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Humble Yourself – January 26, 2018

January 26, 2018 Kerry

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10

Humble Yourself

Daily Devotion – January 26, 2018

Devotion based on James 4:10

See series: Devotions

There he was. The game was over. Pandemonium had erupted from the crowd of 80,000 plus. There he was. The hero. Standing on a bench, towering over the people nearby with arms folded across his chest and a look on his face that dared anyone to question his greatness. He had certainly made a nice play. Some might suggest he had the fortune of being in the right place at the right time and had merely managed to capitalize on someone else’s mistake. Either way, he was the center of attention and he was soaking it all in.

The picture described above could hardly be used as an illustration of today’s Bible verse: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Are we any different than a proud athlete in this regard? We are also pretty good at pumping ourselves up. We highlight our good qualities and downplay our weaknesses. We post our accomplishments online for others to see. We make ourselves look better in comparison to others. We pat ourselves on the back and fail to congratulate others for a job well done. How many times haven’t we in our own minds decided that we are better than others for one reason or another?

This kind of self-flattery and pride will prevent God from lifting us up in the end. Sins of pride and arrogance and conceit can only lead us away from God, and all such sins are deserving of his eternal punishment.

God tells us to humble ourselves, to make ourselves low before him. This means leveling off our pride. It means stepping down from above others. It means humbly confessing our sins and our unworthy status before God.

When we do that, something surprising happens. He doesn’t crush us or destroy us. Rather, our Father in heaven lifts us up. He lifts our eyes to the cross of Christ where our Savior’s blood was shed and our sins were paid for. He lifts our eyes to the empty tomb where Christ won our victory over the grave. He takes us by the hand and says he will watch over us every day as he leads us on to heaven.

Today and every day, humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive my sins of pride and arrogance. Teach me to be humble before you and to rejoice as you lift me up. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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What is True – January 25, 2018

January 25, 2018 Kerry

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

What is True

Daily Devotion – January 25, 201

Devotion based on Philippians 4:8

See series: Devotions

We’re often told that we should think happy thoughts. Today’s verse takes a more foundational approach. Don’t just aim for happy thoughts. Think about what is true.

In other words, be honest about your relationship with God, who loves you dearly. Scripture gravely states that all have sinned against him. So don’t pretend you haven’t and that your sin doesn’t matter. Think about the truth. But there is more to the truth than that. Scripture also says that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His willing sacrifice has freed us from sin and death. All who believe in Jesus have God’s promise to be with us, to bless us through every trial and trouble, and to take us to heaven. We need the whole truth. Our verse says, “Whatever is true… think about such things.”

If only we could do it! It’s easy to get so stuck on our sin and guilt to the point that we can’t believe God will forgive us. And it’s just as easy to think that our sin is small and easily managed on our own, without God’s help. Either way, we are setting ourselves up for something worse than just unhappy thoughts. If we lose sight of the truth, we are lost.

Once again, God doesn’t leave us alone. He continues to speak to us on the pages of Scripture. By means of his living Word, God chases away our doubts and fear, and leads us again and again to embrace the truth—because of Jesus, God is on our side.

And when you are thinking about what is true, then you are also thinking about what is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. They’re connected. When you stick to the truth, the rest will follow.

You don’t have to settle for just happy thoughts. In his Word, God fills your head and your heart with what is true. You have a Savior named Jesus and he has taken away all of your sins.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I can’t change my thought patterns, but you can. Stay close to me by means of your Word. Lead me to dwell on what is true. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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The God of Second Chances – January 24, 2018

January 24, 2018 Kerry

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. … When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah 3:1-5,10

The God of Second Chances

Daily Devotion – January 24, 2018

Devotion based on Jonah 3:1-5,10

See series: Devotions

Jonah believed that God is gracious and compassionate. He rejoiced in the second chance God had given him. But not even a three-night stay in the belly of a fish fully convinced Jonah that Nineveh deserved a second chance. Nevertheless, Jonah went. He shared God’s message. The Ninevites repented. And God gave them a second chance.

Christians believe God has given the world a second chance. Jesus died for our sins and rose again. For the sake of Jesus, God forgives us all completely and unconditionally. How can we rate someone else as unworthy of God’s compassion? That’s what Jonah did.

