I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:3-5
Individuals with dark hearts set off explosions that kill, maim, and injure dozens of people. Flooding destroys farmland and cripples a local economy. A distracted driver loses control and runs down a young student. Sometimes it seems that everywhere we turn we find destruction and heartache in our world.
What a beautiful comfort it is to know that one day that will all change. One day our all-powerful and living Savior will make everything new.
Right now, sin, death, and the devil have a firm hold on this world. We see the effects of their devastating attacks all around us. The war is fierce, and at times it certainly seems as though evil is winning. In the end, however, Jesus is victorious.
In fact, the victory has already been won. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, Satan’s power to accuse and condemn us was destroyed. His accusations are empty because our sin has been removed by the blood of Jesus. When he rose from the grave, he destroyed the power of death.
In the end, the victory Jesus won will be fully experienced by all who believe in him. In heaven, all of the evils of this world will not even be a distant memory—they will be gone forever.
We can persevere through all the hardships of this world with our eyes focused on Jesus. He has won the victory for us, and one day, he will make everything new.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, lift my eyes from the pain of this world to see the victory you have won for me. Help me to look forward with eager anticipation to the glory of my heavenly home where everything will be made new. Amen.
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.
Please stand
OPENING HYMN154:1-3 Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks(in place of “Morning Hymn”)
MORNING PRAISE LITURGY hymnal page 45
“Morning Praise” is based on the historic service called “Matins.” Joined to Christ, our risen Lord, we glorify God as we rise to the activities of this new day.
Please be seated for today’s scripture readings
✠T H E W O R D ✠
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
FIRST LESSONActs 13:44-52
Summary: When Jews reject God’s gift of life and love, Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles
On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
“‘I have made youa light for the Gentiles, that youmay bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
PSALM 145 hymnal page 119
Men sing first line, women sing second line, all sing refrains and Gloria
SECOND LESSON Revelation 21:1-6
Summary: In a glimpse of heaven, John sees the reign of Christ and the ruin of Satan
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
VERSE OF THE DAYJohn 14:6
Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord. Alleluia.
Please stand
GOSPEL LESSONJohn 13: 31-35 (today’s sermon text)
Summary: In the upper room, Christ gives his friends the new command: Love one another”
When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him,God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Please be seated
HYMN OF THE DAY 497 This Is My Will
SERMONJohn 13:31-35
“Is Love All You Really Need?”
When properly motivated
When genuinely demonstrated
Please stand
HYMN 505:1-3 Love Is the Gracious Gift
Please be seated
✠ O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S ✠
THE OFFERING
The ushers now gather the “Thank-Offering.” Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord. Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained. Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. Please also sign our Friendship Registers and greet one another.
Please stand
LORD, HAVE MERCY hymnal page 50a
The Church brings her concerns and prayers to a loving Father in heaven, who has shown great mercy to us and promised to hear our ardent cries for help.
PRAYERS
The Offering Prayer, Prayer for Love and Faith and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcements for those on our Intercessory Prayers list.
LORD’S PRAYERhymnal page 50b
PRAYER FOR GRACE & BLESSING hymnal page 50, 51
Please be seated
CLOSING HYMN505:4-5Love Is the Gracious Gift
As you leave today’s service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or pastor.
✠Announcements ✠
Activities for the week of May 19-May 25
*LCTS=last class ‘til September
Sun.
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
9:00 A.M.
Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship
11:15 A.M.
Bible Information Class at St. John’s
11:30 A.M.
Miss Sara Borck’s Bridal Shower at St. John’s lower level
3:00 P.M.
Pastor Installation – Wautoma
Mon.
7:30 P.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s (LCTS)
Tues.
6:30 P.M.
Men’s Bible Study at St. John’s
Wed.
8:00 A.M.
St. John’s School Chapel
10:00 A.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s (LCTS)
3:45 P.M.
Public School Teen Confirmation Class at St. John’s (LCTS)
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Worship
Thurs.
