St. Johns News

St. John’s

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

APRIL 7, 2019

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

OPENING HYMN

Please stand

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION              hymnal page 15

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 MERCY                                          hymnal page 15

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.

GLORY BE TO GOD                                               hymnal page 16

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: Eternal God and Father, help us to remember Jesus, who obeyed your will and bore the cross for our salvation that through his anguish, pain and death we may receive forgiveness of sins and inherit eternal life; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: ♫ Amen.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

SERVICE OF THE WORD

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON                            Isaiah 43:16-21

Summary: In our Lord we can forget the horrors of the past

This is what the LORD says—he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.

PSALM 73                                                                    hymnal page 94

Men sing first line, women sing second line, all sing refrains and Gloria

EPISTLE LESSON                                                       Philippians 3:8–14

Summary: In Christ we can forget what is behind and press on toward the heavenly goal

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                             Mark 10:45

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

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Please stand

C: ♫ Glory be to you, O Lord!                             

GOSPEL LESSON (today’s sermon text)                        Luke 20:9-19

Summary: The parable of the tenant farmers

He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’

“But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”

When the people heard this, they said, “May this never be!”

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ” ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”

The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

C: ♫ Praise be to you, O Christ!                             

NICENE CREED                                 hymnal pages 18, 19

Please be seated

SERMON HYMN 528                        Christ Is Our Cornerstone

SERMON                                                      Luke 20: 9-19

“This Cast-off Cornerstone Does Double Duty”

1. Shattering hardened hearts
2. Supporting hurting hearts

Please stand

CREATE IN ME                                                   hymnal page 20

Please be seated

OFFERING & WELS CONNECTION DVD

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

Please stand

OFFERING, LENT, & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

– 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, Harold Fandrey, Mike Farrell, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Del Henke, Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), Xzander Jahr, Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Arden “Bill” Klimke, Linda Krause, Pete Laun, 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), Karl Whitrock, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: Harold Fandrey, Del Henke)

– For teacher Sara Borck, who accepted the Lord’s call to teach Kindergarten next fall at Good Shepherd in Omaha, NE.

– For Larry & Lynn Sellnow, who accepted the Lord’s call to serve next fall as principal and K4-5 teacher.

– For our communicants at Emmanuel

LORD’S PRAYER                                                hymnal page 20

Please be seated

HYMN 382:1-2                        My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING           hymnal page 25

Please be seated

CLOSING HYMN 382:3-4  My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

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 7-April 13
Sun.	9:00-10:00 A.M. 11:00A.M.- 12:00P.M.	Northwestern Publishing House Bookfair in St. John’s link way
Mon.	4:30 P.M.	St. John’s Softball Game @ Iron Ridge
6:30 P.M.	Choir at St. John’s
7:30 P.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
Wed.	8:00 A.M.	St. John’s School Chapel
10:00 A.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
2:30 P.M.-6:30P.M.	Northwestern Publishing House Bookfair in St. John’s link way
3:30 P.M.	Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
3:45 P.M.	Public School Teen Confirmation Class at St. John’s
4:00 P.M.- 6:30 P.M.	Block Party in St. John’s Gym
4:30 P.M.	Lenten Supper at St. John’s
6:30 P.M.	St. John’s Lenten Devotion
Thurs.	8:00 A.M.	St. John’s School Teen Confirmation
10:00 A.M.	Montello Care Center Devotion
6:00 P.M.	Griefshare (10th of 13 weeks) in St. John’s lower level
6:00 P.M.	St. John’s School Board meeting
Fri.
Sat.	9:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M.	Easter for Kids at St. John’s
Theme for Next Sunday April 14, 2019Palm Sunday: “The King Comes to Us”
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.	Bible Information Class begins at St.  John’s

NORTHWESTERN PUBLISHING HOUSE BOOKFAIR

St. John’s is having a NPH Bookfair on the following dates:  

   Today, April 7: 9:00am-10:00am & 11:00am-12:00pm

   Wednesday, April 10: 2:30pm-6:30pm.

On all orders, there is 20% off, free shipping, and no tax! Checks can be made out to St. John’s. Stop on by and see what’s in!

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 April 21 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.

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

EASTER CARDS NEW Easter, Confirmation, & Graduation cards have arrived! Come to St. John’s lower level and get them while supplies last.

