Month: May 2020

The 7^th Sunday of Easter

May 24, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠P R E P A R A T I O N   F O R   W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.

P:  Christ is risen!

C:  He is risen, indeed!  Alleluia!

HYMN 169                               Alleluia! Sing to Jesus                                                          

INVOCATION           hymnal page 15                                                                                            

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

OPENING PRAYER                                                                                                    hymnal page 10

P: O Lord — our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter — we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION                                                                  hymnal page 38

P: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.

C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt. 

P: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.  Amen.

✠ T H E   W O R D ✠

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST LESSON              Acts 1:1-14 

Summary: Protection as we wait for the Lord

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 

So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” 

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

PSALM 8                                                                                                                hymnal page 67

*Sung refrains and read verses.

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

When I consider your heavens,

The work of your fingers,

What is man that you are mindful of him,

The Son of Man that you care for him?

Refrain

You made him a little lower that the heavenly beings,

And crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;

You put everything under his feet.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

And to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning, 

Is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE LESSON       1 Peter 4:12-17; 5:6-11 

Summary: Protection in suffering

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

VERSE OF THE DAY                       John 14:23

P: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Alleluia. 

♫ Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                        John 17:1-11a (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Protection as we live in the world

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. 

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY                                             

P: Almighty God, your Son our Savior was taken up in glory and intercedes for us at your right hand. Through your living and abiding Word, give us hearts to know him and faith to follow where he has gone; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

SERMON HYMN 359                                                  Jesus, My Great High Priest

SERMONETTE                                                                                                               John 17:1-11a       

        “You’re in Jesus’ Prayers”     

APOSTLES’ CREED                           

*Sung to the tune of CW 277                                       

I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heav’n and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s own Son of human birth. 

Virgin-born, the Lord incarnate, Whom the Spirit did conceive;

Suffered under Pontius Pilate; He’s the God whom I believe!

Crucified, was dead and buried; Down to hell in victory;

From the dead he rose the third day; Up to heav’n triumphantly. 

There at God’s right hand he’s ruling, By his will the world is led.

He will come to judge the nations, Both the living and the dead.

I believe in God the Spirit, In his Church, his chosen band.

They are joined in sweet communion, Holy in his sight they stand. 

I believe in sins forgiven; I believe I’ll rise again;

I believe in life eternal. Amen! Amen! Amen!

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

M:  Blessed Jesus, you ascended to the right hand of your Father’s majesty, power, and glory and now reign as eternal King of kings and Lord of lords.

C:   We praise you for your victory over sin, death, Satan, and hell.

M:  O ascended Prophet, equip your Church to proclaim the precious gospel message of God’s love for all the world.

C:   Give courage to our hearts, power to our words, and success to our efforts.

M:  O ascended High Priest, represent us before the Father as his own dear children and heirs. Defend us against Satan’s every accusation. Ask for the Father’s rich blessings in our everyday lives.

C:   Plead for his mercy and grace on our behalf.

M:  O ascended King, direct the affairs of governments and nations that they may serve the best interest of your Church.

C:   You are our Lord, Master, and King.

M. We thank you for those who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. 

C: Be with those who grieve over the loss of  beloved parents, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and friends who went to war and did not return. 

M: Comfort them with the knowledge that in Jesus Christ, your son, we have victory over death and the promise of a future reunion in heaven. 

C: Make us thankful for our nation’s freedoms purchased at so great a price.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

M:  Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.

M:  As the disciples lifted their eyes to watch your ascension, so lift our eyes daily to look for your coming again in glory.

C:   Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER    hymnal page 43     

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER                                                                                                    hymnal page 43 

P: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING                                                                                                           hymnal page 44

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. 

Amen. 

CLOSING HYMN 619                                                       God Bless Our Native Land 

Announcements 

Next week’s theme May 31, 2020 The 7^th Sunday after Easter: 

“The Festival of the Holy Spirit”

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

Worship Service Restart Plans

May 24, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of Emmanuel/St. John’s,

The time is fast approaching for us to be able to come together for worship – but not quite yet. And when we do begin in-person gathering, things will still be different for a while. There are several precautions and restrictions that will need to be in place.

