M: Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;
C: Were I to speak and tell of them they would be too many to declare.
M: Come and listen all you who fear God;
C: Let me tell you what he has done for me.
M: I will utter hidden things, things from of old – what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.
C: We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation.
M: So the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born,
C: And they in turn would tell their children.
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Gracious Lord, be with our worship today as we set aside the commercial distractions this Christmas and focus on the real reason for our celebration. Warm our hearts with the joy, comfort and realization that as you came as a Man, you lived a perfect life so you could die in our place and take away the consequences of sin which we so much deserve. This Christmas joy is ours today and throughout the year. Shine in our hearts once again as we enjoy hearing the wonderful old, old story. We pray in the name of the One who was born in the Bethlehem manger, our Lord, our Savior, and our Brother. Amen
M:How many times have we repeated the story or account of the birth of our Savior? Better yet, how many times have you heard or read that story in your lifetime? Luke 2 is certainly one of the most often read or memorized chapters of the Bible. We love to hear the story of Jesus’ birth. It never grows old. Rather it remains fresh and enjoyable for all of us. Our children will again retell the story of Christmas but in a very different way. It will be told using the words of a poem that was written over 150 years ago. Perhaps some of you will recognize some of the stanzas because a few have been put to music. But I want the children to tell you the old, old story.
RECITATIONS: GRADE 6-8
The Story Wanted
POEMS: GRADE 6-8
“ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT” Played by school Chimes
POEMS: GRADES 3-5
The Story Told
PART 1: The Story Begins
POEMS: GRADES 3-5
RECITATION: GRADES 6-8
RECITATION: GRADES 3-5
RECITATION: GRADES 6-8
RECITATION: GRADES 3-5
POEMS: GRADES 3-5
“WHAT CHILD IS THIS” 67 v. 1-2 Sung by soloist
The Story Told
PART 2: The Story Fulfilled
RECITATION: GRADES 3-5
RECITATION: GRADES 6-8
RECITATION: GRADES 3-5
POEMS: GRADES 3-5
“AWAY IN A MANGER” Sung by soloist
RECITATION: GRADES 3-5
RECITATION: LITTLE LAMBS-KINDERGARTEN
RECITATION: GRADES 1-2
RECITATION: GRADES 3-5
RECITATION : LITTLE LAMBS-KINDERGARTEN
RECITATION: GRADES 6-8
“SILENT NIGHT” Played by Chimes
The Story Told
PART 3: The Story Seen
RECITATION: GRADES 6-8
RECITATION: GRADES 1-2
POEMS: GRADES 6-8
RECITATION: GRADES 3-5
POEMS: GRADES 6-8
“PEACE CAME TO EARTH” 707 Sung by soloist
The Story Told
PART 4: The Story of Victory
RECITATION: GRADES 3-5
RECITATION : LITTLE LAMBS-KINDERGARTEN
POEMS: GRADES 3-5
The Story Told
PART 5: The Story for Us
RECITATION: GRADES 6-8
POEMS: GRADES 6-8
POEM: GRADES 1-2
“I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY” Duet by Lucas Stelter and James Wachholz
PRAYERS
BENEDICTION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
“SILENT NIGHT” Duet by Lucas Stelter and James Wachholz
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949
Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830.
ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAYToday’s theme: 4th Sunday of Advent: God Makes the Impossible Happen We have many hopes and dreams in this world. Some even seem to have honorable motives. The Lord, though, steps in and outshines our plans with the miraculous. He sends his Son to earth in a miraculous way to set up an eternal kingdom. Then in an equally wondrous way, he draws us into that kingdom through the gospel and establishes our place in it.
† P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.
Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Nov.. 2020. bulletin page 18) Beginning (11/15) at the 10:00am St. John’s service, the 55+ age restriction ended . Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.
PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
M: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always. Through your Word, Lord, come to us. Erase our debt of sin, and fill our hearts with peace, joy, and the desire to live for you and tell others about you. Bless our worship today and every day. Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
M: We light four Advent candles remembering Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Mary. He came to share our humanity.
C: We remember Jesus whose name means Savior. He came to save his people from their sins.
M: We hear his call to give him a place in our hearts.
C: We light four Advent candles as a sign of our joy and hope.
M: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed
Four Advent candles are lit.
OPENING HYMN 23 Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel
*Sung by soloist.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated.
† T H E W O R D †
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 2 Samuel 7:8-16
Summary: God’s promise to David
“Now then, tell my servant David, `This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'”
PSALM OF THE DAY 89
*For your personal devotion at home.
Refrain
At the works of your hands, O Lord, I lift up my voice in song;
I sing for joy.
I will sing of the LORD’S great love forever;*
I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,*
that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,*
your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
Refrain
O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?*
You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,*
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.
They rejoice in your name all day long;*
they exult in your righteousness.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,*
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Refrain
EPISTLE LESSON Romans 16:25-27
Summary: To God be glory forever
Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him– to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY Matthew 1:23
P: Alleluia! The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel. Alleluia.
Please stand.
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 1:26-38 (today’s sermon text)
Summary: The angel appears to Mary
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Please be seated.
HYMN 36 A Great and Mighty Wonder
*Sung by soloist.
SERMONETTELuke 1: 26-38
“Nothing Is Impossible With God!”
Only God could plan my salvation
Only God could love someone like me
APOSTLES’ CREED
*For your personal devotion at home.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please stand.
ADVENT PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
*Read by responsively.Intercessory prayers listed on page 11.
LORD’S PRAYER
*Spoken by congregation.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
P: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING
P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.
St. John’s School Christmas break begins (12/24-1/3)
3:30 p.m.
Caroling at St. John’s
4:00 p.m.
St. John’s Christmas Eve Children’s Worship (recording)
Fri.
CHRISTMAS DAY
9:00 a.m.
St. John’s Christmas Day Worship
Sat.
