Author: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

The 1^st Sunday in Lent

 Jesus Defeats the Devil

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

February 20, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

February 21, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.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 1st Sunday in Lent: Jesus Defeats the Devil – In Lent we see Jesus go to the cross to suffer and die for us.  Today’s lessons show that when God tests us and the devil tempts us (every day!), Jesus is our holiness before God.  He is also our strength, and our example.  We do not live on bread alone, Jesus says.  We live on God’s promises.  They come to us in holy baptism, in Holy Communion, and straight from the Bible¾ the book in which every word is from the mouth of God.

† 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: 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.

OPENING HYMN 106                                  Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain

* Sung by soloist.

Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                          

M: 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                                                                      

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: Lord our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your Word, and when we fall, raise us up again and restore us through your 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 †

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

FIRST LESSON                                    Genesis 22:1-18  (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Abraham’s test of faith

Sometime later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.  On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.  He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.  Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.  So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son,  I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.

PSALM 6

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us.

O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger*

or discipline me in your wrath.

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint;*

O LORD, heal me, for my soul is in anguish.

Turn, O LORD, and deliver me;*

save me because of your unfailing love.

Refrain

I am worn out from groaning.*

My eyes grow weak with sorrow.

Away from me, all you who do evil,*

for the LORD has heard my weeping.

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;*

the LORD accepts my prayer.

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                                                                            Romans 8:31-39

Summary: We are more than conquerors

What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                        Matthew 4:10b

M: It is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”  

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                               Mark 1:12-15

Summary: The temptation of Jesus

At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

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

Be seated.

SERMON HYMN 431:1,2, 5,6                              I Walk in Danger All the Way

* Sung by soloist.

SERMON                                                                                           Genesis 22:1-18

“Believing Can Be a Struggle”

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, prayers on page 12.

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 402:1,2                                          My Faith Looks Up to Thee

*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 21 – February 27

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
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
	6:30 p.m.	Joint Worship meeting at St. John’s
Fri.		No school
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Next week’s theme:  February 28, 2021 The Second Sunday in Lent: Follow Christ Crucified
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), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), 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), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Don Smith Jr. (the son of Don & Doris Smith), Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Don Smith (son)) – For Betty Weber who celebrated her 81st birthday on 2/1   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 Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 (1) Geoboards $20.30 (will find out) Rollee Pollee Nap Sac (set of 6) $113.70   Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade iPad covers – $15.98 (12)   3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 (1) Magnetic book holder – $23.79 (1)     6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance

The Lenten season has begun. 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 Defeats the Devil

The First Sunday in Lent – B

God’s Word for Today

In Lent we see Jesus go to the cross to suffer and die for us.  Today’s lessons show that when God tests us and the devil tempts us (every day!), Jesus is our holiness before God.  He is also our strength, and our example.  We do not live on bread alone, Jesus says.  We live on God’s promises.  They come to us in holy baptism, in holy communion, and straight from the Bible¾ the book in which every word is from the mouth of God.

First Lesson (Genesis 22:1-18)

• Abraham believed God would somehow quickly raise Isaac from the dead.  How did he show this to his servants?
• Who is the Angel of the Lord?
• By what two unchangeable things, which he said to Abraham, did God encourage us to trust in Jesus?

Second Lesson (Romans 8:31-39)

• What do we have to endure, for God’s sake? (Verse 36)
• Do we conquer in Christ now, forever, or both? (Verse 37)
• Where is God’s love? (Verse 39)

Gospel (Mark 1:12-15)

• Who sent Jesus into the desert to be tempted?
• Wild animals in stadiums threatened some of Mark’s first readers.  What comfort did Jesus’ temptation give them?

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

Answers:

• See the end of verse 6.  Abraham assured his servants that after he and Isaac worshiped atop Mt. Moriah, they would both come back down the mountain.
• He is God himself.  The proof is in verses 12 and 16, where the Angel of the Lord clearly speaks of himself as God. 
  1 Corinthians 10:4 says that the Angel of the Lord was Christ.  This doesn’t mean Jesus is a created angel; “angel” in both Hebrew and Greek means “messenger.”  Even before he became man, the Son of God was the Father’s messenger to us.
• See Hebrews 6:18.  God both made a promise to Abraham, and swore by himself.  What could be surer?
• We get killed all day long, so to speak.  We suffer great grief and pain.  Paul says this by quoting from Psalm 44:22.
• Both.  In all our troubles we are more than conquerors, not just after all our troubles.
• It is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Since Jesus lives forever, God’s love for us will never end.
• God the Holy Spirit.  We can take comfort that the devil never tempts us unless God allows it.
• When Jesus was tempted in the desert he too was with the wild animals.  He overcame all temptations by the same Word that steadied the hearts of martyrs whom Roman officials fed to lions.  No matter how God allows us to be tempted, he will always make a way out for us
  (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
2-13		15
2-14	14	38
2-17	28	25
St. John’s Altar Committee February 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   ●●●

The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Jesus Reveals His Future Glory

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

February 13, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

February 14, 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: Jesus Reveals His Future Glory – The Transfiguration of Our Lord – There was only one time recorded in Scripture when Jesus revealed his future glory before his resurrection.  That one time was on the Mount of Transfiguration, where Peter, James and John had a firsthand (and terrifying) look at Jesus’ perfect glory.  Why did Jesus do this?  He did it to give his disciples a glimpse at what the future holds for all believers.  They were about to enter a difficult time as disciples.  They would see their Messiah crucified.  But future glory would follow!

† 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: Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we say and do. Through the good news of Jesus in Word and Sacrament, come to us. Forgive our sins, strengthen our faith. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and our lives with peace and joy. Live in us that we might live for you and tell others about you in word and deed. Bless our worship. Amen.

OPENING HYMN 95                                               How Good, Lord, to Be Here

*Sung by soloist. 

Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                         

M: 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                                                                       

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: Lord God, before the suffering and death of your one and only Son, you revealed his glory on the holy mountain. Grant that we who bear his cross on earth may behold by faith the light of his heavenly glory and so be changed into his likeness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.   

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ, your Son, 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                                                                            2 Kings 2:1-12

Summary: Elijah ascends to heaven

When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “but do not speak of it.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “but do not speak of it.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on. Fifty men of the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you it will be yours―otherwise not.” As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a 4 chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more.

PSALM OF THE DAY 148

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Forever let us sing the goodness of the Lord.

Praise the LORD from the heavens,*

praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels,*

praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon,*

praise him, all you shining stars.

Refrain

Praise the LORD from the earth,*

lightning and hail, stormy winds that do his bidding,

you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,*

wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all rulers on earth,*

young men and maidens, old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,*

for his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

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           2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The veil of Moses

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                Mark 9:7b

P: Alleluia!  A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                Mark 9:2-9

Summary:The transfiguration of our Lord

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Please be seated.

HYMN 712            Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain

*Sung by soloist.

SERMON                                                                2 Corinthians 3:12 – 4:2

“The Veil of Moses”

1. Worn to keep old glory from fading
2. Torn to show new glory unfailing

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.

TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS  

*Bulletin page 12.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER

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.

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.

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.

Please stand.

† F A R E W E L L   T O   A L L E L U I A †

M: Brothers and sisters in Christ, when we next gather for worship, it will be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. On that day we will begin our solemn journey to the Savior’s cross. While the joy of faith remains undiminished throughout the year, our rejoicing during Lent is muted and quiet. For centuries, therefore, the Christian churches have omitted their most jubilant songs during this season, including the word alleluia, which means, “praise the Lord.”

        Now for a time we say farewell to alleluia. We do this to prepare ourselves for the quieter days of Lent. The alleluias will return on Easter dawn as we gather to shout our praise to the risen Lord.

ALLELUIA, SONG OF TRIUMPH

*Congregation sings to the tune of CW 578 “Saints of God, the Dawn Is Brightening”.

Alleluia, song of triumph, sound of joy that cannot die;

Alleluia is the anthem ever dear to choirs on high;

Saints adorned in robes of glory join the great angelic cry.

