Author: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 6^th Sunday in Lent

Palm Sunday: The King Comes to Us

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

 March 27, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

March 28, 2021

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s  Ev. Lutheran Church313 East Montello St.Montello, WI 53949 Emmanuel  Ev. Lutheran ChurchW1568 Evergreen LaneMontello, 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. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: Palm Sunday – Jesus Humbly Rides Into Jerusalem To Die – So different from earthly rulers is our Lord Jesus.  Jesus was coming to finish the most important battle of time and eternity, yet he did not enter Jerusalem as a mighty warrior in the world’s eyes.  Instead of coming with a huge army on mighty horses, Jesus came on a lowly donkey, with twelve men that weren’t anything special in the eyes of most.  It was this humble King that the crowd greets with words that rang to the heavens then, and continue to be lifted to Jesus today, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

† 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.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

M: Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise in your gracious Word and Sacrament. Amen.

OPENING HYMN  131                                                                         All Glory, Laud, and Honor

*Sung by soloist. 

1          All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

You are the King of Israel And David’s royal Son,

Now in the Lord’s name coming, Our King and blessed one.

2          All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

The company of angels Is praising you on high,

And we with all creation In chorus make reply.

3          All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

The people of the Hebrews With palms before you went;

Our praise and prayer and anthems Before you we present.

4          All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

To you before your passion They sang their hymns of praise;

To you, now high exalted, Our melody we raise.

5          All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

As you received their praises, Accept the prayers we bring,

O Source of ev’ry blessing, Our good and gracious King.

Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                                       

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 & 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: We praise you, O God, for the great acts of love by which you redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ. As he was acclaimed by those who scattered their garments and branches of palm in his path, so may we always hail him as our King and follow him with perfect confidence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Please be seated.

† T H E   W O R D †

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

THE FIRST LESSON                                                                               Zechariah 9:9, 10

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

    righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey,

    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I will take away the chariots from Ephraim

    and the warhorses from Jerusalem,

    and the battle bow will be broken.

He will proclaim peace to the nations.

    His rule will extend from sea to sea

    and from the River to the ends of the earth.

PSALM OF THE DAY 24

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.

The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it,*

the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it upon the seas*

and established it upon the waters.

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?*

Who may stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,*

he will receive blessing from God his Savior.

Refrain

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

be lifted up, you ancient doors,*

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?*

The LORD strong and mighty,

the LORD mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

lift them up, you ancient doors,*

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is he, this King of glory?*

The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory.

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

THE SECOND LESSON                                                                                              Philippians 2:5-11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mind set as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a] God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

⁷ rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

        even death on a cross!

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                                  John 12:23

P: The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                     Mark 11:1-10  (today’s sermon text)

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

⁴ They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, ⁵ some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” ⁶ They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. ⁷ When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. ⁸ Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹ Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!^[a]”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”^[b]

¹⁰ “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Please be seated.

HYMN 134                                                                                            O Bride of Christ, Rejoice                                 

*Sung by soloist.

SERMON                                                                                                                                 Mark 11:1-10

“Hands of the Passion”

NICENE CREED   

*For your personal devotion at home

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.

PALM SUNDAY PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS  

Please stand.

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.

THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

Words of Institution

Distribution

Thanksgiving

Please be seated.

 At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service. See page 13 for communion schedule and distribution information.

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER

P: Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for nourishing me in this sacrament with your body and blood. You have given me forgiveness, life and salvation. Let me always remain in you as a branch remains in the vine. Send me out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.

O living Bread from heaven, how richly you have fed your guest! The gifts you now have given have filled my heart with joy and rest. Lord, grant me that thus strengthened with heavenly food, while here my course on earth is lengthened, I serve with holy fear. And when you call my spirit to leave this world below, I enter through your merit where joys unmingled flow. Amen.

BLESSING                                                                                                                

P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN 130                                                                          Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

*Sung by congregation.

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 †

March 28 – April 3

Sun. 8:00 a.m. Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m. St. John’s Worship with communion

Mon.

Tues. 6:30 p.m. St. John’s Council meeting at St. John’s

Wed. 10:00 a.m. Confirmation Zoom meeting
11:40 a.m. Early School Release

Thurs. 8:00 a.m. Teen Confirmation
6:00 p.m. Griefshare at St. John’s
6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship at Emmanuel with communion

Fri. 1:00 p.m. Good Friday Worship at St. John’s with communion
2:00 p.m. Early School Release

Sat. 4:30 p.m. St. John’s Worship

Next week’s theme:
April 4, 2021
Easter Sunday:
Jesus Rises from the Grave

8:00 a.m. Emmanuel & St. John’s Worship
10:00 a.m. St. John’s Worship

Jesus Humbly Rides Into Jerusalem To Die
The Sixth Sunday of Lent – B
Palm Sunday

God’s Word for Today
So different from earthly rulers is our Lord Jesus. Jesus was coming to finish the most important battle of time and eternity, yet he did not enter Jerusalem as a mighty warrior in the world’s eyes. Instead of coming with a huge army on mighty horses, Jesus came on a lowly donkey, with twelve men that weren’t anything special in the eyes of most. It was this humble King that the crowd greets with words that rang to the heavens then, and continue to be lifted to Jesus today, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

First Lesson (Zechariah 9:9-10)

1. Zechariah writes 520 years before Christ. What is he prophesying about in verse 9?
2. What amazing and wonderful gift would this King riding on a donkey bring?
3. How does Zechariah give us a picture of the salvation our King would bring in verse 10?

