BULLETIN- June 14th, 2020

The 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

June 14, 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 thankful hymns of praise.

Please note: Worship Service Restart Plans (Bulletin pages 21, 22) Worship f.) There will be limited congregational singing and speaking.  A cantor will assist with the singing and liturgical responses.

OPENING HYMN                                       Speak, O Lord             Solo sung by cantor.                                                                                         Christian Worship Supplement #735

Please stand

M: The grace of our Lord ✠ Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. 

C: And also with you. 

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION                               

When we confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, the pastor announces the perfect forgiveness of sins won for us by Jesus.

M: God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us. 

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

M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son ✠ and of the Holy Spirit. 

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY                                                                        

The Church brings her concerns and prayers to a loving Father in heaven, who has shown great mercy to us and promised to hear our ardent cries for help.

M: For all that we need in life and for the wisdom to use all your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord. 

M: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ. 

M: For the well-being of your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord. 

M: Merciful God, maker and preserver of life, uphold us by your power and keep us in your tender care:

M: The works of the Lord are great and glorious, his name is worthy of praise. 

O LORD, OUR LORD                                                                     

This song of praise reminds us of the wonderful things God has done for us, not the least of which is the salvation he gives through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray.

O God, you rule over all things in wisdom and kindness. Take away everything that may be harmful and give us whatever is good; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

T H E   W O R D

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

FIRST READING       Deuteronomy 11:18-21,26-28

Summary: God wants His people to remember His words and be blessed

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse—the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.

PSALM OF THE DAY 78                                                                                      

The cantor sings refrains. Pastor reads the verses.  

O my people, hear my teaching;

listen to the words of my mouth.

I will utter things from old, 

what we have heard and what our fathers have told us. 

We will not hide them from our children;

we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.

   Refrain

The Lord decreed statutes for Jacob

an established the law in Israel,

So the next generation would know them,

and they in turn would tell their children.

Then they would put their trust in God

and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

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

SECOND READING                                        Romans 3:21-25a,27-28 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: We are justified by faith, not by works–the core teaching of the Word of God

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.

Where, then, is boasting?  It is excluded.  On what principle?  On that of observing the law?  No, but on that of faith.  For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                              Psalm 119: 105

 Alleluia. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Alleluia. 

Stand.

GOSPEL READING     Matthew 7:15-29 

Summary: Only he who does the will of God will enter heaven

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  By their fruit you will recognize them.  Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?  Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

“Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers!’

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. 

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY                       Chief of Sinners Though I Be

Christian Worship #385

SERMON                             Romans 3:21-25a,27-28

“Not Guilty A Declaration”

  1. Coming from the Father
  2. Earned by the Son
  3. Given through the Holy Spirit

Stand after the sermon.

NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Be seated. 

O F F E R I N G S   O F   G I F T S   &   P R A Y E R S

THE OFFERING 

Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord.  Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained.  Please deposit your offering on the plate located near the church entry.

Stand. 

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

M: Gracious God and Father, we praise you for the countless blessings, which we receive from your hand: the beauties of creation and the bounties of the earth, the joy of life and the pleasure of friendship, the good of work and the gift of rest, the privilege to share happiness and sorrow with one another. Above all we praise and thank you for your saving Word and for your Son’s body and blood, which you give us to eat and to drink in the sacrament. Through these means of grace, you send the Holy Spirit into our hearts and unite us to Jesus and to the whole Christian Church on earth. 

C: Strengthen us through this heavenly food; increase our trust in Christ and our love for one another. 

M: Great God and Lord, without your continuing help we easily waver in our faith, lose courage, and grow careless in our watchfulness. The times and days are perilous. Give us strength to face the evils of each day with fresh confidence. Open our lips to speak of your grace, and move us to use the gifts that you give us to share your Word of salvation with all people. Protect and prosper the family, the school, the government, and all good institutions that you have established for the benefit of society. Remember in mercy those who are sick and suffering, and bring your healing to troubled homes and lives. 

C: Move us to pray for those in need and to help them with deeds of kindness.

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

Silence. 

M: Now, eternal God and Father, keep us in the saving faith and so enable us to overcome all things through our Lord Jesus Christ.

LORD’S PRAYER                                                                                                   

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 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.

S E R V I C E    O F    T H E    S A C R A M E N T

 In this service we celebrate the gift of Jesus’ redeeming love, we bear witness to the Christian fellowship we share, and we proclaim his death until he returns.

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts. 

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. 