Alleluia we are singing, voicing hymns in pure accord,

With Christ’s holy Church united, justified, redeemed, restored,

And with all his faithful people raise our songs to praise the Lord.

Alleluia cannot always be our song while here below;

Alleluia our transgressions make us for a while forego.

For the solemn time is coming when our tears for sin must flow.

May our hymns be filled with longing—hear us, Holy Trinity—

As we look to your blest Easter, here, and then eternally,

When we shall once more be singing alleluia joyfully!

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. ã2004 Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved

 

† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †

February 14 – February 20

Sun.		VALENTINE’S DAY
	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00 p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel (final)
Wed.		ASH WEDNESDAY
		No School
	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Lenten Devotion
Thurs.	1:45-3:00 p.m.	Little Lambs & Grade School Shut-In Outreach Fieldtrip
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Council meeting
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme:-  February 21, 2021 The First Sunday in Lent: Overcoming Temptations; Growing Through Tests
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

Church News   INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, 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), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: ) – For missions – For our communicants   ST. JOHN’S VOTERS’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  Membership Changes:  Transfer in: Reid Barnhart from St. Peter’s, Helenville, WI.  Rejoin:  Brianna Dunning.  Profession of Faith:  Brad & June Kahlstorf from ELCA Church in Minnesota. Principal’s Report:  Current enrollment: 10 in Little Lambs & 44 in K-8.  AV Project Upgrade-Two 85-inch TVs will replace the screen. Livestreaming will take place, and recording of services will be easier. Facility Master Plan-Committee to be appointed to explore needs of church/school for the next 5-20 years. Update at April meeting.  Election–School Board:  Zeb Zuehls. Council: Jacob Jaster & Aaron Wachholz.  Thank you to all who have served and are currently serving. 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. 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! 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! The public school is offering 5 days’ worth of breakfast and lunch meal kits to our children 18 years and younger of age. Any of our families may sign up, virtual or physical. St. John’s School meals will be dropped off at school on Wednesdays and available for you to pick up when you pick up your child at the end of the school day. As of right now these meals are free to all school families through May 2021!   WISHLIST ITEMS Little Lambs Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 Geoboards $20.30 Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade iPad covers   3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 Document camera – $69.00 Magnetic book holder – $23.79 Stadium seats – $49.99   6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance

This coming Wednesday, February 17, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the holy season of 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 prepare 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 Reveals His Future Glory

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany – B

The Transfiguration of Our Lord

God’s Word for Today

There was only one time recorded in Scripture when Jesus revealed his future glory before his resurrection.  That one time was on the Mount of Transfiguration, where Peter, James and John had a firsthand (and terrifying) look at Jesus’ perfect glory.  Why did Jesus do this?  He did it to give his disciples a glimpse at what the future holds for all believers.  They were about to enter a difficult time as disciples.  They would see their Messiah crucified.  But future glory would follow!

First Lesson (2 Kings 2:1-12a)

• Why was Elisha upset?
• What request did Elisha have for Elijah?
• How was Elijah taken away into heaven?

Second Lesson (2 Corinthians 3:12 – 4:2)

• To which Old Testament event does Paul refer in this lesson?
• True or false: The old covenant (the law) is more glorious than the new covenant (the gospel).
• As ministers of the glorious gospel, how do we proceed in our mission?

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

• Who met Jesus and his disciples when they climbed this high mountain?
• Why did Peter make the suggestion he did in verse 5?

Answers:

• He realized that his master, Elijah, was going to be taken away from him.
• Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of Eiljah’s spirit. He knew he would need spiritual strength when Elijah was gone.
• Elijah was taken to heaven in whirlwind, a chariot and horses made of fire.
• When Moses returned from Mt. Sinai and his face shone because he had seen a portion of the Lord’s glory. Moses put a veil over his face because the people couldn’t stand to look at him. Paul says that the stubborn Jews who rejected Jesus as Savior still have a veil over their hearts.

• False. The law brings sin, guilt and death to sinful people. It is glorious because the law is truth and shows us that God is holy and perfect. But, Paul says, that the gospel is more glorious because it brings freedom from sin, life and salvation (cf. 2 Co 3:10, 17-18).
• We don’t need to use trickery or slight of hand. We don’t need to distort the word of God. Instead, we set forth the truth plainly and trust that God works life and salvation through the simple gospel. There’s no need to manipulate the truth to make it more acceptable; glory comes only through the truth of the gospel.
• They met Moses and Elijah, who were generally considered by the Jews to be the two greatest prophets in the Old Testament.
• Peter wanted to build shelters on the mountain for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, in order to keep the glory of God all to themselves. Mark the Evangelist suggests that Peter was speaking foolishly. Jesus needed to head for Jerusalem, where he would suffer death on a cross to secure eternal glory for his followers (verse 9).

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
2-6		22
2-7	18	48
St. John’s Altar Committee February 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   ●●●

The 5^th Sunday after the Epiphany

Jesus Heals the Hopeless

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

February 7, 2021

10:00a.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 5th Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless- Jesus is Revealed by A Tireless Compulsion to Preach the Gospel – Have you ever felt compelled to do or say something because you’re a Christian? Sometimes that compulsion springs from feelings of guilt. Sadly, that can even be true of our gospel outreach efforts. Such guilt-ridden efforts burn us out and leave us feeling unfulfilled, guiltier. But Jesus doesn’t want us to feel guilty about his Great Commission, and he doesn’t want us to reach out with the gospel due to guilt. Instead it’s the freedom of the gospel that inspires our words and actions as Christians. As we more deeply appreciate the unconditional love that Jesus has for us and for all people, we will more and more feel a tireless compulsion to preach the gospel.

† 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: Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we say and do. Through the good news of Jesus in Word and Sacrament, come to us. Forgive our sins, strengthen our faith. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and our lives with peace and joy. Live in us that we might live for you and tell others about you in word and deed. Bless our worship. Amen.

† H O L Y   B A P T I S M †

This order incorporates Holy Baptism into congregational worship by combining the sacrament of baptism with the confession of sins. Martin Luther said that confessing sins and receiving forgiveness is nothing else than a reliving of baptism. Thus this order provides opportunity not only to baptize but also to recall the lasting blessings of baptism.

OPENING HYMN 737: 1-3                             God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It

*Sung by soloist. 

1  God’s own child, I gladly say it:

I am baptized into Christ!

He, because I could not pay it,

Gave my full redemption price.

Do I need earth’s treasures many?

I have one worth more than any

That brought me salvation free,

Lasting to eternity!

2  Sin, disturb my soul no longer:

I am baptized into Christ!

I have comfort even stronger:

Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.

Should a guilty conscience seize me

Since my baptism did release me

In a dear forgiving flood,

Sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?

3  Satan, hear this proclamation:

I am baptized into Christ!

Drop your ugly accusation;

I am not so soon enticed.

Now that to the font I’ve traveled,

All your might has come unraveled,

And, against your tyranny,

God, my Lord, unites with me!

M:The grace of our Lord (+) Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS

M:Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded baptism when he said: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” All of us are born into this world with a deep need for baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But Jesus took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. At our baptism he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. Our sinful nature need not control us any longer. We recall what baptism means for our daily lives as we speak these words:

C: Baptism means that the sinful nature in us should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

M: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.

M:God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

The Rite of Baptism continues at the font.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

M:In obedience to the command of our Lord and trusting in his promise, you have brought this child to be baptized. Jesus told us: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” It is in baptism that God grants the new life of forgiveness, joy, and peace to little children. By the power of God’s Word, this gracious water of life washes away sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe.

M: Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart † to mark you as a redeemed child of Christ.

M: __­__, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

      The Almighty God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has forgiven all your sins. By your baptism, you are born again and made a dear child of your Father in heaven. May God strengthen you to live in your baptismal grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.

Please stand.

