The 5th 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”
- They showed Jesus’ power over disease (29-31)
- They proved his authority over the devil (32-34)
- 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 1st 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 ●●● |