8:00 A.M.
St. John’s School Teen Confirmation (LCTS)
10:00 A.M.
Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
6:00 P.M.
Joint Council meeting at St. John’s
7:00 P.M.
St. John’s Council meeting
Fri.
Sat.
Theme for Next Sunday May 26, 2019 Easter 6: “The Risen Lord Comes to Live with his People”
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
9:00 A.M.
Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship with communion
11:15 A.M.
Bible Information Class at St. John’s
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Ron Blada, Pat Bornick, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Jerre Duerr, Reinold Eckelberg, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Earl Ewert, Marjorie Fabian, Harold Fandrey, 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, Jim Kunde (our former SJ member), Pete Laun, Delvin Mittlestead, Jean Muhlenbeck (WELS member at Zion–Bristol, St. John’s visitor), Debbie Parrish, Arlene Prill, LuAnn Reber, Mark & Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son & daughter in-law), Carol Schumann, Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s friend), Amanda Stalker, Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Heidi Weishaar (Dennis & Sharon Kekow’s daughter), Karl Whitrock, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: Delvin Mittlestead)
– For the graduates of Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (call assignment lists are available in the church entries)
– For the wedding anniversary on 4/30 for Delvin and LuAnn Mittlestead
– For Steven Tews who will be installed at today’s service as pastor of Peace-Wautoma
MEN’S BIBLE CLASS Is held in St. John’s church basement. “One-Liners from God.” is the topic. We will look for and read some of the powerful and personal truths God shares with us through the Apostle Paul. Men, this would be a well spent hour or so of your busy week.
NEW MEDITATIONS are available in St. John’s Information Room and at Emmanuel. Grab yours today!
SCHOOLFACULTYHOUSING Plans are already being made to prepare the teacherage to welcome our new principal and pre-school teacher, Larry and Lynn Sellnow this summer. Our new lower grade teacher, Michelle Myers has housing arranged. However, our current teacher, Rachel Naumann, will need to re-locate from the teacherage and is looking for housing options. If any members have any leads, please let the church office know.
PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL of your fellow worshipers preparing their hearts for worship. If you are visiting with others, please keep your voices down. Thank you!
USHER AND GREETER SCHEDULE If you are signed up to be a St. John’s usher and/or greeter, please pick up your hard copy of April-May and June-July in St. John’s Information Room. Schedules will be available for pick up every 2 months.
PARKING DURING SCHOOL HOURS Please remember that if you plan to be at school or church during school hours, specifically around 7:30-8:00a.m. and 3:00-3:30p.m., to park in the back parking lot. We need to leave room in front of school for the buses to drop off/pick up our children properly. Thanks for understanding.
LITTLE LAMBS PRE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Pick up your 3K/4K registration form in the office today! Please help spread the word!
CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED INFORMATION ROOM This room is located at the top of St. John’s link way stairs and the church entry way. Here you will find bulletin boards labeled “Home Missions” and “LWMS”. Home Missions will provide information on what’s going on at St. John’s church and school, events, educational and youth group updates. You will also find informational brochures and magazines, usher and greeter schedules, the church newsletter, children’s coloring sheets and crayons and other miscellaneous information related to our church and school. Please help yourself!
NEW MEMBERSHIP CLASS began on 4/28 11:15am at St. John’s.. Join us in the link-way conference room for an hour or so after the 10am SJ worship service.
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.”
ST. JOHN’S LADIES, TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO VOTE for officers on the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Board of Directors and for mission projects for the international level. Your vote will be tabulated with those of LWMS members from across the country and in some foreign countries and announced at the LWMS Convention in Des Moines, Iowa, June 27-30.. Your vote is very much appreciated!
ACH What is ACH?Automated Clearing House is an electronic payments network use by individuals, businesses, financial institutions and government organizations. The network functions as an efficient, electronic alternative to paper checks. It allows funds to be electronically debited or credited to a checking account, savings account, financial institution general ledger account or credited to a loan account.In our particular case, we would like to make this an available service as an offering option starting in May. See this week’s bulletin for an ACH form. Please turn your completed form in to the office.