M: Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.  

SEASONAL SENTENCE

M: He sends the Holy Spirit to testify that we are his children and to strengthen us when we are weak. 

Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ. To him who sites on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and thanks and honor and glory fore ever and ever. 

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this is remembrance of me.” 

M: Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always. 

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Please be seated for the distribution 

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

Please stand. 

THANK THE LORD

M: Hear the prayer of your people, O Lord, that the lips which have praised you here may glorify you in the world, that the eyes which have seen the coming of your Son may long for his coming again, and that all who have received in his true body and blood the pledge of your forgiveness may be restored to live a new and holy life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  

BLESSING

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. 

The Lord look on you with favor and ✠ give you peace.

Be seated. 

CLOSING HYMN                                                     God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage

Christian Worship Supplement #293

Annoucements 

Next week’s theme June 21, 2020 3rd Sunday after Pentecost: 

“God’s Heart Full of Mercy Affects the Hearts of Lost Sinners”

See the source image

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

Our Fruits of Faith Depend

On the Spirit’s Working Through the Word

The Second Sunday after Pentecost – A

God’s Word for Today

How do things in this world grow?  Usually they don’t grow up overnight; it takes lots of patience.  We water, fertilize and cultivate.  Then we wait.  That’s true of the growth that takes place in our Christian lives, too.  It doesn’t happen overnight.  Instead God waters and fertilizes us through his Word.  Slowly but surely through the gospel the Spirit brings forth growth and eventually fruits of faith.  The encourage-ment of the Lessons and Gospel today is: Stay connected to God’s Word.  The fruits of our faith depend on it!

First Lesson (Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28)

  1. How familiar with his Word does the Lord want us to be?
  2. Why is a familiarity with the Word so important?
  3. What’s consequence of disregarding God’s Word?

Second Lesson (Romans 3:21-25a, 27,28)

  1. What does the word “justified” mean in verse 24?
  2. Who has been justified?
  3. How have we been justified?

Gospel (Matthew 7:15-29)

  1. How will be able to recognize false prophets?
  2. True or false: Everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” on the Day of Judgment will enter into heaven?
  3. Why were the people amazed at Jesus’ teaching?

Answers:

  1. He wants us to fix his Word in our hearts, minds and heads; for it to become second nature to us.
  1. Only through the Word and sacraments does the Holy Spirit work faith and Christian life (cf. Ro 10:17).
  1. The Lord promises a curse upon those who disregard his Word of promise.
  1. To justify someone means to declare them “not guilty” by judicial act, as when a jury declares a defendant “not guilty.”  The defendant is acquitted or justified.
  1. God has declared all people “not guilty.”  All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified.
  1. St. Paul uses two similar phrases: “freely” and “by grace.”  God didn’t owe us anything.  He doesn’t forgive our sins because he has to.  He does it without obligation, free of charge, according to his merciful nature because of the sacrifice that Jesus made.
  1. Jesus says that we can recognize them by their fruits.
  1. False.  Jesus is interested in more than mere words.  He is looking for the natural fruits of faith that the Holy Spirit works in our lives through the gospel.
  1. Because he taught with authority.  In other words, he didn’t base his teachings on what someone else had said (like the teachers of the law).  Instead, Jesus would say things like: “Truly, truly I say to you …”  Jesus can do this because he is God.

AttendanceEmmanuelSt. John’s
6-7                          6-102230                                                        5       
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJune 2020Diane Eisermann&Delores Cotte  

A Day of Rest – June 12, 2020

By the seventh day, God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Genesis 2:2,3

A Day of Rest


Daily Devotion – June 12, 2020

Devotion based on Genesis 2:2,3

See series: Devotions

The universe had been created in a week. What a week! Oceans were filled. Planets were established in orbit. Thousands and thousands of species of plants and animals had been spoken into existence. The light switches of countless stars had been flipped on. Mankind had been carefully crafted out of the dust of the ground.

After a week like that, we would all need a break—maybe some time on the couch or a nap in our hammock outside. God rested too, though not for reasons we might think. Our almighty God was not worn out. He wasn’t looking to put his feet up. He did not need a moment to regain his strength. Rather, he rested because he wanted to establish a pattern. God rested because he knew we would need it.

That is why he blessed the seventh day and made it holy. He knew that we were going to need a spiritual rest. After each week of being hounded by the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, God knew we would need refreshment. So, he set aside a day out of his week to set the pattern. He intended that we would follow his lead. Our God blessed the seventh day for our good. He wants us to worship and rest in his Word. He wants the message of forgiveness to bring strength and assurance to our troubled hearts in this weary world.

