March 2018 – St. John's Evangelical

Jonah’s Prayer – March 31, 2018

March 31, 2018 Kerry

Jonah said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.” Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.”
Jonah 2:2-9

Jonah’s Prayer

Daily Devotion – March 31, 2018

Devotion based on Jonah 2:2-9

See series: Devotions

It seems impossible for someone to survive for hours and even days inside a great fish. But it’s true, for that is what the Bible says happened to Jonah. Our Bible reading for today is a summary of Jonah’s prayer from inside the fish. With a miracle of God Jonah survived, and by a command of God the fish vomited him onto dry land.

It seems impossible for someone to lie dead in the grave for hours and even days, and then come out alive again forever. But it’s true, for that is what the Bible says happened to Jesus. Jesus even predicted that he would be in the heart of the earth just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish (Matthew 12:40). When Jesus suffered hell for us on the cross, banished from the sight of God the Father, he could have easily prayed this prayer of Jonah.

With a miracle of God, Jesus rose from the dead. And as Christians face their own deaths, they can pray this prayer of Jonah. We call for help and Jesus listens to our cry. He brings our life back from the pit. Because Jesus lives, we will live. We do not cling to worthless idols. Instead, we bask in the grace of God, his undeserved love for us in Christ Jesus.

Even when Christians do not think they are near death, they sing songs of thanksgiving and make their lives a living sacrifice for the Lord God who saves them.

Prayer:
With a song of thanksgiving, I will sacrifice to you, O LORD, because salvation comes from 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.

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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Rescued from Evil – March 30, 2018

March 30, 2018 Kerry

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18

Rescued from Evil

Daily Devotion – March 30, 2018

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 4:18

See series: Devotions

The apostle Paul was in prison again. This time it would be his last. Arrested, tried, and convicted before the tribunal of Nero, he had been condemned to death. Paul didn’t despair; however, because his confidence rested in the grace and power of God to rescue him.

Jesus predicted that believers would be harassed and helpless in this sinful world. They would be persecuted by those who misuse power and assaulted by lies and deceptions. The devil will use people and ideas for his purposes. He will ally himself with all kinds of evil and employ it to turn people away from Jesus to forfeit the gift of heaven!

But the devil with his evil work has been defeated by Jesus. Speaking about his death on the cross, the Savior declared: “Now the prince of this world will be driven out” (John 12:31). Jesus crushed the devil’s power when he paid for the guilt of the sins of world by his innocent death. Though the devil still strives to accomplish his evil purposes, trusting in Jesus we are assured that our Lord will rescue us from every one of those evil attacks.

And finally, Jesus will bring us to his heavenly kingdom where no evil can ever harm us again! We will be permanently and perfectly rescued from the devil and his evil work.

Like Paul, we are certain that our Lord will faithfully fulfill his word, to rescue us from every evil attack, and bring us safely into his heavenly kingdom. Confident in his grace and power, we proclaim praises to our eternal King: “To him be glory forever and ever!”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, fill my heart with the certainty of deliverance from every work of evil, and fill my heart with words of praise and glory to you, my Savior and King. Amen.

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

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No Fear – March 29, 2018

March 29, 2018 Kerry

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2:14-15

No Fear

Daily Devotion – March 29, 2018

Devotion based on Hebrews 2:14-15

See series: Devotions

They say that people fear public speaking more than they fear death. I think they asked people who weren’t facing death.

We fear death because we fear God. We fear we will have to answer for cheating, misusing God’s name, being selfish, neglecting others in their need, wanting revenge on those who hurt us—and the list goes on. God demands absolute perfection from us and we’re afraid of what he’ll do when we must face him.

The devil has used this fear to enslave us. He tempts us to sin, and when we do, he taunts us with what it will be like to stand before the holy God as unholy people. He reminds us God sends sinners to hell.

Jesus did not want us to fear our God or where we spend eternity. The Son of God became a human being—sharing our humanity. As a fully human person, Jesus lived in perfect obedience to God. When Jesus died on the cross, he wasn’t dying for his own sins; he had none. He was dying for all our sins. When his blood covered our sins, his blood also covered our reason to fear death.

