EMMANUEL & ST. JOHN’S
Ev. Lutheran Church
Montello, WI
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 9, 2018
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH! We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and “link-way” at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. May God bless our worship together!
A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Heavenly Father, the voice of one crying in the wilderness prepared the hearts of your people as your Chosen One entered our world to be our Savior. Let that same Advent voice cry out to my heart so that with true repentance I prepare to celebrate the coming of my newborn King. Replace my spiritual pride with Christlike humility, my apathy with commitment and dedication. With your power, hope and love, come and lead me as I dedicate my life to you. Keep my attention also on the skies as I watch and pray for the triumphant return of Christ my King. Bless my worship. Amen.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY The Second Sunday in Advent: Preparing for Purity is Often Painful – Many people look for easy fixes for their problems. God, though, often puts his people through a long, painful process to prepare us to embrace the Savior he has sent. God always works through his Word to develop in us a life that shows the fruit of the purity he has put around us in Christ.
ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY
Service of the Word (hymnal page 38)
PASTOR’S GREETING
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
(P: Pastor reads – C: Congregation reads)
P: We light two Advent candles remembering Jesus who came in history. He came into a world of sin and death.
C: We remember Jesus who came as the promised Messiah. John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord.
P: We hear his call to repent.
C: We light two Advent candles as a sign of our repentance and desire for renewal.
P: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.
(Two Advent candles are lit)
OPENING HYMN 3 “Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates”
(printed in hymnal, all sing)
(Please stand)
LITURGY (hymnal page 38, read & sung responsively)
PRAYER OF THE DAY (read by the pastor)
(Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings)
TODAY’S THEME
Rejoice! The Lord is Near!
FIRST LESSON Malachi 3:1-4
The prophet Malachi foretells the coming of “the messenger of the covenant”
“See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.
But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.
PSALM 24 (hymnal page 73, cantor sings first line, congregation sings second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)
EPISTLE LESSON Philippians 1: 3-11
Our God who brought us to faith will keep us in the faith until Christ returns
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia! “Prepare the way for the Lord, Make straight paths for him. All mankind will see God’s salvation.” Alleluia! (Luke 3:4,6)
LITURGY (hymnal pages 40, all sing)
(Please stand)
GOSPEL Luke 3:1-6 (today’s sermon text)
John the Baptist urges us to prepare the way for the coming Lord
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’”
LITURGY (hymnal page 40b, all sing)
“Praise be to you, O Christ”
(Please be seated)
SERMON HYMN 16 “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”
(printed in hymnal, all sing)
SERMON Luke 3:1-6
“Straight Talk From God”
For people of the 21st century: “Repent!”
(Please stand after the sermon)
THE APOSTLES’ CREED (hymnal page 41, all read)
(Please be seated)
OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS, FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS & WELS CONNECTION DVD AT ST. JOHN’S
OFFERING PRAYER (read by pastor)
(Please stand)
ADVENT PRAYER (read by pastor)
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS -For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Earl Ewert, Mike Farrell, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), Joel Jaster, Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Arden “Bill” Klimke, Linda Krause, Pete Laun, Lilly Mann, LuAnn Reber, Wayne Riemer, Frankie Russell, Mark & Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son & daughter in-law), Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s friend), Amanda Stalker, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Paul Weldon, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: Peggy Russell)
– For Adam & Jillian Igl (Adam currently serves as teacher at St. John’s School–Newburg) called at our 11/18 St. John’s–Montello voters meeting to serve as principal/teacher–3-5 or 6-8 grades & K3-K5 director/teacher respectively
– For Rachel Hinz, whose husband William currently serves as principal/teacher at St. John’s School–Pardeeville, called at our 11/18 St. John’s–Montello voters meeting to serve as 1st & 2nd grade teacher
– For our communicants at St. John’s
LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 43, all read)
*Note: At Emmanuel, service continues with…
(Please be seated)
HYMN 13:1-2 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying”
(printed in hymnal, all sing)
(Please stand)
CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING (hymnal page 43, read & sung responsively)
CLOSING HYMN 13:3 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying” (printed in hymnal, all sing)
*Note: At St. John’s, service continues with…
HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY (hymnal page 33, read & sung responsively)
(Please be seated for the distribution)
At Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church & St. John’s 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. Thank you.
THANK THE LORD, CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING (hymnal pages 36-37)
(Please be seated)
CLOSING HYMN 13:3 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying” (printed in hymnal, all sing)
(Note: As you leave today’s service, please give your completed friendship register sheet to an usher or pastor. Thank you!)
