St. Johns News – Page 359 – St. John's Evangelical

Humility – March 11, 2018

March 11, 2018March 11, 2018 Kerry

Jesus called [his disciples] together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:25-28

Humility

Daily Devotion – March 11, 2018

Devotion based on Matthew 20:25-28

See series: Devotions

With great power comes great … privilege? That’s what the disciples James and John thought. They believed that following Jesus entitled them to great privilege. They wanted first dibs on the seats of honor next to Jesus in his kingdom. They knew that Jesus was going to be a great king, but they didn’t understand how Jesus would establish his kingdom.

Jesus reached glory through humility. His glory is his humble service. In greatest humility God stepped down from his throne in heaven to lie in a manger. He demanded no service from anyone but spent every moment of his life in service to us. The One who demands perfection from us became the One who lived perfectly for us. The eternal God exchanged the voice of angels singing, “Holy, holy, holy!” for the cries of an angry mob yelling, “Crucify, crucify, crucify!”

Jesus took the blame for what we did wrong so that we might receive the credit for all that he did well—and he did everything well. He suffered our hell so that he could give us a seat at his table in heaven. By his resurrection from the dead, Jesus has given his followers power over death too.

With great power comes great responsibility. Power over death doesn’t give us license to lord ourselves over others. We don’t think we are better than we really are. We put the needs of others before our own. We live to serve. And in doing so, we bring glory not to ourselves, but to him who served us by giving his life as a ransom for our sins.

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, thank you for humbling yourself to suffer and die for my sins. I don’t deserve the new life that I have in you. Help me to put aside my selfishness and to imitate your selflessness with a life of service and sacrifice. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Condemned No More – March 10, 2018

March 10, 2018March 10, 2018 Kerry

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1

Condemned No More

Daily Devotion – March 10, 2018

Devotion based on Romans 8:1

See series: Devotions

In Rawlins, Wyoming, something unusual is waiting for you. What awaits is a guided tour of an old prison that closed in 1981. The entire tour is riveting. Anyone who has taken the tour, however, will tell you that your heart begins to beat a little faster when you climb the steps of a specific, small building. This is the death house.

As you enter the second floor, you see a short row of small cells. Beyond the row of small cells is a door. The tour guide opens the door. You walk through. And there it stands, right in front of you. There stands the gas chamber.

Then the tour guide tells a story. She explains that, before each execution, it was standard procedure to test the gas chamber with a live pig. The technicians would bring the animal into the death house, up the stairs to the second floor and into the gas chamber. They would close the chamber door. Then they would drop cyanide pellets into an acid bath to fill the chamber with lethal gas. And the animal would die.

During the tour guide’s talk, it doesn’t take much imagination to picture the prisoner in one of the small cells behind you. There he is, listening. He hears the staff struggling to bring their test subject inside. He hears the pig’s angry grunts. Then he hears its frightened squeals. He hears the large metal door close. Finally, the prisoner hears silence.

To take such a tour and to stand in such a place can at least give you a small taste of what the word, “condemned,” really means.

You and I once sat condemned. There we were, waiting for the inevitable. There we were, waiting to die. What we awaited, however, was not some quick physical death in a gas chamber. Because of our sin, you and I were facing the pit of outer darkness, the abyss of eternal death.

But Jesus changed all that. He became one of us. On our behalf he lived the holy life we could not live. Then he put himself on death row in our place. He died as our substitute. He paid our penalty in full.

And now he lives. And because he does, you and I stand condemned no more. All is forgiven. Eternal death no longer awaits. What lies ahead now is eternal life.

Prayer:
Dear Savior, because of you, only the joys of heaven await. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Thank you! Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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BULLETIN- THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 11, 2018

March 9, 2018March 9, 2018 Kerry

EMMANUEL AND ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Mecan and Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

MARCH 11, 2018

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

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY A Gracious Disposition – It has been noted that a drowning man will not complain about the size of the boat that comes to rescue him. Yet today’s first lesson alerts us to illegitimate complaining as God rescued his people from slavery. In each lesson God shows his merciful disposition of grace–undeserved love that rescues sinners.

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 inspire and empower me to do good works. Teach me today to look up to Jesus and live by faith. Bless my worship. Amen.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Gathering Rite on the Word of God” (see below)

PASTOR’S GREETING

(Please stand)

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

C: (spoken) Amen.