Christians believe they are not worthy of a second chance. All have sinned. And all sin is a crime against our Creator that is deserving of death. How can we say that our sin is less offensive to God than someone else’s? That’s what Jonah did.

Christians believe that God is gracious. Even though we do not deserve it, God sent us One who is greater than Jonah. Jesus not only preached against sin, he paid for our sin with his blood. He sank to the depths of hell and spent three days in the belly of the earth. But death could not stomach Jesus because Jesus had no sin of his own. In Christ, God has relented and promised not to bring on us the destruction we deserve.

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22).

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I have sinned against you. But I believe that Jesus is my second chance. Help me to forgive as you have forgiven me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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Unforeseen Witnessing – January 23, 2018

January 23, 2018 Kerry

After [Paul and Silas] had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:23-25

Unforeseen Witnessing

Daily Devotion – January 23, 2018

Devotion based on Acts 16:23-25

See series: Devotions

Witnessing can be pretty straightforward. In the court room, witnesses simply are asked to tell what they have seen and heard. Witnessing one’s faith in Jesus, however, can be met by hostility. Anger, sarcasm, or worse can come from a family member, a college professor, or a co-worker.

Missionaries Paul and Silas were in Philippi. For several days their efforts were disrupted by a demon-possessed, fortune-telling, slave girl. Her fortune-telling was a great moneymaker for her owners. Each day she identified Paul and Silas, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved” (Acts 16:17). Although what she said was true, that they did proclaim salvation through faith in Jesus, who would believe her? In Jesus’ name, Paul cast out the demon.

Immediately the owners saw their source of income vanish. False charges led to a severe flogging for Paul and Silas, and a night in the stocks in the inner cell of the jail.

Into the night, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God, “and the other prisoners were listening to them.” In their misery, Paul and Silas did not turn against God, but turned to God in prayer and song. It was an unplanned witness of humble trust in the wisdom and love of God. An earthquake that jarred open all the cell doors; every prisoner remaining in place; a jailer stopped from falling on his own sword… all led to that jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Unexpected! Unforeseen! Amazing!

Don’t expect earthquakes, but your trust in Jesus as your Savior guides you in the way to deal with earthly life that can lead to precious, unforeseen witnessing opportunities. Our children praying aloud with us at the restaurant, or our family members comforting one another in the Intensive Care waiting room can result in witnessing.

Witnessing is never “force-feeding,” but unforeseen witnessing opportunities will arise as we “let our light shine.”

Prayer:
Lord, help me be ready to witness when those unforeseen opportunities arise. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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Come, Follow Me – January 22, 2018

January 22, 2018 Kerry

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 1:14-20

Come, Follow Me

Daily Devotion – January 22, 2018

Devotion based on Mark 1:14-20

See series: Devotions

Jesus is a king who has a kingdom and he calls us to follow him as our leader. Now we are usually suspicious of people who claim to be great leaders, especially political leaders like kings. We wonder if they are gathering a following so they might use their power over us. We wonder if they want to use us and control us to get something from us. So, in general, we are cautious about following those who claim to be great leaders.

But that is not what happened in Galilee 2000 years ago. Jesus came proclaiming that he was a king, and he had a kingdom, and that all people should follow him. The amazing thing was men like Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John did. They left everything to follow Jesus.

They were so willing to follow Jesus because Jesus was a different kind of king who had a different kind of kingdom. Instead of taking from people, he gave great blessings to people. Instead of gathering a following to control, he gathered a following to set them free. He didn’t rule to take the lives of others. He came to give up his life to rescue people from sin and death. That is why the first disciples were willing to give up everything and follow Jesus.

Now what about you? Are you willing to follow this King? Jesus’ kingdom is one of freedom and forgiveness. It is a kingdom of good news—the good news of eternal salvation.

Repent and follow Jesus your King!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my King. I repent of all my sins before you. I ask you to wash them all away. And now teach me to follow you in all my ways that I might bring glory to your name! Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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Jesus is the Light – January 21, 2018

January 21, 2018 Kerry

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2

Jesus is the Light

Daily Devotion – January 21, 2018

Devotion based on

Isaiah 9:2

See series: Devotions

Light is certainly one of the most precious things in our world. Without it, we can’t do much of anything. The most simple tasks become all but impossible when darkness envelopes us instead of light.