Second Lesson (Philippians 2:5-11)

4. As followers of Jesus what kind of attitude are we to have?
5. Why is it such a surprising thing that Jesus humbled himself all the way to the most cursed death, that of a cross?
6. Because Jesus was willing to endure so much for us, what glory did God, the Father, give him?

Gospel (Mark 11:1-10)

7. What does the word “Hosanna” mean?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Answers:

1. Jesus coming as a lowly King into Jerusalem. We now know this as Palm Sunday.
2. Salvation—eternal life—for all people.
3. There would be no more instruments of war. In Zechariah’s day the instruments of war were chariots, warhorses and bows. Today we would say that there are no more guns, missiles, tanks, bombers, or fighters. Instead there would be peace throughout the earth and the King (Jesus) would rule over all. This picture finds its fulfillment in heaven, where sin and war will rage no more for God’s people.
4. The same attitude as Christ Jesus who humbled himself in service to serve his Father and others.
5. If we had been in a position of authority over all things, we wouldn’t want to give it up to serve others, let alone die the cursed death of the cross. Just think how reluctant most of us would be to move to the slums of Mexico or India. Jesus left the glory of heaven to live in a world filled with sin, violence and death. What great love for sinners!
6. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
7. Originally “Hosanna” literally meant, “Save, I pray;” it was a call of deliverance. Over the centuries it has become known as a shout of exclamation or praise.

The 5^th Sunday in Lent

The New Covenant Was Established

By Jesus, Our High Priest

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

March 20, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

March 21, 2021

8:00 a.m. Emmanuel

10:00 a.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. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 5th Sunday in Lent: Jesus is Our High Priest Who Offers Himself – Before Jesus was born, believers had to regularly offer up sacrifices for sin.  Only the High Priest could go before God with the blood and prayers of the people.  These sacrifices would go on and on for the entire life of the Old Testament believer as a vivid reminder that God would send a Savior who would be sacrificed on the behalf of all people.  Today the Word of God shows that Jesus, our High Priest, would sacrifice himself and bring a new covenant of life that would last forever.

 † 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.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

P:             Dear Heavenly Father: I come to your house today to worship you, to give youthe praise you deserve and the prayers and hymns you desire.  Through your Word and Sacrament, come to me. Take me by the hand and lead me to the cross where your Son offered sin’s sacrifice once and for all.  Forgive my sins, strengthen my faith, assure me of my salvation, and inspire and empower me to do good works.  Teach me today to look up to Jesus and live by faith.  Bless my worship.  Amen.

OPENING HYMN 170:1,3,5                                                         Draw Us to Thee

* Sung by soloist.

5              Draw us to thee Unceasingly;

Into thy kingdom take us.

Let us fore’er Thy glory share;

Thy saints and joint heirs make us.

Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                          

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

C:            And also with you.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION                                                                   

P:             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.

P:             God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will. 

C:            Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P:             Eternal God and Father, help us to remember Jesus, who obeyed your will and bore the cross for our salvation that through his anguish, pain, and death we may receive forgiveness of sins and inherit eternal life; through you Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  

Please be seated.

† T H E   W O R D †

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

FIRST LESSON                                                                            Jeremiah 31:31-34

Summary: The promise of the new covenant

“The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD.  “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

PSALM 143

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy;*

in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

Do not bring your servant into judgment,*

for no one living is righteous before you.

My spirit grows faint within me;*

my heart within me is dismayed.

Refrain

Answer me quickly, O LORD;*

do not hide your face from me.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,*

for I have put my trust in you.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;*

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

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                                                                         Hebrews 5:7-9 

Summary: Jesus is our great High Priest

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and  petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                             Mark 10:45

P:            The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                           John 12:20-33(today’s sermon text)

Summary: Jesus’ road to glory was the road to the cross

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”  Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

Be seated.

SERMON HYMN 354                                    Lamb of God, We Fall before You

*Sung by soloist. 

SERMON                                                                                                John 12:20-33

“Dying to Live”

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.

LENTEN SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS    

*Read by pastor.

 Please stand. 

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

C:            Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER

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

BLESSING                                                                                                                    

P:             Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN 100:1,4                     A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth

*Sung by congregation

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 †

March 21 – March 27

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.		Spring Break – No School
Tues.		Spring Break – No School
Wed.		Spring Break – No School
	10:00 a.m.	Montello Care Center Devotion
	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Lenten Devotion
Thurs.		Spring Break – No School
	6:00 p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.		Spring Break – No School
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Next week’s theme:-  March 28, 2021 The Sixth Sunday in Lent: Palm Sunday: The King Comes to Us
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

