A fan is nervously pacing the room. His favorite team is losing in the last seconds of a game. As the final buzzer sounds, the team scores the go-ahead points. Suddenly, the fan doesn’t feel nervous anymore. He feels excited. What he saw immediately changed how he was feeling.
On Easter morning, the woman who approached Jesus’ tomb were sad and scared. Then they saw an angel, and the angel said, “Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee.” What had Jesus told them? Jesus had told them they would be delivered into the hands of sinful men, he would be crucified, and that on the third day he would rise again.
There was probably a time not long before this, that they believed none of those things would happen. But Jesus said he would be handed over—and they saw that happen. Jesus said he would be crucified—and they saw that happen. Jesus said he would rise—and the angel assured them that he had.
They ran to the other disciples and told them that Jesus was alive—not because they had seen him with their eyes, but because the angel had helped them remember the promise he had made. The promise is what made the difference.
Which of God’s promises would the angel remind you of? Didn’t he say that one day he will wipe every tear from your eyes? Didn’t he say that you don’t need to worry about anything? Didn’t he say that all things work out for the good of those who love him? Didn’t he say that he is with you always to the very end?
He did. And God always keeps his word. May his promises change everything for you this day.
Prayer:
Dear Father, help me to remember and take to heart the many gracious promises you give me in your Word. Amen.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:1-3
Easter Sunday morning was difficult for the women who went to visit Jesus’ tomb. It was just a few days earlier that they had seen their friend die. The image of Jesus hanging on a cross was still fresh in their minds. The rapid pace at which it had all happened was still stunning.
Have you ever felt like these women would have on their way to Jesus’ tomb early that Sunday morning? Have you ever gone nights without sleep because your sorrow is so deep? Has your heart ever tried to carry a heavy burden you did not see coming? Have you ever sat for days in the dark valley, wondering if the recent death of someone you love really happened? Have you ever mourned deep in your soul because of someone or something that suddenly went missing? And if you have felt any of those things, have you ever felt like that feeling is never going to change?
It seems the first women to the grave on Easter morning did. You wouldn’t bring burial spices to a grave if you were looking for the living. They weren’t expecting to see life. They were expecting to see death. But what they found instead was enough to give hope, peace, and joy to anyone who has ever been convinced they will never again feel those wonderful things.
They saw the emptiness of Jesus’ grave. They saw proof that Jesus was risen and that his sacrifice for our sins was accepted. They saw God’s ability to keep a promise to love us and give us the greatest victory of all. They saw, just as we do as we consider the empty tomb, the glorious significance of Easter morning.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of Jesus’ resurrection, by which you have given us the victory over death and sin. May we live in that victory each day and so overcome our daily enemies of guilt and discouragement. Amen.
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St.
Montello, WI 53949
Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen
Lane
Montello, WI 53949
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.
Pastor Peter Zietlow
608.297.2866
www.stjohnsmontello.org
Like us on Facebook
XG O D ’ S W O R D
F O R T O D A Y X
As “morning
breaks upon the tomb” (CW 159) its gaping entrance and vacant depths stir a
mixture of emotions among Jesus’ followers. But with proclamation of the
resurrection, ignorance turns to understanding and sorrow changes to joy.
With the rising of the sun faith-filled hearts soar to proclaim the angels’
message: He is risen!
Remember Jesus Christ: He Has Risen
The Easter Festival Service visits
Jesus’ empty tomb. The fact that Christ
is risen brings joy to Christians who watched Jesus’ sufferings, death and
burial. Since the darkness of Good
Friday is the last worship experience before Easter, the day of our Lord’s
resurrection once again brings the everlasting light of Christ and his work
into focus. Today as we celebrate our
resurrected Savior, hearts and voices can sing with confident joy in our risen
Lord Jesus Christ!
And
death, hell, and Satan he vanquished, his foes.
The
conquering Lord lifts his banner on high;
He
lives, yes, he lives, and will nevermore die.