KUNDE FUNDRAISER “Tragedy struck our family last month. As a result of blood clots and infection, Jim’s lower right leg had to be amputated at the end of April. Not only is this emotionally devastating for the family, but there is substantial financial stress involved too. Jim has mounting medical bills relating to the med-flight from Calumet to Wausau, hospital stays, surgery, etc. but also loss of income since Jim can no longer work. Jim has worked all his life at jobs that were very physical, such as firefighter, EMT, Sheriff’s Deputy, Hazmat, and most recently, as a baker, and manual labor. Even with a prosthesis sometime in the future, it is questionable if Jim will be able to find work to help support the family. Additionally, they have four children under the age of 18 still living at home, with the youngest being 7 years old.” Diana’s income (Jim’s wife) is the only income they have left and it is not enough to cover household expenses. This is quite a burden on her and the family doesn’t know where to turn to. Also, their house is not set up to facilitate someone with this type of disability and will need substantial modifications made to accommodate Jim and allow him to be as independent as possible. Any help you can give this family would be so helpful. Thank you.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27,28
If you have ever had to be picked up from an airport or train station, you know that weird feeling as you walk out of the terminal into the crowd of people who are all there waiting for someone. You quickly scan the room as you search for the person who knows you. You are counting on them being there and so, for a moment, you hope that they didn’t forget, got stuck in traffic, or just didn’t show up. And there is a feeling of relief and joy when you finally make eye contact with the one person in the crowd who knows you, who is there to pick you up, and take you where you need to go.
It is easy to look at the crowds of people who make up our life and wonder, does anyone know us? Sometimes it seems that even our own close friends don’t know us, and our own family doesn’t understand us.
The good news is that as we look through the crowds of this life, we see one person who does know us—Jesus Christ. He knows who we are, and he knows our fears. He knows our strengths, and he knows our sins. He knows our past, and he knows our future.
The really good news is that, even though he knows us, he still loves us. Jesus laid down his life for us that we may have eternal life. He died and lives again to show us the full extent of his love for us. He invites us to hear his voice and to follow him.
The best part is that he has a plan to pick you up and take you where you need to go. He promises that no one will snatch you out of his hand and you will have an eternal life that will never perish.
Jesus knows you and he will take you home.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who knows me, who saved me, and who gives me eternal life. Give me faith and confidence in Jesus and help me to hear his voice and to follow him. Amen.
“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” Revelation 7:17
The headlines on Easter Sunday were a harsh reminder of life in this sinful world.
Half a world away, in Sri Lanka, over 300 people died or were injured by bombs detonated by an extremist Islamic group. Moments before the blasts, the Sunday school children of Zion Church in Batticaloa all professed their undying faith in Jesus Christ.
On the same day, newspapers ran an article about the death of the Christian faith. According to a recent poll, church membership in the United States has hit an all-time low.
Do such stories surprise us? As the psalmist says, even the best of our days is struggle and sorrow. We have all our hearts broken or our dreams shattered. It’s a good reminder for us not to build our hopes on them.
Don’t dream about what your life on earth could be; and don’t despair of what it isn’t. Put your hope in the Lamb and focus on where he is leading you. Look at the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He went uncomplaining forth to death to open the way to eternal life. In view of the joy set before him, he endured the cross, disregarded its shame, and sat down on God’s throne.
From there, the Lamb shepherds us through death to life. He leads us to the living water of Word and sacrament and invites us to drink deeply. He connects us to his death and resurrection in baptism’s water so we too may live. He gives us forgiveness in the Lord’s Supper to assure us that we shall not perish but have eternal life.
This life will inevitably bring broken hearts and shattered dreams. But because the Lamb is your Shepherd, you can leave your water bottles and tissue boxes here on earth. He is leading you to a paradise were sin and all its problems are a thing of the past.
