A friend invites you to worship with him on Sunday. He says, “Do you want to come to my church with me?” Two pastors get together for coffee, and each of them asks, “How are things going at your church?” Christians speak this way about the churches they attend because they have such a close connection to them. And this is a good thing.
But sometimes, this idea can go too far. People might say, “This is my church,” as they try to push their own personal agendas on the ministry of a congregation.
As a man named Paul spoke to the church leaders in the ancient city of Ephesus, he reminded them to whom the church belonged. He called the church “the church of God.” And then he explained why it belongs to God. God bought it with his own blood.
When you pay a lot for something, it is worth a lot to you. God paid a price for you and me too. He paid the price of his blood. Because Jesus was the innocent Son of God, his blood was infinitely precious—more valuable than all of the gold in the world. And Jesus paid the price with his blood, bleeding and dying to buy us out of our slavery to sin and death.
Now we belong to him. And the one who paid so much for us makes sure that we are taken care of. He chooses pastors and church leaders to care for the spiritual needs of Christians the way that shepherds take care of sheep. They have an important responsibility. But in the end, they are simply those chosen by God to care for his sheep.
Thank God for faithful pastors. Pray for them. Encourage them. And most of all, rejoice that, while pastors may come and go and churches rise and fall, the church of God remains as those forgiven, set free, and purchased with the precious blood of Christ.
Prayer:
Bought by your blood, Jesus, I belong to you. Amen.
How does a father show love to his children? One father spends his hard-earned money to buy the best of everything for his children–whether it’s toys, computers, clothes, or cars. Another father pursues the best opportunities for his children—the best education, the best sports teams, the best music, or the best dance lessons. Another father works less in order to spend more time with his children. I suppose all of these can be motivated by a father’s love for his children.
But the Bible doesn’t say, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that he always gives us whatever we want, that he makes life easy for his children, or that he always makes them feel happy and loved.” No, it says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.”
God the Father’s love for us is most clearly shown in his calling us children of God. When we were born into this world, we were descended from Adam and Eve, the first two people in the world. Because they disobeyed God, we inherit from them an inborn desire to live for ourselves, ignore God, and operate by our own rules. When we live that way, we can be called children of the devil.
The devil is worse than any deadbeat dad in this world. He doesn’t care for his children at all. He only wants to see them suffer because when they do, he thinks he is getting back at the God who kicked him out of heaven.
But God loved us so much that he couldn’t wait to rescue us from that abusive household and adopt us into his family. And so he sent his own Son to be the perfect child in our place, to be absolutely obedient, not to demand proof of God’s love, but to give proof of God’s love by his life. He did that so that we might be called children of God and brothers and sisters of Christ himself. As God’s children, we have a place in his family and a home with him forever. Now that’s love!
Prayer:
God, I delight to call you Father. Thank you for your lavish love. Amen.
[Jesus said] “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.” John 10:17,18
If you’ve ever stood beside the bed of a loved one who is dying, you know how helpless that can feel—for them and you. The body grows weaker, the pain increases. Every treatment has been exhausted. There’s nothing more that can be done. All you can do is wait. You don’t get to decide when they die. God gives life and takes it away. It’s his timing, not ours.
Jesus was in the prime of life when he spoke the words of our Bible reading for today. Cancer wasn’t consuming him. His organs weren’t failing. But he knew he was going to die, and he knew when and how. Jesus was not just a human being. He was also the Son of God. As God, no one could take his life from him.
But he willingly laid down his life for you. The angry hatred of his enemies didn’t put him on the cross. His amazing love for you and me did. His enemies taunted him from the foot of the cross and told him to come down to prove that he was God. He could have done just that. But he stayed there and gave up his life to forgive those who fought against him and rescue those who ridiculed him.
And, just as he had the authority to lay down his life on his terms, Jesus had the authority to take his life back up again. He came back to life on Easter Sunday. His rising from the dead proves that he has taken care of your greatest need by overcoming sin and death for you. You can be at peace because Jesus has defeated death for you. And by his power, he will one day raise to eternal life with him all who trust in him as their Savior.