No Worship
Next week’s theme:- December 27, 20201st Sunday of Christmas:“As Members of God’s Family, We Seek to Do His Will”
8:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.
St. John’s Worship with communion
Church News
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Ben Coyle, Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week (Ben Coyle, Lilly Mann) – For military families
CHRISTMAS CAROLING For those of you wanting to participate in Christmas caroling, we will be meeting outside at 6:00pm before the December 23 Emmanuel service and at 3:30pm before the December 24 St. John’s service.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are being sought to assist with delivery of weekly worship DVDs to our shut in members. For details or to volunteer to assist, please contact either James Wachholz 608-369-4006 or Gary Wegner 920-295-3456.
CAMP PHILLIP ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES St. John’s membership payment is due! If you would like to donate, please see the “Camp Phillip” free will offering jar located in the church entry way. You can make checks payable to Camp Phillip.Thank you!
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 following those Sundays sing “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home.
CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS Thank you to everyone who put in the time and effort for this year’s event. What a wonderful thing for our kids and families to enjoy during these challenging times. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. Matthew 5:14-16
Church News cont’d…
GET FREE MEDICATION, FRIDGE, AND GUN LOCKS! St. John’s is partnering with Marquette County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) in their fall campaign emphasizing the need to secure what can be dangerous to children and others. To assist families, HCHY will have available, at no charge, medication lock boxes, refrigerator locks (where alcohol is stored in quantities), and gun locks. At St. John’s we have one of each of the three types of locks available for you to view. You may sign up for whatever you can use. Delivery will be at church. These items are available to all Marquette County residents at no charge, so spread the word. Members and friends can request these items. Let’s do all we can to keep our children from harm’s way. Sign up in the linkway, with Ciara or using the Google form. https://forms.gle/CpDT6awLesJRKbw26
A NOTE FROM LADIES AID We will no longer be selling cards due to the pandemic. The health and safety of everyone is very important to us. God bless you all during this Christmas season!
School news
UPDATED SCHOOL COVID POLICY If a student or teacher tests positive, the entire school will move to two weeks virtual education. When parents who have not been in the school test positive, the school leadership will assess absences due to illness or quarantine as necessary for the health and safety of our student body and families. If a classroom or the entire school needs to go virtual, it will be for a period of two weeks.
FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals for next week 12/22. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!
President Mark Schroeder’s message: Peace on earth—but what kind?
The year was 1914. World War I had thrown the continent of Europe into a conflict that would last for four years and kill or wound more than 25 million people. After a rapid German push into France, the advance stalled, and the armies of Germany and Great Britain dug in facing each other. From their cold and muddy trenches on either side of the line, soldiers on both sides could hear their enemies talking. They could see the smoke of the campfires and smell each other’s cooking.
Then, in the middle of the horror of a bloody war, something very unusual happened. It was Christmas Eve. The guns and artillery on both sides had fallen strangely quiet. At 8:30 p.m., from the other side of the no man’s land separating the two armies, the British soldiers heard something. It was singing. German soldiers were singing “Stille Nacht.” The British soldiers responded by singing “The First Noel.” Then, cautiously, a British private climbed out of his trench and crawled through the barbed wire. He was met by a German scout who offered him whiskey and cigars. Before long, soldiers along the entire front were mingling with their enemies, singing Christmas carols together, sharing gifts of chocolate and tea, and even participating in a pick-up game of soccer. (The Germans won the game by a score of 3-2; English soldiers claim that an English chaplain serving as the referee missed a foul that would have taken the winning goal away.)
It was a poignant moment in history—a moment of peace and friendship in a time of war between enemies. But the peace enjoyed that evening would not last. As dusk arrived on Christmas Day, one German soldier said to his new English friend, “Today we have peace. Tomorrow, you fight for your country and I fight for mine.” There would be no further moments of peace until the end of the war in 1918.
We long for peace—especially in a year like 2020. We pray for peace in our cities. We hope for peace in our polarized political arena. We desire peace between racial and ethnic groups. We yearn for peace between nations. It’s not surprising that so many long for peace during the Christmas season. “Peace on earth!” is printed on Christmas cards, featured in songs, and spoken in Christmas greetings.
But when the angels proclaimed that the newborn Savior would bring peace on earth, they were not talking about the end of war, calm in the streets, or civility in politics. All those kinds of peace are certainly desirable and are blessings when they happen, but that peace is fragile and uncertain, sure to be fleeting and temporary.
The peace proclaimed by the angels outside of Bethlehem is completely different.
They announced a peace between God and his rebellious people that cures troubled consciences and removes guilt. They spoke of a peace that was not temporary but a spiritual peace that would last for all eternity. They spoke of a peace that was not the result of skillful negotiations or careful compromise but was rather accomplished when, 33 years later, the baby born in Bethlehem would say from the cross with the voice of total victory, “It is finished.”
So, sing with the angels this Christmas. Praise God for giving us the kind of peace that the Christ Child brought to you and all people.
Can you imagine?
An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21, NIV)
Imagine the range of emotions and thoughts that went through Joseph’s mind. As you think about Christmas this year, put yourself in the shoes of those who were there. Consider Joseph as he saw Mary after she returned from visiting Elizabeth. She had been gone for a few months and when she came back, she was visibly pregnant. Joseph knew it was not his child! This was not right, but being an honorable man who cared for Mary, he was going to quietly divorce her. BUT then, the angel came to him in a dream explaining that this was from God.
Picture Joseph going to Mary and telling her about having an angel come to him. “Me, too!” Mary may have responded. “I was so scared, but the angel told me, ‘Do not be afraid!’” Think of her telling about Elizabeth, silent Zechariah, and John the Baptist leaping in Elizabeth’s womb! I would encourage you to read through Luke chapter 1 and 2. As you read the accounts that Luke records, consider the words of Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah. Put yourself in their shoes, visualize what the shepherds saw, heard, and witnessed. Think about the words Zechariah and Mary use in their songs. These words give such comfort: forgiveness, peace, and mercy. Zechariah sang: “to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.” (Luke 1:77).