Your congregation leaders have been closely monitoring the situation and are staying up to date with governments directives and guidance for resuming group gatherings. We have also been following the information and encouragement being offered by our synodical leaders, as well as communicating with and sharing information with neighboring congregations. 

The following plans will be put in place at Emanuel/St. John’s. Please read the following information. Please be understanding and patient as we try to navigate these uncharted and troubled waters. You are welcome to speak with the pastor or church leaders if you have questions or concerns.

1. General Information

1. Worship times: 8:00 Emmanuel (Emmanuel members only). 10:00 St. John’s Sunday (St. John’s 55 and older). 6:30  St. John’s Wednesday (St. John’s under 55) by way of emailing the church secretary (scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org) or calling the church office at (608) 297-2866.
2. The service will be recorded and made available on the church’s website as we have been doing for several weeks.
3. Pastor Zietlow will provide private personal and family communion to anyone who requests it.
4. Encouragements 

1. Anyone experiencing  symptoms of COVID-19 or who is sick should stay home.
2. Those who are at high risk or uncomfortable with the latest service format should stay home.
3. Those who have access to and are comfortable with online worship are encouraged to continue worshiping in that manner.
4. Wearing a mask when in the church building  is strongly encouraged. 
5. Worshipers are encouraged to practice good hygiene and social distancing. 

1. Distancing 

1. Worshippers will be directed to use every other pew. Worship bulletins will be placed in the designated pews. 
2. Worshipers should enter through the south main church entrance unless they need the elevator. Only the main entrance and elevator entrance area will be open.
3. The school, gymnasium, church balcony, and basement will not be available.
4. Gathering inside the building before or after worship is being discouraged. People may gather outside the building following social distance recommendations.
5. Sanitation and Cleaning

1. The sanctuary, entrances, elevator, and bathrooms will be cleaned before and after each worship service.
2. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available. 
3. There will be no hymnals or other materials in the pews. Worship bulletins are for one use only and should be taken home after the service. 
4. Offering Plates will be in the narthex.

1. Worship

1. Lord willing, we will resume gathering together in limited fashion on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.
2. The 8:00 am worship at Emmanuel will be for Emmanuel members only.
3. The 10:00 am Sunday Service at St. John’s will be for those members who are 55 and older and cannot receive the service via technology. Limited capacity of 50.
4. The 6:30 pm Wednesday Service will be available for everyone who is under 55 and cannot receive the service via technology, and for those who are 55 and younger who have signed up and wish to worship in person. Please sign up for the Wednesday service by emailing the church secretary (scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org) or calling the church office at (608) 297-2866.
5. The large screen at St. John’s will be used to project the order of service and hymns. Bulletins will be placed in the designated pews where people are allowed to sit. 
6. There will be limited congregational singing and speaking.  A cantor will assist with the singing and liturgical responses. 
7. Ushers will wear masks, and the offering plates will be placed in the narthex.
8. Holy Communion will be celebrated at every service as we reopen. Each person or household will come forward to front using the center aisle and return by way of the side aisles. A “continuous flow” format will be used with individuals and/or families keeping a safe distance apart.
9. Worshipers will be asked to exit the church from the back to the front.

Some final thoughts. These are unusual times for our world and Christ’s church. Patience, caution, respect and consideration for others, and more is required from all of us. But the Word of the Lord is forever, and we continue to pray, “O Thou who changest not, abide with me.”

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 New International Version (NIV) – Thanksgiving – ⁴ I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. ⁵ For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— ⁶ God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. ⁷ Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸ He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

KATLYNN TINDALL ACCEPTANCE LETTER

Dear Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School,

On May 16, I received the divine call extended to me through the WELS Assignment Committee to serve as your 3rd-5th grade teacher.