Prayer:
Christ be my Savior in calm as in strife; death cannot hold me, for he is the life. Nor darkness nor doubting nor sin and its stain can touch my salvation: with Jesus I reign. Amen.
Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat.” Revelation 7:15,16
In 2010, The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Alex Malarkey became a best-selling book. Malarkey later disavowed his work, admitting that his heavenly experience was a lie.
Despite the story’s fiction, such books remain popular. People want assurance that there is something more, something better after they die. In the last 20 years, a handful of books have been written on people’s personal afterlife experiences. However, you need only trust one account of heaven—the Bible’s.
In the New Testament, two witnesses of heaven testify to its reality. The apostles, Paul and John, were blessed to see it for themselves. Interestingly, Paul who wrote so much of the New Testament, could only say that heaven was beyond words. And John mostly tells us what heaven is not, rather than what heaven is.
If all we know is an earthly existence affected by sin in every way, how else do you describe an eternity without it?
On earth, sin causes us to separate ourselves from each other. We are suspicious of those who live beyond our borders, who speak other languages, and have a different skin color. In heaven, those dividing walls don’t exist. God brings together a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language.
The world is filled with sinful rebels. We do what we want and say what we want to get what we want. In heaven, selfishness doesn’t exist. God changes hearts so that every desire is to do his will, day and night.
On earth, we cannot stop the devastation of nature. Fire, water, wind, and earth continue to destroy lives. In heaven, God has put an end to hunger, thirst, and natural disaster.
Look past your differences, your selfishness, and those who scheme against you. Look past the problems of this world that you cannot control.
Look up and see the Lamb, who is seated on his throne.
Prayer:
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on me and bring me at last to my heavenly home. Amen.
Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:13-15a
At first, we thought it was pink-eye. But the medication that the vet provided didn’t help. Our pet’s condition worsened. We took her back to the clinic. She had an ulcer on her eye. More medication. More time. There was no improvement.
We returned to the clinic. The only option was surgery. If we did nothing, she could die. We scheduled the procedure for a week’s time. Meanwhile, the vet gave us a new medication. A serum that she had made from our pet’s blood. We were to put it on the ulcer three times a day.
Seven days later, I took her in for the surgery. Three hours had passed when we received a phone call. It was the surgeon. “I’m not sure how this is possible,” he said, “but your dog’s eye is fine. I have no need to perform the procedure.” The ulcer was gone. Cleansed by the blood.
By nature, we are all born with a spiritual ulcer—sin. It makes us blind to the God of salvation. It makes us hostile to the God of love. It makes us dead before the God of the living. Nothing in this world can provide an adequate remedy. There is nothing we can do. All our scrubbing, all our striving cannot get rid of the stain of sin. We may try, but the result is always the same—death.
But we are not without hope. John’s vision of heaven shows us that there is another way. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His blood has the power to purify us. His blood alone undoes the damage and heals the disease of sin.
Whatever your troubles, whatever your trials, whatever your temptations here on earth, trust in Jesus. Heaven is filled with those who have overcome because they have been washed in his blood.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I have sinned against you. Forgive me, cleanse me from all guilt, and deliver through all tribulation by the blood of your beloved Son, my Savior. Amen.
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Revelation 7:11,12
“For fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” English poet, Alexander Pope, penned that phrase in his poem, An Essay on Criticism. Since 1711, it has been reused by the likes of President Abraham Lincoln, Nobel Prize winner Bob Dylan, Indian social reformer B. R. Ambedkar, and Diane from Cheers.
The phrase refers to naïve people who attempt what experienced people avoid. By nature, that’s us. We rush into sin, ignoring the wisdom of others who have been there, seen the results, and don’t dare to try it themselves.
