience. 

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Stelter 

• Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM CDT
• 2 days from now · 16–29°C Chance of Thunderstorms
• W5723 Elk Ave, Westfield, WI 53964-8815 MAP

Tuesday night’s storm dropped trees on Conner Brumm‘s house and truck, while also damaging multiple buildings on his property. A team is being coordinated from St. Andrew Lutheran Church to go help them with the clean-up on Saturday in Westfield, WI, north of Portage. If you are able to participate message us for details.

If you know of people in the Westfield area that might be able to help as well please spread the word.

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

Worship Service Restart Plans

May 24, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of Emmanuel/St. John’s,

The time is fast approaching for us to be able to come together for worship – but not quite yet. And when we do begin in-person gathering, things will still be different for a while. There are several precautions and restrictions that will need to be in place.

Your congregation leaders have been closely monitoring the situation and are staying up to date with governments directives and guidance for resuming group gatherings. We have also been following the information and encouragement being offered by our synodical leaders, as well as communicating with and sharing information with neighboring congregations. 

The following plans will be put in place at Emanuel/St. John’s. Please read the following information. Please be understanding and patient as we try to navigate these uncharted and troubled waters. You are welcome to speak with the pastor or church leaders if you have questions or concerns.

1. General Information

1. Worship times: 8:00 Emmanuel (Emmanuel members only). 10:00 St. John’s Sunday (St. John’s 55 and older). 6:30  St. John’s Wednesday (St. John’s under 55) by way of emailing the church secretary (scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org) or calling the church office at (608) 297-2866.
2. The service will be recorded and made available on the church’s website as we have been doing for several weeks.
3. Pastor Zietlow will provide private personal and family communion to anyone who requests it.
4. Encouragements 

1. Anyone experiencing  symptoms of COVID-19 or who is sick should stay home.
2. Those who are at high risk or uncomfortable with the latest service format should stay home.
3. Those who have access to and are comfortable with online worship are encouraged to continue worshiping in that manner.
4. Wearing a mask when in the church building  is strongly encouraged. 
5. Worshipers are encouraged to practice good hygiene and social distancing. 

1. Distancing 

1. Worshippers will be directed to use every other pew. Worship bulletins will be placed in the designated pews. 
2. Worshipers should enter through the south main church entrance unless they need the elevator. Only the main entrance and elevator entrance area will be open.
3. The school, gymnasium, church balcony, and basement will not be available.
4. Gathering inside the building before or after worship is being discouraged. People may gather outside the building following social distance recommendations.
5. Sanitation and Cleaning

1. The sanctuary, entrances, elevator, and bathrooms will be cleaned before and after each worship service.
2. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available. 
3. There will be no hymnals or other materials in the pews. Worship bulletins are for one use only and should be taken home after the service. 
4. Offering Plates will be in the narthex.

1. Worship

1. Lord willing, we will resume gathering together in limited fashion on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.
2. The 8:00 am worship at Emmanuel will be for Emmanuel members only.
3. The 10:00 am Sunday Service at St. John’s will be for those members who are 55 and older and cannot receive the service via technology. Limited capacity of 50.
4. The 6:30 pm Wednesday Service will be available for everyone who is under 55 and cannot receive the service via technology, and for those who are 55 and younger who have signed up and wish to worship in person. Please sign up for the Wednesday service by emailing the church secretary (scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org) or calling the church office at (608) 297-2866.
5. The large screen at St. John’s will be used to project the order of service and hymns. Bulletins will be placed in the designated pews where people are allowed to sit. 
6. There will be limited congregational singing and speaking.  A cantor will assist with the singing and liturgical responses. 
7. Ushers will wear masks, and the offering plates will be placed in the narthex.
8. Holy Communion will be celebrated at every service as we reopen. Each person or household will come forward to front using the center aisle and return by way of the side aisles. A “continuous flow” format will be used with individuals and/or families keeping a safe distance apart.
9. Worshipers will be asked to exit the church from the back to the front.

Some final thoughts. These are unusual times for our world and Christ’s church. Patience, caution, respect and consideration for others, and more is required from all of us. But the Word of the Lord is forever, and we continue to pray, “O Thou who changest not, abide with me.”

