St. John’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church
Montello, WI
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
MARCH 24, 2019
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH!
We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and link-way at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more, as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) Welcome to God’s house! May God bless our worship together.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY
God Offers Deliverance to Sinners – Today’s lessons encourage us to take heart and trust in the Lord. We also view numerous examples of people who lost their hold on eternal life because they gave in to their fears and doubts. However, in his grace, God promises deliverance from whatever difficulty he may lovingly allow to come our way. Thank God!
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.
OPENING HYMN 302 Lord, to You I Make Confession
Please stand
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION hymnal page 26
When we confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, the pastor announces the perfect forgiveness of sins won for us by Jesus.
LORD, HAVE MERCY hymnal page 27
The Church brings her concerns and prayers to a loving Father in heaven, who has shown great mercy to us and promised to hear our ardent cries for help.
O LORD, OUR LORD hymnal page 28
This song of praise reminds us of the wonderful things God has done for us, not the least of which is the salvation he gives through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Almighty God, look with favor on your humble servants and stretch out the right hand of your power to defend us against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: ♫ Amen.
Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings
SERVICE OF THE WORD
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Exodus 3:1-8, 10-15
In the presence of the Lord, stand back in awe
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”
When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
And Moses said, “Here I am.”
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.
So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”
God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.
PSALM 38 hymnal page 81
Read verses in unison, sing refrains and Gloria
EPISTLE LESSON (today’s sermon text) 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Warnings from Israel’s history
For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry. “We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
VERSE OF THE DAY John 3:14, 15
During the season of Lent, the “Alleluia” is omitted
“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.”
Please stand
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 13:1-9
Christ’s call to repentance
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
” ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ ”
C: ♫ Praise be to you, O Christ!
Please be seated
SERMON HYMN 438 In God, My Faithful God
SERMON 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
“Ignorance Is Not Always Bliss”
So let’s…
- Ponder the past
- Strengthen faith for the future
Please stand
NICENE CREED hymnal page 31
Please be seated
OFFERING
During the offering, feel free to turn and greet one another! We also kindly ask that you fill out the red friendship register found at the end of each pew.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Please stand
OFFERING, LENTEN SEASON & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Jerre Duerr, Reinold Eckelberg, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Earl Ewert, Marjorie Fabian, Harold Fandrey, Mike Farrell, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), Xzander Jahr, Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Arden “Bill” Klimke, Linda Krause, Pete Laun, Debbie Parrish, LuAnn Reber, Mark & Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son & daughter in-law), Al & Darlene Schmidt (Dawn Marcelain & Candace Sonnenberg’s parents), Carol Schumann, Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s friend), Amanda Stalker, Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Larry Wegner (Bob’s brother), Heidi Weishaar (Dennis & Sharon Kekow’s daughter), Karl Whitrock, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: )
– For our K3-K5 teacher Sara Borck who received the Lord’s call to teach Kindergarten next fall at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran School–Omaha, NE
– For Larry & Lynn Sellnow, currently teaching at Holy Trinity Lutheran School–Wyoming, MI who were called on 3/10 by St. John’s voters to serve next fall as principal/teacher and K4-K5 director/teacher respectively
– For the family of our Emmanuel member, Frieda Otto, called home on Monday (3/18)
– For our St. John’s member, Florence Dahlke, who celebrated her 97th birthday on Wednesday (3/20)
– For Willie, Megan Stalker & daughter Maisie, plus Amanda Stalker & daughter Brittany, after completing our Bible Information Class this week, welcomed as members in today’s (3/24) worship service at St. John’s
– For our communicants at St. John’s
LORD’S PRAYER hymnal page 32
SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT
The Lord Jesus gives us his own body and blood under bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins.
SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT hymnal pages 33-36
In this service we celebrate the gift of Jesus’ redeeming love, we bear witness to the Christian fellowship we share, and we proclaim his death until he returns.
Please be seated for the distribution (dist.)
At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service.
DIST. HYMN 749 The Love of Christ, Who Died for Me
bulletin page 10
DIST. HYMN 422:1-2 Jesus, Lead Us On
Please stand
THANKSGIVING, CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING hymnal page 36-37
Please be seated
CLOSING HYMN 422:3-4 Jesus, Lead Us On
Note: As you leave today’s service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or pastor.
Announcements
Activities for the week of March 24-March 30 | ||
Sun. | 8:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Worship |
8:30 A.M. | St. John’s Sunday School | |
9:00 A.M. | Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study | |
10:00 A.M. | St. John’s Worship with communion | |
Mon. | 7:30 P.M. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s |
SJS/LL SPRING BREAK | ||
Tues. | SJS/LL SPRING BREAK | |
Wed. | 10:00 A.M. | Adult Bible Study at St. John’s |
3:30 P.M. | Emmanuel Lenten Devotion | |
4:30 P.M. | Lenten Supper at St. John’s | |
6:30 P.M. | St. John’s Lenten Devotion with communion | |
SJS/LL SPRING BREAK | ||
Thurs. | 10:00 A.M. | Montello Care Center Devotion with communion |
6:00 P.M. | Griefshare (8th of 13 weeks) in St. John’s lower level | |
SJS/LL SPRING BREAK | ||
Fri. | SJS/LL SPRING BREAK | |
Sat. | 8:30 A.M. | Finance/Purchasing Comm. meeting at St. John’s |
Theme for Next Sunday March 31, 2019 Lent 4: “Joy in the Lord’s Pardoning Love” | ||
8:00 A.M. | Emmanuel Worship | |
8:30 A.M. | St. John’s Sunday School | |
9:00 A.M. | Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study | |
10:00 A.M. | St. John’s Worship |
EASTER FLOWERS We are taking orders now through April 8th! Please use the sign-up sheet located in St. John’s information room.