I am really looking forward to this wonderful opportunity to serve the congregation, school and most importantly our God. Thank you very much for your thoughts and prayers. I look forward to meeting all of you. God’s Blessings.

In Christ,

Katlynn Tindall

“Hello! My name is Katlynn Tindall. I grew up in Waukesha, WI and graduated from WISCO in 2014. I attended MLC and graduated in December 2018. Upon graduation I taught grade 2 at Trinity in Brillion for a semester. Then I was assigned grades 2-4 at Zion in Toledo, OH. For fun I enjoy baking, drinking coffee, game nights, outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to meet all of you and continue sharing Jesus’ love to the students at St. Johns!”

CONTACT INFORMATION

Katlynn Tindall

Send a card, call, text or e-mail your words of encouragement!

2960 W Central Ave. Apt. #122

Toledo, OH  43606

262-352-7021

tindalka@mlc-wels.edu

The Ascended Christ Intercedes For Us

The Seventh Sunday of Easter – A

God’s Word for Today

Even as we come to the close of the Easter season the victorious note of Easter still rings out loud and clear.  It is the Sunday after the ascension of our Lord, thus there is a spirit of rejoicing over the reigning, glorious Christ.  His abiding love continues to sustain us.

First Lesson (Acts 1:1-14)

1. What persistent misunderstanding about the kingdom of God still troubled the disciples?

1. Where is our Jerusalem, our Judea and Samaria?

1. Why do you think the angel reminded the disciples that Jesus would return in glory just as they had seen him go?

Second Lesson (1 Peter 4:12-17; 5:6-11)

1. Why is our sinful nature surprised when troubles enter our life?

1. How does Peter encourage a long-range view of suffering?

1. What is being described by the word, “anxiety”?

Gospel (John 17:1-11a)

1. Why did Jesus pray, “Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you?”

1. What comfort do we find in our Savior’s prayer?

Answers:

1. The disciples still had trouble realizing that the kingdom of God was not something earthly and visible.

1. Just as Jerusalem was the city in which the disciples were at this time, our Jerusalem would be the towns and cities in which we live.  As we begin to share the Word with those around us, we will easily want to share it beyond that scope, to our “Judea and Samaria.”  Through our generous offerings we are able to send missionaries with the Word to others living not only in our country but also beyond our borders as we reach to the ends of the earth.

1. Little would get done while they stared off into heaven.  Jesus would be returning.  In the meantime, there was much work to do while it was day.

1. Our sinful nature shares the world’s view that the short-term happiness is evidence of God’s favor.

1. The brief pain and persecution that we experience doesn’t begin to compare with the long-term glory we will have with Christ.  (Romans 8:18)

1. In our complex world we are pulled in every direction.  Cares and concerns mount and build, thus we lose our true focus.  God’s invitation takes that burden off of us.

1. In praying for the Father to glorify him, Jesus was praying for the successful outcome of his work of salvation.  The glory would come with Jesus’ victory over Satan on the cross.  Through Jesus the glory of the Father also shone brightly since all that the Son did was for the Father’s glory.

1. As Jesus prays for the disciples protection, the Lord shows once more, that even in the midst of his own anguish before the cross, how dear his own are to him.

The 6^th Sunday of Easter

May 17, 2020

Emmanuel & St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Churches

Mecan & Montello, WI

✠P R E P A R A T I O N   F O R   W O R S H I P ✠

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.

P:  Christ is risen!

C:  He is risen, indeed!  Alleluia!

HYMN 143                               He’s Risen, He’s Risen                                                          

INVOCATION           hymnal page 15                                                                                            

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

OPENING PRAYER                                                                                                    hymnal page 10

P: O Lord — our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter — we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION                                                                  hymnal page 38

P: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.

C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt. 

P: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.  Amen.

✠ T H E   W O R D ✠

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST LESSON                                                                                                                Acts 17:22-31

Summary: In Him we live and move and have our being

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.  For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.  Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  `For in him we live and move and have our being.’  As some of your own poets have said, `We are his offspring.’