EXHORTATION

M:Brothers and sisters in Christ:

Our Lord commands that we teach his precious truths to all who are baptized. Christian love therefore urges all of us, especially parents and sponsors, to assist in whatever manner possible so that ____ may remain a child of God until death. If you are willing to carry out this responsibility, then answer: Yes, as God gives me strength.

C: Yes, as God gives me strength.

M:Let us pray:

Merciful Father in heaven, we thank you for the blessing of baptism by which you offer and grant the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Help us to regard our baptism as the robe of righteousness we are to wear all the days of our life. Look with special favor on ____ and grant him a rich measure of your Spirit that he may grow in faith and godly living. Make us willing to carry out our responsibilities to those who have been baptized, so that all of us may finally come to the blessed joys of heaven, through Jesus our Lord.

C: Amen.

Please be seated.

HYMN 737: 4-5                                                 God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It

*Sung by soloist.

4  Death, you cannot end my gladness:

I am baptized into Christ!

When I die, I leave all sadness

To inherit paradise!

Though I lie in dust and ashes

Faith’s assurance brightly flashes:

Baptism has the strength divine

To make life immortal mine.

5  There is nothing worth comparing

To this lifelong comfort sure!

Open-eyed my grave is staring:

Even there I’ll sleep secure.

Though my flesh awaits its raising,

Still my soul continues praising:

I am baptized into Christ;

I’m a child of paradise!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Almighty God, you sent your one and only Son as the Word of life for our eyes to see and our ears to hear. Help us to believe what the Scriptures proclaim about him and do the things that are pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ, your Son, 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.

FIRST LESSON                                                                                      Job 7: 1-7

Summary: Tired and depressed, Job lost his desire to proclaim the good news and nearly lost his faith

“Do not mortals have hard service on earth?  Are not their days like those of hired laborers? Like a slave longing for the evening shadows,     or a hired laborer waiting to be paid, so I have been allotted months of futility,  and nights of misery have been assigned to me. When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’ The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn. My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering. “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,
and they come to an end without hope. Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;  my eyes will never see happiness again.

PSALM 103

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

I will hear what the Lord proclaims: peace to his people.

Praise the LORD, O my soul;*

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

He forgives all your sins*

and heals all your diseases;

he redeems your life from the grave*

and crowns you with love and compassion.

Refrain

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,*

slow to anger, abounding in love.

He does not treat us as our sins deserve*

or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,*

so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,*

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Refrain

As a father has compassion on his children,*

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed,*

he remembers that we are dust.

Our days are like grass, like a flower of the field;*

the wind blows over it and it is gone.

But the LORD’S love is with those who fear him*

from everlasting to everlasting.

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 9: 16-23

Summary: Christ’s love for sinners was Paul’s motivation to preach the gospel and become all things to all men

For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!  If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                 John 8: 12

M:           Alleluia. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                      Mark 1: 29-39 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Worn out and looking for solitude, Jesus shows his tireless compulsion to preach the good news

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Be seated.

SCHOOL THEME SONG                                God is the Strength of My Heart

*See insert. Sung by soloist.

SERMON                                                                                                 Mark 1: 29-39

“Epiphany Miracles with a Purpose”

1. They showed Jesus’ power over disease (29-31)
2. They proved his authority over the devil (32-34)
3. They pointed to his message of salvation (35-39)

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.

EPIPHANY SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS        

*Read by pastor, prayers on page 12.

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 446                                        I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus

*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 7 – February 13

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.	8:00 a.m.	Pastor’s Study Club – Princeton
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00 p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.		Little Lambs & Grade School Outreach Fieldtrip
	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
Thurs.		No school P/T Conferences
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.		No school P/T Conferences
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Next week’s theme:-  February 14, 2021 The Transfiguration of our Lord
	Valentine’s Day
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), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), 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), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Reinold Eckelberg) – For Kendall Ryan Ross, the infant daughther of Michael Ross & Sarah Bubolz, baptized in Sunday’s (2/7) service at St. John’s – For our WELS schools ST. JOHN’S VOTERS’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  Membership Changes:  Transfer in: Reid Barnhart from St. Peter’s, Helenville, WI.  Rejoin:  Brianna Dunning.  Profession of Faith:  Brad & June Kahlstorf from ELCA Church in Minnesota. Principal’s Report:  Current enrollment: 10 in Little Lambs & 44 in K-8.  AV Project Upgrade-Two 85-inch TVs will replace the screen. Livestreaming will take place, and recording of services will be easier. Facility Master Plan-Committee to be appointed to explore needs of church/school for the next 5-20 years. Update at April meeting.  Election–School Board:  Zeb Zuehls. Council: Jacob Jaster & Aaron Wachholz.  Thank you to all who have served and are currently serving. 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. 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! 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 Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 Geoboards $20.30   Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade iPad covers   3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 Document camera – $69.00 Magnetic book holder – $23.79 Stadium seats – $49.99 6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance

New Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

6:30pm to 7:30ish pm

In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan

Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website

Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1^st Letter of Peter

   The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.

   A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.

   Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

   Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.

“Come now, let us reasontogether, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus is Revealed by A Tireless

Compulsion to Preach the Gospel

The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany – B

God’s Word for Today

Have you ever felt compelled to do or say something because you’re a Christian? Sometimes that compulsion springs from feelings of guilt. Sadly, that can even be true of our gospel outreach efforts. Such guilt-ridden efforts burn us out and leave us feeling unfulfilled, guiltier. But Jesus doesn’t want us to feel guilty about his Great Commission, and he doesn’t want us to reach out with the gospel due to guilt. Instead it’s the freedom of the gospel that inspires our words and actions as Christians. As we more deeply appreciate the unconditional love that Jesus has for us and for all people, we will more and more feel a tireless compulsion to preach the gospel.

First Lesson (Job 7:1-7)

• How was Job feeling about his life?
• Why did Job feel the way he did?

Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 9:16-23)

• How much was Paul being paid to preach?
• What does Paul mean: “I have become all things to all men”? (v 22)
• What was Paul’s motivation to preach?

Gospel (Mark 1:29-39)

• How did Jesus feel after a long day of ministry?
• How did Jesus respond to the demands of the people?

Answers:

• He was frustrated with his lot in life. He was tired and depressed. He figured that he’d never be happy again. Job had lost his desire to proclaim good news about his Savior God.
• Job had lost his fortune, his children and his reputation. His friends figured that he had done something terrible to deserve such treatment from God, and Job was starting to believe them. His suffering and guilt led him to words of discouragement and despair.
• Paul was preaching to the Corinthians free of charge, not using his right as a minister of the gospel to be paid for his work among them (cf. 1 Co 9:15). Normally this would bring disappointment, but Paul boasted of the situation. He was motivated to preach by the gospel, not by payment.
• Paul is referring to the servant attitude he had taken toward his listeners. Although, as a Christian, Paul had been given complete freedom in Christ in matters of conscience, he surrendered his Christian freedom in order “to please everybody in every way” (1 Co 10:33). He did this so that he might have an opportunity to preach the gospel.
• Paul was motivated by the freedom that Jesus gives through the gospel of forgiveness. He couldn’t help but proclaim that message of forgiveness to others. He had a tireless compulsion to preach the gospel.
• He was worn out and looking for solitude. People were demanding an audience with him. Sadly, it seems that they were more interested in earthly blessings (miracles of physical healing) rather than the heavenly blessings that Jesus had to offer, the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
• He left and went to other villages, realizing that his primary mission was to preach the gospel and bring eternal healing to souls. He had a tireless compulsion to preach the gospel.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-30		24
1-31	14	68
St. John’s Altar Committee February 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   ●●●

The 5^th Sunday after the Epiphany

 Jesus Heals the Hopeless

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

February 6, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

February 7, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

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 5th Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless – Jesus is Revealed by A Tireless Compulsion to Preach the Gospel – Have you ever felt compelled to do or say something because you’re a Christian? Sometimes that compulsion springs from feelings of guilt. Sadly, that can even be true of our gospel outreach efforts. Such guilt-ridden efforts burn us out and leave us feeling unfulfilled, guiltier. But Jesus doesn’t want us to feel guilty about his Great Commission, and he doesn’t want us to reach out with the gospel due to guilt. Instead it’s the freedom of the gospel that inspires our words and actions as Christians. As we more deeply appreciate the unconditional love that Jesus has for us and for all people, we will more and more feel a tireless compulsion to preach the gospel.