A lack of light can also strike fear into our hearts and be quite dangerous. If you have ever tried navigating your way through complete darkness, you know this to be true. When you can’t even see your hand two inches in front of your face, it is impossible to walk with purpose and confidence. This is what life is like without Jesus.

Without Jesus there is no purpose in life. Every reason our world produces for our existence comes up empty in the end. Without the light of Jesus we would be forced to stumble our way through life, bumping into blessings without knowing where they come from and tripping over trials and problems. As we stumble we would always have the terrifying understanding that death could be right around the corner.

Thank God for sending Jesus to be the Light that illuminates our lives. He gives us hope and purpose. He came to remove the darkness of sin by shedding his blood and scatter the shadow of death by rising from the grave. Since our sins have been paid for by his blood, we have the sure confidence that every one of our sins has been removed—even the ones that weigh us down with the most guilt. Since he rose from the grave we have the rock-solid guarantee that death is not the end for us. We too will rise with him to live eternally.

With Jesus lighting up our lives we can live with confidence and purpose. The confidence comes from knowing that nothing can change the fact that our sins have been washed away by his blood and our eternal life guaranteed by his resurrection. Our purpose now is to live every moment to his glory. We strive to make the best use of all the gifts he has given us and do everything we can to share Jesus with others so they too may walk in his light.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, this sinful world is a dark place. Thank you for scattering the darkness of sin and death for us. Continue to light up our lives that we may live for you and share your light with others. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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Unite and Conquer – January 20, 2018

January 20, 2018 Kerry

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?
1 Corinthians 1:10-13

Unite and Conquer

Daily Devotion – January 20, 2018

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

See series: Devotions

“Divide and conquer” is an effective strategy in warfare. Once you divide your enemy’s forces, you can overwhelm each smaller group one by one.
“Divide and conquer” is also an effective strategy in spiritual warfare. It is one of the devil’s favorite tactics. He works hard to divide Christian congregations. He realizes that if Christians are busy fighting each other they will be too busy to fight him. He realizes that if Christians are shouting at one another they will be too busy to shout the Good News of sins forgiven to those around them. He knows that if Christians are jealous and angry and bitter toward one another they will be much less likely to love and honor and serve one another.
The apostle Paul understood these things. So, in his first letter to the Christians in the city of Corinth he encouraged them to fight against this effective strategy of their enemy. In the case of the Corinthians, they were divided over which of their leaders they liked better. Some preferred Paul, others Apollos, etc. Paul reminded them that Jesus was the only one who had paid for their sins on the cross. Rather than be divided over which of their leaders they liked, they ought to be united in their love for Christ.
If the devil is dividing you from your fellow Christians, let the love of Christ fill your heart and overcome the devil’s temptations. Do not allow the devil to “divide and conquer” you and your fellow Christians. Rather, “unite and conquer” him!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know that the devil is a powerful enemy. But, I also know that you are a more powerful ally. Let there be no divisions in your Church. Unite us as one in the mission to love one another and to tell others of your great love for all. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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Bulletin- THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY JANUARY 21, 2018

January 19, 2018January 19, 2018 Kerry

EMMANUEL and ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Mecan and Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

JANUARY 21, 2018

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH! We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and “link-way” at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. May God bless our worship together!

A PERSONAL PRAYER FOR THOSE GATHERED FOR WORSHIP Redeemed, restored, forgiven, through Jesus precious blood Heirs of his home in heaven, oh, praise our pardoning God! Praise him in tuneful measures who gave His Son to die;

Praise him whose sevenfold treasures enrich and sanctify.

