St. Johns News

St. John’s & Emmanuel

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

MARCH 17, 2019

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH!

We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and “link-way” at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. May God bless our worship together!

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY

“Christ Was Rejected, Yet Resolute in his Mission”

Salvation Through Our Savior’s Sacrifice Is Rejected By Many – “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (I Thess. 4:3).  As long as this call to holiness is ignored, we are slaves of sin and prisoners of the devil.  We are to examine ourselves, repent of our failures, and be hungry for God’s forgiveness.  Yet therein lies the problem.  Our examination of ourselves, our repentance and our hunger for forgiveness are such that we need to repent of them also!  In the Prayer of the Day we confess that “we have no power to defend ourselves.”  So, then, how can we not someday end up among those who reject His Salvation?  By remembering that God remembers.  In spite of our sinfulness, His mercy is constant!  Why, He even used the rejection by the very people He came to save, to accomplish our salvation.  Therefore, as we rejoice that it is God’s will to save us, let us also rejoice that it is will that we should be sanctified!

OPENING SONG St. John’s Day School & Little Lambs

“The Lamb”

ORDER OF SERVICE Service of the Word

hymnal page 38

Please stand

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Jeremiah 26:8-15

Jeremiah remained resolute in spite of opposition

But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! Why do you prophesy in the LORD’s name that this house will be like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted?” And all the people crowded around Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

When the officials of Judah heard about these things, they went up from the royal palace to the house of the LORD and took their places at the entrance of the New Gate of the LORD’s house. Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man should be sentenced to death because he has prophesied against this city. You have heard it with your own ears!”

Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God. Then the LORD will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the LORD has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”

PSALM 42-43 hymnal page 82

Lectern side sings the first line, pulpit side sings the second line, all sing refrains and Gloria

EPISTLE LESSON Philippians 3:17–4:1

Stand firm in the Lord

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

VERSE OF THE DAY Philippians 2:8b

“Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.”

During the season of Lent, the “Alleluia” is omitted

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON (today’s sermon text)Luke 13:31-35

Jesus’ sorrow over Jerusalem

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”

He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Please be seated

CHILDREN’S SERMON

All children are invited to the front of church for a special message

SERMON HYMN 109 “When O’er My Sins I Sorrow”

SERMON Luke 13:31-35

“Jesus, Are We There Yet?”

Though we’re still en route, don’t forget that Jesus SAVES, SORROWS & SHELTERS

Please stand

APOSTLES’ CREED hymnal page 20

Please be seated

OFFERING & WELS CONNECTION DVD

During the offering, feel free to turn and greet one another! We also kindly ask that you fill out the red friendship register found at the end of each pew.

OFFERING, LENTEN SEASON & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Jerre Duerr, Reinold Eckelberg, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Earl Ewert, Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), Xzander Jahr, Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Arden “Bill” Klimke, Linda Krause, Pete Laun, Lilly Mann, Frieda Otto, Debbie Parrish, LuAnn Reber, Mark & Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son & daughter in-law), Al & Darlene Schmidt (Dawn Marcelain & Candace Sonnenberg’s parents), Carol Schumann, Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s friend), Amanda Stalker, Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Larry Wegner (Bob’s brother), Heidi Weishaar (Dennis & Sharon Kekow’s daughter), Paul Weldon, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: Frieda Otto, Debbie Parrish, Carol Schumann)

– For our K3-K5 teacher Sara Borck who received the Lord’s call to teach Kindergarten next fall at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran School–Omaha, NE

– For Larry & Lynn Sellnow, currently teaching at Holy Trinity Lutheran School–Wyoming, MI were were called on 3/10 by St. John’s voters to serve as principal/teacher and K4-K5 director/teacher respectively

– For contentment

Please stand

LORD’S PRAYER hymnal page 43a

Please be seated

HYMN 440:1-2 “On Eagles’ Wings”

CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING hymnal page 43b

CLOSING HYMN 440:3 “On Eagles’ Wings”

Note: As you leave today’s service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or pastor.