Resist the temptation to tell yourself that you’re fine not being in church. Fight the idea that you don’t need to be in God’s house regularly. There, God meets with us to feed our souls with his Word, nourishes us, and gives us strength for the coming week. There, we hear the wonderful news that our sins are forgiven in Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear God, forgive me for the times I have neglected you and your Word. Help me to seek the rest that only you can provide. Bless me and my family as we make time to be in your house. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Created by God – June 11, 2020

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them.
Genesis 1:27

Created by God


Daily Devotion – June 11, 2020

Devotion based on Genesis 1:27

See series: Devotions

What a blessing it is to be created by God! And how humbling it is to realize how far short we have fallen from the perfect creatures he intended us to be. The Bible tells us we were created in God’s image and describes that image as perfect, holy, and righteous. And as we look in the mirror, we realize that no longer describes us.

When we look at the mirror of God’s commandments, perfection is not what stares back at us. When we consider what God wills for us to do, what do we find when we look at our lives? Sure, there are some outward signs of morality as we are kind to people, and we volunteer for things in our community. But underneath the surface, what do we see? Perhaps some hateful, unkind thoughts toward a sibling or coworker. Terrible language is thrown around as we work or mutter under our breath. Then there are the things that lurk in our hearts that we don’t like to acknowledge: greed, lust, selfishness, and anger. These things come out all too often in our words and actions as well. God’s image? Not so much.

That’s when we need to look to Jesus. In him, we find everything we are not: kindness, selflessness, generosity, contentment, a complete lack of pride and ego. Our Savior lived a perfect life in our place. He did everything that you and I have failed to do. He also avoided every sin and temptation that we fall into. Jesus is our perfect Savior and supplies everything that we lack.

And by the miracle of the cross, when God looks at us, he sees Jesus in our place. Through faith in him, Jesus’ righteousness is now our righteousness. His victory is our victory. Jesus has restored us and brought us back to God. He ensured that we will go to heaven, where we will live forever with that image of God fully restored!

Prayer:
Dear Savior, forgive me for all my sins. Thank you for living a perfect life in my place and earning salvation for me. Help me to know that in you, God sees me as righteous. Help me to live as his child today. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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A New Day – June 10, 2020

And there was evening, and there was morning.
Genesis 1:31

A New Day


Daily Devotion – June 10, 2020

Devotion based on Genesis 1:31

See series: Devotions

As we read through Genesis chapter one, we are greeted with this comforting refrain. “And there was evening, and there was morning.” So much happened in that first week, but there was one constant: each day was a new day.

That’s a relief, isn’t it? With so much happening in our world—so much that seems to threaten the very existence of the planet—don’t we need to hear that same comforting refrain? “And there was evening, and there was morning.”

Make no mistake, each day can be difficult. Days can be filled with pandemics, cancer treatments, and bouts of depressions. Days can be filled with angry customers, job losses, and bill collectors. Days can be filled with disappointment, frustration, and exhaustion. In fact, it has been like that throughout history. A look back will show us that there have been many pandemics, wars, and economic downturns. History is full of people just like us—people who struggle with all kinds of things.

But do you know what else history is full of? God keeping his promises. As each century passes by, there is one constant: “And there was evening, and there was morning.” God continues to be in control. He continues to watch over his people, and he continues to keep his promises. He will continue to give us what we need for each day and bless us with a new day—until the day he brings us home to heaven.

God has proved his faithfulness to you by sending Jesus as your Savior. True to his word, he has forgiven you, saved you, and given you eternal life. With each passing day, he will keep his promises to you in Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, heavenly Father, thank you for the comforting reminder that you will bless me each day. With each new day, help me to trust you more and more. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Perfect – June 9, 2020

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
Genesis 1:31

Perfect


Daily Devotion – June 9, 2020

Devotion based on Genesis 1:31

See series: Devotions

Can you even imagine what perfection looks like? We often speak of having the perfect wedding, the perfect gift, or the perfect vacation. But let’s be honest, we have no idea what perfection really looks like. Especially now. A virus continues to bring our world to its knees. Sin continues to turn people against each other, whether they are husband and wife, Democrat and Republican, boss and employee. All around our world is breaking down. Death and decay show up everywhere.