Jesus did come, as the angel told Joseph, “to save his people from their sins.” You are part of the world that Jesus came to save! You are part of the “generation to generation” (Luke 1:50) that know sin and darkness. Jesus came to give you light, forgiveness, and peace! In Jesus, the words of the angel mean just as much to us, “Do not be afraid!”
Mary and Joseph were human beings just like you and me. They witnessed God fulfilling his promises, all the miracles and amazing wonders. Jesus was true God, coming down to save his people to give them the knowledge of salvation! This HIS-story is your story of salvation so that one day you too will witness with your eyes Jesus in heaven with all the angels. He gives us his Word! The angel even told Mary, “For nothing will be impossible for God.” (Luke 1:37 EHV). The Lord goes with you, just as he did with Mary and Joseph! Do not be afraid, rather rejoice – your Savior has come, my friend!
This salvation story fills us with peace and gives us a voice to share. God used the angels to proclaim this message of peace then but has called us to proclaim his message now. God help us share this message with all that are imprisoned by their sins and guilt. Jesus has come to save people from their sins. We have this message that truly does the impossible and opens hearts and eyes to know and see Jesus. What a gift! A gift that keeps on giving!
Have a blessed Christmas, and know your new year is in Jesus’ hands.
-Pastor Darren Green, chairman, WELS Prison Ministry Committee
God Makes the Impossible Happen So We Can be Part of His Kingdom
The Fourth Sunday in Advent – Series B
God’s Word for Today
We have a lot of hopes and dreams in this world. Some even seem to have an honorable motive. Yet the Lord is the one who steps in and outshines our plans with the miraculous. He sends his Son to earth in a miraculous way to set up an eternal kingdom. Then in a miraculous way he draws us into that kingdom through the gospel and establishes our place in it.
First Lesson (2 Samuel 7:8-16)
What does God promise for David?
2. What house would the Lord establish for David?
Second Lesson (Romans 16:25-27)
3. How does God establish us in faith?
4. Who gets the praise for our stability in faith?
Gospel (Luke 1:26-38)
5. How was it that Mary found favor with God?
6. What simple phrase answered Mary’s puzzled inquiry about having a child while she is still a virgin?
Answers:
David had wanted to build a permanent house (temple) for his God. The Lord told him someone else would build the house of the Lord. Yet God was going to make David’s name great and make the conditions ideal for his people. He accomplished that in Jesus, a “son” of David.
But this prophecy goes far beyond Solomon to the one who would establish an eternal kingdom. Jesus (Luke 1:29-33) would be the cornerstone of a spiritual house- a people in which God dwells with his Spirit – the people of God (Eph 2:19-22) who will rule eternally with Christ.
God uses the simple gospel message, the proclamation of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, to create faith and obedience in people. Do you keep the connection strong by continual growth in that word?
So often the emphasis is placed on a person’s wise choice to follow Jesus. But that leaks some of the praise away from the one to whom all credit is due. It is the only wise God who gets the glory for setting up our salvation through Jesus and changing hearts to faith through the gospel. That will be the main theme of the singing in heaven.
Often people place the focus on virtues of Mary, but God’s favor starts with his own loving plans and his unmerited choice. His favor focused on this one individual through whom the Holy Spirit would provide this miraculous birth. This happened so God’s favor could in turn rest on everyone because of that child.
The angel helped her put aside simple, experiential logic and replace it with faith in the promise: “For nothing is impossible with God.” How important for us to realize this in the season that challenges the world with things too hard and awesome to explain – the birth of Jesus.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello
&
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan
Worship Updates – November 2020
WORSHIP SERVICES
Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 amSt. John’s. Beginning (11/15) the 55+ age restriction ended.ALL are welcome.
Online worship services continue and are found at www.stjohnsmontello.org
Providing a safe worship experience is a high priority for the leaders in our congregations. Christ’s love also compels us to consider the needs of others before our own. In humility we want to protect the health and safety of our bodies and of others. Because the virus continues to spread, and because of the science regarding singing and speaking, the following policies will be continued:
Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies
As we hold firmly to the truths of scripture, we know that God continues to keep his promises to us. He has promised the wonderful spiritual blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation. He has not, however, promised that things will always remain the same. In the words of our synod president, Mark Schroeder, “we recommit ourselves–as individuals, as congregations, and as a synod–to the mission that God has called us to carry out, trusting that he will bless us in that work.” Let us work together as we move forward as a congregation. Let us help, support, and encourage each other as we gather around God’s Word.
Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor
Emmanuel Elders:
Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 494-0068
St. John’s Elders:
Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171,
James Wachholz (608) 369-4006, Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
12-9
?
?
12-12
12
12-13
38
63
St. John’s Altar Committee December 2020
Diane Eisermann & Dolores Cotte
ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2020December 23Emmanuel Children’s Christmas Emmanuel 6:30 p.m. December 24School Christmas Eve St. John’s 4:00 p.m. December 25Christmas Day St. John’s 9:00 a.m. December 31New Years Eve. Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.
*No age restrictions at holidays services. *Regular service times continue: Saturday St. John’s 4:30 p.m. – All are welcome (Please note: Dec. 26 & Jan. 2 – No worship) Sunday Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. – Emmanuel members only St. John’s 10:00 a.m. – All are welcome, no age restrictions. *COVID-19 safety guidelines continue…please wear masks, practice social distancing & use sanitizer.