NEW ACTS BIBLE STUDY After completing our Study of Matthew last week, 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!  

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) APRIL 10 HOST: St. John’s Youth Group WHAT’S ON THE MENU?: Taco bar

NEW MEMBERSHIP CLASS begins Palm Sunday 4/14 11:15am at SJ. Join us in the link-way conference room for an hour or so after the 10am SJ worship service.

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

LAST MINUTE REGISTRATIONS FOR EASTER FOR KIDS STILL ACCEPTED THIS WEEK  Your Easter for Kids staff does not want any child left out of the fun planned for next Saturday, April 13—the Message of Easter is too important for anyone to miss out!

EASTER FOR KIDS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

VOLUNTEER to help pack Easter baskets on Thursday, April 11, time 9:00A.M.. VOLUNTEER to help set up the Bible Giveaway on Friday, April 12, time 9:00 A.M. VOLUNTEER to help at the event on Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to Noon. (Grade 7 through Adult – girls-boys-women-men–all welcome!  Thrivent T-Shirts for all helpers). VOLUNTEER to assist with snacks and setting up for crafting sessions on the day of the event. NEEDED:  a few empty parmesan cheese sprinkle containers (We could return them if you would consider emptying your canister and allowing us to use it.)  Contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

JOIN US FOR THE EASTER FOR KIDS CLOSING PROGRAM  Parish & community members are cordially invited to attend the closing program “Parade & Praise for the King” in the church next Saturday, April 13, at 11:30 a.m..  A free lunch and Bible giveaway will follow in the church’s lower level.

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS member):  “We don’t change the message. The message changes us.”

OUR SMALL OFFERINGS (from a member)

     A young boy elbows his way to the front of the crowd and tugs on a man’s sleeve. Andrew looks down to see the boy holding out an open sack. Inside Andrew sees five small loaves of bread nestled beside two cooked fish. “I heard the rabbi ask for food,” the boy says with a shy shrug. “My mother packed this for me, and—she said I should share with someone who doesn’t have anything.”

     Eyebrows raised, Andrew places a hand on the boy’s shoulder and walks him over to Jesus. Jesus turns and twinkles a smile down at the child; Andrew flashes Jesus a sheepish grin. “So…this boy has offered to share his lunch, but” —he casts a glance over his shoulder at the thousands of people milling around behind him, waiting to hear the rabbi’s next words— “how far will they go among so many?”

     Jesus tousles the boy’s dark hair and gives him a smile and a wink. “Thank you, son. This is just what I need.” The boy looks down at his sandals, blushing with pride. Rubbing His palms together, Jesus turns to Andrew with an excited—almost mischievous—glint in his eye. Andrew has seen this look before; a tingle of anticipation floods his veins. With barely contained glee, Jesus says, “Have the people sit down.”

     He rolls up His sleeves.

     We all know the rest of the famous account in John 6—how Jesus goes on to turn a little boy’s lunch into a feast for thousands. He makes so much food that the disciples collect twelve basketfuls of leftovers!

     We often look at our gifts—our talents, our possessions, our skills, our wisdom—and think, “They aren’t worth much. How far can they really go?” Let us never underestimate what God can do with our “small” offerings. We don’t have to give Him the biggest thing, the best thing, the shiniest thing—we just have to give Him whatever we have to offer. The smallest gift is still a treasure in His eyes. Our gifts may be small, but our God is big. And His powerful hands can take our small gifts and multiply them. Our mighty God can turn a little into a lot—more than we could ever imagine. What small gift can you offer to Jesus today?

Joint Worship Committee Update

Worship the Lord – the Purpose of Worship

  If you ask members about the reason why we worship, the various answers include “praising God, giving thanks, and singing and praying together.” It is true that all these things happen during worship, but are they really the purpose of worship?

  As Lutherans, we know that we “cannot by our own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ or come to him.” Faith, forgiveness, and the sacraments are all received.  Worship is primarily God serving his people with Word and Sacrament. Simply put, God gives, we receive. Christian worship enables people to receive the riches of Christ.

  What does Christian worship look like? Well, that depends!  In churches it includes hymns and liturgies, lessons and creeds. In school it can include Bible-based action songs and murals on the walls. Understanding worship’s purpose will help us understand our various worship practices.

