[Jesus said] “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26
The Bible teaches that there is only one God but that he exists as three separate persons. It is a profound mystery we can never fully comprehend. The Bible calls these three persons the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
In our Bible reading for today, God the Son promised that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to bless his people. So just what would the Holy Spirit do?
He wouldn’t die on the cross; Jesus had already done that. Instead, the Holy Spirit would use that cross to convict the hearts of men, women, and children—this is what your sins have done! And he would use that same cross to console and comfort—this is what the Son has done for you! He’s paid your debt!
The Holy Spirit wouldn’t go from town-to-town preaching and baptizing; Jesus had already commissioned his disciples to do that. Instead, the Holy Spirit would be the power behind every word of truth the disciples would speak and write. The Holy Spirit would work through and in every baptism and every sermon.
The Holy Spirit wouldn’t change water into wine or feed thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and fish. Jesus had done that. The Holy Spirit would instead perform different kinds of miracles. He would give new life to those dead in sin. He’d supply trust and faith where there had previously been unbelief and doubt. He would impart comfort and hope where there had been shame and despair.
What would the Holy Spirit do? Exactly what he does today. Whenever and wherever God’s Word is proclaimed, the Holy Spirit is regularly and repeatedly delivering love and forgiveness. The Holy Spirit does exactly what Jesus said he would—he is reminding us of everything Jesus has said and done.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, keep my eyes focused on Jesus; help me to know him better. Amen.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. . . . All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:2,4
In the hours after Jesus’ death, his closest followers were laying low, hiding behind locked doors. They were afraid, doubting, discouraged, and defeated. Then Jesus appeared to them. They were overjoyed but still not understanding everything completely. They needed extra teaching and tutoring. So Jesus promised to send a teacher, the Holy Spirit. That promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.
Now filled with the Holy Spirit, those disciples who once cowered were preaching in public. Those slow-to-understand students had become the teachers and, as a result of their teaching the gospel, 3,000 people believed that day. Those disciples who had haphazardly scattered when Jesus was arrested weeks earlier, now had become the very leaders, who in an organized fashion, scattered missionaries to share the gospel and save countless souls throughout the world.
But here’s a nightmarish thought: Imagine if that wind never blew that day and the Holy Spirit never came to teach and tutor those disciples. Imagine if the disciples stayed huddled in their room. Doubting, discouraged, and defeated. Imagine if those 3,000 people never heard the good news about Jesus and those missionaries were never sent to the far corners of the world.
Thank God that’s not what happened. Thank God the wind did blow, and the Holy Spirit did work powerfully on Pentecost. The Holy Spirit still works powerfully whenever and wherever the Word of God is proclaimed.
When your sins press hard and life’s challenges press even harder, go to where the wind blows. In other words, open up the Bible and read. Attend a worship service and listen to the preaching of the Word. The Holy Spirit will be there too. He’ll be teaching and tutoring you, just as he did the disciples.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, whenever I read your Holy Word, fill me with understanding. Strengthen my faith. Make me strong to do your will. Amen.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. . . . All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:2,4
Big, life-changing events can happen in a moment. Most tornadoes, for instance, last less than ten minutes; but in those short moments, a lot can happen. On May 22, 2011, at 5:34 P.M. a tornado touched down just west of Joplin, Missouri. Thirty-eight minutes later 8,000 buildings were destroyed, 1,000 people were injured, and 161 lives were lost.
Some of us know what it’s like to lose just about everything. In a moment, the flames, floods, or fierce winds can take away our possessions. In a moment, a doctor can click on that bright X-ray panel and our life can change. In a moment, that seemingly harmless temptation can snap its jaws around us like a bear trap and before you know it, we’re getting comfortable with attitudes, using words, or walking down paths no child of God ever should.
Bad, destructive things can happen in a moment. Good, beautiful things can happen too. On that first Pentecost, it happened very suddenly. There was a sound of a violent wind and the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. They in turn began telling others about the wonders of God and within moments, many other people were also filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit has used some special people and special moments in our lives to introduce us to Jesus and enable us to put our trust in him. What a moment it is when the sign of the cross is made on the head and heart when a child or adult is baptized into God’s family. What a moment it is when a youngster sits on grandma’s lap and hears about the Savior’s love. What a moment it is when a weary soul comes to Jesus for rest, when the sin-laden conscience is assured that Jesus has taken away all sin.
