St. John’s & Emmanuel
Evangelical Lutheran Churches
Montello & Mecan, WI
Reformation 500-Faith Alone
January 7, 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!
+ GATHERING +
OPENING PRAYER “We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight”
Printed below 756
1 We walk by faith and not by sight; No gracious words we hear
From him who spoke as none e’er spoke, But we believe him near.
2 We may not touch his hands and side Nor follow where he trod,
But in his promise we rejoice And cry, “My Lord and God!”
3 Help then, O Lord, our unbelief, And may our faith abound
To call on you when you are near And seek where you are found.
4 For you, O resurrected Lord, Are found in means divine:
Beneath the water and the Word, Beneath the bread and wine.
5 Lord, when our life of faith is done, In realms of clearer light,
We may behold you as you are With full and endless sight.
Text: Henry Alford, 1810–1871, alt.
PLEASE STAND
INVOCATION Matthew 28:19
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
CONFESSION
M: Dear friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.
C: Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin. For faithless worrying and selfish pride, for sins of habit and sins of choice, for the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do, you should cast me away from your presence forever. O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.
M: Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. In his great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through his called servant: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
EXHORTATION
M: Now let us give thanks to the Lord our God, who by his nativity freed us from the devil’s power. Therefore it is right that we forever sing with the angels: “Glory to God in the highest!”
GLORY BE TO GOD Printed on insert
With tune of Christian Worship 21, 38
PRAYER (spoken together)
ALL: O Holy Spirit, by the power of the gospel you created faith in our hearts–faith in Jesus as our only Savior and faith to live as his disciples. Never let us doubt that you have the power to do what you have promised. Instead strengthen our faith as we grow in your Word. And finally, lead us by faith to the eternal Promised Land. Amen.
BE SEATED
+ THE WORD +
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Genesis 15:1-6
God had made promises to Abram that sounded impossible, including the birth of a son to this senior citizen and his infertile wife. At this point Abram and Sarai had no son. But Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord credited his faith to him as righteousness. By faith in Jesus we have his righteousness credited to us, and so we are also saved by faith.
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 27
Christian Worship page 75
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Romans 4:13-25
Abraham believed in the God who calls things that are not as though they were, the God who has power to do what he has promised. The righteousness that was credited to Abraham by faith is credited to us who believe in God, who raised Jesus from the dead.
It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had 1/7/2018: Faith power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PLEASE STAND
GOSPEL Matthew 16:13-19
As Peter followed Jesus, he became more and more convinced that Jesus is the Son of God and the Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah, who was to come into the world. Jesus told Peter that his faith in the person and work of Jesus was revealed to him by God the Father. In this text Peter clearly confesses his faith in who Jesus is and in the saving work Jesus came to do.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
GOSPEL RESPONSE
M: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to you, O Christ!
PLEASE BE SEATED
At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.
HYMN OF THE DAY “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”
Christian Worship 402
SERMON TEXT Hebrews 11:1,2,8-12
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
SERMON “Believing Is Seeing”
- That God uses his power for me
- That God has prepared a better home for me
PLEASE STAND
APOSTLES’ CREED (sung together, see insert)
PLEASE BE SEATED
OFFERING
We gather an offering to support the Lord’s work that we do here and around the world. This is very important to us. If you are visiting us today, please do not feel that you must participate in the offering. You are our guest!
PLEASE STAND
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and others facing trials: George Alexander, Bill Aumann, Chuck Boetcher, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Lori Gerth (Marvis Wegner’s sister), Millie Henke, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), LuAnn Hoffman-Reber, 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), Marolyn Riemer, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Jordan Scott (Debbie Parrish’s grandson), Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Jennifer Strauss, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Bob Wegner – (added this week: )
– For our communicants at Emmanuel
– For today’s Divine Call meeting at St. John’s
PRAYERS
M: Let us pray to the Lord for the Christian church on earth and for all people everywhere.
M: For all who gather here today and for our entire congregation, that through the gospel the Lord would give us growth in faith and increase our love:
C: We ask you to bless us, O Lord.
M: For the spreading of the gospel throughout the world; for all pastors, missionaries, and their families, that they may boldly proclaim Christ to the nations:
C: We ask you to hear us, O Lord.
M: For the promises you have made to us and the trust you seek from us; for the faith you have given your people to believe in the saving work of our Savior Jesus; and for the Spirit’s power to be faithful in the ministry you have given us to do, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain:
C: We magnify your name, O Lord.
M: For the people of our country; for the Lord’s blessings on our work; for those seeking employment; for good health; and for good weather:
C: We beg for your mercy, O Lord.
M: For all who are sick in body or mind; for the hungry and the homeless; for those who are in prison; for those who are dying and those who are mourning:
C: We ask you to help them according to your will, O Lord.
M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.
Silent prayer.