Unless the end of the world comes first, all of us will die. Either way, we will face God. Yet when we face God, we have nothing to fear. God will not condemn us because Jesus shared our humanity to take away our sin. With no sin, the devil has no power over us. We are going to heaven because the Son of God became the Son of man to save us. Trusting in Jesus, fear of death is replaced with assurance of life with God forever.

Tonight, Christians around this world gather together to taste Jesus’ gift to us. They will eat bread and drink wine. Jesus promises that in this simple meal, he gives us forgiveness for all our sins. He gives us proof that he died to free us from our slavery to sin and death. If you are one of these Christians going to the Lord’s Supper tonight, think of the deep mystery you became a part of. You are receiving the body and blood of your God who gave his life for you. Here is the proof you never need to fear death.

Prayer:
Son of God, thank you for sharing our humanity so we would never have to fear death, our God, or our future. 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.

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Rejoice and Shout, Your King Comes to You – March 28, 2018

March 28, 2018 Kerry

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Zechariah 9:9,10

Rejoice and Shout, Your King Comes to You

Daily Devotion – March 28, 2018

Devotion based on Zechariah 9:9,10

See series: Devotions

This past year, some friends gave my family tickets to a local college football game. Our friends encouraged us to arrive early, because the moments before the game were electrifying. We were not disappointed! As the home team made its entrance onto the field, the college band played the school’s fight song as loud as they could. The scoreboard flashed, “Stand up and make some noise!” There was smoke. There were fireworks. Then the announcer yelled, “Here comes your championship football team…” and 70,000 people screamed with joy as the team ran onto the field. This was a memorable entrance!

The prophet Zechariah prepares hearts for Jesus’ memorable entrance on Palm Sunday. He exclaims, “Rejoice greatly! Shout!” This message builds up joy and excitement for the coming king. But the manner in which Jesus comes on Palm Sunday might seem like a major let-down. He comes, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey.

Imagine the reaction in a full stadium if one football player came out on a lowly donkey. The crowd might become restless. So also, we might wonder, “Where is Jesus’ pomp and circumstance? What kind of king rides on a lowly donkey? What kind of king seeks to proclaim and extend peace without a single weapon of war, and in such a lowly manner?”

Jesus does! His humble ride is fitting of his humble mission to bring us peace. Jesus humbly rode into Jerusalem on that Sunday, knowing that he would face death on that Friday. Jesus humbly rode on for the proud and pompous. Jesus humbly rode on for the disobedient and defiant. Jesus humbly rode on to face the punishment our sins deserved, so that he could win and proclaim the peace of God’s forgiveness.

So, rejoice greatly and shout! Your King came for you. And your King still comes to you through his Word to proclaim his peace and fill your heart with his joy.

Prayer:
King Jesus, let the peace which you won for me rule my heart and mind. Let it overflow in joy in my life as well. 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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Who Is This? – March 27, 2018

March 27, 2018 Kerry

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness! And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11

Who Is This?

Daily Devotion – March 27, 2018

Devotion based on Philippians 2:5-11

See series: Devotions

Who is this who on Palm Sunday rides into Jerusalem on a donkey? He is our King, the almighty and glorious God of heaven and earth. Yet he made himself nothing, becoming fully human in the womb of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit, and placed in a manger for his first bed. He made himself nothing. He became the servant of sinners, in perfect love. He became the helper of the helpless, while suffering the problems and troubles of our unworthy world of sin and death. As the servant of mortals, he became obedient to our death, even the lowliest death of shame, execution, and condemnation on a cross!

Who is this? This is our Savior, victorious over sin, death and hell. He is our forgiveness. He is our righteousness. Therefore, God triumphantly raised him from the dead. Jesus gloriously ascended into heaven, where he sits in the exalted position of all power and glory at the right hand of God the Father. He wisely and perfectly governs all things for the benefit of all his believers, to bring them safely to the heaven he won for us. Day by day he rules in our hearts with his word of grace and forgiveness.

No matter how crude our circumstances, how terrible our troubles, or how pitiful our problems, he is our servant. He is our Savior. He is our King of kings and Lord of lords.