† 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: 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.

SCHOOL THEME SONG                                 God is the Strength of My Heart

*See insert. Sung by soloist.             

Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                       

M: 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                                                                       

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 sent your one and only Son as the Word of life for our eyes to see and our ears to hear. Help us to believe what the Scriptures proclaim about him and do the things that are pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ, your Son, 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.

FIRST LESSON                                                                                             Job 7: 1-7

Summary: Tired and depressed, Job lost his desire to proclaim the good news and nearly lost his faith

“Do not mortals have hard service on earth?  Are not their days like those of hired laborers? Like a slave longing for the evening shadows,     or a hired laborer waiting to be paid, so I have been allotted months of futility,  and nights of misery have been assigned to me. When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’ The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn. My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering. “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,
and they come to an end without hope. ⁷ Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;  my eyes will never see happiness again.

PSALM 103

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

I will hear what the Lord proclaims: peace to his people.

Praise the LORD, O my soul;*

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

He forgives all your sins*

and heals all your diseases;

he redeems your life from the grave*

and crowns you with love and compassion.

Refrain

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,*

slow to anger, abounding in love.

He does not treat us as our sins deserve*

or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,*

so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,*

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Refrain

As a father has compassion on his children,*

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed,*

he remembers that we are dust.

Our days are like grass, like a flower of the field;*

the wind blows over it and it is gone.

But the LORD’S love is with those who fear him*

from everlasting to everlasting.

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 9: 16-23

Summary: Christ’s love for sinners was Paul’s motivation to preach the gospel and become all things to all men

For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!  If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                   John 8: 12

M:           Alleluia. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                   Mark 1: 29-39 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Worn out and looking for solitude, Jesus shows his tireless compulsion to preach the good news

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Be seated.

SERMON HYMN 238                                                Oh, Bless the Lord, My Soul

* Sung by soloist.

SERMON                                                                                                Mark 1: 29-39

“Epiphany Miracles with a Purpose”

1. They showed Jesus’ power over disease (29-31)
2. They proved his authority over the devil (32-34)
3. They pointed to his message of salvation (35-39)

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.

EPIPHANY SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS        

*Read by pastor, prayers on page 10.

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 446                                          I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus

*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 7 – February 13

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.	8:00 a.m.	Pastor’s Study Club – Princeton
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00 p.m.	School Board meeting at St. John’s
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.		Little Lambs & Grade School Outreach Fieldtrip
	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
Thurs.		No school P/T Conferences
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.		No school P/T Conferences
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Next week’s theme:-  February 14, 2021 The Transfiguration of our Lord
	Valentine’s Day
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), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), 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), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Reinold Eckelberg) – For Kendall Ryan Ross, the infant daughther of Michael Ross & Sarah Bubolz, baptized in Sunday’s (2/7) service at St. John’s – For our WELS schools ST. JOHN’S VOTERS’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  Membership Changes:  Transfer in: Reid Barnhart from St. Peter’s, Helenville, WI.  Rejoin:  Brianna Dunning.  Profession of Faith:  Brad & June Kahlstorf from ELCA Church in Minnesota. Principal’s Report:  Current enrollment: 10 in Little Lambs & 44 in K-8.  AV Project Upgrade-Two 85-inch TVs will replace the screen. Livestreaming will take place, and recording of services will be easier. Facility Master Plan-Committee to be appointed to explore needs of church/school for the next 5-20 years. Update at April meeting.  Election–School Board:  Zeb Zuehls. Council: Jacob Jaster & Aaron Wachholz.  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. 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! 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 Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 Geoboards $20.30   Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade iPad covers   3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 Document camera – $69.00 Magnetic book holder – $23.79 Stadium seats – $49.99   6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance

New Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

6:30pm to 7:30ish pm

In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan

Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website

Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1^st Letter of Peter

   The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.

   A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.

   Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

   Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.

“Come now, let us reasontogether, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus is Revealed by A Tireless

Compulsion to Preach the Gospel

The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany – B

God’s Word for Today

Have you ever felt compelled to do or say something because you’re a Christian? Sometimes that compulsion springs from feelings of guilt. Sadly, that can even be true of our gospel outreach efforts. Such guilt-ridden efforts burn us out and leave us feeling unfulfilled, guiltier. But Jesus doesn’t want us to feel guilty about his Great Commission, and he doesn’t want us to reach out with the gospel due to guilt. Instead it’s the freedom of the gospel that inspires our words and actions as Christians. As we more deeply appreciate the unconditional love that Jesus has for us and for all people, we will more and more feel a tireless compulsion to preach the gospel.

First Lesson (Job 7:1-7)

• How was Job feeling about his life?
• Why did Job feel the way he did?

Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 9:16-23)

• How much was Paul being paid to preach?
• What does Paul mean: “I have become all things to all men”? (v 22)
• What was Paul’s motivation to preach?

Gospel (Mark 1:29-39)

• How did Jesus feel after a long day of ministry?
• How did Jesus respond to the demands of the people?

Answers:

• He was frustrated with his lot in life. He was tired and depressed. He figured that he’d never be happy again. Job had lost his desire to proclaim good news about his Savior God.
• Job had lost his fortune, his children and his reputation. His friends figured that he had done something terrible to deserve such treatment from God, and Job was starting to believe them. His suffering and guilt led him to words of discouragement and despair.
• Paul was preaching to the Corinthians free of charge, not using his right as a minister of the gospel to be paid for his work among them (cf. 1 Co 9:15). Normally this would bring disappointment, but Paul boasted of the situation. He was motivated to preach by the gospel, not by payment.
• Paul is referring to the servant attitude he had taken toward his listeners. Although, as a Christian, Paul had been given complete freedom in Christ in matters of conscience, he surrendered his Christian freedom in order “to please everybody in every way” (1 Co 10:33). He did this so that he might have an opportunity to preach the gospel.
• Paul was motivated by the freedom that Jesus gives through the gospel of forgiveness. He couldn’t help but proclaim that message of forgiveness to others. He had a tireless compulsion to preach the gospel.
• He was worn out and looking for solitude. People were demanding an audience with him. Sadly, it seems that they were more interested in earthly blessings (miracles of physical healing) rather than the heavenly blessings that Jesus had to offer, the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
• He left and went to other villages, realizing that his primary mission was to preach the gospel and bring eternal healing to souls. He had a tireless compulsion to preach the gospel.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-30		24
1-31	14	68
St. John’s Altar Committee February 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   ●●●

The 4^th Sunday after the Epiphany

The Authority of Jesus’ Words and Works

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

January 31, 2021

10:00a.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 after the Epiphany: Jesus is Revealed by Setting Captives Free – We call Jesus our Redeemer. The word “redeem” means to buy back from capture and captivity, to pay a ransom. As sinful human beings we were captive to the law of God because of our sin and the consequences of sin, principally death. But Jesus has set us free from the law, its threats and its curses, by keeping God’s law for us perfectly. As Christians we are no longer “under law, but under grace” (Rom 6:14).  But we don’t abuse our Christian freedom, instead Jesus has set us free that we might become slaves to righteousness, serving others in love in service to our Redeemer.

† 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: Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we say and do. Through the good news of Jesus in Word and Sacrament, come to us. Forgive our sins, strengthen our faith. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and our lives with peace and joy. Live in us that we might live for you and tell others about you in word and deed. Bless our worship. Amen.

† H O L Y   B A P T I S M †

This order incorporates Holy Baptism into congregational worship by combining the sacrament of baptism with the confession of sins. Martin Luther said that confessing sins and receiving forgiveness is nothing else than a reliving of baptism. Thus this order provides opportunity not only to baptize but also to recall the lasting blessings of baptism.