Church News   INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy Ninneman, Kathy North, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Phil Nelson, Kathy North) – For Rita Lawrence who will celebrate her 87th birthday on Monday 3/22   SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS  HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR SPRING MISSION OFFERING?  They are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 28.  A container is located in the entrance at both St. John’s and Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member.  Projects supported by gifts are listed by the container.  Gifts are welcome from all who love missions!   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.   ART FOR DINNER If you would like to order a cookbook, please call Ciara at the office 608-297-2866. The price per book is $20. Checks may be made out to St. John’s.   LENT Lent is the six week observance of the “passion” of Christ, that is, his suffering and death for our sins and the eternal rescue of all! The Church traditionally observes Lent with midweek worship that helps point to and prepares God’s people for Holy Week and Easter. There will be 3:30pm worship at Emmanuel with Pastor Dolan leading. Also, there is 6:30pm worship at St. John’s led by Pastor Zietlow and the pastors of our nearby sister congregations. The Scripture devotions will talk about “The Hands of Lent.” The 3:30pm Emmanuel worship will be recorded and be made available for viewing on the St. John’s website, stjohnsmontello.org.   HOLY WEEK ONLINE VIDEOS This year for Holy Week (Sunday, March 28-Sunday, April 4), we will be hosting our online event: “Palm Branches to the Tomb: Telling HIStory”. This event will entail short, themed videos each day created by our very own church and school members. Be sure to check our website www.stjohnsmontello.org and follow us on our church Facebook page each day. Feel free to share this information with your friends!

 

School news   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.         WISHLIST ITEMS Little Lambs – Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade – 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade – 6th , 7th & 8th Grade –Tuition Assistance   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 General School General House/Parking Lot Family Easter Festival Sunday School Vacation Bible School School Technology Church Video/Audio System Security System Tuition Assistance Athletic Fund Outreach Events School Server Upgrade School HVAC/Purifying System

Jesus is Our High Priest Who Offers Himself

The Fifth Sunday of Lent – B

God’s Word for Today

Before Jesus was born, believers had to regularly offer up sacrifices for sin.  Only the High Priest could go before God with the blood and prayers of the people.  These sacrifices would go on and on for the entire life of the Old Testament believer as a vivid reminder that God would send a Savior who would be sacrificed on the behalf of all people.  Today the Word of God shows that Jesus, our High Priest, would sacrifice himself and bring a new covenant of life that would last forever. 

First Lesson (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

1.             What is the old covenant that the LORD had made with Israel when he took them out of Egypt?

2.             What would be the new covenant that the LORD would make?

Second Lesson (Hebrews 5:7-9)

3.             How did Jesus show “reverent submission” when he prayed with “loud cries and tears”?

4.             Does verse 9 mean that only those who perfectly obey Jesus can be saved?

Gospel (John 12:20-33)

5.             How would the death of Jesus be judgment for the world?

6.             Who is the prince of the world that would be driven out of his position of power?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Answers:

1.             The old covenant the LORD revealed to the children of Israel in the desert was a covenant that regulated everything the children of Israel did.  They had laws of what to eat, how to clean, what to touch and not touch.  They had the Sabbath laws, and all the animal sacrifices that would continually have to be made to the LORD for sin.

2.             The LORD says the new covenant “will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers.”  It would not contain any laws, rules, or regulations that have to be kept.  Jesus would be the fulfillment of all of God’s demands.  Jesus would keep all the laws and rules for all people.  Jesus’ death would be the only sacrifice that would finally pay for the sins of the whole world.  Jesus’ death would open the way to God; the veil in the temple was torn in two.  Instead of a covenant of “You must do this and not do that,” Jesus’ new covenant comes through the assurance, “It is finished.”  All of Jesus’ work is bestowed to us as the Holy Spirit uses the Word and Sacraments to create and sustain faith in our hearts.

3.             Jesus’ “reverent submission” is seen clearly in the agony of his prayers in Gethsemane the night before his death.  There he said, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

4.             No.  The Apostle John writes, “We obey his commands and do what pleases him.  And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 3:22-23)  Faith is obedience to God and is worked in the individual by God’s grace through the Word and Sacraments.

5.             Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world at the cross.  Those who reject this truth will be judged and condemned.  Those through faith who believe Jesus’ sacrifice was good for all eternity will enjoy heavenly bliss for all eternity.

6.             Satan, or the devil.  He would be defeated by Jesus.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
3-13
3-14	41	93
3-17	38	67
St. John’s Altar Committee March 2021	Delores Cotte & Diane Eisermann

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

The 4^th Sunday in Lent

Faith Looks To Jesus

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

March 14, 2021

10a.m. St. John’s

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

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available.  Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830. ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 4th Sunday in Lent: A Gracious Disposition – It has been noted that a drowning man will not complain about the size of the boat that comes to rescue him.  Yet today’s first lesson alerts us to illegitimate complaining as God rescued his people from slavery.  In each lesson God shows his merciful disposition of grace–undeserved love that rescues sinners.

 † P R E P A R A T I O N   F O R   W O R S H I P †

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.

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

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

P:             Dear Heavenly Father: I come to your house today to worship you, to give youthe praise you deserve and the prayers and hymns you desire.  Through your Word and Sacrament, come to me.  Take me by the hand and lead me to the cross where your Son offered sin’s sacrifice once and for all.  Forgive my sins, strengthen my faith, assure me of my salvation, and inspire and empower me to do good works.  Teach me today to look up to Jesus and live by faith.  Bless my worship.  Amen.

Please stand.

† G A T H E R I N G   R I T E   O N   H O L Y   B A P T I S M †

God’s people long to gather together for strength from God and for mutual encouragement.  This alternate beginning for worship is intended for use not only when there is a baptism but may be used on any occasion to remind God’s people of Baptism’s continuing blessings.

The minister conducts the gathering rite at the font.

P:             In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C:            (spoken) Amen.

During the introduction to the hymn, water is poured into the font.

