Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say: ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. John 12:20-33
As we approach Holy Week, we make the all-important bold request of the Greeks who were drawn to our Lord that first Holy Week: “We would like to see Jesus.”
What Jesus vividly shows us of himself, is far different and more than what we could ever expect.
Jesus shows us the greatest humiliation, suffering, loss, and death. Like a kernel of wheat falling to the ground, he must give up all, that we might be born in him to inherit eternal life.
Jesus shows us the hour of judgment, as he is condemned to die in order to rescue us from this sinful world and the wickedness of the devil. Far from avoiding this hour, Jesus insists upon enduring it. This is the hour of his eternal victory for us!
Jesus shows us glorification. Yes, that is the unexpected and prominent word of these verses: “glorify.” The Father spoke from heaven. His name is glorified in Christ, who carries out God’s eternal saving will for us. Jesus is glorified, and in him we are glorified.
Read these triumphant verses again, and see how secure your salvation is because your Savior willingly faced and endured the most dreadful and glorious hour when on the cross he was lifted up from the earth.
This is our Jesus. In the midst of this dark world, plagued by the devil’s terrors, may our Savior draw us to himself, to see his victory and the glory he has won for us.
Prayer:[Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 170]
Draw us to thee
That also we
Thy heavenly bliss inherit
And ever dwell
Where sin and hell
No more can vex our spirit.
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH! We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and “link-way” at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. May God bless our worship together!
A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Dear Heavenly Father: I come to your house today to worship you, to give you the praise you deserve and the prayers and hymns you desire. Through your Word and Sacrament, come to me. Take me by the hand and lead me to the cross where your Son offered sin’s sacrifice once and for all. Forgive my sins, strengthen my faith, assure me of my salvation, and enlist me for Christian service. Teach me today, especially, about Jesus, my Great High Priest. Amen.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus is Our High Priest Who Offers Himself – Before Jesus was born, believers had to regularly offer up sacrifices for sin. Only the High Priest could go before God with the blood and prayers of the people. These sacrifices would go on and on for the entire life of the Old Testament believer as a vivid reminder that God would send a Savior who would be sacrificed on the behalf of all people. Today the Word of God shows that Jesus, our High Priest, would sacrifice himself and bring a new covenant of life that would last forever.
ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY
“Morning Praise” (hymnal page 45)
PASTOR’S GREETING
Note: At Emmanuel…
Adult Choir Sings “Face the Cross” (in place of opening hymn)
Note: At St. John’s…
OPENING HYMN 103 “Glory Be to Jesus” (in place of “Morning Hymn”, printed in hymnal, all sing)
The New Covenant Was Established By Jesus, Our High Priest
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Jeremiah 31:31-34
The promise of the new covenant
“The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
PSALM 143 (hymnal page 118; men sing first line, women sing second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
VERSE OF THE DAY “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
GOSPEL John 12:20-33
Jesus’ road to glory was the road to the cross
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.
SERMON HYMN 359 “Jesus, My Great High Priest”
(printed in hymnal, all sing)
SERMON Hebrews 5:7-9
“He Suffered”
It was so very real
It was so very necessary
(Please stand after the sermon)
HYMN 367:1-2 “Christ Be My Leader” (in place of “We Praise You, O God”, printed in hymnal, all sing)
2016 WELS International Youth Rally 4-minute Promo Video (during offering)
OFFERING PRAYER
(Please stand)
LENTEN PRAYER
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Brian & Bonnie Harmon (Linda Lou Wacholtz’ sister & brother-in-law), Brody Henke, Ardis Henning, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Doris Klawitter, Anna Madigan, Kerry & Lily Mann, Samantha Marcelain (Dawn’s daughter-in-law), Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), David & Janette Mottis (Ed & Marlene Buchholz’ niece and husband), Steve Parrish, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Bill Schroeder (Ashley’s father-in-law), Jane Torres (Stacie Starke’s mother) – (added this week: Samantha Marcelain)
– For teachers called by the Lord through his Church at our 3/4 St. John’s voters meeting to serve at St. John’s Lutheran School: Corin Einhardt from St. Luke’s–Vassar, MI to serve as K-1 teacher and Daniel Kasten from Bethlehem–Hortonville to serve as 5-8 teacher and principal
LITURGY (hymnal page 50, all sings)
LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 50b)
(Please be seated)
PRAYER FOR GRACE & BLESSING (hymnal pages 50c-51)
CLOSING HYMN 367:3 “Christ Be My Leader” (printed in hymnal, all sing)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Theme for next Sunday (3/25):
Palm Sunday: Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem
Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK MARCH 18-MARCH 24
Sun.
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.
Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
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
Mon.
6:30 P.M.
Senior Choir at St. John’s
7:30 P.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
7:00 P.M.