OPENING HYMN 221: 1,2,3,4 “Blessed Jesus, at Your Word” (printed below, sing accordingly)

Blessed Jesus, at your Word
We are gathered all to hear you.
Let our hearts and souls be stirred
Now to seek and love and fear you,
By your teachings, sweet and holy,
Drawn from earth to love you solely.

M: Oh, how I love your law!

C: I meditate on it all day long.

M: Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

C: for they are ever with me.

M: I have more insight than all my teachers,

C: for I meditate on your statutes.

M: How sweet are your words to my taste,

C: sweeter than honey to my mouth!

2 All our knowledge, sense, and sight
Lie in deepest darkness shrouded
Till your Spirit breaks our night
With the beams of truth unclouded.
You alone to God can win us;
You must work all good within us.

M: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

C: so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

M: Yet so often we have despised God’s Word and failed to gladly hear and learn it. For this and all our sins, we bow before God and humbly ask his forgiveness.

C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

3 Gracious Savior, good and kind,
Light from Light, from God proceeding,
Open now our heart and mind;
Help us by your Spirit’s pleading.
Hear the cry your people raises;
Hear and bless our prayers and praises.

M: God gave his Word so “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name”. The Scriptures testify about Jesus, who lived a perfect life for you, died on the cross to pay for all your sins, and rose again to assure you of your salvation. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C: (spoken) Amen.

4 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Praise to you and adoration!
Grant that we your Word may trust,
Confident of our salvation,
While we here below must wander,
Till we sing your praises yonder.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (read by pastor)

M: Let us pray.

C: (spoken) Amen.

(Please be seated)

THE DAY’S BIBLE READING THEME

The Fourth Sunday in Lent: Faith Looks to Jesus

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Numbers 21:4-9

The bronze snake–a picture of Jesus

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

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.

PSALM 38 (hymnal page 81, cantor sings the first line, congregation sings the second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)

EPISTLE Ephesians 2:4-10

By grace you have been saved through faith

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

VERSE OF THE DAY (read by pastor)

“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)

(Please stand)

After the announcement of the Gospel, all sing:

“Glory be to you, O Lord!”

GOSPEL John 3:14-21 (today’s sermon text)

Believe in the one who was lifted up

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.

“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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

After the Gospel, all sing:

“Praise be to you, O Christ!”

APOSTLES’ CREED (hymnal page 19b, all read)

(Please be seated)

At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.

SERMON HYMN 391 “God Loved the World So that He Gave”

SERMON John 3:14-21 The Light Has Come

Look to God’s Son
Lean on God’s love
Live by God’s truth

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 20, all sing)

“Create in me a clean heart…”

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, GREETINGS, AND FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

OFFERING PRAYER

(Please stand)

PRAYER FOR THE SEASON OF LENT (hymnal page 125, read responsively)

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, 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: Mike Farrell, Lily Mann )
– 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
– For our communicants at St. John’s

THE LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 20b, all read)

NOTE: At Emmanuel…

LITURGY (hymnal, page 25)

(Please be seated)

HYMN 343:1-2 “Christ is the World’s Light” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING (hymnal page 25, read & sung responsively)

CLOSING HYMN 343:3-4 “Christ is the World’s Light” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

NOTE: At St. John’s…

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY (hymnal page 21, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated for Holy Communion)

The Bible tells us that those who take Communion together are to:

Recognize that Christ’s true body and blood are present in the Sacrament (1 Cor. 10:17).
Examine themselves (1 Cor. 11:28), and
Be united in faith with the congregation with which they commune (1 Cor. 10:17).

For these reasons, it is our practice that only those who are members of our congregation or a congregation of the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod (WELS) join us for Holy Communion. If you are interested in learning more about becoming part of our fellowship, please speak to the pastor after the service.