HYMN 294:1                                             Baptized into Your Name Most Holy

*Sung by soloist. 

1             Baptized into your name most holy,

O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

I claim a place, though weak and lowly,

Among your saints, your chosen host,

Buried with Christ and dead to sin.

Your Spirit now shall live within.

P:             I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

C:            Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. (John 3:5,6)

P:             Surely we were sinful at birth, sinful from the time our mothers conceived us.  (Psalm 51:5)

C:            But we were washed, we were sanctified, we were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

HYMN 294: 2                                            Baptized into Your Name Most Holy

*Sung by soloist. 

2             My loving Father, there you took me

To be henceforth your child and heir.

My faithful Savior, there you let me

The fruit of all your sorrows share.

O Holy Spirit, comfort me

When threat’ning clouds around I see.

P:             As baptized children of God, we confess our sins.

C:            Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

HYMN 294:3                                             Baptized into Your Name Most Holy

*Sung by soloist. 

3             My faithful God, you fail me never;

Your promise surely will endure.

Oh, cast me not away forever

If words and deeds become impure.

Have mercy when I come defiled;

Forgive, lift up, restore your child.

P:             Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-27). Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C:            (spoken) Amen.

Be seated.

RITE OF HOLY BAPTISM

HYMN 294:4                                        Baptized into Your Name Most Holy

*Sung by soloist. 

4             All that I am and love most dearly—

Receive it all, O Lord, from me.

Let me confess my faith sincerely

And help me your own child to be!

Let nothing that I am or own

Serve any will but yours alone.

† T H E   W O R D †

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

FIRST LESSON                                         Numbers 21:4-9 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The bronze snake–a picture of Jesus

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert?   There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” 

Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.

PSALM 38

*For your personal devotion at home.

 Refrain

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

 O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger*

or discipline me in your wrath. 

For your arrows have pierced me,*

and your hand has come down upon me. 

My guilt has overwhelmed me*

like a burden too heavy to bear.

 Refrain

All my longings lie open before you, O LORD;*

my sighing is not hidden from you. 

I wait for you, O LORD;*

you will answer, O Lord my God. 

Come quickly to help me,*

O Lord my Savior. 

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                                                                      Ephesians 2:4-10 

Summary: By grace you have been saved through faith

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                  John 3:16

P:            For God so loved the world the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                             John 3:14-21

Summary: Believe in the one who was lifted up

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.  Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

 Be seated.

SERMON HYMN 715                                                 What Grace Is This!

*Sung by soloist. 

SERMON                                                                                         Numbers 21: 4-9

“Memoirs of an Israelite: Live By Faith”

1.             By its desperate cry

2.             By its daily confidence

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.

LENTEN SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS    

*Read by pastor.

 Please stand. 

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

C:            Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER

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

BLESSING                                                                                                                    

P:             Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN 391                         God Loved the World So that He Gave

*Sung by congregation.

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 †

March 14 – March 20

Sun.		Daylight Saving Starts
	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	6:30 p.m.	Evangelism meeting at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
Wed.		St. Patrick’s Day
	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs Early Release
	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Lenten Devotion
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s Teen Confirmation
	6:00 p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
	6:30 p.m.	Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme: March 21, 2021 The Fifth Sunday in Lent: The New Covenant Was Established By Jesus, Our High Priest
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), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, 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, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Mary Smith) – For Abraham John Finger, the son of Dan & Amanda Finger, who will be baptized in today’s (3/14) service at St. John’s – For Amanda Finger who, after completion of our 20-lesson Bible Information Class, will join St. John’s as a communicant member – For our communicants   SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society throughout March.Containers are located in the entrance at both St. John’s and Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. 75% of gifts given will support Beaver Dam Circuit projects—HM/Pastoral Studies Institute & WM/Latin America Special Projects.  25% of gifts given will support home & world mission projects that will be decided by ballot in May and will be presented at the 2021 LWMS Convention, June 24-27, in Sharonville, Ohio.  Gifts welcome from all who love missions!   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   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.         WISHLISTS Little Lambs – Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade – 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade – 6th , 7th & 8th Grade –Tuition Assistance   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 General School General House/Parking Lot Family Easter Festival Sunday School Vacation Bible School School Technology Church Video/Audio System Security System Tuition Assistance Athletic Fund Outreach Events School Server Upgrade School HVAC/Purifying System

Due to COVID, we are unable to hold our annual Art For Dinner fundraiser. In place of this year’s event, we will be doing a school/congregation cookbook along with St. John’s goodies that will be for sale. The AFD committee is working with the students to create a design that will be printed on these items.

For the cookbook, we are asking the congregation to submit a recipe they would like included in the cookbook to Ciara in the school office BY MARCH 15!!!!!

All proceeds will go to the school’s technology fund in hopes to upgrade the student’s chrome books. This will be our only fundraiser for this year. Talk to the school office about order forms for the cookbook and how to make donations to this year’s fundraiser. We would like to thank everyone that has helped support Art For Dinner in the past. We are hopeful that the dinner can take place again in the future.

–Art For Dinner Committee

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Lent is the six week observance of the “passion” of Christ, that is, his suffering and death for our sins and the eternal rescue of all! The Church traditionally observes Lent with midweek worship that helps point to and prepares God’s people for Holy Week and Easter.

There will be 3:30pm worship at Emmanuel with Pastor Dolan leading.