St. John’s Council meeting
Wed.
10:00 A.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
1:40 P.M.
St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
2:15 P.M.
Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
3:30 P.M.
Emmanuel Devotion
4:15 P.M.-6:00P.M.
Lenten Supper at St. John’s
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Devotion
7:30 P.M.
Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.
10:00 A.M.
Montello Care Center devotion with communion
4:00-7:00 P.M.
St. John’s Kindergarten Round-Up
6:00 P.M.
Griefshare in St. John’s Lower Level
Fri.
Sat.
9:00A.M.-12:00P.M.
Easter for Kids at St. John’s
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2018
Theme for next Sunday (3/25):
Palm Sunday: Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.
Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
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
MEMORIAL In loving memory of Mavis DeWitt, $350.00 has been given to St. John’s by family and friends, $50.00 has been given to Ladies Aid by family and friends and $50.00 has been given to St. John’s School by Roger and Karen Wojtalewicz. Thank you for your gifts.
CHURCH PHOTOGRAPHY SIGN-UP If you would like to be put on a sign-up list for your photography session for our new church directory, please fill out some information on the sign-up sheet located in the church link way. Ciara will sign you up and give you a confirmation call with your date and time of session.
EASTER FLOWER ORDER There will be a sign-up in the church link way for those who would like to order Easter flowers this year. The deadline is TODAY, March 18.
EASTER BREAKFAST AT EMMANUEL April 1, following the 8:00AM Easter Service, everyone is invited (members, friends and guests) for pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, cheese, 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.
LENTEN SUPPERS March 21, 4:15p.m. – 6:00p.m.
Hosted by ST. JOHN’S YOUTH GROUP! A free will offering will be taken.
What’s on the Menu? Taco bar, nachos, taco salad, cheesecake taquitos and beverages. See you there!
ST. JOHN’S LITTLE LAMBS is now accepting enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year. Registration forms are available in the office. If you would like more information about Little Lambs please call the school at (608) 297-2866 to schedule a time to come visit Little Lambs.
KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP St. John’s will be holding its kindergarten round up Thursday, March 22nd! If you have a child who will be entering kindergarten next year, consider coming out to see what kindergarten is all about! It will be in Miss Borck’s classroom from 4:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. Come and go as you please!
HELP WANTED! St. John’s is in need of some volunteers to help clean the church. Let’s do our part and take care of God’s house that he has blessed us with! If you are interested, please contact the office.
WEDNESDAY LENTEN DEVOTIONS “Jesus, Our Great High Priest” (based on the New Testament book of Hebrews) is the theme for this year’s midweek Lenten devotions that began Ash Wednesday, 2/14 3:30 p.m. at Emmanuel and 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s. Supper will be served in the St. John’s lower level from 4:15–6:00 p.m. “Jesus, I will ponder now, on your holy passion.” (Hymn 98)
CONTEST! Box Tops, Kwik Trip, and Tyson a+ contest has started and ends on APRIL 13th! Each classroom will compete to see which room can collect the most items and the winning class room will win a “Taco Boat” party. Box Tops do have expiration dates, so if everyone could please turn in what you currently have AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, it would be much appreciated! Thank you to everyone for supporting your school and have fun collecting! Remember that family and friends are happy to help! Good luck!
STILL NEEDED FOR EASTER FOR KIDS BABY ANIMAL PETTING ZOO Our event is next Saturday, March 24, and we are still looking for puppies and a pony. If you have leads, please contact Linda Wachholz at 608-369-2635 or lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org
LAST MINUTE REGISTRATIONS FOR EASTER FOR KIDS STILL ACCEPTED Your Easter for Kids staff does not want any child left out of the fun planned for next Saturday, March 24-the Message of Easter is too important for anyone to miss out!
EASTER FOR
JOIN US FOR THE EASTER FOR KIDS CLOSING PROGRAM Parish and community members are cordially invited to attend the closing program in the church next Saturday, March 24, at 11:30. A free lunch and Bible giveaway will follow in the church’s lower level.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS Your monetary gifts and help with preparing treats for the baskets and lunch for this Saturday, March 24, are so very much appreciated! If you would like to volunteer for the day, please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.
HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR SPRING MISSION OFFERING? They are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 25. A container is located in the entrance at St. John’s and in the parish hall at Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. Projects supported by gifts are listed by the container. Gifts are welcome from all who love missions!