(Hymn 388:1) Heavenly Father: Through your Gospel in Word and Sacrament, forgive my sins, strengthen my faith, and make me a “fisher of men.” –all to your glory. Amen.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus is Revealed by Preaching Repentance – Is God calling you today to sell everything you have, give it away and move to a foreign country to be a penniless missionary? His Word does not say that. God does call some people to public ministry. He sends some far from home. He gives some of his ministers hard assignments. Note: He calls all believers by our baptisms to be ready to leave anything for him. He left everything for us. He gave his holy life for us.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Service of the Word” (hymnal page 38)

PASTOR’S GREETING

Note: At Sunday St. John’s & Emmanuel…

CHOIR “Be Strong in the Lord” (in place of opening hymn)

Note: At Wednesday St. John’s…

OPENING HYMN 80 “Angels from the Realms of Glory” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 38, read & sung responsively)

PRAYER OF THE DAY

(Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings)

SCRIPTURE READING THEME

The Lord’s Call Changes Hearts and Lives

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Jonah 3:1-5,10

Jonah’s preaching changed hearts and lives in Nineveh

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

PSALM 62 (hymnal page 88, men sing first line, women sing second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Live your life in view of the heavenly goal knowing your time is short

What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia! Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing every disease. Alleluia! (Matthew 4:23)

LITURGY (hymnal page 40, all sing)

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!”

(Please be seated)

GOSPEL LESSON Mark 1:14-20 (today’s sermon text)

“I will make you fishers of men”

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

After the reading of the Gospel, all sing:

“Praise be to you, O Christ”

(Please be seated)

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

At Emmanuel…all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.

SERMON HYMN 560 “I Hear the Savior Calling”

(printed in hymnal, all sing)

SERMON Mark 1:14-20 “Our Lord Is Calling”

His call caught us to be full-time followers of him
His call directs us to be people-catchers for him

(Please stand after the sermon)

APOSTLES CREED (hymnal page 41, all read)

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

(Please stand)

MISSION PRAYER (read by pastor)

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Ardis Henning, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Anna Madigan, Linda Malsack, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Marion Neuman (Marjorie Fabian’s sister), Steve Parrish, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Tim Schultz, Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Bob Wegner, Pastor Jim Weiland – (added this week: Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Ardis Henning, Steve Parrish, Pastor Jim Weiland from Merrill, Pastor Z’s classmate)
– For Marla Ohrmundt called by St. John’s voters on 1/7 to serve as Little Lambs pre-school director through the end of the school year
– For loved ones far away

LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 43a, all read)

(Please be seated)

HYMN 569 “O Christ, Our True and Only Light” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 43b, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 323 “Almighty Father, Bless the Word”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (1/28):

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK JANUARY 21-JANUARY 27
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
	11:15 A.M.		New Member Dinner at St. John’s
Mon.	7:30 P.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
Wed.	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	1:40 P.M.		St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
	2:15 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship
	7:30 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.	10:00 A.M.		Montello Care Center devotion with communion
	6:00 P.M.		Griefshare at St. John’s lower level begins (2 of 13 weeks)
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 Theme for next Sunday (1/28): The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Adult Bible Study
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Council meeting
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion
2:00 P.M.		WLA Let’s Celebrate

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Walter Bubolz, $75.00 has been given to St. John’s Church and School by Terri Champine. Thank you for your gift.

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:11

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Irv Krueger, $100.00 was given to St. John’s Debt Reduction Fund by Diane (Krueger) Hintz in remembrance of Irv’s 75^th birthday on January 14^th. Thank you for your gift.

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

See the source image THANK YOU to all our St. John’s members and Mecan members for your prayers on my brother, Dennis Umland’s, behalf. After a 2 year battle with cancer, our kind and merciful Lord has ended his battle and has taken him home to Heaven. Your prayers were appreciated and helped us all, as we know they work. God bless you all, dear church family.

–Harold & Judy Fandrey

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING ENVELOPES 2018 are located in the link way of church. Please pick yours up if you haven’t yet! If you do not have a box, feel free to contact pastor or the office and we will get one to you!

See the source image 2017 OFFERING STATEMENTS If you have signed up to receive your 2017 offering statement, please pick it up in the link way.

See the source image WELCOME NEW MEMBERS at Emmanuel & St. John’s since December 14, 2015! You will be guests at a Welcome Dinner TODAY Sunday, January 21, beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. following today’s St. John’s worship service. Your hosts will be the members & families of the St. John’s Accessibility Task Force, St. John’s Shepherd Team, Emmanuel Council & Leaders, and Pastor & Mrs. Zietlow. See you soon!

MEMBERSHIP CLASS A new “Bible Information Class” began Wed 1/3/18 at 7:30pm in pastor’s office/conference room at St. John’s. Alternate days/times can also be scheduled. Free study guides are available from pastor…just ask.

