Month: January 2019

The Light of Wisdom:

A Service for Epiphany

Where is the wise person? … Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:20

January 6, 2019

8 a.m. Emmanuel

10 a.m. St. John’s

Pastor Peter Zietlow

Pastor’s Greeting

What does “Epiphany” mean? It comes from the Greek epiphaneia, which means “shining forth,” “manifestation,” or “revelation.” The Epiphany of our Lord is the Christian festival that celebrates the many ways through signs, miracles, and preaching that Jesus revealed Himself to the world as Christ, God incarnate, and King of Kings.

Four incidents that manifested the mission and divinity of Christ are commemorated during the season of Epiphany: First, the visit of the Magi; second, the baptism of Jesus; third, the miracle at Cana; and fourth, the Transfiguration. Today we celebrate the visit of the Magi or wise men, who were gentiles, which is why we often think of Epiphany as the Christmas of the gentiles.

Congregational Hymn Hymn 83, As With Gladness Men of Old, Verses 1, 3, 4, 5

As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold, As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright,

So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore your followers be.

As they offered gifts most rare at your cradle, rude and bare,

So may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin’s alloy,

All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to you, our heav’nly King.

Holy Jesus, ev’ry day keep us in the narrow way;

And, when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide, where no clouds your glory hide.

In the heav’nly country bright need they no created light; You its light, its joy, its crown, you its sun which goes not down.

There forever may we sing alleluias to our King!

The Responsive Reading (from Psalm 111:1-4, 9-10) spoken responsively by the Pastor and the congregation.

P: Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

C: Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.

P: Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

C: He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.

P: He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever.

C: Holy and awesome is his name!

P: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.

C: His praise endures forever!

The Confession and Absolution is spoken responsively by the Pastor and the congregation.

P: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but so often we forsake that wisdom and seek the foolishness and temptations of the world. Let us confess our sins to God and ask his forgiveness.

C: Almighty God, we turn away from the wisdom of your holy Word and instead follow the temptations of the devil, the world, and our own sinful desires. We sin against you each day in our thoughts, words, and actions. Have mercy on us and forgive us for the sake of Jesus our Lord.

P: Christ our Lord, the Child of Bethlehem, was born to save us. He carried our sins in his own body to the cross. For his sake and by his command, I announce to you that your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. His praise endures forever!

The Prayer of the Day

Lord Jesus, Light of the world, a bright star proclaimed your birth and led the wise men to find and worship you, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Lead us by your holy Word that we too might be filled with your wisdom and walk in your light. Teach us by your Spirit to love and serve others in your name. As the star announced your birth, may we too proclaim the good news of your birth, life, death, and resurrection to a world trapped by its own foolish wisdom and lost in the darkness of sin. Amen

The Old Testament Reading Isaiah 60:1-6

¹“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. ²See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. ³Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. ⁴“Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. ⁵Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. ⁶Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

Congregational Hymn, Hymn 82, Songs of Thankfulness and Praise, Verses 1 and 5

Songs of thankfulness and praise, Jesus, Lord, to you we raise,

Manifested by the star to the Magi from afar,

Branch of royal David’s stem, in your birth at Bethlehem.

Anthems be to you addressed, God in man made manifest.

Grant us grace to see you, Lord, mirrored in your holy Word.

May our lives and all we do imitate and honor you

That we all like you may be at your great epiphany

And may praise you, ever blest, God in man made manifest.

The Epistle Reading, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

¹⁸For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” ²⁰Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. ²²Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Verse of the Day

Alleluia. We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Alleluia. (Matthew 2:2b)

C: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! (Hymnal p. 18)

Stand for the Gospel Reading, Matthew 2:1-12

C: Glory be to you, O Lord! (Hymnal p. 18)

¹After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

³ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ⁶ “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,  are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler  who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. ⁸ He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

⁹ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.¹² And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! (Hymnal p. 18)

Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Sermon Hymn, Hymn 92, “Brightest and Best”, Verses 1, 3

Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid. Star of the East, the Horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Shall we not yield him in costly devotion Rarest of fragrances, tribute divine, Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?

The Sermon “The Epiphany Star Sheds New Light on Our Life” Matthew 2:1-12 (The Gospel Lesson)

1. This Star is a joy to follow (1-10) 2. This Star is an honor to worship (11a) 3. This Star makes it a privilege to give (11b)

Congregational Hymn, Hymn 92 “Brightest and Best”, Verses 4 and 5

Vainly we bring him the finest of off’rings, Vainly with gifts would his favor secure, Richer by far is the praise that the heart brings; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid. Star of the East, the Horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

The Offering (Greet one another and sign the register.)

Intercessory Prayers

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Reinold Eckelberg, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Earl Ewert, Mike Farrell, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Arden “Bill” Klimke, Linda Krause, Pete Laun, Lilly Mann, LuAnn Reber, Frankie Russell, Mark & Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son & daughter in-law), Al & Darlene Schmidt (Dawn Marcelain & Candace Sonnenberg’s parents), Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s friend), Amanda Stalker, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Paul Weldon, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: )

– For teachers called at the 12/16 SJ Voters meeting: Michael & Megan Allard–principal/teacher & K4,K5 teacher respectively & Michelle Myers–grade 1 & 2 teacher

– For our communicants at Emmanuel

Prayer

As the wise ones of old came bearing gifts, so we come to you, God, with our gifts. Accept and transform them in the light of the gospel, that the world might believe and come to know Him whom to know is life eternal, Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen

Note: At Emmanuel…

Holy Communion Liturgy, hymnal pages 35 & 36a

Distribution Hymn 311 “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness”

The Blessing

Gracious God, let your servants depart in peace; your word has been fulfilled. We have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all people as a light to reveal you to the nations.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen

The Closing Hymn, Hymn 87 Hail, O Source of Every Blessing, 3 verses

Hail, O Source of ev’ry blessing, Father of our human race! Gentiles now, your grace possessing, in your courts obtain a place; Grateful now, we fall before you, in your Church rejoice to live, See your glory and adore you, thankful for the grace you give.