The angels were there with God when he lit the darkness with stars. They saw what happened when Lucifer revolted against God. And now they joyfully serve God. No one knows God better than they. But their closeness to God does not breed casualness. They fall on their faces and give all the praise, glory, and honor that God is owed.
What about us? Are we too casual with God? Do we seek glory for ourselves rather than give all glory to God? Do we demand from God that my will be done rather than humbly submit to “Thy will be done?” Do we view God’s grace as an excuse to keep behaving badly? Do we equate God’s patience with acceptance of our immoral behavior?
God, forgive us for our foolishness! And he does. The voice of our Good Shepherd calls to us each day in his Word: I give you eternal life, and you shall never perish.
Praise him—the Light of the World—who calls us out of darkness. Glorify him—the Lamb of God—who takes away the sin of the world. Trust him—the Wisdom of God—who chose you to belong to him before the creation of the world. Give thanks to him—the Mighty God—who vanquished sin, death, and the power of the devil. Honor him—the Living Water—who revives our thirsty souls.
Prayer:
Lord, keep me from rushing in where angels fear to tread. Grant that my life may echo their praise instead. Amen.
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9,10
At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus rode into Jerusalem. He was seated on the back of a borrowed donkey. He was on his way to establish himself as King of kings and Lord of all. Crowds of Jews went before and after him. They also were headed to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. They placed palm branches and their traveling cloaks at Jesus’ feet. With raised voices they plead, “Save us now!”
At the beginning of Jesus’s glorious reign, John views Jesus again. He is surrounded by a great multitude. However, now Jesus isn’t going anywhere. He is seated on his throne in the heavenly Jerusalem. He has established himself as King—the Lamb who vanquished sin by laying down his life for the world and conquered death by taking his life up again.
The crowd that surrounds him isn’t going anywhere either. Their traveling days are done. These aren’t just Jewish nationals. They are people of every corner of earth, every skin color, and every language. With raised voices they proclaim: “Salvation belongs to our God.”
Are you struggling? Do you need help? You can count on Jesus. Because he is true God and true Man who died and rose again, he provides healing and hope for all who trust in him. Walk with him during your earthly life. Follow the path that he has laid out for you in his Word. When that way gets tough, plea for his help and trust his deliverance.
Your King heals diseases, feeds the hungry, raises the dead, and forgives sin. Just remember: his kingdom is not of this world, and this world isn’t your home. You are simply traveling through. From earth to eternity. From tribulation to triumph. From cross to crown. From grace to glory. Heaven is your goal. And it is worth it!
Prayer:
Lead me, O Lamb of God. I follow you. When my road gets rough, hear my plea. And accept my praise, when you deliver me. Amen.
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St.
Montello, WI 53949
Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen
Lane
Montello, WI 53949
Pastor Peter Zietlow
XW E L C O M E
T O O U R C H U R C H X
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 in
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. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of
doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more, as you see the
day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Welcome to God’s house! May God bless our worship together.
608.297.2866
www.stjohnsmontello.org
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XG O D ’ S W O R D
F O R T O D A Y X
The Risen One
Shepherds Us – Imagine if everyone on earth were a needle: there are well
over six billion needles in a huge pile. How can God keep them all
straight? How can God keep his eye on you in particular and hear your
prayers? He has no trouble at all—and not only because he is Almighty.
Jesus is your Good Shepherd. He knows you as well as he knows the Father,
and as the Father knows you. That’s why he laid down his life for you.
XP
R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P X
We
prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble
repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of
praise.
SUNDAY
SCHOOL SINGS He Is Lord
Majesty
HE IS LORD
He is Lord; He is
Lord.
He is risen from the
dead
And He is Lord.
Ev’ry knee shall bow
Ev’ry tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is
Lord.
MAJESTY
Majesty,
Worship His majesty.
Unto Jesus
Be all glory, honor, and praise.
Majesty,
Kingdom authority
Flow from His throne
unto His own,
His anthem raise.
So exalt,
Lift up on high the
name of Jesus.