SEND ONE SISTER PROGRAM assists women who would like to attend the LWMS Convention as a first-time attendee. This year’s Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Convention will be held June 21-24 in Green Bay, and it’s time to register! Registration materials are available from your reporter (Helen Stelter at Emmanuel; Linda Wachholz at St. John’s). If you have never attended but have thought you might like to attend this mission-packed weekend, you are encouraged to complete a Send One Sister application, also available from your church’s reporter. The Beaver Dam Circuit Board will be holding a Silent Auction at it spring rally to raise SOS funds which will be given to first-time attendees from our circuit to help with their expenses. Why don’t YOU apply!! Deadline: April 15, 2018
YOU ARE INVITED TO HELP WITH A SERVICE PROJECT FOR CAMP PHILLIP-WAUTOMA 1) Donate items on the Camp Wish List (copies at the collection boxes at both churches) and/or 2) Donate monetary gifts towards Camp Phillip’s present $500,000 building project. Please give monetary gifts to the LWMS reporter at your church (Helen Stelter at Emmanuel; Linda Wachholz at St. John’s). Your LWMS sisters thank you for supporting your WELS Lutheran area camp! Collecting through April 15.
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the idle of the road, and the back of the church.
THE LUTHERAN GIRL PIONEERS The Lutheran Girl Pioneers invites girls ages 8-15 to join us at the LGP International Camp July 29- August 4, 2018. We have many classes to choose, from canoeing to Zumba, from crocheting to archery. There are also nightly campfires, daily devotions, and so much more!
LGP Camp is located at Camp Bird, Crivitz, Wisconsin.
You don’t have to be a member of Lutheran Girl Pioneers to come! Girls from all over the U.S. and Canada have joined us! Registrations come out in March.
Lutheran Girl Pioneers serves girls of the WELS and ELS. For more information about LGP, email girlpioneers@gmail.com.
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor) “Quit griping about your church; If it was perfect, you couldn’t belong.”
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SCHEDULE HALF-SHEETS are available in the church entries. Send/give an Easter card to a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor, include a HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SCHEDULE HALF-SHEET and invite them to join us for worship this Holy Week. “I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD’.” (Psalm 122:1)
Usher Schedule
SJ
Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, Richard Freitag
March 18 E
Lucas Stelter, Warren Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld
SJ
Jack Yates; Chief, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock, Matt Borzick
March 21 E
Don Stelter, Dave Radke
SJ
Don Smith; Chief, Glen Bubolz
March 25 E
Darrell Buchholz, Noah Buchholz, Joe Heller
SJ
(with comm)
Kenon Smith; Chief, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls
March 29 E
(Maundy Thurs with comm)
Wayne Stelter, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller, comm. assist; Brian Ninneman
March 30 SJ
(Good Friday with comm)
Cal Kapp; Chief, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, Scott Ritz, James Kunde
St. John’s Greeter Schedule
March 18
Scott & Debbie Ritz
March 25
Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
3-11 3-14
51 62
124 76
St. John’s Altar Committee
March 2018
Diane Eisermann
&
Delores Cotte
St. John’s & Emmanuel Lent & Holy Week Worship Schedule
Theme: Jesus Christ is Our High Priest
3/21/18
Emm – 3:30p.m.
SJ – 6:30p.m.
Midweek 6
Pastor Pete Zietlow
3/29/18
Emm – 7:00p.m.
(communion)
Maundy Thursday
Pastor John Dolan
3/30/18
SJ – 1:00p.m.
(communion)
Good Friday
Pastor Pete Zietlow
4/1/18
SJ – 6:00a.m. & 10:00a.m
Emm – 8:00a.m.
Easter Sunrise & Easter Service
Easter Service
Pastor John Dolan (6am)
Pastor Pete Zietlow
Walking with Jesus
God, Father and Creator,
we thank you for all the gifts
you have given us,
especially the gift of your Son.
During this holy season of Lent,
help us to change and grow and
become the kind of people
you created us to be.
Fill our hearts with love for you,
and love for other people
created in your image.
Show us how to use the gifts you have given us
to help others in your name.
As we journey together toward the light of Easter,
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Martha had to ask herself what she believed. Jesus had just asked her one of the most important questions she would ever have to answer. Would she go with the commonly accepted opinion? Or, would she go with what she had come to know?
I face the same question today. What do I believe about Jesus? Do I accept the view held by many that Jesus was just a moral man, a good teacher, and a wonderful example to follow? Or, do I trust what the Bible reveals fully about Jesus? The difference is critical because either I see Jesus as a lunatic or I confess him as Lord.
When Jesus says he is the resurrection and the life, he declares he is the Son of God and the Son of Man. He also declares he is the Christ, namely the one sent and set apart by God to be the world’s Savior. The world scoffs at this message and claims Jesus was nothing more than a man. While the world may try to convince me to believe Jesus was a lunatic who claimed to be God, I need to rely on what the Bible teaches.