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 384 “By Grace I’m Saved”, 343:1-2 “Christ is the World’s Light” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

SONG OF SIMEON, CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING (hymnal page 24-25a, read & sung responsively)

CLOSING HYMN 343:3-4 “Christ is the World’s Light” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (3/18):

The Fifth Sunday in Lent: The New Covenant Was Established By Jesus, Our High Priest

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK MARCH 11-MARCH 17
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 with communion
Mon.	6:30 P.M.	Senior Choir at St. John’s
	7:30 P.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
Wed.	10:00 A.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	1:40 P.M.	St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
	2:00 P.M.	St. John’s School staff meeting
	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.	12:30 P.M.	SJS/LL EARLY RELEASE (parent/teacher conferences)
		NO GRIEFSHARE
Fri.		NO SCHOOL SJS/LL (parent/teacher conferences)
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2018 Theme for next Sunday (3/18): The Fifth Sunday in Lent: The New Covenant Was Established By Jesus, Our High Priest
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

See the source image

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Mavis DeWitt, $75.00 has been given to St. John’s by Karen (niece) and Donald Pieper. Thank you for your gift. “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11

ST. JOHN’S ALTAR FLOWERS Thank you Malsack family for today’s altar flowers given in loving memory of Linda.

GRIEFSHARE There will be no Griefshare this Thursday, March 15. See you next week!

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

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. We will also have some volunteers in the office for online sign-up on Sunday, March 11, from 9:00am to 10:00am and then after church, 11:00am to 12:00pm. Stop on by!

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 March 18.

EASTER BREAKFAST AT EMMANUEL April 1 following the 8:00 AM 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 14, 4:15p.m. – 6:00p.m.

Hosted by ST. JOHN’S GRADES 5-8! A free will offering will be taken.

What’s on the Menu? Chicken alfredo, spaghetti, garlic bread, veggies, desserts and drinks. See you there!

See the source image 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.

$E:\Linda Wachholz LWMS\CLIPART - old\PIGGY & LAMB.jpg$ WANTED: BABY ANIMALS for a PETTING ZOO

Part of this spring’s Easter for Kids will be a baby animal petting zoo. The event is Saturday, March 24. Would you have any of the following baby animals on that day that you would allow us to borrow? OR do you have leads and contact numbers of someone who might? Kittens, puppies, bunnies, chicks, ducklings, lamb, kids (goats), piglets—we are also open to suggestions. We already have some of the babies lined up, but we would like backup! Please contact Linda Wachholz at 608 369-2635 or lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS APPRECIATED Planning for 75 children on Saturday, March 24. Monetary gifts help the most—used for advertising, mailings, crafts, baskets, anything & everything for the event. We appreciate donations of home-crafted items for the baskets. Volunteers are still needed to bake for the baskets & make jello jigglers for the lunch. Volunteers to help the day of the event are also welcome. Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635 to donate or volunteer.

Still collecting plain print-free ice cream pails (ValuTime brand at Frietags or others) for coming years. Donation box located in linkway.

See the source image 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!

kids colorful word PRE-REGISTER FOR EASTER FOR KIDS Any child, age 3 through Grade 6, is welcome to attend Easter for Kids at St. John’s on Saturday, March 24. 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, & on public bulletin boards around Montello. This year’s theme is “Jesus—Giver of New Life.” Storytime, singing, crafts, baby animal petting zoo, egg hunt, & more bring the true meaning of Easter to the children. Deadline

EASTER FOR

is Friday, March 16.

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.

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)

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.

LUTHER PREPARATORY SCHOOL SACRED SPRING CONCERT

Is TODAY, March 11^th at 2:00pm in the Luther Prep gym.

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.

For more information, email LGPcamp@gmail.com.

Lutheran Girl Pioneers serves girls of the WELS and ELS. For more information about LGP, email girlpioneers@gmail.com.

Usher Schedule
March 11 SJ (with comm)	James Wachholz; Chief, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Del Henke, Joe Zauner
E	Wayne Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, Jim Stuempges
March 14 E	Don Stelter, Dave Radke
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

St. John’s Greeter Schedule
March 11	James & Linda Wachholz
March 18	Scott & Debbie Ritz
March 25	Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

3-4 3-7

70 51

161 46

St. John’s Altar Committee

March 2018

Diane Eisermann

Delores Cotte

St. John’s & Emmanuel Lent & Holy Week Worship Schedule

See the source image Theme: Jesus Christ is Our High Priest

3/14/18	*Emm* – 3:30p.m. SJ – 6:30p.m.	Midweek 5	Pastor John Stelter St. John’s-Princeton
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

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-107160252675/

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowpl6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

Parish/School Secretary Ciara Neuhauser (608) 297-2866

Altar Ladies Elaine Kelm (920) 344-0025 &

Carolyn Rosenthal 589-5036

Mail to: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949

OR scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

Winnebago Lutheran Academy

Principal Mr. David Schroeder/WLA office (920) 921-4930

WLA website: www.wlavikings.org

Jesus, Our Perfect High Priest – March 9, 2018

March 9, 2018March 9, 2018 Kerry

Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
Hebrews 7:26-27

Jesus, Our Perfect High Priest

Daily Devotion – March 9, 2018

Devotion based on Hebrews 7:26-27

See series: Devotions

In the fifth chapter of his book, the author to the Hebrews tells us what Old Testament high priests did: “Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins” (Hebrews 5:1).