All Sing:
4 Oh, where is your sting, death? We
fear you no more;
Christ
rose, and now open is fair Eden’s door.
For
all our transgressions his blood does atone;
Redeemed
and forgiven, we now are his own.
Please stand
CONFESSION AND
ABSOLUTION
P: In the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (spoken) Amen.
P: Beloved in the Lord, we have gathered to
celebrate with festive joy the resurrection of our Lord from the dead. As we remember our Lord’s passing over from
death to life, it is fitting for us to take to heart St. Paul’s words which
talk about our sin: “Get rid of the old
yeast, that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are.” Therefore, let us confess our sins, and ask
our Father to forgive us.
C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that
I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and
actions. I have done what is evil and
failed to do what is good. For this I
deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and
trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray:
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
P: Christ,
our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.
He was delivered over to death because of our sins and was raised to
life on account of our justification.
For his sake, God, our Father, has had mercy on us, and has forgiven us
all our sins. Therefore, as forgiven
children of God, let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast of sin, but
with the bread of sincerity and truth.
RESPONSE HYMN
143 He’s Risen, He’s Risen
All Sing:
5 Then sing your hosannas and raise your
glad voice;
Proclaim
the blest tidings that all may rejoice.
Laud,
honor, and praise to the Lamb that was slain,
Who now sits in glory and ever
shall reign.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
P:Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of
your Son Jesus Christ you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life.
Grant that we, who have been raised with him through baptism, may walk in
newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit be dominion and
praise now and forever.
C: (spoken) Amen.
Be seated
CHILDREN’S
CHOIRChrist Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed
† T
H E W O R D†
THE
FIRST LESSON Exodus
15:1-11
Summary:
The Song of Moses after God delivered his people from their enemies.
15 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this
song to the Lord: “I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both
horse and driver he has hurled into the sea. 2 “The Lord
is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I
will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.3 The
Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name. 4 Pharaoh’s
chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh’s
officers are drowned in the Red Sea.5 The deep waters
have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone. 6 Your
right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the
enemy. 7 “In the greatness of your majesty you threw
down those who opposed you. You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them
like stubble. 8 By the blast of your nostrils the waters
piled up. The surging waters stood up like a wall; the deep waters congealed in
the heart of the sea. 9 The enemy boasted, ‘I will
pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on
them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’ 10 But
you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the
mighty waters. 11 Who among the gods is like you, Lord?
Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
PSALM 118
The
LORD is my strength and my song; *
he has become my salvation.
The
LORD’S right hand is lifted high; *
the LORD’S right hand has done mighty
things!
I
will not die but live, *
and will proclaim what the LORD has
done.
Refrain
I
will give you thanks, for you answered me; *
you have become my salvation.
The
stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; *
the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in
our eyes.
This
is the day the LORD has made; *
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
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
THE SECOND
LESSON1
Corinthians 15:1-11
Summary:
Christ is risen. This is what we preach, and this is what we believe.
15 Now I would
remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in
which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if
you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For
I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ
died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that
he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the
Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to
the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred
brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen
asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the
apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he
appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the
apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of
God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his
grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of
them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether
then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
ADULT CHOIRI Will Rise
Please stand
THE GOSPEL Luke 24:1-12
Summary:
He is risen! Luke gives his account of the Day of Resurrection.
24 But on the
first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices
they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled
away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not
find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were
perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And
as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to
them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He
is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in
Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into
the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And
they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb
they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now
it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other
women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but
these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But
Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen
cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
P: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
C: (spoken) Thanks be to God!
Be seated
CHILDREN’S
MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY
156 Awake, My
Heart, with Gladness
1 Awake, my heart, with gladness! See what today is done;
Now,
after gloom and sadness, Comes forth the glorious sun.
My
Savior there was laid Where our bed must be made
When
to the realms of light Our spirit wings its flight.
2 The foe in triumph shouted When Christ
lay in the tomb.
But
lo, he now is routed; His boast is turned to gloom.
