The 1st Sunday after Christmas
As Members of God’s Family, We Seek to Do His Will
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches
Montello & Mecan, WI
December 27, 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: 1st Sunday after Christmas, “As Members of God’s Family, We Seek to Do His Will”. Jesus Comes to Save Us, Even as an Infant – Whether or not we had a “good Christmas,” as some may ask us, today over and over we hear good news of God’s grace. |
† 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.
Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Nov.. 2020. bulletin pages 14) Beginning (11/15) at the 10:00am St. John’s service, the 55+ age restriction ended . 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.
PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
M: O Lord – our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter – we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 78 O Light of Gentile Nations
*Sung by soloist.
Please stand.
INVOCATION
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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
M: Almighty God, in mercy you sent your one and only Son to take upon himself our human nature. By his gracious coming deliver us from the corruption of our sin and transform us into the likeness of his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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 45:20-25
Summary: In the Lord all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exalt
“Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. Declare what is to be, present it– let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.
“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, `In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.'” All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult.
PSALM OF THE DAY 111
*For your personal devotion at home.
Refrain
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
Great are the works of the LORD;*
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,*
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;*
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
Refrain
The works of his hands are faithful and just;*
all his precepts are trustworthy.
He provided redemption for his people;*
he ordained his covenant forever.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;*
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
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 Colossians 3:12-17
Summary: Live as God’s chosen people
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
VERSE OF THE DAY Colossians 3:15a
P: Alleluia! Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Alleluia.
Please stand.
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 2:25-40 (sermon text underlined)
Summary: Simeon and Anna lived as God’s people
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Please be seated.
HYMN 269 In Peace and Joy I Now Depart
*Sung by soloist.
SERMONETTE Luke 2: 25-32
“What the Eyes of Faith See in Baby Jesus”
- The Lord’s Christ
- The Lord’s Salvation
- The Consolation of Israel
- The Glory of Israel
- The Light of the Gentiles
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.
CHRISTMAS SEASON 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.
CLOSING PRAYER
M: 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.
Please stand.
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.
Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.
Be seated.
CLOSING HYMN 707 Peace Came to Earth
*Sung by soloist.
| 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 †
December 27-January 2
| Sun. | 8:00 a.m. | Emmanuel Worship with communion |
| 10:00 a.m. | St. John’s Worship with communion | |
| Mon. | No School-Christmas Break | |
| Tues. | No School-Christmas Break | |
| Wed. | No School-Christmas Break | |
| Thurs. | NEW YEAR’S EVE | |
| No School-Christmas Break | ||
| 3:30 p.m. | Emmanuel New Year’s Eve Memorial Worship with communion | |
| Fri. | NEW YEAR’S DAY | |
| No School-Christmas Break | ||
| Sat. | 4:30 p.m. | No Worship at St. John’s |
| Next week’s theme:- January 3, 2021 2nd Sunday after Christmas: “Jesus Shared in Our Humanity” | ||
| 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), 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: ) – For Christians suffering persecution – For our communicants GET 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 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. We take everyone’s health and safety seriously so please remember that we are still encouraging a 50 person maximum and to kindly 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 see the school Facebook page for the link form to sign up for free meals. Thanks! CHRISTMAS BREAK December 24-January 3 (resume January 4) |
Jesus Comes to Save Us, Even as an Infant
The First Sunday after Christmas – B
God’s Word for Today
Whether or not we had a “good Christmas,” as some may ask us, today over and over we hear good news of God’s grace.
First Lesson (Isaiah 45:20–25)
- What key ability does the Lord have that idols do not have (verses 20–21)?
- Why do all the ends of the earth need to turn to the Lord (verses 21–22)?
- On the last day, what will all believers in the Lord be found? How will we feel (verse 25)?
Second Lesson (Colossians 3:12–17)
- What three key gospel truths motivate our new lives in Christ (verse 12)?
- Where is the only place to find strength for our new life in Christ (verse 16)?
Gospel (Luke 2:25–40)
- What did God do for Simeon, compared to what God had promised Simeon (verses 25–28)?
- What did Simeon hint at to Mary (verse 35)?
- For what were Simeon and Anna waiting (verses 25, 38)? For what are you waiting?
Answers:
- The Lord can predict the future, and has done so many times. Every time, he does so with perfect accuracy. Idols and those who follow them have no ability to predict the future.
- All the ends of the earth need to turn to the Lord because he is the only God. He is the only Savior. He is righteous, so he must punish sinners, but in mercy the Father has punished his Son in our place.
- All believers in the Lord will be found righteous, and will exult. To be found righteous means that on the last day God will judge us sinners right with him, for Jesus’ sake. This will make us exult. That is, we will be full of joy.
- A) In Christ, we are God’s chosen people. In eternity, in pure grace, the Father picked us to be his own. B) In Christ, we are holy in God’s sight. Jesus’ holiness is credited to us, as if we have had only holy thoughts and actions all our lives. C) In Christ, we are dearly loved.
- The only place to find strength for our new life in Christ is in God’s Word. (Let’s dig into it daily it to teach and warn each other! Let’s sing it gladly!)
- God had promised Simeon that he would not die before he saw God’s Anointed Son. But God did better than he promised. He let Simeon hold his Savior!
- He hinted that Jesus would suffer great pain, and Mary, without Joseph at her side, would see it. A sword would pierce her own soul, too.
- They were waiting for the consolation of Israel, the redemption of Jerusalem— waiting for God to come and comfort his people by paying for their sins. We wait for Jesus to comfort and rescue us by coming again.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello
&
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan
Worship Updates – November 2020
WORSHIP SERVICES
- Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
- Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
- Sunday @ 10:00 amSt. John’s. Beginning (11/15) the 55+ age restriction ended. ALL are welcome.
- Online worship services continue and are found at www.stjohnsmontello.org
Providing a safe worship experience is a high priority for the leaders in our congregations. Christ’s love also compels us to consider the needs of others before our own. In humility we want to protect the health and safety of our bodies and of others. Because the virus continues to spread, and because of the science regarding singing and speaking, the following policies will be continued:
- Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
- Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
- Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
- Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
- The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
- Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
- The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
- The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies
As we hold firmly to the truths of scripture, we know that God continues to keep his promises to us. He has promised the wonderful spiritual blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation. He has not, however, promised that things will always remain the same. In the words of our synod president, Mark Schroeder, “we recommit ourselves–as individuals, as congregations, and as a synod–to the mission that God has called us to carry out, trusting that he will bless us in that work.” Let us work together as we move forward as a congregation. Let us help, support, and encourage each other as we gather around God’s Word.
Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor
Emmanuel Elders:
Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 494-0068
St. John’s Elders:
Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171,
James Wachholz (608) 369-4006, Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
| ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2020 December 31 New Years Eve. Emmanuel 3:30 p.m. *No age restrictions at holidays services. *Regular service times continue: Saturday St. John’s 4:30 p.m. – All are welcome (Please note: Dec. 26 & Jan. 2 – No worship) Sunday Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. – Emmanuel members only St. John’s 10:00 a.m. – All are welcome, no age restrictions. *COVID-19 safety guidelines continue…please wear masks, practice social distancing & use sanitizer. |
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 12-19 | 13 | |
| 12-20 | 37 | 71 |
| 12-23 | ||
| 12-24 | ||
| 12-25 | ||
| St. John’s Altar Committee January 2020 | Kathy North & Lucy Laun |
| ●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Please Sign Our Guest Register Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website link: 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 Altar Lady: Elaine Kelm: (920) 344-0025 ●●● |