Why do we call Jesus our High Priest? Because he did what the Old Testament high priests did. Just as they represented the people before God, Jesus represents his people before God. Just as the Old Testament priests made sacrifice for sin, Jesus made sacrifice for sin. We rightly call Jesus our High Priest. But there is more.

Why do we call Jesus our perfect High Priest? Because he did not do what the Old Testament high priests did. The verses from Hebrews for today’s devotion make this clear. Jesus did not offer sacrifices day after day. Jesus did not offer sacrifices for his own sin—not even one! Jesus did not repeatedly offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. That’s why Jesus is not just another high priest, but our perfect High Priest.

Jesus sacrificed for sin, once for all, when he offered himself. Why only once? And why did it count for all? Because the one making the sacrifice and the sacrifice being made were one and the same, and that one was perfect—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Such a high priest truly meets your need. Remember that when you have stumbled and fallen, and feel like you can’t get up. Remember that when guilt over sin weighs heavily upon you. Remember that also when your faith needs a boost to take on the challenge or overcome the temptation before you. Remember that when you are rejoicing in blessings you have through Christ. Indeed, remember this not only after a failure, but before a challenge, and through it all thankful for a victorious Christian life: Jesus is your perfect High Priest!

Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, for doing what the Old Testament priests did, and for not doing what the Old Testament priests did. Thank you for being my perfect High Priest. May I trust you to meet my every need, today and always. Amen.

The devotions in March on Thursday and Friday focus on the office of Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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Amazing! – March 8, 2018

March 8, 2018March 8, 2018 Kerry

[Christ] … is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.
Ephesians 4:10-11

Amazing!

Daily Devotion – March 8, 2018

Devotion based on Ephesians 4:10-11

See series: Devotions

Can you imagine what it was like to see Jesus ascending to heaven? He was standing there, talking with and blessing the disciples when suddenly, he was taken up into the sky! Wow! It must have been amazing!

But it was so much more than what met the eye. He ascended “in order to fill the whole universe.” Wow again! That same Jesus who was standing there talking with his followers face-to-face now fills the entire universe! His ascension proves it! Amazing!

But now here comes, perhaps, the most amazing part of all. How does he use his power? He uses it for the good of his people! Specifically, he raised up apostles and prophets. And now he continues to raise up evangelists, pastors, and teachers. That’s how he chooses to use his power.

Why is this so important? Because ultimately there’s nothing that a prophet could do, which would be more important than making sure that his message is spread! Jesus, THE Prophet, wants people to know that he is the Savior who paid for all sins and won eternal life for us humans. Jesus wants people to come to believe in him so that they can spend eternity with him in heaven.

Yes, that’s what the all-powerful and filler-of-all-things wants! He wants that for you! And so, he makes sure that his message gets out, and that there are messengers to get that message out. Thank God that he does it, because that guarantees that you can keep on hearing that wonderful message of salvation. What a gracious Prophet Jesus is!

Prayer:
O gracious Prophet, keep sending messengers, so that your message might continue to be spread. Amen.

The devotions in March on Thursday and Friday focus on the office of Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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God’s Words Matter Most – March 7, 2018

March 7, 2018March 7, 2018 Kerry

And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God…You shall have no other gods…You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God…Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…Honor your father and your mother…You shall not murder…commit adultery…steal…give false testimony against your neighbor…covet.”
Exodus 20:1-17

God’s Words Matter Most

Daily Devotion – March 7, 2018

Devotion based on Exodus 20:1-17

See series: Devotions

Whose words matter most? The government’s? The scientists’? The experts’? Your loved ones’?
What about your words? Some would say that your words matter most. “Find your voice.” “Speak out.” “It will empower you.”

However, God’s words matter most. Society can say that morality evolves over time. We can tell ourselves that right and wrong are determined by our own feelings in the moment. But God’s words matter most.