Prayer:
Jesus, when I face death, lead me to trust in you and know that you died and rose to give me life. Amen.
The Bible often compares people to sheep. Maybe that sounds like a compliment. After all, sheep are soft and gentle. They don’t hurt anything and seem pretty innocent.
But sheep are also pretty helpless. And sheep aren’t very smart. If someone compares you to a sheep today, they probably mean that you don’t think much for yourself but follow others blindly. That’s what sheep do, even if they are following right into danger or death. They have little or no ability to defend themselves from predators. They get lost easily. They need a shepherd to provide for them and defend and lead them. The people in Bible times would have understood the comparison well.
As unflattering as it sounds, you and I are aptly described as sheep. We are spiritually vulnerable and helpless. On our own, we’re unable to defend ourselves against the attacks of the devil, who attacks us like a wolf attacks a flock of sheep. We are easy targets.
At the same time, we aren’t just helpless victims. Too often, we choose to wander and get hopelessly lost. The Bible says, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way.”
And Jesus, our Shepherd, knows how much you and I are like sheep. He sees those wandering thoughts of anger or lust that we may just ignore as normal. He knows about the selfish motives that taint some of our kindest actions. He knows when our hearts covet worldly things, even if we never act on those desires.
But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, doesn’t leave his wandering sheep. He shows us his tender mercy by caring for every need of our bodies and our souls. He picks us up and carries us through the dangers of life. And he doesn’t abandon us when things get dangerous. He sees the devil coming, and he defends us. He would rather die for us than see us die in our sins. And that’s exactly what he did!
Your Good Shepherd won’t run away when life is dark and difficult. He stays with you through it all. You can count on it!
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for rescuing me when I go astray. Never leave my side. Amen.
Who knows you better than anyone else? That one person who knows you inside and out. They know where you’ve been in the past and where you want to be in the future. They know what brings a smile to your face or a tear to your eye. They know the things that make you angry and the things that you fear the most. They know how you think and how you make decisions. They know just what makes you…you.
But they don’t know you completely, do they? They only know what you let them see or know. Maybe no one knows you better than you. Well, almost no one.
Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep.” The sheep he is talking about aren’t literal sheep. The sheep are people—you and me.
Jesus knows you. This is not just knowing the facts about you. It’s a much more personal and intimate knowledge. It’s like how a parent knows his child or a husband knows his wife, but even deeper. Jesus knows your past, present, and future. He knows your joys and sorrows, your thoughts, and emotions. He knows you right down to the core of your soul.
That means he also knows all your sins—every selfish thought, every hurtful word, every loveless action. He knows how desperately you need a solution to your sin and rescue from the hell you deserve, even if you don’t fully grasp or acknowledge that desperate need.
He knows those sins because he paid for every one of them when he laid down his life for you. In undeserved, self-sacrificing love, he knew you were powerless to save yourself. And so he gave up his own life in your place. He took all your sins on himself and willingly gave up his innocent life in exchange for the guilt of your sins when he died on a cross.
Yes, Jesus, your Good Shepherd, knows you, and he loves you. His death proves it. What a blessing to know that the Shepherd who loves us that much knows us and our needs!
Prayer:
Jesus, my Good Shepherd, nothing in my life is hidden from you. Remind me of your undying love for me every day. Amen.
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31
Are you a confident person? We hear a great deal today about the importance of self-confidence. “You have to believe in yourself!” we’re told. There’s an inherent danger in self-confidence, though. None of us is perfect. Every one of us will disappoint ourselves and others. When this happens, self-confidence quickly gives way to self-doubt and despair.
The early Christians in Jerusalem didn’t make this mistake. They were extremely confident but not self-confident. You might say they were Christ-confident. They knew that Jesus had risen from the grave on Easter morning. He promised to be with them always. He assured them that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to him. These realities made them bold to proclaim the word of God even after two of their leaders had been jailed for doing this very thing.