MAGNIFY, come glorify
Christ Jesus, the King.
Majesty,
Worship His majesty.
Jesus, who died, now
glorified
King of all Kings!
Please stand
CONFESSION
& ABSOLUTION hymnal page 26
When we confess to God that we have
failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, the pastor announces the
perfect forgiveness of sins won for us by Jesus.
LORD, HAVE MERCYhymnal
page 27
The Church brings her
concerns and prayers to a loving Father in heaven, who has shown great mercy to
us and promised to hear our ardent cries for help.
O LORD, OUR LORDhymnal
page 28
This song of praise reminds
us of the wonderful things God has done for us, not the least of which is the
salvation he gives through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd
who laid down your life for the sheep. Lead us now to the still waters of your
life-giving Word that we may abide in your Father’s house forevermore; for you
live and reign with him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: ♫ Amen.
Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings
XT
H E W O R D X
The
Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
FIRST
LESSONActs 13:15, 16a, 26-33
Summary: In Antioch the Apostle Paul
spreads the good news of Jesus the Good Shepherd
After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers
sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a message of
encouragement for the people, please speak.”
Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Brothers,
children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this
message of salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers
did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the
prophets that are read every Sabbath. Though they found no proper ground for a
death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried
out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid
him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen
by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his
witnesses to our people.
“We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has
fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the
second Psalm: ” ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’
PSALM 23 hymnal page 72
Cantor
sings the first line, congregation sings the second line, everyone sings refrains
and Gloria.
SECOND LESSON Revelation
7:9-19 (today’s sermon text)
Summary: In a
glimpse of heaven, John sees the Good Shepherd now as
the Victorious Lamb
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no
one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before
the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were
holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the
Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the
elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the
throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and
thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”
Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are
they, and where did they come from?”
I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great
tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of
the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day
and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent
over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun
will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of
the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living
water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
VERSE OF THE DAYJohn 10:14
Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is
risen indeed! Alleluia. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep
know me. Alleluia.
C:♫
Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is
the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Please stand
GOSPEL LESSONJohn 10:22-30
Summary: Jesus
describes the loving relationship he as the Good Shepherd has for
his sheep
Then came the Feast of Dedicationat Jerusalem. It was
winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The
Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense?
If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The
miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because
you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow
me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them
out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no
one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
C:♫
Praise
be to you, O Christ!
Please be seated
HYMN OF
THE DAY 550
Behold
a Host, Arrayed in White
SERMON Revelation 7:9-17
“Behold
a Host, Arrayed in White”
Where they came from
How they get there
What’s in store for them
Please stand
NICENE CREED hymnal page 31
Please be seated
X O F F E R I N G S O F G
I F T S & P R A
Y E R S X
THE
OFFERING
The ushers now gather the
“Thank-Offering.” Members of this
congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning
a portion of their income to the Lord.
Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries
are maintained. Guests need not feel
obligated to contribute. Please
also sign our Friendship Registers and greet one another.
Please stand
PRAYERS
The Offering Prayer, Easter Season Prayer and
Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcements for those
on our Intercessory Prayers list.
LORD’S PRAYERhymnal
page 32
XS
E R V I C E O F T H E
S A C R A M E N T X
In this
service we celebrate the gift of Jesus’ redeeming love, we bear witness to the
Christian fellowship we share, and we proclaim his death until he returns.
Please be seated for the distribution
At St. John’s and 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.
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 766 The Lord’s My Shepherd (bulletin page 8)
As you leave today’s
service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or
pastor.
XAnnouncements X
Activities for the week of May 12-May
18
Sun.
MOTHER’S DAY
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.
St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.
Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship with
communion
11:15 A.M.
St. John’s Voters meeting
No Bible Information Class at St.
John’s
Mon.
7:30 P.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
9:00 A.M.
St. John’s Elders meeting
6:30 P.M.
Men’s Bible Study at St. John’s
Wed.
