St. Johns News

The 6^th Sunday after Pentecost

God’s Over-flowing Generosity – Independence Day

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

July 3, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

July 4, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

Pastor Pete Zietlow

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Pentecost season.   WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES † Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s † Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel                       10:00a.m. at St. John’s   Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow.   HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion.   GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 6th Sunday after Pentecost – Life Finds Strength in Struggles – It is when life is at its worst that we have opportunity to see God at his best.  His mercy is new every morning and accomplishes the impossible – against all odds.  Faith turns to God and responds with rich joy and amazing generosity.

†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                                                                                                       CWS 785, “O Lord of Nations”

*On Sunday, Choir sings v. 1-2, 4-6 and congregation sings 3, 7.

This beautiful hymn “O Lord of Nations” will be included in our new hymnal coming soon. It was written for Thanksgiving 2001, the first Thanksgiving after the terrifying events of September 11. It is a beautiful hymn that includes praise and petition fitting for our celebration today.

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

*On Saturday.

† S E R V I C E   O F   THE   W O R D †

Please stand.

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

C:            And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS                                                                                                    

We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.

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

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

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

C:            Amen.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

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

OH, TASTE AND SEE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M:           Let us pray.

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.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

†T H E   W O R D †

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

FIRST LESSON                                                                                   Lamentations 3:22-33 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The Lord’s compassions never fail

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

²⁵ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
    to the one who seeks him;
²⁶ it is good to wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.
²⁷ It is good for a man to bear the yoke
    while he is young.

²⁸ Let him sit alone in silence,
    for the Lord has laid it on him.
²⁹ Let him bury his face in the dust—
    there may yet be hope.
³⁰ Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
    and let him be filled with disgrace.

³¹ For no one is cast off
    by the Lord forever.
³² Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
    so great is his unfailing love.
³³ For he does not willingly bring affliction
    or grief to anyone.

PSALM  30                                                                              

* Men sing 1^st line, women sing 2^nd line, all sing refrains and Gloria.

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;*

praise his holy name.

For his anger lasts only a moment,*

but his favor lasts a lifetime;

weeping may remain for a night,*

but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Refrain

To you, O LORD, I called;*

to the Lord I cried for mercy.

Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;*

O LORD, be my help.

You turned my wailing into dancing,*

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

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                                                                                                                 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-14

Summary: God’s generosity overflows though the lives of believers

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. ² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. ³ For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. ⁵ And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. ⁶ So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. ⁷ But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you^[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

⁸ I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

   ¹³ Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. ¹⁴ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality…

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                                                                          Mark 8:34b

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

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                                                         Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

Summary: The Lord’s compassion gives life

²¹ When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. ²² Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. ²³ He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” ²⁴ So Jesus went with him.

A large crowd followed and pressed around him.

³⁵ While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

³⁶ Overhearing^[a] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

³⁷ He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. ³⁹ He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” ⁴⁰ But they laughed at him.

After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). ⁴² Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. ⁴³ He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY                                                                     CW 414, “I Leave All Things to God’s Direction”

SERMON                                                                                                                                    Lamentations 3:22-33

“The LORD Is My Portion”

1. Though he brings grief (v. 28-33)
2. Still, I will wait for him (v. 22-27)

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED      

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

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Please be seated.

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

THE OFFERING

Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord.  Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained.  Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. The plate is located in the church entryway.

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, For the Lord To Show Compassion Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see  announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER  

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

      

HYMN                                                                                                           CW 618:1-3, “Before the Lord We Bow”

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.

M:       As you go from here, remember this:

God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting,

from generation to generation.

Just as a father has compassion on his children

so God has compassion on those who fear him,

who listen to his voice,

and who do his will.

Go out in the knowledge that the everlasting love of God goes with you.

Amen.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN                                                                                     CW 618:4-5, “Before the Lord We Bow”

*See page 11.

Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228. Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Service of Word and Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

†  A  N  N  O  U  N  C  E  M  E  N  T  S  †

July 4 – July 10

Sun.		Independence Day
Mon.
Tues.	9:00a.m.	Joint Elders meeting at St. John’s
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.	4:30p.m.	St. John’s  Worship with communion
Next week’s theme:-  July 11, 2021 The 7thSunday after Pentecost: Proclaim the Word Whether People Listen or Not
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

†  C  H  U  R  C  H      N  E  W  S  †

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Cheri Borzick, Mike Brown, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Mike Farrell, Dan Finger, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Shelley Myers, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer & son Tim, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, Kathy Weinfurter (Ken Pabelick’s mother-in-law), John Wildt – (added this week:)

– For Jan Dahlke who celebrated her 87th birthday on 6/29

– For Haven Mae Ackerson, the daughter of Samuel Ackerson and Jaida Thome, baptized on 7/3 at St. John’s

– For missions

– For Independence Day

ST. JOHN’S VOTERS’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Membership Changes:  Adult Confirmation BIC: Amanda Finger  Teen Confirmation:  Alyssa, Emma, & Katie Mann and Olivia Zuehls  Profession of Faith: Cheryl Smith  Transfer in: David & Kristi Schrimpf & Son Logan from St. John’s, Baraboo, WI.   Releases: Irene Palmer to Catholic; Jacob Polk to ELCA; Kenon & Mary Smith to LCMS.   Transfer Out:  Phyllis Farrell to Grace, Dalton. School Merger – Report update in bulletin; likely no action until 2022-2023 school year.  St. John’s enrollment projected up by 10-15 students for 2021-2022 school year.  New Hymnal to be presented in December.  Karl Whitrock Memorial $181,000 to be invested with Thrivent.  Budget Approved with a deficit of $108,000 due to following needs: 1) second pastor $70,000  2) New boiler & A/C for parsonage $20,000  3) new garage roofs & doors $10,000  4) school curriculum $8,000  5)  school aides $20,000.

CROSSES The Time of the Church is the longest season of the church year. Green represents growth-growing the Church through witnessing and missions-becoming “fishers of men.”

This season appears 1^st and 2^nd Sunday of Epiphany and ends Transfiguration Sunday just before Lent. It reappears the 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost and ends on Reformation Sunday.

Please pick up your ribbon today! If you are in need of a cross or would like to gift to someone, please help yourself. They are available and both Emmanuel and St. John’s. Thank you again to Gene Crook (Emmanuel) and LuAnn Zieman (St. John’s) for creating and coordinating!

CHURCH NEWSLETTER The St. John’s church newsletter will again resume starting in July. It will be sent out via email to the congregations. Need to sign up on our mailing list? Please call the office. If you wish to receive a hard copy, we offer a yearly subscription for $10.00.

CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office.  Thanks!

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:

Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System

†  S  C  H  O  O  L      N  E  W  S  †

CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office.  Thanks!

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:

Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System

St. John’s Lutheran PRINCETON Soccer Camp 2021 – Jesus Always Makes The Save!

When: July 6th – 8th
Time: Times will be run differently this year. Please see below for age group and time:
K3-1st Grade: 4:30 pm – 7 pm
2nd-6th Grade: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: St. John’s Lutheran School 227 Harvard St.
Theme: Jesus Always Makes The Save!

Soccer camp begins with registration each evening at 4:30, and each camp participant will receive dinner and a T-shirt. And it’s all FREE! Boys and girls, ages 3 through 12 are welcome!

In the game of soccer, the goalie needs to make the save again and again or the team has no chance of victory. In life, the Bible tells us that our victory is assured because Jesus has come to seek and to save the lost. Your children are invited to a three-day camp where they will learn how to “make the save” in soccer and grow closer to their Savior Jesus. Drills, exercises, and scrimmages will help them set goals for soccer. Breaks for devotions, music and other activities will help them set goals for life as they grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ their Savior.

For more information: https://www.sjlprinceton.com/

Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeT4vV2bfkIvG8cy3tjLz2IJWWO7muf0sb-c37RfuTn3172Tg/viewform

I AM A CHRISTIAN

When I say…”I am a Christian”

I’m not shouting “I am saved”

I’m whispering “I was lost.”

When I say…”I am a Christian”

I don’t speak of this with pride.

I’m confessing that I stumble

And need someone to be my guide.