May our knees ever bow and our tongues ever confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for so greatly humbling yourself to rescue me from sin, death, and hell. Through your word, rule in my heart as my glorious King, that from my lips I may always praise you as my Savior and confess you as my Lord. Amen.

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

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Humble and Bold – March 26, 2018

March 26, 2018 Kerry

When [the disciples] brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Mark 11:7-10

Humble and Bold

Daily Devotion – March 26, 2018

Devotion based on Mark 11:7-10

See series: Devotions

Jesus is the only person who ever lived to be perfect in humbleness and boldness.

On the one hand, Jesus is one who hangs out with the very worst sinners. He isn’t afraid to spend his time with the very lowest in society. He grows up and lives as a regular person; little money, no home, the same problems and struggles that most people have. Even as he comes into Jerusalem, he does so on an unbroken donkey.

On the other hand, he never shies away from the praise and acclamation that is due him. He boldly stands up to the self-righteous. He is addressed as “teacher,” “Lord,” and “prophet.” He says that there is no way to heaven outside of him. Even as he comes into Jerusalem, he does so amid the crowd’s shouts of praise.

Jesus no longer rides into cities. But he does come into your heart, and still does it with humbleness and boldness.

He comes into your heart with humbleness as he gives you faith through his Word. Whether read or spoken by a pastor, parent, or friend, Jesus uses humble people and means to make a home for himself in your heart. He pours his blessings out at baptism with just simple water. He promises that he is truly present in the Lord’s Supper. Jesus continues to come to you, but he does so in very humble ways.

He comes into your heart with boldness as he proclaims himself to be the only way of salvation. He gives you more than anyone else can as he promises to you a perfect life to come, and that he will control all things now as he leads you there. He tells you that he has defeated sin, death, and the devil and that he is King of all.

Jesus is still like no one else. He comes not into cities, but into your heart with perfect humbleness and boldness.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for sending Jesus in perfect humbleness and boldness. Make us to always trust the work he has done. Amen.

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

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Crusader or Christ? – March 25, 2018

March 25, 2018 Kerry

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee!”
Matthew 21:10-11

Crusader or Christ?

Daily Devotion – March 25, 2018

Devotion based on Matthew 21:10-11

See series: Devotions

Who is Jesus? This was the question asked by the crowds. Some knew Jesus as the prophet from Galilee. Still others didn’t know who Jesus was. While there were many possible answers to the question, there was one distinct hope. People wanted Jesus to be a crusader.

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, people welcomed him as a king. They waved palm branches. They heralded him as an heir of David’s royal line. And they hoped he would lead a crusade to throw off the power of the Roman Empire.

Not much has changed since Jesus entered Jerusalem. People still ask the same question, “Who is Jesus?” Many also have their hopes and expectations. Some want Jesus to be a prophet offering wisdom for life. Others want him to be a role model of upstanding moral quality. Still others want him to be a crusader. They desperately want him to right wrongs, to bring order to chaos, and to offer peace instead of war.

So who is Jesus? It is a question for which I need a clear answer. If I believe Jesus is simply a political crusader, I will be disappointed and eventually reject him. On the other hand, if I believe he is the promised Christ from God, I will not be disappointed and will gladly follow him.

Jesus came to this earth to be the Savior, God promised to send. As that Savior, he was clearly set apart to accomplish his Father’s will. That work included living a sin-free life to release all people from the crushing demands of the Law. It also included offering the complete payment to secure freedom from the tyranny of sin, the dread of death and the domination of the devil. Jesus did everything God the Father commanded and signaled the completion of that work when he cried out from the cross, “It is finished!”

Jesus’ obedient life and his all-sufficient death provide me with the answer I need to the question, “Who is Jesus?” He is the promised Christ. As I put my confidence in him, I rejoice in knowing my sins are forgiven. I delight in following him and his loving will. I also long for the day when I will join him in the place he has prepared for me in heaven.