For
Christ again is free; In glorious victory
He
who is strong to save Has triumphed o’er the grave.
3 This is a sight that gladdens— What
peace it does impart!
Now
nothing ever saddens the joy within my heart.
No
gloom shall ever shake, no foe shall ever take
The
hope which God’s own Son In love for me has won.
4 Now I will cling forever To Christ, my
Savior true;
My
Lord will leave me never, whate’er he passes through.
He
rends death’s iron chain; He breaks through sin and pain.
He
shatters hell’s dark thrall; I follow him through all.
5 He brings me to the portal That leads
to bliss untold,
Whereon
this rhyme immortal Is found in script of gold:
“Who
there my cross has shared Finds here a crown prepared;
Who
there with me has died Shall here be glorified.”
EASTER SERMONETTE2
Timothy 2:8
Three Words of Truth: Remember Jesus Christ
8 Remember
Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my
gospel.
HYMN RESPONSE
152I Know that My
Redeemer Lives
All Sing:
1 I know that my Redeemer lives;
What
comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He
lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living Head!
All Sing:
2 He lives triumphant from the grave;
He
lives eternally to save.
He
lives all-glorious in the sky;
He lives exalted there on high.
Lectern Side
Sing:
5 He lives to silence all my fears;
He
lives to wipe away my tears.
He
lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.
Pulpit Side
Sing:
7 He lives and grants me daily breath;
He
lives, and I shall conquer death.
He
lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring my safely there.
All Sing:
8 He lives, all glory to his name!
He
lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh,
the sweet joy this sentence gives:
“I
know that my Redeemer lives!”
† O
U R 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 Children’s Hand
Chimes Choir will play during 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
PRAYER
OF THE CHURCH
P: Heavenly Father,
God of grace, you have brought us into a new and living hope by the resurrection
of Jesus from the dead.
C: Christ is risen!
P: For as in Adam
all died, so in Christ all will be made alive.
C: He is risen indeed!
P: He was delivered
over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification.
C: Alleluia!
P: We marvel at the
love you showed by your willingness to sacrifice your Son to pay for our sins;
we bow down in adoration at your mighty power, which raised him from the dead.
C: We praise you for sending the true
Life and Light into the world.
P: Lord Jesus, God
of grace, you have filled our hearts with resurrection joy by your victory over
sin, death, and the grave.
C: You have conquered the darkness
and given us comfort and hope.
P: With the Church
of every age, we offer you unending praise, for you have crushed Satan’s head
and have removed our guilt.
C: You are risen!
P: Dear Savior, we
who are weary and burdened come to you for rest, knowing that because of your
perfect redemption there is now no condemnation for us.
C: You are risen indeed!
P: Take away our
doubts and fears, and daily renew in us the joy of our salvation.
C: Alleluia!
P: Holy Spirit, God
of grace, you have called us by the gospel and brought us to saving faith in
our risen Lord.
C: We glorify you for opening our
eyes to see the light of life.
P: Keep us with
Jesus Christ in the one true faith.
C: He is risen!
P: As we journey
through life, make us yearn for the day when you will give eternal life to us
and all believers in Christ.
C: He is risen indeed!
Special prayers
and intercessions may follow.
P: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.
60 seconds are allotted for silent prayer, with the bell tolling at 15
second intervals.
P: Work through us
as we proclaim the saving message of the crucified and risen Jesus near and
far, so that many others may hear your call, obtain the salvation that is in
Christ Jesus, and join us before the throne of our God and of the Lamb.
C: Alleluia! For our Lord God
Almighty reigns. Alleluia! Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
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.
PRAYER
P: Almighty God, grant to your Church the Holy
Spirit and the wisdom that comes from above.
Let nothing hinder your Word from being freely proclaimed to the joy and
edifying of Christ’s holy people, so that we may serve you in steadfast faith
and confess your name as long as we live, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C:
(spoken) Amen.
THE BLESSING
P: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and
be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and give
you peace.