When I say…”I am a Christian”

I’m not trying to be strong.

I’m professing that I’m weak

And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say…”I am a Christian”

I’m not bragging of success.

I’m admitting I have failed

And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say…”I am a Christian”

I’m not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are all too visible,

But God believes I’m worth it.

When I say…”I am a Christian”

I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartaches

Which is why I speak His name.

When I say…”I am a Christian”

I do not wish to judge.

I have no authority.

I only know I’m loved.

(Author: Carol S. Wimmer)

Life Finds Strength in Struggles

Pentecost 6 – B

God’s Word for Today

It is when life is at its worst that we have opportunity to see God at his best.  His mercy is new every morning and accomplishes the impossible – against all odds.  Faith turns to God and responds with rich joy and amazing generosity.

First Lesson (Lamentations 3:22-33)

1. When things were miserable around him, from what did the writer get his hope?
2. What good can God be accomplishing for us in sufferings?

Second Lesson (2 Corinthians 8:1-9,13,14)

3. What was so amazing about the “grace of giving” seen among the Macedonian churches?
4. Of what would the Corinthian’s giving be a “test?”
5. What was the motivation behind their giving?

Gospel (Mark 5:21-24a, 35-43)

6. How did Jairus show faith in Jesus?
7. What words did Jesus speak in v. 36 that should stick with us?

Answers:

1.             When we feel we hit “rock bottom,” we too should be reminded that things would be far worse. God could have given us full punishment for our sins (yes, even the “small” ones).  It is because of God’s great love that you are still alive! But look around you. His mercies show themselves faithfully every morning in the sunshine and the rain – in the little joys that come our way.  Look for it every day.  Since his compassion will never fail us, we should  wait patiently for the timing of his blessings.

2.             There is strength given in the testing field of suffering.  It begins as he strips away pride and self-righteousness and teaches us true humility and a greater dependence on God alone.  (see Rom 5:1-6,  Hebrews 12:7-11, 1 Pe 1:3-9).

3.             The overflowing joy sprang up not from outstanding wealth but from severe trials and extreme poverty.  In spite of the obvious needs they had, they were rich in generosity – even giving beyond their ability.  What a testimony to God’s power in them.

4.             Paul wanted to test the sincerity of their love by their faithfulness in giving.  It is so easy to say you love the Lord and love his people.   The proof is in the doing.  (Look at the actions of faith displayed in Matthew 25:34-40 or James 2:14-18)

5.             The motivation for our sacrificial generosity centers in Christ who gave up the riches of heaven to come to the poverty of this world in order to win for us the outstanding inheritance of heaven.  Who would not want to “give themselves first to the Lord,” when they truly understand that?  (2 Cor 5:13-15)

6.             Jairus came to Jesus knowing he could do what no one else could.   He believed that Jesus could put his hands on his dying daughter and she would be healed. 

7.             When Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid, just believe, “ he was speaking to an impossible situation in the eyes of the world.  The child was dead by human observation.  But nothing is impossible with God.  He lovingly restored her life.  That is all the more reason we should never give up hope.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
6-26
6-27	46	77
St. John’s Altar Committee for July 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm

●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website:  www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816 K, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3rd-5th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021 Principal & 6th – 8th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow:  616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org Church & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866 Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949 Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org   ●●●

The 7^th Sunday after Pentecost

God’s Plan to Save Mankind (from Satan)

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Pastor Peter Zietlow

July 10, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

July 11, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Pentecost season.   WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES † Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel                     10:00a.m. at St. John’s   † Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s   Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow.   HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion.   GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Listen for the Message God is Giving You! – Preaching the message of God is not a popularity contest.  The size of the crowd and the level of cheering is not what it is all about, but rather being faithful in speaking God’s word to the specific people and situation.  Sometimes that ruffles feathers.  The response from people and the obstacles in life are humbling but should lead us to pay attention to the message and not the messenger (unless of course it is Christ himself).

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

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

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

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

Please stand.

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

C:            And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS                                                                                                    

We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his

law, and we plead for his mercy.

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

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

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

C:            Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Kyrie

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

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

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

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

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

O LORD, OUR LORD

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M:           Let us pray.