Prayer:
O dearest heavenly Father, I thank you for the promised Savior you have provided. Give me faith to confess that Jesus is your Son, my Savior, and the promised Christ. 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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Loving Discipline – March 24, 2018

March 24, 2018 Kerry

“I will go back to my place until they admit their guilt. And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me.” “Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
Hosea 5:15–6:3

Loving Discipline

Daily Devotion – March 24, 2018

Devotion based on Hosea 5:15–6:3

See series: Devotions

Watch a parent carefully discipline his child, and a strange thing often happens. At first the child hates the discipline. As you might expect, the child wants to get away from the admonishing parent. One would think that the child would want to continue to stay at a distance, but usually just the opposite happens. The child returns to his parent to be comforted.

Deep down, each of us understands a need for discipline. We might even crave it on some level. This is because love and discipline go hand in hand. Parents who care enough to discipline their children are parents who love their children.

In our lesson the Lord used the prophet Hosea to instruct the people about God’s discipline and love. To say that the Children of Israel had misbehaved would be an understatement. They sinned. They turned from the true God to gods of their own invention. They were on a path that was headed straight to hell. But God loved them too much to let them continue on their way to destruction. So he disciplined them.

God’s discipline was harsh. Hosea used words like “torn to pieces” and “injured” to describe the pain God inflicted on them. The pain was severe, but so was the offense that the people had committed.

God’s discipline was effective. Not only did the people realize the error of their ways, but they also knew where they needed to turn for help. They turned back to their God who loved them enough to discipline them in the first place. And when they did, God not only let them survive, but thrive. God’s love for his people was as predictable as a sunrise and as nourishing as a seasonal rain.

The Lord is also your heavenly Father and he loves you very much. Perhaps at this time you are carrying a heavy load. Perhaps you have even questioned, “Is God doing this to me?” I can’t speak specifically to whatever problem you are going through at the moment, but I can tell you that God loves you as his dear child.

Hosea’s message to us is also quite clear. In difficult times don’t run from God, run to him. He is a God who cared enough to send his Son Jesus to take away your sins and call you to be his child. He is a God who cares enough to discipline you for your good, for your eternal good. He is a God whose love is as certain as a sunrise and as refreshing as a spring rain.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the times you have disciplined me. Remind me that I can always turn to you for love and forgiveness. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

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

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BULLETIN- PALM SUNDAY MARCH 25, 2018

March 23, 2018 Kerry

ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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PALM SUNDAY

MARCH 25, 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!

A PRAYER FOR THOSE GATHERED AT WORSHIP –We praise you, O God, for the great acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ. As he was acclaimed by those who scattered their garments and branches of palms in his path, so may we always hail him as our King and follow him in humble service; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus Humbly Rides Into Jerusalem To Die – So different from earthly rulers is our Lord Jesus. Jesus was coming to finish the most important battle of time and eternity, yet he did not enter Jerusalem as a mighty warrior in the world’s eyes. Instead of coming with a huge army on mighty horses, Jesus came on a lowly donkey, with twelve men that weren’t anything special in the eyes of most. It was this humble King that the crowd greets with words that rang to the heavens then, and continue to be lifted to Jesus today, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Service of the Word and Sacrament” (hymnal page 26)

PASTOR’S GREETING

ST. JOHN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL SING “Hosanna March”, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” and “Come Let Us Worship” (see lyrics on insert)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 26, read & sung responsively)

PRAYER OF THE DAY (read by the pastor)

LITURGY (hymnal page 29b, read & sung responsively)

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

THE DAY’S BIBLE READING THEME

Palm Sunday: Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Zechariah 9:9, 10 (today’s sermon text)

Zechariah gives new hope and encouragement to the people of Judah, who were discouraged after their captivity. He tells them of their coming Savior-King, who would appear in lowliness and humility to set up his kingdom of peace to the very “ends of the earth.”

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

PSALM 24 (hymnal page 73, lectern side sings first line, pulpit side sings second line, all sing the refrains and Gloria)

EPISTLE LESSON Philippians 2:5-11

The Apostle Paul tells of the humiliation of Christ and his final glory. Christ Jesus lowered himself and became a servant as he performed his redemptive work. God exalted him to the highest place and made him our glorious King.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

VERSE OF THE DAY “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” (John 12:23)

LITURGY (hymnal page 30b, all sing)

(Please stand)

GOSPEL Mark 11:1-10

Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He enters the city as a king, yet his glory is in his humility and suffering.