The Bible is clear in what it says about Jesus. As true God he came to live the perfect life which God the Father required for me to enter heaven. As true Man he was able to give up his life and offer the perfect payment to release me from the guilt of my sin. Equally important, as true God and true Man—the Christ from God—he gives me the assurance to trust his promise: “Whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
When I put my complete confidence in Jesus, it is not misplaced. As my Lord he forgives me, he rescues me from the devil’s power and he will bring me to life in heaven. As my Lord he also guides me with his love, he comforts me with his promises, and he guards me with his presence.
It is because of who Jesus is and what he does that I confidently confess he is my Lord. I also confidently confess with Martha, “I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
Prayer:
O dearest Jesus, I thank you for your willingness to die on the cross for me. I also thank you for your victory over death and the grave. Continue to give me the confidence I need to trust in you as my gracious Lord and only Savior. Amen.
This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.
This devotional thought is not for everyone. Rather it is for those of you who know what it is to suffer, because you are going through it right now.
As you read or listen to this message, some of you have joints that are screaming from rheumatoid arthritis. Some of you are miserable from chemotherapy. Some of you have back pain so severe you can only stand, sit, or sleep for short periods of time. Some of you get frequent headaches so massive that any kind of light or sound is a torture. Some of you are reeling from multiple surgeries, barely recovering from one when doctors tell you to get ready for another. And some of you possess one of a thousand other maladies—physical or emotional. What they all have in common is that they all define what it is to suffer.
It’s often when our suffering is at its worst that the devil walks in, ready to attack our faith. Many times his weapon of choice is the comparison. He points out other people similar to us in age and circumstance. He comments that they don’t seem to have anything near the suffering and pain that we have. And with that, he lets our sinful nature do the rest. He lets our sinful nature drag us away into the dungeon of self-pity.
But the Lord of your life has something to say about this. He speaks though the apostle Paul. Paul, as you may know, is someone who knew all about severe suffering. He grappled with a terrible problem that appeared to plague him until he died. Instead of comparing himself to others who did not have to suffer as he did, Paul made the comparison that really matters. He said, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
What is the specific reason why the Lord is allowing you to suffer? That is not for us to say. Perhaps it is to nurture within you a faith that is heroic and robust. Perhaps it is to give others around you a living, breathing sermon on Christian courage. Perhaps it is to bring you into contact with a lost soul the Lord will save through your witness. Perhaps it’s for an entirely different reason.
Never forget, however, the comparison that matters. Your temporary suffering is a droplet in comparison to the oceans of joy that await you in heaven. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why he suffered and died for your sins. That’s why he rose. That’s why he lives!
Prayer:
My Savior, stand beside me in my suffering. Strengthen me by your Spirit. Remind me that the pain is temporary. Remind me that the joy of heaven is eternal. Amen.
This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.
For centuries God’s people had been anxiously waiting for the Messiah. They had sinned against him and deserved punishment, but the Lord promised that his Anointed One would come to save them—a prophet, priest, and king all rolled into one man. And now the day had finally arrived for Jesus to be “officially” introduced and begin his redeeming work. John the Baptist was the one chosen by God to make the announcement. But how do you introduce such a man? What words do justice to the one who is the Word of God in human flesh and blood?
“Look,” John said, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” With those few, simple words, the world was introduced to its one true hope of redemption.
Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, came to serve as our priest, a mediator between us and God whom we had angered by our sin. But this priest did not wait for us to bring a sacrifice. Nothing that we have to offer could ever pay down the debt we owe for a lifetime of rebellion against God. So, Christ offered the only sacrifice worth more than all the lives of people put together—his own perfect life and innocent blood as the sinless Son of God. A different John, John the apostle, wrote about Jesus, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
How do we introduce Jesus to our friends and neighbors? Truly there is much that we can say about him. We can talk about his power as the Son of God or the eternal wisdom of his teachings. But the greatest gift that Christ has to offer anyone is not a miracle or meme, but himself. His death on the cross is payment for our sin and his resurrection from the grave is a guarantee of eternal life. Share this wonderful good news with others, as John did. Tell them that Jesus is worthy of their trust. Believe in him and have peace with God.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I cannot repay you for what you sacrificed to bring me forgiveness. Give me opportunities to tell others how you are the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Amen.
The devotions in March on Thursday and Friday focus on the office of Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH! We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and “link-way” at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. May God bless our worship together!
A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Dear Heavenly Father: I come to your house today to worship you, to give you the praise you deserve and the prayers and hymns you desire. Through your Word and Sacrament, come to me. Take me by the hand and lead me to the cross where your Son offered sin’s sacrifice once and for all. Forgive my sins, strengthen my faith, assure me of my salvation, and enlist me for Christian service. Teach me today, especially, about Jesus, my Great High Priest. Amen.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus is Our High Priest Who Offers Himself – Before Jesus was born, believers had to regularly offer up sacrifices for sin. Only the High Priest could go before God with the blood and prayers of the people. These sacrifices would go on and on for the entire life of the Old Testament believer as a vivid reminder that God would send a Savior who would be sacrificed on the behalf of all people. Today the Word of God shows that Jesus, our High Priest, would sacrifice himself and bring a new covenant of life that would last forever.
ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY
“Morning Praise” (hymnal page 45)
PASTOR’S GREETING
Note: At Emmanuel…
Adult Choir Sings “Face the Cross” (in place of opening hymn)
Note: At St. John’s…
OPENING HYMN 103 “Glory Be to Jesus” (in place of “Morning Hymn”, printed in hymnal, all sing)
The New Covenant Was Established By Jesus, Our High Priest
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Jeremiah 31:31-34
The promise of the new covenant
“The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
PSALM 143 (hymnal page 118; men sing first line, women sing second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
VERSE OF THE DAY “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
GOSPEL John 12:20-33
Jesus’ road to glory was the road to the cross
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.
SERMON HYMN 359 “Jesus, My Great High Priest”
(printed in hymnal, all sing)
SERMON Hebrews 5:7-9
“He Suffered”
It was so very real
It was so very necessary
(Please stand after the sermon)
HYMN 367:1-2 “Christ Be My Leader” (in place of “We Praise You, O God”, printed in hymnal, all sing)
2016 WELS International Youth Rally 4-minute Promo Video (during offering)
OFFERING PRAYER
(Please stand)
LENTEN PRAYER
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Brian & Bonnie Harmon (Linda Lou Wacholtz’ sister & brother-in-law), Brody Henke, Ardis Henning, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Doris Klawitter, Anna Madigan, Kerry & Lily Mann, Samantha Marcelain (Dawn’s daughter-in-law), Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), David & Janette Mottis (Ed & Marlene Buchholz’ niece and husband), Steve Parrish, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Bill Schroeder (Ashley’s father-in-law), Jane Torres (Stacie Starke’s mother) – (added this week: Samantha Marcelain)
– For teachers called by the Lord through his Church at our 3/4 St. John’s voters meeting to serve at St. John’s Lutheran School: Corin Einhardt from St. Luke’s–Vassar, MI to serve as K-1 teacher and Daniel Kasten from Bethlehem–Hortonville to serve as 5-8 teacher and principal
LITURGY (hymnal page 50, all sings)
LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 50b)
(Please be seated)
PRAYER FOR GRACE & BLESSING (hymnal pages 50c-51)
CLOSING HYMN 367:3 “Christ Be My Leader” (printed in hymnal, all sing)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Theme for next Sunday (3/25):
Palm Sunday: Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem
Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK MARCH 18-MARCH 24
Sun.
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.
Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
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
Mon.
6:30 P.M.
Senior Choir at St. John’s
7:30 P.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
7:00 P.M.
St. John’s Council meeting
Wed.
10:00 A.M.
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
1:40 P.M.
St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
2:15 P.M.
Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
3:30 P.M.
Emmanuel Devotion
4:15 P.M.-6:00P.M.
Lenten Supper at St. John’s
6:30 P.M.
St. John’s Devotion
7:30 P.M.
Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.
10:00 A.M.
Montello Care Center devotion with communion
4:00-7:00 P.M.
St. John’s Kindergarten Round-Up
6:00 P.M.
Griefshare in St. John’s Lower Level
Fri.
Sat.
9:00A.M.-12:00P.M.
Easter for Kids at St. John’s
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2018
Theme for next Sunday (3/25):
Palm Sunday: Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem
8:00 A.M.
Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.
Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
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
MEMORIAL In loving memory of Mavis DeWitt, $350.00 has been given to St. John’s by family and friends, $50.00 has been given to Ladies Aid by family and friends and $50.00 has been given to St. John’s School by Roger and Karen Wojtalewicz. Thank you for your gifts.
CHURCH PHOTOGRAPHY SIGN-UP If you would like to be put on a sign-up list for your photography session for our new church directory, please fill out some information on the sign-up sheet located in the church link way. Ciara will sign you up and give you a confirmation call with your date and time of session.
EASTER FLOWER ORDER There will be a sign-up in the church link way for those who would like to order Easter flowers this year. The deadline is TODAY, March 18.
EASTER BREAKFAST AT EMMANUEL April 1, following the 8:00AM Easter Service, everyone is invited (members, friends and guests) for pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, cheese, 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.
LENTEN SUPPERS March 21, 4:15p.m. – 6:00p.m.
Hosted by ST. JOHN’S YOUTH GROUP! A free will offering will be taken.
What’s on the Menu? Taco bar, nachos, taco salad, cheesecake taquitos and beverages. See you there!
ST. JOHN’S LITTLE LAMBS is now accepting enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year. Registration forms are available in the office. If you would like more information about Little Lambs please call the school at (608) 297-2866 to schedule a time to come visit Little Lambs.
KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP St. John’s will be holding its kindergarten round up Thursday, March 22nd! If you have a child who will be entering kindergarten next year, consider coming out to see what kindergarten is all about! It will be in Miss Borck’s classroom from 4:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. Come and go as you please!
HELP WANTED! St. John’s is in need of some volunteers to help clean the church. Let’s do our part and take care of God’s house that he has blessed us with! If you are interested, please contact the office.
WEDNESDAY LENTEN DEVOTIONS “Jesus, Our Great High Priest” (based on the New Testament book of Hebrews) is the theme for this year’s midweek Lenten devotions that began Ash Wednesday, 2/14 3:30 p.m. at Emmanuel and 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s. Supper will be served in the St. John’s lower level from 4:15–6:00 p.m. “Jesus, I will ponder now, on your holy passion.” (Hymn 98)
CONTEST! Box Tops, Kwik Trip, and Tyson a+ contest has started and ends on APRIL 13th! Each classroom will compete to see which room can collect the most items and the winning class room will win a “Taco Boat” party. Box Tops do have expiration dates, so if everyone could please turn in what you currently have AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, it would be much appreciated! Thank you to everyone for supporting your school and have fun collecting! Remember that family and friends are happy to help! Good luck!
STILL NEEDED FOR EASTER FOR KIDS BABY ANIMAL PETTING ZOO Our event is next Saturday, March 24, and we are still looking for puppies and a pony. If you have leads, please contact Linda Wachholz at 608-369-2635 or lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org
LAST MINUTE REGISTRATIONS FOR EASTER FOR KIDS STILL ACCEPTED Your Easter for Kids staff does not want any child left out of the fun planned for next Saturday, March 24-the Message of Easter is too important for anyone to miss out!
EASTER FOR
JOIN US FOR THE EASTER FOR KIDS CLOSING PROGRAM Parish and community members are cordially invited to attend the closing program in the church next Saturday, March 24, at 11:30. A free lunch and Bible giveaway will follow in the church’s lower level.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS Your monetary gifts and help with preparing treats for the baskets and lunch for this Saturday, March 24, are so very much appreciated! If you would like to volunteer for the day, please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.
HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR SPRING MISSION OFFERING? They are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 25. A container is located in the entrance at St. John’s and in the parish hall at Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. Projects supported by gifts are listed by the container. Gifts are welcome from all who love missions!
SEND ONE SISTER PROGRAM assists women who would like to attend the LWMS Convention as a first-time attendee. This year’s Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Convention will be held June 21-24 in Green Bay, and it’s time to register! Registration materials are available from your reporter (Helen Stelter at Emmanuel; Linda Wachholz at St. John’s). If you have never attended but have thought you might like to attend this mission-packed weekend, you are encouraged to complete a Send One Sister application, also available from your church’s reporter. The Beaver Dam Circuit Board will be holding a Silent Auction at it spring rally to raise SOS funds which will be given to first-time attendees from our circuit to help with their expenses. Why don’t YOU apply!! Deadline: April 15, 2018
YOU ARE INVITED TO HELP WITH A SERVICE PROJECT FOR CAMP PHILLIP-WAUTOMA 1) Donate items on the Camp Wish List (copies at the collection boxes at both churches) and/or 2) Donate monetary gifts towards Camp Phillip’s present $500,000 building project. Please give monetary gifts to the LWMS reporter at your church (Helen Stelter at Emmanuel; Linda Wachholz at St. John’s). Your LWMS sisters thank you for supporting your WELS Lutheran area camp! Collecting through April 15.
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the idle of the road, and the back of the church.
THE LUTHERAN GIRL PIONEERS The Lutheran Girl Pioneers invites girls ages 8-15 to join us at the LGP International Camp July 29- August 4, 2018. We have many classes to choose, from canoeing to Zumba, from crocheting to archery. There are also nightly campfires, daily devotions, and so much more!
LGP Camp is located at Camp Bird, Crivitz, Wisconsin.
You don’t have to be a member of Lutheran Girl Pioneers to come! Girls from all over the U.S. and Canada have joined us! Registrations come out in March.
Lutheran Girl Pioneers serves girls of the WELS and ELS. For more information about LGP, email girlpioneers@gmail.com.
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor) “Quit griping about your church; If it was perfect, you couldn’t belong.”