Announcements

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Gordon Fabian, $20.00 has been given to St. John’s Church and $45.00 has been given to St. John’s School by friends. Thank you for your gifts.

EASTER FLOWERS We are taking orders now through April 8^th! Please use the sign-up sheet located in St. John’s information room.

EMMANUEL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING An Emmanuel Congregational meeting will be held at 9:15a.m. following the today’s Emmanuel service today, March 17, to discuss the pending re-roof project. Those who wish to offer input are asked to attend.

WEDNESDAY LENTEN DEVOTIONS Join us as we gather for Lenten Devotions: 3:30pm at Emmanuel and 6:30pm at St. John’s under this year’s theme: “Three Words of Truth.”  A soup supper will also be served from 4:30-6:15pm in the lower level of St. John’s.  “Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy passion…” (Hymn 98)

LENTEN SUPPER This week, March 20, 2019, St. John’s Hands in Prayer is hosting. Supper starts at 4:30pm in St. John’s lower level.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU? Baked Potatoes with all the toppings and Tacos with all the fixings, assorted desserts, milk & coffee.

THANK YOU Emmanuel council is seeking volunteers to assist, with Emmanuel member funeral luncheons in the Parish Hall. All men and women are welcomed to help in any manner possible with the many required activities including food procurement, food preparation, and luncheon serving. Any members who wish to assist with this important service are asked to contact Sue Stelter at 608-297-2761, or by email at shieldscreamery@gmail.com or on a sign up in the Parish Hall.

EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS Planning for 80 childrenfor Saturday, April 13, at St. John’s. MONETARY GIFTS are needed most and help purchase: crafts, Easter pails, candy/prizes, outdoor advertising banner, snack & lunch, basket stuffers. DONATE home-crafted items for baskets. VOLUNTEER to bake for the baskets. VOLUNTEER to work at the event. Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

We still collect plain print-free ice cream pails. Please do not purchase plastic eggs, grass, or baskets,but we recycle by accepting gently used items you would like to share. A donation box is located in the linkway.

EASTER FOR KIDS COORDINATOR I am looking for someone to assist with the planning this year who would be willing to take the lead in the future. If you would be interested in working with me this year, please call me 608-369-2635. Thank you! –Linda Wachholz

REGISTRATION FOR EASTER FOR KIDS Any child, age 3 through Grade 6, is welcome to attend Easter for Kids at St. John’s on Saturday, April 13. This is an outreach program–it would be great if St. John’s & Emmanuel kids who attend would invite a non-member or unchurched friend! Register online www.stjohnsmontello.org beginning Monday, March 4. Get registration forms at both churches, in Monday Magazine, on church & school Facebook. This year’s theme is “Parade & Praise for the King!” Story rhyme time, singing & movement, crafts, egg coloring, snacks, & of course, a parade will bring the true meaning of Easter to the children. Register by Friday, April 5.

SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 31.Containers are located in the entrance at St. John’s and at Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. 75% of gifts given will support Beaver Dam Circuit projects—HM/Campus Ministry New Starts & WM/Haiti. 25% of gifts given will support home & world mission projects described on the poster by the container and will be presented at the next LWMS Convention, June 27-30, in Des Moines, Iowa. Gifts welcome from all who love missions!

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS member):  “Don’t give God orders; just report for duty!”