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, `Why are you doing this?’ tell him, `The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'”

They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” {Psalm 118:25,26} “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!”

After the Gospel, all sing:

“Praise be to you, O Christ!”

(Please be seated)

SERMON HYMN 716 “No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet”

1 No tramp of soldiers’ marching feet With banners and with drums,

No sound of music’s martial beat: “The King of glory comes!”

To greet what pomp of kingly pride No bells in triumph ring,

No city gates swing open wide: “Behold, behold your King!”

2 And yet he comes. The children cheer; With palms his path is strown.

With ev’ry step the cross draws near: The King of glory’s throne.

Astride a colt he passes by As loud hosannas ring,

Or else the very stones would cry, “Behold, behold your King!”

3 What fading flow’rs his road adorn; The palms, how soon laid down!

No bloom or leaf but only thorn The King of glory’s crown.

The soldiers mock, the rabble cries. The streets with tumult ring,

As Pilate to the mob replies, “Behold, behold your King!”

4 Now he who bore for mortals’ sake The cross and all its pains

And chose a servant’s form to take, The King of glory reigns.

Hosanna to the Savior’s name Till heaven’s rafters ring,

And all the ransomed host proclaim, “Behold, behold your King!”

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SERMON Zechariah 9:9, 10 Your King Comes to You

A different kind of king
A different kind of kingdom

(Please stand after the sermon)

THE NICENE CREED (hymnal page 31, all read)

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

SOLOIST SINGS “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” (during the offering)

OFFERING PRAYER (read by pastor)

(Please stand)

PALM SUNDAY PRAYER (read by pastor)

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), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Doris Klawitter, Anna Madigan, Kerry & Lily Mann, Ruthie Marcelain (Dawn’s granddaughter), 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: Ruthie 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

– For Jady Victor Steuck, the son of Josh and Sarrey Steuck, born on Monday (3/19)

– For our communicants at St. John’s

LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 32b, all read)

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY (hymnal page 33, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated for Holy Communion)

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 133 “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty”, 618:1-4 “Before the Lord We Bow” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

THANK THE LORD, CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING (hymnal page 36b-37, read & sung responsively)

CLOSING HYMN 618:5 “Before the Lord We Bow” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (4/1):

Jesus Rises from Death

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

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK MARCH 25-MARCH 31
Sun.		PALM SUNDAY
	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
	2:00-9:00P.M.	St. John’s Church Directory photo-shoot with Lifetouch
		SPRING BREAK-NO SCHOOL
Tues.	2:00-9:00P.M.	St. John’s Church Directory photo-shoot with Lifetouch
		SPRING BREAK-NO SCHOOL
Wed.	10:00 A.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.	St. John’s Worship with communion
	7:30 P.M.	Bible Information Class at St. John’s
	2:00-9:00P.M.	St. John’s Church Directory photo-shoot with Lifetouch
		SPRING BREAK-NO SCHOOL
Thurs.		MAUNDY THURSDAY
	7:00 P.M.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
		NO GRIEFSHARE
		SPRING BREAK-NO SCHOOL
Fri.		GOOD FRIDAY
	1:00 P.M.	St. John’s Worship with communion
		SPRING BREAK-NO SCHOOL
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 2018 Theme for next Sunday (4/1): Jesus Rises from Death
6:00 A.M.			St. John’s Easter Sunrise Worship
8:00 A.M.			Emmanuel Worship with communion
9:00 A.M.			Easter Breakfast at Emmanuel
10:00 A.M.			St. John’s Worship

PALMS AS YOU LEAVE ST. JOHN’S TODAY The Sunday School children will be handing out palms as you leave church today.

See the source image

THANK YOU to everyone that ordered a plant(s) for Easter. If you haven’t paid for your plant(s) yet, please pay Kay Maass, our Ladies Aid Treasurer. Thanks again!

GRIEFSHARE No Griefshare on Maundy Thursday. See you next week!

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.

See the source image 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.

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.

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!

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 APPLICATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 15! If you are attending the LWMS Convention in Green Bay, June 21-24, as a first-time attendee, make sure you have applied for SOS funds to assist with your expenses. Get your SOS application from Reporter Helen Stelter at Emmanuel; Linda Wachholz at St. John’s.