EASTER CARDS NEW Easter, Confirmation & Graduation cards have arrived! Come to St. John’s lower level and get them while supplies last.
WEDNESDAY LENTEN DEVOTIONS Join us as we gather for Lenten Devotions: 3:30pm at Emmanuel and 6:30pm at St. John’s under this year’s theme: “Three Words of Truth.” A soup supper will also be served from 4:30-6:15pm in the lower level of St. John’s. “Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy passion…” (Hymn 98)
LENTEN SUPPER This week, March 27, 2019, St. John’s School Hot Lunch is hosting. Supper starts at 4:30pm in St. John’s lower level.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU? Hot turkey sandwiches, chicken and bacon alfredo soup, chili, cheese and sausage, fresh fruit, veggies, desserts, coffee, milk and water.
EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS Planning for 80 children for Saturday, April 13, at St. John’s. MONETARY GIFTS are needed most and help purchase: crafts, Easter pails, candy/prizes, outdoor advertising banner, snack & lunch, basket stuffers. DONATE home-crafted items for baskets. VOLUNTEER to bake for the baskets. VOLUNTEER to work at the event. Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.
We still collect plain print-free ice cream pails. Please do not purchase plastic eggs, grass, or baskets, but we recycle by accepting gently used items you would like to share. A donation box is located in the linkway.
EASTER FOR KIDS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.
VOLUNTEER to help pack Easter baskets on Thursday, April 11, time TBA.
VOLUNTEER to help set up the Bible Giveaway on Friday, April 12, time TBA.
VOLUNTEER to make jello jigglers for the Easter for Kids Lunch on Saturday, April 13.
VOLUNTEER to prep crafts during the week prior to the event.
VOLUNTEER to help at the event on Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to Noon. (Grade 7 through Adult – girls-boys-women-men–all welcome! Thrivent T-Shirts for all helpers)
VOLUNTEER to assist with snacks and work the kitchen on the day of the event.
EASTER FOR KIDS COORDINATOR I am looking for someone to assist with the planning this year who would be willing to take the lead in the future. If you would be interested in working with me this year, please call me 608-369-2635. Thank you! –Linda Wachholz
REGISTRATION FOR EASTER FOR KIDS Any child, age 3 through Grade 6, is welcome to attend Easter for Kids at St. John’s on Saturday, April 13. This is an outreach program–it would be great if St. John’s & Emmanuel kids who attend would invite a non-member or unchurched friend! Register online www.stjohnsmontello.org beginning Monday, March 4. Get registration forms at both churches, in Monday Magazine, on church & school Facebook. This year’s theme is “Parade & Praise for the King!” Story rhyme time, singing & movement, crafts, egg coloring, snacks, & of course, a parade will bring the true meaning of Easter to the children. Register by Friday, April 5.
SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 31. Containers are located in the entrance at St. John’s and at Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. 75% of gifts given will support Beaver Dam Circuit projects—HM/Campus Ministry New Starts & WM/Haiti. 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 27-30, in Des Moines, Iowa. Gifts welcome from all who love missions!
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS member): “The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.”
NEW MEMBERSHIP CLASS I’d like to start a new membership class soon on Sunday at 11:30am and/or Monday at 6pm here at my office. We will study the basic teachings of the Bible using the 20 lesson study guide entitled: New Life In Christ. Call or text me at 608-408-7830 if you are interested. –Pastor Pete Zietlow
FOLLOW MISSIONS ON FACEBOOK Like the new WELS Missions Facebook page to stay up to date on news from Home and World Mission fields, read inspiring stories of the gospel at work, and take advantage of the many resources WELS Missions has to offer – fb.com/WELSMissions.
KNOW YOUR SYNOD Your Sunday offerings help support the work of WELS, but do you know how? Go to wels.net to discover stories about the many WELS world and home mission fields; explore which ministries can support you and your congregation; enjoy daily devotions and Bible readings; and subscribe to stay up to date on the latest news from your synod. All of this and more is available on wels.net. Visit us online today and save us as a Favorite or a Bookmark!
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St. John’s Greeters Schedule | |
Mar. 24 | Ron & Evie Blada |
Mar. 31 | Delvin & Jean Henke |
Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
3-17 3-20 | 102 63 | 147 72 |
St. John’s Altar Committee: March 2019 | Diane Eisermann & Delores Cotte |
Usher Schedule | |
March 24 E (with comm.) SJ | DuWayne Sommerfeld, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller Jack Yates; Chief, Thomas Wojtalewicz, James Henke, Paul Van Treeck, Martin Schmanke |
March 27 (Lent 3:30pm) E (Lent 6:30pm) SJ | Wayne Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller Don Smith; Chief, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann |
March 31 E SJ | Wayne Stelter, Paul Wuerch, DuWayne Sommerfeld Kenon Smith; Chief, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Del Henke |