God spoke these words: I am the only God. Worship me alone. Trust and honor my name alone. Give credence to my word above all other words. Honor the earthly authorities I have set up, at home, in church, and in government. Respect and preserve the gift of life, regardless of its “quality”. Respect and keep pure the gifts of marriage and sexuality. Respect the possessions God gave others and practice wise stewardship of what God gives you. Keep the good name of others intact. Guard even your thoughts, lest they dishonor God or display lovelessness for others. These are God’s Ten Commandments.

Those are God’s words. They matter most. They determine what is right and wrong, for everyone, no matter what our feelings.

When God speaks, we are silent. We recognize our sin. We admit our faults. We confess that God is right and we are in the wrong.

But God isn’t done speaking. He also speaks his love. His Word became flesh. His Son was born for us. God spoke that we are forgiven when Jesus died in our place. God spoke that we are justified, not guilty, by his Son’s resurrection from death. God speaks to you: I love you. I forgive you. Do not be afraid. I hold you in my hand. By faith in my Son, Jesus, heaven is yours. You are mine.

God’s words about right and wrong, and above all, his words about his love and forgiveness in Jesus, matter most. We would be wise to listen and adhere to them.

Prayer:
Dear Father, everyone wants their say in today’s world. My sinful nature wants to speak up, as well. But when you speak, I see my sin. When you speak, I know your love and forgiveness in Christ. Let your words dwell in my heart. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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Surprise – March 6, 2018

March 6, 2018March 6, 2018 Kerry

The weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
1 Corinthians 1:25

Surprise

Daily Devotion – March 6, 2018

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 1:25

See series: Devotions

One of the big stories coming out of this year’s Winter Olympics is the story of Ester Ledecka. Ester is a champion snowboarder. When it comes to skiing, however, she is not very experienced. So, when she decided also to compete as a downhill skier (on borrowed skis, no less), no one gave her a chance. After all, there were so many other skiers who knew how to attack the hill far better than she did. By the time it was her turn to ski, the TV broadcasters had already moved on to other events.

But then came the big surprise. Ester Ledecka won the Olympic gold medal. As a result, one of the enduring images from these Winter Games is a picture of Ester’s stunned face at the end of her run as she slowly realized what had just happened. Some have theorized that it was Ester’s lack of experience which gave her an edge. It’s possible that her lack of experience caused her to attack the hill in a different way. If so, then Ester’s perceived weakness as a skier, was not a weakness at all.

The image of a man dying by means of crucifixion is not an image that communicates strength. Instead, it communicates weakness, humiliation, defeat, and despair. No one would look at such an image and think it was an answer for anything.

But then comes the big surprise. The perceived weakness of Jesus on a cross is not a weakness at all. As it turns out, the Son of God on a cross is the only thing strong enough to wash clean the collective lifetimes of all of our sinful failures. It is the only thing strong enough to destroy our deepest fears and to carry our greatest hopes. It is the only thing strong enough to change your eternity and mine.

And the surprise continues. Every day the message of Christ crucified continues to create the miracle of faith in Jesus as Savior. Every day it continues to bond us closer to him and his promises. Every day it continues to season our hearts with courage, strength, persistence, and endurance. And every day it continues to season our hearts with the boldness of joy.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, season my heart in the message of the cross. Let the life-changing surprise of your gospel continue to refresh my relationship with you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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Puzzle Pieces – March 5, 2018

March 5, 2018March 5, 2018 Kerry

After [Jesus] was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:22

Puzzle Pieces

Daily Devotion – March 5, 2018

Devotion based on John 2:22

See series: Devotions

Puzzles can be fun. They can also be frustrating. If anything, they require patience and persistence. Not only do all the pieces have to be identified, they also must be put together correctly.

For many people Jesus’ life appeared to be a puzzle. They tried to put the pieces together. Unfortunately, they didn’t do it correctly. In the end they came up with the wrong picture.

For the disciples of Jesus, the pieces eventually all came together, but it took the final piece of the resurrection to do it. Then they knew, and believed everything Jesus said was true.

It is also important for us that all the pieces of Jesus’ life come together in the right way. But in our sinful weakness, we become impatience and fail to understand Jesus. An unanswered prayer may lead us to doubt Jesus’ wisdom. A disaster may make us question his goodness. Just about any difficulty or illness may cause us to wonder about his love.