8:00 A.M.
St. John’s School Chapel
10:00 A.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
3:45 P.M.
Public School Teen Confirmation Class at St. John’s
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Worship
Thurs.
8:00 A.M.
St. John’s School Teen Confirmation
6:00 P.M.
St. John’s School Board meeting
Fri.
4:30 P.M. & 7:00 P.M.
MLC Concerts
Sat.
10:00 A.M. & 2:00 P.M.
MLC Graduation and Call Services
Theme for Next Sunday May 19, 2019
Easter 5: “The
Risen Lord Inspires Love for One Another” “
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.
St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.
Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship
11:15 A.M.
Bible Information Class at St. John’s
11:30 A.M.
Miss Sara Borck’s Bridal Shower at St. John’s lower level
3:00 P.M.
Pastor Installation-Wautoma
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS – For those hospitalized, ill,
shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Ron Blada, Pat Bornick, Gene &
Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Jerre
Duerr, Reinold Eckelberg, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Earl Ewert, Marjorie
Fabian, Harold Fandrey, 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, Jim Kunde (our former SJ member),
Pete Laun, Jean Muhlenbeck (WELS member at Zion–Bristol, St. John’s visitor),
Debbie Parrish, Arlene Prill, LuAnn Reber, Mark & Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son
& daughter in-law), Carol Schumann, Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s
friend), Amanda Stalker, Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Donny
Weber (Betty’s son), Heidi Weishaar (Dennis & Sharon Kekow’s daughter),
Karl Whitrock, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: Jim Kunde, Arlene
Prill)
–
For the family of Tim Saunders, Emmanuel member Patti Heller’s friend, called
home on Monday 5/6
–
For mothers
– For our communicants
at St. John’s
VOTERS
MEETING Following
TODAY’S service at St. John’s is our Voters meeting. See you there!
MANY THANKS to
our St. John’s Sunday School staff and students for a great year. After today,
we’ll take a break for summer and resume on September 9th, the
Sunday after Labor Day.
MEN’S BIBLE CLASSIs
held in St. John’s church basement. “One-Liners from God.” is the
topic. We will look for and read some of the powerful and personal truths God
shares with us through the Apostle Paul. Men, this would be a well spent hour
or so of your busy week.
NEW MEDITATIONS are available in St. John’s Information Room and at
Emmanuel. Grab yours today!
SCHOOLFACULTYHOUSING Plans are already being made
to prepare the teacherage to welcome our new principal and pre-school teacher,
Larry and Lynn Sellnow this summer. Our new lower grade teacher, Michelle Myers
has housing arranged. However, our current teacher, Rachel Naumann, will need
to re-locate from the teacherage and is looking for housing options. If
any members have any leads, please let the church office know.
PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL of your fellow
worshipers preparing their hearts for worship. If you are visiting with others,
please keep your voices down. Thank you!
USHER AND GREETER
SCHEDULE If
you are signed up to be a St. John’s usher and/or greeter, please pick up your
April-May hard copy in St. John’s Information Room.
Schedules will be available for pick up every 2 months.
NEW ACTS BIBLE STUDY After completing our
Study of Matthew, our Monday 7:30pm & Wednesday 10am Adult Bible Class
members & I began our study of the book of Acts making use of the Acts
DVD–“the only dramatization using the actual scriptures…word for word
from the New International Version.” Join us in the SJ conference
room!
PARKING DURING SCHOOL HOURS Please remember that if
you plan to be at school or church during school hours, specifically around
7:30-8:00a.m. and 3:00-3:30p.m., to park in the back parking lot. We need to
leave room in front of school for the buses to drop off/pick up our children
properly. Thanks for understanding.
LITTLE LAMBS PRE
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Pick up your 3K/4K registration form in the office
today! Please help spread the word!
CHECK
OUT OUR UPDATED INFORMATION ROOM This room is located at the top
of St. John’s link way stairs and the church entry way. Here you will find
bulletin boards labeled “Home Missions” and “LWMS”. Home Missions will provide information on what’s going on at St.