What are you facing today? Whatever it is, face it boldly. Jesus is alive. He is with you. He has promised to make all things work out for your good. What could give you greater confidence?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you know what I am facing this day. Give me confidence knowing that you are with me. Amen.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8,9
A while back, there was a piece in a news magazine about a woman who appeared stable and well-adjusted in every way. She held a responsible job. She was nicely dressed. She was gracious and cordial in her demeanor. She held a terrible secret, however. The secret was that she was keeping hundreds of cats in her home. Video footage from the city health department was shocking. The interior was in ruins. Officials reported that the stench was indescribable.
Most shocking of all, though, was the woman’s sense of absolute denial. She had no grasp of the sickening thing she had produced within her home. In fact, during an interview, she even described herself as “a clean freak.”
That woman’s self-deception is a lot like our attitude towards sin. You and I don’t mind admitting that we’re sinful in a generic kind of way. (“Nobody’s perfect.” “We’ve all done things we’re not proud of,”—you know the routine.) When it comes to confronting the real-life failures in our lives, however, you and I often plug our noses and ignore the terrible stench of our own sin.
But the answer is not self-deception. The answer is Jesus. Confess your sins—thoughts, words, and actions that oppose God’s perfect will and make you unclean in his sight. Trust God’s faithful word that through faith in your Savior, Jesus, you are freely forgiven and completely clean before God.
And from now on, no more self-deception.
Prayer:
O Lord, my God, I called to you for help, and you answered me. I thank you for the love you have shown me in Jesus Christ, my Savior. Through him, you have rescued me from the guilt of my sin and given me the peace of forgiveness. Help me fight against temptation, correct whatever wrongs I can, and serve you and those around me with love and good works. Amen.
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Address: 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949 Office: 608-297-2866 Pastor Zietlow: 608-408-7830 Website: www.stjohnsmontello.org
Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church Address: W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Easter season.
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES † Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel 10:00a.m. at St. John’s *Please note: congregation sings during worship.
† Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s *Please note: congregation does not sing during worship. Instead, a soloist sings.
Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow.
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 before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAYToday’s theme: The 4th Sunday of Easter – The Risen Lord Is Our Shepherd – Jesus is our Good Shepherd. We are his sheep. Our Good Shepherd loves us so much that he gave his life for us. He knows us all by name. He protects us from our enemies. He gives us courage and strength. He continually brings more sheep into his fold. He promises heaven to all who believe in him. How great is the love that God has lavished upon us!
†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.
OPENING HYMN CW 249, “God of Mercy, God of Grace”
†S E R V I C E O F W O R D & S A C R A M E N T †
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 OF SINS
We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his
law, and we plead for his mercy.
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
Kyrie
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
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd who laid down your life for the sheep. Lead us now to the still waters of your life-giving Word that we may abide in your Father’s house forevermore; for you live and reign with him 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 LESSON Acts 4:23-33
Summary:The early church: one in heart and mind in the Good Shepherd
On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
“‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.[a]’[b]
27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all…
PSALM 23
* Sing refrain, read verses in unison.
The LORD is my shepherd,*
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;*
he leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;*
he guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,*
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Refrain
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.*
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,*
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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 John 3:1-3 (today’s sermon text)
Summary:We are children of the heavenly Father–adopted sheep of the Good Shepherd
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be, has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
VERSE OF THE DAY John 10:14
M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. Alleluia.
Please stand
GOSPEL LESSON John 10:11-18
Summary:Jesus is our Good Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
Please be seated.
HYMN OF THE DAY CW 375, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”
SERMON 1 John 3:1-3
“Our Father Is God”
John describes what’s involved in…
Becoming God’s child
Being God’s child
Please stand.
NICENE CREED
All: 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.
Please 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. Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. The plate is located in the church entryway.
RITE OF TEEN CONFIRMATION
At St. John’s Sunday service, the congregation receives our confirmands into communicant membership through the Rite of Confirmation and prays for their eternal blessing.