Announcements
THEME FOR NEXT SUNDAY DECEMBER 16, 2018
Advent 3: “Produce Fruit in Keeping with Repentance”
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ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 9-DECEMBER 15 |
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Sun. |
8:00 A.M. |
Emmanuel Worship |
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8:30 A.M. |
St. John’s Sunday School (sanctuary) |
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9:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Adult Bible Study (lower level) |
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9:00 A.M. |
Emmanuel Christmas tree setup & decorating |
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10:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Worship (with communion) |
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Mon. |
6:30 P.M. |
Bible Information Class at St. John’s |
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6:30 P.M. |
Choir at St. John’s |
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7:30 P.M. |
St. John’s Adult Bible Study |
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Tues. |
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Wed. |
8:00 A.M. |
St. John’s School Chapel |
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10:00 A.M. |
Adult Bible Study at St. John’s |
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1:40 P.M. |
St. John’s School/Little Lambs early release |
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2:15 P.M. |
Public School Teen Confirmation at St. John’s |
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3:30 P.M. |
Emmanuel Advent Devotion (Zietlow) |
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6:30 P.M. |
St. John’s Advent Devotion (Stelter) |
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Thurs. |
NO St. John’s Teen Confirmation |
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NO Montello Care Center Devotion |
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10:00 A.M. |
Martin Luther College mid-year graduation |
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10:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Ladies Aid Poinsettia delivery |
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6:00 P.M. |
Griefshare at St. John’s |
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Fri. |
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Sat. |
9:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Sunday School Christmas rehearsal |
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12:30 P.M. |
Claussen Christmas lunch & show |
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SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY DECEMBER 16, 2018 Advent 3: “Produce Fruit in Keeping with Repentance” |
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8:00 A.M. |
Emmanuel Worship |
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8:30 A.M. |
St. John’s Sunday School |
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9:00 A.M. |
Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study |
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10:00 A.M. |
St. John’s Sunday School Christmas Service |
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ST. JOHN’S SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY will be held in the lower level while Sunday School kids practice in sanctuary.
THANK YOU to all those who donated funding for the beautiful wreaths hanging on St. John’s front doors: Edith Deusterhoeft, Kay Maass, Marilyn Riemer, Anita Reimer, and Al and Carolyn Rosenthal. Wreaths are a symbol of welcome to those passing by and to those coming in. Thank you so much for sharing your blessings with others. And thank you, also, to Ashley Henke, who used her creative talents to make the wreaths.
THANK YOU to an anonymous donator who gave $2,500.00 towards St. John’s School tuition assistance. Your gift is deeply appreciated. “I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.” Psalm 118:21
PLEASE COME CHRISTMAS CAROLING! During this season of sharing, we ask St. John’s members of all ages to share a little of your time and the joys of the Christmas season by lending your voices caroling at the Montello Care Center on Sunday, December 23. All ages are welcome! Please meet in the entrance of the Center so we can be ready to sing at 9 a.m. We will return to church in plenty of time for the worship service that day.
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, February 2nd
Art for Dinner! Join us for a night of fellowship, dinner and a silent auction of the children’s art projects. This year we are raising money for our athletic fund. Funds will be used for things such as upgrading our equipment, jerseys and tournament fees. If there is anyone that would like to help with the dinner or the students with an art project, please feel free to contact:
Megan Jaster- 608-369-3456 mj.jastersag@outlook.com or
Ciara Neuhauser 608-369-0901 ciaraneuhauser24@gmail.com
FELLOWSHIP AND REFRESHMENTS after the Emmanuel Christmas Eve Service Dec. 23rd at 6:00 PM. Members and guests are all invited to join us in the Parish Hall. If you have extra cookies please bring a plate to share. If not please come anyway.
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH WELS DVDS are available in the St. John’s link way-$5 donation.
CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS member): “Be fishers of men. You catch ’em. He’ll clean ’em.”
VOLUNTEERS WANTED AT EMMANUEL Emmanuel Lutheran Church is still recruiting 1 (or more) volunteers to assist with the following position; all expenses are reimbursed by Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
1) Sunday School Teacher: This individual will help further the Christian up-bringing of parish and non-parish children, historically between the ages of 2 and 6, by managing the weekly Sunday School sessions held in the Emmanuel Parish Hall. The timing of the class and age group preference is flexible. If you are interested in serving the Lord with your time and talents by assisting with these important activities, please contact Darrell Buchholz or Pastor Zietlow.
MIDWEEK ADVENT DEVOTIONS “A Light in the Darkness” The first 3 Wednesday in December (12/5, 12, 19), Pastor Dolan, Pastor Stelter (from St. John’s–Princeton) and Pastor Zietlow will be leading Advent Devotions. 3:30m at Emmanuel–Big Mecan & 6:30pm at St. John’s–Montello. “Come, O Long-Expected Jesus” (Hymn 6)
PLEASE MUTE YOUR CELL PHONES before the worship service begins. No texting while driving or worshiping.