“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone– an image made by man’s design and skill.  In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”

PSALM 66                                                                                                                  hymnal page 90

*Sung in unison.

Shout with joy to God, all the earth!

Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!

Praise our God, O peoples,

Let the sound of his praise be heard.

He has preserved our lives

And kept our feet from slipping.

Refrain

Come and listen all you who fear God;

Let me tell you what he has done for me.

If I had cherished sin in my heart,

The Lord would not have listened;

But God has surely listened

And heard my voice in prayer.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

And to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning, 

Is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE   1 Peter 3:15-22

Summary: Living in the living Lord means witnessing for Him

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.  For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.  In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also–not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.  It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand– with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

VERSE OF THE DAY                       John 14:23

P: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Alleluia. 

♫ Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                                                           John 14:15-21

Summary: Living in the Lord means loving and obeying Him

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.  But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.  He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

PRAYER OF THE DAY                                             

P: Father of lights, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Inspire us to think those things that are true and long for those things that are good, that we may always make our petitions according to your gracious will; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

SERMON HYMN 377:1-4                      Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice

SERMONETTE                                                                John 14: 19b  (underlined in Gospel lesson)

“Because I Live, You Also Will Live”

APOSTLES’ 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.

HYMN 377:5-8                                 Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice

EASTER SEASON PRAYER     

*Read by Pastor

LORD’S PRAYER    hymnal page 43     

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER                                                                                                    hymnal page 43 

P: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING                                                                                                           hymnal page 44

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. 

Amen. 

CLOSING HYMN 377:9, 10                         Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice 

Announcements 

Next week’s theme: May 24, 2020 The 6^th Sunday after Easter: 

“The Risen Lord Offers Protection”

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

   For the past 2 months now, our nation’s “Safer at Home” social distancing mandate has changed how we live and how God feeds and leads us with his Word. However, we need to remember that the power of God’s Word and the comfort of the gospel is not diminished by the way it is delivered. You will hear law and gospel. You will be assured of Christ’s forgiveness. Your faith will be nourished and our trust in God’s unchanging promises will be strengthened.

   Perhaps God will use this experience to lead us to never take public worship for granted again. I pray that God is also using this crisis to draw many in our nation to see the value of forgiveness, faith and the Word of God. As He tells us, “My Word will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). If you know of someone who doesn’t have access to these on-line worship opportunities, please let us know. Call (608-297-2866) or email <scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org> church/school secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or leave a message.

   At the encouragement of our church synod leaders, we will be reserving distribution of the Lord’s Supper for its regular and normal use within the gathering of the body of believers, except in special circumstances. We take comfort in knowing that we have two forms of the means of grace – Word and sacrament. Forgiveness received through God’s Word is no less powerful and effective than the sacrament.

   Every Saturday at 11am (either at Emmanuel at St. John’s) we will record an abbreviated service that will be uploaded to our website <www.stjohnsmontello.org> & linked You Tube channel together with a bulletin file available for viewing at your convenience. These services will also be available via DVD, printed sermon & bulletin mailings.  Many thanks to those helping with our recorded services including: Darrell Buchholz, Pastor John Dolan, Kerry Mann, Rachel Naumann, Ciara Neuhauser, Larry & Lynn Sellnow, Lucas Stelter, Sue Tutaj, James Wachholz and Lauren Zietlow.  Thanks also to the Sellnow’s for recording weekly school chapel devotions and for Pastor Dolan for recording weekly Bible studies.

   While we might be tempted to face this situation with a great deal of disappointment and chagrin, we also recognize the opportunity God is placing before us to ponder and grasp ever more firmly his promise of spiritual health for our souls and to reflect the light of his love to others. We can:

– pray for God’s healing for those affected by the virus

– pray for those involved in essential services – medical personnel, first responders, and those who keep the peace

– share the links to our website and worship service with family, friends, and acquaintances

– renew our daily devotional life

– continue to support the message and ministry of our congregation by responding in thanks to God for his gift of eternal life through offerings mailed to the church office, by electronic-ACH-auto-pay-direct-deposit giving or via credit card at <www.stjohnsmontello.org> menu button “Church Recorded Service” DONATE NOW yellow button. Call  Ciara at the church office for direct depost giving details.