It wasn’t always like that. At the end of six days, as God looked around at the beautiful and wonderful creation he had made, he could only come to one conclusion: “Perfect!” There was no sin to be found. And with no sin, there were none of its effects—no disease or death. Creation was not breaking down. People were not at odds with each other. Everything was in perfect harmony.

What would God say now as he looks down and sees all of this? Certainly, none of us would expect him to proclaim: “And God saw that it was very good.” But there is good news. God wanted us to have that perfection we have lost through sin. God had a way to fix what was broken, and it was “perfect.”

That way to perfection is Jesus. He came to live a perfect life in our place and to die an innocent death for us. Through his life, death, and resurrection, you and I now have a way out of this sinful world and a way to get back to the perfect life of harmony with God in a place he has provided for us. The way to this perfect heaven is through faith in Jesus. Our Savior will guide us through life in this sinful world, and in the end, will take us home to heaven. And once there, we will all look around and say, “Perfect!”

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the victory you have won for me. Help me to know and believe that in you, I have the answer to this sinful world. In you, I have eternal life in heaven. Give me patience and trust as I wait for the day when you will take me home. Amen!

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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God Speaks with Authority – June 8, 2020

Then God said, “. . . and it was so.”
Genesis 1:29,30

God Speaks with Authority


Daily Devotion – June 8, 2020

Devotion based on Genesis 1:29,30

See series: Devotions

We crave words that come with authority. We seek definitive answers. We want assurance, comfort, and confidence. And all those things are so hard to find in this world! The doctor speaks, not with authority, but with percentages, as he gives the odds of how successful a procedure might be. The weatherman speaks, not with authority, but with educated guesses, as he attempts to describe what the weather will be like so you can plan your weekend. The friend speaks, not with authority, but with good intentions, as she says she hopes you get better soon.

God’s Word is different. Genesis chapter one reminds us again and again that when God speaks, things happen. God speaks, and his word is fulfilled—every time. God doesn’t give us percentages, educated guesses, or wishful thinking. He gives us concrete, dependable truth. What a comfort that is! What a refreshing change of pace that is in this ever-changing world!

That is especially helpful when it comes to our eternal future. Because of our sins, we were all lost and destined for an eternity of separation from God and his blessings. We needed to be saved and could not pin our hopes on someone else’s best guess. Playing the percentages was not going to give us any relief. All our friend’s good intentions could not wish us into heaven. God’s Word steps in and provides assurance and reliability: “God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God promised to send his Son, Jesus, to take our sins away by dying in our place. And just as we see in Genesis chapter one, every time God speaks, things happen.

As promised, God sent Jesus to be our Savior. To earn our salvation and to guarantee our eternal future as we put our trust in him. When it comes to eternal life in heaven, God speaks with authority. His promises are true. Put your trust in his Word.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, thank you for speaking with authority and giving me confidence. Help me to know and believe that in Jesus, I have eternal life. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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God Is Always With You – June 7, 2020

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:14

God Is Always With You


Daily Devotion – June 7, 2020

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 13:14

See series: Devotions

It’s not easy getting up in the morning knowing that if you make the slightest mistake at work, your boss is going to jump down your throat in front of everybody. It’s not easy getting up in the morning wondering if today is the day your boyfriend is going to leave you because he’s fallen in love with someone else. It’s not easy getting up in the morning, dreading another lonely day. (Looks like it’s going to be another Lean Cuisine in front of the TV tonight.) It’s not easy getting up in the morning fearing your medical test results, your ADHD son’s future, or whether or not you’ll have enough money for this month’s groceries, gas, and mortgage.

It may not be easy to get up in the morning, but God gives you every reason to get up. Your boss may point out your every failure, but Jesus gives you his grace and forgives your every sin. Your significant other may dump you but God the Father promises his eternal love. You might not feel like you have any real friends, but the Holy Spirit gives you his fellowship and friendship 24/7. You may have numerous fears regarding your health, family, and finances, but God blesses you with a peace that is beyond all understanding. In our Scripture verse today, the Apostle Paul reminds you that you are truly blessed. Here it is again: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.”

Blessed with the grace, love, and fellowship of God, you can get up every morning knowing that God is always with you.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for assuring me of your continual presence in my life. No matter what the circumstances, I can count on your grace, love, and fellowship. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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BULLETIN June 7th, 2020

Trinity Sunday

June 7, 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 thankful hymns of praise.

Please note: Worship Service Restart Plans (Bulletin pages 22, 23) Worship f.) There will be limited congregational singing and speaking.  A cantor will assist with the singing and liturgical responses.