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SCHEDULE HALF-SHEETS are available in the church entries. Send/give an Easter card to a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor, include a HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SCHEDULE HALF-SHEET and invite them to join us for worship this Holy Week. “I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD’.” (Psalm 122:1)
Usher Schedule
SJ
Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, Richard Freitag
March 18 E
Lucas Stelter, Warren Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld
SJ
Jack Yates; Chief, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock, Matt Borzick
March 21 E
Don Stelter, Dave Radke
SJ
Don Smith; Chief, Glen Bubolz
March 25 E
Darrell Buchholz, Noah Buchholz, Joe Heller
SJ
(with comm)
Kenon Smith; Chief, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls
March 29 E
(Maundy Thurs with comm)
Wayne Stelter, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller, comm. assist; Brian Ninneman
March 30 SJ
(Good Friday with comm)
Cal Kapp; Chief, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, Scott Ritz, James Kunde
St. John’s Greeter Schedule
March 18
Scott & Debbie Ritz
March 25
Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
3-11 3-14
51 62
124 76
St. John’s Altar Committee
March 2018
Diane Eisermann
&
Delores Cotte
St. John’s & Emmanuel Lent & Holy Week Worship Schedule
Theme: Jesus Christ is Our High Priest
3/21/18
Emm – 3:30p.m.
SJ – 6:30p.m.
Midweek 6
Pastor Pete Zietlow
3/29/18
Emm – 7:00p.m.
(communion)
Maundy Thursday
Pastor John Dolan
3/30/18
SJ – 1:00p.m.
(communion)
Good Friday
Pastor Pete Zietlow
4/1/18
SJ – 6:00a.m. & 10:00a.m
Emm – 8:00a.m.
Easter Sunrise & Easter Service
Easter Service
Pastor John Dolan (6am)
Pastor Pete Zietlow
Walking with Jesus
God, Father and Creator,
we thank you for all the gifts
you have given us,
especially the gift of your Son.
During this holy season of Lent,
help us to change and grow and
become the kind of people
you created us to be.
Fill our hearts with love for you,
and love for other people
created in your image.
Show us how to use the gifts you have given us
to help others in your name.
As we journey together toward the light of Easter,
To encourage more studying, a college logic professor handed his students a single piece of paper, told them they can put any information they wanted on it, and bring it with them to the next test. Most of the students spent their nights looking through their notes trying to cram as much information as they could onto a single piece of paper. However, one student left his sheet completely blank. He showed up for the test, set the blank piece of paper on the floor, and waited. His friend, who had taken the class a few years earlier and was getting his doctorate in logic, walked through the door and stood on that single piece of paper. With the information his friend provided, he got a 100% on the test.
God did more than give us a cheat sheet on how to get to heaven—he gave us his Son as the answer we need.
God says that we need to be perfect and that our sin earns punishment from him. Our hatred, lust, laziness, and pride, fall short of being perfectly in-line with what God taught us—all these sins mean a payment needs to be made.
Christ loved us and made himself that payment. He was not here to offer some assistance to help us make up the payment. He did not get us started along the path to make things right and then leave us to do the rest. He did not pay for some sins, but not others.
No, Jesus gave up his very self as everything we needed. He was an offering and sacrifice to God for us. By the perfect life he lived and the innocent death he died, we were made right with God. Through faith, God gives us credit for everything Jesus has done for us. That offering and sacrifice that Jesus made—he made for us.
How do we meet the perfect standard God sets? Jesus is the only answer we need!
Prayer:
Dear God, you sent your Son to be the sacrifice to reconcile us to you. May we always trust Christ alone as the only offering and sacrifice we need to be right with you. Amen.
The devotions in March on Thursday and Friday focus on the office of Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.
The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived. Numbers 21:8-9
The last time you were traveling down the road and a sign read, “Detour Ahead,” did you say, “Wonderful! I love detours”? If you didn’t react that way, neither did the Israelites in the account recorded in Numbers chapter 21. Their already long journey from Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan was about to get longer. As a result, they impatiently grumbled against God.
God dealt with the people by sending venomous snakes among them. The snakes bit and many people died. The Israelites went to Moses and said, “We sinned. Pray that God will take the snakes away.” So Moses prayed and God instructed him to make a bronze snake, put it up on a pole, and tell the people that anyone bitten could look at that bronze snake and live.
Imagine how they might have wanted to react to God’s instruction. “What? How is looking at a bronze snake going to help us?” But that was the point. This wasn’t a lesson in logic or on how to properly treat a snakebite; this was a lesson in trust. The Lord promised to save the people from death when they trusted his word and looked at the snake he commanded Moses to display. And true to his word, when those bitten looked at the bronze snake, God saved them from death. He rescued the people from the judgment of death that they deserved for their sins.
The wages of sin is death for all of us. But God comes to rescue us. However, instead of directing our sinful hearts to a snake on a pole, God directs our hearts to a Savior on the cross. Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). Jesus rescued us from the sting of sin and the fear of death, when he took our sin to the cross and paid for it in full by his death.
Are you feeling down today? Then look up to Jesus and his great love for you on the cross! Tired of life and its detours? Find rest in Jesus! Wounded by sin? Find healing in his wounds! Look to Jesus. He is your Savior from sin and death.