St. John’s Softball Game Home vs. North Fond du Lac on St. John’s ball diamond
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Council meeting
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
4:00 P.M.
St. John’s Softball Game Away vs. Redeemer
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Worship
Thurs.
8:00 A.M.
St. John’s School Teen Confirmation
10:00 A.M.
Montello Care Center Devotion with
communion
6:00 P.M.
St. John’s Joint Worship Committee meeting
Fri.
Sat.
Theme for Next Sunday April 28, 2019
Easter Sunday: “Joy in the Risen Lord!”
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.
St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Council meeting
9:00 A.M.
St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship with
communion
11:15 A.M.
Bible Information Class begins at St. John’s
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!
EMMANUEL EASTER
BREAKFAST Today,
following the 8:00 AM Easter service, everyone is invited (members,
friends and guests) for pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, ham and
fruit. A Freewill Offering will be taken for Emmanuel’s Education
Fund. The breakfast is supported by a Thrivent Action Team Project.
Join us for food and fellowship in the Parish Hall.
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 recently, 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!
NEW MEMBERSHIP CLASS begins next week, Sunday 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.
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. start time and 3:00-3:30p.m. end time, 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 “World
Missions”. 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!
●●●
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
●●●
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
G O D ’ S W O R D F O R T O D A Y
As “morning breaks upon the tomb” (CW 159) its gaping entrance and vacant depths stir a mixture of emotions among Jesus’ followers. But with proclamation of the resurrection, ignorance turns to understanding and sorrow changes to joy. With the rising of the sun faith-filled hearts soar to proclaim the angels’ message: He is risen!
Treasures in Heaven
EASTER GREETING
Don’t be alarmed!…Why do you seek the living among the dead?…You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was crucified….He is not here; he has risen!…See the place where they have laid him…Remember how he told you while he was still with you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again…He is Risen!
HYMN 149 stanzas 1-4 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
P: Christ is risen!
C: (spoken) He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
P: Brothers and sisters in Christ, on this joyous resurrection morning, we celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ’s passing over from death to life. We celebrate his victory over death, and our deliverance from the bondage of sin and darkness to everlasting light.
C: Death has been swallowed up in victory! Alleluia!
During this time, please sign our Friendship Registers and greet one another.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Almighty God, who through your only‑begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life‑giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (spoken) Amen.
+ Treasures in Heaven +
Jesus taught us to lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth. His resurrection reminds us that while the things of earth are temporary, we have the precious gift of everlasting life with him awaiting us.
P: In Colossians 3:1-4, St. Paul writes: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
C: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
HYMN 145 stanzas 1-3, 5 Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won
P: In Matthew 6 Jesus instructed us in his Sermon on the Mount to store up treasures in heaven.
C: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. (6:19-20)
P: The reason for doing so links this command to the desire of our hearts.
C: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (6:21)
P: How do we store up treasures in heaven? We are to treasure the Lord Jesus most of all.
C: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)
P: When we live sacrificially for Jesus’ sake or serve Him by serving the body of Christ, we store up treasure in heaven. Even seemingly small acts of service do not go unnoticed by God.
C: If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. (Matthew 10:42)
HYMN 143 stanzas 1, 4, 5 He’s Risen, He’s Risen
P: The treasures that await the child of God will far outweigh any trouble, inconvenience, or persecution we may face. Romans 8:18 says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” We can serve the Lord wholeheartedly, knowing that God is the One keeping score, and His reward will be abundantly gracious.
C: Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinth.15:58)
P: The bottom line is this: It’s not all about us. Though the things of this world may appear to hold all we want or need, God knows this is not so. The apostle Paul knew this when he wrote in Colossians 3, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
C: Then, by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, through faith we can put off our old self and put on the new-creation to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
P: Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave transforms the lives of those who believe in Him for salvation.
C: When we pray, let our words be humble and our thoughts centered on the magnitude of what God has done for us through the redemptive work of His Son.