●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Please Sign Our Guest Register Find & Like us on FacebookVisit our website:www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail:zietlowPL6@hotmail.comLittle 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 Altar Lady: Elaine Kelm: (920) 344-0025 ●●●
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” John 1:26,27
With these words, John the Baptist takes his place next to Dr. Watson, Ed McMahon, Art Garfunkel, and Scottie Pippen in the society of famous “second fiddles.” Dr. Watson didn’t solve the case. He marveled at the wits of Sherlock Holmes and then complimented the detective on a job well done. Ed McMahon didn’t sit behind the desk on The Tonight Show. He introduced Johnny Carson and then provided a hearty “laugh track” to the host’s comedic efforts.
Some of those famous second fiddles weren’t always so happy to play the supporting role. But John the Baptist was more than okay with it. In fact, he knew it was his divinely-given role in life to point ahead to the one who was coming after him. Before he was even born, the angel Gabriel told John’s father, “He will go on before the Lord . . . to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).
And when he grew up and started preaching and started to gain a bit of a following, even then John remembered that it wasn’t about him, it was about Jesus. “The one who comes after me,” John says, “He is the one you’re looking for. He’s the star of this show.”
What an example for us to imitate! What a blessing to play “second fiddle” to Jesus! It was the purpose and goal of John the Baptist’s life. It’s the purpose of our lives as well. Aware of our mountain of sins, aware of our spectacular failures in obedience, we echo John’s words, “I am not worthy.” But Jesus took our unworthiness to the cross. And now, in joyful thanks, we become John the Baptists—if not in appearance or mannerisms, at least in message and attitude. Our goal each day is to give Jesus glory—in how we interact with the people around us and use our time and abilities. It’s not about us. It’s all about Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord and King, forgive me for those times when I am overcome by pride, arrogance, or selfish ambition. Lead me to follow John’s example of humility and to glorify you all my life. Amen.
Finally they said, “Who are you? . . . John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” John 1:22,23
In the ancient world, VIPs would send their heralds ahead of them to make straight the way—that is, to ensure the safety and travel ability of the road.
John the Baptist’s mission was to go ahead of Jesus, preparing the way and proclaiming the King’s imminent arrival. He was to blast through sinful pride and self-righteousness, to urge people to repent of their materialism and overconfidence, their lack of priorities and spiritual apathy, to get them ready and eager for the arrival of the One who could save them.
How do we “make straight the way for the Lord” today? By looking closely at our hearts and identifying those sins that clutter them. Are we giving certain sins a comfortable place in our hearts? Are we making excuses instead of getting tough on bad behavior? The Baptist calls out, “Repent!” “Make straight the way!”
Prepared hearts are hearts that daily loathe the sin within us and celebrate the arrival of our Royal Deliverer from heaven. He comes to us time and again in his Word and sacraments, bringing gifts most valuable—forgiveness of sins and peace with God. And on the last day, he will come not in simple means, but in awesome power, riding on the clouds of heaven, bringing our ultimate deliverance. As you prepare for that day, hear and heed John’s clarion call: “Repent!” “Prepare!” “Make straight the way of the Lord!”
Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 3)
Fling wide the portals of your heart, make it a temple set apart.
From earthly use for heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy.
So shall your Sovereign enter in, and new and nobler life begin.
To God alone be praise for word and deed and grace! Amen.
“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.” Malachi 4:1,2
Any fan of camping will tell you that a fire can be a beautiful thing. Anyone who’s ever had their power go out during a winter storm will tell you that a furnace is beneficial and necessary. But the fire that the prophet Malachi describes in our Bible reading for today is not like that. This fire rampages. This fire destroys.
Whom does the fire destroy? All the arrogant and every evildoer. (They) will be stubble. Not a root or branch will be left to them. It would be foolish for us to push these words aside as if they were only meant for others to hear and consider. A quick look of our interactions and relationships, the desires of our hearts, the machinations of our minds reveals the truth: “I am the arrogant one. I am an evildoer. I deserve the fire.”
But the day when the fire destroys and the evildoer is reduced to stubble—that’s also the day when Jesus has promised to stand beside those who trust in him so that not a hair of their heads nor a thread of their clothing will be singed.
For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. Sun is spelled s-u-n there, but the Bible reveals a righteousness that comes through the S-o-n. For it is in the Son, the Son of God, that we find true healing from our sins. The tears, breaks, lacerations, and gashes that our disobedience has inflicted in our relationship with God, have been healed by Jesus’ wounds. Believe in him and what he has done, and no fire of hell, no flame of judgment will be able to touch you.
Prayer:
Jesus, lead me each day to place my trust fully in you and to rejoice in the healing found in you, that I might truly be prepared for the day of your return. Amen.
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10
Every Christmas when I was a child, I would receive a beautifully wrapped present from my grandma. And every Christmas, without fail, I would eagerly tear open the wrapping paper to find two pairs of dress socks in the gift box. She lived during the Depression and the practical values instilled in her at that time never faded away. Unfortunately, when you’re six years old, that sort of practicality is not always fully appreciated!
Isaiah speaks in our Bible reading today about a gift of clothes that we can get excited about, clothes that cause thankful hearts to delight greatly in the Lord, clothes that cause our souls to rejoice in our God!
For who wouldn’t get excited about garments of salvation and robes of righteousness when you realize how badly we need them? Our filthy rags of sin are not appropriate for standing in God’s presence—not now, not in eternity. Every selfish action is another splotch. Every impatient word is another spill. Every hateful thought is another ugly stain of iniquity that we could never hope to get out by ourselves.
God saw that we needed new spiritual clothes, that without them, we could never spend our eternity with him, and so he gave sinners the shirt off his back. Jesus put on our rags of sin and took their punishment.
And when a person is baptized, God wraps them in the holy, perfect robes of Christ’s righteousness. In those garments of salvation, they can stand in the presence of a perfect God. In those garments of salvation, they have a place in the family of the Father and proper attire for the eternal heavenly banquet. Here is something to be genuinely excited about as you prepare for Christmas: Jesus was wrapped in strips of cloth so that you could be wrapped in robes of righteousness!