The problem isn’t with Jesus, or with his wisdom, goodness, and love. It rests with us. We fail to understand how all the pieces fit together.

We need to rely on what Jesus has said. From the Scriptures we realize how he faithfully completed all he said he would do. From the Scriptures we can understand not one word or gracious promise has ever failed. From the Scriptures we can clearly see what he has done for our rescue. He has fulfilled every righteous requirement on our behalf. He has suffered the shameful treatment and mockery we deserved. He has even sacrificed his life as our substitute to give us eternal life. When we take the time to consider all he has done for us, all the pieces come together. The life of Jesus is not a puzzle with missing pieces. It is a beautiful picture of him as our Savior, made complete by his faithful Word.

Prayer:
O gracious Lord, open my eyes to see all you have done for me. Increase my faith to trust that you will always keep your Word. Give me joy in knowing that you hold me in your loving hands. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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BULLETIN- THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 4, 2018

March 4, 2018March 4, 2018 lillyk24

EMMANUEL and ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Mecan and Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

MARCH 4, 2018

THE SEASON OF LENT During the six Sundays of Lent (before Easter Sunday), God invites us to take an honest look at ourselves and REPENT–to turn away from sin and to turn toward Jesus for forgiveness and life. In today’s Scripture readings, God first teaches us the LAW, (summarized in the 10 commandments) that shows us our sin and need for a Savior. God then teaches us the GOSPEL (the good news of Jesus) that shows us our Savior, “Christ crucified” in whom we trust and whose message we proclaim.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Divine Jesus Rescues Us From God’s Law – The season of Lent has historically been a time for Christians to meditate on Jesus’ passion. His suffering and death atoned for the sins we committed. Therefore, Lent is the “serious season” of the church year where we Christians put an extra emphasis on recognizing and confessing our own sins. Congregations that have special mid-week services are able to make the tone somber and reflective. The Sundays in Lent, however, serve as “mini Easters” where the readings and hymns bring joy and comfort to the believer who is reflecting on his/her own sins and Jesus’ passion during this season. The third Sunday in Lent reminds us of God’s perfect law and his holy demand that we fear and love him. Thankfully, Jesus has fulfilled God’s law in our place.

A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

From the cross Your wisdom shining,

breaking forth in conquering might;

From the cross forever beaming,

all Your bright redeeming light.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to You who light does send.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end. (Hymn 280:4)

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“The Common Service” (hymnal page 15)

PASTOR’S GREETING

Note: At St. John’s…

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL GRADES 2-4 SING “The Walk to Calvary” (in place of opening hymn)

Note: At Emmanuel…

ADULT CHOIR SINGS “O Crucified Messiah” (in place of opening hymn)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 15, read & sung responsively)

PRAYER OF THE DAY

LITURGY (hymnal page 17b, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings)

SCRIPTURE READING THEME

Repent!

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Exodus 20:1-17

(today’s sermon text underlined: verses 1-6)

At Mt. Sinai God gives Moses the Ten Commandments–a summary of His Law

And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

“You shall have no other gods before me.

“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

“You shall not murder.

“You shall not commit adultery.

“You shall not steal.

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

PSALM 19 (hymnal page 70, lectern side sings the first line, pulpit side sings the second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

The preaching of the cross is God’s wisdom

Jews demand miraculous 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 man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

VERSE OF THE DAY 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. (John3:14,15)

(Alleluias are omitted during Lent)

(Please stand)

After the announcement of the Gospel, all sing:

“Glory be to you, O Lord!”

GOSPEL LESSON John 2:13-22

Jesus clears the temple–a call to repentance

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!”

His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

Then the Jews demanded of him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

The Jews replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

After the reading of the Gospel, all sing:

“Praise be to you, O Christ”

NICENE CREED (hymnal page 18b, all read)

(Please be seated)

At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.

SERMON HYMN 286 “The Law Commands and Makes Us Know” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

SERMON Exodus 20:1-6

“Our God Is King of the Hill”

1. A position he demands

2. A position he deserves

(Please stand after the sermon)

LITURGY (hymnal page 20, all sing)

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS , FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS & WELS CONNECTION DVD

OFFERING PRAYER

(Please stand)

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

M: Dear heavenly Father, as we once again journey to the cross this Lenten season, we are humbled by your love for us and our sinful world. We thank you for the gift of your Son, our Savior, and for all you have given us.

