The 3rd Sunday of End Times
Saints Triumphant
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches
Montello & Mecan, WI
November 14, 2020
4:30p.m. St. John’s (Indoor)
November 15, 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: 3rd Sunday of End Time: “Saints Triumphant” Keep Us Watchful for Our Triumph – Like children playing hide and seek, Jesus calls out to us through his Word, “Ready or not here I come!” Thanks be to God that in his love and through Jesus’ saving work on the cross, we have been made ready. When Jesus comes in the end, we will be raised and united with all those who have preceded us in the faith. Therefore, let us continue to be vigilant in the faith until that day comes. |
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.
Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Nov.. 2020. bulletin pages 16-17) Beginning today (11/15) at the 10:00am St. John’s service, the 55+ age restriction ends . 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.
PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
M: O Lord – our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter – we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 206 Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying
*Sung by soloist.
Please stand.
INVOCATION
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.
C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.
C: Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Almighty God and Savior, you have set the final day and hour when we shall be delivered from this world of sin and death. Keep us ever watchful for the coming of your Son that we may sit with him and all your holy ones at the marriage feast in heaven; through your Son, Jesus Christ, 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
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 52:1-6
Summary: Awake! Be prepared! The Lord brings redemption
Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength. Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion. For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “At first my people went down to Egypt to live; lately, Assyria has oppressed them. “And now what do I have here?” declares the LORD. “For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock,” declares the LORD. “And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed. Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I.”
PSALM OF THE DAY 84
*For your personal devotion at home.
Refrain
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
How lovely is your dwelling place,*
O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,*
for the courts of the LORD.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;*
they are ever praising you.
Refrain
Better is one day in your courts*
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God*
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
O LORD Almighty,*
blessed are they who trust in you.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,*
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Refrain
SECOND LESSON 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Summary: Do not be ignorant about the coming of the Lord
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with 2 Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
VERSE OF THE DAY Revelation 7:15a
P: Alleluia! They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple. Alleluia.
Please stand.
GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 25:1-13
Summary: The parable of the Bridegroom and the 10 virgins
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: `Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “`No,’ they replied, `there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. `Sir! Sir!’ they said. `Open the door for us!’ “But he replied, `I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Please be seated.
HYMN 10 The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us
*Sung by soloist.
SERMONETTE Matthew 25:1-13
“The Bridegroom is coming!”
- His coming is sure.
2. Is your preparation sure?
ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL CHIMES America the Beautiful
*Saturday St. John’s only.
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.
SAINTS TRIUMPHANT PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
*Read responsively. Intercessory prayers listed on page 12.
M: Lord of eternity and King of saints, all the heavens adore you. Saints and angels sing before you.
C: We too join them to praise your majesty.
M: You clothe us with garments of splendor. You bless us with grace and mercy in this life and eternal glory forever. What undeserved love you show us!
C: We thank you, Lord, that you have made us your saints.
M: Encourage us by your gracious promises. Forgive our failures to live as you desire. Strengthen the faith of all who are weak and wandering.
C: Give us power to live as your faithful people.
M: Your saints will triumph forever in new heavens and a new earth. The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more. We anticipate with joy an eternity of perfect fellowship with you.
C: Be with us as we work and witness for Christ, so that many more people can join us before your throne.
M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. (Silent prayer)
M: Lord of life, the day is coming when you will come down from heaven with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. On that glorious day, the saints triumphant will rise in bright array, clothed in your perfect righteousness.
C: Give us strength until that day when we will share fully in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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
M: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING
M: 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 776 Sing With All the Saints in Glory
*Sung by soloist.