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Usher Schedule |
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December 9 E (with comm.) SJ |
Lucas Stelter, Jim Stuempges, Brian Ninneman Don Smith; Chief, Ken Borzick, Ben Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz, James Henke |
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December 12 (Advent 3:30pm) E (Advent 6:30pm) SJ |
Wayne Stelter, Don Stelter, Joe Heller Kenon Smith; Chief, Paul Van Treeck, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall |
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December 16 E SJ |
Don Stelter, Noah Buchholz, Paul Dahlke Cal Kapp; Chief, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr |
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December 19 (Advent 3:30pm) E (Advent 6:30pm) SJ |
Wayne Stelter, Don Stelter, Joe Heller James Wachholz; Chief, Robin Smith, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Gordon Krause |
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December 23 E (with comm.) SJ |
Brian Ninnemann, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller Jack Yates; Chief, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock |
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December 24 SJ (Christmas Eve 7:00pm) |
Don Smith; Chief, Matt Borzick, Glen Bubolz, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith |
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December 25 E (Christmas Day 9:00am) |
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December 30 E SJ |
DuWayne Sommerfeld, Glenn Buchholz, Brian Ninnemann Kenon Smith; Chief, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul |
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December 31 (with comm.) SJ (New Year’s Eve 7:00pm) |
Cal Kapp; Chief, Scott Ritz, Ken Borzick, Ben Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz, James Henke |
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St. John’s Greeters Schedule |
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Dec. 9 |
Paul & Christa Van Treeck |
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Dec. 16 |
Kathy North |
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Dec. 23 |
Phyllis Farrell & Pat Henning |
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Dec. 24 |
Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell |
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Dec. 30 |
Sara Borck & Jennie Utke |
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Dec. 31 |
Wayne & Marilyn Riemer |
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Attendance |
Emmanuel |
St. John’s |
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12-2 12-5 |
? 42 |
45 53
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St. John’s Altar Committee: December 2018 |
Diane Eisermann & Delores Cotte |
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PERSONAL PRAYERS
For Worship
In the Name of Jesus
FOR PEACE
O God of peace, I turn aside from an unquiet world, seeking rest for my spirit and light for my thoughts. I bring my work to be sanctified, my wounds to be healed, my sins to be forgiven, my hopes to be renewed. In you there is perfect harmony. Draw me to yourself, and silence the discords of my wasteful life. Your greatness is beyond my highest praise. Take me out of the loneliness of self, and fill me with the fullness of your peace.
REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: in the water of baptism you forgave my sin and delivered me from death and the devil. You raised me to a new life in Christ and clothed me with his merit. Help me rejoice in your washing of salvation and live before you in righteousness and purity forever.
A PERSONAL CONFESSION OF SIN
Father, I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your child. Especially am I sorry for ______. Yet in mercy you sacrificed your only Son to purge away my guilt. For his sake, O God, be merciful to me, a sinner, and in the joy of your Holy Spirit let me serve you all my days.
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
Praise to you, O God, maker of all things. You gave me life and breath. You sent your Son to cleanse me from sin and your Spirit to make me glad. Thank you for providing me with all that I need to live. Especially do I thank you for ______. To you be honor and glory now and forever.
BEFORE WORSHIP
Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise.
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.
BEFORE COMMUNION
Lord, I am not worthy to be a guest at your holy table. But you are the friend of sinners, and you will not cast me out. This bread is your body, which bore my sins upon the tree. This wine is your blood, which purifies me from all guilt. At your invitation, I come rejoicing. Receive me, my Savior.
AFTER COMMUNION
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for nourishing me in this sacrament with your body and blood. You have given me forgiveness, life, and salvation. Let me always remain in you as a branch remains in the vine. Send me out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.
O living Bread from heaven, how richly you have fed your guest! The gifts you now have given have filled my heart with joy and rest. Lord, grant me that thus strengthened with heavenly food, while here my course on earth is lengthened, I serve with holy fear. And when you call my spirit to leave this world below, I enter through your merit where joys unmingled flow.
AFTER WORSHIP
Good Shepherd, I was glad to be here, gathered with your flock to worship you. Cause the Word I have heard to take root in my heart and bear fruit in my life. Guide me in paths of righteousness, that my words and actions might lead others to glorify you.
Grant, O Lord, that the lips which here have sung your praise may continue to glorify you in the world; that the ears which have heard you speak may be open always to your Word and closed to hatred and discord; that the tongues which have confessed your name may always speak the truth without fear; that all of us who have worshiped together today may be united in true love for each other as you have loved us in Jesus.
BY THOSE SERVING AT WORSHIP
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: I am happy for the privilege of ministering in your house. Help me to be reverent and humble in my service, setting a good example by my words and actions. Enable me to fulfill my duties in such a way that I may assist others to worship you joyfully.
Welcome To Our Visitors!
Please Sign Our Guest Register
Visit our website link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org
Like & find us on Facebook
Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321
Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowpl6@hotmail.com
Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689
Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919
Teacher Rachel Naumann (847) 913-2135
Teacher Cassie Doering (920) 723-8986
Parish/School Secretary Ciara Neuhauser (608) 297-2866
Altar Ladies Elaine Kelm (920) 344-0025 &
Carolyn Rosenthal 589-5036
Mail to: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949
OR scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org
Winnebago Lutheran Academy
Principal Mr. David Schroeder/WLA office (920) 921-4930
WLA website: www.wlavikings.org