Prayer:
Gracious God, my soul rejoices in you, for when I did not have the proper clothes to stand in your presence, you gave them to me. May those robes of righteousness be my consolation when I fall, my comfort in times of sadness, and my hope when my last hour comes. Amen.
Martin Luther said that the words of Isaiah 61 are a “most proper definition of Christ, as well as his task and his functions.” If you want to know what Christ has come to do, read Isaiah 61. But you didn’t need Martin Luther to tell you that. Jesus himself read these words aloud in the synagogue of Nazareth. And when he finished reading, he looked up and told everyone listening, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). Jesus points to these words and says, “Isaiah was talking about me!”
In a bad news world, you have a good news, God! To people who know what it’s like to be spiritual prisoners—of the devil, of the world, of their own sinful natures—the Savior comes. And He says, “I have come…to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
It’s kind of a neat thing to note that the Hebrew word that’s translated “freedom” is a relative of the Hebrew word for “flying”—specifically, the fluttering of bird’s wings. Think of a majestic bald eagle crammed into a tiny birdcage. That’s us. Human beings, the majestic crown of God’s creation, imprisoned by our own doing, and Satan holding the key. God looked at that picture and said, “That’s not right.” And so, Jesus came to let the bird out of the cage, so to speak—to give freedom from sin, death, and Satan’s power to all who believe.
To do that, of course, Jesus himself was bound, subjecting himself to temple guards and their chief priests, to Roman soldiers and their governor. He was treated as a guilty one even by the Father himself so that by his blood, we—the truly guilty ones—may go free.
What a privilege it is to be able to have that freedom through Christ proclaimed to us! What a privilege it is to be able to proclaim that freedom through Christ to others!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you not only proclaim freedom for the captives, but you did all that was necessary to achieve freedom for the captives. How can I ever thank you enough? Make me joyful and ready as your messenger to proclaim to others the freedom you have won. Amen.
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels. Isaiah 61:10
Every year as Christmas approached, my mom would take my two brothers and me shopping for Christmas clothes. She insisted that we had to look our best for the Christmas Eve service and pictures afterward. So each year, Dad and Mom would drag three unhappy boys to some department store for an evening of trying on clothes. And the best or worst part of it, depending on your perspective, was that all three of us had to match. We usually ended up with identical or very similar outfits.
Do you have your Christmas clothes picked out this year? What about your spiritual clothes? What kind of clothes have you picked out for yourself today? Are you wearing the ugly robes of shame and guilt over the sins of last night? Perhaps you have chosen for yourself darker garments of jealousy and anger. Could it be that your clothes are permanently stained by the repetitive sins of greed, lust, or worry? Maybe you are sure that your clothes look pretty clean compared to those around you, but they smell of pride and arrogance.
Mom always said we should look our best for Christmas, but our best isn’t good enough for heaven, and it never will be.
As you prepare to celebrate Christmas, give thanks that Jesus has provided new spiritual clothing for you. The Bible says: “For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.”
Through his suffering and death on the cross, Christ has taken away our sin-stained garments and removed them from us. Through his perfect life in our place, Christ has earned our forgiveness and salvation. Jesus has taken his robe of righteousness and wrapped it around us. In Christ, you and I are dressed for heaven. Give thanks to Jesus for your Christmas clothes—his garments of salvation which he has won for you.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for earning salvation for me through your life and death in my place. Help me to always appreciate what you have done for me. Help me to live as you have clothed me—as a forgiven and righteous child of God. Amen.
Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:7-10
Imagine that you lived in ancient times. Your home was a city that had a great wall around it. A very prominent gate guarded the city, keeping enemies out and you safe. On the wall stood watchmen keeping a vigilant eye on everything that approached. Even though enemy nations were out there, you still felt secure.
Then, one day, the King of the country approached your city, riding victoriously on his war-horse. Your king… your defender… your hero has defeated the enemy and now comes to dwell with you. What joy! What peace! Imagine how excited you would be to greet your hero!
The best part of this is that you don’t have to imagine it. This isn’t pretend or make-believe! It’s real. Jesus is your conquering hero, but with a twist of divine irony, he came humbly and lowly, born in a manger. The world hardly noticed his arrival. But he came as our glorious King to defeat our greatest enemy. On the cross, he went to battle against Satan, and the almighty LORD crushed Satan’s head completely. By his death, Jesus paid for all your sin. Through faith in Jesus, your sins are forgiven.
What’s more, is that your conquering hero is coming and he wants to dwell with you forever. Are you ready for his arrival? According to the calendar, there are only 19 days left before Christmas. You know full well all the pressure and stress of getting ready. Presents and decorations and good food are all wonderful blessings… but let’s not forget to lift up our heads and hearts to see Jesus the most precious gift of God! He is our King of Glory!
Prayer:
O King of Glory, help me to prepare my heart to welcome you each day. Keep me from the distractions of this season so that I can welcome you as my Savior and King. Amen.
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949 Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830.
ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: 3rd Sunday of End Time: “Prepare & Proclaim the Good News of Christ’s Coming” Jesus is the Central Focus of Our Message and the Joy in Our Living – We often become enamored with eloquent and influential speakers who promise wealth and ease. But Malachi said that the true messenger of God would be another Elijah. He would speak God’s Word and prepare people for God’s judgment. He would turn fathers’ hearts to their children and children’s hearts to their fathers. Through the Word comes real change in our faith-born outlook. Through the Word comes humility that longs to serve God.
† P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.
Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Nov.. 2020. bulletin page 16) Beginning (11/15) at the 10:00am St. John’s service, the 55+ age restriction ended . Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose. Thank you for your consideration.
PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
M: O Lord – our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter – we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
M: We light three Advent candles remembering Jesus, the Light of the world. He came to defeat the prince of darkness.