Also, there is 6:30pm worship at St. John’s led by Pastor Zietlow and the pastors of our nearby sister congregations.

The Scripture devotions will talk about “The Hands of Lent.”

The 3:30pm Emmanuel worship will be recorded and be made available for viewing on the St. John’s website, stjohnsmontello.org.

A Gracious Disposition

The Fourth Sunday in Lent – B

God’s Word for Today

It has been noted that a drowning man will not complain about the size of the boat that comes to rescue him.  Yet today’s first lesson alerts us to illegitimate complaining as God rescued his people from slavery. In each lesson God shows his merciful disposition of grace–undeserved love that rescues sinners.

First Lesson (Numbers 21: 4-9)

• Which flaws of human nature led to the painful, in some cases deadly, lesson of venomous snakes?
• God could have saved the people without having them look at something.  What did He want to teach them (and us) by having them look at the snake on a pole?  

Second Lesson (Ephesians 2: 4-10)

• Find five different words or phrases that Paul uses to emphasize how God saves us out of his own goodness.
• Find four different words or phrases Paul uses to emphasize that no part of the rescue is our doing.
• If our good works have no part in paying for our eternal life, why do we still do good works?

Gospel (John 3: 14-21)

• How is Jesus similar to the bronze snake of today’s first lesson?
• What is the criterion for God’s judgment?  When does this judgment take place?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Answers:

1.             Moses tells us the people grew impatient.  We hear their sins of complaining and ingratitude.  Even daily free food from God (manna) is criticized.  It all started with lack of trust and love for God.  (“You brought us… to die in the desert.”)

2.             Trust God!  God found a way to heal their soul and body at the same time.  Their underlying problem was spiritual—a lack of trust—and God taught them to trust his promise.  Sure enough, anyone bitten who looked at the bronze snake lived.

3.             “his great love for us,” “rich in mercy,” “by grace,” “in his kindness to us,” and “the gift of God.”

4.             “We were dead in transgressions,” “not from yourselves,” “not by works,” and “no one can boast.”

5.              Good works are the natural result when people realize the great gift God has given them.  A living fruit tree will naturally bear fruit, so also a person who realizes God gave him or her eternal life at the cost of God’s own precious blood will then respond to that love with love for God and others.  The reason God created us was to produce fruits of faith and love.

6.             Both the bronze snake and Jesus were lifted up.  Both were lifted up so many could look, see the solution promised by God, and be saved.  Both required no payment or human work, instead they both called dying people to look with trust to the only savior for their problem.

7.             Whoever believes in Jesus shall not perish.  God’s criterion is that you trust in Jesus.  This judgment is already valid, not just a future “will be so,” but already “is not condemned.”  A believer already has crossed over from death to life. (Jn 5:24)

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
3-6
3-7	46
3-10	37	31
St. John’s Altar Committee March 2021	Delores Cotte & Diane Eisermann

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

The 3^rd Sunday in Lent

Jesus Rescues Us From God’s Law

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

March 6, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

March 7, 2021

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

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

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available.  Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830. ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 3rd Sunday in Lent: Jesus Rescues Us From God’s Law – For centuries Christians have spent Lent meditating on Jesus’ suffering and death, which atoned for our guilt. Lent is the “serious season” of the church year in which we put extra emphasis on recognizing and confessing our own sins. Congregations with special mid-week services usually keep a somber, reflective tone. The Sundays in Lent, however, serve as “mini Easters;” their readings and hymns bring comfort to the believers who are reflecting on their sins and Jesus’ passion. The third Sunday in Lent reminds us of God’s perfect law and his demand that we fear and love him. Thankfully, Jesus has fulfilled God’s law in our place.

† 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.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

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

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

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

Please stand.

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

C:            Amen.

HYMN 221: 1                                                            Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

*Sung by soloist. 

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

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

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

M:           Oh, how I love your law!

C:            I meditate on it all day long.

M:           Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

C:            for they are ever with me.

M:           I have more insight than all my teachers,

C:            for I meditate on your statutes.

M:           How sweet are your words to my taste,

C:            sweeter than honey to my mouth!

HYMN 221: 2                                                            Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

*Sung by soloist. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

C:            Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

HYMN 221: 3                                                            Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

*Sung by soloist. 

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

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

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

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

C:            (spoken) Amen.

HYMN 221: 4                                                           Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

*Sung by soloist. 

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

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

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Almighty God, look with favor on your humble servants and stretch out the right hand of your power to defend us against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ, your Son, 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 †

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

FIRST LESSON                                                                               Exodus 20:1-17

Summary: At Mt. Sinai God gives Moses the Ten Commandments–a summary of His Law

And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

“You shall have no other gods before me.

“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

“You shall not murder.

“You shall not commit adultery.

“You shall not steal.

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

PSALM 19

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

The heavens declare the glory of God;*

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,*

their words to the ends of the world.

Refrain

The law of the LORD is perfect,*

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant,*

giving light to the eyes.

They are more precious than gold;*

they are sweeter than honey.

By them is your servant taught;*

in keeping them there is great reward.

Refrain

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart*

be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Redeemer.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

EPISTLE LESSON                                                             1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Summary: The preaching of the cross is God’s wisdom

Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                           John 3: 14, 15

M: Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                        John 2:13-22 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Jesus clears the temple–a call to repentance

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!”

His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

Then the Jews demanded of him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

The Jews replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

Be seated.