Even as you read or listen to this devotion, the Holy Spirit is working in your heart to calm and comfort you. What a wonderful moment!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, as I approach this day, help me to value every moment you give me. Amen.
[Jesus said] “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:25-27
The words of a loved one can cause anxiety. Let’s say someone close to you says something like, “I am leaving soon. I am going to suffer, and I am going to die. Here are some specific things I want you to do.” Do you think you might have a little anxiety?
Jesus said those things to his disciples. He told them he was leaving. He told them he was going to suffer and die. And he told them that they would have a very specific job, repeating the things that he had told them. The disciples had anxiety; their hearts were troubled.
But Jesus did not just cause anxiety. He also relieved it. He told the disciples that after he was gone, the Holy Spirit would prompt them to remember what he told them—with no mistakes. After the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the disciples would be able to preach and teach and write the New Testament of the Bible confidently, knowing that the Holy Spirit was making sure that every word was correct.
Jesus also relieved anxiety by telling his disciples that his suffering and death would bring peace and confidence. He would not remain dead. He would rise from the dead, proving that everything he said was true and showing that God continues to be in charge of this world.
God’s love for you in Christ Jesus gives you peace and takes away fear. You can also speak words that take away anxiety for your loved ones. Because of the peace that you have in Jesus, you are able to speak words of forgiveness to them. Because you know that the Bible is true, you can speak the truth to them in love.
When your heart is troubled, when you feel anxious, Jesus promises you peace.
Prayer:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Amen.
On the day of his ascension into heaven, Jesus told the disciples that they would be witnesses concerning him and that they were to do so in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
We learn from today’s Bible verse that right after Jesus’ ascension, the number of believers was 120. It sounds like an impossible task for the good news about Jesus to go so far with such a small group.
But the Bible assures us that God is the almighty One, the Maker of heaven and earth. God is the One who rules the winds and waves. God is the God who parted the Red Sea, who turned water into wine, who fed thousands with just a few loaves and fish. That is who God is!
How often we forget, doubt, or fail to appreciate this. We find ourselves fretting and worrying, getting stressed and anxious. Why? Have we forgotten that God is all-powerful? And even more importantly, have we forgotten that God loves us?
Remember that the same powerful God who could do all those amazing things loved us enough to go to the cross for us, to win forgiveness for us. Jesus, the true God, died for you. You are forgiven and loved—loved and forgiven by the all-powerful Ruler of all things.
And now it is that all-powerful God, the God who can accomplish the impossible, who is on your side!
Prayer:
O Almighty God, remind me that you are the all-powerful One. Use your power in the way that’s best for me and for all of your people. In Jesus’ saving name I pray. Amen.
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 TODAYToday’s theme: The Day of Pentecost: The Spirit Does the Impossible! – There are many situations in life that seem impossible to deal with. People are drawn to despair and hopelessness. But our God is the God of the impossible. The day of Pentecost gave clear evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit to change things around. Just as dead bones became living, breathing beings in the Ezekiel reading, so people dead in sin become spiritually live through a message the Holy Spirit orchestrated and communicated through his people.
†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 hislaw, 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.
Holy Spirit, God and Lord, come to us this joyful day with your sevenfold gift of grace. Rekindle in our hearts the holy fire of your love that in a true and living faith we may tell abroad the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Father, 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 37:1-14
Summary: The Holy Spirit gives life and hope
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
I said, “O Sovereign LORD, you alone know.”
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’”
CHOIR Oh, Breath of God
*Sunday only. In place of Psalm.
PSALM 51b
* Saturday only. Sing refrain, read verses in unison.
O Lord, open my lips,*
and my mouth will 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
EPISTLE LESSON Acts 2:1-21 (today’s sermon text)
Summary: God poured out His Spirit
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
VERSE OF THE DAY
M: Alleluia. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.
Please stand
GOSPEL LESSON John 14:25-27
Summary: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Please be seated.
HYMN OF THE DAY CW 183, Holy Spirit, Light Divine
SERMON Acts 2:1-21
“The Spirit Speaks Your Language”
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, Pentecost Prayers 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.
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.
CHOIR At the Table of the Lord
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.
Be seated.
*On Sunday only. In place of the blessing and closing hymn.