C: We remember Jesus who came in answer to his people’s prayers. John proclaimed him the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
M: We hear his call to see the light.
C: We light three Advent candles as a sign of our trust and confidence.
M: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.
Three Advent candles are lit.
OPENING HYMN 12 Hark the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes
*Sung by soloist.
Please stand.
INVOCATION
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.
C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.
C: Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with your light; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Be seated.
† T H E W O R D †
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 61:1-3,10-11 (today’s sermon text)
Summary: The good news brings joy
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
PSALM OF THE DAY 71
*For your personal devotion at home.
Refrain
Blessed are they who hope, who hope in the Lord.
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;*
let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;*
turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge to which I can always go;*
For you are my rock and my fortress.
Refrain
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,*
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,*
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,*
your might to all who are to come.
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 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Summary: Be joyful and grow in faith
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
VERSE OF THE DAY Matthew 11:10
P: Alleluia! I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. Alleluia.
Please stand.
GOSPEL LESSON John 1:6-8, 19-28
Summary: John the Baptist’s joyful testimony about Christ
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Christ.”
They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”
He said, “I am not.”
“Are you the Prophet?”
He answered, “No.”
Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, `Make straight the way for the Lord.'” {Isaiah 40:3}
Now some Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Please be seated.
HYMN 18 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
*Sung by soloist.
SERMONETTEIsaiah 61:1-3,10-11
“Celebrate the Jubilee of our Anointed One!”
He has rescued us from the sorrow of sin
He has filled our hearts with endless joy
He moves us all to offer him our best
APOSTLES’ CREED
*For your personal devotion at home.
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.
ADVENT PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
*Read by pastor.Intercessory prayers listed on page 12.
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
*Spoken by congregation.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY
*Read by pastor.
Please be seated for the distribution.
At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service. See page 13 for communion schedule and distribution information.
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
M: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING
M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.
Be seated.
CLOSING HYMN 424 O God, Forsake Me Not
*Sung by soloist.
1 O God, forsake me not! Your gracious presence lend me;
Lord, lead your helpless child; Your Holy Spirit send me
That I my course may run. Oh, be my light, my lot,
My staff, my rock, my shield—O God, forsake me not!
2 O God, forsake me not! Take not your Spirit from me;
Do not permit the might Of sin to overcome me.
Increase my feeble faith, Which you alone have wrought.
Oh, be my strength and pow’r—O God, forsake me not!
3 O God, forsake me not! Lord, hear my supplication!
In ev’ry evil hour Help me o’ercome temptation;
And when the prince of hell My conscience seeks to blot,
Be then not far from me—O God, forsake me not!
4 O God, forsake me not! Lord, I am yours forever.
Oh, keep me strong in faith That I may leave you never.
Grant me a blessed end When my good fight is fought;
Bible Information Class at St. John’s (pastor’s office)
Thurs.
Fri.
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Christmas for Kids in St. John’s parking lot
Sat.
4:30 p.m.
St. John’s Worship (indoors)
Next week’s theme: December 20, 2020 4thSunday of Advent: “The Son of David Reigns Forever”
8:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.
St. John’s Worship
Church News
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: ) – For the family of Joanne Valentine, Pat Sommerfeld’s sister in North Dakota, called home on 12/4 – For our communicants
MEMORIAL In loving memory of Joel Jaster, $5,000 was given to St. John’s for the new link way furnace and to Christmas for Kids by Jasters Ag Supply and J & L Fertilizer. We thank you for your gift!
CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS Come drive through the St. John’s parking lot on Friday, December 18 from 6-7 pm! There will be lots to look at: Christmas lights, carolers, and MORE!
A NOTE FROM LADIES AID We will no longer be selling cards due to the pandemic. The health and safety of everyone is very important to us. God bless you all during this Christmas season!
CHRISTMAS CAROLING For those of you wanting to participate in Christmas caroling, we will be meeting outside at 6:00pm before the December 23 Emmanuel service and at 3:30pm before the December 24 St. John’s service.
ADVENT DEVOTIONS This Wednesday, December 16 “Stories Behind the Hymns”. Please join us at Emmanuel 3:30pm. In place of the St. John’s 6:30pm devotion, all are invited to a Joint Advent Devotion at St. John’s Princeton at 5:00pm. A carryout meal will be served from 6:00-7:00pm. Please sign up in the church entry for the meal. Please also see special holiday worship schedule in the back of the bulletin for future Advent and holiday worship services.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are being sought to assist with delivery of weekly worship DVDs to our shut in members. For details or to volunteer to assist, please contact either James Wachholz 608-369-4006 or Gary Wegner 920-295-3456.
SATURDAY WORSHIP Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing.
Church News cont’d…
CAMP PHILLIP ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES St. John’s membership payment is due! If you would like to donate, please see the “Camp Phillip” free will offering jar located in the church entry way. You can make checks payable to Camp Phillip.Thank you!
THANK YOU to all those who donated toward wreaths and poinsettias at St. John’s! Your generosity has blessed us with the wondrous spirit of Christmas. Thank you to Janice Spillner, whose donation toward wreaths was in honor of her husband, Justus, who passed away in December of 2012; thank you to Al Rosenthal, whose donation was given in memory of his wife, Carolyn, who passed away in August of this year; and thank you to Marilyn Riemer, Kay Maass, and Anita Riemer, whose donations helped purchase two beautiful poinsettias. Thank you, once again, to Ashley Henke for the gorgeous wreaths she creates each year—4 for the front doors at St. John’s and another for the front door of St. John’s School.
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 following those Sundays sing “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home.