OPENING HYMN 296: 1,2                                           Our Children Jesus Calls

*Sung by soloist. 

M:The grace of our Lord (+) Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS

M:Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded baptism when he said: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” All of us are born into this world with a deep need for baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But Jesus took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. At our baptism he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. Our sinful nature need not control us any longer. We recall what baptism means for our daily lives as we speak these words:

C: Baptism means that the sinful nature in us should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

M: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.

M:God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

The Rite of Baptism continues at the font.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

M:In obedience to the command of our Lord and trusting in his promise, you have brought this child to be baptized. Jesus told us: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” It is in baptism that God grants the new life of forgiveness, joy, and peace to little children. By the power of God’s Word, this gracious water of life washes away sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe.

M: Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart † to mark you as a redeemed child of Christ.

M: __­__, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

      The Almighty God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has forgiven all your sins. By your baptism, you are born again and made a dear child of your Father in heaven. May God strengthen you to live in your baptismal grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.

Please stand.

EXHORTATION

M:Brothers and sisters in Christ:

Our Lord commands that we teach his precious truths to all who are baptized. Christian love therefore urges all of us, especially parents and sponsors, to assist in whatever manner possible so that ____ may remain a child of God until death. If you are willing to carry out this responsibility, then answer: Yes, as God gives me strength.

C: Yes, as God gives me strength.

M: Let us pray:

Merciful Father in heaven, we thank you for the blessing of baptism by which you offer and grant the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Help us to regard our baptism as the robe of righteousness we are to wear all the days of our life. Look with special favor on ____ and grant him a rich measure of your Spirit that he may grow in faith and godly living. Make us willing to carry out our responsibilities to those who have been baptized, so that all of us may finally come to the blessed joys of heaven, through Jesus our Lord.

C: Amen.

Please be seated.

HYMN 296: 3                                                                  Our Children Jesus Calls

*Printed on page 3, sung by soloist.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Lord God, you know that we are surrounded by many dangers and that we often stumble and fall. Strengthen us in body and mind, and bring us safely through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, your Son, 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 X

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

FIRST LESSON                        Deuteronomy 18: 15-20 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: A Prophet like Moses will come

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The LORD said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I

command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.”

PSALM 1

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Blessed are they who hope, who hope in the Lord.

Blessed is the man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked*

or stand in the way of sinners.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,*

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season*

and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

Refrain

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,*

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,*

but the way of the wicked will perish.

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 8: 1-13

Summary: Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God. So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? So this weak

brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                               Luke 4: 18a

M:           Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord is on me; he has anointed me to preach good news. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                Mark 1: 21-28

Summary: As God’s Prophet, Jesus’ words and works have authority

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit

cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Be seated.

SERMON HYMN 395                                Seek Where You May to Find a Way

*Sung by soloist. 

SERMON                                                                                Deuteronomy 18: 15-20

“LISTEN TO THE PROPHET!”

1. God connects Himself to us through Him (15-18a)
2. God speaks the truth to us through Him (18b-20)

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.

EPIPHANY SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS        

*Read by pastor, prayers on page 12.

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 327                              God Be with You till We Meet  Again

*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 †

January 31 – February 6

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Council meeting
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
	11:00 a.m.	Voters meeting at St. John’s
Mon.	1:00 p.m.	Hands 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
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
	2:00 p.m.	Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s School Teen Confirmation Class
	1:00 p.m.	Ladies Aid meeting at St. John’s
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme:-  February 7, 2021 The 5th Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

Church News   INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), 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), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Roberta Davison) – For Finnley Beahm, the infant son of Aaron Beahm & Kegan Isberner baptized in Sunday’s (1/31) service at St. John’s – A prayer for shut-ins to pray   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.   ST. JOHN’S VOTERS MEETING TODAY following our 10:00a.m. service.   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!   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.   SATURDAY WORSHIP  Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s  at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. 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. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!             WISHLIST ITEMS Little Lambs Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 Geoboards $20.30   Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Vacuum Cleaner – $140.00   3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 Document camera – $69.00 Magnetic book holder – $23.79 Stadium seats – $49.99   6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance

New Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

6:30pm to 7:30ish pm

In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan

Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website

Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1^st Letter of Peter

   The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.

   A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.

   Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

   Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.

“Come now, let us reasontogether, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus is Revealed by Setting Captives Free

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany – B

God’s Word for Today

We call Jesus our Redeemer. The word “redeem” means to buy back from capture and captivity, to pay a ransom. As sinful human beings we were captive to the law of God because of our sin and the consequences of sin, principally death. But Jesus has set us free from the law, its threats and its curses, by keeping God’s law for us perfectly. As Christians we are no longer “under law, but under grace” (Rom 6:14).  But we don’t abuse our Christian freedom, instead Jesus has set us free that we might become slaves to righteousness, serving others in love in service to our Redeemer.

First Lesson (Deuteronomy 18:15-20)

• What request did the people of Israel have for the Lord when they had previously assembled at Mt. Horeb (Sinai)?
• Whom was the Lord going to send?
• Who was the fulfillment of this prophecy?

Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)

• What Corinthian problem does Paul address in this chapter?
• Whom does Paul address in this chapter?
• What command does he give them?

Gospel (Mark 1:21-28)

• What was striking about Jesus’ teaching?
• How does Jesus demonstrate his authority?

Answers:

They requested that the Lord no longer speak to them with his own voice (with his majesty revealed), less they die. We sinful people cannot deal interacting with our holy God in his majesty, as the Lord had told Moses: “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20).

• He was going to send a prophet from among the people of Israel who would speak on God’s behalf. In time, God’s Old Testament people saw this prophecy as being connected to God’s promise of a Messiah.
• Jesus fulfilled this prophecy; he is the Prophet that people often spoke about in the Gospel accounts (cf. Jn 1:21; 7:40).
• Paul addresses the important issue of adiaphora (things neither commanded nor forbidden by God). For instance, in the New Testament era, Christians are given freedom to eat all things, but some Jewish Christians were still having difficulty understanding that they were free from Old Testament ceremonial laws about meat sacrificed to idols.
• Paul addresses those who understand that they are free from the ceremonial laws (the strong Christians).
• Even though they are free as Christians, Paul encourages the strong Christians to surrender their freedom out of loving concern for their fellow Christians (the weak), so that the weak Christians might not sin against their consciences.
• He taught based on his own authority (vv 22, 27), while the Jewish teachers of the law always based their teachings upon quotations from other famous rabbis.
• He demonstrates his authority by casting out an evil spirit. He has the power, ability and willingness to set us free from all things!

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-23		23
1-24	24	33
St. John’s Altar Committee January 2021	Kathy North & Lucy Laun

●●● 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 after the Epiphany

The Authority of Jesus’ Words and Works

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

January 30, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

January 31, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

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 after the Epiphany: Jesus is Revealed by Setting Captives Free – We call Jesus our Redeemer. The word “redeem” means to buy back from capture and captivity, to pay a ransom. As sinful human beings we were captive to the law of God because of our sin and the consequences of sin, principally death. But Jesus has set us free from the law, its threats and its curses, by keeping God’s law for us perfectly. As Christians we are no longer “under law, but under grace” (Rom 6:14).  But we don’t abuse our Christian freedom, instead Jesus has set us free that we might become slaves to righteousness, serving others in love in service to our Redeemer.

† 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: 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: Lord God, you know that we are surrounded by many dangers and that we often stumble and fall. Strengthen us in body and mind, and bring us safely through all temptations; 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                        Deuteronomy 18: 15-20 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: A Prophet like Moses will come

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The LORD said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I

command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.”

PSALM 1

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Blessed are they who hope, who hope in the Lord.

Blessed is the man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked*

or stand in the way of sinners.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,*

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season*

and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

Refrain

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,*

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,*

but the way of the wicked will perish.

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 8: 1-13

Summary: Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God. So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? So this weak

brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                           Luke 4: 18a

M:           Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord is on me; he has anointed me to preach good news. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                Mark 1: 21-28

Summary: As God’s Prophet, Jesus’ words and works have authority

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit

cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Be seated.