A N N O U N C E M E N T S
November 15 – November 21
| Sun. | 8:00 a.m. | Emmanuel Worship |
| 10:00 a.m. | St. John’s Worship | |
| Mon. | 6:00 p.m. | School Board meeting at St. John’s |
| Tues. | Parent Teacher Conferences (after school) | |
| 6:30 p.m. | Bible Study at Emmanuel (final) | |
| Wed. | Parent Teacher Conferences – No School | |
| Thurs. | 6:30 P.M. | Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s gym |
| Fri. | ||
| Sat. | 4:30 p.m. | St. John’s Worship (indoors) with communion |
| Next week’s theme:- November 22, 2020 4th Sunday of End Times: “Christ the King” | ||
| 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, David Broderick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Shawn & Theresa Campion, Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Geri Kerl, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Glenn Buchholz, Shawn & Theresa Campion, Ellie Kendall, John Wildt) – For Sharon Crook who celebrated her 78th birthday on 11/6 – For civil authorities – For the COVID-19 curb and cure CHRISTMAS WREATHS Advent begins on Sunday, November 29th, this year. It’s the season that anticipates the coming of the Savior. We prepare for this coming in many ways. But one way is by decorating and beautifying our homes and churches. We use a circle of artificial greens around our Advent candles in the front of the church, with each candle lit in order on Sundays in Advent, and each candle symbolizing an important event on the way to the Savior’s birth—the last candle is the Christ Candle. But another way is to hang Christmas wreaths on the church doors as a sign of welcome. Once again—anyone interested in donating toward the purchase of wreaths for the front doors at St. John’s is encouraged to contact LuAnn Zieman at 608-297-2422 or email elteezee497@gmail.com or by mail at W1440 State Rd 23, Montello, WI 53949. In addition, this year the St. John’s Ladies Aid has asked that anyone interested in donating toward 2 poinsettias for the altar, please also contact LuAnn Zieman. Due to COVID-19, the Ladies Aid is limited in funds. GET 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... TOTS TO TEENS HOLIDAY BOOK DRIVE is sponsored by Literacy Volunteers-Marquette County, has begun early this year since the drop-box locations are limited. There will not be a drop-box at St. John’s, but anyone wishing to donate new or gently used children’s books can bring them to any Marquette County library. The cut off date for dropping off books will be December 8. The book giveaway will be held in conjunction with the Giving Tree program on December 12 at Trinity Methodist Church in Montello. LUTHERAN MILITARY SUPPORT GROUP Our congregation’s Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG) is asking for donations in support of our military men, women and their families. LMSG, a partnership of ELS and WELS veterans, is working to grow awareness of and bring Christian support to military members and their families in our congregations and beyond. By placing your gift in the AMMO can located in the front entry of both churches, you are supporting the work of local congregations that are ministering to nearby military families, the WELS European chaplain program and global broadcasts of Time of Grace to our military. Questions? See LMSG Congregational Liaison Mark Emond or visit www.lutheranmilitary.org. THANK YOU for standing shoulder to shoulder with those serving our nation!! The ammo cans are located at the front entries of both churches. POLITICS BIBLE STUDY CONCLUDED! After the new year we will look into another topic. 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. We take everyone’s health and safety seriously so please remember that we are still encouraging a 50 person maximum and to kindly 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. TEEN & ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES I resumed Teen Confirmation Class with St. John’s 5-8th graders. I also began public school TCC, asking parents and their 7th, 8th graders to work through lessons at home and then meet with me each month in person or on-line. In coming weeks I will also be resuming Adult Confirmation Class (aka: Bible Information Class) with Amanda Finger and Matthias Gimnick , and starting a new class for those who are interested. Please let me know if you know of any Teens and Adults interested in my classes. -Pastor Zietlow |
| 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. |
Saints Triumphant
Third Sunday of End Time – A
God’s Word for Today
Like children playing hide and seek, Jesus calls out to us through his Word, “Ready or not here I come!” Thanks be to God that in his love and through Jesus’ saving work on the cross, we have been made ready. When Jesus comes in the end, we will be raised and united with all those who have preceded us in the faith. Therefore, let us continue to be vigilant in the faith until that day comes.
First Lesson (Isaiah 52:1-6)
1. Who are the “uncircumcised and defiled” that will never enter the holy city of Jerusalem?
2. Verse three tells us that we were redeemed without money. Define the term “redeem”.
Second Lesson (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
3. Who are those who had “fallen asleep”?
4. Agree or Disagree. A Christian should never mourn the death of a fellow Christian.
Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)
5. How did the five foolish virgins demonstrate their foolishness?
6. How do we “keep watch” for Jesus’ coming?
Answers:
1. Throughout its history, Israel had been invaded and attacked by foreign nations (most recently by the nation of Assyria). Due to their disobedience, pagan armies entered and even conquered Jerusalem. God promised that a day would come when Jerusalem would be freed from such invasions. In the New Testament we find that the true Israel and the true Jerusalem are God’s holy people – his church. We will see the deliverance foretold by Isaiah when we put on our “garments of splendor” in heaven.