C: We especially thank you for your spiritual gifts: for your Holy Word and Sacraments, for the forgiveness of sins in Jesus, and for our eternal home in heaven.

M: We give you thanks for making us valuable sons and daughters to you through the perfect life and redeeming death of our dear Savior, Jesus.

C: Our noble purpose in life – to be your witnesses, your ambassadors, your co-workers in things eternal – is more than we could ever expect or deserve!

M: Father, forgive us when we do not reflect the value we have in Christ; when our lives fail in many ways to show we belong to you.

C: Forgive us when we do not value what you value – in our relationship to you, in our relationship to our families, and to the many others you have placed in our lives.

M: Lord Jesus, we ask that you would change us and strengthen us through the word we have heard to live our values in what we say and in what we do, so that others may know we value you above all.

C: Enable us to reflect your love with forgiving hearts, kind words, Christ-like actions and striking generosity.

M: Use us to share your saving gospel personally through gentle conversation with those we meet, through the outreach of our church in this community, and through eager support of missions around the world.

C: Throughout our lives, and even at death, help us to leave a legacy of faithful devotion to you, our Savior. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

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, 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: )
– For the family of Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle) called home on 2/23
– For our communicants at Emmanuel

LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 20b, all read)

Note: At Emmanuel…

LITURGY FOR HOLY COMMUNION (hymnal page 21, sung & read responsively)

(Please be seated for Holy Communion)

At St. John’s and Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Churches we practice closed communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service.

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 313 “Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior, 285:1-2 “The Ten Commandments Are the Law” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 24-25a, sung & read responsively)

CLOSING HYMN 285:11-12 “The Ten Commandments Are the Law” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

Note: At St. John’s…

LITURGY (hymnal page 25)

(Please be seated)

HYMN 285:1-2 “The Ten Commandments Are the Law” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING (hymnal page 25, read & sung responsively)

CLOSING HYMN 285:11-12 “The Ten Commandments Are the Law” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (3/11):

The Fourth Sunday in Lent: Faith Looks to Jesus

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK MARCH 4-MARCH 10
Sun.	8:00 A.M.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	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
	11:15 A.M.	St. John’s teacher call meeting
Mon.	9:00 A.M.	Pastor’s Study Club at St. John’s – Montello
	6:00 P.M.	Hands In Prayer meeting at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.	Senior 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
	6:00 P.M.	Joint Ministry Study Committee meeting at St. John’s
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
	6:30 P.M.	St. John’s Devotion
Thurs.	10:00 A.M.	Montello Care Center devotion
	6:00 P.M.	Griefshare at St. John’s lower level
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018 Theme for next Sunday (3/11): The Fourth Sunday in Lent: Faith Looks to Jesus
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

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

See the source image 2017 OFFERING STATEMENTS If you have signed up to receive your 2017 offering statement, please pick it up in the link way.

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 March 18.

LENTEN SUPPERS March 7, 4:15p.m. – 6:00p.m.

Hosted by the HANDS IN PRAYER! A free will offering will be taken.

What’s on the Menu? White chicken chili, chicken soup, chili, fixings, cheese and sausage tray, desserts, coffee and milk. See you there!

ARE YOU HIP?! (HANDS IN PRAYER) HIP GROUP would like to invite you to join them March 5th, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the church lower level to see what they are all about. We enjoy Christian fellowship and crochet, knit, quilt, or tie prayer shawls (lap blankets) and other crafty items for congregational members that might need to be uplifted, are dealing with an illness, or just to show a little encouragement. Craftiness is not required and we are willing to teach anyone who might be interested. If you have questions call Bernice Wegner at (608) 297-7185.

$E:\Linda Wachholz LWMS\CLIPART - old\PIGGY & LAMB.jpg$ WANTED: BABY ANIMALS for a PETTING ZOO

Still collecting plain print-free ice cream pails (ValuTime brand at Frietags or others) for coming years. Donation box located in linkway.

EASTER FOR

is Friday, March 16.

SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 25. Containers are located in the entrance at St. John’s and Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. 75% of gifts given will support Beaver Dam Circuit projects—HM/Hmong Evangelist Training & WM/Apache Christian Training School (ACTS). 25% of gifts given will support home & world mission projects described on the poster by the container and will be presented at the next LWMS Convention, June 21-24, in Green Bay. Gifts welcome from all who love missions!

