The 4th 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!”
- God connects Himself to us through Him (15-18a)
- 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 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 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 ●●● |