These young Christians have successfully completed a study of the Holy Scriptures on the basis of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. They have also expressed a desire to join the communicant members at St. John’s in receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It is our privilege to welcome them to the Lord’s table and to offer our ardent prayers on their behalf.
These young Christians are entering some of the most formative years of their lives. Satan will work overtime to pull them away from Jesus and a regular study of his Word. We pray the Lord to keep them safe according to his baptismal promises to them, that they remain faithful to him in their regular use of Word and Sacrament until the day he welcomes them and all the saints to sit at the table of his heavenly banquet. God grant this for Jesus’ sake!
ADULT CHOIR “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”
PRAYERS
The Offering Prayer, Good Shepherd Sunday Prayer, Confirmand Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
All: 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.
†T H E S A C R A M E N T †
Our Lord Jesus has given us a holy supper in which we receive his true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith. In this supper we celebrate the gift of his redemption, we bear witness to the fellowship we share as confessors of the truth, and we proclaim his death until he returns.
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.
He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms and placed all things under his feet for the benefit of the Church.
Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ. To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and thanks and honor and glory for ever and ever.
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Sanctus
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 in remembrance of me.”
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
Agnus Dei
Please be seated for the distribution.
At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice close 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.
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.
Please be seated.
CLOSING HYMN CW 152:2-3, “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”
Cantor: (spoken) “But now, this is what the Lord says – ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I have called you by name; you are mine.’ ”
I know that my Re – deem – er lives; What com-fort
When Satan’s lies tempt me to sin, Give me the
Let me con – fess with all my breath, I will be
this sweet sen – tence gives. He lives, he lives who
strength to not give in. Lord, keep me honest, faithful
faith – ful un – til death. Since you have given me the
once was dead, He lives my e – ver – liv – ing Head!
pure, and true; Giv – ing my heart and praise to you.
gift of faith, I will re – ceive the crown of life.
Cantor: (spoken) “I have called you by name; you are mine.”
Class of 2021 St. John’s Lutheran Church Montello, Wi
Alyssa Lynn Mann
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24
Emma Elizabeth Mann
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Katie Sue Mann
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Olivia Irene Zuehls
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Congratulations to this year’s confirmands!
May the Lord bless you and keep you in the faith, now and forever.
†A N N O U N C E M E N T S†
April 25 – May 1
Sun.
Teen Confirmation
8:00a.m.
Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00a.m.
St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.
6:30p.m.
Joint Choir at St. John’s
Tues.
8:00a.m.
School Chapel
6:30 p.m.
Joint Council meeting at St. John’s
Wed.
10:00a.m.
Montello Care Center Devotion
11:40a.m.
Early School Release
Thurs.
6:00p.m.
Griefshare at St. John’s
6:30p.m.
Evangelism meeting at St. John’s
Fri.
4:00p.m.
School softball game home vs Pardeeville
Sat.
10:00 a.m.
Private baptism for Aurora Hagman (Charlie & Alyssa Hagman)
4:30p.m.
St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme: May 2, 2021 The 5th Sunday of Easter : Fruits of Faith Flow from our Connection to the Risen Lord
8:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Worship
9:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Council meeting
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, Cheri Borzick, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, Jeff Reimer, Wilma Rudolph, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Ramona Wacholtz) – For our teen confirmands – For our communicants
CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. A variety of church year season “scarves” and descriptive cards will be available for pickup soon. We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.
JOINT EMMANUEL/ST. JOHN’S CHOIR All Emmanuel and St. John’s members are invited to join on Mondays at St. John’s at 6:30pm. We will wear masks and socially distance for the time being. All members high school and older are invited to join as they feel comfortable. Please contact Lynn Sellnow @ lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org or phone 616-826-0816 if you have questions. It is good to praise the Lord!
SPRING LWMS MISSION OFFERINGS totaled $674.00 at St. John’s! World Mission Latin America Special Projects and the Home Mission Pastoral Studies Institute are the current Beaver Dam Circuit projects that will benefit. Also, the
LWMSSPRING SERVICE PROJECT for the Seminary Food Pantry totaled $72.00. Thank you to all who shared offerings!
LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17
CHURCH GARAGE SALE Save the date: June 5 & 6! Starting in May, we will be accepting donations to sell. All proceeds made will go towards the Little Lambs house demolition. If you would like to volunteer, please call the office. Thanks!
SCHOOL NEWS
LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office or from Lynn Sellnow.
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. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.
LITTLE LAMBS HOUSE CLEAN UP PROJECT The former “Little Lambs House” will soon be demolished. As good stewards, we would like to salvage and resell the usable items in the house. On Saturday, May 1, there is a work day scheduled to clean out the house. Many volunteers are needed. We will sort and store some items, do some deconstructing of usable items in the home , and prepare items for resale or donation. Lunch and drinks will be provided, as will cleaning supplies and health and safety supplies. We will begin our work at 9:00. Please contact Lynn Sellnow if you can help. lynnsellnow@stjohnsmontello.org 616-826-0816. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17
LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to make a donation and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s Church and School that you can choose from: Church GeneralSchool GeneralHouse/Parking LotFamily Easter FestivalSunday SchoolVacation Bible SchoolSchool TechnologyChurch Video/Audio SystemSecurity SystemTuition AssistanceAthletic FundOutreach EventsSchool Server UpgradeSchool HVAC/Purifying System
COVID PLAN FOR WORSHIP UPDATE
On Monday 3/8, the Joint Council met to discuss the 2/25 Joint Worship Committee’s proposals regarding the next phase of our COVID worship guidelines. Beginning on Easter Sunday 4/4, the JC approved returning to the pre-COVID common forms of liturgy with full congregational singing, masks and social distancing for the Sunday services. The Saturday service music, however, would continue to be led by a soloist. The JC decided to replace the 6am Easter Sunrise Service at St. John’s to a 8am Easter Worship at St. John’s. The JC also approved the Joint Worship Committee’s proposal to resume choir practice and school singing after Easter. Finally, the JC also approved the change in the wording of the COVID plan to encourage in-person worship. We are concerned that some are staying away from in-person worship because the policy states that if a person can watch the service online, he or she is asked to do so. We feel it is very important for our members to get back to in-person worship when they feel comfortable to do so. – Pastor Z
Good Shepherd Sunday
Fourth Sunday of Easter – B
God’s Word for Today
Jesus is our Good Shepherd. We are his sheep. Our Good Shepherd loves us so much that he gave his life for us. He knows us all by name. He protects us from our enemies. He gives us courage and strength. He continually brings more sheep into his fold. He promises heaven to all who believe in him. How great is the love that God has lavished upon us!
First Lesson (Acts 4:23-33)
1. According to verse 24, how did the believers in Jerusalem respond when the Sanhedrin ordered Peter and John to no longer preach in Jesus’ name?
2. What did they ask for in verses 29 and 30? How did God respond?
3. Evaluate the following statement: As Christians, we should ask for such things today.
Second Lesson (1 John 3:1,2)
4. What have we become because of God’s love?
5. What does John mean when he says, “what we will be has not yet been made known”?
Gospel (John 10:11-18)
6. Describe Jesus our Good Shepherd.
Answers:
1. They responded by turning to God in prayer. What a great example for us today! When we are faced with difficulties, trials and set backs in the Church, let’s always take it to the Lord in prayer.
2. They asked for boldness to preach and also the special gift of healing and miracles. Luke tells us that they received a special measure of the Holy Spirit and preached boldly. We see in other sections of Acts that some were given the gift of healing and of miracles.
3. God encourages us to ask him for whatever we desire in our hearts and he promises to give us whatever is for our good. Therefore, it is good and right that we pray for boldness to preach. Through the power of his Gospel, God answers our prayers and gives us strength and courage. Today God does not give all of the same gifts that he gave to the early church. Gifts such as healings, tongues and prophecy were given at that time according to their needs. God could still give such gifts today, but we should never expect them or doubt God if he decides not to give them to us.