John’s church and school, events, educational and youth group updates. You will
also find informational brochures and magazines, usher and greeter schedules,
the church newsletter, children’s coloring sheets and crayons and other
miscellaneous information related to our church and school. Please help
yourself!
NEW
MEMBERSHIP CLASS began on 4/28 11:15am at St. John’s..
Join us in the link-way conference room for an hour or so after the 10am SJ
worship service.
CHRISTIAN
ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): “Many
folks want to serve God…but only as advisers.”
ST. JOHN’S LADIES, PLEASE
VOTE! All confirmed women are
eligible to vote for officers on the International Board of Directors of the
Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) and for mission projects for
2019-2020. A voting station is located in the linkway today. Voting ends on Sunday, May 19. Results
of this voting will be announced at the LWMS Convention in Des Moines, Iowa,
June 27-30. If you have questions,
please contact Reporter Linda Wachholz.
Your vote is very much appreciated!
ACH What is ACH?Automated Clearing House is an
electronic payments network use by individuals, businesses, financial
institutions and government organizations. The network functions as an
efficient, electronic alternative to paper checks. It allows funds to be
electronically debited or credited to a checking account, savings account,
financial institution general ledger account or credited to a loan account.In our particular case,
we would like to make this an available service as an offering option starting in
May. Look for bulletins to come for the ACH Application.
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
5-5 5-8
56
155 2
St. John’s Altar Committee
May 2019
Jennie Utke
&
Susan Brown
●●●
Welcome To Our
Visitors!Please Sign Our
Guest RegisterFind & Like
us on FacebookVisit our
website link:www.stjohnsmontello.orgPastor Peter
Zietlow: (608) 408-7830
E-mail:zietlowPL6@hotmail.comLittle Lambs
Director & Teacher Sara Borck: (858) 731-7919
K & 1st
Grade Teacher Cassie Doering: (920) 723-8986
2nd-4th
Grade Teacher Karin Stellick: (920) 342-3689
Lead & 5th-8th
Grade Teacher Rachel Naumann: (847) 913-2135
Church &
School Secretary Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866
Altar Ladies: Elaine
Kelm: (920) 344-0025 & Carolyn
Rosenthal: 589-5036
Church &
School Mail: 313 E Montello
St, Montello, WI 53949
Church
& School E-mail:scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org
●●●
It’s nighttime. Outside there are only peaceful nighttime sounds. But inside the young family’s house it is anything but peaceful. A tiny baby is crying—crying so loudly that everyone in the household is awake. The parents make every effort to calm the child down, to silence his crying and put an end to his tears. If only they knew the reason why he was crying, they would remove the source of pain or displeasure and wipe away his tears.
What a relief it is when a tiny baby stops crying and drifts off into peaceful sleep. Whatever was bothering him isn’t bothering him anymore.
Our Scripture reading for today speaks of a time when there will be no tears and when whatever tears were being shed will be wiped away. It speaks of heaven, where there will be no pain, no cause for fear, no reason for sorrow, and not even a reason for repentance There we will have the perfect peace that comes from the fact that all our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake.
But as Christians we don’t need to wait for a future time and place to have lives filled with peace. Such lives are ours already, as followers of the Jesus. We may still wince in pain, but God is our help. We may tremble in fear, but God is our strength. Life sometimes hurts, but God is our comfort. We still sin, but Jesus is our Savior.
In this world we shed tears and may do so right up until our dying day. But though tears flow from our eyes, peace fills our hearts. It is the peace that God gives. It is the peace that comes from knowing Jesus: the helper of the helpless, the worker of miracles, the payment for our sins. God comforts us when we cry, and he will wipe away our tears.
Prayer:
Jesus, keep my focus on you as my Savior, and fill me with the peace of forgiveness for my sins that I might live in the sure hope of heaven. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