SERMON HYMN 395                                Seek Where You May to Find a Way

*Sung by soloist. 

SERMON                                                                              Deuteronomy 18: 15-20

“LISTEN TO THE PROPHET!”

1. God connects Himself to us through Him (15-18a)
2. God speaks the truth to us through Him (18b-20)

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.

EPIPHANY SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS        

*Read by pastor, prayers on page 11.

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 327                               God Be with You till We Meet  Again

*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 †

January 31 – February 6

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Council meeting
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
	11:00 a.m.	Voters meeting at St. John’s
Mon.	1:00 p.m.	Hands 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
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
	2:00 p.m.	Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s School Teen Confirmation Class
	1:00 p.m.	Ladies Aid meeting at St. John’s
	6:00p.m.	Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme:-  February 7, 2021 The 5th Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Congregational meeting
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

Church News   INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), 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), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Roberta Davison) – For Finnley Beahm, the infant son of Aaron Beahm & Kegan Isberner baptized in Sunday’s (1/31) service at St. John’s – A prayer for shut-ins to pray   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.   ST. JOHN’S VOTERS MEETING TODAY following our 10:00a.m. service.   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!   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.   SATURDAY WORSHIP  Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s  at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. 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. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!               WISHLIST ITEMS: Little Lambs: Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 Geoboards $20.30   Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade: 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade: Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 Document camera – $69.00 Magnetic book holder – $23.79 Stadium seats – $49.99   6th , 7th & 8th Grade: Tuition Assistance

New Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

6:30pm to 7:30ish pm

In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan

Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website

Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1^st Letter of Peter

   The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.

   A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.

   Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

   Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.

“Come now, let us reasontogether, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus is Revealed by Setting Captives Free

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany – B

God’s Word for Today

We call Jesus our Redeemer. The word “redeem” means to buy back from capture and captivity, to pay a ransom. As sinful human beings we were captive to the law of God because of our sin and the consequences of sin, principally death. But Jesus has set us free from the law, its threats and its curses, by keeping God’s law for us perfectly. As Christians we are no longer “under law, but under grace” (Rom 6:14).  But we don’t abuse our Christian freedom, instead Jesus has set us free that we might become slaves to righteousness, serving others in love in service to our Redeemer.

First Lesson (Deuteronomy 18:15-20)

• What request did the people of Israel have for the Lord when they had previously assembled at Mt. Horeb (Sinai)?
• Whom was the Lord going to send?
• Who was the fulfillment of this prophecy?

Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)

• What Corinthian problem does Paul address in this chapter?
• Whom does Paul address in this chapter?
• What command does he give them?

Gospel (Mark 1:21-28)

• What was striking about Jesus’ teaching?
• How does Jesus demonstrate his authority?

Answers:

They requested that the Lord no longer speak to them with his own voice (with his majesty revealed), less they die. We sinful people cannot deal interacting with our holy God in his majesty, as the Lord had told Moses: “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20).

• He was going to send a prophet from among the people of Israel who would speak on God’s behalf. In time, God’s Old Testament people saw this prophecy as being connected to God’s promise of a Messiah.
• Jesus fulfilled this prophecy; he is the Prophet that people often spoke about in the Gospel accounts (cf. Jn 1:21; 7:40).
• Paul addresses the important issue of adiaphora (things neither commanded nor forbidden by God). For instance, in the New Testament era, Christians are given freedom to eat all things, but some Jewish Christians were still having difficulty understanding that they were free from Old Testament ceremonial laws about meat sacrificed to idols.
• Paul addresses those who understand that they are free from the ceremonial laws (the strong Christians).
• Even though they are free as Christians, Paul encourages the strong Christians to surrender their freedom out of loving concern for their fellow Christians (the weak), so that the weak Christians might not sin against their consciences.
• He taught based on his own authority (vv 22, 27), while the Jewish teachers of the law always based their teachings upon quotations from other famous rabbis.
• He demonstrates his authority by casting out an evil spirit. He has the power, ability and willingness to set us free from all things!

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-23		23
1-24	24	33
St. John’s Altar Committee January 2021	Kathy North & Lucy Laun

●●● 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 after the Epiphany

The Lord’s Call Changes Hearts and Lives

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

January 23, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

January 24, 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 Lord’s Call Changes Hearts and Lives – Is God calling you today to sell everything you have, give it away, and move to a foreign country to be a penniless missionary? His Word does not say that. God does call some people to public ministry. He sends some far from home. He gives some of his ministers hard assignments. Note: He calls all believers by our baptisms to be ready to leave anything for him. He left everything for us. He gave his holy life for us.

† 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: Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we say and do. Through the good news of Jesus in Word and Sacrament, come to us. Forgive our sins, strengthen our faith. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and our lives with peace and joy. Live in us that we might live for you and tell others about you in word and deed. Bless our worship. Amen.

OPENING HYMN 470                                           Praise to You and Adoration

*Sung by soloist. 

Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                          

M: 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                                                                         

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 sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ, your Son, 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                                                                         Jonah 3: 1-5, 10

Summary: God called Jonah and Nineveh to repentance and showed the power of his Word.

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

Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

PSALM OF THE DAY 62

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

The mighty Lord is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

My soul finds rest in God alone;*

my salvation comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation;*

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;*

my hope comes from him.

Refrain

Though your riches increase,*

do not set your heart on them.

My salvation and my honor depend on God;*

he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times, O people;*

pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

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                                                     1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Summary: The call of Christ to follow him is the call to see him as our all in all.

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                           Matthew 2:2b

P: Alleluia!  Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing every disease. Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                  Mark 1:14-20

Summary: Jesu calls his first disciples. “Come follow me.”

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

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

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

Please be seated.

HYMN 85             O God from God, O Light from Light                                     

*Sung by soloist.

SERMON                                                                                  Jonah 1:1-5, 10

When God Says All, He means All!

NICENE CREED   

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.

THE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & 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.

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.

Please stand.

CLOSING HYMN 560 v1,3,5                                I Hear the Savior Calling

*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 †

January 24 – January 30

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	9:00 a.m.	Pastor’s Conference – St. Peter’s Fond du lac
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s School Teen Confirmation Class
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme:-  January 31, 2021 The 4th Sunday after the Epiphany: The Authority of Jesus’ Words and Works
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
9:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Council meeting
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
11:00 a.m.	St. John’s Voters meeting

Church News   INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Jerre Duerr, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Geri Kerl, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Ramona Wacholtz) – For President Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday (1/20) – For our communicants   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 will receive a statement via snail mail. No need to sign up.   ST. JOHN’S VOTERS MEETING Save the date! Next Sunday, January 31 following our 10:00a.m. service.   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!   GREIFSHARE A 13-week session of Griefshare will begin next week Thursday, January 28 at 6:00pm in the lower level of St. John’s. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Mark Emond (608) 697-1600. Please bring a mask and we will practice social distancing. EMMANUEL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING February 7 following our 8:00a.m. service.   CONGREGATIONAL SINGING St. John’s and Emmanuel Joint Council approved the congregations of singing the closing hymn. The hymn is limited to 1 or 2 verses. If you wish to leave prior to the closing hymn, feel free to do so.

Church News   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.   SATURDAY WORSHIP  Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s  at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. 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. ACH OFFERING What is ACH? Automated Clearing House is an electronic payments network use by individuals, businesses, financial institutions and government organizations. The network functions as an efficient, electronic alternative to paper checks. It allows funds to be electronically debited or credited to a checking account, savings account, financial institution general ledger account or credited to a loan account.Please pick your form up in the Information Room or the office and get started today!

 

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. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!             SCHOOL WISHLISTS Little Lambs Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 Geoboards $20.30 Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade iPad covers  3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 Document camera – $69.00 Magnetic book holder – $23.79 Stadium seats – $49.99   6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance

New Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

6:30pm to 7:30ish pm

In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan

Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website

Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1^st Letter of Peter

   The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.

   A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.

   Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

   Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.