NEW WEEKDAY/EVE BIBLE CLASS Beginning January 2018, we started a new weekday/eve Bible Study entitled: “Your Questions–Scriptures Answers: Adiaphora” (things that God doesn’t command or forbid in the Bible and how we are to properly use our Christian freedom). We meet at St. John’s in the pastor’s office/conference room Monday 7:30pm and Wednesday 10am. “Therefore let us leave the elementery teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)

LENT BY CANDLELIGHT Ladies, you won’t want to miss the second ever Lent by Candlelight on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 5:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello. Please plan to join us for an evening of visiting, beautiful music and scrumptious snacks. All women are invited and are encouraged to invite their friends to prepare their hearts for Lent. There is no charge for this event. Seating is limited, so RSVP by emailing christavantreeck@gmail.com or signing up in the link way at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello.

LUTHER PREP SCHOOL AUCTION GALA Donations of new items are currently being accepted for the Luther Prep Auction Gala to be held on Saturday, April 21. If you have something to share it can be brought to the Mission Advancement office anytime during the LPS school day. If you cannot attend the Gala in person this would be a great way to show support! Monetary donations can be made online:

http://events.readysetauction.com/lutherpreparatoryschool/carnival

Deadline for donations is March 9. Questions? Contact Sue at 920-262-8104.

Your support benefits future pastors, teachers, and lay leaders.

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY Following the Sunday 8:00 a.m. worship service at Emmanuel, usually about 9:00 a.m., all are invited to the parish hall for our study of “Timely Topics–Timeless Truths” led by Lucas Stelter. At 9:00 a.m. in the St. John’s sanctuary, all are invited to our study of the New Testament book of James: “Concrete Christianity” led by Pastor John Dolan and others. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” (2 Peter 3:18)

SECOND IMPRESSIONS THRIFT STORE is making plans to celebrate its one year anniversary, which is February 9^th! Be sure to watch church bulletins and/or Facebook for the latest news!

The Thrift Store has been very blessed with approximately 100 volunteers who so graciously and generously give of their time and talents! Many referrals by our customers are helping make our customer list grow! Volunteers continue to be needed to help keep up with the growth!

Customers may shop the store which provides a friendly, Christian atmosphere, with clean, well-organized, quality merchandise at great prices! Store hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 10a.m. to 6p.m. and Saturdays 10a.m. to 3p.m. It is located at 325 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac. We are also thankful to everyone who has so generously donated to the store! It certainly is a blessing. The donations have proved to be popular with our customers. Donations may be dropped off Mondays 10a.m. to 4p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays 10a.m. to 5p.m., and Saturdays 10a.m. to 2p.m. Thank you to everyone who has helped make our store a success!

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor) We’re called to be his witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

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Know your synod
Did you know that you support WELS ministries and missions with your offerings? Find out what’s happening in the many WELS world and home mission fields; see what ministries can help you and your congregation; get daily devotions and Bible readings; and subscribe to all the latest news from your synod. All of this is available on wels.net. Check it out today and bookmark it!

Interactive Faith online Bible study
The next Interactive Faith series will begin Jan. 10, 2018, and run each Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (central) through Feb. 7, 2018. Rev. Daniel Habben, St. John’s, Saint John, Antigua, will lead the study titled “Isaiah: God confronts and comforts his people.” Learn more at wels.net/interactivefaith.

New subscription option for military devotions
WELS Military Services produces a weekly devotion written especially for people in the military and their families. Now, you can subscribe to have the devotions delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for the military devotions and more at wels.net/subscribe.

What’s happening in WELS?
Subscribe to the WELS Together e-newsletter to stay connected with your synod and its ministry. Also, don’t miss the twice-monthly videos, expanding on important and interesting synod news.

Connecting WELS members
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod offers several ways to connect members through social media: facebook.com/welslutherans, twitter.com/welstweets, Instagram.com/welslutherans, and vimeo.com/wels.