– offer care and compassion for those who need support and a listening ear

   Church elders, shepherd, trustees, other concerned members and Pastor Zietlow have been contacting all E/SJ members (via email, text, and phone) to make all aware of the situation, to offer alternatives for those who do not have a computer or internet access, and to offer any special assistance during these challenging times. Following our governor’s announcement on 3/24, all WI residents are to stay “Safer At Home”. President Trump also advises that we continue this “social distancing” for the forseeable future. These are trying times..times for personal reflection, Bible study, devotion and prayer. Pastor Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text) and our E/SJ Elders are available for emergency home visits. Please reach out to them directly.

   Elders:

Darrell Buchholz at E – (608) 215-7871, darrell.buchholz@gmail.com

Jerre Duerr at SJ – (608) 697-8706, jerre.asc@gmail.com

Jim Eisermann at SJ – (608) 297-8171, jay.diane.eisermann@gmail.com

Wayne Stelter at E – (608) 297-2761, shieldscreamery@gmail.com

James Wachholz at SJ – (608) 369-2635, lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org

   We as your church family want to be able to help and serve you, but we can all rejoice as we look to the One who is our real and lasting helper. He is our strength and that’s especially comforting in a time like this, when our human weakness is made so clear!

   In Jesus Christ our loving, protecting, crucified & risen Savior,

   Pastor Pete Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)

“The Lord knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

We Confess The Risen Christ

The Sixth Sunday of Easter – A

God’s Word for Today

Confession of Christ and of our hope in him is the calling of all who have been baptized.  Such confession includes not only our faithful testimony but also our loving obedience to Jesus’ commands.  As we live out our confession of Christ, we are comforted by the presence of the Spirit whom the Son has sent while we await his return.

First Lesson (Acts 17:22-31)

1. How did Paul make use of Greek “items” readily at his disposal in order to point to the true God?

Second Lesson (1 Peter 3:15-22)

1. Who will ask us the questions that we should be prepared to answer?

1. What makes me “prepared to give an answer”?

1. What does Peter mean by “the hope that you have”?

1. Why did Jesus descend into hell?

Gospel (John 14:15-21)

1. How can Jesus say that the Spirit “lives with you and will be in you”?

1. What comfort is ours when Jesus says, “Because I live, you also will live”?

Answers:

1. Many of the philosophers of the day were pantheists.  They believed god was in everything.  But they confused the Creator with his creation.  Paul, pointing to the altar “To An Unknown God” and quoting two Greek poets, emphasized that the living Creator-God is unlike the false gods of the Greeks, which were crafted out of stone or metals into an image made by a man.  This God, the Creator, is alive.  Paul was urging them to repent and turn to the living God.

1. The unbelieving world will see the way we live under the cross and ask us why we are so happy to live like that.

1. A true knowledge of the Scriptures through prayerful study and meditation on how it applies to my life not only prepares me to give an answer, but calms my own fears.

1. The hope that we have is that this life of humble living and service will someday be followed with the glories of heaven.

1. Jesus proclaimed that Good Friday had not been a defeat, but a glorious victory.  It was a public humiliation that was inflicted upon the defeated forces of Satan.

1. The Holy Spirit, together with the Father and the Son, was already at work in the hearts of the disciples bringing them to faith in Jesus.  But there was also going to be a special outpouring of the Spirit on the disciples on Pentecost.

1. Jesus’ living assures our living.  In a short while, Jesus would go through crucifixion and death.  He would suffer for the guilt of our sins.  But then he would rise, and sin and death would no longer rule us.  So his life now counts for our life, just as his death counted for our death.  By Jesus’ Spirit we believe and live that life now.