“Come now, let us reasontogether, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus is Revealed by Preaching Repentance

The Third Sunday after the Epiphany – B

God’s Word for Today

How do unbelievers come to find out about Jesus?  Does the Holy Spirit just strike them with lightning one day and bring them to faith?  No.  Paul tells us that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Ro 10:17).  We can’t expect others to come to faith in Jesus if we remain silent.  We’re reminded that Jesus is revealed by preaching repentance.

First Lesson (Jonah 3:1-5,10)

1. What message did Jonah have for Nineveh?
2. What is repentance?
3. What fruit of repentance did the people of Nineveh show?

Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

• What does Paul mean, “the time is short” (v 29)?
• What Christian attitude should we have as we look toward the Last Day?

Gospel (Mark 1:14-20)

• What message did Jesus proclaim?
• Did Jesus preach his message of repentance by himself?

Answers:

1. Jonah preached a message of repentance.
2. Normally when the Scriptures use the word “repentance” it not only means that people are sorry for their sins, but that they believe that God forgives them in Jesus.  Repentance, then, includes both sorrow over sin and faith that our sins are forgiven. St. Paul explains: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret” (2 Co 7:10).
3. They declared a fast and put on sackcloth.
4. Jesus will soon be returning on the Last Day.
5. We should live with a penitent attitude, expecting that Jesus will return at any moment. Paul warns that we should not become “engrossed” in the things and people of this world.
6. Jesus preached: “Repent and believe the good news!” Here Jesus uses the “repent” in a more narrow way, referring only to sorrow over sin.
7. No. He began to call his disciples to proclaim that message, too. What faith they showed by dropping everything and following Jesus!

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-16		16
1-17	29	58
St. John’s Altar Committee January 2021	Kathy North & Lucy Laun

●●● 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 after the Epiphany

The Lord Calls Us to Serve

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

January 16, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

January 17, 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 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord Call Us to Serve – Jesus is Revealed through the Call of the Gospel – How is Jesus revealed to the sinful people of this world? Not through the nagging of the law. We can’t force people to be and act as Christians. Only God could do that, and even he doesn’t. Instead, Jesus is revealed through the call of the gospel, God’s word of peace and forgiveness. It’s the gospel that calls people to a life of faith and Christian living.

† 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

M: O Lord God me 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:           Yes 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, you gave your one and only Son to be the light of the world. Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and believed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, 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                                                                                1 Samuel 3: 1-10

Summary: The Lord Calls Samuel

The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. ³ The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

PSALM 67

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Let the people praise you, O God. Let all the people praise you.

May God be gracious to us and bless us*

and make his face shine upon us;

may your ways be known on earth,*

your salvation among all nations.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,*

for you rule the peoples justly

and guide the nations of the earth.

Refrain

Then the land will yield its harvest,*

and God, our God, will bless us.

God will bless us,*

and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

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 6: 12-20 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: Honor God with Your Body

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                 Isaiah 49: 3

M:           Alleluia. He said to me, “You are my servant in whom I will display my splendor.” Alleluia.

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                  John 1: 43-51

Summary: The Lord calls Philip and Nathaniel

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.

“Come and see,” said Philip.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

Jesus said, “You believebecause I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you,youwill see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’the Son of Man.”

Be seated.

SERMON HYMN 183                                                     Holy Spirit, Light Divine

*Sung by soloist. 

SERMON                                                                                   1 Corinthians 6: 12-20

“Our Bodies Belong to God”

1. The Savior purchased them (v. 15, 17, 20)
2. The Spirit lives in them (v. 18, 19)
3. The Father will glorify them (v. 12-14)

Stand.

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.

Be seated.

EPIPHANY SEASON PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS        

*Read by pastor.

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.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 469                                                  Take My Life and Let It Be

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 †

January 17 – January 23

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship
Mon.
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s School Teen Confirmation Class
	6:30p.m.	Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Next week’s theme:-  January 24, 2021 The 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord’s Call Changes Hearts and Lives
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), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor & Frederick Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Caryl & Jim Bassett, Marian Heller) – For spiritual desires   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 will receive a statement via snail mail. No need to sign up.   ST. JOHN’S VOTERS MEETING Save the date! Sunday, January 31 following our 10:00a.m. service.   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!   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.   SATURDAY WORSHIP  Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s  at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. 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. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!             WISHLIST ITEMS Little Lambs Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99 Geoboards $20.30   Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Vacuum Cleaner – $140.00   3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31 Document camera – $69.00 Magnetic book holder – $23.79 Stadium seats – $49.99   6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance

New Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

6:30pm to 7:30ish pm

In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan

Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website

Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1^st Letter of Peter

   The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.

   A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.

   Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

   Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus is Revealed through the Call of the Gospel

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany – B

God’s Word for Today

How is Jesus revealed to the sinful people of this world? Not through the nagging of the law. We can’t force people to be and act as Christians. Only God could do that, and even he doesn’t. Instead, Jesus is revealed through the call of the gospel, God’s word of peace and forgiveness. It’s the gospel that calls people to a life of faith and Christian living.

First Lesson (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

• Whom did Samuel think was calling him?
• Who was really calling Samuel?
• What model attitude does Samuel display for Christians?

Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

• True or false: Christ has freed us from the law.
• How were some Corinthians abusing their freedom from the law?
• Why do Christians honor God with their bodies?

Gospel (John 1:43-51)

• What did Philip do when Jesus commanded: “Follow me”?
• How did Nathanael react to Philip’s news?
• When Nathanael met Jesus, how did he react?

Answers:

• Eli.
• The Lord.
• Samuel displays a wonderful willingness to hear the Word of the Lord. Only through the gospel does the Holy Spirit awaken and strengthen faith.
• True. The law is no longer the determining factor for our conduct as Christians. Christians are motivated by the gospel to love God and love one another.
• Some Corinthians were abusing their Christian freedom to justify sins of the flesh, including sexual immorality.
• Christians do not belong to themselves; Christ has bought us by shedding his blood, rising again and calling us to faith in him. We no longer live to please ourselves but him. Our motivation for living Christian lives comes from the gospel, not the law.
• Not only did he follow Jesus, but he went and told his friend Nathanael.
• He couldn’t believe that the Savior would come from such an insignificant place as Nazareth.
• He believed wholeheartedly that Jesus was the Messiah, the Chosen One.

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-9		20
1-10	30	53
St. John’s Altar Committee January 2021	Kathy North & Lucy Laun

●●● 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 1^st Sunday after the Epiphany

The Baptism of our Lord

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

January 9, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

January 10, 2020

8a.m. Emmanuel

10a.m. St. John’s

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

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available.  Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830. ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The Baptism of Our Lord – Jesus is Revealed as Our Perfect Substitute – “Why did Jesus need to be baptized? I thought baptism was for sinners?” That’s a common question among Christians. It doesn’t make sense that our perfectly sinless Savior would need to be baptized, yet he was. Why? Because Jesus had come to be our perfect substitute, and he is revealed as such in his baptism. God laid on him the sin of the world. (See John 1:29.) Even from birth, he endured the effects of our sin. Jesus wasn’t a sinner himself, but he was carrying our sin, pain, and sorrow. (See Isaiah 53:4.) He needed the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness, just as if he were a sinner himself. Jesus received those promises in baptism, just like we do.

† 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

M: Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we say and do. Through the good news of Jesus in Word and Sacrament, come to us. Forgive our sins, strengthen our faith. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and our lives with peace and joy. Live in us that we might live for you and tell others about you in word and deed. Bless our worship. Amen.

OPENING HYMN 16                               On Jordan’s Bank the Baptism’s Cry

*Sung by soloist. 

1  On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry

Announces that the Lord is nigh;

Come, then, and listen, for he brings

Good news about the King of kings.

2  Then cleansed be ev’ry life from sin

And furnished for a guest within,

And let us all our hearts prepare

For Christ to come and enter there.

3  We hail you as our Savior, Lord,

Our refuge and our great reward.

Without your grace we waste away

Like flow’rs that wither and decay.