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. Donations may also be brought to the LWMS Spring Rally in Fox Lake.

LWMS SPRING RALLY is Saturday, April 21, at St. John’s, Fox Lake. All who have a heart for missions are cordially invited! Keynote speaker will be former missionary to India, Pastor John Hildebrandt. 9:45 Registration; 10:30 Bible Study; 11:15 Business meeting with elections; 11:45 Lunch; 12:45 Devotion & Speaker; 2:15 Officer Installation & Closing. Spring Service Project: Wish List for Camp Phillip-Wautoma (lists available at collection boxes in St. John’s Info Room & linkway and in the parish hall at Emmanuel) or bring your donations to the rally. Silent Auction for Send One Sister program—come ready to bid & purchase! Sign up to carpool in the Information Room or contact Emmanuel Reporter Helen Stelter (297-7116) or St. John’s Reporter Linda Wachholz (369-2635).

VETERAN 2018 SPIRITUAL R & R BY LUTHERAN MILITARY SUPPORT GROUP (LMSG) The wounds of war run deep; especially the ones unseen, in the heart and mind. Christian warriors come together to hear God’s grace and mercy that binds what is broken, heals what hurts, and destroys the spiritual enemy. This retreat, May 4-6, is intended for and open to WELS/ELS veterans since 1991, men and women who have any degree of post-traumatic stress related to their military service. This retreat is only for veterans. No spouses or family for this retreat. There is NO COST to the participants. All expenses are covered by the LMSG. Register by visiting www.lutheranmilitary.org or contacting Rev. Jason Hacker at 262-547-3688 or pastorhacker@gracewaukesha.org Registration is limited. A waiting list will be established if necessary.

Usher Schedule
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
April 1 SJ (Easter 6am) (10am) E (8am)	>James Wachholz; Chief, Ken Borzick, Ben Emond, Tyler Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz >Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, James Henke, Paul VanTreeck, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf >Lucas Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld

St. John’s Greeter Schedule
March 25	Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell
April 1	Wayne & Marilyn Riemer
April 8	Jim & Diane Eisermann
April 15	Harold & Judy Fandrey

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

3-18 3-21

60 70

121 56

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

3/29/18

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

Victory over the Sting of Death! – March 23, 2018

March 23, 2018 Kerry

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Victory over the Sting of Death!

Daily Devotion – March 23, 2018

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

See series: Devotions

When humanity goes up against its final enemy, its greatest opponent, will we enjoy a rousing victory over death? Will any human beat the odds and live forever? Or do we see before us only a stinging defeat?

Death’s sting is eternal separation from God’s peace and presence! The power and poison in the stinger is the law. God’s law is like a mirror that shows us how far we are from being god-like, and how fully we fail to live as he commands. The law stings when it tells us to be holy, to be perfect as God is. On our own, we fall far short of God’s holy requirement! And therefore, we deserve to die, die eternally.

But the apostle Paul “trash talks” death. How can he do that? The answer is EASTER! In 1 Corinthians chapter 15, the resurrection chapter, Paul proclaims Jesus’ victory over death by our Lord’s glorious resurrection and the impact his resurrection has on us.

God the Father removed the stinger from death. He sent his Son, the Lamb of God, to take away the sin of the world. By Jesus’ death for us, God rescued us from eternal death. Trusting in Jesus, the grave is not a hopeless end. Just as Jesus rose from the dead and now lives gloriously in heaven, so he will raise us from the grave to live forever in glory with him. Through Jesus, death does not defeat us; it has no victory over us.

Jesus is our king who won the victory over death. We can echo Paul’s victory cry, “Where, O death, is your sting? Where, O death, is your victory?” By faith in Jesus, his resurrection is our victory over eternal death and the grave. We will rejoice to see our Lord return at the last day. And as our glorious and perfect king, he will take us to live in his heavenly kingdom.

Prayer:
Gracious Father in heaven, I thank you for allowing me to share in the victory of my Lord Jesus Christ, your dear Son. Empower me by your Spirit to live in the victorious celebration of life everlasting from now to eternity. 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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