God of all power and might, you are the giver of all that is good. Help us 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.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

†T H E   W O R D †

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

FIRST LESSON                                                                                                             Ezekiel 2:1-5 (today’s sermon text)                      Summary: Ezekiel’s call to rebellious Israel

He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.”  As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day.  The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says.’ And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.

PSALM  143                                                                           

* Sing in unison the refrains and verses.

O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy;*

in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

Do not bring your servant into judgment,*

for no one living is righteous before you.

My spirit grows faint within me;*

my heart within me is dismayed.

Refrain

Answer me quickly, O LORD;*

do not hide your face from me.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,*

for I have put my trust in you.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;*

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

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                                                                                                                                2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Summary: Christ’s power in Paul’s ministry became more evident through Paul’s weaknesses

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                                                                              Luke 8:15

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

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                                                                             Mark 6:1-6

Summary: Jesus, a Prophet without honor

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles!   Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”  He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.  And he was amazed at their lack of faith.

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY                                                                                     CW 536, Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head

SERMON                                                                                                                                                     Ezekiel 2:1-5  God Commissions His Prophet

1. By preparing the prophet to listen to his Word (v.1,2)
2. By showing the prophet the scope of his task. (v.3,4a)
3. By assuring the Prophet of the Lord’s effectiveness (v.4b,5)

Please stand.

NICENE CREED              

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

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

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Please be seated.

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

THE OFFERING

Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord.  Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained.  Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. The plate is located in the church entryway.

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Prayer for Loved Ones Absent From Worship and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER  

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

       

†T H E   S A C R A M E N T †

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

M:           The Lord be with you.

M:           Lift up your hearts.

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

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

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

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

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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

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

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

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

Please be seated for the distribution.

PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION

Lord, I am not worthy to be a guest at your holy table. But you are the friend of sinners, and you will not cast me out. This bread is your body, which bore my sins upon the tree. This wine is your blood, which purifies me from all guilt. At your invitation, I come rejoicing. Receive me, my Savior. Amen.

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice close Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service.

COMMUNION HYMN                                                                                     CW311, Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness

*Sunday only.

PERSONAL PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

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

O living Bread of heaven, how richly you have fed your guest! The gifts you now have given have filled my heart with joy and rest.

Lord grant me that thus strengthened with heavenly good, while here my course on earth is lengthened, I serve with holy fear.

And when you call my spirit to leave this world below, I enter through your merit where joys unmingled flow. Amen.

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.

M:       Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another.

Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

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

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

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN                                                                                                CW 291, We Have a Sure Prophetic Word

Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228. Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Service of Word and Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

†  A  N  N  O  U  N  C  E  M  E  N  T  S  †

July 11 – July 17

Sun.	8:00a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	6:30p.m.	Joint Council meeting at Emmanuel
Tues.
Wed.	10:00a.m.	Montello Care Center Devotion
	6:00p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.	4:30p.m.	St. John’s Outdoor Worship (weather-permitting)
Next week’s theme:   July 18, 2021 The 8thSunday after Pentecost: God Established Our Ministry
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with school children singing
11:00a.m.	Evangelism meeting at St. John’s

†  C  H  U  R  C  H      N  E  W  S  †

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Cheri Borzick, Mike Brown, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Jan Dahlke, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Mike Farrell, Dan Finger, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Shelley Myers, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer & son Tim, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, Kathy Weinfurter (Ken Pabelick’s mother-in-law), John Wildt – (added this week: )

– For Liola Crown who will celebrate her 96^th birthday on 7/13.

– For our communicants

CHRISTIAN ONE LINERS (from a member) “Don’t let your worries get the best of you; Remember: Moses started out as a basket case.”