SERMON HYMN 774                                Church of God, Elect and Glorious

*Sung by soloist. 

SERMON                                                                                                John 2: 13-22

“JESUS CLEANS HOUSE!”

1. His cleaning puts us under God’s spotlight (v. 13-17)
2. His cleansing brings us into God’s love-light (v. 18-22)

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.

LENTEN SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS        

*Read by pastor.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER

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

BLESSING                                                                                                                   

P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN 530                      Hark! The Church Proclaims Her Honor

*Sung by congregation.

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.

 

X A N N O U N C E M E N T S X

March 7 – March 13

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.	9:00 a.m.	Pastors Study Club – Wautoma
	6:30 p.m.	Joint Council meeting at Emmanuel
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00 p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs Early Release
	10:00 a.m.	Public School 8th Grade Confirmation Zoom meeting
	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Lenten Devotion
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s Teen Confirmation
	6:00 p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.		No School – Luther Prep Musical
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Next week’s theme:  March 14, 2021 The Fourth Sunday in Lent: Faith Looks To Jesus
	Daylight Saving Time
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion

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), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, 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, Don & Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: )

– For pastors and teachers 

– For God’s people who are under spiritual attack

Church News   SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society throughout March.Containers are located in the entrance at both St. John’s and Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. 75% of gifts given will support Beaver Dam Circuit projects—HM/Pastoral Studies Institute & WM/Latin America Special Projects.  25% of gifts given will support home & world mission projects that will be decided by ballot in May and will be presented at the 2021 LWMS Convention, June 24-27, in Sharonville, Ohio.  Gifts welcome from all who love missions! EMMANUEL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS There are no new council members to report. 1) Parish Flooring updates:  The Parish Hall flooring project is on hold pending reduced COVID-19 risks. 2) Update on survey of Church West property line. This project is still in process but is close to completion. 3) Internet capability: Starlink Satellite Internet is now available for the Emmanuel location. The council will determine the next if any steps to be taken. 4) Robert Schrank estate update: As a result of decreased staffing capability caused by COVID-19, a necessary IRS tax review still needs to be completed however the estate transfer is still in process. 5) Well update: The casing has been installed leaving the pump, plumbing, and electrical connection for completion. Because these items must be installed into a hand dug trench, a thawed ground will be necessary. 6) Election of 2020 officers: All elected for another term. a) President – Incumbent – Darrell Buchholz b) Treasurer – Incumbent – Wayne Stelter c) Secretary – Incumbent – Lucas Stelter d) Trustee – Don Stelter e) Cemetery committee member – Joe Heller f) Darrell Buchholz will represent Emmanuel as a lay-delegate for any Synod Convention related meetings on July 26-29, 2021. 6) The Emmanuel congregation approved a donation of $500 for the following school wish list items listed in the bulletin: * Little Lambs Stacking Pegboard Set * Geoboards * Rollee Pollee Nap Sac * iPad covers * Handheld Vacuum * Magnetic book holder

 

School news   DR. SEUSS WEEK! Be sure to check out our school Facebook page for pictures from this week!   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.         WISHLIST ITEMS Little Lambs – Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade – 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade – 6th , 7th & 8th Grade –Tuition Assistance   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 General School General House/Parking Lot Family Easter Festival Sunday School Vacation Bible School School Technology Church Video/Audio System Security System Tuition Assistance Athletic Fund Outreach Events School Server Upgrade School HVAC/Purifying System

Due to COVID, we are unable to hold our annual Art For Dinner fundraiser. In place of this year’s event, we will be doing a school/congregation cookbook along with St. John’s goodies that will be for sale. The AFD committee is working with the students to create a design that will be printed on these items.

For the cookbook, we are asking the congregation to submit a recipe they would like included in the cookbook to Ciara in the school office BY MARCH 15.

All proceeds will go to the school’s technology fund in hopes to upgrade the student’s chrome books. This will be our only fundraiser for this year. Talk to the school office about order forms for the cookbook and how to make donations to this year’s fundraiser. We would like to thank everyone that has helped support Art For Dinner in the past. We are hopeful that the dinner can take place again in the future.

–Art For Dinner Committee

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Lent is the six week observance of the “passion” of Christ, that is, his suffering and death for our sins and the eternal rescue of all! The Church traditionally observes Lent with midweek worship that helps point to and prepares God’s people for Holy Week and Easter.

There will be 3:30pm worship at Emmanuel with Pastor Dolan leading.

Also, there is 6:30pm worship at St. John’s led by Pastor Zietlow and the pastors of our nearby sister congregations.

The Scripture devotions will talk about “The Hands of Lent.”

The 3:30pm Emmanuel worship will be recorded and be made available for viewing on the St. John’s website, stjohnsmontello.org.

Divine Jesus Rescues Us From God’s Law

The Third Sunday in Lent – B

God’s Word for Today

The season of Lent has historically been a time for Christians to meditate on Jesus’ passion.  His suffering and death atoned for the sins we committed.  Therefore, Lent is the “serious season” of the church year where we Christians put an extra emphasis on recognizing and confessing our own sins.  Congregations that have special mid-week services are able to make the tone somber and reflective.  The Sundays in Lent, however, serve as “mini Easters” where the readings and hymns bring joy and comfort to the believer who is reflecting on his/her own sins and Jesus’ passion during this season. The third Sunday in Lent reminds us of God’s perfect law and his holy demand that we fear and love him.  Thankfully, Jesus has fulfilled God’s law in our place.