M: All this we ask, O Father, through your Son, Jesus Christ, who has taught us to pray:
THE LORD’S PRAYER (read together)
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.
PLEASE BE SEATED
Note: At Emmanuel…
HOLY COMMUNION Liturgy page 33 (sung & read responsively)
DISTRIBUTION HYMN “O Living Bread from Heaven”
Christian Worship 314
At Emmanuel & St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Churches we believe that participation in the Lord’s Supper is both a confession of faith and an expression of our unity in that faith. When you commune with us you are saying that you agree with our teachings about the Lord’s Supper and all the other teachings of the Bible. If you have never communed with us before, we ask that you speak with our pastor to learn how you can establish a communing fellowship with us. We are eager to enjoy that fellowship with you!
BENEDICTION 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
M: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” Amen.
CLOSING HYMN “This Is the Threefold Truth” Christian Worship 406
Note: At St. John’s…
BENEDICTION 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
M: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” Amen.
CLOSING HYMN “This Is the Threefold Truth” Christian Worship 406
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Theme for next Sunday (1/14):
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord Calls Us to Serve
Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.
| ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK JANUARY 7-JANUARY 13 |
| Sun. |
8:00 A.M. |
Emmanuel Worship with communion |
|
8:20 A.M. |
Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School |
|
8:30 A.M. |
St. John’s Sunday School |
|
9:00 A.M. |
E/SJ Adult Bible Study begins “James-Concrete Christianity” |
|
10:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Worship |
|
11:15 A.M. |
Call meeting at St. John’s |
| Mon. |
6:00 P.M. |
Hands in Prayer meeting at St. John’s |
|
6:30 P.M. |
Senior Choir at St. John’s |
|
7:30 P.M. |
Adult Bible Study begins at St. John’s “Your Questions, Scriptures Answers” |
| Tues. |
8:30 A.M. |
St. John’s Elders meeting |
|
7:00 P.M. |
Lutheran School meeting at St. John’s- Princeton |
| Wed. |
|
SJS/LL NO EARLY DISMISSAL |
|
10:00 A.M. |
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s begins “Your Questions, Scriptures Answers” |
|
2:15 P.M. |
NO 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 |
|
6:00 P.M. |
St. John’s School Board meeting |
| Fri. |
|
SJS/LL NO SCHOOL |
| Sat. |
|
|
| SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2018
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord Calls Us to Serve |
| 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 with communion |
|
|
MEMORIAL Donald Witt gave a $200 donation to Emmanuel General Fund, in memory of his parents, Rose and Arden Witt. Thank You!
THANK YOU for lifting us up in prayer. All your prayers have carried us through Robert’s surgery and recovery. “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” Chronicles 16:8 -Robert & Bernice Wegner
LITTLE LAMBS DIRECTOR CALL MEETING Our current Little Lambs director, Sandy Hemling, has asked to step down from her position as Little Lambs director. The school board has requested from our WELS Northern Wisconsin District President, Pastor Joel Zank, a list of candidates to be reviewed at a Call meeting scheduled for Sunday 1/7/18 at 11:30 a.m. We thank Sandy Hemling for her faithful service and willingness to continue serving part-time in coming months until her position as Little Lambs director is filled.
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!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS at Emmanuel & St. John’s since December 14, 2015! You will be guests at a Welcome Dinner on Sunday, January 21, beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. following the 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. New members, you should have received personal invitations in the mail. Your RSVP is kindly requested, by Sunday, January 14, to help us with food preparation. Please call Elsa Russell 608-297-2731 or James & Linda Wachholz 608-297-7109 or 608-369-2635.
ARE YOU HIP?! HANDS IN PRAYER meeting will be held on Monday, January 8th, in the church lower level. Come see what they are all about! HIP meets once a month to enjoy Christian fellowship and to crochet, knit, quilt, or tie prayer shawls (lap blankets) for others in our congregation that might need to be uplifted, are dealing with an illness, or who just need a little encouragement and support from the church family. Craftiness is not required. We are willing to teach anyone who might be interested. If you have questions, please call Bernice Wegner at 608-297-7185.
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’ll be starting 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 (beginning 1/8) and Wednesday 10am (beginning 1/10). “Therefore let us leave the elementery teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)
USHERS
Emmanuel: January 7 (C) Lucas Stelter, Warren Buchholz, Don Stelter, communion assistant: Wayne Stelter, January 14 Wayne Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld, January 21 Darrell Buchholz, Paul Wuerch, Jim Stuempges January 28 DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller
St. John’s: January 7 Cal Kapp; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, January 14 (C) James Wachholz; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, 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 Susan Brown & LuAnn Zieman
| Attendance |
Emmanuel |
St. John’s |
| 12-31 12-31 7pm 1-1 9am 1-3 |
27 20 |
46 95 5 |
| 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
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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