NEW MEMBERSHIP CLASS I’d like to start a new membership class soon on Sunday at 11:30am and/or Monday at 6pm here at my office.  We will study the basic teachings of the Bible using the 20 lesson study guide entitled: New Life In Christ.  Call or text me at 608-408-7830 if you are interested.  –Pastor Pete Zietlow 

PLAN YOUR MISSION JOURNEY WELS Mission Journeys, the official WELS program for short-term mission trips, provides an opportunity for all WELS members to walk together in the Great Commission. Through church- or school-based volunteer trips to WELS mission fields at home and abroad, members have the opportunity to engage in Christian service. With the Lord’s blessing, these trips will inspire a lifelong journey of service and outreach for all who volunteer. Want to learn more about how you can get involved? Visit wels.net/missionjourneys.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY CONFERENCE WELS Women’s Ministry will be holding a conference this summer, July 18–20, at Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis. The theme of the conference centers around “living stones” and how Christian women are called to be a part of something bigger. For more information on the Women’s Ministry Conference and to register, visit wels.net/wmconference.

MILK MOOLA Kwik Trip is ending the Milk Moola Program this month! We need all milk caps and bag tops turned in by March 22^nd to the office!  Thank you.

EdTechLead SUMMIT REGISTRATION Registration is now open for the National WELS Education, Technology, and Leadership Summit, June 25-27, 2019. Enjoy early bird savings when you register by May 1. Check out the complete summit schedule, presenter line-up, and frequently asked questions at welsedtechlead.com. Make plans to bring your family for a summer get-away and join us at the Kalahari Resort and water park in the Wisconsin Dells this June.

FOR GENERATIONS TO COME WELS Congregational Services exists to help congregations engage in faithful and fruitful ministry. Programs are being developed to help congregations in evangelism, worship, compassion ministries, discipleship, and outreach through WELS schools. By strengthening our members and congregations, WELS will be able to continue proclaiming the gospel message around the world. To learn more about how Congregational Services is helping our synod for future generations, visit wels.net/forthegenerationstocome.

WHAT ARE THE PSALMS?

by Scott Schultz (our WELS pastor at Cross of Christ–Portage)

In a typical liturgical worship service, a Christian congregation may sing songs that were written over one thousand years ago, others that were written over five hundred years ago, others that were written over one hundred years ago, and still others that were written over the last several years. The oldest songs a Christian congregation may sing in a typical liturgical worship service were written around three thousand years ago. These songs are called psalms. In this column entitled, “Questions About Christianity”, we are looking at the different parts of a basic Christian liturgical worship service. This month we will learn about the psalms by answering this question, “What are the psalms?”

Psalms come from the Old Testament book of the Bible called Psalm. Old Testament Jews originally called this book “Songs of Praise” because this was their hymnbook. This book was renamed Psalm by the Septuagint. The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Old Testament that was written around the third-second century B.C. The authors of the book of Psalm include: Moses, King David, King Solomon, the sons of Korah, Asaph, Ethan the Ezrahite, Jeduthun, Heman the Ezrahite, and others who are not identified. King David wrote the most psalms. He wrote seventy-three psalms we know of for sure. Jewish tradition says he wrote many other psalms as well. The oldest psalm was written by Moses around 1,400 B.C. and the newest psalm was written around 500 B.C. Many believe a Jewish rabbi or teacher named Ezra who lived in the land of Israel around 500 B.C. arranged the book of Psalm into the five parts that are found in most Bibles.

There are different classifications of psalms in the book of Psalm including psalms, song, prayer, miktam, maskil, and others. The main content of the book of Psalm include Messianic psalms (Psalms about the promised Savior), imprecatory psalms (Psalms against one’s enemy), Hallels (Psalms which were sung during Jewish festivals), and songs of ascent (Psalms which some believe people sang as they were going up to Jerusalem for a festival, or to the temple to worship). Since the book of Psalm was the Old Testament Jewish hymnbook, Jews often sang psalms on their own. They also sang them at the temple where the psalms were played by flutes, strings, and other musical instruments when they worshipped God.

Today many Christian congregations still sing psalms in their worship service. They have been arranged in a vast array of musical settings so they can be played by many different types of musical instruments. Christian congregations sing psalms to beautify their worship service and praise God. They also sing them because of the psalms’ very comforting message, especially about the coming of the promised Savior, Jesus.