USHERS

Emmanuel January 21 Darrell Buchholz, Paul Wuerch, Jim Stuempges January 28 DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller

St. John’s January 21 Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith January 28 (C) Jack Yates; Chief, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt

GREETERS TODAY Jon & Jean Sheller

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-14 1-17	59	139
SJ ALTAR COMMITTEE CONTACT JANUARY 2018	Diane Eisermann & Delores Cotte

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

Parish/School Secretary Ciara Neuhauser (608) 297-2866

Altar Ladies Elaine Kelm (920) 344-0025 &

Carolyn Rosenthal 589-5036

Mail to: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949

OR scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

Winnebago Lutheran Academy

Principal Mr. David Schroeder/WLA office (920) 921-4930

WLA website: www.wlavikings.org

The Golden Rule – January 19, 2018

January 19, 2018 Kerry

“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”
Matthew 7:12

The Golden Rule

Daily Devotion – January 19, 2018

Devotion based on Matthew 7:12

See series: Devotions

These words from Jesus in Matthew chapter 7 are commonly known as the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” Many, if not all of us, have heard those words spoken to us often by parents, teachers, and anyone else trying to teach us good morals. Whether we were arguing with our siblings or squabbling with a classmate, we likely heard the encouragement to treat others as we would like to be treated.

It sounds nice, doesn’t it? It sounds reasonable. It sounds like a nice goal. If we all followed the Golden Rule, we would all get along wonderfully and we wouldn’t have problems or conflicts with anyone. That sounds great! It sounds so easy!

But it isn’t. Like most things Jesus teaches us in his Sermon on the Mount, putting the Golden Rule into practice in our lives is very difficult. More than that, it’s impossible. We’ d much rather, and so often, end up treating others the way they treat us—eye for an eye, insult for insult, and sarcastic comment for sarcastic comment. If someone cuts us off in traffic, we shout angrily. If someone offends us, we lash out at them. If someone slights us in the least, we strive to settle the score.

Isn’t it remarkable how Jesus is so very different from sinners like you and me? Had you and I been on that cross suffering for sins we didn’t commit, we would have shouted terrible things at those who insulted us. We would have called on God to strike those who were tormenting us. But in love for sinners, Jesus instead prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And to one crucified next to him he said: “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”

Our Savior Jesus, rather than retaliate and get back at us for every time we have sinned against him, willingly gave his life on the cross for you and for me. He is the only one who ever perfectly kept the Golden Rule. By the grace of God, you and I get the credit for our Savior’s perfect life and our sins are paid for through his innocent suffering and death in our place.

Jesus’ amazing love moves you and me to follow the Golden Rule in thankfulness for all he has done for our salvation.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for never getting even with me. Forgive me for the shabby way I have treated others. Fill me with your love that I may do to others what I would have them do to me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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Awesome Promise! – January 18, 2018

January 18, 2018 Kerry

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

Awesome Promise!

Daily Devotion – January 18, 2018

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 10:13

See series: Devotions

“In sickness and in health… till death do us part.” “I’ll pay you back double, as soon as I get my check.” “We’ll play a game tomorrow night. I’m just too tired tonight.”

We make and receive promises all the time. Unfortunately, as you well know, sinful human beings also break their promises all the time. Whether it is a spouse, a friend, a parent, or really anyone else for that matter, not every promise, even the most well-intentioned, is kept.

God is not like people. When he makes a promise, he always keeps it. “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). That means when we find a promise that God has shared with us on the pages of his Word, we know that promise will be kept.

There are some wonderful promises in the Bible. Today’s Bible verses voice one of them: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

No doubt you have experienced those times when you just felt completely stuck and seemingly there was nothing you could do but give in to temptation, whatever it may be. After all, you reason, “God will understand. This situation is unique.”

The reality is that you are never stuck. Why? Because God is faithful. He keeps his promises and he has promised that you will never be tempted beyond what you can bear. When you feel that God has overestimated you, and you are indeed in a situation that is too much for you, he promises to provide a way out. “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

How awesome this promise is! God doesn’t just tell us how he wants us to live our lives, he promises to help us when we are tempted to go against his will. We are never stuck. There is always a way out that is God-pleasing. But please notice what is not said here. God does not promise that it will be easy, quick, or fun, according to our sinful nature. What he does promise, and of this we can be absolutely sure, is that he will give us exactly the help we need to overcome temptation.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, there are times when I feel overwhelmed. Thank you for your promise to help when I am tempted. Help me to trust that promise because you are the One who sent your Son to die for me and you are faithful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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