GET FREE MEDICATION, FRIDGE, AND GUN LOCKS! St. John’s is partnering with Marquette County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) in their fall campaign emphasizing the need to secure what can be dangerous to children and others. To assist families, HCHY will have available, at no charge, medication lock boxes, refrigerator locks (where alcohol is stored in quantities), and gun locks. At St. John’s we have one of each of the three types of locks available for you to view. You may sign up for whatever you can use. Delivery will be at church. These items are available to all Marquette County residents at no charge, so spread the word. Members and friends can request these items. Let’s do all we can to keep our children from harm’s way. Sign up in the linkway, with Ciara or using the Google form. https://forms.gle/CpDT6awLesJRKbw26
School news
UPDATED SCHOOL COVID POLICY If a student or teacher tests positive, the entire school will move to two weeks virtual education. When parents who have not been in the school test positive, the school leadership will assess absences due to illness or quarantine as necessary for the health and safety of our student body and families. If a classroom or the entire school needs to go virtual, it will be for a period of two weeks.
FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals for next week 12/15. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!
Jesus is the Central Focus of our Message and the Joy in our Living
The Third Sunday in Advent – Series B
God’s Word for Today
We become enamored with eloquent and influential speakers today and eat up anything they say. But the true messenger of God will step out of the limelight and let Christ himself shine in his Word. That is where the real change in our faith-born outlook comes from and the humble lifestyle that longs to serve him and his will.
First Lesson (Isaiah 61:1-3, 10-11)
Upon whom is this prophecy mainly focusing?
What are some of the changes that come in a relationship to God through Christ?
Who makes all these changes?
Second Lesson (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)
4. What attitudes are to emerge from the Spirit-driven change in us?
5. How in the world are we to keep our whole spirit, soul and body blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus?
Gospel (John 1:6-8, 19-28)
6. Who was the focal point of John’s message?
7. What was John’s attitude toward Christ?
Answers:
When Jesus read this passage in the synagogue (Luke 4:21) he announced that it was talking about him. Many missed the good news he was anointed to preach with his life, death and resurrection. Life is often filled with misery, trouble and disappointment, but the good news from Jesus as savior brings comfort and strength.
Life may be rough and bring people down, but Jesus covers us with gladness and praise, beauty and splendor. A brand new spirit invades the negative environment of our sinful hearts and makes it alive!
The LORD, Jahweh, the God of faithful love, purchased a robe of righteousness for us through the righteous life of Jesus. He wraps that around us and views us as beautiful. This should result in greater praise to God and a new view of the people of God – ones who are forgiven and clothed with Christ.
Joy, continual prayer life, unflappable thanks despite obstacles, respect for God and his word all have a part in our Christian living. In all things we are to stay away from every brand of evil
This is the working of the one who called us. Too often we try to make these changes on our own and come up even more frustrated and guilty. These are attitudes that emerge as a fruit of the Spirit as he works in us. “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. “
Some might have focused on John as their leader. But John said he wasn’t the “light” but only the messenger to point out the light. Jesus is the Light of the world.
John didn’t want the spotlight on himself but on Christ. His selfless humility is heard as he voiced that he wasn’t even worthy to do slave duty for Christ. Can we have any less an understanding of our relationship to Christ?
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello
&
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan
Worship Updates – November 2020
WORSHIP SERVICES
Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 amSt. John’s. Beginning (11/15) the 55+ age restriction ended.ALL are welcome.
Online worship services continue and are found at www.stjohnsmontello.org
Providing a safe worship experience is a high priority for the leaders in our congregations. Christ’s love also compels us to consider the needs of others before our own. In humility we want to protect the health and safety of our bodies and of others. Because the virus continues to spread, and because of the science regarding singing and speaking, the following policies will be continued:
Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies
As we hold firmly to the truths of scripture, we know that God continues to keep his promises to us. He has promised the wonderful spiritual blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation. He has not, however, promised that things will always remain the same. In the words of our synod president, Mark Schroeder, “we recommit ourselves–as individuals, as congregations, and as a synod–to the mission that God has called us to carry out, trusting that he will bless us in that work.” Let us work together as we move forward as a congregation. Let us help, support, and encourage each other as we gather around God’s Word.
Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor
Emmanuel Elders:
Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 494-0068
St. John’s Elders:
Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171,
James Wachholz (608) 369-4006, Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
12-5
19
12-6
42
51
12-9
41
14
St. John’s Altar Committee December 2020
Diane Eisermann&Dolores Cotte
ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2020December 16Advent Devotion Emmanuel 3:30 p.m. Joint at St. John’s Princeton 5:00 p.m. December 23Emmanuel Children’s Christmas Emmanuel 6:30 p.m. December 24School Christmas Eve St. John’s 4:00 p.m. December 25Christmas Day St. John’s 9:00 a.m. December 31New Years Eve. Emmanuel 3:30 p.m.
*No age restrictions at holidays services. *Regular service times continue: Saturday St. John’s 4:30 p.m. – All are welcome (Please note: Dec. 26 & Jan. 2 – No worship) Sunday Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. – Emmanuel members only St. John’s 10:00 a.m. – All are welcome, no age restrictions. *COVID-19 safety guidelines continue…please wear masks, practice social distancing & use sanitizer.
Parent conversations: What if we can’t follow our Christmas traditions this year?
For better or worse, Christmas is filled with traditions. Some of these traditions help celebrate Jesus’ birth—the Christmas Eve candlelight service or the children’s Christmas service, for example. Others may be more worldly, but they still help unite a family. My father-in-law “forgot” his keys each Christmas Eve when my husband and his siblings were young, so he had to run back inside before the family left for worship. When they arrived home later, their gifts would be under the tree. I love that story because it was a tradition filled with love.
So . . . what happens this year? So many things are already different. It’s likely that your Christmas is going to look different too. Of course, you can still celebrate your Savior’s birth, but . . . how exactly?
Read these two articles to help your family adjust its celebration. — Nicole Balza
What if we can’t follow our Christmas traditions this year?
It was a strange Christmas Eve. A sad Christmas Eve. A disappointing Christmas Eve. But it also had the potential to be the best Christmas Eve ever.