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 New International Version (NIV) – Thanksgiving – ⁴ I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. ⁵ For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— ⁶ God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. ⁷ Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸ He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

April 8, 2020

The Lampstand  [The LORD said to Moses,] “Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them.” (Exodus 25:31)When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) As long as you have light, you will never walk in darkness. A streetlight guides home weary travelers. A nightlight comforts an anxious child. A flashlight guides the way on a dark path. Click here to listen to devotion online. In the wilderness tabernacle, God drove away the dark in his Holy Place with a golden lampstand. The lampstand, also known as the menorah, was constructed of solid gold. God told Moses to make the lampstand from one talent, or about 75 pounds of solid gold. The lampstand had a center column with six branches extending from it, creating seven branches. These arms resembled the branches on an almond tree, with ornamental knobs, ending in a flower at the top. Although this object is sometimes referred to as a candlestick, it was actually an oil lamp and did not use candles. Each of the flower-shaped cups held a measure of olive oil and a cloth wick, which gave off a small flame. Aaron and the priests were to keep the lamps burning continuously. The golden lampstand was placed in the Holy Place, opposite the table of showbread. Because this chamber had no windows, the lampstand was the only source of light. Not only was it ornamental, it was critical for sight. Like all the other tabernacle furniture, the golden lampstand foreshadowed Jesus Christ. There is other symbolism. Seven, the Hebrew number for completeness, pointed to God’s complete presence, protection, and guidance. God designed the lampstand to look like almond branches. The almond tree blooms very early in the Middle East, in late January or February. Its Hebrew root word means “to hasten,” telling the Israelites that God is quick to fulfill his promises. Perhaps the almond branches also reminded the people of Aaron’s staff, which was a piece of almond wood. But the golden lampstand’s chief purpose was to point to the true Light that gives life and salvation, and that is Jesus Christ. Jesus told the people: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” His light shined in his perfect life of love. It shined when he hung in the darkness of Good Friday and cried out, “It is finished.” With that cry, he proclaimed his victory over the darkness of sin, death, and the devil. He confirmed that victory in the early morning light of the first Easter. Jesus shines the light of salvation on us in his Word. How dearly we need to rely on our Light. He drives away the darkness of the devil’s accusations, reminding us that we are forgiven. And when the fear of death surrounds us or a loved one, our Light lives to assure us of victory over death’s darkness. When you live in the Light, you will never walk in darkness.Christ be my leader by night as by day, Safe through the darkness, for he is the way. Gladly I follow, my future his care; Darkness is daylight when Jesus is there. Amen. (CW 367:1) Rev. Dr. John Boeder serves Martin Luther College as campus pastor.

A blessed Holy Week to you! We’re doing what we can to help you in your online worship plans this week.View email in your browser

Lenten Trilogy OnlineFootsteps to the Cross, Tenebrae, and The Vine and BranchesHello, We’ve posted our Lenten Trilogy online. We hope you will choose to use them as part of your Holy Week devotions. Feel free to share these links with your congregations or on social media! If you are looking for any help with finding high-quality videos to incorporate into your virtual worship services, visit koineworshipmedia.com. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance. Footsteps to the Cross Footsteps to the Cross – Part 1 of Koiné’s Lenten Trilogy. Walk with Jesus from the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary as Koiné presents a musical passion play of hymns, scriptural narration, and dazzling multimedia.   Tenebrae On Good Friday, the Church remembers the crucifixion of her Lord. Traditionally this day has been marked with a Tenebrae service. Tenebrae means “darkness” or “shadows.” While solemn, it is not a message of gloom, but a service of adoration to the Son of God as he offers up his life as the Lamb of God. Our service is an adaptation of the historic Tenebrae service told through scriptural narration, music, and video.   The Vine and Branches Lent has offered us the opportunity to walk with Jesus from his Glory revealed in the Transfiguration, to his glory hidden when he was disfigured and nailed to the cross. Though the season may make us blue, its purpose is to have us long for that first glimpse of life on Easter morning. As we trudge through the dead faith and decay of blind scoffing, sleepy disciples, a betraying friend, and brutal abuse, we know Jesus went through all of it for us that we might be grafted into the Vine that sprouted from the empty tomb.