Month: January 2021

The 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany

The Lord Calls Us to Serve

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

January 16, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

January 17, 2021

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s  Ev. Lutheran Church 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949 Emmanuel  Ev. Lutheran Church W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available.  Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830. ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord Call Us to Serve – Jesus is Revealed through the Call of the Gospel – How is Jesus revealed to the sinful people of this world? Not through the nagging of the law. We can’t force people to be and act as Christians. Only God could do that, and even he doesn’t. Instead, Jesus is revealed through the call of the gospel, God’s word of peace and forgiveness. It’s the gospel that calls people to a life of faith and Christian living.

† 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.

Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose.  Thank you for your consideration. Please refer to our church website or our church Information Room for a full description of our special COVID protocol.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

M: O Lord God me Creator and Savior–I have come before you to hear your holy Word and offer you my prayers and hymns of praise. Open my heart by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word I may repent of my sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Compelled by Christ’s love for me, help me serve Him and share Him with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

† G A T H E R I N G   R I T E   O N   T H E   W O R D   O F   G O D †

God’s people long ago gather together for strength from God and for mutual encouragement. This alternate beginning for worship may be used on any occasion to remind God’s people of the blessings of his Word.

Please stand.

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

C:            Amen.

HYMN 221: 1                                                            Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

*Sung by soloist. 

1  Blessed Jesus, at your Word We are gathered all to hear you.

Let our hearts and souls be stirred Now to seek and love and fear you,

By your teachings, sweet and holy, Drawn from earth to love you solely.

M:           Oh, how I love your law!

C:            I meditate on it all day long.

M:           Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

C:            for they are ever with me.

M:           I have more insight than all my teachers,

C:            for I meditate on your statutes.

M:           How sweet are your words to my taste,

C:            sweeter than honey to my mouth!

HYMN 221: 2                                                            Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

*Sung by soloist. 

2  All our knowledge, sense, and sight Lie in deepest darkness shrouded

Till your Spirit breaks our night With the beams of truth unclouded.

You alone to God can win us; You must work all good within us.

M:           All scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

C:            so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16,17

M:           Yes so often we have despised God’s Word and failed to gladly hear and learn it. For this and all our sins, we bow before God and humbly ask his 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.

HYMN 221: 3                                                            Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

*Sung by soloist. 

3  Gracious Savior, good and kind, Light from Light, from God proceeding,

Open now our heart and mind; Help us by your Spirit’s pleading.

Hear the cry your people raises; Hear and bless our prayers and praises.

M:           God gave his Word so ”that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). The Scriptures testify about Jesus, who lived a perfect life for you, died on the cross to pay for all your sins, and rose again to assure you of your salvation. 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:            (spoken) Amen.

HYMN 221: 4                                                            Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

*Sung by soloist. 

4  Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Praise to you and adoration!

Grant that we your Word may trust, Confident of our salvation,

While we here below must wander, Till we sing your praises yonder.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Almighty God, you gave your one and only Son to be the light of the world. Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and believed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Be seated.

† T H E   W O R D †

This service offers the congregation a form of worship that focuses on the proclamation of God’s Word. Believers respond to this divine gift with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.

FIRST LESSON                                                                                1 Samuel 3: 1-10

Summary: The Lord Calls Samuel

The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. ³ The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

PSALM 67

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Let the people praise you, O God. Let all the people praise you.

May God be gracious to us and bless us*

and make his face shine upon us;

may your ways be known on earth,*

your salvation among all nations.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,*

for you rule the peoples justly

and guide the nations of the earth.

Refrain

Then the land will yield its harvest,*

and God, our God, will bless us.

God will bless us,*

and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

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 Corinthians 6: 12-20 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Honor God with Your Body

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                 Isaiah 49: 3

M:           Alleluia. He said to me, “You are my servant in whom I will display my splendor.” Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                  John 1: 43-51

Summary: The Lord calls Philip and Nathaniel

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.

“Come and see,” said Philip.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

Jesus said, “You believebecause I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you,youwill see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’the Son of Man.”

Be seated.

SERMON HYMN 183                                                     Holy Spirit, Light Divine

*Sung by soloist. 

SERMON                                                                                   1 Corinthians 6: 12-20

“Our Bodies Belong to God”

1. The Savior purchased them (v. 15, 17, 20)
2. The Spirit lives in them (v. 18, 19)
3. The Father will glorify them (v. 12-14)

Stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

Be seated.

EPIPHANY SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS        

*Read by pastor.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

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.