Let us pray together:
Dearest Father, many times we ask you for unreasonable things with which to satisfy ourselves. Remind us on this Day of Resurrection that only you give what is good. Help us to live-and pray-as you would have us do. And teach us to seek only those things that are above. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Offering of Gifts and Prayer
BLESSING
P: You have come again to the empty tomb. You are loved, forgiven, and made new. You are a resurrection people.
C: We have passed out of death into life!
P: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
C: (spoken) Amen.
THE RESURRECTION CHAPTER 1 Corinthians 15
50 Now I say this, brothers: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, and what is perishable is not going to inherit what is imperishable. 51 Look, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 But once this perishable body has put on imperishability, and this mortal body has put on immortality, then what is written will be fulfilled: Death is swallowed up in victory .55 Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
HYMN 149 stanzas 1-6 Christ the Lord is Risen Today
As you leave today’s service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or pastor.
Announcements
Activities for the week of April 21-April 27
Sun.
EASTER SUNDAY
8:00 A.M.
Easter Festival Service at Emmanuel
9:00 A.M.
Easter Breakfast at Emmanuel in the parish hall
10:00 A.M.
Easter Festival at St. John’s
Mon.
EASTER MONDAY
No St. John’s School/Little Lambs
No Choir
7:30 P.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
St. John’s School/Little Lambs resumes
4:15 P.M.
St. John’s Softball Game Home vs. North Fond du Lac on St. John’s ball diamond
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Council meeting
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
4:00 P.M.
St. John’s Softball Game Away vs. Redeemer
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Worship
Thurs.
8:00 A.M.
St. John’s School Teen Confirmation
10:00 A.M.
Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
6:00 P.M.
St. John’s Joint Worship Committee meeting
Fri.
Sat.
Theme for Next Sunday April 28, 2019
Easter Sunday: “Joy in the Risen Lord!”
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.
St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Council meeting
9:00 A.M.
St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.
St. John’s Worship with communion
11:15 A.M.
Bible Information Class begins at St. John’s
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!
EMMANUEL EASTER BREAKFAST Today, following the 8:00 AM Easter service, everyone is invited (members, friends and guests) for pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, ham and fruit. A Freewill Offering will be taken for Emmanuel’s Education Fund. The breakfast is supported by a Thrivent Action Team Project. Join us for food and fellowship in the Parish Hall.
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 recently, 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!
NEW MEMBERSHIP CLASS begins next week, Sunday 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.
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 “World Missions”. Home Missions will provide information on what’s going on at St. John’s church and school. You will also find usher and greeter schedules, the church newsletter, children’s coloring sheets and crayons informational brochures and magazines, and other miscellaneous information related to our church and school. Please help yourself!
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
4-14 4-18 4-19
99
114
St. John’s Altar Committee
April 2019
Diane Eisermann
&
Delores Cotte
St. John’s Greeter Schedule
April 21
Kay Maass & LuAnn Zieman
April 28
Ciara Neuhauser & Jennie Utke
May 5
Phyllis Farrell & Pat Henning
May 12
Jim & Diane Eisermann
Usher Schedule
April 21 Easter E
Sunrise 6:00am SJ
10:00am SJ
Brian Ninnemann, Bob Ferber, Paul Dahlke
Cal Kapp; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher
James Wachholz; Chief, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith
April 28 E
(with communion) SJ
Darrell Buchholz, Jim Stuempges, Joe Heller
Jack Yates; Chief, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Gordon Krause, Richard Freitag
May 5 (with communion) E
SJ
DuWayne Sommerfeld, Noah Buchholz, Gary Wegner, Darrell Buchholz (comm. assist.)
Don Smith; Chief, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock, Matt Borzick
May 12 E
(with communion) SJ
Wayne Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Brian Ninnemann
Kenon Smith; Chief, Glen Bubolz, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3,4
It may be easy to dismiss Easter at a distance. When Easter is a faraway object, it may be easy to label it as a fanciful story with lots of drama and a happy ending.