2. To redeem means “to buy back” or “to pay the price of freedom.” Jesus paid the price necessary to free us from our slavery to sin and death. He did this, “not with gold or silver, but with his holy precious blood and innocent suffering and death.”
3. This word picture is often used in the Bible to describe those who have died. It seems that there was some confusion in the Thessalonian congregation about those who had died. The Thessalonians were waiting eagerly for the imminent return of Jesus. They were worried because they were afraid that those who died before his coming would not receive the same salvation.
4. As Christians we are comforted and encouraged by the fact that those who die in Christ will receive the reward that he won for them on the cross. We are consoled by the knowledge that we will see them again in heaven. A Christian will not despair as many in this world do. Yet, death is separation. A Christian will feel the loss. A Christian will miss his loved ones. A Christian will mourn and even cry. Did not Jesus cry when his friend Lazarus died? As Christians, however, we are comforted by the promises of our loving God.
5. The virgins of Jesus’ parable are comparable with the bridesmaids of today. Their responsibility was to prepare the bride for the coming of the bridegroom. The foolish virgins did not bring enough oil for their lamps. They were not prepared. So when the bridegroom took longer than was expected, they were not ready for him.
6. As Christians we are ready for Jesus’ coming through faith. We keep watch, therefore, by maintaining and strengthening that faith through a constant use of the Word and Sacraments.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello
&
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan
Worship Updates – November 2020
WORSHIP SERVICES
- Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
- Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
- Sunday @ 10:00 amSt. John’s. Beginning today (11/15) the 55+ age restriction ends. ALL are welcome.
- Online worship services continue found at www.stjohnsmontello.org
Providing a safe worship experience is a high priority for the leaders in our congregations. Christ’s love also compels us to consider the needs of others before our own. In humility we want to protect the health and safety of our bodies and of others. Because the virus continues to spread, and because of the science regarding singing and speaking, the following policies will be continued:
- Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
- Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
- Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
- Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
- The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
- Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
- The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
- The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies
As we hold firmly to the truths of scripture, we know that God continues to keep his promises to us. He has promised the wonderful spiritual blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation. He has not, however, promised that things will always remain the same. In the words of our synod president, Mark Schroeder, “we recommit ourselves–as individuals, as congregations, and as a synod–to the mission that God has called us to carry out, trusting that he will bless us in that work.” Let us work together as we move forward as a congregation. Let us help, support, and encourage each other as we gather around God’s Word.
Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor
Emmanuel Elders:
Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871
Wayne Stelter (608) 494-0068
St. John’s Elders:
Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706
Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171
James Wachholz (608) 369-4006
Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
God made
A WAY
in a manger
| ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2020 November 25 Thanksgiving Eve Emmanuel 6:30 p.m. November 26 Thanksgiving Day St. John’s 9:00 a.m. December 2 Advent Devotion Emmanuel 3:30 p.m. St. John’s 6:30 p.m. December 9 Advent Devotion Emmanuel 3:30 p.m. St. John’s 6:30 p.m. December 16 Advent Devotion Emmanuel 3:30 p.m. Joint at St. John’s Princeton 6:30 p.m. December 23 Emmanuel Children’s Christmas Emmanuel 3:30 p.m. December 24 School Christmas Eve St. John’s 4:00 p.m. December 25 Christmas Day St. John’s 9:00 a.m. December 31 New Years Eve. Emmanuel 3:30 p.m. *No age restrictions at holidays services. *Regular service times continue: Saturday St. John’s 4:30 p.m. – All are welcome (Please note: Dec. 26 & Jan. 2 – No worship) Sunday Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. – Emmanuel members only St. John’s 10:00 a.m. – All are welcome, no age restrictions. *COVID-19 safety guidelines continue…please wear masks, practice social distancing & use sanitizer. |
| Welcome To Our Visitors! Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website link: 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 Altar Ladies: Elaine Kelm: (920) 344-0025 |
| Attendance | Emmanuel | St. John’s |
| 11-7 11-8 | 34 | 13 46 |
| St. John’s Altar Committee November 2020 | Jennie Utke & Susan Brown |
| 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. |