ST. JOHN’S VOTERS’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Membership Changes:  Adult Confirmation BIC: Amanda Finger  Teen Confirmation:  Alyssa, Emma, & Katie Mann and Olivia Zuehls  Profession of Faith: Cheryl Smith  Transfer in: David & Kristi Schrimpf & Son Logan from St. John’s, Baraboo, WI.   Releases: Irene Palmer to Catholic; Jacob Polk to ELCA; Kenon & Mary Smith to LCMS.   Transfer Out:  Phyllis Farrell to Grace, Dalton. School Merger – Report update in bulletin; likely no action until 2022-2023 school year.  St. John’s enrollment projected up by 10-15 students for 2021-2022 school year.  New Hymnal to be presented in December.  Karl Whitrock Memorial $181,000 to be invested with Thrivent.  Budget Approved with a deficit of $108,000 due to following needs: 1) second pastor $70,000  2) New boiler & A/C for parsonage $20,000  3) new garage roofs & doors $10,000  4) school curriculum $8,000  5)  school aides $20,000.

CROSSES The Time of the Church is the longest season of the church year. Green represents growth-growing the Church through witnessing and missions-becoming “fishers of men.”

This season appears 1^st and 2^nd Sunday of Epiphany and ends Transfiguration Sunday just before Lent. It reappears the 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost and ends on Reformation Sunday.

Please pick up your ribbon today! If you are in need of a cross or would like to gift to someone, please help yourself. They are available and both Emmanuel and St. John’s. Thank you again to Gene Crook (Emmanuel) and LuAnn Zieman (St. John’s) for creating and coordinating!

CHURCH NEWSLETTER The St. John’s church newsletter will be sent out via email to the congregations. Need to sign up on our mailing list? Please call the office. If you wish to receive a hard copy, we offer a yearly subscription for $10.00.

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:

Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System

†  S  C  H  O  O  L      N  E  W  S  †

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:

Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System

Listen for the Message God is Giving You!

Pentecost 7 – B

God’s Word for Today

Preaching the message of God is not a popularity contest.  The size of the crowd and the level of cheering is not what it is all about, but rather being faithful in speaking God’s word to the specific people and situation.  Sometimes that ruffles feathers.  The response from people and the obstacles in life are humbling but should lead us to pay attention to the message and not the messenger (unless of course it is Christ himself).

First Lesson (Ezekiel 2:1-5)

1. What did God call Ezekiel to do?
2. What was the test of Ezekiel’s effectiveness?

Second Lesson (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

3. Does a greater level of faith guarantee God will grant your prayer request?
4. For what reason did God not remove that specific struggle Paul was experiencing in his life?

Gospel (Mark 6:1-6)

5. What obstacle did Jesus meet while preaching in his hometown?
6. Of what was their response evidence?

Answers:

1.             Ezekiel was to go to the Israelites who had rebelled against God.  God had a specific people and a specific message on which he was to focus his life from this point on.

2.             Popularity was not to be the deciding factor in determining his effectiveness.  He continues to remind Ezekiel that he is going up against a rebellious and stubborn people.  His effectiveness will be gauged on his faithfulness in saying God’s words to them no matter how much opposition he gets from them.

3.             Often well-intentioned Christians will say that someone’s situation didn’t get better because they didn’t have enough faith.  Paul was surely a man of great faith.  The Lord had revealed to him things others had never seen and heard.  God is not a “genie in a bottle” to respond to our shortsighted requests in prayer.  Ultimately God’s loving plans for us dictate his wise, caring response.

4.             The Lord knew how sinful nature can pull us away from him (especially pride).  The “thorn in the flesh” was God’s tool to keep Paul humble and to keep him connected to his real strength – the Lord.  When we are “weak,” we despair of our selves and finally give the task over to God. God’s power stands out more brilliantly  with the miracles he accomplishes when we are “weak.”    

5.             The people remembered Jesus as a kid and pictured him as a carpenter.  This isn’t what they expected of a preacher.   Since they were so familiar with him and his family, they were unwilling to see past the person and listen to the preaching.

6.             Their response showed their lack of faith.  They were amazed at his wisdom and the miracles he did, but they let their reasoning get in the way.   Instead they should have seen them as evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing they would have had life in his name. (Jn 20:30-31)

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
7-4		14
7-4	57	65
St. John’s Altar Committee for July 2021: Lucy Laun & Kathy North

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm

●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website:  www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816 K, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3rd-5th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021 Principal & 6th – 8th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow:  616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org Church & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866 Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949 Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org   ●●●