First Lesson (Exodus 20:1-17)

• Why does God remind the Israelites that he brought them out of Egypt before giving the Ten Commandments?
• Since God already wrote his commandments on our hearts, why did he etch them on stone (and in the Bible) for us?

Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 1:22-25)

• How is Christ crucified “foolishness” to many people?
• What is the essence of a Christian’s message to the world?

Gospel (John 2:13-22)

• Why do you think the Jewish leaders allowed the buying and selling of animals in the temple courts?
• How do you know that Jesus wasn’t sinning by angrily overturning the tables and driving out the moneychangers?
• Why are Jesus’ words in v. 19 significant?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Answers:

• The holy God who demands we keep his commandments wants an attitude of love and trust on the part of his children.  His law cannot instill that love and trust, but only his gospel can.  By reminding the Israelites of how he rescued them from Egypt, he is putting in the forefront of their mind his love and mercy.  For us, it reminds us that this holy God sent Jesus to rescue us from our sins.
• Since the human heart is darkened or calloused by our own sin and the sin around us, we need God’s law written down – in detail – for us so we know exactly what his will is.
• Later in this letter Paul explains that people don’t naturally understand or believe in Jesus, but only by the Holy Spirit can people recognize God’s wisdom in sending Jesus.  Without the Holy Spirit, the message of Jesus dying on a cross to save us makes no sense.  With the Holy Spirit, we see God’s wisdom and love in providing the perfect Savior.
• “Christ crucified” is the heart of the gospel.  The only way sinners can stand before a holy God is if their sins are removed.  The only way sins are removed is by Christ being crucified for us.
• As is often the case today, monetary profit becomes more important than the integrity of worshiping the true God.
• What was at stake was the glory and honor of God.  His temple was to be a place for worship, not business transactions.  God the Father often displayed this righteous anger in the Old Testament.  Scripture makes it clear that in his entire life, Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).
• Our Savior predicted his own resurrection from the dead.  He truly is God and keeps his Word.  That truth gives us imperfect creatures hope and comfort.  Only God can save us; Jesus is God.  He has rescued us!  (see Romans 4:25)

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
2-27		23
2-28	40	71
3-3	?	29
St. John’s Altar Committee March 2021	Delores Cotte & Diane Eisermann

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

The 2^nd Sunday in Lent

Jesus Calls Us To Follow Him

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

 February 27, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

February 28, 2021

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s  Ev. Lutheran Church 313 East Montello St.Montello, WI 53949 Emmanuel  Ev. Lutheran Church W1568 Evergreen LaneMontello, 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: Jesus Calls Us To Follow Him – To follow Jesus, we must carry our cross. This means our faith will bring us severe burdens and shame. But through Jesus’ cross, we have such good news: Heaven is open! We can rejoice in our sufferings! By losing our lives for Jesus, we will find them!

† P R E P A R A T I O N   F O R   W O R S H I P †

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.

Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing and wear masks. Thank you for your consideration. Please refer to our church website or our church Information Room for a full description of our special COVID protocol.

The congregation is welcome to join in singing the closing hymn. Anyone who wishes to leave prior may do so.

PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

M: Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise in your gracious Word and Sacrament. Amen. 

OPENING HYMN  224                                              God Himself Is Present

*Sung by soloist.  

 Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                                 

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 & ABSOLUTION                                                                                

M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.

C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.

M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will. 

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Please be seated.

† T H E   W O R D †

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

 THE FIRST LESSON                              Genesis 28:10-17 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The Lord promises His presence as we follow Him

Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the LORD, and he said: “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

PSALM OF THE DAY 25

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

To you, O Lord, I lift my soul; in you I trust, my God.

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;*

in you I trust, O my God.

Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,*

for they are from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;*

according to your love remember me,

for you are good, O LORD.

Refrain

Turn to me and be gracious to me,*

for I am lonely and afflicted.

Look upon my affliction and my distress*

and take away all my sins.

Guard my life and rescue me,*

for I take refuge in you.

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

THE SECOND LESSON                                                                   Romans 5:1-11

Summary: Through Christ’s sacrifice we have new status with God

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                     Philippians 2:8b

P: Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                               Mark 8:31-38

Summary: Take up your cross and follow Christ

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.  He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?  If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Please be seated.

HYMN 765                                      Day by Day                                     

*,.

 

SERMON                                                                                         Genesis 28:10-17

“Remember Me, O Lord!”

1.   With your promises

2.   With your protection

NICENE CREED   

*For your personal devotion at home

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.

LENTEN SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS  

Please stand.

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.

THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

Words of Institution

Distribution

Thanksgiving

Please be seated.

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service. See page 13 for communion schedule and distribution information.

 Please stand

 CLOSING PRAYER

P: Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for nourishing me in this sacrament with your body and blood. You have given me forgiveness, life and salvation. Let me always remain in you as a branch remains in the vine. Send me out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.

O living Bread from heaven, how richly you have fed your guest! The gifts you now have given have filled my heart with joy and rest. Lord, grant me that thus strengthened with heavenly food, while here my course on earth is lengthened, I serve with holy fear. And when you call my spirit to leave this world below, I enter through your merit where joys unmingled flow. Amen. 

BLESSING                                                                                                                

P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN 422                                                                Jesus, Lead Us On

*Sung by congregation.