Prayer:
Gracious Savior, lift my eyes and heart to trust in you and your great love for me. Amen.
Essie Dunbar was a popular figure in her small town of Blackville, South Carolina. Essie had a delightful smile and she had a family who dearly loved her. She died in 1962 at the age of 70 years. Her death notice, however, said something unusual. It read, “Essie Dunbar. Died at age 70, 47 years after her first funeral.” Here is Essie’s story.
The year was 1915. Essie was a cheerful young woman. She did, however, suffer from periodic seizures. One day she underwent a seizure so severe that she appeared to be dead. A doctor examined her body, saw no signs of life, and concluded that she had, indeed, died. Dark grief smothered everyone who adored Essie and her shining smile. The family arranged for her funeral and her burial. At the conclusion of her committal service at the cemetery, loving hands carefully lowered her casket into the grave.
Just then, a late-coming relative arrived. She was so distraught at having missed the funeral that she asked if they could lift Essie’s casket back out and open it, so she could see her one last time. The family agreed to do so.
As it turns out, the timing could not have been better. At the precise moment the casket was re-opened, Essie Dunbar opened her eyes, sat up and gave everyone there her big, wonderful smile. Needless to say, no one living around Blackville, South Carolina would ever forget the story of Essie Dunbar.
As thrilling as her story is, however, even Essie’s experience is no match for what the Lord has done for you and me. In a spiritual sense, you and I were dead and buried—dead and buried under the crushing weight of our own sins. But then, Jesus arrived. He lived a holy life on our behalf. He suffered and died for our every failure. Then he rose from the grave.
And now, through faith in Christ, God has raised us up. He has given us life—a life that pulsates with joy, hope, light, and peace in Jesus. It is now our privilege to smile on others, as the Lord has smiled upon us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for raising me up. Thank you for smiling upon me and giving me life in Jesus. Empower me by your Spirit to smile on others. Amen.
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:14-15
Look up! Time after time God has given people this invitation. Look up from your failure and disappointment. Look up from your guilt and shame. Look up and see the rescue I have provided.
Jesus reminded Nicodemus of the history which prompted this invitation. God’s people were in the wilderness. They felt their wants and desires were not being sufficiently met. So they grumbled, complained, and eventually rebelled against the Lord. In response to their open rejection, God sent venomous snakes. As the death toll mounted, people realized their sin and repented. The Lord promptly showed mercy and commanded Moses to make a bronze snake, lift it up on his staff, and offer the invitation to look up! Those who looked up were rescued from the Lord’s just judgment.
Jesus used this account to teach a precious lesson. The value of this lesson is seen in what Jesus adds, “so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” It is a lesson we need to learn well and cherish.
Like God’s Old Testament people, it is easy for us to complain, get frustrated with God, and even turn away from him. With our rejection we soon recognize the burden that our action carries. It separates us from his love. It places us under his just judgment. It soon makes us desperate to find help.
This is when we rejoice to hear those precious words, look up! When we look up, we see Jesus lifted up on the cross. Yes, he was crucified and his life ended brutally. Yet, in his perfect and willing sacrifice, our guilt, punishment, and sentence of death were taken away. Through faith in Jesus we are rescued from God’s just judgment.
Look up! These are words we need to hear, long to hear, and rejoice to hear.
Prayer:[Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 111]
Sweet the moments, rich in blessing, which before the cross we spend,
Life and health and peace possessing from the sinner’s dying Friend.
Lord, in loving contemplation fix our hearts and eyes on you
Till we taste your full salvation and your unveiled glory view.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Print Friendly
(printed in hymnal, all sing)
HELP WANTED! St. John’s is in need of some volunteers to help clean the church. Let’s do our part and take care of God’s house that he has blessed us with! If you are interested, please contact the office.
CONTEST! Box Tops, Kwik Trip, and Tyson a+ contest has started and ends on APRIL 13th! Each classroom will compete to see which room can collect the most items and the winning class room will win a “Taco Boat” party. Box Tops do have expiration dates, so if everyone could please turn in what you currently have AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, it would be much appreciated! Thank you to everyone for supporting your school and have fun collecting! Remember that family and friends are happy to help! Good luck!
STILL NEEDED FOR EASTER FOR KIDS BABY ANIMAL PETTING ZOO Our event is next Saturday, March 24, and we are still looking for puppies and a pony. If you have leads, please contact Linda Wachholz at 608-369-2635 or lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org
LAST MINUTE REGISTRATIONS FOR EASTER FOR KIDS STILL ACCEPTED Your Easter for Kids staff does not want any child left out of the fun planned for next Saturday, March 24-the Message of Easter is too important for anyone to miss out!
Theme: Jesus Christ is Our High Priest
Walking with Jesus
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.