CHOIR Go Now in Peace
*On Saturday only, pastor speaks the blessing, and everyone sings the closing hymn.
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.
End of School Closing Service & Kindergarten Graduation
11:15a.m.
Last Day of School Picnic
11:45a.m.
Summer Dismissal
Sat.
4:30p.m.
St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme:- May 30, 2021 The Festival of the Holy Trinity
8:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.
St. John’s Worship
† 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, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Mike Farrell, 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), Kathy North, Rhett Petersen (Dan Finger’s friend), 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), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, Kathy Weinfurter (Ken Pabelick’s mother-in-law), John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch, Bill Zamzow (Kay Maass’ brother-in-law ) – (added this week: Ellie Kendall, Kathy Weinfurter, Bill Zamzow (Kay Maass’ brother-in-law ) -For the family of Donna Gray, the mother of our St. John’s member Annette St. Onge, who joined her heavenly home on 5/20
UPDATED COVID 19 PROTOCOL Emmanuel and St. John’s Joint Councils approved the following updates, effective Saturday & Sunday, May 22, 23, 2021: 1) Wearing masks and social distancing is still encouraged. 2) All pews at both churches will be open for seating. 3) Parish members are free to worship at either Emmanuel or St. John’s. 4) Congregational singing will be resumed at all worship services; soloists are discontinued. 5) Saturday outdoor worship will be held once monthly, June-September, pending Worship Committee approval.
ATTENTION ST. JOHN’S AND EMMANUEL MEMBERS: Starting Sunday, May 16 @ 6:30pm, there will be adult softball on the baseball diamond behind St. John’s. This is open to men and women who have graduated high school (recently or a long time ago!). We are not preparing for a future event, just gathering in fellowship and activity during the warmer months of the year. Come out and enjoy the season and meeting together!
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!
CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. Pentecost season scarves and descriptive cards are available for pickup! We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.
ST. JOHN”S LADIES, TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO VOTE for officers on the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Board of Directors and for mission projects for the international level. Your vote will be tabulated with those of LWMS members from across the country and in some foreign countries and announced at the virtual LWMS Convention, June 24-27. Your vote is very much appreciated.
THRIVENT SHIRTS There are many extra t shirts from various events located in St. John’s link way. Please help yourself!
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 †
LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office, church Information Room or from Director Lynn Sellnow.
PRESCHOOL END OF THE YEAR The school board has approved a gathering for preschool students and families at the end of the year. The 4K students will “graduate” and all Little Lambs will present a program and receive a certificate. The program is called “I Can Go and Tell.” We will have a gathering after the program with refreshments. You may invite a few family members to attend the event. It will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 6:00 pm. The program will take place in church and the reception will be either in the church basement or in the gym. I hope you can join us!
KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION The kindergartners will graduate at the closing service of the school year on Friday, May 28, in the morning. The closing service will take place in church toward the end of the morning. (Time to be determined.) The kindergartners will sing a song and receive their kindergarten diploma. There will be a cookout following the service for all students and family members. Make plans to attend now. It will be here before you know it!
FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’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!
THRIVENT SHIRTS There are many extra t shirts from various events located in St. John’s link way. Please help yourself!
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
Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG)
AMMO Cans for Memorial Day
We’re a fairly young organization with an important mission – providing Christian support to our military and their families. We need your help.
LMSG stands for Lutheran Military Support Group. LMSG is a partnership of ELS and WELS veterans who are working to grow awareness of and bring Christian support to military members and their families in our congregations and beyond.
Monday, May 28, is a special day for our country because we remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. During this time of year, and also at Veterans Day, LMSG asks for donations to help carry out our work of sharing the Gospel with military members and their loved ones.
On Memorial Day, our LMSG chapter reminds each of you to give thanks for those who died for our freedoms, to pray for those who mourn and to comfort us with the joy that Christ died for all those who died for us and ultimately brings eternal life to all who believe in Him.
If you can financially support the work of LMSG, your offerings will be used in a variety of ways — from training and educating chaplains who serve our military on bases and in hospitals, to family assistance for things like child care, transportation assistance or snow removal. Our dollars are also expanding the reach of Time of Grace broadcasts to military bases around the globe so our men and women can hear God’s precious word wherever they are stationed.