CLOSING PRAYER

P: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning.  May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING                                                                                                                   

P: 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.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 469                                                  Take My Life and Let It Be

Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228. Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

 

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

January 17 – January 23

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s School Teen Confirmation Class
	6:30p.m.	Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Next week’s theme:-  January 24, 2021 The 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord’s Call Changes Hearts and Lives
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

Church News   INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor & Frederick Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Caryl & Jim Bassett, Marian Heller) – For spiritual desires   2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES are ready for pick up in St. John’s link way.If you weren’t assigned a box and you would like one, please call Ciara in the office 608-297-2866 or let Pastor Zietlow know.   2020 OFFERING STATEMENTS Each member will receive a statement via snail mail. No need to sign up.   ST. JOHN’S VOTERS MEETING Save the date! Sunday, January 31 following our 10:00a.m. service.   OFFERING PLATE Just a reminder that the offering plate is located in the entry way (front doors) at St. John’s. We care about your health and safety and are currently still not passing the plates around. You may also mail in your offering at 313 E Montello St. Thank you!   VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are being sought to assist with delivery of weekly worship DVDs to our shut in members. For details or to volunteer to assist, please contact either James Wachholz 608-369-4006 or Gary Wegner 920-295-3456.   SATURDAY WORSHIP  Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s  at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays  following those Sundays sing   “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home.

 

School news   UPDATED SCHOOL COVID POLICY If a student or teacher tests positive, the entire school will move to two weeks virtual education. When parents who have not been in the school test positive, the school leadership will assess absences due to illness or quarantine as necessary for the health and safety of our student body and families. If a classroom or the entire school needs to go virtual, it will be for a period of two weeks.   FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!             WISHLIST ITEMS Little Lambs Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 Geoboards $20.30   Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Vacuum Cleaner – $140.00   3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 Document camera – $69.00 Magnetic book holder – $23.79 Stadium seats – $49.99   6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance

New Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

6:30pm to 7:30ish pm

In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan

Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website

Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1^st Letter of Peter

   The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.

   A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.

   Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

   Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus is Revealed through the Call of the Gospel

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany – B

God’s Word for Today

How is Jesus revealed to the sinful people of this world? Not through the nagging of the law. We can’t force people to be and act as Christians. Only God could do that, and even he doesn’t. Instead, Jesus is revealed through the call of the gospel, God’s word of peace and forgiveness. It’s the gospel that calls people to a life of faith and Christian living.

First Lesson (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

• Whom did Samuel think was calling him?
• Who was really calling Samuel?
• What model attitude does Samuel display for Christians?

Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

• True or false: Christ has freed us from the law.
• How were some Corinthians abusing their freedom from the law?
• Why do Christians honor God with their bodies?

Gospel (John 1:43-51)

• What did Philip do when Jesus commanded: “Follow me”?
• How did Nathanael react to Philip’s news?
• When Nathanael met Jesus, how did he react?

Answers:

• Eli.
• The Lord.
• Samuel displays a wonderful willingness to hear the Word of the Lord. Only through the gospel does the Holy Spirit awaken and strengthen faith.
• True. The law is no longer the determining factor for our conduct as Christians. Christians are motivated by the gospel to love God and love one another.
• Some Corinthians were abusing their Christian freedom to justify sins of the flesh, including sexual immorality.
• Christians do not belong to themselves; Christ has bought us by shedding his blood, rising again and calling us to faith in him. We no longer live to please ourselves but him. Our motivation for living Christian lives comes from the gospel, not the law.
• Not only did he follow Jesus, but he went and told his friend Nathanael.
• He couldn’t believe that the Savior would come from such an insignificant place as Nazareth.
• He believed wholeheartedly that Jesus was the Messiah, the Chosen One.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-9		20
1-10	30	53
St. John’s Altar Committee January 2021	Kathy North & Lucy Laun

●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website:  www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816 K, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3rd-5th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021 Principal & 6th – 8th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow:  616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org Church & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866 Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949 Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org   ●●●

The 1^st Sunday after the Epiphany

The Baptism of our Lord

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

January 9, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

January 10, 2020

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s  Ev. Lutheran Church 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949 Emmanuel  Ev. Lutheran Church W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available.  Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830. ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The Baptism of Our Lord – Jesus is Revealed as Our Perfect Substitute – “Why did Jesus need to be baptized? I thought baptism was for sinners?” That’s a common question among Christians. It doesn’t make sense that our perfectly sinless Savior would need to be baptized, yet he was. Why? Because Jesus had come to be our perfect substitute, and he is revealed as such in his baptism. God laid on him the sin of the world. (See John 1:29.) Even from birth, he endured the effects of our sin. Jesus wasn’t a sinner himself, but he was carrying our sin, pain, and sorrow. (See Isaiah 53:4.) He needed the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness, just as if he were a sinner himself. Jesus received those promises in baptism, just like we do.

† 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.

Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose.  Thank you for your consideration. Please refer to our church website or our church Information Room for a full description of our special COVID protocol.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

M: Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we say and do. Through the good news of Jesus in Word and Sacrament, come to us. Forgive our sins, strengthen our faith. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and our lives with peace and joy. Live in us that we might live for you and tell others about you in word and deed. Bless our worship. Amen.

OPENING HYMN 16                               On Jordan’s Bank the Baptism’s Cry

*Sung by soloist. 

1  On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry

Announces that the Lord is nigh;

Come, then, and listen, for he brings

Good news about the King of kings.

2  Then cleansed be ev’ry life from sin

And furnished for a guest within,

And let us all our hearts prepare

For Christ to come and enter there.

3  We hail you as our Savior, Lord,

Our refuge and our great reward.

Without your grace we waste away

Like flow’rs that wither and decay.

4  Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,

And lift us up to fall no more.

Oh, make your face on us to shine,

And fill the world with love divine.

5  All praise to you, eternal Son,

Whose advent has our freedom won,

Whom with the Father we adore

And Holy Spirit evermore.

Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                         

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

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION                                                                      

M: 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.

M: 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. 

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Lord God, by the leading of a star you once made known to the nations your one and only Son. Guide us, also, who know him now by faith, to come at last to the perfect joy of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  

Please be seated.

† T H E   W O R D †

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

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON                                                               Isaiah 49:1-6

Summary: God will put His Spirit on Christ

Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.” But I said, “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand, and my reward is with my God.” And now the LORD says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength— he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

PSALM OF THE DAY 2

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Great are the works of the Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Great are the works of the Lord.

Why do the nations conspire*

and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers

gather together against the LORD*

and against his Anointed One.

Refrain

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;*

the Lord scoffs at them.

Then he rebukes them in his anger

and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,*

“I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:*

He said to me, “You are my Son;

today I have become your Father.”

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                                                                                Acts 16:25-34

Summary: A family at Philippi is baptized

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.  At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.   The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself!  We are all here!”

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.   He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved– you and your household.”  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.  At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.  The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God– he and his whole family.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                           Matthew 2:2b

P: Alleluia! We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Alleluia.

 

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                        Mark 1:4-11 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The baptism of Jesus

4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him.  Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.  8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.   11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Please be seated.

HYMN 93                    Hail to the Lord’s Anointed                                     

*Sung by soloist.

1  Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, Great David’s greater Son!

Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free,

To take away transgression, And rule in equity.

2  He comes with rescue speedy To those who suffer wrong,

To help the poor and needy And bid the weak be strong,

To give them songs for sighing, Their darkness turn to light

Whose souls, condemned and dying, Are precious in his sight.

3  Kings shall bow down before him And gold and incense bring;

All nations shall adore him; His praise all people sing.

To him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend,

His kingdom still increasing, A kingdom without end.

4  O’er ev’ry foe victorious, He on his throne shall rest,

From age to age more glorious, All blessing and all-blest.

The tide of time shall never His covenant remove;

His name shall stand forever—That name to us is Love.

SERMONETTE                                                                                       Mark 1: 4-11

“Jesus’ Baptism and Ours”

1. Ours acknowledges sin; his fulfilled all righteousness (v. 4,5) 

2. Ours confesses faith; his proves he’s the Savior (v. 9-11)

Ours makes us God’s children; he is God’s son (v. 10, 11)

APOSTLES’ CREED   

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or 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.

Please stand.

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS        

*Read by responsively. Intercessory prayers listed on page 11.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

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.

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY

*Read by pastor.

Please be seated for the distribution.

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel 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. See page 13 for communion schedule and distribution information.

Please stand.

CLOSING PRAYER

P: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning.  May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING                                                                                                                   

P: 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.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 323                                   Almighty Father, Bless the Word

*Sung by soloist.

1  Almighty Father, bless the Word

Which through your grace we now have heard.

Oh, may the precious seed take root,

Spring up, and bear abundant fruit.

2  We praise you for the means of grace

As homeward now our steps we trace.

Grant, Lord, that we who worshiped here

May all at last in heav’n appear.

Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228. Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

 

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

January 10 – January 16

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	6:30 p.m.	Joint Council meeting at St. John’s
	7:30 p.m.	St. John’s Council meeting
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00 p.m.	School Board meeting
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel begins (details p. 13)
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s school teen confirmation class
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme:-  January 17, 2021 The 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord Calls Us to Serve
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

Church News   INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor & Frederick Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Caryl & Jim Bassett, Marian Heller) – For our nation and society in time of national conflict – For missions – For today’s communicants   2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES are ready for pick up in St. John’s link way.If you weren’t assigned a box and you would like one, please call Ciara in the office 608-297-2866 or let Pastor Zietlow know.   2020 OFFERING STATEMENTS Each member will receive a statement via snail mail. No need to sign up.   LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR FREE MEDICATION, FRIDGE, AND GUN LOCKS!!! St. John’s is partnering with Marquette County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) in their fall campaign emphasizing the need to secure what can be dangerous to children and others. To assist families, HCHY will have available, at no charge, medication lock boxes, refrigerator locks (where alcohol is stored in quantities), and gun locks. At St. John’s we have one of each of the three types of locks available for you to view. You may sign up for whatever you can use. Delivery will be at church. These items are available to all Marquette County residents at no charge, so spread the word. Members and friends can request these items. Let’s do all we can to keep our children from harm’s way. Sign up in the linkway, with Ciara or using the Google form. https://forms.gle/CpDT6awLesJRKbw26

 

Church News cont’d…   VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are being sought to assist with delivery of weekly worship DVDs to our shut in members. For details or to volunteer to assist, please contact either James Wachholz 608-369-4006 or Gary Wegner 920-295-3456.   SATURDAY WORSHIP  Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s  at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays  following those Sundays sing   “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home. CHURCH HUMOR (from a member) Why go to church? – One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, “I’m not going.”  “Why not?” she asked.  “I’ll give you two good reasons,” he said. “(1), they don’t like me, and (2), I don’t like them.”  His mother replied, “I’ll give you two good reasons why you SHOULD go to church: (1) You’re 59 years old, and (2) you’re the pastor!”

School news   UPDATED SCHOOL COVID POLICY If a student or teacher tests positive, the entire school will move to two weeks virtual education. When parents who have not been in the school test positive, the school leadership will assess absences due to illness or quarantine as necessary for the health and safety of our student body and families. If a classroom or the entire school needs to go virtual, it will be for a period of two weeks.   FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!

New Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

6:30pm to 7:30ish pm

In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan

Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website

Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1^st Letter of Peter

   The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.

   A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.

   Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

   Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.

“Come now, let us reasontogether, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus is Revealed as Our Perfect Substitute

The First Sunday after the Epiphany – B

The Baptism of Our Lord

God’s Word for Today

“Why did Jesus need to be baptized?  I thought baptism was for sinners?”  That’s a common question among Christians.  It doesn’t make sense that our Savior, who was perfectly sinless, would need to be baptized, and yet he was.  Why? Because Jesus had come to be our perfect substitute, and he is revealed as such in his baptism.  God laid on him the sin of the world (Jn 1:29).  Even from birth he endured the effects of our sin.  Jesus wasn’t a sinner himself, but he was carrying our sin, pain and sorrow (Is 53:4).  He needed the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness, just as if he were a sinner himself.  Jesus received those promises in baptism, just like we do.

First Lesson (Isaiah 49:1-6)

• Which person of the Trinity is speaking through the prophet Isaiah in these verses?
• True or false: Jesus felt frustration in his job as Savior.
• What task has been given to Jesus ?

Second Lesson (Acts 16:25-34)

• How does the Holy Spirit work the faith that Paul encouraged the jailer to have in verse 31?
• Who was baptized that evening?

Gospel (Mark 1:4-11)

• What was the purpose of the baptism given by John?
• If Jesus was sinless, why was he baptized?
• Which three special people were present at the baptism of Jesus?

Answers:

1. Jesus
2. True. The Savior voices his frustration in verse 4. Sometimes he felt like he had “labored to no purpose” and that he had “spent (his) strength in vain and for nothing.” Yet Jesus persevered in his role as our perfect substitute.
3. Not only to “bring Jacob back to (God) and gather Israel” (i.e., Jewish Christians) but also to be “a light for the Gentiles” (non-Jews) that they might be brought to faith (Jn 10:16).
4. God works faith through the hearing of the gospel promises (Ro 10:17). In this particular instance, those promises were proclaimed in word and in the sacrament of Holy Baptism.
5. The jailer’s whole household was baptized. We may assume that his household included both adults and children.
6. The purpose was the same as the baptism we have today: it’s “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mk 1:4).
7. Though Jesus did not have any personal sin, in his role as Savior he was carrying the sins of the world.  He had come to be our perfect substitute.  He very much desired the promises of God that baptism gives sinners.
8. The Holy Trinity (God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) were present at Jesus’ baptism.  In the same way, the Holy Trinity was present at our baptisms, as we are baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19).

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-2
1-3	28	98
St. John’s Altar Committee January 2021	Kathy North & Lucy Laun

●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website:  www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816 K, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3rd-5th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021 Principal & 6th – 8th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow:  616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org Church & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866 Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949 Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org   ●●●