  “But I want to feel closer to God. I need emotion.” It’s true, we often feel emotion when we worship. (O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder…” CW 256:1) These human emotions, however, are not the purpose of worship. Rather, they spring from the heart of worship: the Gospel.

   It is hard to find the right balance of church doctrine and expressive worship.  In our defense of solid doctrine, it is easy to forget that God created us with human emotions. If we want more expressive worship, it becomes easy to downplay the importance of correct teaching.

   If worship is my primary opportunity to receive the riches of Christ and to proclaim the Gospel to my neighbor, then, in Christian love, I need to put aside my personal preferences and focus on my neighbor’s interests above my own.

  Satan knows that if he can confuse the purpose of worship, he will get us to take our focus off of Christ and to place it on our emotion or our reaction to Christ. Instead of a purpose-driven church, or a mission- minded church, let us strive to be a Christ-centered church! Everything else flows from there.

  We gather in worship for a very specific purpose; to receive the riches of Christ! To God be the glory!

(Excerpts from “Worship the Lord” No. 36,”Worship is Really Purpose-Driven” by Aaron Christie)

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
3-31                            4-3	72                       62	136                      74
St. John’s Altar CommitteeApril 2019	Diane Eisermann&Delores Cotte

SJ GREETER SCHEDULE

April 7	Paul & Christa Van Treeck
April 14	Susan Brown & Kathy North
April 21	Kay Maass & LuAnn Zieman
April 28	Ciara Neuhauser & Jennie Utke
May 5	Phyllis Farrell & Pat Henning
May 12	Jim & Diane Eisermann
May 19	Wayne & Marilyn Riemer
May 26	Aaron Kendall & Christopher Smith

April 10            Lent 3:30pm  ELent 6:30 pm  SJ	Wayne Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Joe HellerJack Yates; Chief, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls
April 14                                  E (with communion) SJ	Don Stelter, Warren Buchholz, Brian NinnemannDon Smith; Chief, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, Scott Ritz, Ken Borzick
April 18        Maundy Thurs.7:00pm   E	Darrell Buchholz, Don Stelter, Gary Wegner
April 19             Good Friday                1:00pm (with comm.) SJ	Kenon Smith; Chief, Ben Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz, James Henke, Paul Van Treeck
April 21                       Easter ESunrise 6:00am   SJ 10:00am  SJ	Brian Ninnemann, Bob Ferber, Paul DahlkeCal Kapp; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck BoetcherJames Wachholz; Chief, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith
April 28                                  E (with communion) SJ	Darrell Buchholz, Jim Stuempges, Joe HellerJack 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 NinnemannKenon Smith; Chief, Glen Bubolz, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz
May 19                                    ESJ	Lucas Stelter, Paul Wuerch, Paul DahlkeCal Kapp; Chief, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, Scott Ritz
May 26                                    E (with communion) SJ	Don Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, Joe HellerJames Wachholz; Chief, Ken Borzick, Ben Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz, James Henke

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church     

313 E. Montello St. U.S. POSTAGE

Montello, WI 53949 P A I D

Permit No. 8

Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church    

W1568 Evergreen Lane

Montello, WI 53949

Located 4 miles east of town

Montello, WI 53949

Website: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Like us on Facebook

Office: (608) 297-2866

Holy Week Worship

4/14 Palm Sunday 8am/10am at Emm/SJ

4/17 NO Wednesday 6:30pm Service

4/18 Maundy Thursday 7pm at Emm with communion                                                

4/19 Good Friday 1pm at SJ with communion             

4/21 Easter 6am/10am at SJ & 8am at Emm

St. John’s & Emmnauel

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

MARCH 31, 2019

St. John’s & Emmanuel

Ev. Lutheran Church

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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. “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.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY

God’s Amazing Grace Is Received by Faith – Today we see the sincerity of our Savior’s love. God keeps waiting to show his children mercy. God is ready, even anxious to forgive us. He pleads that we come to him and be saved. Such constant and free forgiveness doesn’t make sense to human logic. But God’s ways are greater than our ways. If his grace were not so great, it could not cover all of our sins. We rejoice in God’s amazing grace which always gives forgiveness for all sins.

TODAY’S WORSHIP

Today’s worship is adapted from Divine Service II is a version of the historic liturgy of the Christian church.

SONGS BY ST. JOHN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL (at St. John’s)DO YOU KNOW WHO DIED FOR ME?

Do you know who died for me?