Thank you for your time. And, thank you for joining LMSG in giving thanks to God for the men and women who faithfully answered the call to serve in our nation’s military.
Ammo cans are located near the entrance of both churches this Sunday, May 23 and next Sunday,
May 30.
To learn more, please visit: www.lutheranmilitary.org
The Spirit Does the Impossible!
Pentecost – B
God’s Word for Today
There are many situations in life that seem impossible to deal with. People are drawn to despair and hopelessness. But our God is the God of the impossible. The day of Pentecost gave clear evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit to change things around. Just as dead bones became living, breathing beings in the Ezekiel reading, so people dead in sin become spiritually live through a message the Holy Spirit orchestrated and communicated through his people.
First Lesson (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
1. What were the condition of the bones and what in your life do they represent?
2. What made these dead bones live? What does that mean for you?
Second Lesson (Acts 2:1-21)
3. What was so amazing about these men boldly speaking in tongues?
4. What was Peter’s explanation of this event?
Gospel (John 14:25-27)
5. Whom was the Father going to send in connection with the name of Jesus?
6. What would be the focus of the Holy Spirit?
Answers:
1. The bones were very dry. There was no life at all in them. The spirit among the people of God was one of hopelessness and despair. There seemed no chance to be released from captivity to return to their homeland. Sin leaves us dry too. (Eph 2:1-4) It makes us unable to do anything to return to God and the blessings he intended for us. It produces the feeling of being trapped and hopeless.
2. The Holy Spirit does the impossible by bringing what was dead to life. He will restore the nation of Israel and bring it to its feet to return to their homeland. In us he also creates a new heart and renews a steadfast spirit within us (Ps 51). What seems impossible becomes a reality in the promises of God – some that we experience fulfillment of now – others we look forward to.
3. These were common, everyday workingmen – “Galileans’ that would not have had such schooling to speak so many other languages fluently. They were ones who had earlier hidden for fear of people connecting them with Christ. Now they were boldly telling that message of the crucified and risen Savior in languages that could be clearly understood by foreigners.
4. This was the fulfillment of God’s prophecy that he would send his Spirit in a special way. This special outpouring began at Pentecost and continues today wherever the gospel is preached. The purpose was to get the news out so that all could call on the name of the Lord and be saved.
5. The Father and Son would send the Holy Spirit – the third person of the Godhead.
6. The truths that Jesus was sharing with the disciples seemed so confusing at the time. So much to learn that was different than what they had imagined. The Holy Spirit would “teach you all things” and “remind you of everything Jesus taught.” The Holy Spirit was not coming to draw attention to himself, but to turn our eyes and hearts to Jesus. Like a spotlight operator, he focuses the gospel light on Jesus so we can clearly see what he has done, understand what he has taught and be established firmly in faith.
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
5-15
23
5-16
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69
St. John’s Altar Committee for May 2021:Kay Maass&Jennie Utke
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●●● 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 ●●●
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59,60
Reginald Denny was a delivery driver. One day his normal route through Los Angeles was flooded with rioters. He stopped his 18-wheeler so that he wouldn’t hit any people. But that’s when the trouble started for him. Rioters pulled him out of his semi, beating him to the point of unconsciousness and leaving him so badly damaged that he needed years of rehabilitation just to walk again.
Witnesses were able to identify the people who did this to him. The incident went to trial, but all the charges were dropped, except one felony count against one of the attackers who was given credit for time already served. After hearing that his attackers would go free, Reginald Denny went over to the mother of one of his attackers, reached out his arms, and hugged her. A few months later, Reginald was a guest on a talk show, where he looked one of his attackers in the eye and forgave him. His attackers destroyed so much of his life. Yet, he wanted them to know that he did not hold it against them.
Stephen wanted his attackers to know the same thing. His dying words were a prayer that God would forgive the men who used stones to destroy his body and life.
And why would he want his attackers to hear such a thing? Because that’s what Jesus had said to those who crucified him. “Father, forgive them,” Jesus prayed, as he carried the weight of the whole world’s sins and died, giving every sinner, even those who pounded the nails in, the right to walk through life knowing they are forgiven.
You are forgiven.
Whatever regrets refuse to leave your mind, whatever you did that fills your heart with guilt, whatever line you crossed, whomever you hurt, or whenever you chose not to help—you are forgiven.