Once far off but now invited, we approach your sacred throne, In your covenant united, reconciled, redeemed, made one. Now revealed to eastern sages, see the star of mercy shine, Myst’ry hid in former ages, myst’ry great of love divine.

Hail, O all-inviting Savior! Gentiles now their off’rings bring, In your temples seek your favor, Jesus Christ, our Lord and King. May we, body, soul, and spirit, live devoted to your praise, Glorious realms of bliss inherit, grateful anthems ever raise.

Announcements

THEME FOR NEXT SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 2019

Epiphany 1: “The Baptism of our Lord”

-Pastor Tom Klusmeyer from Camp Phillip leads services

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OFJANUARY 6-JANUARY 12
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship with communion
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A..M.		St. John’s Adult Bible Study
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
Mon.	6:00 P.M.		Hands in Prayer at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		Choir at St. John’s
	7:30 P.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.	9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Elders meeting
Wed.	8:00 A.M.		St. John’s School Chapel
	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	1:40 P.M.		St. John’s School/Little Lambs early release
	2:15 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship
Thurs.	8:00 A.M.		St. John’s School Teen Confirmation
	10:00 P.M.		Montello Care Center Devotion
	6:00 P.M.		St. John’s School Board meeting
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 2019 Epiphany 1: “The Baptism of our Lord” -Pastor Tom Klusmeyer from Camp Phillip leads services
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion

2019 OFFERING ENVELOPES are ready for pick up in the link way at St. John’s. PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM UNTIL JANUARY 2019! If you did not receive a box and would like to, please let Ciara know at the office (297-2866) or there is a sign up in the link way.

2018 OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN UP is now available in the link way. Please pick your statement up in the link way as well.

ART FOR DINNER

It’s that time of the year, Art for Dinner will be held Saturday, February 2^nd ,at 5:00p.m. in the Montello High School community room. This is our 4^th Annual Fundraiser to help improve our school. This year the money raised will go to our Athletic Fund (funds will cover things such as new uniforms, tournament fees, updated equipment, etc.) We need your help! Please consider purchasing a ticket and enjoying the evening or consider making a donation. We are also looking for donations of items for our basket raffle. If you would be able to donate a basket already made up, any type of items, or services, gift cards, or products! If you know of any businesses that would be willing to donate, please ask them as well. Please have all donations turned into the office by Wednesday, January 30^th. If you would like to work on projects at home or in the classroom, please feel free to do so and we would love to include them in our silent auction fundraiser. Any other family (Grandmas, Dads, Uncles, Cousins) art projects are welcome as well. God has blessed many of us with lots of different talents! We are very excited to be having this fundraiser and with your help, we are hoping that it will be a great success! Please help spread the word to anyone you think would like to support our school! Any questions, contact:

Megan Jaster- 608-369-3456 mj.jastersag@outlook.com or

Ciara Neuhauser 608-369-0901 ciaraneuhauser24@gmail.com

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS member): “I don’t know why some people change churches. What difference does it make which one you stay home from?”

MEN’S TUESDAY BIBLE CLASS The Men’s Bible Class will resume on Tuesday, January 8, at 6:30PM.

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY AT ST. JOHN’S resumes 1/7 at 7:30p.m. & 1/9 at 10:00a.m.

Usher Schedule
January 6 E SJ	Wayne Stelter, Warren Buchholz, Paul Dahlke, comm. assist. Darrel Buchholz James Wachholz; Chief, Paul Van Treeck, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall
January 13 E SJ	Lucas Stelter, Bob Ferber, Joe Heller Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr
January 20 E SJ	Don Stelter, Jim Stuempges, DuWayne Sommerfeld Jack Yates; Chief, Robin Smith, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Gordon Krause
January 27 E SJ	Brian Ninnemann, Noah Buchholz, Gary Wagner Don Smith; Chief, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock
February 3 E SJ	Darrel Buchholz, Bruce Stelter, Brian Ninnemann, comm. assist. Lucas Stelter Kenon Smith; Chief, Matt Borzick, Glen Bubolz, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith
February 10 E SJ	DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Wuerch, Paul Dahlke Cal Kapp; Chief, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul
February 17 E SJ	Wayne Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, Joe Heller James Wachholz; Chief, Scott Ritz, Ken Borzick, Ben Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz
February 24 E SJ	Lucas Stelter, Warren Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, James Henke, Paul Van Treeck, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf

St. John’s Greeters Schedule
January 6	Aaron Kendall & Christopher Smith
January 13	Scott & Debbie Ritz
January 20	Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell
January 27	Jim & Diane Eisermann
February 3	Harold & Judy Fandrey
February 10	Kenon & Mary Smith
February 17	Al & Carolyn Rosenthal
February 24	Dixie Wagner & Bernice Wegner

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
12-30 12-31 1-1	61 37	117 22
St. John’s Altar Committee: January 2019		Elaine Kelm & Carolyn Rosenthal

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Like & find us on Facebook

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

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

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Rachel Naumann (847) 913-2135

Teacher Cassie Doering (920) 723-8986

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