4  Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,

And lift us up to fall no more.

Oh, make your face on us to shine,

And fill the world with love divine.

5  All praise to you, eternal Son,

Whose advent has our freedom won,

Whom with the Father we adore

And Holy Spirit evermore.

Please stand.

INVOCATION                                                                                                         

M: 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                                                                      

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: Lord God, by the leading of a star you once made known to the nations your one and only Son. Guide us, also, who know him now by faith, to come at last to the perfect joy of your heavenly glory; 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.

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON                                                               Isaiah 49:1-6

Summary: God will put His Spirit on Christ

Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.” But I said, “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand, and my reward is with my God.” And now the LORD says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength— he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

PSALM OF THE DAY 2

*For your personal devotion at home.

Refrain

Great are the works of the Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Great are the works of the Lord.

Why do the nations conspire*

and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers

gather together against the LORD*

and against his Anointed One.

Refrain

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;*

the Lord scoffs at them.

Then he rebukes them in his anger

and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,*

“I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:*

He said to me, “You are my Son;

today I have become your Father.”

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                                                                                Acts 16:25-34

Summary: A family at Philippi is baptized

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.  At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.   The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself!  We are all here!”

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.   He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved– you and your household.”  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.  At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.  The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God– he and his whole family.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                           Matthew 2:2b

P: Alleluia! We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Alleluia.

 

Please stand.

GOSPEL LESSON                                        Mark 1:4-11 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The baptism of Jesus

4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him.  Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.  8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.   11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Please be seated.

HYMN 93                    Hail to the Lord’s Anointed                                     

*Sung by soloist.

1  Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, Great David’s greater Son!

Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free,

To take away transgression, And rule in equity.

2  He comes with rescue speedy To those who suffer wrong,

To help the poor and needy And bid the weak be strong,

To give them songs for sighing, Their darkness turn to light

Whose souls, condemned and dying, Are precious in his sight.

3  Kings shall bow down before him And gold and incense bring;

All nations shall adore him; His praise all people sing.

To him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend,

His kingdom still increasing, A kingdom without end.

4  O’er ev’ry foe victorious, He on his throne shall rest,

From age to age more glorious, All blessing and all-blest.

The tide of time shall never His covenant remove;

His name shall stand forever—That name to us is Love.

SERMONETTE                                                                                       Mark 1: 4-11

“Jesus’ Baptism and Ours”

1. Ours acknowledges sin; his fulfilled all righteousness (v. 4,5) 

2. Ours confesses faith; his proves he’s the Savior (v. 9-11)

Ours makes us God’s children; he is God’s son (v. 10, 11)

APOSTLES’ CREED   

*For your personal devotion at home.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Please stand.

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS        

*Read by responsively. Intercessory prayers listed on page 11.

LORD’S PRAYER

*Spoken by congregation.

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

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY

*Read by pastor.

Please be seated for the distribution.

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

Please stand.

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.

Be seated.

CLOSING HYMN 323                                   Almighty Father, Bless the Word

*Sung by soloist.

1  Almighty Father, bless the Word

Which through your grace we now have heard.

Oh, may the precious seed take root,

Spring up, and bear abundant fruit.

2  We praise you for the means of grace

As homeward now our steps we trace.

Grant, Lord, that we who worshiped here

May all at last in heav’n appear.

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 †

January 10 – January 16

Sun.	8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship with communion
	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	6:30 p.m.	Joint Council meeting at St. John’s
	7:30 p.m.	St. John’s Council meeting
Tues.	8:00 a.m.	School Chapel
	6:00 p.m.	School Board meeting
	6:30 p.m.	Adult Bible Study at Emmanuel begins (details p. 13)
Wed.	11:40 a.m.	School & Little Lambs early release
Thurs.	8:00 a.m.	St. John’s school teen confirmation class
Fri.
Sat.	4:30 p.m.	St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme:-  January 17, 2021 The 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord Calls Us to Serve
8:00 a.m.	Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Worship

Church News   INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor & Frederick Kendall, Geri Kerl, Julie Klawitter, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Caryl & Jim Bassett, Marian Heller) – For our nation and society in time of national conflict – For missions – For today’s communicants   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 will receive a statement via snail mail. No need to sign up.   LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR FREE MEDICATION, FRIDGE, AND GUN LOCKS!!! St. John’s is partnering with Marquette County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) in their fall campaign emphasizing the need to secure what can be dangerous to children and others. To assist families, HCHY will have available, at no charge, medication lock boxes, refrigerator locks (where alcohol is stored in quantities), and gun locks. At St. John’s we have one of each of the three types of locks available for you to view. You may sign up for whatever you can use. Delivery will be at church. These items are available to all Marquette County residents at no charge, so spread the word. Members and friends can request these items. Let’s do all we can to keep our children from harm’s way. Sign up in the linkway, with Ciara or using the Google form. https://forms.gle/CpDT6awLesJRKbw26

 

Church News cont’d…   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.   SATURDAY WORSHIP  Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s  at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. 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. CHURCH HUMOR (from a member) Why go to church? – One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, “I’m not going.”  “Why not?” she asked.  “I’ll give you two good reasons,” he said. “(1), they don’t like me, and (2), I don’t like them.”  His mother replied, “I’ll give you two good reasons why you SHOULD go to church: (1) You’re 59 years old, and (2) you’re the pastor!”

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. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!

New Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021

6:30pm to 7:30ish pm

In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan

Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website

Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1^st Letter of Peter

   The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.

   A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.

   Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

   Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.

“Come now, let us reasontogether, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus is Revealed as Our Perfect Substitute

The First Sunday after the Epiphany – B

The Baptism of Our Lord

God’s Word for Today

“Why did Jesus need to be baptized?  I thought baptism was for sinners?”  That’s a common question among Christians.  It doesn’t make sense that our Savior, who was perfectly sinless, would need to be baptized, and yet he was.  Why? Because Jesus had come to be our perfect substitute, and he is revealed as such in his baptism.  God laid on him the sin of the world (Jn 1:29).  Even from birth he endured the effects of our sin.  Jesus wasn’t a sinner himself, but he was carrying our sin, pain and sorrow (Is 53:4).  He needed the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness, just as if he were a sinner himself.  Jesus received those promises in baptism, just like we do.

First Lesson (Isaiah 49:1-6)

• Which person of the Trinity is speaking through the prophet Isaiah in these verses?
• True or false: Jesus felt frustration in his job as Savior.
• What task has been given to Jesus ?

Second Lesson (Acts 16:25-34)

• How does the Holy Spirit work the faith that Paul encouraged the jailer to have in verse 31?
• Who was baptized that evening?

Gospel (Mark 1:4-11)

• What was the purpose of the baptism given by John?
• If Jesus was sinless, why was he baptized?
• Which three special people were present at the baptism of Jesus?

Answers:

1. Jesus
2. True. The Savior voices his frustration in verse 4. Sometimes he felt like he had “labored to no purpose” and that he had “spent (his) strength in vain and for nothing.” Yet Jesus persevered in his role as our perfect substitute.
3. Not only to “bring Jacob back to (God) and gather Israel” (i.e., Jewish Christians) but also to be “a light for the Gentiles” (non-Jews) that they might be brought to faith (Jn 10:16).
4. God works faith through the hearing of the gospel promises (Ro 10:17). In this particular instance, those promises were proclaimed in word and in the sacrament of Holy Baptism.
5. The jailer’s whole household was baptized. We may assume that his household included both adults and children.
6. The purpose was the same as the baptism we have today: it’s “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mk 1:4).
7. Though Jesus did not have any personal sin, in his role as Savior he was carrying the sins of the world.  He had come to be our perfect substitute.  He very much desired the promises of God that baptism gives sinners.
8. The Holy Trinity (God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) were present at Jesus’ baptism.  In the same way, the Holy Trinity was present at our baptisms, as we are baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19).

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
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St. John’s Altar Committee January 2021	Kathy North & Lucy Laun

●●● 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   ●●●