This is why Stephen died at peace and faced death with confidence. He knew he was eternally protected with the same forgiveness Jesus won for you.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of undeserved forgiveness in Jesus. Amen.
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at [Stephen], dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 7:57,58
I wonder if Stephen was surprised when he saw Saul walk into heaven.
Saul was the name of a young man who was there when Stephen was killed for his faith. He didn’t try to stop what was happening. He approved of it. He held the coats of those who were throwing stones at Stephen and later hunted for other Christians he believed deserved persecution for their faith. As Stephen closed his eyes on earth for the last time, this young man named Saul was someone who wanted nothing to do with Jesus and someone we may have even voted as ‘least likely to be in heaven one day.’
Yet, this Saul is the same man who eventually became a disciple of Jesus, helped establish Christian churches throughout the world, and wrote 13 books in the Bible. Many today know him not as Saul but as the apostle Paul. It was a direct confrontation with Jesus that finally opened Saul’s eyes of faith. But as Saul looked back on the day Stephen died, he no doubt remembered a powerful example of what faith looks like. It is difficult to imagine that Stephen’s witness did not make a difference in Saul’s life, even if Stephen never saw that difference during his life on earth.
That’s the way it is with a Christian’s life of faith. Whether they know it or not, their life makes an impact on those around them. Perhaps you can think of a Christian whose life of faith impacted you. That life was lived the way it was because that Christian knew the love, joy, and forgiveness only Jesus can provide. It is a love, joy, and forgiveness that he provides for you, too. He promises it. And you can be sure he will keep his promise to every one of his followers.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, grant me a faith that trusts your promises so that my life might be a blessing to others. Amen.
When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:54-56
The world can sometimes be a pretty harsh place for people who love Jesus. Christian beliefs are being challenged seemingly every day in courtrooms, classrooms, and communities. You may have members of your own family who would prefer never to talk about religion. Maybe some have even stopped going to larger family gatherings because they’re afraid they will be asked to answer questions about their faith, or lack thereof. In some places in the world today, Christians lose their lives when they openly confess their faith. It’s not always easy to follow Jesus.
Maybe that’s why God recorded what happened to Stephen. In Acts chapter 7, Stephen had just confessed his Christian faith in front of a large group of people. But rather than applaud his confession, they reacted in a very hostile way, even eventually throwing stones at Stephen and killing him. But before he died, the Bible tells us that Stephen looked up to heaven and saw something that gave Stephen sufficient strength to endure the horrible things that were happening to him.
Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, ready to welcome him home to the heaven Jesus won for Stephen through his perfect life and innocent death. There are any number of words you might use to describe what Stephen saw that day: Amazing. Glorious. Comforting. But one word we can certainly use to describe what he saw is this: Reality. Stephen saw reality. He was allowed to see, in a special way, what is happening every moment of every day.
The risen Jesus, who is more powerful than death, the devil, and sin, sees all the challenges his people face on account of their faith; and he is right now ruling over all of it, making sure that none of it will take them away from the place in heaven he has already prepared for them.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may the reality that you are ruling all things give me confidence to follow you no matter what I face. Amen.
If someone were to ask you for a list of things that drain you of joy, you might say any number of things: My job is hard. No one appreciates the work I do. The government seems to treat its citizens unfairly. Those in power don’t seem to care about the little people. My family ignores my needs. My pain is hard to endure, and on and on and on. Several things can drain a person of joy, which is why it’s good that Jesus prayed about your joy.
In John chapter 17, he prayed that you would “have the full measure of my joy.” But notice that he didn’t pray you would receive “the full measure of joy.” Instead, he prayed that you would receive “the full measure of my joy.”
Jesus’ joy didn’t come from what others did or did not do to him or by how pleasant a life he experienced. It came entirely from what he could do to love others. We see that as Jesus continued to love the world even when his job as Savior of the world was hard—when he was never appreciated to the extent that he should have been, when his government unfairly condemned his innocent life to death by crucifixion, and when his people often still ignore his commands.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,” Jesus once said to his disciples. He found joy in using his life to do whatever was necessary to forgive our sins, prepare a place for us in heaven, and assure us that no person, experience, or sin will ever be able to take it away from us.
May the Lord answer Jesus’ prayer in your life today. May you find joy in serving those around you.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, help me to live with the joy of Jesus each day. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