OPENING HYMN   Holy God, We Praise Your Name         Christian Worship #278

Please stand

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION                               

When we confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, the pastor announces the perfect forgiveness of sins won for us by Jesus.

M: Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

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

LORD, HAVE MERCY                                                                        

The Church brings her concerns and prayers to a loving Father in heaven, who has shown great mercy to us and promised to hear our ardent cries for help.

M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son ✠ and of the Holy Spirit. 

GLORY BE TO GOD                                                                     

This song of praise reminds us of the wonderful things God has done for us, not the least of which is the salvation he gives through Jesus Christ.

M: In the peace of forgiveness, les us praise the Lord.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Let us pray.

Almighty God and Father, dwelling in majesty and mystery, filling and renewing all creation by your eternal Spirit, and manifesting your saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ: in mercy cleanse our hearts and lips that, free from doubt and fear, we may ever worship you, one true immortal God, with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

T H E   W O R D

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

FIRST READING                       Genesis 1:1-2:3 

Summary: The Triune God created the world, including Adam & Eve, in six 24-hour days

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.”  And there was evening, and there was morning– the first day.

And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.”  So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it.  And it was so.  God called the expanse “sky.”  And there was evening, and there was morning– the second day.

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.”  And it was so.  God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.”  And God saw that it was good.  

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.”  And it was so.  The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds.  And God saw that it was good.  And there was evening, and there was morning– the third day.

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.”  And it was so.  God made two great lights– the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night.  He also made the stars.  God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.  And God saw that it was good.  And there was evening, and there was morning– the fourth day.

And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.”   So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.  God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.”   And there was evening, and there was morning– the fifth day.

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so.  God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it.  They will be yours for food.  And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground– everything that has the breath of life in it– I give every green plant for food.”  And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.  And there was evening, and there was morning– the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.  And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. 

PSALM OF THE DAY 150                                                                                      

The cantor sings refrains. Pastor reads the verses.  

O Lord, open my lips,

And my mouth shall declare your praise.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

   Refrain

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

Or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

And grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

And sinners will turn back to you.

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

SECOND READING                   2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Summary: Paul closes his second letter to the Christians in Corinth with the Triune God’s blessing

Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send their greetings.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                                          Isaiah 6:3b

Alleluia. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. Alleluia.  

Stand.

GOSPEL READING                         Matthew 28:16-20 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Before ascending to heaven, Jesus both commissions and equips his disciples

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

NICENE CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds with the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the light of the world to come. Amen. 

Be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY                           Come, Now, Almighty King

Christian Worship #193

SERMON                                           Matthew 28:16-20

“We Make Disciples in the Name of the Triune God”

We’ve got God’s…

  1. Message and means

 2.     Power and presence

Stand after the sermon.

CREATE IN ME                                                                    

Be seated. 

O F F E R I N G S   O F   G I F T S   &   P R A Y E R S

THE OFFERING 

The ushers now gather the “Thank-Offering.”  Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord.  Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained.  Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. Please also sign our Friendship Registers and greet one another.

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Trinity Sunday Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcements on page 16 for those on our Intercessory Prayers list. 

Stand. 

LORD’S PRAYER                                                                                                   

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 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.

S E R V I C E    O F    T H E    S A C R A M E N T

 In this service we celebrate the gift of Jesus’ redeeming love, we bear witness to the Christian fellowship we share, and we proclaim his death until he returns.

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts. 

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. 

M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

We now confess that you, with your Son and the Holy Spirit, are one God and one Lord, and we acknowledge you as our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. 

M: Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song: 

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take an eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this is remembrance of me.” 

M: Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured our for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always. 

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Please be seated for the distribution 

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

THANKSGIVING   

Please stand. 

SONG OF SIMEON

M: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. 

M: We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this holy supper. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We as this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

BLESSING

M: 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.

Be seated. 

CLOSING HYMN                                                   Father, God of Grace, You Knew Us

Christian Worship Supplement #753

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Announcements 

Next week’s theme June 14, 2020 2nd Sunday after Pentecost: 

“Faithfulness to the Word of God in Doctrine and Practice”

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

Our Entire Being Depends

On the Holy Trinity

The First Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Trinity – A

God’s Word for Today

We like to think that we can take care of ourselves.  God has given us many talents and gifts so that we can provide for ourselves and our families.  And yet we shouldn’t forget that God is the one who ultimately provides all things.  Apart from him we can do nothing.  If it weren’t for our Triune God – our Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier – we would be absolutely helpless and hopeless in our lives.  Yes, apart from him we wouldn’t even exist.  Our entire being depends on the Holy Trinity.