But to confront Easter up close is to wrestle with some pretty stubborn facts. The facts are these: By late Friday afternoon, Jesus of Nazareth was dead. A Roman soldier pierced his corpse to confirm it. The centurion in charge of Jesus’ crucifixion reported his death to Pontius Pilate. With Jesus’ execution complete, Pilate gave the body over to people who took it down from the cross and who buried it in a nearby tomb. Jesus’ disciples, paralyzed by fear and grief, kept themselves behind locked doors and did nothing.
Then, on Easter Sunday, something happened; something so extraordinary that it transformed Jesus’ disciples forever. It transformed these men from hiding in terror to men willing to spend the rest of their lives facing persecution, prison, and death just so they could tell others about Jesus.
The transformation of Jesus’ disciples is a matter of record. One day they were cowering in a locked room, grieving the death of their Master. The next they were changed men, men who possessed a bold, resilient courage no one would ever take away.
Let’s face it. A room full of terrified men does not suddenly change into lifelong courageous men based on some collective whim or wishful thought.
We know what happened. The Bible gives the account. Jesus had been dead and buried, sacrificed to pay for all sins of all people of all time. Then he rose from the dead to prove that his payment for sin was accepted and that he had conquered death for everyone who puts their faith in him.
That one stubborn fact has been changing hearts and lives ever since.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, bring me up close to the reality of Easter. You were dead, and now you live. Empower me with your Spirit. Let your resurrection refresh my courage to live for you. Amen.
The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. Matthew 27:62-66
After Jesus’ death, his enemies remembered that he had promised to rise from the dead. They worried that the disciples would steal Jesus’ body, then say that he had risen. So, they asked Pilate to allow them to post a guard and seal Jesus’ tomb. Pilate agreed.
Interestingly, these actions by Jesus’ enemies and a Roman governor on Saturday of Holy Week are important evidence for Jesus’ resurrection on Easter morning. Historians tell us that if a Roman guard fell asleep while on duty, the punishment was death. In addition, to break the seal of the governor also resulted in a death penalty. So, what do you think were the chances that the disciples (or anyone else) would have been able to steal Jesus’ body?
The recording of these events on Holy Saturday gives us a wonderful assurance. If Jesus’ tomb was opened, it was because God himself opened it. If Jesus’ tomb is empty, it is because Jesus left the tomb of his own volition.
On Easter Sunday, that is exactly what happened. And when the angel rolled back the stone it revealed an empty tomb. How remarkable that God used the actions of unbelievers on Saturday to bring us wonderful assurance that Jesus really rose on Sunday.
Prayer:
Lord, today I thank you that you have chosen to tell me about the events of that first Holy Saturday. Fill my heart with the joy of knowing you really rose from the tomb. Amen.
In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.” Matthew 27:41-42
Ironically, the religious leaders standing at the foot of Jesus’ cross had it right. Jesus came not to save himself, but to save us! Jesus came not for his benefit, but for our benefit. Jesus stayed on that cross not because it was it was helpful for him, but because it was VITAL for us!
So we are filled with awe on this day. Imagine! God loves you so much that he was willing to go to the cross for you. God loves you so much that he was willing to lay down his life for you!
The devil can try to lead you to doubt, to wonder if God really loves you, but the cross drives those doubts away. Look! Jesus is up there, on that cross! He’s up there for you! Because he loves you! He’s up there because he wanted to win forgiveness for you! He’s up there because he wanted to spend eternal life with you!
And oh yes, let’s be clear; if Jesus had wanted to come down, he had the ability to do so. And that makes it all the more beautiful, doesn’t it? He did all this—went through all this suffering—willingly. That’s how much he loves you.
No wonder we call this Friday, “Good.”
Prayer:
O precious Savior, forgive me for my sins. Assure me that you have saved me! Drive doubts out of my heart forever. Amen
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” John 13:3-4
“If I was all-powerful, what would I do?” Have you asked yourself that question? Just try to imagine the possibilities.