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 †

February 28 – March 6

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	1:00 p.m.	Hand In Prayer meeting at St. John’s
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	9:00 a.m.	Joint Elders meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Lenten Devotion
Thurs.	6:00 p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme: March 7, 2021 The Third Sunday in Lent: Repent!
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), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Jerre Duerr, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, 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, Don Smith Jr. (Don and Doris’ son), Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Pat Bornick)  2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES are ready for pick up in St. John’s link way. If you weren’t assigned a box and you would like one, please call Ciara in the office 608-297-2866 or let Pastor Zietlow know.  2020 OFFERING STATEMENTS Each member has received a statement via snail mail. No need to sign up. If you need a replacement, please call the office.  OFFERING PLATE Just a reminder that the offering plate is located in the entry way (front doors) at St. John’s. We care about your health and safety and are currently still not passing the plates around. You may also mail in your offering at 313 E Montello St. Thank you!  ST. JOHN’S LADIES AID The next meeting will be on March 4. 1:00 P.M. in the church.   VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are being sought to assist with delivery of weekly worship DVDs to our shut in members. For details or to volunteer to assist, please contact either James Wachholz 608-369-4006 or Gary Wegner 920-295-3456.  HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays  following those Sundays sing   “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home.

School news  UPDATED SCHOOL COVID POLICY If a student or teacher tests positive, the entire school will move to two weeks virtual education. When parents who have not been in the school test positive, the school leadership will assess absences due to illness or quarantine as necessary for the health and safety of our student body and families. If a classroom or the entire school needs to go virtual, it will be for a period of two weeks.  FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. If we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!      WISHLIST ITEMS Little Lambs   Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade   3rd, 4th & 5th Grade   6th , 7th & 8th Grade – Tuition Assistance  LIST OF DEDICATED 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 General School General House/Parking Lot Family Easter Festival Sunday School Vacation Bible School School Technology Church Video/Audio System Security System Tuition Assistance Athletic Fund Outreach Events School Server Upgrade School HVAC/Purifying System

 Lent is the six week observance of the “passion” of Christ, that is, his suffering and death for our sins and the eternal rescue of all! The Church traditionally observes Lent with midweek worship that helps point to and prepares God’s people for Holy Week and Easter.

There will be 3:30pm worship at Emmanuel with Pastor Dolan leading.

Also, there is 6:30pm worship at St. John’s led by Pastor Zietlow and the pastors of our nearby sister congregations.

The Scripture devotions will talk about “The Hands of Lent.”

The 3:30pm Emmanuel worship will be recorded and be made available for viewing on the St. John’s website, stjohnsmontello.org.

Jesus Calls Us to Follow Him

The Second Sunday in Lent – B

God’s Word for Today

To follow Jesus we must carry our cross.  This means our faith will bring us severe burdens and shame.  But through Jesus’ cross we have such good news: Heaven is open!  We can rejoice in our sufferings!  By losing our lives for Jesus, we will find them!

First Lesson (Genesis 28:10-17)

1.   Whom did Jacob see on the stairway?  Above it?

2.   What promises did Jacob receive which include you?

 Second Lesson (Romans 5:1-11)

3.   What amazing gifts do we receive by trusting that Jesus died for our sins? (Verses 1-2)

4.   Why do we rejoice in our sufferings?  Isn’t that a bizarre way to act? (Verse 3)

5.   In Christ, what three things are no longer true about us? (Verses 6, 8, 10)

Gospel (Mark 8:31-38)

6.   Why did Jesus have to suffer and die? (Verse 31)

7.   When Jesus told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” he didn’t mean Satan had taken total control of him and made Peter helpless.  What did Jesus mean?

8.   Why is trying to become rich apart from God such a poor choice?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Answers:

1.       God’s holy angels were going up and down on the stairway.  The Lord God himself was at the top of the stairway.

2.       a) God is the God of all believers, both dead (Abraham) and alive (Isaac and Jacob).  Even dead believers are alive with God! b) With all people on earth, we are blessed in Jesus with a holy Savior.  c) God will keep all his promises to us, for Jesus’ sake.

3.       We stand innocent before God in his court.  We have peace toward God.  We have entrance into God’s grace.  We rejoice because we are sure that we will share glory with God forever.

4.       It might surprise the rest of the world, but rejoicing in our sufferings fits with faith in God’s promises.  We know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces proven character, and proven character produces confident hope of eternal life.

5.       We were powerless; we were sinners; we were God’s enemies.  Relying on Jesus’ blood, we’re none of those things anymore in God’s sight.  We have God’s strength. We are holy in God’s sight.  We are God’s friends.

6.       He said so.  God the Father told him so.  God the Spirit said so in the Old Testament in many places.  There was no other way we could have eternal life.  “For the joy set before him” Jesus endured the cross and scorned its shame (Hebrews 12:2).  His joy was seeing us sinners receive the gift of eternal life.

7.       He meant that for Peter to try to keep Jesus from dying for us was Satanic.  If Jesus hadn’t died for us, we would all have spent eternity with the devil in hell.

8.       Even if we gain the whole world, it won’t do us any good if we lose our souls and end up in eternal fire, body and soul.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
2-20
2-21
2-24
St. John’s Altar CommitteeFebruary 2021	Kay Maass & Jennie Utke

●●● 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  ●●●