First Lesson (Genesis 1:1 – 2:3)

  1. How did God create most everything in this universe?
  2. hat clue do we get in Genesis 1:26 about God’s unique makeup?
  3. Why is God’s creation of human beings so unique?

Second Lesson (2 Co 13:11-14)

  1. Why are the key words of the apostolic blessing in verse 14 so important to our lives as Christians?

Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20)

  1. According to Jesus’ words, what has been given to him?
  2. How are we to make disciples of Jesus?
  3. What promise does Jesus give his disciples?

Answers:

  1. Almost everything in creation was brought into being simply by God speaking his powerful Word.
  1. He says: “Let us …,” indicating his unique being of being one God yet multiple persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  1. God created Adam from the earth and breathed the breath of life into Adam.  This account shows us how special human beings are in the eyes of God.
  1. The word “grace” reminds us that God loves us because of the type of person he is and not the type of people we are.  His “love” is undeserved and unearned; it’s free.  And through his love and the working of his Spirit in our hearts and lives, we are brought into “fellowship” with him.  Our relationship with God is entirely his doing.
  1. Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him.  The exalted Jesus, now even according to his human nature, has controls over all things.
  1. Jesus says that we should baptize in the name of the Triune God and teach everything that he has commanded.  That’s how disciples (pupils) are made.
  1. He tells us that he will be with us always, even to the end of the age (until he returns again).  He gives us a big task – to preach the gospel in all the world – but he also gives us big promises!

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AttendanceEmmanuelSt. John’s
5-31                          6-32938                                         cancelled            
St. John’s Altar CommitteeJune 2020Diane Eisermann&Delores Cotte  

Spirit in Abundance – June 6, 2020

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
Joel 2:28,29

Spirit in Abundance


Daily Devotion – June 6, 2020

Devotion based on Joel 2:28,29

See series: Devotions

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out. The gathered disciples had flames over their heads and were able to speak and communicate in languages they had never learned. What the prophet Joel had foreseen came true in a very powerful display.

Perhaps you’re longing for the same kind of outpouring. You wish that you could have such visible and tangible signs to know God is keeping his promise. Yet, what Joel saw, what God promised, is happening every single day.

In the Old Testament, there was a certain group of people—the prophets—who received an extra measure of the Spirit, an outpouring, where God revealed his Word to them. The prophets’ role was to take that special revelation and share it with the people. In these verses, Joel saw a time when the role of a prophet would change. The Lord God revealed there would come a time when he would pour out his Spirit not just on the prophets, but on all people.

But you haven’t seen visions or received dreams from God, and neither have I. So how is God doing this today? God pours out his Spirit through his Word, the Bible.

For it’s in the Bible that we learn about our Savior, Jesus. It’s in the Bible that we hear all that Jesus has done for us. It’s in the Bible that we learn that this good news is our privilege to share. Every time the words of the Bible are shared, God’s Spirit is being poured out in abundance.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, continue to pour out your Holy Spirit so that men and women everywhere may share the good news of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Devoted to the Word – June 5, 2020

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42

Devoted to the Word


Daily Devotion – June 5, 2020

Devotion based on Acts 2:42

See series: Devotions

The members of the Jerusalem church had heard the apostle Peter proclaim the good news that Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had crucified, was the promised Messiah and their Savior. Through God’s Word, they received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who convicted them of their sin and convinced them of their Savior. Their sins were forgiven. Heaven was their home. Their hearts were filled with joy.

We are told, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” The Word of God was their delight. It was the one thing they needed. It was more precious to them “than thousands of pieces of silver and gold” (Psalm 119:72). It was their dearest treasure. Therefore, they not only held it in the highest regard, but they also put it into practice. They lived in the joy of the gospel. In their worship, fellowship, witnessing, praying, love, sharing, and offerings, they thanked God for the blessing of his Word.

God’s Word has not changed. It is still the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. The way of salvation has not changed. Jesus Christ is the only Savior this world will ever have. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Scripture continues to be the only true source for direction in this life and hope for eternity. Where repentant, blood-bought souls gather around the Word of God, regard it as holy, and gladly hear and learn it–there the power of the Holy Spirit will be present to lead us into all truth and the joy of the gospel.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be devoted to the hearing of your Word, to fellowship with your people, and to prayer that is pleasing in your ears. Amen.

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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