I’m thinking of the first Christmas Eve my wife and I experienced as empty nesters. That night the nest felt especially empty. Our daughters were with their families, hours away from our home. We were alone.
When we arrived home after worship, there was no scurry to set out snacks in the living room. There was no daughter laughter. No hugs. No anticipation about the gifts under the tree. No celebration of the love my family shares. Absent was the joy and excitement that made Christmas Eve our “most wonderful time of the year.”
However, the night had the potential to help us create a new empty-nest tradition, one we could treasure for decades to come.
But we created nothing.
Rather than sitting together in the living room in the glow of the tree lights, Sharon and I sat in the television room bathed in big screen LED light. We opened no presents. We didn’t regale each other with cherished holiday memories.
We could have launched new Christmas Eve traditions. We could have opened albums with Christmas photos and celebrated the blessings God has given us in our children. We could have invited others who, like us, were without family. We could have taken couple-time with the Christmas story: reading it, talking about it, praying over it. We could have used Christmas Eve to sharpen our focus on Christ’s birth. We could have. But we didn’t.
We didn’t because we did not prepare for that evening. We didn’t use the days before to talk about our sense of loss or the options we could explore. We didn’t identify our new opportunities and plan ways to capture them.
Christmas 2020 has the potential to shatter your treasured holiday traditions. COVID-19 may threaten the ways we have celebrated Jesus’ birth in the past. The grief of death and divorce may destroy your Christmas customs. Job loss may package frustration, not presents, beneath your Christmas tree.
The solution? Learn from what Sharon and I should have done:
Choose to focus on how the baby born in Bethlehem guarantees that all things must work for our good. Pray with each other for the Spirit to help you trust that truth.
Make time to talk with your family about how this Christmas will be different.
Name and grieve over the family traditions you have lost. Be real with each other about how you will feel this Christmas.
Talk about how developing different family traditions is normal. For example, chances are the family traditions you and your spouse grew up with are different than those you and your children have developed.
Brainstorm ways to highlight the reason for the season in your celebrations. Bring a sharper focus on Jesus’ birth into your home.
Nothing can take away Christmas’ “good news of great joy” that “a Savior has been born.” So embrace your new normal. Waiting for you are other ways to make this the “most wonderful time of the year.”
-James Aderman
Christmas is all about connection.
Jesus connected with humanity by taking on human flesh and living among us. He told stories to connect people to truth, and he reconnected sick people with health and healing. Ultimately, he connected us to God for all eternity. Sin separates, but Christ connects.
We celebrate that connection every Christmas by connecting with each other. We step into each other’s houses, shake off the snow, and give big, long hugs. We ooh and ahh at the tree, exchange gifts, laugh hard, and eat too many cookies. And we worship! We crowd into pews, sing loudly, and then sit quietly, letting Word and song wash over us together.
As I write this, we’re in a state of disconnection. Countries are locking down again, limiting gatherings, enforcing curfews, disconnecting people to stifle the virus. More locally, my neighbor is sick. I leave what she needs inside her door, but I don’t go in, because I have family members who need to be protected. She understands, but it’s heart wrenching.
Disconnection is unnatural, and forced disconnection feels like an abridgment of freedom. Part of me says, “Where’s the love?” and “You’re not the boss of me!” But the more mature part of me realizes that right now, temporary disconnection is a token of love.
Even if we’re temporarily disconnected due to COVID-19, we’re connected to each other in Christ.
So what happens if we can’t connect physically with our families this Christmas? We’ll just have to connect in other ways. Here are a few to contemplate:
Facetime or Zoom. Set up the phone or tablet so Grandma and Grandpa can watch the gift opening and sing along with the hymns. (Do a test run ahead of time, so it all goes smoothly. And remember to talk loudly!)
Call and text. If Zoom is a bridge too far, you can still call and text throughout the day. Call to say thanks for the jeans. Put the phone on speaker and let Uncle Jeff read Luke 2 after supper. Text “I love you” before bed.
Share pictures all day long. Send both the idyllic shots (fresh-faced family in front of the tree) and the real-life shots (Dad’s weird sweater, little Sophie’s sobs because she didn’t get a pony).
Prepare the same dinner menu. Everybody make the Christmas kielbasa, Great-Grandma’s schaum torte, and Uncle Brad’s “Orange Jeromes.”
Follow a schedule. Though you’re at separate houses, follow the same plan. Worship at 9 (maybe you can even “attend” the same service virtually if you’re not able to be there in person), lunch at noon, gifts at 1 (with matching socks for everyone), walk at 2, Hallmark movie at 3 (with a movie bingo game).
Let Amazon and Etsy do the shipping. Shop online and have gifts delivered. Maybe this year’s wrapping paper is brown cardboard. Would that be so terrible for one year?
Send a few things yourself ahead of time: an Advent calendar, a photo collage of Christmases past, a batch of fudge, an essential oil so you’re all enjoying the same scent on Christmas. Yes, this takes a little planning and postage, but you’re not traveling or spending money on gas, so it’s not a difficult trade-off. (My first year in college, my mom sent me a fully decorated mini-Christmas tree. I owe her.)
Even if we’re temporarily disconnected due to COVID-19, we’re connected to each other in Christ. Those are not just words. Christ is here with us, right this second. And on Christmas, he’ll be sitting at each Christian’s dinner table as he always does, chuckling at the collapsed dessert, enjoying the out-of-tune piano.
I hope we can be physically together this Christmas, but if we can’t, we’ll be okay. We know that soon we’ll be connected again, and in Jesus we’re connected forever!
–Laurie Gauger-Hested
●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Please Sign Our Guest RegisterFind & Like us on Facebook Visit our website link:www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail:zietlowPL6@hotmail.comLittle 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 Altar Lady: Elaine Kelm: (920) 344-0025 ●●●
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and 
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