Jesus did, Jesus did,

Lovingly He died for me,

Yes, He really did!

Do you know who cares for me?

Jesus does, Jesus does,

Lovingly He cares for me,

Yes, He really does!WHO CAN MEASURE JESUS’ LOVE FOR ME?

Jesus, Savior, who am I?

(Love, Saving Love)

Is it for me that you die?

(Love, Saving Love)

CHORUS

Higher, Deeper, Wide as it can be.

Who can measure Jesus love for me?

What led you to Calvary?

(Love, Saving Love)

Why did you do that for me?

(Love, Saving Love) CHORUS

Jesus, Lord and Savior dear,

(Love, Saving Love)

Will you hold me ever near?

(Love, Saving Love) CHORUS

OPENING HYMN 339 Today Your Mercy Calls Us

INVOCATION

The name of the Triune God and the sign of the cross remind worshipers of their baptisms.

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. (spoken)

CONFESSION

M: Dear friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.

C: Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin.

For faithless worrying and selfish pride,
For sins of habit and sins of choice,

For the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do,
You should cast me away from your presence forever.
O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.

ABSOLUTION

The use of the keys is that special power and right which Christ gave to his church on earth: to forgive the sins of penitent sinners” See John 20:21-23.

M: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. In his great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through his called servant:

I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. (spoken)

LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie Mark 10:47

Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian church.

M: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.For the well-being of all people everywhere, that they may receive from you all they need to sustain body and life, hear our prayer, O Lord.

C: Lord, have mercy. (spoken)

M: For the spread of your life-giving gospel throughout the world, that all who are lost in sin may be brought to faith in you, hear our prayer, O Christ.

C: Christ, have mercy.

M: For patience and perseverance in this life, that we may not lose the hope of heaven as we await your return, hear our prayer, O Lord.

C: Lord, have mercy.

M: Lord of life, live in us that we may live for you.

C: Amen.

THE WORD

SALUTATION

This greeting has deep roots in Christian worship and marks the beginning of the Word and Sacrament section of the service.

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you. (spoken)

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray….

C: Amen. (spoken)

FIRST LESSON Isaiah 12:1-6

The Lord, the God of free and faithful grace is mentioned five times in this reading. His anger has turned to comfort and salvation. Joyful singing replaces fear. The Holy One of God has become our salvation.

In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, Lord.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

PSALM 32 hymnal page 78 & bulletin pg. 7, 8

Congregation sings the Refrain and the verses are read in unison. A psalm of repentance from David. True repentance acknowledges sin and humbly confesses. It also rejoices in forgiveness from the Lord.RefrainBlessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,* whose sins are covered.When I kept silent, your hand was heavy upon me;* my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.Then I acknowledged my sin to you* and did not cover up my iniquity.I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”* and you forgave the guilt of my sin.RefrainYou are my hiding place;* you will protect me from trouble.Many are the woes of the wicked,*but the LORD’S unfailing love surrounds those who trust in him.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.RefrainSECOND LESSON 1 Corinthians 1:18-25We preach Christ crucified. Why? It may sound like foolishness to unbelieving hearts, but it has been revealed to us as the power of God for the saving of souls.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.VERSE OF THE DAYM: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)THE GOSPEL Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32Though sin should separate us from God and his family, he welcomes us with the full rights of sons. Yes, foolish sounding to the self-righteous, but great comfort to the repentant. Full and free forgiveness is cause for rejoicing.

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable:

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

THE APOSTLE’S CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

HYMN 304 v 1,3,5,7 Jesus Sinners Does Receive

SERMON Psalm 32 – Sing About Sin with a Smile

OFFERING

Moved by God’s love in Christ, we offer him our first and best gifts, purely out of thanks to him.

Please stand

OFFERING PRAYER, PRAYER OF THE CHURCH (hymnal pg. 125), 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, 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, Pete Laun, 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), Karl Whitrock, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: Dennis Wacholtz)

– 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 who were called on 3/10 by St. John’s voters to serve next fall as principal/teacher and K4-K5 director/teacher respectively

– For Pastor Steven Tews of Balaton, MN who accepted the Lord’s Call to serve at Peace–Wautoma. An installation service is being planned for Sunday, 5/19 at 3pm

– For Harley & Liola Crown who celebrate their 74^th wedding anniversary today (3/31)

– For our St. John’s member Don Smith celebrating his 90th birthday today (3/31)

Please be seatedLORD’S PRAYEROur Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. HYMN 379 Amazing Grace

BLESSING Numbers 6:24-26

The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The Lord said, “So they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them” [Numbers 6:27].