4. Though we were rebellious sinners and slaves to sin, God in his love has adopted us as his dear children. Through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, we are now heirs of heaven. We are sons and daughters of the king. Through God’s great love, we have become the greatest rags to riches story ever told!
5. Though we are sons and daughters of the King, in this world many times what we are is not so obvious. As believers we may suffer sickness, poverty and disaster. Only when we get to heaven will the glory that is ours be fully revealed.
6. Jesus our Good Shepherd willingly gave up his life for us his sheep. He protects his sheep. He knows and loves each of his sheep personally. His sheep know and love him. He continually brings new sheep into his flock.
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
4-17
4-18
St. John’s Altar Committee for April 2021:Lucy Laun&Kathy North
●●● 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 ●●●
It is January of 2000, and a man by the name of Christian Hosoi has hit rock-bottom. He has fallen a long way. Throughout the 1980s and early 90s, Christian Hosoi reigned as royalty in the world of professional skateboarding with all the fame, money, and jet-setting that went along with it. Then he began dabbling in drugs. The dabbling morphed into an addiction. He stopped competing. Instead, from 1995 to 2000, he ingested crystal meth every day. Now he is under arrest for drug trafficking with intent to distribute. He’s facing ten years in prison.
He calls a friend. In Christian’s mind, what he needs is a good lawyer or at least money for bail. Instead, his friend tells him to find a Bible. He does. He pages around at first, not quite knowing what to read or where to start. Soon enough, however, he settles in. Once he begins, he does not stop.
It is the Sunday evening of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus has already made several appearances that day. Now he appears among his disciples. At first, they are startled and frightened. To assure them he has truly risen, he shows them his hands and feet and eats some broiled fish.
Once he has established that he really is alive, Jesus turns the disciples’ attention to something else. He points to the words of the Bible. “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me,” he says. Then Jesus continues: “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name.”
Several weeks after first opening the Bible, Christian Hosoi is still reading. Even though the walls of a jail surround him, Christian is beginning to know a freedom he has never known before. The Scriptures declare that Jesus died on a cross for his sins. The Scriptures declare that Jesus has risen from the dead. The Scriptures declare that forgiveness is his through faith in Jesus the Christ.
Today, Christian Hosoi serves as a pastor in California.
Prayer:
Thank you, risen Christ, for your Holy Scriptures. Through your living Word, keep me close to you. Amen.
One person feels euphoria when she smells freshly fallen snow because it reminds her of snow days off from school when she was a little girl. Another person feels stress when he smells that same smell because it reminds him of a cold and terrible battle in a long-ago war. According to an article in Psychology Today, because we tend mainly to think about our sense of vision, we sometimes underestimate the power of smell. Studies, for instance, have shown that our olfactory nerve—the nerve that gives us our sense of smell—sits right next to the parts of our brain that handle things like emotion and memory. Aroma, therefore, makes a profound impact.
This is no new discovery, of course. People have known about the power of aroma for thousands of years. It’s one of the fascinating ways God has wired us. It should probably come as no surprise, then, that God’s Word pictures those who proclaim the message of Christ as “the aroma of Christ.” He pictures these proclaimers in this way, not because these proclaimers are powerful in and of themselves. Rather, the impact comes from the power of the message.
All of this serves to remind us how potent the message of Jesus truly is. When his proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins rings out, God the Holy Spirit is hard at work within that message. At those times when we have grown sleepy and apathetic in our relationship with the Lord, the message of Jesus might come to us as a harsh and abrasive smelling salt, waking us up. At those times when the guilty stench of our own sin is filling our nostrils and choking us in despair, the message of Jesus comes to us in the refreshing sweetness of the full forgiveness he purchased for us at Calvary’s cross.
This brings us to a question. Which aroma does your soul need right now—the smelling salt of repentance or the sweetness of forgiveness? The beauty is that the Lord brings just what you need through the power of his Word.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill the nostrils of my soul with the aroma of Christ. Do this through the power of your Word. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