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor): If a church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

LUTHER PREPARATORY SCHOOL SACRED SPRING CONCERT

Is Sunday, March 11^th at 2:00pm in the Luther Prep gym.

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.

For more information, email LGPcamp@gmail.com.

Lutheran Girl Pioneers serves girls of the WELS and ELS. For more information about LGP, email girlpioneers@gmail.com.

See the source image 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!

See the source image BECOME A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER! Our volunteers touch lives in the community every day. They are the heart and soul of the Red Cross and represent every age, gender, religion, race and ethnicity. There are so many ways you can help. Start your Red Cross story today.

Red Cross Informational Table on will be on Thursday, March 29 from 11am-1pm at the Montello Public Library. Speak with a Red Cross representative about volunteer opportunities across all lines of business. Contact Lee at 920.227.4286 for more information. Start your Red Cross story by visiting redcross.org/volunteer

Usher Schedule
March 4 E (with comm)	Brian Ninneman, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller, communion assist; Lucas Stelter
SJ	Kenon Smith, Chief; Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann
March 7 E	Don Stelter, Dave Radke
SJ	Cal Kapp; Chief, Corey Kaul
March 11 SJ (with comm)	James Wachholz; Chief, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Del Henke, Joe Zauner
E	Wayne Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, Jim Stuempges

St. John’s Greeter Schedule
March 4	Aaron Kendall & Christopher Smith
March 11	James & Linda Wachholz
March 18	Scott & Debbie Ritz
March 25	Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

2-25 2-28

54 61

163 66

St. John’s Altar Committee

March 2018

Diane Eisermann

Delores Cotte

See the source image

St. John’s & Emmanuel Lent & Holy Week Worship Schedule

Theme: Jesus Christ is Our High Priest

3/7/18	*Emm* – 3:30p.m. SJ – 6:30p.m.	Midweek 4	Pastor Mike Sheppard Mt. Zion-Ripon
3/14/18	*Emm* – 3:30p.m. SJ – 6:30p.m.	Midweek 5	Pastor John Stelter St. John’s-Princeton
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 Pete Zietlow
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 Pete Zietlow

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A Miracle – March 4, 2018

March 4, 2018March 4, 2018 Kerry

As [Jesus] went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam”(this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. … Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
John 9:1-7,35-38

A Miracle

Daily Devotion – March 4, 2018

Devotion based on John 9:1-7,35-38

See series: Devotions

“Why doesn’t Jesus ever do stuff like this for me?”

Do you ever find yourself asking that question after reading a Bible story like this one? There he was—a man who had been blind since birth—and just like that, Jesus restores his sight! His greatest problem fixed in a flash. What a miracle!

But don’t you have similar problems in your life? You may not be physically blind, but what about your other health problems? What about your emotional problems? Your financial problems? Your relationship problems? Jesus certainly has the power to fix those problems too, doesn’t he? You wonder, “Why doesn’t Jesus ever do stuff like this for me?”

When you find yourself asking that question, consider this: Was this man’s physical blindness really his greatest problem? Jesus makes it clear that it was not. Even after restoring his physical sight, Jesus seeks out this no longer blind man once again in order to fix a far greater problem—a problem that every single human being is born with—spiritual blindness. This man could not see Jesus as his Savior from sin.

So, what did Jesus do for him? Jesus opened his eyes again. Only this time Jesus did not grant physical sight; he granted spiritual sight. Jesus caused this man to see what he could not see before—that Jesus, “the light of the world,” was his Savior. “Lord, I believe,” was the man’s simple confession of faith. Through it, he now possessed all the blessings that come through faith in Christ: the forgiveness of sins, the comfort of salvation, and the certain hope of eternal life. What a miracle!

Why doesn’t Jesus ever do stuff like this for you? Dear friend, he has! For you, too, were born in the same helpless condition—spiritually blind, stuck in the darkness of unbelief, and unable to see Jesus as your Savior. But then Jesus performed a miracle in your life. Through the waters of your baptism and the message of his Word, Jesus opened up your eyes. He brought you out of the darkness of unbelief, granting you spiritual sight. You, too, are now able to confess, “Lord, I believe.” You, too, now see Jesus, “the Light of the world,” as your Savior from sin. What a miracle. A miracle that Jesus has done for you!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. Thank you for overcoming the darkness of unbelief in my heart, that I may see you as my Savior from sin. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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