M: 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.

C: Amen. (spoken)

HYMN 510 I Pray You, Dear Lord Jesus

© 2008 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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

Announcements

Activities for the week of March 31-April 6
Sun.
Mon.	6:00 P.M.		Hands in Prayer at St. John’s
	6:00 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		Choir at St. John’s
	7:30 P.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.	9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Elders meeting
Wed.	8:00 A.M.		St. John’s School Chapel
	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	2:30 P.M.-6:30P.M.		Northwestern Publishing House Bookfair in St. John’s link way
	3:30 P.M.		Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
	3:45 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation Class at St. John’s
	4:30 P.M.		Lenten Supper at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Lenten Devotion
Thurs.	8:00 A.M.		St. John’s School Teen Confirmation Class
	12:00 P.M.		St. John’s Ladies Aid lunch and meeting
	6:00 P.M.		Griefshare (9th of 13 weeks) in St. John’s lower level
Fri.
Sat.
Theme for Next Sunday April 7, 2019 Lent 5: “The Lord Destroys His Enemies & Builds a New Kingdom”
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship with communion
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M.		Northwestern Publishing House Bookfair in St. John’s link way
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship

NORTHWESTERN PUBLISHING HOUSE BOOKFAIR St. John’s will be having a NPH Bookfair on the following dates:

Wednesday, April 3: 2:30pm-6:30pm,

Sunday, April 7: 9:00am-10:00am & 11:00am-12:00pm

Wednesday, April 10: 2:30pm-6:30pm.

On all orders, there is 20% off, free shipping and no tax! Checks can be made out to St. John’s. Stop on by and see what’s in!

EMMANUEL EASTER BREAKFAST will take place after 8:00am service on Easter Sunday, April 21. Members and friends are all welcome for food and fellowship!

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

EASTER CARDS NEW Easter, Confirmation & Graduation cards have arrived! Come to St. John’s lower level and get them while supplies last.

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) APRIL 3 HOST: Ladies Aid WHAT’S ON THE MENU?: meatloaf dinner, hashbrown casserole, corn, dinner rolls, homemade desserts & drinks.

EASTER FOR KIDS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

VOLUNTEER to help pack Easter baskets on Thursday, April 11, time TBA. VOLUNTEER to help set up the Bible Giveaway on Friday, April 12, time TBA. VOLUNTEER to make jello jigglers for the Easter for Kids Lunch on Saturday, April 13.

VOLUNTEER to prep crafts during the week prior to the event. VOLUNTEER to help at the event on Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to Noon. (Grade 7 through Adult – girls-boys-women-men–all welcome! Thrivent T-Shirts for all helpers)

VOLUNTEER to assist with snacks and work the kitchen on the day of the event. Contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

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. 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 Fri., April 5.

EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS ARE STILL WELCOMED Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO GIVE SPRING OFFERINGS FOR Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society MISSION PROJECTS. Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. Thank you for loving missions!

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS member): “The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.”

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

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
3-24 3-27	74	102 51
St. John’s Altar Committee: March 2019		Diane Eisermann & Delores Cotte

St. John’s Greeters Schedule
Mar. 31	Delvin & Jean Henke
April 7	Paul & Christa Van Treeck
April 14	Susan Brown & Kathy North

Usher Schedule
March 31 E SJ	Wayne Stelter, Paul Wuerch, DuWayne Sommerfeld Kenon Smith; Chief, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Del Henke
April 3 Lent 3:30pm E Lent 6:30 pm SJ	Wayne Stelter, Gary Wegner, Joe Heller Cal Kapp; Chief, Joe Zauner, Gordon Krause, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt
April 7 (with communion) E SJ	Lucas Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, Gary Wegner, Brian Ninnemann (comm. assist.) James Wachholz, Chief, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock, Matt Borzick, Glen Bubolz
April 10 Lent 3:30pm E Lent 6:30 pm SJ	Wayne Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller Jack Yates; Chief, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls
April 14 E (with communion) SJ	Don Stelter, Warren Buchholz, Brian Ninnemann Don Smith; Chief, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, Scott Ritz, Ken Borzick