Well, Jesus was all-powerful. And, on Thursday night of Holy Week, what did he do with that power? He used it to wash his disciples’ feet. Washing feet was the job for the most menial servant. It was an unpleasant job. In Jesus’ day, people walked on roads which were dusty or muddy. And, remember that animals also traveled on those roads, leaving behind their, well, you know. So foot-washing was a nasty job!
Jesus was willing to do that nasty job. Even though he is all-powerful, he chose to set aside his power and his rights so he could serve.
As Jesus’ followers, he calls on us to have the same servant-like attitude. He calls on us to put the needs of others before our own—the needs of our spouse, our children, our parents, our friends, our co-workers.
And when we fail, Jesus tells us to look to him for forgiveness. After all, he promises to give his followers credit for his perfectly loving life. And, in exchange, he took our perfectly sinful lives to the cross. So now, in God’s eyes, we are perfectly loving servants.
Let’s live that way. May Jesus’ willingness to serve us perfectly move us to serve others just as willingly and selflessly.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for serving me! Fill my heart with gratitude and open my eyes to opportunities to serve others this day, even as you served me. Amen.
Did you notice something missing? Yes—there is no Bible reading for today’s devotion. Why?
Well, because we are walking through Holy Week, considering some of the things Jesus said and did on each of the days. What do we know about Wednesday? Nothing.
Yes, God chose to record absolutely nothing that happened on Holy Wednesday. Not a word.
“BUT…BUT!” we sputter, “this is the most important week of all time! Surely there were interesting things said or done on that day!”
Probably. But God knew that we didn’t need to know any of it. And so, he didn’t tell us.
This reminds us of an important truth: While the Bible gives us all that we need to know to get to heaven, it doesn’t tell us all that we would like to know. There are many things that God chose not to tell us: when the angels were created, when the Last Day will be, exactly what heaven will be like . . . and what happened on Wednesday of Holy Week.
Hopefully, knowing that God hasn’t told us all we’d like to know will lead us to treasure, even more, the things which God has told us! If God put it into the Bible, it means He thought it was really important for us. If it’s in the Bible, it’s a treasure from God.
One of my favorite professors used this illustration: “When you read the Bible, imagine that at the top of the page it says, Dear ____ (fill in your name). Then comes the message of the page, and at the bottom it’s signed, ‘Love, God.’ And of course it’s signed in red—the blood of Jesus. For on each page of the Bible God is speaking directly to you, telling you about how much he loves you, pointing you somehow, some way to Jesus and the salvation which he won for you.”
So, yes, we know nothing of what happened on Wednesday of Holy Week. That’s okay. In fact, we pray that it leads us to treasure all the more the wonderful things God has told us!
Prayer:
O Savior, lead me to treasure all that you have told me in your Word, that I might cling to you all of my life. Amen.
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” Matthew 26:1-5
Are you a controller? It seems that most people like to be in control of the situations around them, or at least think they are in control.
On Tuesday of Holy Week the chief priests and elders of the people thought they were in control. They schemed to arrest Jesus and kill him. They would wait until after the Passover festival. But, eventually, they were sure, they would get rid of him.
But who was really in control? It wasn’t the chief priests and elders. It was Jesus! Even as the chief priests and elders made their plans to arrest and kill Jesus after the Passover, Jesus was telling his disciples that it would happen during the Passover. Who was in charge? Jesus was!
And so he remains in charge today. True, we often question his control and even fight against his control. But, thankfully, God’s control doesn’t depend on how well we follow him. God remains in control whether we willingly bow to his control or fight tooth and nail against it.
Knowing that Jesus was in control of the Holy Week events makes them all the more beautiful, because it reminds us that he was doing all this willingly, because he loved us! Thank God that Jesus was in control then, and that he is still in control today.
Prayer:
O Savior, forgive me for questioning your control. Assure me that you are ruling all things for the good of all of your people, including me. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
